Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

January 29

February 5

February 12

Springfield Twp Hist. Soc. Church School Open House 9:30am-12noon at 2165 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg) View our historical documents, etc.. All welcome. FMI: Tom Cline 484-308-1510 ‘Rock Revival Band’ 8pm (food served 7pm, $7/person), Door prizes & more at Trumbauersville Betterment Club, 2000 Oak Dr. Public welcome, non-mbrs $5 cover. (smoking area available) FMI: 215-538-1314.

Also on Facebook.

‘Groundhog Lodge for Kids’ Facebook Live Show 1:30pm-3:30pm. FMI: 215-679-3103 or schwenkfelder.org

SML Popart Valentine’s Art Show, 11am7pm. Original artwork from local artists at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115

Tournament’ (support local kids in need)

Quakertown HS Girls Softball “Designer Bag Bingo” at Benner Hall, 1260 E Cherry Rd, Quakertown, 1pm (open 12noon), Tkts: $25/adv, $30/door. Refreshments & Raffles available. FMI/Tkts: Jeanne 267-228-8112 Paletown Rod & Gun Club “Winter Shoot” begins 12noon at Club Grounds, 360 Axe Handle Rd, Quakertown. Prizes! Held rain/ shine.

February 14 Valentine’s Day

team of 5. Snacks/beverages sold. Register:

February 7, 14, 21

“Our Town” by Thornton Wilder performed at DeSales University-Labuda Ctr, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley. FMI: psf@ pashakespeare.org or 610-282-3192

Rm 201. Live wrestling 4th Saturday of each

February 17

March 3

January 30 Red Cross Blood Drive 10am-3pm in Event Rm 201 at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. To make appointment: redcross. org, code word: qmart Free clothing for those in need at Grace’s Closet, Grace UMC, 295 S Main St, Telford.

(Sundays 11:30am-1pm) (Wednesdays 6pm8pm) Other times by appt. FMI: 215-723-2144 or telfordgrace.org

January 31 Free Monday Meals, 5:15pm-6:30pm (every Mon.) at Morning Star Fellowship, 429 S 9th St, Quakertown Chili Sale Fundraiser (order by Jan 31 for pick-up Feb 5 from 3pm-5pm) at Lower Saucon UCC, 1375 Third Ave, Hellertown. $10/quart ($2 goes to food bank). FMI: 610-838-8821.

February 2 Groundhog Day Monthly ‘Coffee Club’ (free coffee & donuts) 9am at Robert James Investments, 1313 W Broad St, Quakertown. Use Burgess Foulke House entrance. Register: 215-583-5013.

Kids’ Holiday Workshop: Groundhog Day, 9:30am-10am at Schwenkfelder Heritage Ctr, 105 Seminary St, Pennsburg. Free event, prizes for kids who can answer some questions.

FMI: 215-679-3103

February 6

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

February 9 Woman’s Club of Indian Valley will meet 1pm at Telford Community Bldg, 125 W Hamilton St, Telford. Masks required.

Prepare JARED Boxes (small gifts, etc. for child patients) at Doylestown Hosp. FMI: Woman’sClub IV.com or 862-251-3076.

Order your $6 Zion Hoagies by Feb 9 (pick up Feb 16 at Zion Lutheran, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill). FMI/or to order call 215-536-7818 or email: zion. zionhillhoagies@gmail.com by today.

February 10 to March 3 Indian Creek Foundation’s 3rd Annual Online Gift Basket Raffle. Variety of themes & values! Winners announced live on March 3. Visit website, indcreek.org to view baskets & buy tickets for $1-$5. 267-230-1500 x205.

‘Snow Moon Walk’ 6pm-7pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. (not recommened for kids under 7), polite leashed dogs welcome. FMI: 215-348-6270. Register at: peacevalleynaturecenter.org

February 16 to 27

Free Community Dinner (3rd Thurs. every month) 5:30pm (doors open 5pm) at First UCC, 4th St & Park Ave, Quakertown. All welcome, no need for reservations. FMI: 215-536-4447

February 19 Saturday Craft Show, 9am-4pm. Handmade by local crafters. Event Rm 201. Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115

February 21 Presidents Day February 24 Blood Drive 3pm-8pm at The Proper Brewing Co Banquet Hall, 117 W Broad St, Quakertown. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Proper to schedule an appointment.

Have something to share with your community? info@ubfp.org • 215-529-8915 www.ubfp.org • fb.com/ubfreepress 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Often, during the winter (and after floods—see past articles), I feel like just getting out of here. Like many people my age (whose mom’s used generous amounts of Crisco and butter), I take daily anticholesterol medication and aspirin. I blame that hematological dilution for my inability to handle the cold like I used to.

Regardless of the frantic promise of a warmer world, I sometimes envy my old buddy Harry Evans and wife, Terry Gross (both QHS class of 1970), who, after a nasty winter here, moved to South Carolina.

I used to like the winter. I’ve been an alpine skier since junior high, did winter camping with the Scouts and never missed a chance to go tobogganing, skating or sledding. Once during a severe blizzard, Harry and Billy Bryan (class of 1970), and I decided (for some idiotic reason), to hike over to our cabin in Haycock. We left a note in case we got stuck.

Our parents panicked. Harry’s dad (a very angry man that day), put on tire chains and picked us up along Old Bethlehem Road. We were fine, not even that cold.

There used to be a bank on West Broad Street across from 4th with a clock that alternated between time and temperature. I

February 16

remember seeing it at zero degrees a few times and thinking: “that’s pretty cold.” I still went out into it, walked from the Third Ward up to the high school with only minor complaints.

But, at that age my blood was bubbly hot with teenage hormones.

Another time, my dad dropped my brother Dan (class of 1971), and I off in Haycock to hunt squirrels. There was snow on the ground and it was bitterly cold! At first, I was angry when I found Dan, after an hour or so, and he had a huge fire going behind the rock he was supposed to be ‘sitting for squirrels’ on. We melted the soles of our boots trying to warm our feet. We kept a quick pace on the hike back to Quakertown, which warmed us up, some.

The coldest I’ve ever experienced in Pennsylvania was while at college in Pittsburgh (Pitt--class of 1974). I was married (by choice1st child born 1975), in January, 1972. We lived in an apartment about a mile off campus.

When I walked to class that morning, there was an icy fog and it was 27 below! I was dressed as appropriately as possible and, as a 19 year old newlywed, I had the hormone pumping again.

My suffering was minimal, but the Nationality Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning were so warm I dozed off in Russian Literature class (we were discussing Dostoevsky).

After graduation, we moved to Wyoming where my wife worked as an RN at the Carbon

County Hospital in Rawlins and I (utilizing the full value of my English Lit. degree), got a job at the nearby Sinclair Refinery. It was in Wyoming that I learned the true meaning of cold and winter and, out of necessity, adapted to it.

It’s true, Wyoming has only 3 seasons: winter, July and August. That year, Rawlins got 6 inches of snow on June 19th the 7 inches on September 11th--a short tomato growing season for sure. Once, when I got home from a night shift it was ‘merely’ 6 below, but the wind was blowing 40mph and gusting to 60. I warned her that the three block walk to Riteaid was dangerous. When she got back, her face was glowing red and she was drooling from nose and mouth. She needed help getting a cup of hot tea into her and into the warm bath tub.

People do adapt, though. A few years later, my brother and I were in Quakertown for our father’s funeral. As dusk fell, Dan, who lived near Tampa, got chilly and put on a sweater.

I, in a t-shirt and shorts, was dripping wet with sweat. Our adaptations made us both uncomfortable in the climate we’d grown up in.

My wife and I (and baby #1), soon moved to Casper, WY, and bought a place on the sagebrush prairie ten miles north of town. At Thanksgiving one year, we got 33 inches of snow in 19 hours. The storm was accompanied by three days of 45mph winds. I tried desperately to get to work but was stranded.

The roads closed were by 12 foot drifts and the plows couldn’t keep up. I finally made it into

February 26 Pride of Quakertown ‘9 Pin No-Tap 9:30pm-11:30pm (check-in 9:15) at Earl Bowl Lanes, Quakertown. Prizes! $125/ prideofquakertown.org Quakertown HS Football Booster Pancake Breakfast, 8am 11am in HS Cafeteria, 600 Park Ave. $6/person (unlimited pancakes) Buy from players or at door. All welcome! FMI: info@qtownpantherfootball.com WWWA Wrestling, 6:30pm-9:30pm in month. Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115 3rd Annual Painting With A Purpose, 6:30pm-9:30pm at Indian Creek Fdn, 420 Cowpath Rd, Souderton. Join in person or virtually at home. FMI: 267-230-1500 x205. or at indcreek.org

March 5 ‘Cheers to 100 Years 2022 Auction’ 6:30pm-11pm at St. Isidore School, 603 W Broad St, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-6052 or auction2022@stisidoreschool.com March 13 Souderton HS Cheerleading Basket Bingo 1pm-5pm at HS Cafeteria, 625 Lower Rd, Souderton. Tkts/$25. FMI: 267-474-0694 or jtisoskey414@gmail.com

March 17 Free Community Dinner (3rd Thurs. every month) 5:30pm (doors open 5pm) at First UCC, 4th St & Park Ave, Quakertown. All welcome, no need for reservations. FMI: 215-536-4447 town and stayed at a motel near the refinery. I had to do that several times during the dozen winters we lived there.

My mother from PA visited one Christmas.

During that holiday week, one day the high temperature in Casper was a balmy 9 below.

Other than that, the highest high was 19 below.

Overnight lows reached, consecutively, 28, 22, 34, 39 and 31 below! Mom huddled under an electric blanket, the furnace ran continuously and I burned up most of my firewood. For safety, Casper’s schools closed when the wind chill got to 60 below—which it did several times every winter.

I’ve been back in PA for a long time, now, so I’ve readapted. I actually started to like the ‘mild’ winters again. Now, they’re even less severe than they were back-when. It doesn’t matter, though. I’m still cold a lot. I go through truck loads of heating oil, sit by electric heaters, wear long-underwear to bed, and don’t even consider going squirrel hunting or skiing if it’s much below freezing.

I blame the medications, but maybe I’m just getting old. Quakertown’s my home. My roots here go back to Colonial times. But, some frigid or snowy days I just want to get out of here. I’m lucky to have a vacation house and grand-kids in Southern California (where it never rains and seldom snows). So, before it’s too late, we’re packing up the RV. I’ll be back in the spring... maybe.

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

UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

QNB Bank Pledges $50,000 to Fund New Six-Story Hospital Pavilion QNB Bank has proudly pledged $50,000 to Grand View Health Foundation’s This Is Us Together campaign supporting critical healthcare infrastructure. For more than a century, Grand View Health and QNB Bank have been protecting the well-being of people in Upper Bucks and Northern Montgomery counties while delivering exceptional services, trusted by the people they serve.

“QNB is tremendously grateful to support Grand View Health’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of our community,” said David Freeman, QNB Bank President & CEO. “Together, we are helping make this community a great place to live and work, because we care.”

In summer 2023, Grand View Health will mark 110 years of serving the community with the opening of a new 190,000 square foot, six-story pavilion. Located on Lawn Ave. in Sellersville, the hospital expansion will feature 52 private patient rooms, 10 state-ofthe-art operating rooms, and a new emergency department and rooftop helipad to support Grand View Health’s Level II adult trauma center, the only level II trauma center in Upper Bucks County.

“The importance of this gift from QNB Bank cannot be understated as we move toward our goal to raise $14 million,” said Sandy Alderfer, Grand View Health Foundation Board Chair and Campaign Chair.

Doug Hughes, interim President and CEO of Grand View Health, added: “Since we announced our building project a little over two years ago, healthcare has undergone a historic transformation, and reinforced the need for high quality, community-based healthcare services. We’ve been able to take what we’ve learned from the pandemic and adapt our plans so that we can be ready for whatever comes next.”

Michener Art Museum Presents Keith Haring Exhibit The James A. Michener Art Museum is pleased to present Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy, an exhibition of more than 100 unique and notable works from a private collection, on view March 12 – July 31, 2022. Included in the Michener exhibition are two rare Subway drawings, complete suites of many of the artist’s icon print series and Medusa Head (the largest print in the artist’s oeuvre).

Keith Haring (1958-1990) was arguably the most accomplished and prominent American artist of the 1980s. Born in Reading, PA, and raised in nearby Kutztown, Haring developed an early love for drawing. Through his friendship with artists Kenny Scharf and Jean-Michel Basquiat, he became interested in the colorful graffiti art of city streets which would influence his meteoric rise. Working in a variety of mediums—including paintings, prints, posters, drawings, sculpture, and street art—Haring developed a style that was instantly recognizable.

During his brief ten-year career, Haring rewrote the rulebook for contemporary art, integrating the seemingly discrete arenas of New York City’s gritty downtown counterculture and uptown art aristocracy. A friend of Andy Warhol’s, Haring unabashedly developed and promoted his own brand through commercial partnerships, mass market products, and even his own storefront. Equally important was his social justice activism, raising awareness of AIDS and fighting against racism and the proliferation of illegal drugs.

“Haring had deep ties to this region, so it’s very exciting to showcase this impressive collection of his work at the Museum and introduce his socially and politically engaged work to new audiences,” says Chief Curator Laura Igoe.

Throughout his career, Haring was featured in more than 100 solo and group exhibitions and produced over 50 public works of art in cities around the world. Many of his works were designed for charities, hospitals, daycare centers, and orphanages. Over 900 children participated in a mural creation commemorating the 100TH anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. He also designed 85 posters with a pictorial language, direct messages, and universal appeal that still resonate today.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

The Process of Creating a Will

BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ.

Having a properly drafted will is absolutely necessary. As I have said time and time before, if you own any property, you should have a will. If you own a business or have minor children, you NEED a will. If you have recently been divorced or inherited a large sum of money, you NEED a will. A will allows you to determine what happens to your property after you die. This is a right that every citizen has, yet for some reason a large number of us fail to exercise it. So what is the process for setting up a will?

The first thing to determine is what property you own and who you want to inherit that property. You can be as specific or general as you want when determining this. You can expressly lay out certain individual pieces of property that you own and who you want to inherit them, i.e. “I give my guitar to my friend Steve Smith and I give my coin collection to my daughter Nancy Jones.” You can also simply divide your estate into shares and give shares to whom you wish. Keep in mind, that if you own all or part of a business, then your business ownership interest(s) should be addressed in your will, unless you have already implemented a business succession plan via separate documents.

Next you will need to pick the person you want to serve as the Executor of your estate.

This is the person legally responsible for winding up your affairs and making sure all the filings with the court and applicable taxing authorities are done on time and correctly. This person will also distribute the estate assets to beneficiaries and pay the outstanding debts

of the estate. Ideally this person should be trustworthy and organized. It is not uncommon for an Executor to also be a beneficiary of the estate. I always advise clients to name an alternate Executor, just to be on the safe side.

