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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? November 27
Quakertown Christmas Tree Lighting Festival 6pm-8:30pm at 314 W Broad St. Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive 6:30pm to help light up the Christmas Tree.
“Countdown to Christmas” 10am-11:30am at Schwenkfelder Heritage Ctr in Pennsburg. $7/child. Make an advent calendar to take home. FMI or to register: contact alyssa@ schwenkfelder.com or 215-679-3103
November 28
December 5
WWWA Wrestling 6:30pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. Limited seating, must buy tickets thru WWWA Ticket Office: 215-362-7184. Tkts/$25 ea. Follow CDC Guidelines. Santa arrives 11am (dept #201, exit 1) at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. Photos every Sat 11am-8pm and Sun 11am-5pm until Dec 20. Photos $4/ea, $10/for 3. Photos by appt: call 215-536-4115. “Waterfowl Watch” 1pm at Green Lane Park Tennis Ct parking lot, 2298 Snyder Rd, Green Lane. Ducks, geese, swans and more are winging south now. Ages 12 & up, free. FMI: 215-234-4528.
December 3
FREE Take-out Community Dinner. Pick up between 5:30pm-6:30pm at Yerger Bldg tent across from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown.
Pop-Up Thrift Store & Bake Sale w/Basket Raffles, 8am-2pm at UB Senior Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. FMI/or to donate, call 215-536-3066. Social distance, temperature at door, masks required. Live Nativity Scene, 6pm - 8pm, First Church of the Brethren,455 Trumbauersville Rd, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-7510, quakertowncob.org
December 5 & 6
Holiday Craft Show 11am-4pm at Qmart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown.(Event room #201 & Entrance #19) Handmade crafts & original artwork by local artists. Santa Photos by appt. at Quakertown Farmers Mkt. Call 215-536-4115. Santa will be behind a “window” in his workshop. Wear masks & remove briefly for a photo. $4/ea or $10/for 3.
Ongoing Events & Resources
Santa photos at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown by reservation this year. Call 215536-4115 for details. Wear mask, remove for photos. $4/ea, $10/for 3. ‘Letters to Santa’- Kids invited to write & drop off letters to Santa at his North Pole Mailbox located in QMart, Dept #353A. Include self-addressed stamped envelope to receive your personalized letter from Santa. (drop off Fri/Sat/Sun 12/4 until 12/19) Christmas Tree Sale Nov 27 until Sold Out at Trumbauersville Fire Co. (Thur/Fri 4pm-8pm) (Sat/Sun 8am-8pm). Douglas & Fraser Firs (6-8 feet) FMI: 215-538-1880, bucks58fire.com FEAST Food Pantry at Christ’s Lutheran, 1 Luther Ln, Trumbauersville. Every Tues 11am-2pm, every Thur 6pm-8pm, 3rd Sat 11am-1pm. Use door right side at bottom of ramp. FMI: 215-536-3193 Free Dog Adoptions for Veterans & Active Military Members! Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue waives adoption fees. Ck website for more on Pups for Vets program. HarleysHavenDogRescue.com Allentown Art Museum is Free every Sunday, 11am-4pm. Located at 31 N Fifth St. FMI: allentownartmuseum.org Hoagie Sales 2nd Mon of month (except July/August) Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142
North Main St. Advance Orders Only due Wed. before. $6.00-$6.75, Order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com PetSmart Adoption Day, 2nd Sat of month, 11am-2pm. PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843, lastchanceranch. org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Sat of month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215538-2510, lastchanceranch.org “Words Come Easy” Drop-in Writing Workshop at Haycock Community Ctr, 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. More info at lyndagene@goblinfarm.net Veteran Organizations & Activities Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. All veterans invited to join. Call Frank 215-679-7770 John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, All Vets welcome, 215-529-0500 (bring DD 214 for proof eligibility) American Legion Post 210 meets at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown. All Vets welcome, doylestownpost210.org VFW Post 175 meets at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown. doylestownpost175vfw.org
Christmas Market at Schwenkfelder Heritage Ctr, 105 Seminary St, Pennsburg. (Sat 9:30am-4pm) (Sun 12noon-4pm). Crafts by local artists, Xmas décor & gifts. Some tables outside weather permitting. Masks required, CDC restrictions apply. Also visit Christmas putz exhibit on first floor, plus all other exhibits will be open. FMI: 215-679-3101
December 9 “A History of the Christmas Putz” 12noon-1pm at Schwenkfelder Heritage Ctr, 105 Seminary St, Pennsburg. Adult program requiring reservations to ensure social distancing. FMI/regis: 215-679-3103.
December 12 Slot Car Show 10am-3pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. (entrance #19)
December 12 & 13 Santa Photos by appt. at Quakertown Farmers Mkt. Call 215-536-4115. Santa will be behind a “window” in his workshop. Wear masks & remove briefly for a photo. $4/ea or $10/for 3.
Central Bucks Detachment Marine Corps League (MCL) meets at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown. All Marines welcome. American Legion Post 210 Auxillary meets at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) meets at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown American Legion Post 242 meets at 610 E Broad St, Quakertown. FMI: 215-538-0747. Support & Service Groups Cancer Support Group at Generations of Indian Valley (closed until further notice) FMI: 215-723-5841. Family Education Program on Addiction, 7pm, first three Mon. of the month. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Attend to understand the disease, etc. Masks required. Regis: Council of SEPA 800-221-6333. FMI: 215-527-3077. SOS Survivors of Suicide Support Group Contact 610-657-0811 or 215-538-4500 for info. Compassionate Friends Support Group (loss of children, siblings) FMI: tcfquakertownpa. org or 484-408-7314 Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic (for uninsured eligible residents), 595 W State St, Doylestown. Call to schedule an eligibility appt. 215-345-2260. aschealthclinic.org
December 14
Hoagie Sale at Trumbauersville Fire Co, $6.00-$6.75 (every 2nd Mon of month). Adv. orders due Wed before. FMI/Order: Call Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com NO AARP meeting this month!
December 17
“The Roots of the Christmas Wreath” 10am-11:30am. $7/child. Children will be able to design their own wreath. FMI or to register, contact: alyssa@schwenkfelder.com or 215-679-3103. Santa will be Live on Quakertown Farmers Market Face Book page at 1pm to read “Night Before Christmas”
December 23
Santa Photos by appt. at Quakertown Farmers Mkt. Call 215-536-4115. Santa will be behind a “window” in his workshop. Wear masks & remove briefly for a photo. $4/ea or $10/for 3.
December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7pm, First Church of the Brethren,455 Trumbauersville Rd, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-7510, quakertowncob.org
NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, NOVA hotline 1-800-6756900, NOVABucks.org Bedminster Nar-Anon meets at Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, (family/friends of those struggling w/addiction) Bedminster.naranon@yahoo. com, 215-766-8157 A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-2208116, www.awomansplace.org UB Kiwanis – FMI: 610-428-9785, pakiwanis.org Quakertown Lions Club – FMI: Doug Fraley, 215-536-2879 Quakertown Rotary Club – FMI: 215-536-3290 Community Meals Free Community Meal 2nd, 4th, & 5th Wed of month, 6pm. Richland Friends Quaker Meeting, Mill Rd & Main St (off Rte 309) Quakertown, 215-538-7555 Free Community Meal 3rd Thurs of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm. First UCC, 4th & Park, Quakertown, 215-536-4447 Free Community Meal 1st Thurs. of month (Oct-June) 5:45pm. Yerger Bldg across from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown. 215-536-4345 Free Community Meal 3rd Mon of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Call 215-249-3689 for possible ride.
Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • 215-529-8915 • 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951
Buckygrams: joyful, cheerful, merry, gleeful, contentment, comfortable, snuggly, cozy, loving, adorable, cute, funny, silly, laughter, friendly, playtime. Hidden Message: Have a peaceful holiday! Bucky Block: fools around a lot
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
Selling your Home? Now May Be the Perfect Time Focusing on the December holiday season? If you’re also planning to sell your home, you may be contemplating holding off until January. After all, nobody buys houses this time of year, do they? In 2020, the answer may very well be “Yes, they do.” The COVID-delayed spring market and pent-up buyer demand, along with low inventory in the spring and summer selling season and record-low interest rates, means that for many buyers the search for the perfect home is ongoing. If you were thinking of waiting until 2021 to sell your home, you might want to consider moving your plans up and listing your home during the fall and winter months to take advantage of strong buyer demand. Advantages of Listing a Home During the Holidays There are plenty of good reasons to list your home during the holiday season, including the following: You’re likely to find more motivated buyers during this time of year. If they still haven’t found the home they want—or they have a sudden need to relocate—holiday buyers may be more willing to make decisions quickly. In addition, they may be eager to get moved in for their own holiday celebrations, making them easier to negotiate with. Many of this year’s buyers have been disappointed by multiple offers on previous properties due to the summer’s low inventory. They may be willing to move fast and make an offer before someone else does. The increasing use of virtual tours makes this the best possible time to sell a home with minimal inconvenience. You’ll also cast a wider net when your real estate agent shares your home’s virtual tour on a dedicated website or as an enhanced feature on the MLS. This is a slower time of year for real estate agents as well, so your agent will have more time to focus on your listing. Talk to your agent about ways to get the widest possible audience for your home and its features. Let’s face it, you’re already cleaning and decorating your home for the holiday season. What better time to show it? Challenges of Listing a Home During the Holidays Of course, listing a home this time of year may bring some drawbacks, including the following: If you are entertaining during the holidays, you’ll want to communicate with your agent about days and times when tours will not be available. They are likely offering virtual tours as a convenient alternative for interested buyers and their agents. If you are traveling during the holidays, you’ll need to ensure that you are available for negotiations and pertinent questions as needed, and that your agent can come in and prepare the home for showing as required.
If time is of the essence, it may be difficult to schedule home inspections, appraisals, and closings during the holiday season. Talk to your agent and ensure that he or she has a plan in place to move the transaction forward in the event that you go under contract during the holidays. Making a Holiday Listing More Appealing Want to get your home show-ready while also enjoying the holidays with your family and friends? It’s easier than you think. Here are some things to keep in mind. Lighten up on decorations While you’ll want to enjoy the season, don’t feel the need to cover every possible surface in holiday decor. It’s important for buyers to be able to see the space and get a sense of how it works during the non-holiday months of the year. Go for a more minimalist, decluttered holiday look that enhances, rather than hides, the home. Focus on outdoor spaces Even though it’s winter, don’t neglect your outdoor spaces. Keep paths and surfaces clear of leaves and new-fallen snow. Optimize outdoor lighting so that buyers can see well, even when it gets dark early. Create a cozy seating area on the terrace with candles, a firepit, and a basket of blankets. Warm up the space Speaking of cozy, take advantage of the season to enhance the indoors as well. Greet potential buyers with the scent of something baking in the oven and a plate of holiday cookies on the counter. Light pumpkin or evergreen scented candles and start a fire in the fireplace. Make visitors feel welcome and right at home. Take photos before you decorate Just in case your home doesn’t sell before December 25, it’s a good idea to take listing photos before you decorate. You don’t want buyers looking at photos with holiday decorations in mid-January. It will make the listing feel stale, even if it’s only been up for a couple of weeks. Right-price your home for a faster sale If you’re motivated to sell, this is not the time to test the market and hold out for a higher-than-average sale price. Talk to your agent about comparable properties in your area, and ensure that you price your home correctly at the beginning of the process for maximum market impact. A real estate agent or broker has the market insights, professional network, and buyer pool you need to get your home sold any time of year. Talk to them about your timeline and your financial requirements and they’ll help craft a plan that makes sense for you. Sue Deily has been a Realtor for 34 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.
