Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

January 1

New Year’s Day 2017 Bingo (open 11am) Tylersport Fire Co, 125 Ridge Rd. Tkts: $25/adv, $30/door. Mary Beth 215-589-4195 Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 12noon-6pm or sold out. Eat-in or take-out. $10/adult, $5/age 6-12. Springtown Rod & Gun Club, 3146 Rte 212, Springtown

January 3

Red Cross Bloodmobile 2pm-7pm, at Quakertown Farmers Mkt (exit 18), 201 Station Rd, Qtown. 215-536-4115

January 7

Reading Goes To The Dogs 2pm-3:30pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St. Children read to certified therapy dogs. 215-536-3306 Keystone N Trak Model RR Open House (see Ongoing Events section)

Naturalist Walk 1:30pm at Peace Valley Park in Doylestown. Questionable weather?

215-345-7860 Civil War Round Table for Bucks Co, 7pm at Doylestown Borough Hall. Info: 215-822-1562

January 7 & 8

January 4

January 8

BC Foodshed Alliance meeting 6pm at Plumsteadville Grange, 5901 Easton Rd, Plumsteadville. Potluck dinner & cooking demo w/Chef Kelly Unger. 215-621-8967, info@bucksfoodshed.org New Year Luncheon/Dance 11:30am ($10, regis. by Dec 27) at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. Info: 215-256-6900 or encoreexperiences.org Quakertown Wrestling Alumni Night, inviting all past Qtown wrestlers & coaches to HS match against Upper Dublin. Varsity begins 7pm, no charge for alumni. 267-374-0031or Qtownhsalumni@gmail.com

January 6

Christmas Tree Bonfire 6:30pm behind Trumbauersville Fire Co. Trees may be dropped off ahead of time. Hot dogs & hot chocolate provided.

Model Train Open House 12noon-5pm (r/d Jan 14, 15) CASME, Coopersburg Borough Bldg, 5 N Main St, Coopersburg. 215-5380501, casme.org All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet 8am12:30pm at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. 215-536-7226 Upper Black Eddy Fire Co Breakfast is CANCELLED. Check ubefire.com for updates Vendor Bingo 12noon-5pm at Tylersport Fire Co, 125 Ridge Rd, Tylersport. Benefits Nevieland Rescue. Info: 215-669-2041

January 12

Industrial Maintenance Training Program…

Info session 1pm-3pm at UB Community College, 1 Hillendale Rd, Perkasie. (12-wk course begins Feb 13 in Doylestown), Regis: 267-685-4884 or Bridget.Hughes@bucks.edu AARP Meeting 1pm at First UCC, 4th St & Park Ave, Quakertown. Info: 267-424-4094

January 14

All-U-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast 8am-

10am at Applebee’s in Quakertown. $7 ticket (at door or advance), Call Deb (Strayer Tech Student Assoc.) at 267-718-5414 for info.

Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4pm-7:30pm or sold out. St. Paul’s Lutheran, 5900 Applebutter Hill Rd, Coopersburg. $8/adults, $3/kids. (r/d Jan 21) Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-6:30 pm (or sold out) at St. Andrew’s UCC, 615 E Walnut St, Perkasie. Take-out avail. Tkts at door $10/adults, free under 12, info: 215-257-7063

January 29

Richlandtown Fire Co Buffet Breakfast 8am-12:30pm at Benner Hall, Cherry St, Richlandtown. $7.50/adult, $4/ages 6-12.

February 1

January 15

January 16 January 17

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Blood Drive 4pm-8pm at UBYMCA, Quakertown. Sign up at Welcome Ctr Desk or giveapint.org

January 19

Business Card Exchange 7:30am-9:30am hosted by Quakertown Grocery Outlet Bargain Mkt, 70 N West End Blvd, Quakertown. $25/non-mbr. Info/regis: ubcc.org/events, 215-536-3211 “A Taste of Chanukah” movie 12:30pm at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. Info: 215-256-6900 or encoreexperiences.org

January 22

Live Auction 12noon inside QMart (dept 201), 201 Station Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-4115

January 26

“Night at the Proper Brewing Company” 4pm-7pm, a percentage of proceeds will go to Logan’s Heroes Animal Rescue, LHARinc.org or 267-261-7272

January 28

WWA Wrestling 6:30pm at Quakertown Farmers Market (Dept 201), 201 Station Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-4115

Vaccine Clinic w/microchipping for all animals, 12noon-2pm at Red Hill Fire Co, 82 E 5th St. Details: Logan’s Heroes, 267-2617272, LHARinc.org Designer Bag Bingo (open 12:30pm) at Benner Hall, 1260 E Cherry Rd, Quakertown. jeanneecaputo@gmail.com or 267-228-8112January 30 Keystone Quilters Mtg, Quakertown Christian Sch, 50 E Paletown Rd, Qtown. $5/ guests, open 6:30pm, keystonequilters.org (InHouse Program – Round Robin) Business Card Exchange 5pm-7pm at Penn Community Bank (Qtown branch), 1051 S West End Blvd, Quakertown. $25/non-mbrs.