If you have minor children (under the age of 18), you can use your will to determine who will raise them and handle their finances in the event that you pass away before they reach the age of 18. If you do not address this in your will, then you run the risk of letting a court determine who will raise your children.

Once you have addressed the previously mentioned concerns, the next step is to properly execute the will. A will that is not properly executed can render the document meaningless or potentially leave your estate vulnerable to will challenges from a disgruntled family member. The laws of each state vary for the requirements of will execution, so speak with an attorney in your state regarding this point.

After your will has been properly executed, put it somewhere safe, and let your executor(s) know where it is located.

If you need to have a will drafted or amended, sit down with an experienced estate planning attorney who can guide you through the process, and draft around any issues your or your estate may encounter down the road. !

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

Last month I got up wrong and BOOM! I injured the ligament in my back leg. Yes I know my weight doesn’t help. I had pain pills for my front leg issue so I started taking them and for 2 days my human had to put me in a red wagon and roll me to my potty area. I’m too big to be carried. When I got to Alpha Vets I was weighed and guess what? I lost weight!!!!!

I have been 40 pounds since about a year ago and then a month ago I was 39.2 lbs. Well this visit I was 37.8. I have not been that low since my visit in 2017. My mom was so happy that a week later when we went for cold laser therapy she weighed me again. I didn’t want to disappoint her. She really got excited when the scale said 36.7. I sat there on the scale watching her get so excited. It was nice to see her happy. I guess I should have gotten off the scale instead of staying there because she got suspicious and looked a little closer. She caught me leaning against the wall. OOPS!.

She moved me to the center of the scale but was still happy that I was down 6 ounces. So for those of you wanting to keep track I am 37.2. I will be starting underwater treadmill Therapy in a couple weeks at Mill Pond Vets.

I’ll keep you posted. Happy Valentines to all of you. Love Brandy

Meet the newest St. Luke’s doctors now in your community.

Trust is the foundation of all relationships. It is earned over time. It is the type of relationship you should have with your doctor. While our physicians have different specialties and practice in different locations, they are focused on building a lasting relationship with you, earning your trust and putting your health and well-being first, above all other considerations.

When it comes to providing great health care, trust is essential.

Now in Sellersville

Francis Harrison, MD Pediatrician

Juniper Lee-Park, MD Pediatrician

Cynthia Martin, DO Primary Care

Heidar Alabandar, MD Medical Oncologist

Jovan Plamenac, MD Cardiologist

Rajeev Prasad, MD Pediatric General Surgeon

The care you trust. Now more than ever.

For more information, call 1-866-STLUKES or visit sluhn.org/findadoctor.

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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A Butcher’s Son

I could never be a vegetarian...or vegan.

If you are a member of PETA, please don’t hate me.

Or a pescatarian. A wise man once said, “There is more to life than vegetables, fish, and tofu.”

Okay, the wise man was me, but it remains true. For me.

I grew up in a small grocery store...a meat market really, with all the blood, tendons, fat, meat grinders, sausage stuffers, saws, and smells that went with it. But the best was the smell.

Being lucky enough to live in an area full of family farms, I’m able to purchase all pork products from the pork farm, and beef products from the old school butcher shop a few miles down the road. Although my parents would eat most everything, I’ve never acquired the taste or desire for delicacies such as brains, tongue, tripe, souse, heart, feet, and other products available in this area, but should I ever decide to try them...I know where to go. They also have lard to cook it in should I need.

I get Fritz his dog bones there. $1 per pound. $2 if I buy the smoked bones that he prefers. Apparently the Schaninger affection for smoked meat products has been handed down to our pooch.

But, whether I am at the pork store loading up on chops, sausage, and bacon, or the butcher spending my money on a thick porterhouse, one thing remains the same in both...the feel... the aroma...the people...call it a vibe, but whatever it is, I am immediately transported

back, back to my childhood, to the place where I spent most waking hours of every day.

Part of the allure for me is something I’m sure most won’t understand. Beef used to be sold in hanging sides. A hanging side...yes, just what it sounds like...a side of beef that my father would throw on his shoulder, take into our walk-in cooler, and lift up onto one of the giant metal hooks dangling from the ceiling. If I stick around a bit at the local butcher shop, I might catch a glimpse of one of those skilled craftsmen of the knife hoisting a massive side of beef onto his shoulder. Just like dad.

The day our supplier switched to box beef... or beef already portioned to less than a half or quarter loin and shipped across the country in a box...that’s the day it changed for me.

It was still my father or me sawing a steak off, wielding that cleaver to cut through some chops, or cracking some ribs, but it was different. Part of the history, skill, and magic of the art of butchering was gone, at least in our little place.

They say you can’t go back, but when I walk into those family owned meat shops, I would challenge that theory. So, for now, every other week or so, I take a short drive, and relive memories of old, hoping that one day I will walk in, they will hand me an apron, and tell me to get to work behind the counter.

Now, what can I get you today? The steaks are tender as a woman’s heart...

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

Sellers: Don’t Wait Until Spring to Make Your Move As you plan out your goals for the year, moving up to your dream home may top the list. But, how do you know when to make your move? You want to time it just right so you can get the most out of the sale of your current house. You also want to know you’re making a good investment when you buy your new home. What you may not realize is, that opportunity to get the best of both worlds is already here.

You don’t want to wait until Spring to spring into action.

The current market conditions make this winter an ideal time to move. Here’s why: The Number of Homes on the Market is Still Low Today’s limited supply of houses for sale is putting sellers in the driver’s seat. There are far more buyers in the market than there are homes available, and that means buyers are eagerly waiting for your house. Listing your house now makes it the center of attention.

As a seller, that means when it’s prices correctly, you can expect it to sell quickly and get multiple strong offers this season. Just remember, experts project more inventory will come to market as we move through the winter months. Selling now may help you maximize the return on your investment before your house has to face more competition from other sellers.

Your Equity is Growing in Record Amounts Current homeowners are sitting on record amounts of equity thanks to today’s home price appreciation. According to the latest report from CoreLogic, the average homeowner gained $56,700 in equity over the past 12 months.

That much equity can open doors for your to make a move. If you’ve been holding off on selling because you’re worried about how rising prices will impact your own home

search, rest assured your equity can help fuel your next move. It may be just what you need to cover a large portion - if not all - of the down payment on your next purchase.

While Rising, Mortgage Rates are Still Historically Low In January of last year, mortgage rates hit the lowest point ever recorded. Today, rates are starting to rise, but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed out on locking in a low rate.

Current mortgage rates are still far below what they’ve been in recent decades: In the 2000s, the average mortgage rate was 6.27%; in the 1990s, the average rate was 8.12% Even with mortgage rates rising above 3%, they’re still worth taking advantage of. You just want to do so sooner rather than later.

Experts are projecting rates will continue to rise throughout this year, and when they do, it’ll cost you more to purchase your next home.

Home Prices are Going to Keep Rising with Time Home prices will also continue appreciating this year. While experts are forecasting more moderate home price growth than last year, it’s important to note prices will still be moving in an upward direction throughout 2022.

If you’re selling so you can move into a bigger home or downsize to the home of your dreams, you want to consider moving now before rates and prices rise further. If you’re ready, you have an opportunity to get ahead of the curve by purchasing your next home before rates and prices climb higher.

If you’re considering selling to move up or downsize, this may be your moment, especially with today’s low mortgage rates and limited inventory. Reach out to my team today to get set up for homebuying success this year!

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

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

Glendora Pauline Bohach, age 62, of

Hurt, Virginia, passed away on December 20, 2021, at a friend’s residence in Quakertown, PA. She was the spouse of the late Rodney Bohach with whom she shared 3 years of marriage and together 25 years.

Born in Phillipsburg, NJ she was the daughter of the late Walter and Edna (Tettemer) Deemer.

She was most happy when spending time with her family and friends. She will be most remembered for her very outgoing, loving, caring, friendly, spunky personality and her love of nature and animals. She also loved arts and crafts and drawing.

She is survived by sons Shawn Miller and Daniel Miller, both of Lancaster, PA, daughter Jessica and husband Kevin Schick of Upper Black Eddy, PA; brothers Raymond Bolmer and wife Debbie of Phillipsburg, NJ and Kenneth Zembello of South Jersey; sisters Geraldine and husband Allen Kates and Edna Bolmer both of Phillipsburg, NJ; nieces Crystal Bolmer, Jennifer Bolmer, Tiffany Drake, Corrin and Savanah Kates and their children of Phillipsburg NJ; nephews Raymond Bolmer Jr, Andrew Bolmer, and Christian Bolmer, and grandchildren Ethan, Kaitlin, Derek, and Dylan.

She was predeceased by a sister Cindy Evans. Ceremony held for family and friends at a later time.

To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

Eric, Liam, and Patrick King

Our Heavenly Father called home his earthly angels Eric Richard King, 41, and his sons Liam Scott King, 11, and Patrick Thomas King, 8, all of Quakertown, in the early morning hours of Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2021.

Born in Camden, N.J., Eric was a 1999 graduate of Bethlehem Catholic and was his father’s partner for the family’s business, American Craftsmen Inc., of Ottsville. With his infectious smile, Eric was the life of every party. All who met him were immediately his friends and he never hesitated to help someone in need. Eric was a passionate dancer (though not the best) and could be found on the dance floor at every event he attended; his tie was his party favor and when it went around his head

~Obituaries~

everyone knew it was dancing time. When he wasn’t dancing, you could find him on a pier with a fishing pole and a Miller Lite in his hand or around a good bonfire playing his guitar.

Eric’s world centered around his family.

He was a loving husband to his high school sweetheart, Kristin (Salley) King. Eric and Kristin were together for 24 years and married for 15. Kristin was the love of Eric’s life; you could often catch him looking at her in a way that made others envious. Eric was the most devoted father to his amazing sons Brady, 13, Liam and Patrick. He was always teaching his boys everything he could and prayed with them every night before bed.

Both Liam and Patrick were wise beyond their years. Patrick, a third-grader at Richland Elementary School, had a sharp mind and an even sharper sense of humor. He’d ask a million questions (even when you thought there were no more questions to be asked) and remembered every single answer. He’d have you rolling on the floor with one of his quick and funny comebacks. You could often find Patrick dressed up as one of his beloved Avengers.

A fifth-grader at Richland Elementary School, Liam was following in his father’s footsteps. He could often be found in the garage taking apart old lawn equipment to fix it or build something new. He was a landscaper to family and friends, a popular local bike mechanic, had his own traveling tool cart, and embraced all power tools. “Be a Liam” was often and always will be spoken in the homes of family; it meant if you want something done, get it done yourself. Liam was a true patriot, and you could often see him riding his bike with his American Flag attached.

The entire King family were loved by the Quakertown community and well known in Quakertown youth sports. They often could be found on the ballfields, where Brady, Liam and Patrick played for the Quakertown Youth Baseball Association, and Eric was a dedicated coach and volunteer for the past 10 years. You also could often find the family cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles and organizing gaming tournaments with family and friends. As a family, they enjoyed always living life to the fullest and created many memories by skiing, skateboarding/biking, fishing, beaching, and camping. They always took the trip, together.

In addition to Kristin and Brady, Eric,

Liam and Patrick are survived by their parents/grandparents, Thomas and Pamela (Murphy) King of Ottsville, and Scott and Susan (Baumeister) Salley of Selbyville, Del.; brother/uncle Charles and wife Erin (Brady) King, of East Norriton; sisters/aunts Sarah and husband Andrew Thiel of Bechtelsville, and Colleen and husband Ryan Mimnaugh of Ottsville; sister-in-law/aunt Cheryl (Salley) and husband Andrew Spier of Annville; nieces, nephews and cousins Olivia, Iain, Charlotte, Cole, T.J., Logan, Quinn, David, Finnegan, and Evelyn; and countless family members and friends.

They are predeceased by their brother-inlaw and uncle, Scott Salley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Eric, Liam, and Patrick’s memory may be made to The King Family Memorial Foundation, kfmf.betterworld.org or mailed: PO Box 98, Quakertown, PA 18951.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring; location, time and date to be determined.

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (215-536-3343).

Jonathan R. Peters, 75, formerly of Hackettstown, NJ, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Above and Beyond Senior Living, Allentown, PA. Born in 1946, he was the son of the late Albert and Katharine (Crane) Peters.

He was a graduate of Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA. He then honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Jon is survived by, sister Ann T. Scott, wife of Rev. Gary Scott of Coopersburg, PA, nephew Jeff Scott, nieces, Gretchen Hoff and Rebecca Cuff.

Graveside Services will be held at a future date at the family’s convenience.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.

James R. Lewis, 58, of E. Greenville, passed away December 31, 2021, at his residence.

Born in 1963, he was the son of the late William F. Lewis and Joan (Slotter) Lewis.

He worked for many years as a machinist, most recently for BEC Machine Products, Inc. In his spare time, James enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling.

James is survived by his mother, Joan. brother Thomas Lewis (Margaret), sister, Susan Lewis, 2 nieces, 1 nephew.

Services will be held at a future date. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA, 18951, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to a local animal charity of one’s choice.

Joanne Marie DeLoatch aka ‘Jojo’ passed away at Belle Haven Rehabilitation home on December 27, 2021 at about 10:20 am at the age of 66, after fighting a 3-year battle with Louie body dementia.

Jojo is predeceased by her husband Benny Elijah DeLoatch and her father Fred Annunziata.

She is survived by her three children Benjamin Elijah DeLoatch, Sarah Elizabeth West, and Dante Bernard Terrell. Jojo is lovingly remembered by her three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

As well as two brothers, three sisters, and a mother Nora Mcgrath. She was also one of my thirty-first cousins.

Joanne Marie DeLoatch was born May 19, 1955, at Bronx-Lebanon Medical center in Bronx, NY. After graduating from Pearl River High School, she went on to pursue a career in Nursing but on that journey, she found a passion for driving school buses in which she did for 30 years before moving to Pennsylvania where she worked in childcare. Jojo’s passions were working with children spending time with family and friends and relaxing with a cold glass of her Carlo Rossi “blush.”

We will be honoring our mother’s wishes of being cremated. We will hold a service on May 21, 2022 at Hook Mountain in Nyack, NY at 4 pm followed by a celebration of life for her 67th birthday. We will keep everyone updated of the location.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sarah West at 1239 Shelby Parkway Cape-Coral FL, 33904 or Benjamin DeLoatch at 255 North 2nd Street North Wales PA, 19454.

Condolences for the family may be offered online at the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. website www.crstrunk.com.

David T. Roberts, 53, of Center Valley died December 28, 2021, in his home.

He was the husband of Jennifer DeFioreRoberts. They were married 21 years last April.