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and
warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” - Edith Sitwell
American Legion Post 242 December 2020 Update BY DICK HELM If you are reading this article on or before November 3rd, I urge all qualified persons to go out to vote! The members of the Legion Post have served in one of our Armed Forces to preserve those rights of liberty and freedom that are written in their historic document and we devoted a period of OUR life to keep those rights strong. The right to vote is one of them—honor us by taking time out to go out and vote. Covid 19 still is affecting our social activities. The annual “Veterans’ Day” program as we have known it in the past, will not be held as it usually was in one of the schools of the Quakertown, Pennridge, and Palisades area. Plans are in the works to have a service take place outdoors in one of our communities and have it available for viewing in our schools. If we get the information available and possibly open to the public before the extreme deadline of the UBFP we will try to get it to you. We as veterans, as we did on Memorial Day, will have a proper service. We will never forget and we will always honor those who served. It is our duty! On October 17th your Post Canteen had a special dinner honoring the anniversary of “The Navy.” The appropriate menu consisted of seafood and was ala-carte with the cost averaging in the mid-teens. The platter included clams, shrimp, and crab legs. The affair was well attended. The next special meal will be a combination celebration of Veteran’s Day and the birthday of the Marine Corps. The date of this affair is November 14th and the menu will include Rib-Eye Steak with a potato and a vegetable. All this again for the tentative price of $15.00. Because of spacing and attendance compliance we are asking you to call the Post at 215-538-0747 by Wednesday evening November 11th, 2020, for advanced
reservations. Our Post Canteen is open and all rules for the current health condition are adhered to. We have begun to have Friday Night “Special” dinners (Public invited with special restrictions on beverages.). These special menus offered are great! I have enjoyed eating at the Post a few times and as always the food was of top quality. To all members, we are now non-smoking (we do have a designated smoking area outdoors for those who smoke), Last month I sent my check for the yearly dues and I am sending my check for the drawing to be held on November 21st of this year. I remind all members to please make sure to renew your membership and support the Post in its community endeavors by buying the youth drawing tickets sent to you. Better yet fill out the winners name with the name of Post 242 as some Post members do and make it a double donation! This year, starting on November 6, 2020, Post 242 along with John Rivers Post 11322 will once again be placing numerous blank dog tags at several areas including the Town Square at the end of parking lot between 3rd & 4th Street. The 20 tags that are placed on “The Witting Tree” each evening signifies the average of 20+ veterans that DAILY take their lives. We look on the Covid 19 crisis during this year of 2020; let us not forget the problems brought home with our veterans who served. If you know of anyone who is troubled, feel free to contact the Veteran’s Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Post Chaplain Pastor David Ellis at 215-541-4458. It is time to serve those who have diligently served us. During our Thanksgiving season late this month, let us be thankful for our health, our families, and our treasured American Freedoms that are protected by our Service Persons 24/7 for 365 days a year. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Gratitude Since Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas is coming up, I am thinking the topic needs to be about gratitude. I often talk about gratitude and the importance of being grateful for the things that we have both physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes life can be hard and for some people they have a lot on their plate that the concept of being grateful seems so impossible. I can empathize with my clients and others when they feel that they can’t seem to catch a break that things keep happening whether or not they are directedly involved in it. So, the desire to be grateful is there but the energy to be grateful can seem impossible. Especially now when most of us feeling a bit disconnected from ourselves and others due to COVID. This may seem like an impossible task. Most of us are experiencing the holidays much differently now due to all of the restrictions. I truly believe that all of us have lessons to learn with the negative and positive in our life. Sometimes we cannot always see how a negative situation can be helpful for us. Well it all depends on what the situation is and how we look at in our life. We have been on locked down for over eight months and this has been truly having an impact on our lives and how well we are managing it. So how is it possible to feel grateful? What other option do we have is my response? I could stay and wallow in how overwhelmed my life has been and how much I wish things
were different both in my personal and professional life; however, it is what it is. There is not much I can do about it except to practice acceptance and gratitude. I work very hard to be positive and I am definitely an optimist. It allows me to look at what is going on in my life and in the world with a different and open perspective. This may seem like an unrealistic thought and expectation. All I can say is that it works. Right now, are lives and the world around us may seem unsettling. So, take a deep breath, understand that there may be a higher purpose, surround yourself with those that you can even for just a moment and trust that in time things will work out the way they are supposed to. Where we are now is where we are supposed to be and for that I am truly grateful that I understand that. The universe works in strange ways sometimes. I am going to learn and am learning so much from this experience. So, all we can do today and for the rest of this year is to take one day a time. Do the best you can with how you are feeling and not having things the way you want them. Connect with others even if from a distance. All anyone of us can do right now is to accept how life is right now and make the most of every moment we have. Life is too short to have regrets any time of the year. There are blessings all around us if we are willing to see and be truly present. Merry Christmas!! Be blessed! 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.
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
“It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it. ” - John Burroughs
Care & Share Shoppes Donates $2000 to “Shop with a Cop” Care & Share Thrift Shoppes presented a check for $2,000 to Hilltown Police Chief Christopher Engelhart for the department’s December’s “Shop With A Cop” event. Hilltown Police Department will be partnering with Quakertown Police Department to shop with selected children for items to make their holiday season brighter. This donation was raised during Care
& Share’s 2nd Annual First Responders Appreciation Day. First Responders received 50% off in the thrift shoppes and several fire, police and emergency personnel were in the parking lot with their vehicles to greet the community. A popular customer highlight was two demonstrations given by the Quakertown Police Department’s K9 unit.
Yes, We Need a Little Christmas
Donald Rosenberger, Operations Manager; Sarah Bergin, Executive Director; Hilltown Police Chief Christopher Engelhart and Officer James Browne
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, and the weeks surrounding it my most treasured time of year, ever since my parents hung a bit of ripped “Santa Suit” in the fireplace, to keep their child’s wonderment alive. Four years ago I married a wonderful Jewish woman, and so now celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. There is little for me to do around her holidays, save a few small presents from the cats (since they don’t drive, I have to purchase all of their gifts for her) but she has embraced mine and become perhaps the biggest Jewish Christmas fan in the world, or at least in Upper Black Eddy. Yes, that’s her wearing the stocking hat with dreidel on the end. When we met and had our first Christmas together, she began learning and loving all of the Christmas traditions, but couldn’t quite understand why people would buy ornaments and decorations in January for the following year, and still doesn’t get the whole stocking thing, even though we have a perfectly fine fireplace which was recently cleaned and so no longer has a family of bats living in it. (Thank you Mr. Chimney Sweeper, wherever you are.) Then one day, something happened...we went to a yard sale in the area, probably looking for a cheap cast iron pan for the kitchen, when she spotted some old Christmas decorations and quickly scooped them up. Since then, or at least until Covid, we stopped at every flea market or garage sale that could potentially harbor something Santa or Snowman related. She even made me pull off the road and into a Christmas store somewhere in North Carolina on a vacation there a few years ago, and every
new place we visit, requires us to purchase... you guessed it...an ornament to remember it by, including a fragile $215 antique zeppelin from Germany. As our Jewish friends would say... Oy Vey! But Christmas is much more than a day full of good food and presents, and reconnecting with friends and loved ones. While cherished, and full of memories that we will always hold dear, Christmas brings a feeling...a feeling of love, hope, kindness, generosity, and understanding. This year, perhaps more than ever, certainly more than ever in my sixty-five years on the planet, we need those feelings....we need to love each other, through politics and pandemic, hope for a better and more peaceful world, kindness to all regardless of heritage or beliefs, generosity to those struggling, and understanding...understanding that we are all unique, and thus hold unique points of view. We are singular bits of snow-like humanity, none identical, each quite different and spectacularly similar at the same time. We may hold different views on politics and religion, but we are more alike than different, and through the feelings that encapsulate this most glorious time of year, we are all one. Let us catch each other when we stumble, as a child does the falling snowflakes, and keep us close while we are here in each other hands. I wish to all a brilliant holiday season, and the hope that we are all...every one of us... able to hold that feeling just a bit longer than the lights hang on the tree. John Schaninger is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and has lived in Upper Black Eddy for 12 years. Reach him at m12string@aol.com
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
Marie Concheta Hafler, age 90, of Ottsville, PA, passed away on October 24, 2020 at Country Homestead in Ottsville, PA. She was the loving wife to the late Charles L. Hafler, Sr. with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Perkasie, PA she was a daughter of the late Vito and Anna (Barrera) Palladino. She worked in Housekeeping at the Former Quakertown Community Hospital and LifeQuest. She was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Quakertown and belonged to the women’s auxiliary at the church. Surviving are children: Charles Hafler, wife Ann and Lori Balogh, husband Rudy, grandchildren: Jennifer, Alyssa, Bryan, Brandon, Glenn and Michelle, 11 great-grandchildren and brother Thomas Palladino. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Margaret (Peg) Cygan, 94, of Allentown, formerly of Quakertown, died October 28, 2020 in the Devon House in Allentown. She was the beloved wife of Thaddeus (Ted) T. Cygan and they would have celebrated their 71st anniversary in November. She was born on July 19, 1926 in Quakertown to Frank and Marie (Alscher) Feiler. She grew up in Quakertown with her twin sister Elizabeth and younger sister Marie. Upon graduation from Quakertown High School, she attended Jefferson Nursing School as a member of the Army Cadet Nursing Corps and was employed by Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia as a registered nurse. After marrying Ted on November 19, 1949, Margaret retired from nursing to raise their family of 11 children – Michael (Nancy), Stephen (Beth Ann), David (Amalia), Gregory (Nancy), Anthony
~Obituaries~
(Jane), Nathan (Sue), Celeste Vaughn (Paul - deceased), Marlene Mayza (Jerry), Angie Lehman (John). Over their 70 years together, Ted and Peg’s family grew to include 25 grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two daughters Susan O’Donnell (Thomas) and Amelia Spier (Thomas) and her sister Marie Popp (William). A busy wife and mother as her family was growing, she found time later in her life to enjoy sewing and making quilts which she gave as gifts to her family and friends. A funeral mass was held for family on November 3, 2020. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Isidore’s School, 603 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951 or to a charity of one’s choice. Mary Elizabeth Leidy, 94, of Hatfield passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on October 28, 2020. She was the wife of the late David L. Leidy. Born in Philadelphia, PA. She was the daughter of the late Francis Joseph & Hannah (Zechoski) Kirby. Mary was a 1944 graduate of the Little Flower High School in Philadelphia. From 1944-1949 she was a pharmaceutical secretary for Sharp & Dhome where she met and later married her husband of 41 years before his death in 1990. She was a founding member of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Hatfield, PA. She is survived by her two sons David (Sharon) and Robert, three daughters Christine Salamone (Nick), MaryBeth McCourt, and Anne Leidy Clayton (James Husted). Eleven grandchildren Mary Elizabeth Leidy (Tom), Eric, Kristin, Miranda, Natalie and Kylie Leidy, Maria Malaro (Joseph), Philip Paci, Jillian McCourt, Patrick McCourt (Kara) and Sarah Rowland (Christopher), as well as 12 great grandchildren Thomas, Olivia, Giuliana, Emilia, Gemma, Adriana,
Stephen, Patrick, Magdalene, McKenna, Liam, & Samantha. She was predeceased by four brothers Francis Joseph, Thomas M., Edward, & Daniel, and three sisters Helen Grubb, Johanna Mitchell & Maureen T. Grasso and predeceased by a great grandson Charlie Leidy McCourt. A Memorial Mass was celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Maria Goretti Parish, 1601 Derstine Rd. Hatfield, PA 19440. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the church at the above address.
in Quakertown. In addition to her husband Roy she is survived by a daughter Tara Cary (Patrick) of Quakertown and a son Roy Tiley (Tina) of Columbia, MD. She is also survived by her grandchildren Alex, Erika, Alyssa, Alyson and Brendan and a brother William Rowan (Dawn) of Frackville. A memorial mass will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Isidore’s Food Pantry, 603 West Broad St Quakertown PA 18951.
Joyce Ann Burkett, age 77, of Quakertown, PA, passed away on October 28, 2020 at her home. She was the loving wife to Richard W. Burkett with whom they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. Born in West Fairview, PA she was a daughter of Clyde F. and Kathryn M. (Morlock) Whary. Surviving along with her husband are children: Rick, wife Denise and Eric, wife Cristina and grandchildren: Ashley, Avery and Taylor. She is predeceased by brother: Donald. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Doctors Without Borders, Lutheran Disaster Relief or ALS Association. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.