Info/regis: ubcc.org/events, 215-536-3211

February 2 February 3

Groundhog Day

Charlie Zahm Concert 7pm at Encore, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. Tkts $12/adult, free/12 & under. (Scotish/Irish program), more info at 215-256-6900

February 4

Family Movie Night 5:30pm-8:30pm at St. John’s Lutheran, 4 South Main St, Richlandtown. Music, pizza, popcorn & family friendly movie. 215-536-5027, stjohnsrpa.org

February 8

Reader’s Theater Valentine’s Luncheon 11:30am at Encore, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. Cost: $10, regis. by Jan 31.

Encore mbrs perform “Farewell Florence.”

215-256-6900

February 12

19th Annual Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance (girls 4-10 yrs) at UBYMCA, Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Info: 215-536-YMCA

February 25

POQ Bowling Extravaganza 9:30pm11:30pm (check-in starts 9:15pm) at Earl Bowl Lanes, Quakertown. Prizes awarded. $125/team of five. Snacks sold. Register at prideofquakertown.org

Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 UBFP • 582 S. West End Blvd Quakertown, PA 18951

January 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017

Avoid these Estate Planning Mistakes

BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. People often assume estate plans are only for the wealthy. That could not be further from the truth. Even if you only own one item of substantial value, such as a bank account, vehicle, or real estate, you could greatly benefit from an estate plan. Setting up an estate plan will allow you to make informed decisions about how your assets will be handled (while you are still alive!) and it also enables you to maximize the value you pass along to your beneficiaries. Here are some common estate planning mistakes to avoid: 1. Failing to have an estate plan in place Unfortunately death is unavoidable. It is always a very emotional time whenever a friend or family member passes away, and when these emotions are combined with money stress, tension and animosity are almost certain by-products. Having an estate plan (the basic estate plan consists of a will, power of attorney and a healthcare directive/living will) in place will not help ease the pain of those who lost a loved one, but it can go a long way to alleviate some of that stress, tension and animosity. We all work hard to acquire our assets over the course of our life, and we all deserve the right to pass on those assets to whomever we see fit. Having an estate plan in place allows you to determine how your affairs will be handled once you pass on.

VFW Post 11322 thanks the sponsors of this year’s Christmas ornament fundraiser project.

Individual Sponsors Mr. &Mrs. Paul Gerhart, Jr. Casey Swinney Mr. & Mrs. Paul Gerhart, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. David Donley Mr.& Mrs. Andrew Gerhart Mr.& Mrs. William Moyer Raymond Barnes Mrs.& Mrs. Shawn Trotter Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ross Mr. John Frazier Mr. & Mrs. Ed Brous Mr. Mrs. Henry DePue, Jr. Mr.& Mrs. Scott McClree Mr. & Mrs. Jack Grove Mr.& Mrs. Pete Mink Mr.& Mrs. John Ford Mr.& Mrs. John Daley Lori Corral Mr. Kelly Carver Mr. John Goodman Mr. Tom Trenwith Mr. Conrad Reid Mr. & Mrs.James Newcomer Mr. & Mrs. Larry Smock Mr. & Mrs. Ed Kreibick Mr. & Mrs. Dean Witt Mr. James Burns Children Mr. & Mrs. Justin Ruth Mr. & Mrs. Walt Orlowski Mr. & Mrs. Gary Torgeson HRH NICU Nurses

Mr. & Mrs.Michael Olindo Sandy Barrow Carl Devitz, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Bob Christian Mrs.Wendy Bleam Lillian Smith

Businesses JME Remodeling Wal-Mart Giant Food Stores Weiss’s Food Markets Nase Kraft Post 255

Donley’s Gun Shop Anderson Lawn&Snow Removal McDonalds Matt Donley Essential Service Marketing United Integrity Group O’Grady’s Restaurant C&C Catering Pennridge Family Dentistry Home Depot McLaughlin Physical Therapy Friends of Senator Bob Mensch Ecco Domani The Rockhill Filling Station Upper Bucks Free Press RHS Trucking Carl Hess Tattoos QNB Bank Lehigh Defense Swann’s Pantry Bux-Mont Awards Frank’s Pizza Lucky Strike Tattoo Body Dimensions Pizza Hut Bloss Oil Ciocca Chevrolet Downtown Dunkin Donuts Rep. Craig Staats Lowes

2. Ignoring the possibility of becoming disabled or incapacitated Estate planning can also be used to manage situations in which a person becomes disabled or incapacitated (even temporarily). If you become disabled or incapacitated for any extended period of time, who will take care of your children, handle your finances and make healthcare decisions on your behalf? Having a durable power of attorney, healthcare directive and/or living trust in place will help solve these problems.

3. Not updating your Will periodically Families and businesses frequently undergo changes ranging from births, deaths, divorces, marriages and/or subsequent property purchases. If you want to ensure that your assets are being left to those you intend, update your Will periodically.

4. Not meeting with an experienced professional Not meeting with an experienced estate planning attorney or other related professional is a huge mistake, especially if you have diverse and/or complex assets. An experienced attorney can help to spot and remedy potential issues before they become a problem and they can also provide you with a tax planning/savings estate plan.

Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a solo practitioner in Dublin, Pennsylvania who specializes in estate planning & administration, family law and business law.

You can contact him at (267) 227-9138 or ref@fravel-law.com.

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January 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Ongoing Events & Resources Jan 7, 8, 21, 22 & Feb 4, 5. Keystone N Trak Model RR Club Open House 11am-4pm at Dublin TEC Ctr, suite 216, 123 N Main St, Dublin. Free adm. & parking.