Born in Allentown, PA he was the son of the late Theodore & Frances (Schaffer) Roberts.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Trent Roberts, two daughters Julia K. Roberts and Claudia Roberts. Three brothers William S. Roberts and his wife Susan, Robert L. Roberts and his wife Vickie, and Richard D. Roberts. Several nieces and nephews.

A casual service sharing memories and good times was held Sunday, January 9, 2022, at 1:00 PM at the Coopersburg VFW, 211 East Fairmont Street, Coopersburg, PA. 18036.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to his children’s education fund c/o Jennifer Defiore-Roberts and mailed to the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. 821 W. Broad St., Quakertown, PA 18951.

Michael A. Drabic, 40, of Richlandtown, died Saturday, January 1, 2022.

He was born in Lansdale, PA on January 4, 1981, to Paulina (Wenner) and Ralph Drabic, Jr. of Coopersburg.

Michael had been working for Artisan Display, Red Hill, PA in the estimating department for the past 5 years.

Michael was known as an intense debater…a guy who would argue HIS point to the bitter end and would enjoy getting in the last word, no matter what. He just LOVED to give his family a hard time but we know he loved us all dearly. He was a big teddy bear, had a heart of gold, and was always willing to help someone in need.

Michael loved his nice cars…he had a great love for the Audi and Lamborghini and had a lot of hope for his beloved white (turning green with mold) VW Jetta he was storing at his grandmother’s house. He was going to fix that hunk of junk up because “it was a great car.”

As a kid, he enjoyed playing midget football, little league baseball, and wrestling where he took down many opponents with his famous spladle.

He was a 49ers fan to the core throughout his entire life and didn’t hesitate to remind us Eagles fans of how many rings the 49ers had versus how many the Eagles had.

Michael’s greatest love of all was for his children and he will be greatly missed by the three of them.

In addition to his loving parents, Michael is survived by his children, Leada, Mandy, and Mikey; brothers, Ralph Arabic, III of Glenside and Matthew Drabic (Kate) of Philadelphia; niece, Lacy; nephew, Adrian; maternal grandmother, Alicia Wenner of Easton; paternal grandmother, Anne Drabic of Richlandtown; aunts Michele Grida (Steven, Sr.) Jane Drabic (Rick Weirback); Maria Wenner; Raquel Rosas (George); Jennifer Jaén (Dustin); several cousins; and his girlfriend, Cat. Michael was predeceased by maternal grandfather, Donald Wenner; paternal grandfather, Ralph Drabic, Sr.; and the mother of his children Amanda Gallagher.

Michael left us way too soon but will ALWAYS be in our hearts…until we meet again.

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022, from 12:004:00 P.M. at Benner Hall 1260 E. Cherry Rd. Richlandtown, PA 18955. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a trust fund being established for Michael’s children, in care of the funeral home.

Linda M. Davis, 65, of Perkasie, went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2022, at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, PA. She was the wife of Rickie J. Davis. They were married 46 years last June.

Born in Abington, PA she was the daughter of the late Malcolm D. & Margaret (Dearden) Penglase.

She always had a smile on her face and always put others before herself.

Before retiring, Linda was a childcare teacher for the School House Learning Center in Sellersville.

Linda enjoyed bowling in the Senior League at Earl-Bowl Lanes and was an assistant Girl Scout Leader for the former Girl Scout Troop 699. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, Scrabble, and crocheting. She also loved children and teaching.

Linda was a longtime member of the Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church where she took part in the kitchen committee, led the Children’s Ministry, and was a member of the Silverdale Stitchers Club.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, John J. Davis (Christine) of East Smithfield, PA, a daughter, Robin M. Frazier (Joshua) of Lansdale, PA. A brother, Steven D. Penglase (Maureen) of Port Heron, Michigan. Three grandchildren, Anna, Julie, and Michelle.

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

She was predeceased by two brothers Wayne A., Ralph T., and a sister Jeanette Brogley.

Services were held at the Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church 165 West Main Street Silverdale, PA. 18962 January 14, 2022.

Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church P.O. Box 237 Silverdale, PA 18962.

John E. Gross, Sr., 83, of Green Lane died January 4, 2022, in St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus.

Born in Bristol, PA he was the son of the late Joseph & Ethel (Denny) Gross.

He was a retired horse trainer.

John attended Calvary Church in Souderton.

He is survived by three daughters Debbie Gross (Eric), Kathy Gross McIntyre (Bob), Audrey Gross Barbera (Mike); Two brothers James Gross and David Gross (Beverly).

Four grandchildren Amber Hayes, Haley Campanelli, Ashlyn Jagger, and Christopher Neill; six great-grandchildren Calli, Tatum, Joey, Addison, Alexa, and Tyler. Numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son John E. Gross, Jr., and four siblings Joseph Gross, Jr., Essie Collins, Barbara Lee Gross, and Delores Cochran. There will be no services at this time.

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

Larry James Lynn, 58, of Upper Black Eddy died January 5, 2022, in his home.

He was the husband of Sharon L. (Affolter) Lynn.

Born in Portland, Oregon,he was the son of the late William & Helen (Kelly) Lynn.

He was last employed as a Concrete Finisher.

Larry was a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters Amber Lynn, Heather Vazquez (Dotty), and Jene Johnson. Three brothers William Lynn (Alice), Timothy Lynn, and Thomas Lynn; a sister Eileen Suvanvej (Pong); two grandchildren Autumn Cronmiller and Emmett Lynn.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any Veteran or Mental Health organization.

David J (Jake) Myers of Quakertown, PA, peacefully passed away on January 5, 2022.

He was the husband of the late Norma Hampton Myers. They were married for 63 years.

A life-long resident of Quakertown, he was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He retired from the US Gauge, Division of Ametek Corp after 40 years of service, where he was a tester.

He was the son of the late Clarence Myers, Sr, and Josephine (Rosenberger) Myers Heller.

David was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown.

He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with nature, growing a large vegetable garden, and fishing.

He also spent a lot of time in his woodshop.

He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Heuckeroth (James), Quakertown, brother, Richard Myers (Phyllis) of Butler, PA Granddaughters, Deana Lancenese (Dan), of Sellersville, Melissa Dottery (Ryan) of Quakertown, Tracy Sloyer of Colorado, Lisa Cunningham(Collin) of Quakertown. Great Grandchildren, Casie Cronk, Cameron Cronk, McKayla Dottery, Christian Dottery, and Violet Cunningham.

Predeceased by Daughter, Barbara Sloyer and brother, Lawrence Myers.

Services were held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Ave. Quakertown, PA 18951.

Kathryn Rose Hodges, 73, died January 6, 2022, in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center.

She was the wife of the late Robert Hunter Hodges, III who died on March 15, 2016, in Lewes, DE. Born in Abington, PA, she was the daughter of the late Fred & Carol (Long) Lamm.

She raised her family in Shamong, New Jersey before moving to Lewes, DE. Kathryn moved to Kintnersville, PA in 2018.

In January 2020 she was admitted to Phoebe Richland Health Care Center.

She is survived by two sons Robert, IV, and Jeffrey (Rose) both of New Jersey. Four grandchildren Alysha, Samantha, Julia, and

~Obituaries~

Liliana; two great-grandchildren Isabella and Blake. She is also survived by a sister Connie Noell of Kintnersville, PA, and a brother Fred Lamm of Durham, NC. She was predeceased by a son Scott on March 8, 2020.

There will be no services. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA

Jack and two nieces Gianna and Julie.

Graveside 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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family for his funeral expenses c/o the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951.

Jacqaline Snyder, 74, of Quakertown, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospice House.

Born in 1947, she was the daughter of the late Larry and Dorothy (Nace) Kornish.

She was the wife of William E. Snyder, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage.

Jacqaline worked for many years at AH Wirtz, Chester, PA as a quality control supervisor.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, drawing, and doing crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed caring for her family and took great pride in keeping her house clean.

In addition to her husband Bill, Jacqaline is survived by her son, Billy Snyder (Leigh), daughter, Sherrie Snyder-Ryzdewski, granddaughter Natalia Ryzdewski, niece, Sandra Greer.

She was predeceased by a brother, Ronald Halter.

Graveside services were held Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Washington Crossing Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA 18940, at 10:30 AM. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Patricia Ann Lelo, 78, of Quakertown passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Good Shepherd Hospital.

Born in 1943, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Ullman) Pokotello.

She was the loving wife of Gary D. Lelo, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage.

Patricia worked as an elementary school teacher in the Easton Area School District for 34 years before retiring in 1998.

She was a long-time member of St. Isidore’s R.C.C., Quakertown, PA, where she volunteered at the food pantry, and formerly served as a secretary for the CYO. In addition to her husband Gary, Patricia is survived by her daughter, Lisa Lelo, sister Paula Stover (Jim), nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother Paul Pokotello Jr., and her sister Maryanne Pokotello.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, January 20th, 2022 at St. Isidore’s Roman Catholic Church, 2545 W Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951. Burial followed at Quakertown Union Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Isidore’s School Library Fund, 603 West Broad Street, Quakertown, PA 18951.

William Raymond Merkle, Sr., 76, of Allentown, PA, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital Allentown Campus.

Born in 1945, he was the son of the late Frank and Julia (Lipics) Merkle.

He was the husband of Barbara (Bernd) Merkle, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage.

Bill honorably served his country in the United States Army. After his duty, he worked for many years as a steelworker.

In his spare time, Bill loved caring for his lawn and working on his lawnmowers. He also enjoyed reading and watching westerns.

In addition to his wife Barbara, Bill is survived by children, Lori Whiteman (David), William Merkle, Jr. (Tara), and Amy Washington (Isaac), grandchildren, Kyle and Kody Whiteman, and Ty and Brody Merkle, stepsister Anna Zamolyi.

He was predeceased by brothers, Francis and Richard Merkle and Stepmother Anica Merkle.

Funeral Services were held Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951. Burial followed at Springfield Brethren Cemetery.

Paul Timothy Fertig, age 67, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 9, 2022 at his home in Quakertown, PA. Born in Sellersville, PA he was a son of the late Lamar Fertig and the late Marie Schlegel Fertig.

Paul was a graduate from Pennridge High School and was a truck driver for many years at 309 Office Furniture Company, Fischer’s Furniture and The Happy Viking.

He was an avid hunter and loved anything that revolved around going up to the mountains in Montrose, PA. He also loved going to the ocean in North Carolina with his grandkids.

He is survived by one daughter, Christina Wagner of Boyertown, Pa. Son-in-law, Kevin Sanchez of Zionsville, Pa; grandchildren (which he loved more than anything): Cassandra, Damien, Mia and Cambria.

Siblings: (preceded in death) Lamar Butchie Fertig, (preceded in death) Sandra Barndt, Rebekah Lowrey and Mary Fertig.

The family will have a private service up at his mountain property.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown.

215-536-3343 Aaron Carber, 45, of Colmar died January 10, 2022, in his home.

Born in Sellersville, PA he was the son of Doris (Shearer) Carber and the late Robert Carber.

He was a confectioner for the family business Carber Candies in Colmar.

Aaron attended the University of Colorado where he studied Film and was a member of the football team. He was also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

He collected comic books and other collectibles.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by two brothers Benjamin and Jeremiah; a nephew

Angel Luis Velazquez Lozada, 77, of Quakertown died January 11, 2022 in St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson Campus.

He was the husband of Ana Maria Rivera Martinez.

Born in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico he was the son of the late Tomas & Filomena (Lozada) Velazquez.

He was an assembler before retiring.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three daughters Ana Ivette White (Cookie), Magdalena Valasquez (Margie) & Miriam Velazquez (Baby); a brother Julio Velazquez & a sister Rosa Velazquez; a grandson Gregory Luis White & a granddaughter Nia Laina Stevens.

Services will be held in Puerto Rico.

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

Marguerite “Molly” C. Funk, 95, of Quakertown died January 11, 2022, in St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus.

She was the wife of the late Kermit R. Funk.

Born in Allentown she was the daughter of the late Edith (Lester) Tiso.

She retired at the age of 87 from the former Alleghany Ribbon Mills in Quakertown after over 60 years of service.

She was a former member of the Quakertown American Legion Post 242 Ladies Auxiliary.

Molly was very supportive of her husband in the Connie Mack Baseball League keeping the scorebook for her husband’s team. She was an avid dancer and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, going to casinos, painting, and bingo.

She is survived by four sons Ronald R. (Linda) of Richlandtown, Randy L. (Kathy) of Quakertown, Ricky J. (Donna) of Quakertown, and Ryan J. of Beaver Meadows, PA. Eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a brother Paul Mayberry.

Services were held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Lisa Nicole Dieterly, 38, of Philadelphia

formerly of Coopersburg, PA died January 11, 2022, in her home.

Born in Sellersville, PA, she was the daughter of Keith J. & Tina L. (Balkit) Dieterly of Coopersburg.

She was a former manager at a Philadelphia location Chick-fil-A. She was a 2001 graduate of Southern Lehigh High School where she sang in the choir.

She was a member of First Church of the Brethren in Quakertown where she was a youth advisor with the youth group and also helped with Vacation Bible School.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by a brother Eric K. (Brittany) of Kutztown, and a sister Kari Sassaman (Seth) of Okinawa, Japan. Three nieces Emma, Kaelynn, and Brooke, a nephew Bentley.

Services were held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at First Church of the Brethren 455 Trumbauersville Road Quakertown, PA 18951.

7

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

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

Andrew (Otis) W. Meyers, 41, of Quakertown passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

He was born in 1980. He was the loving son of William E. and Mary Ann (Fedorowicz) Meyers.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his brother, Adam Meyers of Breckenridge, Colorado, nephew of Beverly Meyers-Fox (Robert), Jerry Fedorowicz (Marie), Michael Fedorowicz (Karen), and Dennis Fedorowicz (the late Sandra).

Andrew graduated from Quakertown High School in 1999. He earned a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts at Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island.

Andrew’s love of cooking took him to many restaurants across the country. He was currently employed as the executive chef at McCoole’s in Quakertown. Some of the other restaurants included Delfina, Ooka, The Ryland Inn, The Hamilton Kitchen, The Shelby, Tortilla Flats, the OBR, and Alcamos. He brought a ray of sunshine to his coworkers as well as the customers and never disappointed anyone.

Andrew loved to prepare signature dishes at the places of his employment and he loved to eat at various restaurants near and far. He had a love for cars and always wanted the best.

He was proud of his sporty red BMW and his hot black SS. Both were his dream cars and he worked extremely hard for them.

He enjoyed snowboarding, shopping at local outlets, loud music, watching TV, spending time with his friend’s children, watching animals in nature, and being with his family and friends.

Andrew was described by others as kind, fun to be with, always smiling and laughing, caring and extremely talented in the kitchen.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him, coworkers, friends, but most of all his family.

May he Rest in Peace and be “Dancing in the Sky”.