Donald Leon Wenner, 82, of Quakertown, passed away on Saturday, Oct 31, 2020, at Phoebe Health Care Center in Richlandtown, PA. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late George L. and Hilda (Rose) Wenner. Donald graduated from Allentown High School class of 1955. He attended the University of Cincinnati. He worked at the Quakertown Free Press as a photographer / circulation manager. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Cony (DDE 508). Donald was a former member of the Quakertown Fire Company #1. He enjoyed painting and sketching, bluegrass and songs by Rihanna, boats, trains, film noir and reading. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Alicia Wenner, daughters: Paulina Drabic, husband Ralph of Quakertown, Maria Wenner of Easton;, Raquel Rosas, husband George of Center Valley, grandchildren: Ralph Drabic III, Michael Drabic, Matthew Drabic, wife Kate; Donald Rosas, wife Rebecca, Samantha Rosas, Richard Rosas, wife Samantha, great grandchildren Laciana (Lacy) Gallelli, Mandy Chieffo, Leada Drabic, Michael Gallagher, Alejandro Rosas and Victor Rosas. Brother, David Wenner, wife Connie of CA, He was predeceased by brother Paul Wenner. Contributions: In Lieu of flowers, may be made to Phoebe Health Care Center. www.nauglefcs.com.
Ray H. Bernd, age 94, of Quakertown, PA, passed away on October 29, 2020 at his home. He was the loving husband to the late Marion Mae (Hillegass) Bernd with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Born in Coopersburg, PA he was a son of the late Lamar and Eva (Hoffman) Bernd. Ray proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a member of Wallace Willard Keller American Legion Post 242. Ray enjoyed woodworking but his greatest joy was music. He played guitar and banjo and was in numerous bands all of his life since the 1940’s. He worked for Landis Machine Shop and retired from French’s in Souderton. Surviving is his daughter: Barbara Merkle, husband William of Allentown. He was predeceased by siblings: Charlie, Lamar, Alfred, Eva, Anna and Betty. Contributions in his memory may be made to American Legion Post 242, 610 East Broad Street, Quakertown, PA 18951. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Joseph J. Kirka, Sr., 79, of Lansdale died October 30, 2020 in his home. He was the husband of the late Margaret “Betty” Kirka. Born in Freemansburg, PA. He was the son of the late Joseph & Julia (Forstoffer) Kirka. Before retiring he was employed in the construction industry. Earlier in life he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Sellersville Moose, North Penn Gun Club, and the Betterment Club. He also enjoyed gardening and cooking. He is survived by two sons Joseph, Jr. & Thomas M. and a daughter Jennifer Schreier (Jeffrey). Four brothers James (Barbara) John, Stephen (Sandra), and Frank, two sisters Julie Bauer and Mary Kirka. Two grandchildren Matthew & Gabrielle. He was predeceased by two sisters Ann Lansberg and Betty Fox. Services were held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Ann M. Tiley, 71 of Quakertown died Friday October 30, 2020 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. She was the wife of Roy Tiley. They celebrated 48 years of marriage last July. Born in Shenandoah Heights, PA she was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Meers) Rowan. She was a customer service representative for QNB Bank before her retirement. Prior to that she was employed by several banks in the area. Ann enjoyed going to basket bingos, casinos, and her trips to Las Vegas. She was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church
Eleanor Hrabina, 100 of Black Canyon City, AZ, formerly of Richlandtown, died November 1, 2020 in her home. She was the wife of the late Charles J. Hrabina. Born in Chicago, IL she was the daughter of the late William & Helen (Gorna) Singer and the step daughter of the late Pauline (Bejenke). She was a bookkeeper for the family business before retiring. She enjoyed Knitting, sewing, and gardening. Eleanor was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. She is survived by her 7 children Noreen Swartz (Barry R.), Charlene Fenstermacher (David R.), Randall (Sarah), Deborah Esayian (Michael), Peggy Breiner (Lee), Michael (Kathy) and David (Patricia). 16 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter Mary Beth and a grandson Matthew. A mass was held on November 14, 2020 in St. Isidore’s Catholic Church 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www. crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Isidore’s Catholic Church 603 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. David B. McMullen, age 73, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 2, 2020 at his home in Quakertown, PA. He was the loving husband to Susan (Holler) McMullen with whom he shared 5 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, PA he was a son of the late John and Ruth (Lea) McMullen. David proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War for 3 years. He was in the 8th Infantry Division and 8th Signal Battalion in Germany. David was also a part of the 18th Airborne Corp and trained in NC. Surviving along with his wife is daughters: Clarissa Roth, husband Neil of Delaware and Valerie Secker of South Carolina, step-daughter: Erin Vrablic of Pennsylvania, grandchildren: Meaghan and Emily Roth and Drew and Kate
December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Secker, his baby: Margie (Dave & Sue’s dog), nephews: Kyle, Jim, Johnny and Brian McMullen, step nephew and niece: Zachary and Taylor Getchius, step sister and son in-law Cynthia and Art Getchius and mother and father in-law: Patricia and Anthony Cassano of Pennsylvania He was predeceased by former wife: Mary (Carson) McMullen and brothers: John “Bob” and Jimmy McMullen. Donations can be made to: Paralyzed Veterans of America or ALS Association. Jean Ann Nace, 90, of Quakertown died November 4, 2020 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. She was the wife of the late Leonard L. Nace. Born in Zion Hill, PA she was the daughter of the late Charles T. & Alice (Felker) Brader. She worked for the former U.S. Gauge in Sellersville and she also was a dog groomer. Jean enjoyed gardening, crafts, and antiquing. She is survived by a daughter Jan Seifert (Barry), & a son Curtis Nace. Two brothers Walter Brader & Raymond Brader. Two step grandchildren Chad Seifert, Brandi Byrnes (Donald) and four step great grandchildren Emma Seifert, Rae Seifert, Liam Byrnes, & Farrah Byrnes. She was predeceased by a son Eric Nace, two brothers Charles Brader & Kenny Brader, & her two triplet sisters Jessie Fluck, Joyce Schoch, and sisters Dorothy Spencer & Peggy Heimbach. 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. Anna Mae Barton, age 86, of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 4, 2020 at her home. She was the loving wife to the late Albert John Barton with whom she shared 32 years of marriage. Born in Coopersburg, PA she was a daughter of the late Lloyd P. and Anna T. (Deutsch) Ohl. Anna graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1951. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Limeport. After High School she worked at Hest Brothers Department Store in Allentown, PA and also worked for B. Braun Medical in Irvine, CA for over 30 years. She is survived by her three daughters: Teri McDonald, Kathy Wade and Frances Sumpter, five grandsons, one granddaughter, and two great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to any local VA office or VFW of the person’s choosing. Arrangements are entrusted to Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Michele Infanti Kausler, 59 of Quakertown, PA passed away Friday November 6, 2020 at home. She was the wife of Joseph K. Kausler. Michele and Joe celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on November 4th. She was born in Trenton NJ, and grew up in Hopewell NJ. Michele graduated from Hopewell Valley High School and Bucks County Nursing School and was an LPN. Michele loved animals, especially her Bichon Fries Sammy J, and her garden. Michele was predeceased by her Mother Marjorie White Infanti, her maternal and paternal grandparents, several beloved aunts and uncles, and recently by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara and Gerald Jones. She is survived by her Husband Joe, Father Ron Infanti, Brother Mark Infanti (Irene), and Sister Melissa Infanti Capasso (JR), Brother-in-law James Kausler (Joy) and Sister-in-law Patricia Niper (Kenneth), six nieces and nephews and two great nephews. A Memorial Service may be held in the future. Memorial contributions in Michele’s honor can be made to your favorite animal charity. Betty KM “Betsy” Anderson, age 86, of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 6, 2020 at The Community at Rockhill in Sellersville, PA. She was the loving wife to the late
~Obituaries~
Lane Anderson which whom she shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Sellersville, PA she was a daughter of the late Johannes and Pauline (Gross) Lamparter. Betty graduated from Sell-Perk High School in 1952. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Harleysville, longtime member of the Women of the ELCA and member of West Rockhill Historical Society. Betsy loved to garden, and she enjoyed volunteering, especially at church and at the church archives. Surviving is her daughter: Tami, husband David, stepdaughter: Karen, husband Chris, grandchildren: Sarah, Corinne, husband Kyle, Katie, Jennie, Beth Ann, Angela, Alexander and Allyson, great-grandchildren: Ezra and Finn and niece & nephew. She was predeceased by brother: Heinz and niece and nephew: Charlene and John. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 2211 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA 19438. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.
Patrick Ingravallo, 58, of Quakertown, formerly of Mt. Laurel, NJ died November 7, 2020 in the Hospice Unit of Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia. Born in Brooklyn, NY he was the son of Vito Ingravallo, of Quakertown and the late Giovanna (Guardavaccaro) Ingravallo. He was last employed as a draftsman engineer for several companies such as Martin Marietta, Boeing, & GE Aerospace. He enjoyed movies, reading, cooking and watching cooking shows. He attended St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. In addition to his father he is survived by his son Nicholas V. of Mt. Laurel, NJ, Patrick’s former spouse of 22 years Deborah Ingravallo, of Mt. Laurel, NJ, two sisters Caterina Weierbach (William David) of Quakertown and Grace Ingravallo of Bayone, NJ. Two nephews Michael and Billy and two nieces Emily & Isabella. A Mass was held on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. in St. Isidore’s Catholic Church 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to American Diabetes Foundation 150 Monument Rd., Suite 100 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Wilma Jean (Ingram) Zarzeka, age 88, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 10, 2020 at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center in Richlandtown, PA. She was the loving wife to Anthony J. Zarzeka with whom she shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. Born in Summit Hill, PA she was a daughter of the late George and Winifred (Hough) Ingram. Wilma graduated from Summit Hill High School in 1950 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Kutztown University in 1954. She was an elementary school teacher for 38 years, primarily in the Southern Lehigh School District. Surviving along with her husband are children: Nancy (Zarzeka) Criscuolo, husband Robert and David Zarzeka. Grandchildren: Ryan Criscuolo, Kyle Criscuolo, wife Gabrielle, Carley Zarzeka, Marta Zarzeka, Allyson Criscuolo and Asa Zarzeka. Two nephews: Wayne Christman and Bob Christman (Julie). She was predeceased by sisters: Bernice Christman (Elmer) and Eileen Hrubovcak (Paul). Memorial contributions can be made to American Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19160. Arrangements are entrusted to Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown. To view her online obituary and share memories and offer condolences, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.
Julius (Jules) Donofry, age 86, of Quakertown, PA died on November 12, 2020. Survived by his wife, Diane (nee Boisvert); his children Michelle Williams (Michael) and Michael Donofry (Jennifer); his grandchildren Connor and Danielle Williams; Michael, Ethan and Brayden Donofry. Memorial contributions may be made to McAuley Convent, 517 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066. www.nauglefcs.com.