Reservations now being taken for Preschool Science Programs (ages 3-6 w/ adult) at Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, Brownstone Barn at Rte 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Info: perkiomenwatershed.org/ pre-school-science-young-learners Quakertown Farmers Market Auctions 1st & 3rd Fri/month w/Les Beyer, 2nd & 4th Sat/month w/Tom Lorah, call 215-536-4115 for info Hoagie Sales 2nd Monday of month (except July/August) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, advance orders due Wed. before. $5.25-$5.75, info/order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com Saturday Bird Walks 8am on trails at Peace Valley Nature Ctr.in Doylestown.

Bring binoculars, suitable for adults & over age 12 w/adult. $2 donation, 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org All Veterans invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. Call Frank 215-679-7770 Veterans invited 7:30pm, fourth Monday each month at VFW Post 3405, at 211 E Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Call for details at 610-282-1840 Veterans invited 1:30pm, second Sunday each month at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, 267-371-9636 (bring DD 214 for proof eligibility) PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-2pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org

Support & Service Groups

Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215593-9995 or email carolonline1@verizon.net Doylestown Singles Soc. Intermediate Bridge

Club meets every Tues. 7pm at a private residence in Doylestown. Info at 215-340-7604 or shalstrick@comcast.net Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month, stef@sistersu.com The Parent Support Group on Addiction meets 7pm, first and third Wed every month in Red Schoolhouse, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Bedminster Twp. Info: Matt, batchof5@yahoo.com Family Education Program on Addiction meets 7pm the first three Mondays of the month in the Red School House at Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie.

Regis. at 800-221-6333 Bullying Prevention Support Group 6:30pm7:30pm every Wed at UBYMCA in Quakertown.

Free. advance registration required: 215-750-7220 SOS Bereavement After Suicide – Family Support Group meets at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital 2x monthly, inf: call 215-536-5143 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 Caregiver Support Group meetings last Thurs. of every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting.

Caregiver Support Group 4pm-5pm, meets 4th Thur. of month, Hidden Meadows, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville, 267-429-3931 hiddenmeadows ontheridge.com Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets 4pm, 4th Thurs of month, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931 Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Group, 3:30pm5:00pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4517

NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guidance, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900. www.NOVABucks.org Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, free babysitting, 215-538-3195 Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-923-7900 Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tuesdays 7:30pm-8:30pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster. naranon@yahoo.com Doylestown Nar-Anon meets Wednesdays 6pm at Summit Behavioral Health, 702 Hyde Park, Doylestown. Call 215-589-7111 for directions and info.

A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/ violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220-w8116, www.awomansplace.org AARP meets 2nd Thurs each month, 1pm at First UCC, 151 S 4th St, Quakertown, 215-536-7512 Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays each month, 7pm at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel) Business Networking International (BNI) meets every Thursday 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am-9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054

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Community Meals

“Fourth Sunday” Breakfast every month, 8am1pm, all-you-can-eat buffet, $8/adults, $4/kids, (Easter Egg hunt in April), Lwr Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pk, Coopersburg Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 Free Community Meals 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Quakertown, 215-536-4447 Free Community Dinner first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm at the Yerger Bldg across the street from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown

Bingo

Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Saturday of month, 1pm-4pm, lunch available to buy, (lots of $$ specials), 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, details: 215-256-6900 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall every Thur, 12:15pm (first Thur. of month has $50 Jackpot), 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, doors open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smokefree), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues. doors open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn.

215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat. night, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open.

Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. opens 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Jackpot Bingo at Red Hill Fire Co Social Hall 3rd Friday every month, opens 6pm, games 7pm, 82 E 5th St, Red Hill Bingo at American Legion Post 397 every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, opens 6pm, snacks available, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017

Merry Christmas and Happy Epiphany!

BY REV. CAROLANN HOPCKE

The Upper Bucks Free Press is made possible by the businesses you see on these pages. Remember to thank them for helping to support your community’s voice.

Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence.

Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.

Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.

Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.

- Yoko Ono

Bible Baptist Church

Christmas trees are a sign of God’s everlasting, evergreen presence. They are also a sign of God’s reign in heaven, sheltering the creatures of the earth under its open arms. Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. The trees were originally decorated with apples or other fruit to represent the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden.

In John 8:12 we read: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” It’s a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.

Most 19th century Americans found Christmas trees an oddity. German settlers of Pennsylvania are noted for displaying the first Christmas trees in America, as early as 1747. By the 1890s Christmas ornaments were arriving from Germany and Christmas tree popularity was on the rise around the United States.

Christmas begins on December 25th and lasts for 12 days, until January 5th. On January 6th, the Christian community celebrates the Epiphany of Our Lord; a commemoration

of the coming of the Magi (the Wise Men).

Epiphany means “manifestation” or an experience of sudden and striking realization or understanding. The Magi followed a star to find the infant king and when they arrived, they offered gifts: gold, a precious metal and a very valuable commodity reserved for kings; frankincense, burned in worship as a pleasant offering to God; and myrrh, an oil used at the time of death as well as for anointing priests.

By their gifts, the wise men reveal the identity of this child: the king before whom nations will bow, the anointed high priest of God, and the suffering servant who will die for the ones he has come to serve. In Jesus, God chooses to reveal God’s love and mercy by taking human form. On Epiphany, we celebrate that God’s mercy is wider and deeper than we imagined and includes ALL people — rich or poor, Gentile or Jew, gay or straight, male or female — and all nations.