Services will be held privately at the family’s convenience followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown (215-536-3343) In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Penn Foundation Recovery Center-Alumni. (www.pennfoundation.org) Clarence G. “Larry” Schlessman, age 67, of Silverdale, PA, passed away on January 12, 2022, at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville.

He was the loving husband of Sandy (Shive) Schlessman with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.

Born in Reading, PA, he was a son of the late Clarence G. Schlessman and Mary Jane (Knauer) Walton.

He graduated from North Penn High School in Lansdale.

Larry worked as a shipping clerk in his earlier years, and was recently known for working at Target in Warrington.

Larry was a huge music lover who dabbled in most genres. He collected vinyl records and equipment and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt.

Surviving along with his wife Sandy are their sons, Jared and Evan Schlessman, and he will be missed by his two dogs Bocce and Daisy.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown (215-536-3343). To make online condolences please visit www.nauglefcs.com Harold W. Rupell, 68, of Quakertown, PA, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

Born in 1953, he was the son of Reta (Hinkle) Rupell and the late Roland Rupell.

He was the husband of Cecilia (Walkney) Rupell, with whom he shared 11 years of marriage and former husband to Nancy (Roeder) Rupell for 38 years.

Harold took great passion in serving his community as a volunteer fire fighter since he was 16 years old, with Richlandtown Fire Department. He served 13 years as chief of Haycock Township Fire Department and 19 years with the Quakertown Fire Department, where he last served as a Trustee. A baseball enthusiast, Harold also volunteered as a youth baseball coach for over 40 years.

Harold retired in 2011, after a 29-year career with Merck & Co., where he last served as Sr. Manager, Metrics, Promotions & Analytics.

Following his retirement, he worked as a project manager and estimating manager with CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

Harold W. Rupell CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Artisan Display, Inc., and Precise Design Group.

Harold is survived by wife, Cecilia Rupell, former wife, Nancy Rupell, his sisters, Vicki Rosenberger (Jim) and Linda Rupell Roach, son, Jason Rupell (Megan), daughter Danielle Rupell Weiss (Carl II), daughter, Heather Roach, step-daughters Rebecca Moreno (Jesse), Julia Henke, grandchildren Carl Weiss III, Madilyn Weiss, Makayla Weiss, Orion Mickelson, Bexley Rupell, and Kaylie Rupell, and honorary siblings, John and Janis Hadley.

He was predeceased by a sister, Kay Rupell.

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown (215-536-3343) Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Quakertown Youth Baseball Association.

Mary Lisbeth Leubuscher (Betsy) Weaber passed away peacefully,

surrounded by her family on January 12 at Phoebe, Richlandtown, PA. Born on September 28, 1927, in Troy, New York, she was 94 years old.

Married to John Franklin Weaber in 1949, they would have celebrated their 73rd anniversary in February.

She was predeceased by her husband, father Frederic Henry Leubuscher, mother Florence Ella Smith Leubuscher, her brother Frederic Dow Leubuscher, stepmother George Sargent Leubuscher, stepbrother George Sargent Janes and stepsister Susanna Janes Stephens.

She grew up in Essex Fells, NJ., having graduated from Essex Fells High School, and attended Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. Surviving are her children Joan Lisbeth Weaber Frame, (Clark Shannon Frame), Bedminster, PA, Anne Catherine Zinni, (Edmund L. Zinni), Hertford, NC, and John Douglas Weaber, Aurora, OR, (daughter-inlaw Karen L. Weaber, Lake Oswego, OR). She has 8 grandchildren, John, Thomas and Clark Frame, Nathaniel, Paul, and Nicole Zinni and Mark and Scott Weaber in addition to 6 greatgrandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. She also is survived by her sister Joan Leubuscher Angell of Eau Claire, WI, and Nancy Janes Patton of Boston, MA. Betsy was a very active volunteer while her children were young, having been a Girl Scout Leader, active in her church, Central Presbyterian Church, Downingtown PA, as well as supporting many of her children’s activities. She was an advocate on the Board of Planned Parenthood and served on committees for Chester County Day and Chester County Hospital.

An active golfer and bridge player, she played competitively for Whitford Country Club. She enjoyed needlework, the arts, and gardening.

She served as a tax consultant for H & R Block for several years, prior to becoming a Real Estate Agent for Prudential Preferred Properties, which she enjoyed well into her 80’s. Nothing pleased her more than helping her clients find the homes of their dreams.

Most of all Betsy had a true love of family, all of whom will miss her terribly, but wonderful memories live on!

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, fightingblindness.org in Columbia, MD, 412-423-0600.

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

Lorraine A. Shaak, 83, of Perkasie, passed away at The Neshaminy Manor Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Born in 1938, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Catherine (Lapinski) Knieriem, Sr. She was the wife of Ralph E. Shaak, Jr. (Jack), with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.

Lorraine spent the majority of her career working at MOPAC in Harleysville, PA as a Telecommunications Manager before her retirement in 1992. In her spare time, she also sold Mary Kay products for several years, with Jack regularly chauffeuring her around to make deliveries on their Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Jack and Lorraine enjoyed traveling crosscountry in their motorhome and regularly attended Penn Coachman rallies with their friends and their miniature schnauzer, Serena.

Lorraine’s other hobbies also included buying and selling antiques, creating floral arrangements, and baking and cooking for her loved ones.

Lorraine was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Tohickon UCC, Perkasie, PA. The matriarch of her family, Lorraine was known for her ability to host every holiday with an over-abundance of food and a mandatory to-go plate piled high with leftovers; it was a personal point of pride that no house guest would ever leave her home hungry.

~Obituaries~

In addition to her husband Ralph, Lorraine is survived by children, Terrence Shaak (Denise), and Alicia Getty (Mark), brother, Harold Knieriem, Jr. (Alice), grandchildren, Tanya Schaetzke (Frank), Andreya Shaak, Samantha Getty, Rich Shaak, great-grandchildren, Mason Crouthamel, Kaylee Shaak, Teagan Sempowski.

She was predeceased by a brother, Warren Knieriem, sister, Marilyn Gallagher, daughter, Colleen Miller (Greg), and granddaughter, Carrie Shaak.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to an animal charity of your choice.

Earl K. Guiles, age 89, of Richlandtown, passed away on January 14, 2022, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest in Allentown.

He was the loving husband of the late Betty Lou (Morton) Guiles with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Bertha (Kunzi) Guiles.

He graduated from Girard College in 1950.

Earl served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked as a plant manager for RW Stuckert for 38 years.

Earl’s interests were metal and woodworking in which his artistic abilities were reflected. He was an avid gardener with a love for nature and animals.

Surviving are his children, Adele Krikory (Frederick), Nancy Krupp (Russell), and Earl K. Guiles, Jr., grandchildren, Michael Pischl, Jennifer Conway, Chris Pischl, Mark Conway, Jonathan Pischl, Aaron McKee, and Tyler Coulton, great-granddaughter Lily Conway and one sister.

He was predeceased by 9 siblings.

Interment will be private for the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to Girard College at www.girardcollege.edu or by mail at: Girard College Foundation, Attn: Clinton A. Walters, Jr. 1101 Market Street, Ste 2600 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.

Linda P. Schuett, 74, of Quakertown, PA, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Cedarbrook Nursing Home, Fountain Hill.

Born in 1947, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Anna (Heiden) Schuett.

Linda worked for many years as a hairdresser. In her spare time, Linda loved cooking and caring for her flowers. However, above all, she loved spending time with her family and taking care of them. She also enjoyed watching the Phillies, NASCAR, and doing her daily puzzles in the newspaper.

Linda is survived by her children, John Berger (Laura) and Casey Berger, sister, Nancy Heilemann, grandson John Berger III, and step-grandchildren, Rylie, Alexa, and Jack, many nieces and nephews.

Services were held Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951.

Dr. Robert Albert Moses, age 74, of Quakertown, PA passed away on January 16, 2022, at his residence.

He was the loving husband of Linda (Koestel-Blake) Moses. Born in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Paul and Hilda (Kelly) Moses.

Dr. Moses earned his Doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and was a dentist for 45 years.

He owned several practices and mostly practiced in Lansdale and Doylestown.

Surviving along with his wife are children: Paul, Robert, Jeffrey, Thomas, and Matthew, and grandchildren: Ashley, Bennett, Courtney, Paul, Jake, Brandon, Ashleigh, Abigaile, Sean, Gavin, and Declan.

His Memorial Service was held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Interment took place at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, 509 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228.

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown (215-536-3343). To make online condolences please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

Andronika “Niki” Giapoutzis, 67, of Quakertown formerly of Astoria, New York died January 16, 2022 in her home.

She was the wife of John Giapoutzis. They were married 31 years last June.

Born in New York City she was the daughter of the late Anastasios & Vasiliki (Theodorou) Maroulis.

She worked in the Jewelry Department of Van Cleef & Arpels.

She volunteered at her daughter’s grade school. She also volunteered in New York City Museums.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter Valerie; a sister Angela Grant Maroulis (Edward).

Graveside 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.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center P.O. Box 5028 Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-5028.

Betty J. Wimmer, 93, a life-long resident of Richlandtown died January 16, 2022, in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center.

She was the wife of the late Forrest L. Wimmer for 68 years until his death in 2014.

Born in Allentown, PA she was the daughter of the late Earl H. & Florence B. (Bartholomew) Moser.

She was a bank teller for the former Bucks County Bank before retirement.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richlandtown.

Betty is survived by her daughter Linda Nicholson (Andrew), a daughter-in-law Cathy Wimmer; three grandsons Peter Nicholson (Allison), Michael Wimmer (Leigh-Anne), and Mark Wimmer (Sarah), five greatgrandchildren Drew and Alex Nicholson, Izzy, Morgan, and Mollie Wimmer.

She was predeceased by a son Jeffrey A. Wimmer in 1996 and a brother Robert B. Moser in 1976.

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.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 459, Richlandtown, PA 18955 or to the Richlandtown Fire Company, P.O. Box 640, Richlandtown, PA 18955.

Richard P. Gross, age 95, of Quakertown, passed away on January 17, 2022 at Independence Court in Quakertown.

He was the loving husband of the late Dorothy (Hager) Gross with whom he shared 69 years of marriage.

Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Percy and Ella (Pfleiger) Gross.

Richard served in the Navy for 4 years and was stationed in Pensacola, Florida where he worked on airplanes. He always wore his Navy cap which showed how proud he was to have served in the Navy.

He was active in the Richlandtown Fire Company until moving to Quakertown in 1963.

He then joined Quakertown Fire Company No. 1 and also became a member of their ambulance crew. He held many positions within the fire company including Chief and was responsible for training the new drivers.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown.

Richard worked at the Royal Pants Co. in Perkasie until retirement. He liked being busy so he drove the school bus for a few years and spent time doing woodworking in his shop.

He rode a bike and enjoyed ice skating until age 70 when he decided it was time to hang up the skates. He enjoyed attending grandkids sporting events and following Quakertown High School Football. He liked watching and talking about sports, especially football. He always looked forward to spending time with the family and sharing his life stories. He was very thoughtful, kind, and always ready and willing to help others.

He is survived by daughters Carol Bolig (Don) and Lynette Shimp (Bart), grandchildren, Lori, Lisa, Jen, Ryan, Eric, and great-grandchildren Alex, Emily, Coen, Dominick, and Alyssa.

He was predeceased by siblings Ray, Percy, Bill, Ruth, Beatrice, Mildred, Gladys, and Dorothy who died as an infant. Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Quakertown Fire Company No 1., PO Box 398, Quakertown, PA 18951. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown (215-536-3343). To make online condolences please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

Sylvia E. Kully (nee Rapp), currently a resident of Telford and formerly of Quakertown, passed away on January 17, 2022.

Born in New Castle, PA, she was the daughter of the late Floyd J. and E. Irene (Park) Rapp.

With degrees from Wilkes University and the University of Scranton, Sylvia had a career as a teacher and guidance counselor.

After her marriage to Ernest E. Kully and their move to Quakertown, Sylvia was very active in the community. A member of the First

United Church of Christ, she was a Sunday School teacher as well as a volunteer for many years of Vacation Bible School. Continuing her love of teaching, Sylvia worked as a substitute teacher for Quakertown Community Schools in addition to volunteering with Quakertown school PTAs. She served as a Girl Scout Leader and actively supported her children and grandchildren in their sports activities.

In her spare time, Sylvia was an avid seamstress and crafter who enjoyed creating clothing and needlepoints. She loved square dancing and was a member of the Melody Lakes Belles & Bows as well as the former Quaker 8’s. In recent years, Sylvia enjoyed passing time with crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

In addition to her husband of 53 years, Sylvia is survived by her son Kevin Kully and his wife Tara; her daughter Karen Mackewicz and her husband Jimmy; her stepsons Ernest Kully, Jr. and his wife Mary Beth, and Roger Kully and his wife Michele; brothers James Rapp and his wife Diane and Allen Rapp and his wife Marianne. Sylvia was blessed with nine grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Jeanette Kramer, and her husband Frank.

Services were held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at First United Church of Christ, 151 S. 4th Street, Quakertown, PA 18951.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the church at the above address. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.

Noreen G. Budis, 77, of Myerstown, formerly of Quakertown, PA and Basking Ridge, NJ died Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Stone Ridge Poplar Run in Myerstown.

She was the wife of Albert A. Budis, to whom she would have been married 46 years on June 27, 2022.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ on September 12, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Eva (Whitehead) Bundy.

A 1962 graduate of Abraham Clark High School, Roselle, NJ, Noreen was also a 1964 graduate of Drake College. She was employed as a secretary to the executive at Elastic Stop Nut Corporation, Union, NJ, for five years.

Noreen was also employed by Tamke Tree Experts and Liberty Mutual Insurance. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover and beach lover. Noreen enjoyed talking with her life-long friends and family, sewing, crocheting, and bowling.

In addition to her husband, Noreen is survived by daughters, Debra Burke of Lancaster; Sandra, wife of Greg Renken, of Pottsville; Sherry, wife of the late Mike Cavadini, of Auburn; son, Ronald, husband of Tracy Budis, of Scotch Plains, NJ; 7 grandchildren, Gregory, Lauren, Kaitlyn, Chas, Lexy, Corinne, and Courtney; two brothers, Ronald Bundy and Donald Bundy of New Port Richey, FL; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Bundy, and two brothers, Warren Bundy and Robert Bundy.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Grose Funeral Home, 358 W. Washington Ave., Myerstown, preceded by a viewing from 2-4 p.m. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at StoneRidge Poplar Run in Myerstown, specifically those in the Vistas Restaurant, the Personal Care and Skilled Nursing Homes for their attentiveness and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005; or the American Cancer Society, please call 1-800-227-2345 or visit online www.cancer.org. (GroseFH.com) James Walter Monahan, age 70, of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 18, 2022, at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, PA. He was the husband of Bonnie Monahan, with whom he shared 42 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, PA he was the last surviving son of Thomas and Florence Monahan. He had seven other siblings including Randell Monahan, Billy Monahan, Rose Gamza, Joan Miller, Tom Monahan, and Florence McClintock.