Margaret Ellen Mentgen went home to be with our Lord and Savior and her beloved husband, who preceded her in death in 1992, on Friday, November 13, 2020. She was 78, from Quakertown, PA. She was truly one of a kind and a very special woman. She dedicated over 20 years of her life to Walmart where she was known as “Miss Margaret”. She will forever be missed by those whose lives she touched. She is survived by her daughter, Beth, her son-in-law, Jeff. Her grandson, Jeremy, her granddaughter Jamie and all of her great-grands. Matthew Joseph Hammerstone of Easton, PA passed away suddenly in an accident on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. He was 21. Born in Abington, PA, Matt resided in Haycock, PA before moving to Williams Township with his grandmother. Matt was a graduate of Wilson Area High School in Easton, PA and was working on finishing the requirements to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from DeSales University in Center Valley, PA in the Spring of 2021. For the past eight years, he worked as a cook and server with the Springfield Diner. Matt enjoyed landscaping for friends and caring for their properties. He loved travelling, practice shooting at the Springtown Rod & Gun Club, photography, videography, playing video games with on-line friends and bright vivid colors, especially orange. Matt was the type of person that would arrange a vacation to travel out west for his grandmother to see one of her favorite stars at the age of 89 or travel to the Grand Canyon on a whim with his mother. He was a selfless and caring young man who was adventurous, curious and technology loving, always figuring out issues or problems for family and friends. Matt especially loved to travel and surprise his girlfriend Madison and had many more trips planned. He will be loved and missed by his family, dear friends, and co-workers. He was the beloved son of Donna Czerniak and fiancé Rob Steinberg, and Terry Hammerstone and wife Jennifer; dear brother of Erika Delgado and husband Harry; loving step-brother of Katelyn Johnson, Leeanne Johnson, Shannon Johnson, Samuel Nauman and Josiah Johnson; cherished grandson of Helen Hammerstone and Margaret Czerniak; nephew of Thomas Hammerstone and wife Diane, Holly Hammerstone, Robert Czerniak and wife Norma, and Edward Czerniak and husband Karen; and devoted boyfriend to Madison Ritter. A viewing was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Matt’s memory to North Penn High School, Attn: Mr. Nick Taylor, 1340 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446 - Checks should be made payable to: NPHS Sr. Awards Program. Walter L. Brader, 92, of Quakertown, formerly of Rio Rancho, NM and Sugar Run, PA, died November 20, 2020 in his home. He was the husband of Lillian (Lederer) Brader. They were married 64 years in July. Born in Bethlehem, PA he was the son of the late Charles T. & Alice E. (Felker) Brader. He was a pilot for Newman Racing in New York before retiring. Prior to that he worked for Northeast Jet, Mack Trucks, Lehigh Portland Cement all in Allentown, Suburban Airlines in Reading and Berman Sales in Pennsburg. Walter was a member and past presi-
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dent of Perkiomen Lions Club, a member of the Masonic Lodge #595 in Red Hill, a member of the American Legion Post #184 in East Greenville and a 32nd degree Mason. He loved to travel in the U.S.A. and Europe. He also enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, and camping for over 10 years. He collected John Deere tractors as well. He was also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spinnerstown. Walter was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons Christopher (Deborah), and Vaughn. A brother Raymond, and four grandchildren Sierra, Alex, Garrett, and Derek. He was predeceased by two brothers Charles and Kenny and five sisters Dorothy Spencer, Jessie Fluck, Joyce Schoch, Jean Ann Nace, Peggy Heimbach. Memorial Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church P.O. Box 120 Spinnerstown, PA 18968. George B. Roberts, 83, of Richlandtown died November 21, 2020 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. He was the husband of Mary E. (Rizzi) Roberts. They would have been married 59 years on November 25, 2020. Born in Abington, PA he was the son of the late George B. & Edna M. (Baker) Roberts. He retired in 1999 as a salesman for the Philadelphia Daily News. He was a golfer, fisherman, and enjoyed camping and cruising with his family. George was an avid Eagles, Phillies, and Penn State Fan. He was an active member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville, where he served as an usher, helped with the candy drive and food pantry and was also on the maintenance committee including cutting the church lawn. He served in the Army Reserves. In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Chuck Roberts of Richlandtown and a daughter Deborah Roberts of Quakertown. A brother Donald Roberts (Karen) of Dover, DE, two sisters Carol Croissette (Gary) of Coopersburg, and Suzanne Williams of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by a sister in law Rae Marie Roberts in Clearwater, FL. Predeceased by a brother Frederick Roberts and a sister Margaret Cooney. Graveside Services will be held on Monday, November 30, 2020 in Christ Union Cemetery Main Street, Trumbauersville, PA 18970. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church P.O. Box 569 Trumbauersville, PA 18970. Frank C. Federsel, 69, of Telford formerly of Finland, PA died November 22, 2020 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. Born in Sellersville he was the son of the late Joseph & Lisa Federsel. He was a self employed contractor and also tended bar at the Trum Tavern and the Red Hill VFW. He played guitar and collected Beatles memorabilia. He enjoyed nature and the outdoors especially rebuilding the dam in Finland and was a model corvette hobbyist. In his younger years he enjoyed ice skating. His most joy in life was his family. Frank is survived by two sons Jeremy (Ashley) and Ryan B. (Alyse) both of Quakertown. A daughter Rachel Jo (David Powell) of Sellersville. Three brothers Ray (Jane) of Telford) George (Sue) of Sellersville, and Joe (Debbie) of Tampa, FL., a sister Debbie Croisette (Steve) of Franconia. Three grandchildren Hannah, Lilly, Mia. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
Alumni Association Issues Plea to Keep Quakertown Elementary School Open BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ The Quakertown Community School District Board of Directors has appointed an Elementary School Redistricting Committee comprised of parents and administrators. The group is charged with analyzing the current elementary school boundaries in the district and to make recommendations on how to apportion elementary aged (K-6) students among the district’s several elementary schools to take effect at the start of the 202122 academic year. The committee has three specific goals. They will develop options for the grade level configuration and redistricting of elementary students. They will evaluate those options based on impact on academic program, impact on students and families, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, impact on facilities, including possible changes to the uses of Quakertown Elementary and the Sixth Grade Center, requirement for construction, renovations, or modular classrooms, impact on transportation, impact on personnel savings, and other criteria as the Committee deems appropriate. Finally, the group will report its findings, decision matrix, and recommendations to the School Board by January 31, 2021. The need for these findings and recommendations is based, at least in part, on the School District’s projections of declining student enrollment over the next several years. Current enrollment in Kindergarten through the Sixth Grade levels in QCSD is approximately 2200 students. The projections indicate a steady decline to about 1780 students in this bracket by the 2025-26 school year. The projection also shows a total school population decrease of over 18%, 4737 to 3875, during this time frame. The Board of Directors of the Quakertown Community High School Alumni Association has serious concerns regarding what the future holds for Quakertown Elementary School. Current possible scenarios under consideration by the Redistricting Committee include the divesture of the property by the district, conversion of the building to become the District Office (and divesting the office’s property), and keeping the school as an elementary school. It is this last option that the Alumni Association wants to see, an elementary school
serving young students from its immediate neighborhood. As a result the organization has issued a multi-faceted resolution to the redistricting committee and school board detailing its rationale. First, the association finds the educational benefits of keeping Quakertown Elementary in its current use essential, stating that “Educational research has demonstrated the advantages of small neighborhood schools. Students in small schools demonstrate better school attitude, have fewer discipline problems, and have better attendance records. They perform better on standardized tests. They are more likely to participate in extra-curricular activities. The level of parental
neighborhood school.” The association also finds that the community benefits from the excitement generated by the students on the playground, bringing life and energy to the neighborhood. Financially, the association believes the School District will benefit as busing is largely unneeded since most students walk to school, which also provides beneficial exercise and peer interaction. Quakertown Elementary is the most distinguished historical educational marker in the Quakertown Community School District. It is one of the most recognized landmarks in Quakertown Borough. From 1929 to 1956, it served as a junior/senior high school after
satisfaction and participation in school-related activities is greater in small schools. Teachers, administrators, and staff members are known personally by parents. Teachers experience greater job satisfaction because they relate more with their peers and students’ parents. Unlike other elementary schools within the district, Quakertown Elementary has a more culturally diverse population. Therefore, the staff and teachers have made a commitment to go above and beyond in teaching their students academically and to provide a high level of nurturing and encouragement for every student. Although Quakertown [Elementary] is the smallest school within the district, the teachers and staff provide a unique and caring experience that can only be fostered in a small
which it became a junior high school upon the opening of Quakertown Senior High School on Park Avenue. In 1968, after minimal renovations, the building became an elementary school, as it continues to be to this day. To convert it into a building housing the district administration offices, according to the association, would destroy the character of the “proud old schoolhouse.” The Alumni Association also has concerns regarding the School District’s ability to meet demographic shifts in the placement of students. The district has already closed three buildings—Haycock Elementary, Tohickon Valley Elementary, and Milford Middle School. The association board states that “Although there may be a decrease in student
enrollment forthcoming, there are already signs of activity in housing developments and the purchase of existing homes. The market for homes is strong and projected to be stronger in the future. Good schools like Quakertown Elementary make the Quakertown community a good place in which to live.” Of the remaining school buildings in QCSD’s portfolio, Quakertown Elementary is the oldest and is in the worst condition. Poor maintenance, faulty heating and other mechanicals, a lack of handicapped accessibility, and the absence of air conditioning all contribute to this condition. The association would like the district to improve the school plant so its environment is equal to other elementary school buildings in the Quakertown Community School District. Greta Krause is a life- long resident of Quakertown, member of Quakertown High School’s Class of ’89, Alumni Association board member, parent of two children that attended Quakertown Elementary, and has worked at Quakertown Elementary for 19 years. She issues a plea to the committee and School Board, “I have never worked in any other school other than QE, but I can reassure you that Quakertown Elementary has something special occurring inside of our homey and warm walls each any every day. The staff at QE goes above and beyond each and every day to not only teach our students academically but to nurture and care for each and every child. We teach and care for a very diverse group of students that attend our school and who live directly in Quakertown Borough. A large percentage of these students walk to school every day while bringing life to our borough’s streets. It brings pleasure to our borough residents to see these kids playing on our playground and having fun while playing with their classmates. In short, Quakertown Elementary School is an essential institution in the Quakertown Borough that would be sorely missed by our entire community.” Learn more about the Elementary Redistricting Committee by visiting qcsd.org or via this direct link: tinyurl.com/y39ag7cv. The committee holds nearly weekly Zoom meetings that are open to the public. The committee can be reached at elemredistrict@qcsd.org.