This Epiphany, January 6, 2017, Christ’s Lutheran Church and the Trumbauersville Fire Company are hosting a Christmas Tree Bonfire at 6:30pm in the field behind the fire house.

Everyone is invited to bring their Trees to add to the bonfire. (Trees can be dropped off in the field before the event.) Hot chocolate and hot dogs will be provided. Join us as we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord by lighting a fire and rejoicing in the true light of the world – Jesus Christ, the light that will never be darkened or diminished.

Carolanne Hopcke is the pastor at Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville. She can be reached at christselca@verizon.net

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship

meets at Strayer Middle School Auditorium 1200 Ronald Reagan Drive, Quakertown 267-772-0288 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Thomas 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 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopcke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church

Church of the Incarnation

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

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday services at 8am and 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome!

First United Methodist Church

501 Market Street, Perkasie 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie.com Pastor: Scott Dorn Mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, positively impact our community and world.

Good News Church

424 Juniper Street, Quakertown 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.

Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: The Rev. Catherine Kerr 10:00am Sunday Eucharist

Grace Bible Fellowship Church

1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Pastor: Ron Kohl, Sr. Pastor Sunday School for all ages, 10:10am Morning Worship, Evening 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:30 pm, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30 pm, Tues: Ladies Bible study 9:30am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30 pm, Adult Bible study 7 pm.

Morning Star Fellowship

429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 215-529-6422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry provided, EastWest Cafe open with free coffee. Celebrate recovery Wednesday 7pm.

Check website for more info.

910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net www.stjohns-ridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter 8:30am Traditional - 10:30am w/priase band.

Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available.

Handicapped accessible. All invited and welcome anytime to Share the Joy!

Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown 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.”

Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville 215-257-7244 rvucc.pastor@verizon.net www.ridgevalleyucc.org Pastor: Rev. Steve Myren We are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith.

Worship: Sundays 9:30am. Ridge Valley: Growing Together in God’s Love.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie 215-795-2965 office@kellerschurch.org www.kellerschurch.org Worship 7:45 & 10:15 am, Sunday School 9 am, Koinonia Cafe 8:#0 pm, Holy Commnion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Children’s Church 2nd & 4th Sunday

St. John’s Lutheran Church 19 South 10th Street, Quakertown 215-536-3593 stjohnsquak@verizon.net www.stjohnsquak.org Pastor: Ray Miller Sunday Worship 8 and 10:30am, Sunday School 9:15am. Welcoming, Reaching Out, Serving.

Elevator available

Pennridge Christian Fellowship

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown

First United Church of Christ

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

720 Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen 215-257-7309 kallebach@pennridgecf.org www.pennridgecf.org Pastor: Thomas Vargis Sunday worship 10:30am, Sunday School after song service (infants to age 12), Wed evenings 7pm w/ prayer, Crossroads youth & (Sep-Apr) boys and girls clubs. All are welcome.

401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Where God’s Love Changes Lives

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley

1875 Freier Road, Quakertown 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Thomas S. Robinson III Sunday morning worship: 8:00am, 9:00am 11:00am Sunday School for all ages 10:00am.

MorningStar Moravian Church

610-282-1908 234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Jay Petrella Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.

Evangel Assembly of God

Quakertown United Methodist Church

1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Worship service 9:45 am, Sunday School 9 9:45 am - children 3 years through 6th grade

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville

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

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net 8:00 am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9 am Sunday School - all ages, 10:15 Worship in Sanctuary

Trinity Great Swamp UCC

Spinnerstown Rd & County Line Rd Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis / Matt Gorkos Sunday School classes for all ages (preK adult) 9:15 am. Family activities throughout the year

Trinity Lutheran Church

102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9 am traditional services, 10:15 Sunday School, 11am Contemporary service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Community Service Oriented

Victory Fellowship Church

120 Ridge Road, Telford 215-453-9988 victoryfellowshippa@gmail.com www.victoryfellowshippa.org Pastor: Dr. Virgil A. Mobley Full Gospel.A friendly, loving, and joyful church where the presence of God is in His house. Check out our website.

January 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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American Legion Post 242 Update

BY DICK HELM

January 2016

EMILY ACHEY! I mentioned this name in my Remembrance Column a few years ago. I felt it was important to mention her in the Legion column to reach out to my fellow Veterans to their past memories.

During the Vietnam War era this wonderful lady who lived along the Trumbauersville Road was like a saint to us who served overseas. The local “Daily” newspaper published all the service persons names and domestic and overseas addresses.

Emily faithfully sent a card to us on holidays, our birthday, and especially at Christmas. She did not know us; but she never forgot us.

Emily was always there! I met her a few years after I was discharged and gave her a big hug; after all, she was like a special aunt to us. I often wondered if it was permissible in this politically correct and confidential society if our current newspapers could do the same. If it is, I certainly would like to see such lists today. Those cards certainly were memorable to all of us during that period of stress while serving our country. I will never forget Emily Achey.

Saturday my wife and I joined many oth-

ers including the Gold Star parents of Capt.