James served our country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Afterward, he worked for Local 13 as a Boilermaker Journeyman.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Monahan, and his daughter, Colleen Monahan.

A private service for the family will be held at Naugle Funeral Home.

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

~Obituaries~

Contributions you would like to make to his memory can be made by reaching his daughter, Colleen Monahan, at comonahan@gmail. com. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

Betty A. Neith, 82 of Bethlehem died January 20th, 2022, in St. Luke’s Hospital Upper Bucks Campus.

She was the companion of William A. Nagel for the past 27 years.

She was born in Allentown.

She retired from Bethlehem Steel.

Betty was an avid reader who also enjoyed flowers, gardening, feeding the birds, and sewing.

In addition to her companion, she is survived by her children, Sandra A. Roth (Kevin) of Bethlehem, Daniel O. Neith (Carol) of Baltimore MD, Scott D. Neith (Alisa) of Grand Forks ND, and John P. Neith (Gabrielle) of Emmaus. Five grandchildren Rebecca, Joshua, David, Kelsey, and Nicole.

Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Lehigh County Humane Society (.lehighcountyhumanesociety.org) 640 Dixon St. Allentown, PA 18103 or to the Delaware Valley Veterans Home 2701 Southampton Rd. Philadelphia PA 19154.

Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown PA. John E. Alff, Sr., age 63, of Perkasie, passed away on January 20, 2022 at Doylestown Hospital.

He was the loving husband of Maria (Palmisano) Alff with whom he shared 38 years of marriage.

Born in Clifton Heights, PA, he was a son of the late Edward and Mary (Marlin) Alff.

He graduated from Pennridge High School in 1977. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Environmental Science from East Stroudsburg University in 1981. It was at college where he met the love of his life, Maria.

John was a route salesman for Interstate Battery for 12 years. Prior to that, he worked many years at Keystone Volvo Doylestown.

He was a member of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Sellersville.

John loved to be outdoors and grew up camping. He was an avid gardener and chef.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing, long drives, enjoying a beer with friends, and riding his 1952 Ford tractor around. He was a member of the “Frosted Mug Club” of the Acme in Doylestown. He and Maria enjoyed eating out and going to the theater. He had an eclectic taste and passion for music and attended many shows.

John’s love of family, friends, and faith in God was most important to him. His top priority was making others happy through his selfless acts of service. John made and kept countless friends throughout his life. To know him was to love him.

Surviving along with his wife are their children, John Alff, Jr., (Victoria) and Justine Alff, grandchildren, Freya, Silvia, and Rhys, and siblings, Edward and David Alff.

He was predeceased by sister Mary Louise Alff.

He had many loving nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to visit with John’s family from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM on Friday, January 28, 2022 at the Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Another visitation will be held from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 445 N. Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hilltown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Catholic Charities USA: 2050 Ballenger Ave Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314 Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown (215-536-3343).

Jonathan Weiss, beloved husband, 64, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 22, 2022 with his loving wife by his side.

Jonathan was the loving husband of 33 years to wife Terri (Brown) Weiss.

Jonathan is the son of the late Hoyt and Mary (Rosso) Weiss and is survived by a sister Ginger Renner of Emmaus, brother Gary Weiss of Slatington as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased in death by his brother Gilbert Weiss.

As a career, Jonathan worked as a successful and innovative Computer Engineer but vigorously lived his life as an extreme hobbyist deeply involved in animatronic creation as well as software development, a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, a

9

creator and developer of functional robotics, electronic and lifelike Halloween costume designing as well as many other projects incorporating all of the above talents. In addition, Jonathan was a loving and avid protector of all animals particularly large exotic birds and cats, and gave to anyone in need.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 12:00 PM at St. Isidore’s RCC, 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown PA 18951. There will be a viewing held prior to mass from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Burial will follow immediately after and will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown, PA.

Paul F. Noack, Jr., 86, of Quakertown died January 22, 2022 in Quakertown Center.

He was the husband of Ruth (Ritter) Noack.

Born in Camden, NJ he was the son of the late Paul & Anna Noack.

He was a laborer for the former Stanley Black & Decker in Allentown. Paul enjoyed fishing and his chihuahua Taco.

He was a bus driver for Levy’s School Bus Company for the Special Needs Children.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three step-children David Kurtz (Rachel) of Morgantown, RuthAnn Reinsmith (Michael) of Glenmoore, PA, and Rebecca Reinsmith (Matthew) of Downingtown; a brother Frank of Souderton.

Predeceased by two sisters Elsie & Anna.

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.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Upper Bucks SPCA 60 Reservoir Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951.

Nancy I. Cary, 71, of Quakertown passed away at her residence on January 22, 2022.

Born in 1950, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Helen (Rago) Gorchinsky.

She was the wife of John F. Cary III, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage.

Nancy was a life-long member at St. Isidore’s R.C.C., Quakertown, PA. Nancy worked for over 29 years at Univest, working as a computer operator.

In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, doing her daily puzzles, and being a wife, mother, and grandmother to her family.

In addition to her husband John, Nancy is survived by her children, Jeff Cary (Kirsten), Janet Cary, and Patrick Cary (Tara), her twin sister, Nanette Thompson, grandchildren, Owen, Elliott, Brendan, Alyson, Mady, Grace, and Emma.

She was predeceased by her brother, Walter Gorchinsky.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held privately on Monday, January 31, 2022, at 11:00. The mass will be live-streamed at www.stisidores.org.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Isidore’s R.C.C., 2545 West Pumping Station Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951 Robert B. Allem, 66, of Coopersburg formerly of Red Hill died January 23, 2022, in his home.

He was the husband of Christine C. (Keiser) Allem. They were married for 9 years on December 8, 2021.

Born in Red Hill he was the son of the late Richard & Ethel Jane (Kulp) Allem.

He retired in 2020 from Knoll, Inc. in East Greenville.

He had a love of music and played the tuba.

He was a member of the Red Hill Band for 52 years serving several terms as president and was also a member of the Geryville Hobo Band. He enjoyed vacationing in Maine, he also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a coach in the Coopersburg Little League and was active with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 191 running their Christmas Tree Sales.

Robert was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Coopersburg where he also served as a Catechism Mentor.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Eric B. Allem and a daughter Alyssa Funk (Jeremy).

Memorial Services were held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 in the West Swamp Mennonite Church 2501 Allentown Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society 1818 Market St., Suite 2820, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

How to Fade the Treats

Dog training treats are extremely useful when teaching new behaviors.

Once your dog has practiced a behavior in different situations with various distractions, it’s time to start fading the treats. But not so fast! There is a technique to fading dog treats. Randomly rewarding your dog’s behavior works. People are rewarded randomly every day at casinos. Gamblers learn to continue playing the game in hopes of a large payout even after long sessions without winning. It’s so effective that gambling can become addicting. Another example of a variable reward system is the lottery. Despite the one billion-to-one odds of winning the lottery, people still shell out their hard-earned cash because the payout is extremely valuable to them.

Before fading a cue, make sure your dog completely understands how to perform a behavior first. If working on a “down” cue, the dog should respond quickly (within one second) to a cue (verbal or hand signal). You should also have your dog practice the “down” in your house, in the backyard, during walks and at the park. Once your dog’s responds to the cue 90% of the time, it’s time to fade the treats.

Sometimes, owners decrease food rewards too quickly. Usually this results in a confused and frustrated dog that gives up. In addition the behavior usually falls apart, meaning the dog stops responding to a queue or offers a different behavior instead.

If this happens take a few steps back and reward every successful attempt for several days. Then slowly fade treats by rewarding 4 out of 5 attempts for a few days and then three out of five attempts and so forth. You need to slowly ask more from your dog. The more you increase the behaviors, the less you’re treating your dog. Then it’s time to reward the fastest response after a cue or desired behaviors around distractions.

Remember, to maintain a behavior there must be a payout, like gambling. When a dog responds to a cue around a tough distraction give your dog lots of treats – jackpot! If a dog that is watching a squirrel run across the backyard still comes when called, make treats rain from the sky. Also, use dog treats to jumpstart an old behavior and teach new ones.

Dog training treats are valuable part of the learning process for dogs, so fade only when appropriate.

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

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

Intern Reflects on her Experiences at the Upper Bucks Free Press My name is Nicole Pasciuti. I’m a Junior at Quakertown Community High School. Over the past five months, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in Career Pathways, the High School’s new Field Study program.

This program lets high school students, such as myself, job shadow with an organization in our community and gain first hand experience with a career they may be interested in pursuing. It also helps teenagers engage in a more hands-on way with their future careers.

I was given the opportunity to complete my field study at the Upper Bucks Free Press by writing articles, conducting interviews, compiling data, and putting together the obituaries, as well as completing other tasks as they presented themselves. I even interviewed State Senator Bob Mensch for an article via Zoom.

It was important to have my field study surround English and writing because I love the subject and hope to further pursue a career in this field. My goal to learn more about journalism has been met as I now understand more of the components going into writing articles, giving interviews, and even some of the business side of getting the news to the people.

It was interesting to see if journalism was just as I pictured it as a career or way different than expected. I have since learned just how much work this career entails and the level of research needed to complete a lot of tasks.

I never expected to have opportunities of this magnitude in high school, so being able to experience them has been amazing. I hope this program sticks around so other teenagers get to enjoy an experience like mine.

“I love the Olympic Games. The Olympics are an event that few can fathom but all can enjoy, and that’s why athletes work our whole lives to put on the greatest show on Earth.”

- Johnny Weir (USA Figure skating, 2-time Olympian)

Spotted Lanternfly Education at the PA Farm Show – One Master Gardener’s Experience On January 12th and 13th I had the pleasure of volunteering in the Spotted Lanternfly Booth at the PA Farm Show in Harrisburg, PA. The Booth was outfitted with useful information including the new Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide. Visitors from many counties in the surrounding area were aware of the SLF as they have been battling them on their properties, farms and workplaces.

One young man explained how he and his coworkers have an SLF killing contest on their work breaks! My Boothmates and I heard many encouraging stories of ingenious ways to swat and squash the adults. The children were especially proud of their stomping prowess.

Our main focus at this time however was to encourage the removal of egg sacks and their proper disposal.

Several items on the table attracted the children. Most loved the puzzle page and delighted in wearing the Spotted Lanternfly headbands. One Grandfather from York County asked for 6 headbands to give to his Grandchildren who were arriving soon. He planned to “corral” them and bring them back to the booth for a picture. True to his word, the proud “Pop-Pop” arrived with five of his Grandchildren. Number six was more interested in the tractor ride located behind our booth.

We encountered visitors from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Some had not seen a Spotted Lanternfly. We encouraged those visitors to take a management guide and familiarize themselves with the lifecycle so they can be prepared if and most likely when the SLF will arrive on their property.

On my first day I had the honor to have the great Emelie Swackhamer as my Boothmate.

Emelie is a Horticultural Educator at Montgomery County Extension. Emelie’s bottom line advice-kill ‘em when you see ‘em and don’t move ‘em! (possibly paraphrased a

bit). Even though I have had extensive training on the subject of the Spotted Lanternfly there is always something new to learn. Emelie is a wealth of information and is more than willing to share. For the most update information: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lantrnfly Penn State Cooperative Extension was well represented at the Farm Show. In addition to the SLF Booth there were Booths for Master Gardeners, Food Preservation and Safety, Master Well Owners, and Pesticide Education Safety. Presentations included “Stormwater Around Your Home”, F.I.S.H. (First Investigation of Stream Health) Study, “Dining with Diabetes”, “Getting To Know Your Pond”, and “Get Your Property Certified As Watershed Friendly”. Information on any of these topics can be found on the Penn State Cooperative Extension website: extension.psu.edu On my own between shifts I roamed the Farm Show. I witnessed baby chicks hatching, a Mother pig suckling her 13 piglets, a cow birthing her calf, and a menagerie of ducks, chickens, roosters, bunnies, sheep, goats, horses (Draft horses are huge!). The arenas are packed full of interesting activities such as the Antique Tractor Pull, Horseshoe Pitching Contest, and my favorite – Sheep to Shawl to name just a few. I had to find the edible nut display. Emelie’s family has been grafting trees and growing a variety of nuts for years on their farm. There were lots of Blue Ribbons on their entries.

Last but not least-the food! Honey Infused Ice cream and waffles was my favorite. There were lots of options for both the carnivore and herbivore. All in all I had a terrific time engaging with the public at the SLF Booth, meeting other extension volunteers and enjoying the PA Farm Show.

Oops! Apologies to Stephen Plyler whom I identified in December’s article as Mike!

Our home Garden/Watershed hotline is still available! Emails are being answered by our trained Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards remotely Monday thru Friday. Although our phone lines are not in use for the winter months, our volunteers will still be monitoring your emails.

“Ask a Master Gardener/Master Watershed Steward” Penn State Extension Bucks County Email: BucksMG@psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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

Think Local.

Play Local.

Be Local.

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

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

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Childhood Memories that I Miss

Barbet Basenji Basset Beagle Beaglier

Beauceron Bloodhound Boerboel Bedlington Borzoi Bergamasco Boston Terrier Bichon Boxer

Briard Brittany Broholmer Bulldog Bull Terrier

As I live life in this 21st Century world, I often reflect on my childhood days and think about what a different time it was. Recently I have been pondering what I miss most about being a child. However, I had to reconsider that thought because at my stage of life, I believe I am entering that second childhood and I may be revisiting some things that I liked as a child; therefore, I am not missing them.

Seriously, childhood was a carefree time of my life, a time where I was dependent upon my mother. I had no major responsibilities like paying bills, maintaining a house, preparing meals, or caring for children. I got to play with my favorite things, all day long if I chose. I did not have to schedule what I was going to do for the day, or whether I was making the right decisions about life. I could say that I miss all of those things, and at times in my life, I do miss a few of them. But I realize that learning to do adult things grew me into the woman I am today.

I was born and grew up in the 20th Century, and that is what I miss the most about my childhood. It was a different era and people were different. They were kind, respectful, and loving. People delighted in helping their fellow human beings. There was a village where parents looked out for each other’s children. I loved when my family and my mother’s friends doted on me and told me what a nice little girl I was. It gave me confidence even though I did not know that is what I was developing.

I miss walks in the woods with my mother to pick wildflowers in the early spring.

My favorites were the purple and lavender Hepaticas, as well as Buttercups with their brilliant yellow flowers that brightened up the woods. It was said that if you hold the Buttercup

flower under your chin, and it reflected yellow on your skin you liked butter. Well, I don’t know how much yellow it reflected on my chestnut toned skin. That is probably why my mother always said shockingly, “You don’t like butter?”