December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Putting Up With a Christmas Tree I might put up with a Christmas Tree this year. We haven’t had one for the past few years. With no youngsters around and old age creeping in our holiday enthusiasm is less ‘jolly’ than in the past, especial when it involves stringing lights, twiddling with tinsel or sweeping up pine needles. It has nothing to do with my Quakerism—we can put up decorations, if we feel like it. Having a Christmas Tree is just too much work. I’m retired, senior citizen, now! We do have some holiday decorations around the house. We swap a Santa suit for the Halloween one on the big plaster goose that sits on the table next to the TV and put a wreath on the door. And, my wife makes me put lights on the lamp post and set up her halflife-size, wire framed, light-up Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman (I traded getting them for having to put lights on the roof). They’re kind of embarrassing, but …. For a few years we had a three-foot-tall rotating, changing-color-lights, green plastic tree I got at the Q-Mart. We put it on the mirror table in the living room where we toss our car keys. Since then, no tree at all. But this year, being a ‘shut-in’ like everybody else, and feeling lonely and nostalgic for the ‘good old days’ when I could take the Shopper Special train to Philly and walk the crowed holiday streets, I might put up (and put up with) a Christmas Tree. If I do get one, it won’t be the kind we had when I was a kid, here in Quakertown: ten foot tall Douglas firs that had to be sawed off, top and bottom, to fit in the living room. We’d shop for an hour, my dad holding up trees, shaking them, spinning them around and fluffing their branches, before my mom picked one. My dad sawed the bottom off in the yard and stuck the stand on before we wrestled it through the door. Furniture was moved and the tree stood in front of the picture window. Carefully orchestrated decorating went on for days. There were hundreds of ornaments and lights. Aluminum tinsel was hung, strand by thousands of strands, one at a time (ridiculously, we thought, since tossing worked great), long into the night. Our Christmas Trees were gorgeous, perhaps only surpassed by those of our good friend Jon Roberts, who many in Quakertown will remember for his Christmas and stage art work. There was no candy or toys on our trees to tempt us close. Even touching our tree was forbidden. “Some of those ornaments belonged to Great-Grammy Hinkel!” To break one would raise Cain. Consequently, our Christmas Trees stayed gorgeous—until common sense brought them down, brittle and pale, a month later. Everything had to come off and was carefully packed in boxes. Yucky water was sponged from the stand and the shedding, tinsel draped tree was dragged out. Spiky pine needles across the floor, heaped on the welcome mat and scattered across the yard marked a trail to
the trash heap. Clean up took hours and multiple trips to the attic. That’s way, too much work! No Tannenbaum like Mom’s this year, probably. Besides it’d be killing a tree. I can live with that, though. If I do kill a tree for Christmas, I’ll victimize a more reasonably sized one, like we used to get for the kids when we lived in Wyoming. Casper isn’t the absolute last place the Christmas Tree truck unloads, but they get twice as much for one in Denver, so we got the dregs. Most of the trees were short and stubby, or tall, spindly and sparse. No ten foot Douglas firs were available, unless you got a permit and cut your own up in the National Forest. In our mobile home on the snow-swept, sage brush-studded prairie of central Wyoming we’d prudently set up our Christmas Tree kitty-corner from the living room woodstove. It was usually stoked up and blazing by December. Some of those trees were sad, but the kids had great fun. And, unlike me, they were allowed to play in the tree—toy cars, Pretty Pony, army men. My mom, politely, had no comment about that leniency one Christmas she visited, even though the violation was perpetrated repeatedly at the cost of several ornaments. The thirty-below-zero temperatures we had all week may have helped seal her lips. We tried having a live tree for a while. One year, besides a spindly one, I bought a two foot tall red cedar in a pot. I managed to keep it alive for a few years, but they aren’t native to Wyoming. And, my wife is notorious for her ‘orange thumb’ (opposite of green?). House plants do not do well here, or out door plants for that matter. Common flowers, vegetables, shrubs, hanging plants, potted plants; even transplanted trees and Chia pets die at her hands, despite her best, sincere and warm hearted efforts. My kids all use plastic Christmas Trees, these days. My son keeps one up all year (for convenience). So, I didn’t feel guilty about getting the little plastic, rotating one (my mom probably rotated, too, God rest her). I even put candy canes and chocolate bells on it. I was disappointed when, after only a couple of years, it made a noise and smoked. Then, the lights went out and it quit turning. I put on a string of lights and decorated it the next year, but it was pretty pathetic. That’s the year we got the Santa and Frosty to put in the front yard and I stopped climbing on the roof. After that, we just quit having Christmas Trees for a while. The memories were great, but the work was just too much. But, this year is special. I’m feeling a bit sadder and lonelier than usual. It’s not about me, though. It’s about the world of people around me, isolated and confined as many are for personal or public reasons. They may be in a much different mood this year as they sit before their Christmas Tree. Maybe I’ll put one up and join them seeking the Peace and Light that is within each of us and so often has shone brilliantly this time of year. Jack Schick is a long time Quakertown
Quakertown Cares Donations Continue Despite Pandemic BY JANE THOMPSON-SMITH It’s easy to give when the going is good. When it’s bad - not so much. That’s why this 25th year of the ”Quakertown Cares” campaign is extra special. No one is immune from the effects of Covid-19. Yet, the giving continues! $20,635 has been raised so far in this brand new 2020-21 campaign! Recent contributions to help Quakertown residents in need this holiday season include the Quakertown-based accounting firm Hutchinson, Gillahan & Freeh ($450), David and Arden Freeman ($750), James and Janice Newcomer ($250), David and Ginger Woodbury ($200), anonymous Milford Township residents ($500), Classic Staffing ($1,000), Virginia Reiss Insurance Agency ($1,000), Maggie and Dan Stauffer ($200), Hayley Stauffer ($100), the Zeigler Family Foundation ($15,000!), anonymous Quakertown Borough residents ($100, $50, $35, $25), Reverend Cheryl Stoneback ($200), Nancy and Michael Cygan ($200), anonymous Richland Township residents ($50, $75), and Chris and Brenda Roth ($500)! Thank you so much to all who gave to help local families, seniors and veterans purchase much needed necessities such as food, and oil
UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com
increase from the 2018 drive, which served just under 1,200 young people. The Holiday Gift Card Drive is accepting donations, now through December 18th. All donations go to local teens and older kids who are experiencing a true need this holiday season. Parkinson suggests that community members interested in helping consider donating directly to the Holiday Gift Card Drive at www.uwbucks.org/giftcarddrive. Online donations allow the organization to purchase more gift cards in bulk at a discount – and that means being able to help more kids. She also notes that gifts can be made in honor or in memory of a loved one. “This is a perfect gift for that person on your list who really cares about young people,” says Parkinson. “You can make a donation to the Holiday Gift Card Drive in their honor and we will acknowledge your gift with a beautiful holiday card and a story about a kid who received help.” To donate online or learn about other ways to give, visit www.uwbucks.org/giftcarddrive. Checks can be mailed to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030 with “Gift Card Drive” in the memo.
to heat their homes. And “Cares” hasn’t forgotten about Thanksgiving! On November 23 the campaign conducted a Giant food card distribution in lieu of the usual turkeys and fixings due to the pandemic. “Quakertown Cares” has also given food cards to the residents of Quakertown’s Grundy House, a subsidized housing facility which is home to mostly the elderly and disabled. But that’s not all. “Cares” plans to sponsor several students in the upcoming Quakertown Area Police Shop with a Cop program. “Cares” also partners with the Bucks County Foundation on Aging to assist seniors in need who live within the area of the Quakertown Community School District. Amazingly, this vibrant campaign is run by a handful of individuals- community, school district, and local businesspeople. There is virtually no overhead, so proceeds collected go directly to those in need. Interested in being a part of this special fund-raiser? Just fill out the coupon in this paper, and mail it and your donation to “Quakertown Cares,” c/o QNB, PO Box 9005, Quakertown, PA, 18951. Or, your donation can be dropped off at any QNB location. Contributions are tax deductible. Thank you for caring for your neighbors in need!
Think Local. Buy Local. Give Local.
area resident and regular contributor here at
United Way Seeks Holiday Support for Local Teens in Need
United Way of Bucks County is asking the community to help older kids and teens in need this holiday season. The organization’s annual Holiday Gift Card Drive, which runs through December 18th, provides gifts for kids who are not served by conventional toy drives. This year, because of the pandemic, the organization expects to see significant increase in the number of families seeking help. Organizers note that they had more than 360 requests within the first 24 hours their portal was open. This is more than double the number of requests during the same period in 2019 – and requests will increase as the holidays draw near. “This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people in our community are having a tough time. Families who were getting by are now struggling. About 20% of our requests so far are from people who haven’t needed help in the past,” says Faith Parkinson, Project Lead. “We want to be able to serve everyone who asks for help, but so much will depend on community support,” she adds. Last year, an overwhelming response from the community enabled United Way to serve over 1,600 older kids and teens, a record number for the organization. This was a huge
Giving When Times are Tough
Hope you all survived Thanksgiving with your families. I understand you humans have an issue still with that Covid virus and now it’s a flu season for you. Please use sanitary measures when you are close to each other at your family dinners. If you have health issues that can compromise you then wear throw away gloves when opening presents and passing the goodies around the table. You have to try not to touch things other touch. I also heard that the leader of our human pack had changed. That’s always a big deal even in the canine world. Sometimes younger dogs will challenge the canine leader and sometimes the older dog just slips into a position lower in the pack because he is tired of the responsibility. Hope yours goes smoothly. Merry Christmas to all and we will talk again next Year which hopefully is better than this one.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
2020 Atlas Cross Sport Volkswagen’s midsize Atlas Cross Sport AWD SUV debuts with a sporty look with two rows of seats rather than three as has VW’s Atlas Cross. Sports’ dimensions are also a bit smaller (5.2 inches) and it’s somewhat lighter than the Atlas. Atlas Cross Sports’ bold sportiness comes compliments of a coupe-like sloping roofline, bright brushed aluminum trim and tall 20-inch tires that have 9 inches of width for better deep snow, off-road traction. Want sportier looks? Check out the Atlas Cross Sport R-Line version with special exterior trims and 21-inch wheels. Atlas Cross Sport is offered AWD, FWD and in S, SE, SE w/Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. We tested the SEL with VWs 4Motion AWD that is standard on this trim level. Even Cross Sports’ interior offers a sporty touch with a square bottom steering wheel. And the interior is exceptionally spacious for those who don’t need three row seating. It has an airy feeling about it with the back seats having 14 inches of legroom with the fronts in a moderately forward position. After a low 19-inch step-in, the cockpit is nicely done in quality materials. An 8-inch touchscreen serves a multitude of services such as satellite radio, app connect, rearview camera with 360-degree view and various operating functions plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink connectivity. Large HVAC controls don’t require taking the eyes off the road as they’re easy to view and use. And below them is a wireless phone charger tucked in at the base of the vertical stack. A burly 8-speed automatic transmission shifter is flanked by the keyless ignition switch and rotary AWD dial that selects Snow,
Normal, Sport, Eco and Custom modes. All of which display pictorially on the screen. Cross Sports’ large gauge cluster is all digital, colorful and offers a driver information display between the speedometer and tach. The latter displays alerts, operating functions and features. Sports’ front seats are on the taut side but are supportive with classy contrasting stitching on all seams. In the back seat, the rear doors open wide for easy ingress/egress and the seats can actually seat three abreast with ample headroom and legroom. They too are on the taut side which seems to be the norm on most German cars including BMW and Mercedes. If you’re into the great outdoors be it for camping, fishing, hunting, climbing, hiking
or biking, Cross Sports’ huge cargo area with Easy Open Liftgate, is extremely spacious for all types of gear. In fact, upon folding the front seat backs, a mountain bike could fit if removing and stowing the front wheel atop it. With the rear seats upright there’s 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space that measures 46 inches deep, 47 wide and 29 high. Flip them and space expands to 77.8 cubic feet for 78 inches of extended cargo loading depth. Cross Sport comes standard with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder that generates 235-hp and 258 lb/ft of torque for EPA mile-
age estimates of 18 city, 23-highway mpg with start/stop engine technology. There’s also an optional 3.6-liter V6 with 276-hp and 266 lb/ft of torque that EPA rates at 16 city, 22-highway mpg. Unless you have towing needs, the 2.0L turbo is plenty powerful albeit a tad noisy until the trans shifts from 2ND to 3rd, then it quiets down and goes unnoticed at highway speeds. If needing more spunk, Sport mode alters shift points, steering and throttle response. Shod with those wide, 20-inch Scorpion tires, Cross Sport offers a smooth ride as its suspension nicely dampens rough, pockmarked roadways, highway tar strips and unimproved railroad crossings. Handling for a midsize large SUV is planted with a secure feeling. It also parks easily as steering at low speed is calibrated for easy maneuvering. With an extremely long list of standard safety features such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking w/front pedestrian monitoring, remote start, front/rear park distance control, blind spot monitoring/ rear traffic alert, lane keeping assist/traffic jam assist, high beam control, hill hold/hill descent control and many more, the Atlas Cross Sport’s base price of $41,445 had but two extra cost options of Aurora Red paint ($395) and Monster Mats with heavy duty cargo liner ($235). With delivery ($1,020) the bottom line reflected $43,095. For that, Cross Sport buyers also get warranties of 4 years/50K miles limited vehicle that includes powertrain components; 7/100K corrosion perforation; 2/20K carefree scheduled maintenance; and 24-hour roadside assistance for 3/36K whichever comes first. As Volkswagen’s next to largest SUV, Atlas Cross Sport exemplifies fine German engineering and build. It’s a compelling choice among the crowded SUV field. 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.