Christopher Seifert in placing over 4000 wreaths on graves at Cedar Hill Cemetery on Airport Road near ABE airport. Many of the families that helped had hand held brooms and scrapers to clear the flat stones of the Veterans. The picture my wife snapped on her phone of the green wreaths with red ribbons with the snowy cemetery surface was quite impressive. This year was the 5th year we helped. As the years progress, it is getting harder to raise the funds for this impressive showing of gratitude to our Veterans.

What a shame! Many will spend the cost of one wreath to buy their friend a Holiday drink—can’t we afford to write a check or give our time to place these wreaths on the graves on the graves of those who gave YEARS to protect us? If you see a Veteran during this Christmas season please say thank you for their service. Remember most of them gave up at least 2 if not many Christmas’s with their families for you. Many of them who are my age were in a hot and humid jungle eating K rations instead of Turkey.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Quakertown Graduate Appointed to Trump Cabinet President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his selection of Thomas P. Bossert to serve as Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.

In this position, Mr. Bossert will advise the President on issues related to homeland security, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity, and coordinate the Cabinet’s process for formulating and executing policy in these matters.

Previously, Mr. Bossert served as Deputy Homeland Security Advisor to President George W. Bush, as well as holding positions in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), the House of Representatives, and other positions with the Federal Government. He is also President of a private risk management consulting firm.

Mr. Bossert received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from the

University of Pittsburgh, and earned his law degree from the George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C. To the world, this news headline, on Wednesday, December 27, 2016, is another announcement of choices that the Presidentelect Donald J. Trump has made in completing his cabinet for the Presidency. To Upper Bucks County, and specifically to Quakertown, the appointment of Thomas P. Bossert to serve in the cabinet of the President of the United States of America is something our region can be proud of.

Mr. Bossert was raised in Quakertown, and graduated from Quakertown Community High School in 1993. The community is delighted that Thomas P. Bossert will use his knowledge and expertise to represent us in the Federal Government, and we offer our congratulations to him.

Is This the Year?

So is this the year that you tackle those big changes you want in your life??

Quit smoking? Lose weight?

Financial Responsibility? Get a new job? These are just a few of the top goals most people have wanted to work on for years. Some have been successful and others are here again.. Saying what am I doing wrong? Why haven’t I made this commitment in my life? As much as we would like it to be simple it is not always that simple or all of us would have achieved these goals that we have set for ourselves.

The truth of the matter is we can want it all we want but sometimes we need something outside of ourselves to motivate us to change.

For example, if you were getting married and you wanted to look more “phenomenal” than you probably already look you would have a huge incentive to go on a diet and exercise. If someone close to you was diagnosed with lung cancer due to smoking you may say; “it is time.

I want to live.” Other times the truth is within us. How important is it for us to change? The reality is most of us are very comfortable with our lives even if we are not that happy about our weight, our job or our finances. Comfort is one of the things that keeps us stuck.

This is why it is can be so frustrating for us when we want to change but we can’t seem to change those old habits. At some point some of us will say, “Enough is enough” and make the decision to do whatever is necessary to achieve our goals. Some things just take time and a whole lot of trust. It is also about what is important in our lives, what we value and find worth in. Not everyone feels good about themselves thus to take care of ourselves wouldn’t make sense.

The way we achieve goals, desires or

wants this year is to really think about it in terms of relevance and importance to us. We would start with prioritizing what we want to do this year and then write a plan of how we will achieve this want or goal. When writing a plan, it is important to be as specific as possible about what steps are necessary. For instance, if you want to lose weight. Be specific about the amount of weight you want to lose.

Identify what is realistic as far as the amount of time it will take. Your plan would include how many days a week you plan to work out and what type of workout you will do and for how long you will do it. Be specific as far as the first 30 days and then 60 days etc.…. The reality is the longer you are working out you will more than likely be increasing the amount of time and possible days for the workout to achieve your weight loss.

The goal would state I want to lose 30 lbs. in six months. I will work out 2-3 days per week for a minimum of 30 minutes each time.

My workout will include aerobics, walking or running for the first 30 days. Every 30 days I will increase the amount of days to achieve 5 days by the six month with 45 minutes’ workouts each time. The most important thing in working towards goals is to be patient and realistic about your them. As much as you may not want to hear this: things take time. It will be worth the wait if you keep things simple and trust that you are capable of changing and that you are worth it. Believe in yourself and your ability to change. This can be the year that you say “I did it!!”

My belief is that “all persons are truly greater than they think they are.” Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219. Visit her website at www.balancelife4u.com.

What Should You Know About Taking RMDs?

As we get older, the end of another year takes on greater meaning, in many ways, than it did when we were young. And if you’re a certain age, December 31 has a very specific meaning in terms of your finances, because it’s the deadline for withdrawing money from some of your retirement plans. What should you know about these withdrawals? And how much control over them do you have?

Here’s the picture, in a nutshell: Once you turn 70½, you generally need to start taking withdrawals – the technical term is “required minimum distributions,” or RMDs – from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar plan, such as a 403(b) plan (for employees of pubic schools, religious institutions and other tax-exempt organizations) or 457(b) plan (for employees of state and local governments and governmental agencies). After the first year in which you take these RMDs, you must take them by the end of each year thereafter. If you don’t withdraw at least the minimum amount (calculated based on your age, account balance and other factors) you face a penalty of 50% of what you should have taken out – a potential loss of thousands of dollars.

So, here’s priority number one: Take your RMDs before the end of the year. The financial services provider who administers your IRA or 401(k) can help you determine the amount you must withdraw.