While admiring the many flowers, it was a treat to come upon a wild blackberry or raspberry bush. When walking through the woods, my mother would take along a basket to gather wild berries. However, with me at her side, few berries went into the basket.

I miss the celestial atmosphere of the country where I walked outside and felt that I was in Paradise. I awoke to the melody of the birds in the early morning hours and the humming of the bumblebees at high noon. A pair of doves sat at the end of our long driveway in the early evening and cooed love songs to one another.

As late evening approached, the moon gazed through the trees in the woods and slowly rose to enhance the starry sky. I miss sitting on our long porch in the wooden love seat rocker with my head laying on my mother’s lap as that moonlight glowed across our figures and reflected our shadows onto the wooden planks of the porch. I miss hearing her sing those oldtime hymns like, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “Blessed Assurance,” and “Precious Lord Take My Hand.”

And so, I think a summary of what I miss most about being a child would be the simplicity of life and the many memories that I hold dear to my heart.

‘What one loves in childhood stays in their heart forever.’

Mary Jo Putney Jacque Holliday is a long time freelance contributor to UBFP. She always welcomes your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church Meets at HIghland Park Dining Hall 415 Highland Park Road Sellersville, PA 18960 484-523-3333 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling.

Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

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

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

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

First United Church of Christ Fourth Street & Park Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net Facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Contemporary Service 11:45am, Alternative worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm Good News Church 424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. An alternative to the ultra-contemporary Sunday Worship and Children’s Church 10:30 am, Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm, World Evangelism Fellowship affiliate.

Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:45am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult prayer meeting 6:45pm Juniper Street Bible Church 317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115 Pastor: Bob Stevenson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org Sunday worship 10am (also watch live on our Facebook page), Tuesday 7pm Bible study and prayer. We offer an invitation to you.

Come and worship with us.

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

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. Richard K. Brown II Sunday schedule: Worship 8:30 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, Worship 11 am Communion first Sunday of each month.

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

St. Isidore Roman Catholic Church 2545 West Pumping Station Rd Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536-4389 Pastor: Rev. Kenneth C. Brabazon izzyparoff@comcast.net www.stisidores.org Sunday Masses - 5:00pm Saturday evenings; 7:00am, 9:00am, & 11:00am on Sunday mornings; 1:00pm in Spanish Sunday afternoons St. John’s Lutheran Church 4 South Main Street • PO Box 459 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org www.stjohnsrpa.org Pastor: Rev Dr. David A Genszler In person worship service Sunday at 9:30 am, Watch our Worship Service anytime on stjohnsrpa.org/sermon or on Facebook.

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

BY REV. JOHN BAUMAN

more about God, and learn more about what God would have us to do in this world, by listening to perspectives that are different than our own.

So, as we may continue in our New Year’s resolutions in reading more of the Bible, praying more, journaling more, becoming a part of a local church, volunteering your help to areas of need in the community, may we also remember to listen to one another, and may we then see how God is at work in the many churches of Quakertown, and in the many ministries in which we offer our community.

Let’s pray for us all to work together to bring a little more Heaven to earth in our little community.

John Bauman is the associate pastor at First United Church of Christ in Quakertown. You can reach him at jbauman​@firstucc.net.

Discovering Queen Victoria’s Jewelry Gift

One of my favorite chapters that I’ve read from a book over the last few years has been the second chapter from the book “Water to Wine” by Brian Zahnd.

The book is sort of a spiritual autobiography where Brian talks about how his faith has shifted and changed over the years, and chapter two is about the value the he began to see in several Christian traditions - Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Mainline Protestant (Lutheran, Methodist, UCC, and others), Evangelicalism, etc. He began to see that every Christian tradition has areas they emphasized well, and because of this, he discovered a more complete view of God when he studied these different areas of emphasis in these different traditions.

I believe that we as Christians can learn

With Valentine’s Day celebrated this month, jewelry is on the minds of both givers and receivers. One of the most popular and growing collecting category is antique and vintage jewelry, particularly in precious metals like gold and silver jewelry. Many collectors and resellers are looking for fine gold jewelry from the 19th and 20th Centuries at auctions and online. They are looking for jewelry pieces at thrift stores, yard sales, antiques shops, estate sales, too.

These pieces are stunningly beautiful and highly sought after in today’s very active jewelry market.

If you are a collector or reseller of antique or vintage jewelry, you need to know the many different international gold purity marks that are found on both silver and gold jewelry.

These marks can indicate time period or age and point to value.

Recognizing foreign marks will help treasure hunters find fine jewelry pieces. For example, some pieces of jewelry that date to the mid to late 19th Century also known as Victorian jewelry made during the years of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901) are not marked the same way that American jewelry pieces of the same era are marked. In the Victorian period, some gold pieces from Great Britain were marked 15 karat gold or with the numbers 625. These British purity marks mean that a piece of gold jewelry is 62.5% pure gold or has a gold fineness measuring 15 karats.

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 18968 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Worship Service: 9:30 a.m.

Service also will be live-streamed on Facebook (St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown, PA) and video will be available on church website. Check website for updated COVID guidelines.

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

Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available.

Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible.

All invited and welcome to Share the Joy! St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville 837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown 215-536-5789 stpaulsqtown@gmail.com www.stpaulsqtown.org Pastor: Rev. David Heckler We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street Sellersville, PA 18960 215-257-7268 Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Sunday Worship 10:15 in Sanctuary Springfield Mennonite Church 1905 Pleasant View Road Coopersburg PA 18036 267-999-1404 Pastor: Joseph Wames pastorjoe@springfieldmennonite.org www.springfieldmennonite.org Join us at 10:15a Sunday Mornings for a Blended Worship Service, Multi-generational, loving congregation. Biblically and Doctrinally Sound.

Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536.4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Dayle Malloy 9 a.m. Traditional service, 11 a.m. Contemporary Service, 10: 15 a.m. Sunday School, Handicap accessible, Family Friendly, Dynamic Music Ministry, Living God’s Love for All

For instance, this 15 karat gold mark can be found on this gold double heart pin enhanced with gold links and seed pearls. I appraised this special pin at one of my antiques appraisal events during my nationwide tour. The gold and seed pearl pin was a gift from HRH Queen Victoria herself. The gold double heart pin was owned by a relative of a lady in waiting to HRH Queen Victoria. The pin was gifted from the Queen in the late 1800s. With its impressive provenance and the recent sale of Queen Victoria’s jewels at auction, this pin commanded a very high value on the antique jewelry market.

Today, it is more difficult to find pieces of 15 karat gold jewelry. Why? Because 15 karat gold is a gold purity standard that was discontinued in 1932. In the early 1930s, 14 karat gold became the gold standard for jewelry. There two basic reasons for the switch from 15 karat gold to 14 karat gold. One reason is that 14 karat gold is somewhat more durable for everyday jewelry wear than 15 karat gold. And, jewelry collectors are more attracted to the golden color of 14 karat gold when compared to 15 karat gold pieces which have a mossy green hue. A piece of 15 karat gold jewelry has approximately 4% more pure gold than 14 karat gold. This difference impacts the color of 14 karat gold which many collectors prefer.

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

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

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

- Anna Scott, Notting Hill

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

Genesis GV80 SUV

Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes and others should be concerned since an impressive luxury sedan has made its mark in this luxury market. And it’s an exceptional contender.

What we speak of is Genesis’s G series of luxury sedans. In case you don’t know, Genesis is the upscale division of Hyundai as Acura is to Honda and Lexus is to Toyota, to name a few.

Genesis was launched back in 2009 and has come on strong with luxury sedan and SUV buyers. And their warranties are the best in the business.

The Genesis family of luxury sedans include the G70, G80 and top-shelf G90. All Genesis sedans are rear drive, but AWD is optionally available.

We were privileged to test the G80 AWD midsize sedan that’s rated for 5-passengers.

This beautiful luxury sedan comes with impressive accolades. It was named Best Midsize Car in J.D. Powers 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, it ranked highest overall for tech innovation in Powers’ 2021 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study, plus it earned a Top Safety Pick Award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Appearance wise, the G80’s front end could be mistaken for an exotic Bentley. Its bold, eye-grabbing diamond pattern grille and fashionable thin-bar headlights and running lights are uniquely designed. Same goes for its LED taillights and swooping roofline that dips down to meet Ovid tailpipe extensions for a sporty, racy, aero (0.27 coefficient of drag) look.

G80s interior is spacious and exceptionally endowed with microfiber covered pillars/ headliners, carpeted console sides, Nappa leather heated/cooled front seats that are sofa soft and supportive with extended under thigh support. The front passenger seatback powers

down for its occupant to take a nap.

In the heated back seats, they too are equally as cushy for two adults or three youngsters as the tall transaxle hump limits adult leg room.

Perched unobtrusively midway down the dash is a 14.3-inch infotainment display controlled by a console-mounted dial that includes a handwriting surface. It serves a host of functions and features including satellite radio, a rearview camera, frontal cam plus left and right camera’s when activating the left/ right turn signals, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and much more. Then there’s Genesis Connected Services and navigation.

One added nicety are the Sounds of Nature audio selections that, instead of music, you can be soothed by the sounds of a Lively Forest, Calm Seas, Rainy Day, Open Air Café, Warm Fireplace or Snowy Day. The vertical stack includes easy to use HVAC controls with selections displayed on the screen, and at the base, a wireless phone charger.

G80s console mounted 8-speed automatic transmission shifter is a rotary dial that pops up for selections of R, N, D and a center “P” button for park gear. A clean, flush and nifty arrangement. To the right of it is a single switch for drive modes of Comfort, Sport, Eco and Custom.

Then there’s the 12.3-inch instrument gauge cluster that includes a driver information display for driving alerts, functions and a host of features like a warning notice when waiting at a signal light and it turns green but the

driver is occupied looking at a cell phone or gazing elsewhere. That, plus upon shutting off the ignition a notice appears to check the back seat – a safety feature if leaving a child, pet or packages on them.

And speaking of the latest technology, G80 has a camera-based suspension system that reads the road surface and automatically adjusts it for a comfy ride and handling.

Then there’s the remote park assist system that with the key fob outside the G80, you can position the car forward/backward in tight parking spots. And while behind the steering wheel, the system can self-parallel/ perpendicular park. And lest I forget, power door closures.

Estate Management Checklist G80s trunk is relatively spacious at 13.1 cubic feet with a 42-inch load depth. While the rear seatbacks don’t fold, there is a passthrough between the seats for carrying long items.

Beneath the trunk floor is the spare tire, jack and tools, but really no usable space to stow small items.

G80 is offered with a choice of a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder rated at 300-hp and 311 lb/ft of torque, or the tested 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 335-hp and 391 lb/ ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 18 city, 26-highway mpg with start/stop engine technology and 8-speed auto trans with added paddle shifters. The combination provides a quick explosion of power that gives the impression a small V8 is under the hood. In Sport mode, shift points come at a bit higher rpm and steering feel is somewhat sportier.

There’s certainly no want for power.

Shod with Pirelli 20-inch tires, G80 rides superphoto smooth and very quiet.

Only by opening by christopher betz a window can the engine be heard.

This attractive luxury sedan could easily serve as a downsized posh limo. And it should be considered the new benchmark for midsize AWD luxury sedans.

Now all this luxury, technology, comfort and top ratings doesn’t come inexpensively. But compared to the aforementioned competitors, G80 is competitively priced. It comes with an exhaustive list of standard safety features such as lane keeping and following assist, blind spot collision/avoidance assist, rear cross traffic/ avoidance assist, safe exit assist, rain sensing wipers, rear occupant alert, panoramic sunroof and many more.

As for extra cost items, G80s base price of $62,250 escalated after adding Tasmanian Blue paint ($500); Prestige Package ($5,400) that included a long list of extras, the most significant was remote parking assist previously described.

With delivery of $1,045, G80 bottom-lined at $69,195. This is competitive, perhaps even less, than other luxury sedans in G80s class.

As an added incentive, G80 offers generous warranties of 5 year/60K new vehicle warranty; 10/100K powertrain; 7/Unlimited anti-perforation; 3/36K complimentary maintenance; 3/36K service valet; 3/complimentary Genesis ConnectedServices; and 3/complimentary map care (navigation updates).

With all this, G80 buyers can’t go wrong with an AWD luxury sedan that is unlike most others.

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.

Do you have a will?

A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children.

Do you have healthcare documents in place?

Healthcare documents spell out your wishes for health care if you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself. They also authorize a person to make decisions on your behalf if that should prove necessary. These documents may include a living will, a power of attorney agreement, and a durable power of attorney agreement for healthcare.

Do you have financial documents in place?

Certain financial documents can outline your financial wishes. If you become unable to make decisions for yourself, these financial documents can be structured to empower a person to make decisions on your behalf.

These documents may include joint ownership, durable power of attorney, and living trusts.

Have you filed beneficiary forms?

In some cases, naming a beneficiary for bank accounts and retirement plans makes these accounts “payable on death” to your beneficiaries. In other cases, you will need to fill out a “Payable on Death” form.

Do you have the right amount and type of life insurance?

When was the last time you assessed your life insurance coverage? Have you compared the life insurance benefit with your financial obligations? Keep in mind that several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

Have you taken steps to manage your federal estate tax?

If you and your spouse have more than $23.4 million in assets (for 2021), you may want to consider taking steps to manage federal estate taxes, which will be due at the second spouse’s death1.

Have you taken steps to protect your business?

Do you have a succession plan? If you own a business with others, you may also want to consider a buyout agreement.

Have you created a letter of instruction?

A letter of instruction is a non-legal document that outlines your wishes. A strong, well-written letter may save your heirs time, effort, and expense as they administer your estate.

Will your heirs be able to locate your critical documents?

Your heirs may need access to the specific documents you have created to manage your estate. These documents may include: Your will, Trust documents, Life insurance policies, Deeds to any real estate, and certificates for stocks, bonds, annuities, Information on your financial accounts and safe deposit boxes, Information on your retirement plans, Information on any debts you have: credit cards, mortgages and loans.

Note: Power of attorney laws can vary from state to state. An estate strategy that includes trusts may involve a complex web of tax rules and regulations. Consider working with a knowledgeable estate management professional before implementing such strategies.

1. Investopedia.com, 2021.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

This material was develFMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be oped and produced by

considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

This

Copyright 2021 FMG Suite.

article was submitted by Bob Podraza of Robert James Investments on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-583-5013 or at robertjamesinvestments.com

Bowers Named UBCTS Student of the Month Brier Bowers, a Palisades High School senior in our Baking and Pastry Arts program, is recognized as the Upper Bucks County Technical School Student of the Month for January. Brier is the son of Renee Danielle and Michael Bowers.

Nominated by Chef Diana Penn, Brier has been a valuable asset to the baking class.

His knowledge of the bakery and problemsolving skills have played an essential part in his classroom success. Notably, Brier’s mentorship and silent leadership have been examples for all students. Brier is Team Leader for the student retail outlet where his fast thinking and speed make busy days run smoothly.