The Landis Family brought home the Positively Perkasie Award for their display in this year’s inaurural Scarecrow organized by the Borough of Perkasie in November. Photos of all of the displays entered by families and bus the contest are available on Facebook at www.fb.com/PerkBoro. submitted photo
Veterans Honored
The annual November 11th Veterans Day Ceremony routinely held at rotating locations in Quakertown, Pennridge, and Palisades School Districts was held this rainy morning at the War Memorial in Lenape Park in Sellersville, PA. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the school locations
were not available and a result of the rain, attendance was light, but the brief program was a great way, as always, to honor and celebrate our local Veterans of the Armed Forces, living and passed. photos by christopher betz
w Contest sinesses in
December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Lou Metzger, who lives in Pine Run Retirement Community in Doylestown, successfully launched a handmade kayak on the community’s pond on Oct. 23, 2020. Metzger spent nearly a year building the kayak from scratch and by hand in the woodshop at Pine Run. A longtime woodworker, Metzger and his wife Patricia are avid kayakers and have paddled in oceans, rivers and other waterways across the country and into Canada. Wearing masks, fellow Pine Run Villagers circled the pond to cheer on Metzger as he made several laps in the kayak around the senior living community’s fountain.. submitted photo
Investment Lessons from 2020
As the year draws to a close, it’s fair to say that we’ve all learned something about the social, political, physical and environmental forces that have affected everyone. And, in some ways, our lives will be changed, perhaps permanently. But as an investor, what lessons can you learn from 2020? Here are some to consider: • The markets look ahead. Here’s something many investors discovered in 2020: Investment prices don’t always move in the same direction as the overall economy. This might not have seemed apparent right after the COVID-19 pandemic struck in mid-February, as the overall economy and the stock market took big hits. But just about five weeks later, the markets began a rally that lasted several months. During this time, the economy also recovered somewhat, but still remains on weak footing. What can explain this discrepancy between the markets and economic activity? Essentially, economic numbers, such as the unemployment rate and gross domestic product (GDP), reflect what’s happening today, but the markets are always looking toward tomorrow, which means they are anticipating a stronger economic recovery and the results that come with it, such as greater corporate earnings in 2021. No one can say for sure what the future holds, but you can usually know the market’s opinion by its performance. • Opportunities will always exist for investors. Although the coronavirus seems unprecedented, the equity markets have rebounded from many crises before it. From war to global financial meltdowns, the market has seen it all. But even at the height of these events, when the markets might be most affected, individual segments or industries can do well.
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For example, in the current environment, when many people have been forced to work and shop from home, and get their entertainment online, it’s probably not surprising that some parts of the technology sector have seen their economic activity grow, along with their stock prices. Here’s the key point: Investment opportunities always exist, especially in times of market stress – and smart investors will find them and incorporate them into their portfolios in a way that’s appropriate for their goals and risk tolerance. • Patience and discipline can pay dividends. As mentioned above, the stock market dropped sharply in the weeks immediately following the pandemic, but then gained steadily for months afterward. Investors who tried to “cut losses” and exited the market likely did so at the wrong time and missed out on the beginning of the upturn. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon – investors who overreact to market declines often find themselves on the investment sidelines just when a new rally begins. Rather than being reactive in this way, you may be better off sticking with a long-term investment strategy, and buying and selling investments only when it makes sense for your situation, such as when you need to diversify your portfolio. For many reasons, it’s unlikely that we’ll see anything exactly like 2020 again. But some of the investment lessons we learned are applicable in every year – so keep them in mind for 2021 and beyond. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Bob Podraza on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or at bob.podraza@edwardjones.com
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
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
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
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!
Evangel Assembly of God
401 Arch Street Perkasie, PA 18944 484-860-8269 Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am, Adult Sunday School 9:30am, Wednesday Evening Prayer & Bible Study 6:00pm, Where God’s Love Changes Lives
BY REV. DAVID HECKLER
As we enter December together, let me offer you a word of encouragement: 2020 is almost over. This year of political chaos, of massive wildfires and floods and a record-breaking hurricane season, of the deaths of a quarter of a million Americans from the coronavirus pandemic and the ghastly “social distancing” it’s required from us— it’s almost over. We even have the promise of several effective coronavirus vaccines ahead of us. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, and it may not be an oncoming freight train… But it’s still December. The days are getting shorter, the air colder, the skies darker. Our normal tendency to experience “the winter blues” is made even worse by the physical and emotional exhaustion the pandemic and its cautions have piled upon us; and the “tidings of comfort and joy” the holidays usually promise us have already been disrupted by a more isolated Thanksgiving observance and economically
First United Methodist Church
501 Market Street Perkasie, PA 18944 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Suzanne Wenonah Duchesne Sunday Worship Schedule: 10 AM weekly. We invite you and your loved ones to join us.
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, Evening 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:30pm; Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:30am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult Bible Study 7pm.
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. We offer an invitation to you. Come and worship with us.
stressed Christmas and Hanukkah preparations. And let’s face it: our Christmas celebrations will be different this year, in our homes and churches alike. And Advent— that season of waiting and watching and preparation that takes up most of December? We who long for jingle bells often consider it an unwelcome intrusion upon our celebrating. But this year, this year, we all need to observe an honest Advent. We all need to reject the temptation to dive into jingle-belled denial; we all need to feel the darkness, to lament our losses, to long for a new day, and in the midst of our unexpected poverty and vulnerability, to dare to hope— to hope that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t an incoming freight train, but the beacon of One coming in love to look for us, to meet us where we are in the midst of the darkness, and to not simply point us to the light, but to take us by the hand with His own very human hand and bring us to that light of a new day… One of my favorite Advent/Christmas
Morning Star Fellowship
429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-6422 Pastors: John & Theresa Decker www.mstarqtown.org Sunday service at 10 am, Children’s Ministries provided, Student Ministries on Tuesdays, Weekly Connection through small groups, Cafe open with free coffee. Check the website for updated information.
Palisades Community Bible 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
Quakertown United Methodist Church
1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Lori Wagner Effective July 12, 9:00 a.m. Parking Lot Worship, 10:00 a.m. In-Sanctuary Worship There is no Sunday School for the time being. 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. John’s Lutheran Church
4 South Main Street • PO Box 459 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org Pastor: Rev. Katherine Steinly www.stjohnsrpa.org/sermons facebook.com/stjohnsrpa.org Watch our Virtual Sunday Church Services 9:30 am on Live on Facebook or any time on Facebook or on our website. Music by our talented Pastor Kat and Choir Master, Zack von Menchhofen, cago. Virtual services continue until our area turns Green.
carols is “The Hills are Bare at Bethlehem”. Its haunting Appalachian tune and its honest lyrics testify to both our dark Advent realities and the Christmas hope that’s so much deeper than jingle bells and dazzling decorations: The hills are bare at Bethlehem; no future for the world they show. Yet here new life begins to grow— from earth’s old dust, a greenwood stem. The stars are cold at Bethlehem; no warmth for those beneath the sky. Yet here the radiant angels fly, and joy burns new, a fiery gem. The heart is tired at Bethlehem; no human dream unbroken stands. Yet here God comes to mortal hands, and hope renewed cries out “Amen!” text by royce scherf. © 1978 lutheran book of worship
Our hope this dark and uncertain December and always is rooted in the truth that God comes to meet us where we are, not in dazzling and overwhelming “shock and awe” glory, but in the very human flesh and blood of Jesus of Nazareth. God comes to meet us as one of us, sharing our vulnerability, fully knowing our isolation and
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Road, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Worship services online, available through church website: stjohnsofspinnerstown. org. Call or check website for updates on resumption of on-site services.
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 stpauls@netcarrier.com www.stpaulsqtown.org Pastor: Rev. David Heckler We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome.
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street Sellersville, PA 18960 215-257-7268 Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net 9am Fellowship Hall, Prayer Shawl Ministry is held 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 1 to 3pm. (June 14 - Sept 13)
Victory Fellowship Church 120 Ridge Road, Telford 215-453-9988 victoryfellowshippa@gmail.com www.victoryfellowshippa.org Pastor: Dr. Virgil A. Mobley Full Gospel.A friendly, loving, and joyful church where the presence of God is in His house. Check out our website..
weariness and suffering and yet drawing us to Himself in love. God comes to us in a way that stupefies our anger and frustration and fear with the immediate need and innocence of a baby, bidding us to take Him to ourselves even as He takes us into Himself and bringing us in that shared embrace into a life and a future that whatever its uncertainties is still held in God’s loving hand. And even when this holy embrace takes shape around an animal’s feed trough, its holy possibilities still make angels sing and God’s new creation burst into our darkened world not with threats of destruction, but with a baby’s cry. So though these days ahead be dark and colder, let’s not dwell in fear and despair. The trials of 2020 won’t last forever. We’re people of the Promise that there’s a Light and a Life ahead of us, coming to meet us with an embrace of love that not even the shadow of death can overcome—and the name of this Promise is Jesus! David Heckler is the pastor at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Applebachsville and Christ Church UCC in Trumbauersville. He can be reached at prdaveheckler@gmail.com.
December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28!
Celebrating 80 Years of a Friendly Family Business In November, Quakertown Alive! board members, staffers from State Representative Craig Staats’s office, and representatives from Quakertown Borough congratulated Jim Roberts and his family on the 80th anniversary of the Friendly Book Store in Quakertown. The family-owned business opened in October of 1940 in the lobby of the long-gone Merchants National Bank – on the site currently occupied by Dunkin’, 224 West Broad Street. The store outgrew the bank lobby and moved to the building next-door. When that building was demolished to provide a parking area between the Merchants Bank and Sine’s 5 & 10 in 1961, the Friendly Book Store moved to its current building on the corner of West Broad
and 3rd Streets. The Friendly Book Store is described as a “family-owned corporation” by Jim Roberts, who is also a longtime member of Borough Council. Jim, his wife Donna, their son Michael, and sister-in-law Kathy can often be found at the store. The bookstore primarily features Christian products – Bibles, books, greeting cards, church supplies, and curriculum. Customers can also shop for general office supplies and a variety of gift items. Roberts remarks that the family is “very thankful to be a part of the ‘downtown scene’ for these 80 years and always strives to provide friendly and helpful service.”
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
Employment Opportunities
Professional Tree Care & Landscaping - Full time ground worker’s position available. Must have current license and reliable transportation to our location in Quakertown PA. Must have chainsaw experience, able to use a chipper and drive a full size pick up. Start right away. Call 215-804-8208 Kulp Roofing & Construction - We are currently in need of experienced individuals for our roof repair team, gutter team, and window team. Individuals must be motivated, punctual, detail-oriented, professional and loyal. We are looking for long-term, year-round help. Applications accepted at our office at 216 D, Apple St., Quakertown, PA, Call 215-538-0618 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. Contact us at Jbiagioli5775@gmail.com Spor’s General Store - Hiring PT Kitchen staff Contact: bspor@ sporsgeneralstore.com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville
New Vitae Wellness & Recovery Join our jolly staff and make someone’s holiday joyful! New Vitae Wellness & Recovery is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with mental disabilities. NVWR is currently seeking enthusiastic, highly productive people for our Personal Care Aides, CNA’s, Brain Injury Support Specialists, Medication Technicians, Activities Coordinator, LPN’s, Maintenance, and Therapist positions. Please submit resumes to: www.newvitaewellness.com/ careers Independence Court - Seeking Resident Care Aide and Full time housekeeping staff. 215-538-7050, 1660 Park Avenue, Quakertown. Lazer Limousine is growing and starting an office in the Quakertown area. We have a diverse fleet, from sedans to bus, to handle any number of passengers. Flexible schedule. 267-371-7857 The Gutter Guys - Seeking career minded employees. No experience required, just a valid driver’s license. We’re based in Perkasie. Contact Kim at mbgutterguys@aol.com or call 215-996-9976.
December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue.
Think Local. Play Local. Be Local.
Bows Candle Candy Cane Decorations Elf Evergreen Tree
Garland Gifts Holly Berries Knit Hats Lights Ornaments
Packages Poinsettia Ribbons Rudolph Nose Santa Nose Santa Suit
Sleigh Stockings Tissue Paper Ugly Sweater Wrapping Paper Wreaths
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
The Business Succession Plan
Integral Documents Frequently Omitted by Business Owners BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. Ownership transfer is an issue that many small businesses in America struggle with on a yearly basis. According to some statistics, less than one third of family businesses survive the ownership transfer from first to second generation. Even fewer will survive the transition from second to third generation. As such, a comprehensive business succession plan is necessary for all small business owners who wish to have their business continue on after their retirement or death. Shareholder’s Agreements are Critical! If more than one individual owns stock in a business, a shareholder’s agreement is extremely important. Without a shareholder’s agreement, the business can run into some serious problems when a shareholder dies or wishes to sell their ownership. A shareholder’s agreement will determine the officers/ board of directors for a corporation, the process and timeline for selling company stock, the stock valuation formula, along with other basic operational policies such as rights of first refusal, etc. These agreements must also be updated regularly, or else portions of the contract may be rendered useless. Link Your Business Succession Plan to Your Estate Plan. There is not nearly enough time or space to explain all of the potential estate planning issues business owners face in this short piece, but just know that these issues exist and are complex. Through the use of wills, trusts, strategic
life insurance, estate tax deductions on certain assets, lifetime estate tax exemptions, gift tax exemptions, and the like, a well thought out estate plan can ensure that your business assets will survive and pass on to those you desire. Don’t Forget About an Exit Plan! In the event that you decide your business should not continue on in your family, you need to have a contingent exit plan in place. This plan might consist of multiple strategies such as selling to a third party, selling to an existing management team, or through a previously implemented employee stock ownership plan. Whatever the case, if you do not want your family to be involved in your business, you need to make sure that you have the ability to liquidate and/or obtain value for the business you spent years building. While many businesses face similar problems when it comes to proper succession planning, each business has its own unique set of circumstances and there is no “standard succession plan” that will solve all the issues of each business. The best way to tailor a succession plan to your business is to sit down with your attorney and explain the different dynamics and circumstances surrounding your business. 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, business law and real estate law. To set up a consultation, call his office at (267) 227-9138 or visit his website at www.fravel-law.com.