However, after that point, it’s your decision as to whether you want to exceed the minimum. Of course, you may need to take more out to meet your living expenses. But if

you have enough additional income from other sources – such as Social Security and interest and dividend payments from investments held outside your retirement accounts – you may be able to stick with the minimum withdrawals.

And this could prove to be beneficial, because you obviously want your retirement accounts to last as long as possible, considering you might spend two or even three decades as a retiree. Another reason not to take more than you need from your retirement accounts is that these withdrawals are typically taxable – so the less you take out, the lower your tax bill.

You can also potentially lower your tax burden arising from RMDs by being generous. If you take money from your IRA and donate it to a qualified charity (one that has received tax-exempt status from the IRS), you can exclude the withdrawal from your adjusted gross income and count the donation against your taxable RMDs. Suppose, for example, your RMD for 2016 is $5,500. If you take $5,000 from your IRA and donate it to a qualified charity, your taxable RMD obligation will be reduced to just $500. If you were to take another $500 from your IRA, you would satisfy your entire RMD for the year. (Consult with your tax advisor to make sure you’re following the rules governing these charitable donations from your IRA.)

You worked many years to build your retirement accounts. So when it’s time to tap into them, make the right moves – and do whatever it takes to maximize the benefits you get from your required minimum distributions. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones office on West Broad Street, Quakertown.

He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or at bob.podraza@edwardjones.com

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017

After All, I’m Only Sleeping

Happy 2017!

It is winter in the Northeast. Our gardens are sleeping and resting – waiting for the warmth and rain to begin the wonder that is spring.

2016 was a great year for the Penn State Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. 96 Bucks County Master Gardeners provided over 6500 hours of volunteer service, teaching researched-based gardening practices to over 11,000 county residents.

The Bucks County Master Gardeners offer free presentations on many home gardening subjects to garden groups, independent living facilities, schools, or any other interested groups through the Speaker’s Bureau.

Contact the Cooperative Extension office for information.

Master Gardeners also volunteer at a variety of county activities such as garden tours, community days and fairs, and the Horticultural hotline open from March thru October.

In late winter, all Master Gardeners are encouraged to propagate house plants, plant flower and vegetable seeds and separate perennial plants to donate to the spring plant sale. This sale is the major fundraiser for the Bucks County Master Gardener Program and is presented on the first Saturday in May in the parking lot of the Cooperative Extension.

In 2016 the plant sale committee, along with many Master Gardener volunteers grew a large variety of annuals in a greenhouse whose space was donated by a generous Bucks County resident. The sale also offers a variety of rare and interesting plants grown by Master Gardeners and local commercial growers.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend this highly anticipated event.

In June, many Master Gardeners traveled to Longwood Gardens for the Annual Pennsylvania Master Gardener Convention, hosted by the Delaware County Master Gardeners.

Over several days Master Gardeners attended a variety of continuing education seminars in order to share the latest home gardening information with county residents.

The Summer Garden Experience, hosted by the Lancaster County Master Gardeners is held each year in July. The Trial Gardens in Landisville, Pennsylvania are an important part of Penn State’s research in home and commercial gardening. Visitors are treated to a stunning visual display of cutting edge annual and perennial plants from many of the country’s most important plant breeders. Plants are evaluated for their hardiness, resistance to disease and visual appearance. This research helps growers evaluate their new plant varieties and decide whether to market them to the public. There is also an opportunity to tour

the vegetable and cover crop research fields by wagon. This event is open to the public.

In August the Master Gardeners hosted an “Ask the Master Gardener” Booth at the Grange Fair in Wrightstown, Pennsylvania.

Hundreds of visitors had home gardening questions for the Master Gardener volunteers manning the booth. The booth also included a children’s activity. Each child was invited to plant their own succulent ‘baby’ to take home.

Next year’s focus will be on Herbs. Plan to attend this exciting 2 day event. Check the Grange Fair website for dates next summer.

All throughout the year Master Gardeners attended continuing education training seminars at Delaware Valley University and the Cooperative Extension. In addition to service to the community, the Master Gardeners maintain the demonstration gardens at the Cooperative Extension. Come and visit the gardens featuring Native, Pollinator, Shade, and Annual plants as well as the plants of the Atrium, container, wall and slope gardens.

The Annual and Container gardens are planted seasonally. In October, the class of 2017 participated in a bulb planting experience in the Annual garden. Plan to visit the display in Spring.

The new class of Master Gardeners is currently halfway through their training program.

They will take their final exam and ‘graduate’ in March of 2017. Current Master Gardeners assist in their training and orientation. The trainees will each be required to complete 50 hours of volunteer service and 20 hours of continuing education in 2017 in order to become Master Gardeners.

In December the Master Gardeners celebrated their successful year with their Annual Meeting. This is a chance for all Bucks County Master Gardeners to gather, socialize and review their accomplishments. Even though a minimum of 20 volunteer hours is required to maintain active status, many Master Gardeners accumulated between 100 and 1,000 hours of service!

It has been an exciting and fulfilling year for the Master Gardeners of Bucks County. We are all looking forward to 2017. We want to get to know you!

Our Home Gardening Hotline is closed for the winter season. Look for us to be back online next March.

Have questions? Contact us!

“Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Rd Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksHotline@ag.psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us through the Upper Bucks Free Press!