Brier has achieved his ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, Penn State Nutrition Healthy Eating Certificate, and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ServSafe COVID, which handles re-opening guidance, conflict

de-escalation, and takeout procedures.

After graduating from Palisades High School and Upper Bucks County Technical School, Brier plans on enlisting in the Navy.

14

• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

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

Experience not necessary, willing to train the right individual.

Must have reliable transportation.

Jbiagioli5775@gmail.com Spor’s General Store - Hiring various positions, ages 15 & up. bspor@sporsgeneralstore.com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville New Vitae Wellness & Recovery - Welcome to your New Life at New Vitae Wellness & Recovery!

PCA/MT, Cooks, Drivers, Maintenance Asst at our Quakertown locations.

Sign-on bonus up to $1,000!

Call 610-928-5246 or NewVitaeWellness.com/careers.

Classic Hair Designs - Salon and spa seeking part-time experienced massage therapist and Saturday

receptionist. Flexible hours and pleasant working environment. Send resume to classichairdesigns1@ gmail.com Gutter Guys - Now Hiring Full Time Positions for Installers and Estimators. Call 215-996-9976 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 Ample Electric - We are looking for an exoerienced electrician to perform residential and commercial projects. Interested, send your resume to ampleelectric@gmail.com

Think Local. Work Local. Be Local.

Buckygrams: romance, kisses, hugs, red hearts, love, sweetheart, special dinner, cards, gifts, intimacy, lacy valentine, affection Hidden Message: “Love is in the air.” Bucky Block: Multiple choice question

Employment Opportunities

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

15

Quakertown FBLA Students Qualify for State Competition

BY GARY WECKSELBLATT Several Quakertown Community High School students qualified to compete in the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference by placing during the recent regionals.

Students placing fourth or higher in objective tests and second place or higher in performance competition qualified.

“These students prepare for successful careers in business by applying classroom concepts in a workplace simulated competitive environment,” said Sandi Frisch, the FBLA advisor. “I am so proud of our students for the leadership they have shown and for their outstanding accomplishments.”

All Quakertown winners listed have qualified to compete in State Leadership Conference.

First Place Winners Alaina Luce (12) - Accounting Ye Rin Yun (12) - Cybersecurity Kierstin Williams (11), Maya Hellyer(11), Katie Muller (11) - Graphic Design Nicole Leniger (12) - Health Care Admin Olivia Pizzullo (12) - Help Desk Avadar Brownlee (12) - HR Management Kiele Magalengo (10) - Impromptu Speech Emma Pham (10) - Intro to Business Comm Second Place Winners Eliza Menser (12) - Agribusiness J Scheliga (11)- Business Law Maria Dakuginow (9) - Healthcare Mgmt Third Place Winners Connor Frisch (10) - Insurance & Risk Mgmt Alexandria Wittman (12) - Political Science Khushi Vandra (12) - Supply Chain Mgmt Fourth Place Winners Cole Matheny (9) - Computer Problem Solving Anna Zheng (12) - Economics

Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks Seeks Volunteers

SCORE Aids Group Showcasing Abilities of those with Disabilities During her 25 years as an occupational therapist Bev Weinberg noticed “a lot of untapped talent” in many of the students with disabilities with whom she worked. Seeing beyond their disabilities, Weinberg was disheartened to see young people “graduate to the sofa,” instead of furthering their education, contributing to the economy, or giving back.

“I saw a need to bridge that gap,” Weinberg said.

In 2017, she began planting the seeds of change. By 2019, her full-fledged nonprofit organization, Integrate for Good was incorporated and she began serving roughly 3,500 people per year in the Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia, Chester and Delaware counties. Tapping into her passion for helping individuals who are often recipients of assistance assume leadership roles, Weinberg, through Integrate for Good, creates volunteer opportunities for people of all abilities to give back.

She met SCORE Bucks County certified mentor Bill Grant at a workshop in December 2019 and began mentoring with him. A few months later, as COVID changed the fundraising landscape in early 2020, Grant’s insight was integral in helping Weinberg pivot her organization.

“We were a year old when COVID hit,” Weinberg said. “We didn’t have a brick-andmortar organization. Everything we do is in the community. COVID shut all that down.

Now how do we do what we do?”

With Grant’s help – and connections – Weinberg was able to keep moving forward.

Grant shared his extensive network of nonprofit contacts and business owners with her and helped transition the fundraising initiatives to a virtual format. As the only staff person for the organization, Weinberg wears many hats. Maneuvering through day-

to-day tasks on top of last year’s changes stemming from COVID was made easier with Grant’s help. He made sure to keep her informed about impending deadlines and new initiatives.

“Our SCORE mentor Bill Grant really had been instrumental in keeping our head up and navigating,” she said. “He was also really good at listening and being a sounding board.”

Grant lauded Weinberg for “organically” creating the nonprofit and continuing to grow her following through a strong board of directors, events and transitioning as needed during the pandemic.

Integrate for Good has since moved to a hybrid model, blending virtual events with traditional in-person initiatives, such as the organization’s recent gala. Integrate for Good also provides team-building events for companies that are led by people with disabilities. Weinberg collaborates with volunteers, her board and college interns to keep going.

The importance of collaboration was the biggest lesson she learned from her SCORE mentor.

“There’s no way one person would be able to do that without strong community partnership,” Weinberg said. “We don’t operate in a silo. Take advantage of resources that are out there.”

Weinberg lists SCORE’s free webinars and mentoring at the top of the list for other nonprofits and entrepreneurs.

“Surround yourself with good resources and good mentorship,” she said. “That all comes from SCORE. It’s like hitting the jackpot.”

Integrate for Good welcomes volunteers of all abilities. If interested in volunteering or donating to the nonprofit, email howcanwehelp@integrateforgood.org

Volunteers are needed to support the mission of the Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks (AHUB). AHUB is a nonprofit organization which serves the needs of the homeless of the Quakertown, Pennridge, and the Palisades areas. One program under AHUB is a volunteer staffed community ministry called Code Blue which provides shelter and a warm bed and meal to the homeless of Upper Bucks County on cold winter nights when the temperature is 26 degrees or below.

This homeless shelter is located at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Quakertown, PA. After a very successful eight years for the program, we hope to broaden our volunteer

base for this upcoming winter. Opportunities include: Shelter Admissions staff, Overnight staff, Morning Aide, and more. Season runs from November 15, 2021 to April 15, 2022.

Please consider volunteering with AHUB. Contact us at ahubpa@gmail.com to learn about opportunities. You can also reach us at 215-536-5166, but e-mail is preferred.

AHUB will ensure COVID-19 protocols are in place at the shelter in order to provide a level of safety for both volunteers and guests.

This will include regular disinfection of the shelter. Mandates for masks will be put into place as well. Partitions & sneeze guards will be used to insure social distancing.

2021-22 ‘Quakertown Cares’ Total a Record Breaker, Over $51,000 Raised

BY JANE THOMPSON-SMITH In these seemingly endless days of Covid, there is hope. Because where there is darkness there is also light. And it is shining brightly in Quakertown, as a campaign high of $51,107 was raised this year.

Thank you, Quakertown area businesses, organizations, churches, schools and individuals for caring about your neighbors, as Covid continues to affect many aspects of our lives.

There is a reason why Quakertown’s high school has the word community in its name.

Because community is very important to the people of this area. And instead of giving less to help local families, seniors and veterans in need, its members gave more!

This year’s campaign has been a huge success, despite Covid cancelling ‘Cares’ fund-raisers, including the annual spring breakfast/craft show.

Even though it is a holiday campaign, contributions are welcomed year round, and ‘Cares’ is now able to help community members year round as well, as needs arise. Referrals come from counselors, social workers and other trusted sources.

In 2021, “Quakertown Cares” was able to aid over 400 families and individuals.

Giving to “Quakertown Cares” as the campaign officially draws to a close was the Seleni and Fi Foundation, giving $3,320. In addition, an anonymous Richland Township resident gave $2,500. Craig and Beth Arnold added $250 with an employer match, and Beechwood Acres Card Club of Milford Township, Lillian Brader, Constance Brown and an anonymous Perkasie resident donated $100 each. Also, James and Catherine Laguna gave $70, Nancy Baringer $50 and an anonymous Quakertown Borough resident $25.

Thank you to all for shining your light!

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

Panthers QB Steich Named Mini Max High School Award Winner

BY GARY WECKSELBLATT

Postmaster Lenny Skibicki welcomed the community to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Trumbauersville Post Office which has been serving the community since January 25, 1822. In Upper Bucks, only Quakertown Post Office is older having opened in 1803. Spinnerstown opened in 1825, Richlandtown in 1828, Milford Square in 1852, and Zion Hill in 1871. Skibicki has been Postmaster at Trumbauersville since May 2013 and with the United States Postal Service for 18 years. photo by christopher betz

Quakertown Rotary Club President Kate Gerhart welcomes new member Brad Knecht at the organization’s monthly meeting. Brad is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Quakertown. submitted photo

State Representative Craig Staats (145) recently showed Bucks County 4-H Ambassadors David Dutertre and Layla Cotter around the State Capitol where they were formally introduced by the Speaker of the House. The 145th district includes East Rockhill Township and Quakertown where both youths reside. submitted photo

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The accolades continue rolling in for the Quakertown Community High School football team, following a historic season in which the Panthers finished 13-1, defeated archrival Pennridge on Thanksgiving Day, and had a record 19 players as all-league selections.

Quarterback Will Steich, who rewrote the Panthers offensive record book, has been named a Mini Max High School Award winner for the 2021 football season. He is one of 55 players selected from schools across Pennsylvania. Players were nominated by their coaches and evaluated based on football performance, academics, and community service. Only two other Bucks County students were chosen, Jeremy Goldrick of Central Bucks West and Makai Jackson of Harry S. Truman.

“This is a really prestigious award,” said George Banas, the Panthers’ head football coach since 2010. “It’s a reflection on the type of young man he has become and how his parents have raised and developed him. Hopefully, there’s some of how we mentored him as well.”

Of this year’s honorees, Maxwell Football Club President, Mark Dianno, said in a statement “This year’s group of Mini-Max winners was challenged by more than just their on-field opponents. They had to contend with circumstances of the pandemic impacting their families, communities, schools, teachers, academics, practices, coaches, and games; yet they consistently rose to meet those challenges and performed extraordinary feats on the fields, in their classrooms, and in their respective communities.”

The winner of the club’s Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey Player of the Year awards will be candidates for the 36th Jim Henry Award as the Outstanding Player in the region. The winner will be announced on February 2.

“Usually, that player plays professionally,” Coach Banas said. “To be in that company, to be in that same conversation, says a lot about Will.”

Will has done a lot right during his three years as the Panthers’ starting quarterback. He is first in passing yards (4,401), completions (308), passing touchdowns (49), and total touchdowns (60). This season he was extra special with 126 completions for 1,778 yards and 24 touchdowns, all Panther records. Receiver Zach Fondl caught 53 of those passes for 940 yards and 14 TDs. “When you have a really good team around you, it’s easier to meet your individual goals,” Will said.

The Panthers 19 All-Suburban One League selections included offensive linemen Freddie Retter, Blake Griesemer, Vincent Pellegrini, Anthony Schiller, and Nick Fletcher, receiver Fondl and running backs Tyler Woodman and John Eatherton.

“We had a lot of fun winning week after week,” Will said. “We’d win and start preparing for the next game. We were 5-0, then 6-0, and knew this could be one of the better years in Panthers’ history. The team worked hard, starting in the offseason, and we turned it into something special.”

Since elementary school Will, Tyler and Zach have played youth football together and had their dads as coaches. With thousands of reps over the years, “It got to be easy, having that chemistry so you can spend more time working

on things more complicated,” Will said.

He said he won’t forget the Friday nights at Alumni Field, where the stadium was always loud and packed. He particularly

remembers Senior Night, in a rainstorm.

“The weather didn’t keep them away,” he said. “There were so many people there.

It didn’t thin out till we pulled away.”

Will has heard Coach Banas preach of the importance to serve the school and surrounding communities. He’s taken the message to heart, and is involved in the Best Buddies Club and Mini-THON. Outside of school, he volunteers for many of the Quakertown Alive! events, helping with the setup beforehand and cleanup afterward. “That’s something Coach Banas is really big on, having a strong community where everyone supports one another,” he said.

The quarterback and coach share a special bond. It’s evident when the coach tears up as he talks about his star QB. “He epitomizes what you want as a coach. It’s a relationship you look forward to. You only get that every five years, if you’re lucky. Will and I have quite a bond. He embodies what we preach as a program: Always do what’s right for the team, for the school, and for the community.”

“We’ve definitely built a strong relationship,” Will said. “We’ve had our fair share of arguments. But we sat down and had lots of talks about where we want this thing to go. There’s a lot of trust there.”

Asked about Will’s seemingly shy demeanor, Coach Banas said Will is “ultra-competitive.

You may not see it in school, but when he’s on the field he’s deeply involved and gets on everybody. It could be his best pal or a brand new sophomore. He’s not afraid to get them on the same page, and he does it in the right way.”

Will has no doubt that he’ll play college football. He’s already visited Delaware Valley University and Ursinus College. He plans to visit Moravian and Widener, and perhaps one or two other schools, before making a decision.

“I’m gonna play football somewhere, he said.

Coach Banas has no doubt. “He has that mindset to play at that level. I’m sure he’s prepared to play, 100 percent.”

Like his mom, a public school teacher, Will plans to major in education. His minor? Coaching.

“It’s what I want to do, definitely,” he said.

“He’ll make us proud,” Coach Banas said.

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

17

Why It’s Important to Turn On the Lights

My day started at 5:30am when I got out of bed to go to the bathroom and on the way I stepped in dog poop. Barefoot. I recently adopted a 3 year old dog and he is definitely not housebroken. I’m going to fix that and even if I can’t I will love him anyway and learn to turn on the lights before I walk through my house. I cleaned up my foot and the carpet, did my business and now wide awake, made a cup of coffee in the Keurig and returned to bed to watch the last 2 episodes of Ozark.

Half way through the first episode I realized that I had not put a fresh pod in the brewer and I was drinking sugar, cream and water with a hint of coffee flavor from a twice used pod.

Yuck! Now afraid to get out of bed for fear of what may happen next, I contemplate rolling over and going back to sleep for a do-over, however 14 years of a husband who gets up for work at 4:30am has trained me to stay awake.

Ten minutes later with an actual cup of coffee in my hand I finish watching Ozark (Oh. Em. Gee. Well done Netflix) and I am convinced I have averted the whammy so I head off to the shower.