“I pray this winter be gentle and kind - a season of rest from the wheel of the mind.” - John Geddes
Bringing Holiday Plants Home This is the time of year when we want to brighten our homes with Holiday Plants. Following a few simple rules will help the plants transition from store to your home. Cover the leaves of the plant when taking from the store to your vehicle. None of these plants tolerate fluctuating temperature changes or drafts when they are blooming. Exposing them to the elements, can cause bud and/or leaf drop. Never leave them in your vehicle while you shop. When choosing a spot for the plant in your home, avoid heat registers and drafty windowsills. Always remove plastic sleeves and foil from your holiday plants to avoid poor drainage. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) prefer moist but not soggy soil. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) will tolerate a little drier conditions. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Poinsettias can benefit from an application of a soluable fertilizer. It is not necessary to fertilize your Christmas Cactus or Amaryllis while blooming. Both species prefer bright indirect light with maximum daytime temperatures between 65-70 degrees. Nighttime temperatures between 55-60 degrees will help to lengthen the life of your holiday plants. Amaryllis (hippeastrum spp.) prefer bright sunlight while they are growing. Once in bloom move them to an area with bright indirect light with a maximum temperature of 65 degrees. Give your Holiday plants the proper environment and you will enjoy them throughout the holiday season. These Penn State Publications can give you the advice you need for success. tinyurl.com/ y6tm2tjd and tinyurl.com/y3kmqsc9 Bucks County Master Gardeners Receive Awards The Annual Penn State Master Gardener Awards and Recognition Ceremony was held via Zoom on October 27th, 2020. This year Bucks County Master Gardeners were well represented. Two Master Gardeners were recognized as high achievers with a combined 1,042 hours of volunteer service. Three Master Gardeners were recognized as high achievers with a combined 556 hours of continuing education. The minimum requirement for volunteer service and continuing education is 20 hours and 10 hours respectively. The Container Garden won a 2nd Place David Gibby Search for Excellence Award in the Demonstration Garden Category for its “Children’s Garden for the Senses”. The 2019 summer garden included containers all designed to invite children to use their imag-
ination and be inspired by horticulture. It included: ‘We Planted a Rainbow’ inspired by the children’s book by Lois Ehlert, A Hypertufa Fairy Garden, A Clock Garden featuring plants that bloomed at different times of the day, and an Herb Garden with plants to stimulate the senses. (Thank you Christopher Betz and UBFP for donating the banner.)
Photo by Kathleen Connally, MG/MWS Coordinator
It is a high achievement for our Bucks County volunteers to be recognized. Make sure to avail yourself of the knowledge and enthusiasm of this group of volunteers! Newly Planted Perennials, Shrubs & Trees Continue to water newly planted perennials, shrubs and trees until the ground freezes. Proper hydration is essential for new plants that are trying to grow and establish healthy root systems to survive the winter. Looking for gift ideas for yourself or your favorite gardener? A Garden Diary or Journal is always welcome. There are so many good books available, but two of the best are Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy. Taylor your gift to your gardener’s interests such as perennials, garden design, insects, cacti and succulents, etc. Free seed catalogs are also available and are eye candy during the cold months of winter. The list is endless. Spotted Lanternfly Update Continue to search for and remove any egg masses you find. This publication has the most up to date information on identifying and destroying egg masses: tinyurl.com/y5vexgg6 Our home Garden/Watershed hotline is still open! Calls are being answered Monday through Friday from 9 am to 12 pm. Emails are being answered by our trained Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards. You can still call if you prefer. Leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Phone: 267-483-2020 • BucksMG@psu.edu “Ask a Master Gardener/Watershed Steward” Penn State Extension Bucks County Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!
End of Year Thoughts The year 2020 is drawing to a close and I think we can all agree, it is time for it to end. This year has been filled with a lot of darkness and sadness, and has not been a banner year for our world for many reasons. It’s so easy to get swallowed by the bad, and forget the good – to focus on not seeing family or friends, to not being able to travel, or go do the activities you normally do, and on and on. So easy to go down that road of despair and depression, and loneliness. However, (there has to be a however, right?), as bad as this year as been, there are LOTS of positive things too. As much as this virus and the election has divided us, it has also brought us together and has made some positive changes in our world. There is less pollution due to more people working from home! There have been more animals adopted from shelters than ever before with people home more too! Friends and families have made more time to talk, even if it is remotely, and this list could go on and on as well! I think that as bad as things can seem, and as negative as the world can be….there is always hope, and there is always light too. So, to end this crazy year, here are three reminders that I personally am going to carry into 2021: 1. When you can’t find a helper, be a helper – a favorite quote of mine comes from Mr. Rogers - “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers— so many caring people in this world.” What
I personally take from this, is when something bad happens, there will always be people who step up to help! And if you see something bad, or someone in need and can step you, you always should. However, if you are the one in need, it’s also important to remember that it is ok to need help, and it is ok to ask for help – we all need it at one time or another! 2. When you feel sad, go outside – this may seem so simple and so silly, but I find that if I’m getting overwhelmed or stressed, the act of going outside and going for a walk or even just getting some fresh air ALWAYS makes me feel better. Sometimes you just need to take a break and get some love from nature to hit reset and get back on track! And your dog will love the extra walk too! 3. There is always something to be thankful for – I know this one seems cliché, and in some ways it is….but, a really great mental exercise when you have a bad day is to think of one thing that went right, or one thing that made you smile. And then once you think of that one thing, think of another….and another… and another. And pretty soon, even on those darkest days, you can remember all the things that brought you joy. I know so many people are struggling right now, myself included, and just want our world to be normal again! Eventually, it will be…but I think for now, we just need to embrace what we have, and look forward to a new year filled with new opportunities. Happy New Year everyone – may it be filled with joy and love (and some puppy and kitten snuggles)! 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.
December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Let’s Play ‘Dumpster or No Dumpster’ When cleaning out grandma’s attic, are you making decisions based on memories, just guessing an object’s value as you go? When it comes to your valuable objects, would you recognize the treasures from the trash? My quiz game, “Dumpster or No Dumpster” will help you to use your antiques knowledge to determine whether you should throw something out or keep it. You may have already done this when you were downsizing, sorting out belongings during a heated divorce, settling your parents’ estate, or just cleaning out the clutter during the Covid 19 pandemic. So, do you know if you made the right choice about your stuff? Using my education and experience evaluating approximately 20,000 objects every year, many in homes like yours, my job is to research the market and provide accurate appraisals based on actual sales records where somebody paid cash, wrote a check, paid via ApplePay or PayPal, or swiped a credit card to buy an art, antique or collectible item. With an appraisal, my clients can make informed decisions about buying, selling, insuring, donating, or disposing of family heirlooms and other stuff. If you’ve read my columns over the years, watched me on TV, or attended my public appraisal events, then you know how fun it is to test your knowledge with the “Dumpster or No Dumpster” quiz. 1. Your family is cleaning out grandma’s house. Your brother in law wants to throw out grandma’s vintage Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments from the 1950s. Your sister in law wants to throw out grandpa’s Lionel train set. Who is making the bigger mistake by tossing a family heirloom? A. Brother in law who wants to toss the Christmas ornaments B. Sister in law who want to toss the Lionel train set C. Both brother in law and sister in law Answer: C. Both pieces headed to the dumpster could bring hundreds to thousands of dollars. For instance, if you sell the Christmas ornaments at prime holiday selling time, from November 1 to January 1, you will do best to bring home a good return. And, you should list and sell each ornament individually on eBay, Etsy, or Rubylane.com highlighting its best attributes in your listing with a clear, closely cropped photograph. For a large collection of Christmas ornaments by Shiny Brite, Christopher Radko and other name brands, you can command several hundreds of dollars for them at holiday time when people are looking for ornaments that spark memories while decorating the tree. If you have a set in a box, value of all of them increases a little more by keeping them in the original box.
Similarly, your sister in law probably doesn’t know that depending on the condition, pieces included in the set, gauge and rarity of the Lionel train set, it can be worth thousands when selling online. 2. In the purest definition of the word, which object has been patinated? A. A Bakelite bracelet B. A bronze sculpture of a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Answer: B. Patina references the application of pigment on cast metal sculpture in a foundry environment when discussing sculpture. Knowing the vocabulary of antiques helps to properly identify what you have and find out, with an appraiser’s help, what it’s truly worth. 3. Mother is downsizing and moving to an active senior living community to be near some of her friends. Mother tells you and your sister to share the Spode holiday china service for 12 featuring the decorated holiday tree. Mother wants to be fair, so she splits up the Spode service evenly between you are your sister giving you six place settings and a few platters and serving pieces and giving your sister the same amount of place settings and a few platters and serving pieces. This seems fair but is this a good idea for long term value? A. It is never a good idea to split up sets B. It is fine to split up a set as long as it is split equally. Answer: A. China sets should be kept intact to preserve value and condition. Keep sets in the same environment so they may age evenly over time. While it is difficult to choose who gets a beloved holiday set of china when it comes to family heirlooms, it is a good idea to gift one sister the entire holiday china set and give the other sister another family heirloom of similar value and equal family and sentimental importance. To make things fair, the sister who got the china service can be given the chore of always inviting the other sister over for holiday dinner! You stand to lose a lot of money when you play “Dumpster or No Dumpster” in your grandma’s attic without expert advice, so be sure to ask me if you need to know what goes into the Dumpster and what does not. Don’t just guess what’s valuable, play “Dumpster or No Dumpster” with me regularly on social media and Youtube. Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s #1 hit show about the world’s oldest treasure hunt, The Curse of Oak Island. For more information about valuable art, antiques, collectibles, visit www.DrLoriV.com and www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV
Mason Smith Receives Young Citizens Award Quakertown Community High School senior Mason Smith was awarded the 2020 Young Citizens Award for Outstanding Community Service by Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Mason is pictured here with his award from the PA Senate and a flag from PA Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Due to safety restraints related to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s awards ceremony was virtual.