I had a fantastic dream.

It made me feel strong, comfortable and confident.

It was one of those dreams you sometimes get that you wake up from feeling wonderful and delighted. I was still in that cloudy, surreal world between waking reality and somnolent fantasy when I thought to myself, “This is a good one. I’ve really got to remember this dream.” I always have difficulty remembering dreams, even when I tell myself to, so I started to review all the action and tried to relive the spirit bolstering sensations.

I was starting to ‘come around,’ though, and opened my eyes. It was my room, all right, but it seemed too bright. The drawn shade on my window was a dim, pale yellow, not the charcoal black I was used to seeing. I quick looked over at the alarm clock. It was 50 minutes past the time I usually get up! I panicked and jumped out of bed. The good feelings instantly vanished. Any chance of remembering the dream was gone. I shook my head and thought for a second, “This is a work day. Isn’t it?”

It was. I immediately envisioned my boss, mostly because of my instinct to make excuses and my deep seated need to be forgiven. I wondered if it was still too early to call and tell him I’d be late. I squinted at the alarm clock.

The little light that showed it was ‘armed’ was lit so I was confused. I didn’t remember hitting the snooze button. Besides, I would have had to do it a half a dozen times to be that late.

Maybe, after thirty years, the thing had finally quit working. I fiddled with the buttons on top and realized it was set to Radio, instead of Buzzer. The radio hadn’t worked in years. It was simply ‘operator error;’ not the excuse I was looking for.

My alarm clock isn’t for telling time. You can stare at it for a while, see the numbers change and recognize that time is passing by, but don’t think you’ll know what time it is.

I often move the Alarm Set forward to give myself a few extra minutes of sleep, especially if I have insomnia (which old people like me get a lot). Then, instead of holding the button down for the 23 and a half seconds it takes to go all the way around to the correct setting again, I just move the Clock Set ahead the same amount. After doing that a few times you really have no idea what the actual time is.

My alarm is just sort of a tool to measure the differential, or the ratio, or whatever you’d call it, between when I go to bed and when I have to get up. It’s not an actual ‘o’clock’ clock. I have my cell phone plugged in next to the bed, so it doesn’t really matter. I can look at it if I want to know exactly what time it is in the real world. At any rate, when I got

to the kitchen and saw an actual time-telling clock on the stove, I wasn’t as late as the alarm suggested. I was just way off schedule. I still had to quick make tracks, though.

Every morning, as soon as I turn on the kitchen light and start the coffee machine, the dogs come yawning and staggering out of their mom’s room, or from where they were sleeping in front of a fan or, in the winter, in front of a heater. They both head straight for the front door. I could only give them a few minutes outside on their ropes. I was late and barely had time for my own bathroom activities. But, they’re usually pretty good about just ‘doing their dooty’ and coming back in to go back to bed.

I was feeling okay, actually better than okay.

Because of the extra sleep, and the dream, I felt pretty darn good, even though I was hurrying.

I always anticipate those kinds of mornings, so my lunch was packed and my keys were hanging on the hook ready to grab and go. I’ve always performed well under pressure. I actually remembered to take my pills and to grab the Arby’s coupons a guy at work asked me to bring in for him. I took the big Happy Face coffee mug since I missed the cup I usually have before I leave.

I got to work about fifteen minutes later than usual. Since I’m there 45 minutes before my guys punch the clock, anyway, it wasn’t a big deal. I went straight to the men’s room to finish business, but I do that most mornings anyway so nobody said a word. While I was reading the overnight log books and listening to the night shift supervisor’s report, I didn’t even mention that I’d over slept. It would have sounded like I was fishing for sympathy and nobody would have cared, anyway.

I keep a jar of peanut butter and some saltines in my office, so I had a little breakfast snack before I headed up to the shop to give out work assignments. I felt great. The weather was nice. There was no crisis to increase the stress level, but there was plenty of work to keep the guys busy. Before I knew it, it was lunch time. Before I had time to get sleepy, like I do most afternoons, and before I had a chance to get ticked off at something or somebody, it was time to go home.

On my drive, I got thinking, ‘I sure felt good today. Maybe over sleeping once in a while is a good idea.’ But, then again, maybe I should just go to bed earlier and get a new alarm clock. I sort of enjoy my morning routine. I’m an old man, a creature of habit now. It’s very unusually when surprises make me feel good.

This one was an exception.

I just wish I could remember that dream. It must have really been a good one.

More articles by Jack H. Schick can be found at Searchwarp.com or Soulofwit.com

Audio Books? Why Not? It never occurred to me to pick up an audiobook. I love to read, so why would I need to have it read to me?

That changed when I received an audiobook to review. It was “Island of Fog”

by Keith Robinson and narrated by Fred Wolinsky. It was an adventure book and had I read the text I would devoured it in one or two sittings.

Having it read to me however, made me take the story in at the pace of the narrator. I found myself savoring the story and enjoying the life the narrator breathed into the characters. The experience gave me a new appreciation for audiobooks.

There is scientific evidence that listening comprehension is closely related to reading comprehension and involves the same parts of the brain (Forbes, Is Listening to Audio Books Really the Same as Reading?, Sept. 12, 2011).

That means that people learn the same things whether they read or listen to text.

Audiobooks are definitely a different way to read. Some may say it is not actually reading, in the sense that they are not looking at a book. However, experts see the value in them.