Back in September while I was lying in bed with Covid and spending endless hours looking for anything to entertain myself while I was a pariah of society I read about an actress who recently lost a good bit of weight and how she had dedicated herself to a ‘Year of Health’. I understand that with fame and money comes personal trainers and chefs and even someone to tell you to get off your butt and exercise, but in my weakened state I thought that a year of health was a great idea. No pressure to lose weight, just gradually making better choices and watching the rewards of a sleek

new body line up like Pringles in a can. That combined with the fact that Covid kicked my ass and made me realize that even though I don’t have any real health ‘issues’, I’m not actually healthy. I can’t run to the corner five houses away. I’m on my feet all day for work so I have convinced myself that I was in relatively good health. Ah… no. Fast forward to the new year and it begins. I decide to do some badly needed stretches several days a week since when I bend over I can only reach my knees. I’m going to watch what I eat and simply make better choices. I choose to keep my coffee the same because – coffee. I weigh myself once for the record and put the scale away for a month.

25 days later I get out of bed and step in dog poop and today is the day and before I get in the shower I weigh myself a little early. I have gained a pound. I don’t understand! I have stretched at least 10 times! I cut out bread for at least 12 days here and there! I drank green tea – PLAIN – 4 times! I thought about exercising every day and I even did some leg lifts while I was sitting in the hot tub! How did I gain a pound? It was like stepping in crap all over again, but this time I had no one to blame but myself. I have wasted almost a month of my year of health lying to myself like my exhusband.

I realized that if I want this, then I had to stop kidding myself. I want to breathe better, feel better, and yes look better so I bundled up and took myself for a walk. I was proud of myself. It was cold and windy and a lot harder than I thought it would be and I will definitely be taking some ibuprofen tomorrow, but the journey has begun and that’s no pile of crap.

Father & Son, Mother & Daughter During this period of Covid-19 stay at home time, I noticed laughter and play coming from two local homesteads in our area.

When we first moved into the Old Woods Rd. portion of Milford Township over 40 years ago, we noticed the wonderful family activities of our neighbors.

The children inter-acting with other children such as we did a few decades earlier back in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. The other day I heard the children playing outdoors after school as I was chopping ice at the end of my drive in preparation for our next unusual 2022 freeze. This brought all this to mind. Yes, in this day when I just changed from flip phone to a new 5G Smart Phone in my old age, children are still putting down these contraptions to PLAY! Even in the bitter cold.

Back in the day, fathers spent time with their sons and mothers spent time with their daughters. I wonder why this interaction seems to have been reduced? Remember when you either played baseball or joined Boy Scouts and your father helped coach or helped as an assistant Scoutmaster or at a camp out? Remember the same with mothers and daughters in similar situations or even having the daughters help prepare supper or bake Christmas cookies?

As a rural area back then, fathers and sons spent time bass fishing over at Campbell’s Dam or over at Cook’s Creek. The ritual of preparing for Pheasant Hunting Opener was something I will never forget. Back then there were fewer deer and we actually had wild pheasants and plentiful Cottontail Rabbits.

Now with all the fields turned to brush and woods we don’t have the pheasants but we have more deer and less areas to hunt. It wasn’t the harvesting of the pheasants that counted.

It was the TIME I spent with my dad and brothers that was important. How we planned to hunt a cornfield or a swamp are with what we called Tussocks (Higher grass mounds) for those lowland bunnies. The times we went Bass Fishing over at Potts’ by the humped bridge outside of Milford Square. The time

my dad finally caught that “old lunker” at last.

How he released it back in the creek again out of respect to its caginess!

I remember when my Mom and my sister Shirley would go to the Mother/Daughter yearly banquet at St. John’s Lutheran, Richlandtown. My sister would usually sing for the group and mom took her good potato salad and her famous mint chocolate cake for her contribution to the potluck dinner. Mom and Shirley would sometime spend a Saturday afternoon shopping together after my sister learned to drive.

Father/Son, Mother/Daughter experiences were special. So was all the “Family” time we shared at church, local firefighter’s carnivals, and community picnics and our annul trips to Seaside Heights, NJ and Hickory Run Park in Pennsylvania Unfortunately the local families I am fortunate to have as neighbors seem to be the exception to the normal rules. I hear on the news about all the crime, drugs, and coldhearted violence that is taking place all around us in our younger aged children. Oh how I wish I could bring back that unity of FAMILY that was so prevalent in our day. We added a huge addition to our church to hold the youth that were crowded in our small Sunday School area a few decades ago. I now have my file cabinets stored in one of the VACANT Sunday School rooms that many of us helped stud, drywall, and paint during a whole summer and Fall.

My hope is that things change around and we have unity of family and community (such as church and boy and girl scouts) become popular again. It is nice to see a smile on a child’s face as they just hit a spectacular line drive in a baseball game with their parents and grandparents watching. It is wonderful to hear laughter as I chop ice in my driveway on a bitter cold day. Could we soon be released from restrictions and busy schedules to once again experience families sharing Father & Son or Mother & Daughter events? I hope that these experiences are not on the “Forbidden List” of political correctness.

Dick Helm is a long time Quakertown area resident

and

regular

contributor

here

UBFP. Reach him at rbh9@verizon.net.

at

18

• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2022

Neighbors Continue Fight Against Adelphia Gas Compressor Station A LETTER TO THE EDITOR The thoughtless push from Adelphia to move forward and finish their “Quakertown Gas Compressor Station” project in our community which is RC Zoning (residential conservation) is absolutely mind boggling. West Rockhill Township is fighting to keep it out, the USA citizen residents who live here (some of us are 6th generation in the same house who don’t want to move) are fighting it, we are in the midst of a pandemic and barely going to work ourselves, we are in the midst of a cold spell where I would never have work on my house for fear of construction not setting up right in these temperatures....and still Adelphia is moving forward with the destruction of our once beautiful farmlands across the street and Lord knows the long-term IMPACTS to nature because we were never granted an environmental impact study.

Chairman Glick and Commissioner Clements, in their statements regarding the impact of Hurricane Ida in Louisiana on August 29, 2021, admit that the costs to repair/replace the energy infrastructure there are a “direct result of climate change and extreme weather”.

Such considerations regarding this project have been swept under the rug. What happens when a severe storm takes out the power here? What happens when a storm damages the “building” around these compressors? What happens to the residents who live a few hundred feet from the site in the case of an emergency? What happens if we need to evacuate, when these roads are too narrow for two cars across?

There is no emergency plan, and our local small community will be left to manage an industrial disaster. I can’t understand why industry has more rights than citizens who live here.

I just don’t understand what we as human beings are doing to ourselves. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, last year, and only in the top 20 costliest

weather/climate disasters, 688 people were killed and damages exceeded $145 Billion.

Those numbers are only the top costliest (monetary conclusions only).

This recently past December 2021 was the warmest December ever recorded. EVER! And then there are the numerous sinkholes, accidental dumps into places like Marsh Creek etc., the multitude of abuses these projects force into communities who see no benefit and only reap the damage when the air, ground, and water become polluted.

There is nowhere to go with the water that is forever polluted due to fracking chemicals which are known carcinogens, and so we dump them on our roads to “de-ice them... and cancer rates seem to be rampant everywhere. I see these correlations!

And I don’t know where to begin with species extinction rates.

But if science is so great, we are able to frack and extract gas, etc. etc., can you not understand that now science is telling us we must stop? Forget the other species that are going extinct at a rate 1000-10000 times faster than nature would dictate. We humans are the cause of heating up this planet to the point that civilization as we know it will disappear.

Why are we trying to bring about our demise so quickly? So thoughtlessly? Money cannot grow food if the soil is too hot to germinate seeds. Money cannot buy clean water when a breach happens (think how New Orleans couldn’t stop hurricane waters) and the waters are no longer consumable.

Hubris looms large these days. The Adelphia Gateway Projects is being forced upon a farming community which receives no benefit and will only reap the pollution, death of wildlife from the pollution and noise, and the desecration of our way of life for the past 6 generations. There may be no way of life to speak of for any people to come. submitted by Christine Shelly, Richland Twp

Rendering of 5,625 hp natural gas compressor station planned for 1.5 acre site in rural residential neighborhood on Rich Hill Road in West Rockhill Township where it meets Richland Township.

Elementary Student-led Committee Collects, Donates Winter Gear

BY GARY WECKSELBLATT

Over the last few months, Trumbauersville Elementary School students have collected winter hats, gloves, and scarves as part of a School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Plan focused on fostering Compassion, Perseverance, and Respect (CPR).

Several boxes of the items were donated Wednesday afternoon to Quakertown Community Outreach, which supports homeless and at-risk families. “It’s an awesome thing to see the kids know the importance of giving back at such a young age,” said Scott Seeger of QCO. The idea was the inspiration of the studentled CPR Committee, two students in each class of third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders who are leaders and role models for their peers. The students are chosen by teachers and support staff.

Each month the committee meets to brainstorm ideas for spirit days and develop plans to help the community. In November,

for example, they collected 800 pounds of food for the Quakertown Food Pantry. They’re currently collecting animal supplies for the Last Chance Ranch.

“This is all student-generated,” said Lauren Ziegler, the committee’s advisor. “The ideas come from them. The students are so motivated and passionate. They give up their time to come in early before school and during recess. I am so proud of them.”

Students on the committee include fifthgraders Alexa Reich, Jack Folkerts, Molly Tomlinson, Malea Kandel, Maeve Bryan, Macy Smith; fourth-graders Magdalena Wysocka, Jackson Hammond, Emily Mallery, Dominic Torres, Evan Kuppersmith, Shannon Walsh; and third-graders Clara Brace, Reese Lonegran, Kendall Benecke, and Kaden Russell.

Staff on the committee include teachers Mrs. Zeigler, Cheryl Bigenho, Patricia Wilson; Meredith Burke, learning support; and Linda Orrego, support staff.

Avinash Paul Named Presidential Scholars Candidate

BY GARY WECKSELBLATT

Quakertown Community High School senior Avinash Paul has been selected as a candidate for the United States Presidential Scholars Program.

He is among 5,000 students invited to apply for the program by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, which said the candidates “represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people.” Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

“There are so many bright kids in this whole country, this is incredible,” said Avinash, describing the feeling of being in this position as one of “elation.” He said an uncle on his mother’s side of the family was a Presidential Scholar.

“Maybe it’s in the genes,” he said. “No matter how hardworking I am, I am so thankful for my friends, family, and the teachers in Quakertown.

I couldn’t have done this without them.”

Of the invitees, 149 are from Pennsylvania.

Avinash is among only nine students from Bucks County school districts to receive an invitation.

“This is both a very rare and extraordinary honor for Avi, and I’m so proud of him,” Principal Mattias van’t Hoenderdaal said.

“These accomplishments don’t happen by accident. Avi has worked very hard to receive this invitation, which is a testament to his effort, and the outstanding job our teachers are doing in the classroom. Avi is developing himself into a responsible adult and will have wonderful opportunities in the future. He is a fine example for our students to follow.”

School Counselor Eric Gozzard described Avinash as “extremely goal-oriented. In my 12 years as a school counselor, I have not had a Presidential Scholar Candidate. So this is a big deal! He has worked so hard and been so focused on his future. I really hope he earns this award.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

A year ago, QCHS had two Presidential

Scholar candidates, Matthew Catalano, the class valedictorian, and Raymond Slifer, also a student at Upper Bucks County Technical School. Raymond became Pennsylvania’s first President Scholar for technical excellence.

Avinash’s candidacy for such a rare award is not a surprise. In the fall, Avinash was named a semifinalist in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. He has a 4.25 grade point average and scored 1590 out of 1600 on the SAT. “I got that one math question wrong,” he said.

Avinash is certainly willing to challenge himself in the classroom. He’s part of the school’s Medical Career Pathways Program, which includes taking college courses twice a week and job shadowing at St. Luke’s Hospital’s Upper Bucks Campus. In addition, he is taking Advanced Placement Statistics and AP Physics plus English and Political Science honor classes.

He describes Quakertown’s teachers as “pretty incredible.

They know what they’re talking about and love teaching what they teach. That’s the best part.”

Jason Anderson, who had Avinash in his AP World History class, called him “a model student. He takes initiative in his own education and loves spreading his knowledge to others. I’m very proud of what Avinash has accomplished. He’s very deserving.”

Avinash has lofty goals. He’s applied to Amherst, Brown, Colgate, Haverford, Penn State, Vassar and William & Mary. Whichever school he attends will have accepted him into its accelerated medical program, he said.

“I’m not sure what kind of doctor I’ll be,” he said, “but I want to study neuroscience.”

The Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts.

In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

To be eligible to advance in the Presidential Scholars Program, students must fill out an application that includes essays, selfassessments, secondary school reports and additional documents by February 24.

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” - Paulo Coelho

Grief and Love

It has been over six months since I have written an article. Sadly, my mother passed away in September of last year. She had a bad fall and was unable to muster the energy at 91 years old to recover from her injury. My mother was one of the strongest women I have ever known. I was in awe of her and how she dealt with her injury and rarely complained.

My mother had a level of acceptance that her time here on earth was over. Before the time of her death, I believed that I was ready to let her go. I understood that she was tired and that it had a been a long year for her. So needless to say, I was not prepared for the level of grief that I experienced after she was gone.

All I kept saying to others was that I never in a million years would have thought I would be feeling such a deep loss and that crying every day would become my “new normal”. Words can ‘t even express the level of sadness that I feel that my mother is gone. I loved and love her dearly.

I had been taking care of my mother for many years and we had a close relationship.

I was very fortunate that she kept her memory and wit and had all of her faculties up until her death.

As a therapist I am aware of the “grief” process and the reality of life and death. Yet losing my mother has almost paralyzed me at times. I have been moving in slow motion for many months. I have picked up my pace some but not as much as I hoped. So, with the support of those whom I love I have given myself permission to grieve for as long as it takes me.

All of us grieve differently there is no right and wrong. What I have found is that grief can be uncomfortable for others and if they experience it differently than we do, their discomfort can create moments of silence. I have accepted that it is OK for me to be “not OK”.

I have been told that my love for my mother was so deep and meaningful that it is no surprise that I am still sad and struggling with moving forward in my life. For me life will unfold the way it is supposed to. As much as I don’t want to be so sad at times, I understand that it is my process and I am going to honor myself and my needs.

I am someone who believes that I practice what I preach. Recognizing that I am human and that I don’t have to be perfect. Just because I have all of these tools in my toolbox doesn’t mean that I can make myself be someone or something that I am not right now. I often tell others if I could feel better I would. I just don’t sometimes and I am truly OK with it.

I am grateful that I had so much time with my mother and that she and I loved each other deeply. We have so many memories. I was with her when she passed away for which I am very grateful. She used to look me in my eyes and called me her angel and I have been blessed beyond measure.

My hope is that the love and loss I feel for her will transition into an ability to love those in my life deeply and without reservation. My belief is, “that all persons are truly greater than they think they are.”

Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219.

February 2022 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

19

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