Mason was nominated for this honor by Richland Township Supervisors Tim Arnold and Kathie Doyle for his outstanding work organizing the multi-township food drive that took place on May 15. Just over 12,000 pounds of food donations were collected in six hours at that event. Donors drove their cars to six collection points in the Upper Bucks area to benefit the Quakertown Food Pantry.
photo by michele buono
Red Kettles Go Idle, Need Remains
Each year, the Salvation Army conducts its famous Red Kettle fund raising campaign. All of the monies collected stay in the Upper Bucks area to help local families and individuals, our neighbors. Normally we have local area high school students volunteer to ring the bell at our kettle stands. Throughout the years you have seen our local students volunteering at the kettle stands, however, this year because of Covid-19 our campaign has been severely curtailed. The need, however, to help our neighbors is greater than ever. As a result, we are appealing directly to the general public to make contributions directly to the Salvation Army that would have normally been contributed to the kettle campaign
that would have normally gone into the kettles. This year we had our annual back to school program which helped well over 100 students. We will again be conducting our adopt a family program as well as the Christmas Carnival gift program as well as our normal assistance programs for families and individuals. Donations should be sent to The Salvation Army, Upper Bucks Service Unit, PO Box 955, Quakertown, Pa. 18951. All monies donated will stay in this area to help our neighbors. If you desire any additional information or have any questions, please contact us at the Salvation Army at 215-529-6547.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2020
Perkasie Tree Lighting Goes Virtual
Pawsome Gifts for Your Dog Getting ready for the big howl-a-day? Need some ideas on what to buy your furry little Santa’s helper? Do you hate muddy paws? I highly recommend some microfiber towels which wick the moisture from your dog’s feet. They really do work great. You can keep these microfiber towels in the car for the end of your walk or near the door for when you get back inside the house. They’re machine washable, too! Now that the clocks have changed, it gets dark early. Easy on the pocketbook, is a flashing light collar for your dog. You are more visible and safer this way if you have to take an evening walk. It also helps keep track of where your dog is in the yard. You and your dog can have loads of fun while exercising your dog’s mind. Using activity toys or brain games can be great fun and enhance your relationship. Keeping your pup entertained isn’t always an easy task, particularly if you’re not home with them. Puzzle game toys are a great solution. They typically come in three levels, easier to more difficult. How it works: simply hide treats in the toys various compartments, close the lids, and let
your dog get to work. Once she gets the hang of things, depending on the puzzle, you can increase the difficulty. Besides easing boredom this toy is also a great way to prevent destructive chewing. Plus, your pooch gets a reward for all of her hard work. If you’re a tech-obsessed dog owner or a pet parent who hates to leave Fido home alone, the dog camera is the best gift for you and your pup this year. There are a couple different makes and models out there. Some are pretty snazzy. One has a two-way1080 camera that not only allows you to not only check in on your dog while you’re away but can also toss her a treat to keep her engaged. It features night vision and a bark sensor which will send an alert straight to your phone whenever your dog is getting a little rowdy. It has an easy setup, all it requires is wi-fi and a power source. Just remember to make sure you save room on your phone for all those endless dog selfies you can take with its camera. The best gift to give your dog this year is fear, pain, and force free dog training! Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner and instructor for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown. She www.molassescreekdogtraining.com
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ”
- Norman Vincent Peale
Perkasie Borough has the honor of hosting a local non-profit. More information about the the nation’s oldest outdoor community Tree Community Tree Lighting Display Contest Lighting Ceremony. Over its 111 years the cer- can be found at https://perkasieborough.org/ emony has seen many changes as it has adapted our-events/tree-lighting- ceremony/ “Our 2020 Tree Lighting is different for to accommodate events unique to the time. The Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, for sure,” acknowledged Charles Brooks, counexample, has relocated at least twice and was cilman and chair of the Borough’s Parks and even conducted using an artificial tree for a Recreation Committee. “This annual event few short years! As the COVID-19 pandemic typically draws upwards of 6,000 people to presents what might be the most serious chal- Perkasie’s town center, and we have to make lenge ever to holding the event Perkasie, like sure that we put safety first in the middle of communities around the world, must come up this global pandemic. We’re proud that we are with creative solutions so the show can go on! creating a Tree Lighting that can be enjoyed A concerted effort by Borough staff and the by even more people, wherever they are, and Perkasie Towne Improvement Association to that we can preserve for posterity. Perkasie is ensure safety has resulted in a different kind creating history – again!” The Borough will also hold four weekends of Tree Lighting Ceremony this year, one that may be enjoyed by families from the comfort of Holiday activities starting Nov. 28. The of their own homes. Here’s how it will work: “Winter Wanderland” will feature some of the traditional and time-honored elements of activities families have come to expect at the Perkasie’s historic ceremony will be recorded Tree Lighting Ceremony, including carolers in advance and broadcast during the commu- strolling through the town center, horse-drawn nity’s monthly news magazine video show, carriage rides, live window displays and more. “Perkasie LIVE”, which will be streamed at A sprawling outdoor holiday market, com6:30pm on Saturday December 5th. Viewers plete with food, music, and shopping specials will be treated to Perkasie Mayor Hollenbach’s is scheduled for Dec. 12 from 11am to 4pm. annual recitation of “’Twas the Night Before Aaron Clark, Councilman and chair of the Christmas”, rocking holiday tunes, carols and, Borough’s Economic Development Committee of course, the magical moment when Santa asks residents and visitors to continue to visit and to shop in the Borough first and that “our lights Perkasie’s tree from on high. continued To enhance support rethe magical Perkasie Tree Lighting Circa 2019 mains crucial holiday experifor the health ence, residents and survivand businesses al of our in Perkasie friends and Borough for the neighbors, first time are who work encouraged to tirelessly to participate in a keep their massive 2020 small business Community doors open as Tree Lighting the pandemic D i s p l a y continues”. Contest. The More inforBorough is inmation about viting residents the schedule and businesses of Holiday to decorate their own outside trees and join their neighbors to events can be found at www.perkasieborlight up the whole community together at 8pm ough.org/ShopPerkasie or on the Borough’s Facebook page. on Saturday December 5th. The Borough is grateful to American “While COVID-19 precautions mean that we have to be careful about large gatherings Heritage Federal Credit Union, Grim Biehn this year, I think we can come together in a & Thatcher, The Ram, McDonalds, Dunkin’ different way” commented Councilman Matt Donuts, Vicki Lilley Thrivent Financial, Aigeldinger. “What a magical thing it would Penn Community Bank, Perkasie Dental be to have all the lights in Perkasie turned on Loft, EFE Labs, On Trac Entertainment, at the same moment”. Generous sponsorships PBR Productions and the Perkasie Historical from local businesses mean that three win- Society for their generous support of the 2020 ning displays could win a $500 donation for Tree Lighting event.
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” - Buddy the Elf
A Conversation with December
Hello, December, cheerless as some may think you are. I have anticipated your presence for many months. I greet you with a smile and an expectation that you will not linger beyond your assigned thirty-one days and 744 hours. I have searched the cavities of my mind to determine if there was ever a time during my life that I longed for you to leave as quickly as you had entered. On the contrary, I always felt that you could have added a few more days and hours to your month. After all, one of my favorite celebrations is held during the twelfth month of the year. But 2020 is a different year and December will be a different month. The world is experiencing something that only those few people who have been blessed to live to be 100 plus years old can relate to. The only thing the rest of us know about the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918, according to history, is that it caused 50 million deaths worldwide. Currently, we are treading uncharted waters with the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020. Doctors and scientists are still learning about this deadly virus. They are endeavoring to create vaccines to halt the virus, as well as asking people to take precautions to prevent the spread from becoming more uncontrollable. The past ten months have been a challenge for many people, and for that reason we are looking forward to a new year which can only happen when your month makes an exit. But alas, December, I will not allow you to cast a shadow of darkness as I navigate through the thirty-one days that you claim. As I celebrate this Christmas month, I will choose to focus on special blessings for twelve days out of the month. My Twelve Days of Special Blessings 1. I am thankful for the gift of motherhood, one of the greatest blessings in my life. 2. I will meditate on a special blessing that
I received, and that is the gift of Jesus, the Reason for the Season. 3. I will be reminded of the most blessed joy in my life after my children, and that is my precious grandchildren. 4. I will prepare to accept a new season and to be blessed by the beauty and splendor of winter. 5. I will cherish my true friends because there is a friend “who sticks closer than a brother,” and I am blessed to have them. 6. I will be thankful for my health, despite aches and pains that accompany maturity. 7. I will make this day all about Love, a necessary part of my life, and a gift that I must possess to pay it forward to others. 8. I will embrace my sense of humor because laughter is therapeutic to the mind, body, and soul. 9. I will take great pleasure in my love of Chocolate – its beauty and its velvet taste. 10. I will dedicate this day praying for those who cannot be with their families during this Christmas Season, for the families who have lost loved ones to the Coronavirus, and for all who have an empty chair at their table. 11. I will reflect on the story of the Christ Child from Luke 2:1-14. 12. I will celebrate my twelfth day of blessings and be thankful for the greatest gift of all – Jesus. And so, December, as I usher you out, I wish my family, friends, and dedicated readers of The World as I See It” a very Merry Christmas filled with many blessings. For those who observe this holiday, please celebrate wisely, safely, and enjoyably. Merry Christmas! Jacque Holliday is a long time freelance contributor to UBFP. She always welcomes your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org
December 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Why So Complex? As if changes were not happening on a fast pace; the advent of COVID-19 really brought on us changes I never would have imagined. For months all dentist and doctor appointments were cancelled or on an emergency basis. Matter of fact, my dentist office being a part of a multi-office system was closed for a period of time. Things certainly did change since that period and it is understandable as these dentists and specialist are working in your mouth. Common procedure of temperature taking, witnessed hand washing, and rinsing your mouth with the worst tasting stuff is the new normal. Because of having major dental work being performed late last year and this year (after a few months postponement) I am an expert on the procedure. Going back to PRE-COVID-19 times and way back to the 1950-60’s remember when you went to the Medical Doctor when you were sick? Back in the 1950-60s a person only went to the doctor after the patent cough medicine and Vicks Vapo-Rub didn’t work and you started with a fever. No appointments were necessary and the sick person would wait in a room with other sick people to see the doctor. After seeing the doctor he or she would, in most cases, give you medicine and little pink pills for the fever. After your parent paid the $5.00 for the visit you went on your way. If you were really sick, the doctor would come out to your place (They usually drove black Buick’s). These calls were a bit more; but you got the same service. Now you have to arrange a visit through an appointment which is usually given to you at the end of the visit that took place either 3 or 6 months ago. If you need medicine, the girl at the computer who takes your folder from you after you spent time with the doctor (who spent most of his or her time on their laptop during your visit) will call or e-mail the script to the pharmacy. That is after a technician did all the preliminary checking and asking a myriad of questions before the MD came in. Now enters the Covid-19 visit. When you enter the office, your temperature is taken, you have to give a history of your travels (If out of state was involved.), who you were around, and fill out forms that seem to be repetitive in the same information as you filled out at your last visit. Then you can have the visit with the Doctor. What is different this time is that you CAN’T BE SICK! If you didn’t pass the test at the front desk – no visit. You would have to go to another office or facility. What would happen to that 1950’s child who was going to go to the doctor when home remedies failed?
Instead of walking in as in the past and sitting for a long period of time with other sick people, we now make appointments. When calling for an appointment nowadays you have to reserve what seems to be about 5-10 minutes to listen to all “The Prompts.” Then after determining which button to press that best suits your need (Usually after listening to all the prompts at least 2 times) you now get another detailed message asking your date of birth, age, and possibly the last 4 of your social security number and the telephone number to be reached at, before you leave your message asking to see the Doctor. Now you await a reply call. Usually the person will try to schedule you in about a week or two. If you are really sick they will give you a phone number of an “Emergency Care Facility or special office in their network.” You then better still schedule a follow-up appointment while you still have a live person you are talking to! Be prepared to go through the same 10-15 minute routine with the Emergency Care or network facility unit. If this is the first time you are visiting with them, be ready for more historic questions. My best advice is to concentrate on staying healthy because it is not quite as simple as “Back in the Day!” While typing this I heard that over Thanksgiving one of our neighboring states is only going to limit the number of people to no more than 10 persons in a residence. Back in the early history of Bucks County many families had more that 10 persons in a family with grandpa & grandma living with them. If that would be the case, how would you determine who has to leave to make the number 10? I wrote this article in the spirit of what us old-timers called “An Abbot & Costello” comedy routine. Even they would not have dreamt up such complex “Who’s on First” stories as I outlined above. The only thing that is really funny is that “They are what is really happening!” So far Covit-19 Governors rules have taken away Easter, now they are threatening Thanksgiving, and I can imagine “Christmas” will be a wipeout. Speaking of missing out on things past, I really miss the family get togethers. I even miss the usual “Family Discussions” on politics and sports teams. I sincerely hope that you had a Healthy Thanksgiving and I wish you a Merry Christmas. My hope is that the Santa Claus of my day who had to come down a chimney doesn’t get stuck or choke on his cookie as I would have a hard time getting in touch with a doctor. Good night Abbot! Dick Helm is a long time Quakertown area resident
and
regular
contributor
here
UBFP. Reach him at rbh9@verizon.net.
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