Scholastic.com has articles on the benefits of audiobooks for children who are learning to read or are gaining reading skills. Audiobooks “provides a model of fluent reading,” a skill children must learn to be proficient readers.

The neat thing about audiobooks is that they can be enjoyed by anyone, and are even a way to hear a story that you would not normally be able to read, such as a student who wants to read an unabridged classic which may be

beyond their reading level.

Audiobooks are a way to create bonding, because two or more people can listen and experience the book at the same time and at the same pace. I found that when I was reviewing the Island of Fog my family gathered around to listen to the story with me. It prompted discussions about the plot and characters.

Audiobooks, when done well, have a way of engaging the reader in a completely different way. People love storytelling, and audiobooks provide a storyteller.

This year, one of my resolutions is to listen to more audiobooks.

Thankfully, it has become easier to get the audiobooks into the hands of listeners.

Along with several online websites, you can purchase CD disks or cassettes. Even better, you can borrow them from your local library.

If you go the way of online websites, Audible is the most popular. They have a wide variety of professionally done audiobooks, and have a membership service for a small fee that includes membership awards.

Overdrive is a service that is completely free if your library is a part of it, and fortunately the Bucks County Libraries provide this service. It works much like a library loan system, where only a library card is needed. It is only available online/with the app, but you can burn the book onto a CD. Other popular choices include Downpour, Scribd, Hoopla Digital, and Librivox. They are all different, with different services to offer, so have fun and do a little research to see which ones work best for you.

For more on books and reading visit my website at ThisKidReviewsBooks.com

January 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

9

Gaier Announces Bid for District Justice

BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ

Following Quakertown Borough’s public Council meeting in early December, councilwoman Lisa J. Gaier announced that she’s interested in being the next District Magistrate to grace the bench in Upper Bucks.

The current judge for district 07-2-05 is C. Robert Roth,who has held the position since 1992. A few months ago, Judge Roth announced his retirement effective January 18, 2017. His elected term actually runs until the end of 2017.

Roth, a former Quakertown Borough Council member, remarked, “I wanted to announce my retirement early enough to give those who might be interested in the position the time to prepare for it.”

The news was music to Gaier’s ears.

“District Magistrate is a position that I have been interested in for many years, so when Judge Roth announced his retirement, I began considering a run for this seat.”

Gaier has been a resident of Quakertown since 2006 and a borough councilwoman since 2014 when she was appointed to fulfill the term left vacant when Edward Scholl stepped down from council to become the borough’s economic development consultant. Gaier’s current term on council ends in 2019. If successful in her bid for the judgeship, she would leave her council position. A Republican, she plans to cross-file for the election, appearing on both the Republican and Democratic slates of candidates.

Gaier brings with her extensive legal and community relations experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Political Science from Ohio University.

Her Juris Doctorate degree is from Widener University School of Law. Gaier served as Bucks County Assistant District Attorney from 2009 until 2011 when she entered private practice as an Associate at the Law Firm of Repko Williams. She is presently an attorney at Antheil Maslow & MacMinn in Doylestown. Gaier is a member of both the Bucks County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. She has practiced extensively in District Court and the Court of Common Pleas in both criminal and civil cases.

“My experience in both criminal and civil law, practicing in District Court and the Court of Common Pleas, has provided me a solid understanding of the law and the temperament and professionalism required to successfully

serve in the role of District Magistrate.”

Gaier also chairs the Bucks County Orphans Court and is chair of the Community Accountability Panel.

“I was approached by Judge Roth several years ago to participate in a pilot program called the Community Accountability Panel.

It’s a ‘quasi-judicial’ panel of community members that serves as a diversionary program for first-time non-violent defendants. As chairperson, I conduct panel hearings, impose informal probation conditions, and provide oversight during the probationary period.”

District 07-2-05 serves Milford and Richland Townships and the boroughs of Trumbauersville, Quakertown, and Richlandtown. Court is held at the government services building on California Road.

Magisterial district courts are responsible for adjudicating all traffic and non-traffic citations as well as processing criminal complaints, including arraignments and preliminary hearings, parking violations, and handling of civil and landlord tenant complaints. Magisterial district judges may administer oaths and affirmations and take acknowledgements. They also have the authority to perform marriages.

Gaier has been married to her husband Matt for 23 years, during much of which he was an active marine. They have two adult children.

Kylee, 22, is in her first year of medical school and Jake, 20, is in the Army stationed at Fort Stewart.

“I believe my work on Borough Council, my involvement in the community, and my legal experience gives me a unique perspective on the concerns and issues facing our community, which is necessary to effectively fulfill the position of District Magistrate.”

Reflections on 2016

I genuinely appreciate the change of seasons. Spring, summer, fall, and winter allows me to make a statement about the greatness of life. I admit that I grow weary of too much snow, sleet, and double layered ice during the winter months. But, looking out a window on a wintery moonlit night, and seeing icy layers of white, glistening snow where green grass used to dominate the ground is a breathtaking experience for me. The moonlit scene is enhanced with the shadows of bare trees, each falling in a prostrate position across the snow. That picture perfect scene which I have experienced many times reminds me of my life. It reminds me of the Light in my life. It reminds me that my Light is powerful, and that it is there to shine through all obstacles.

Whatever my state of existence is during the winter season, it is renewed when spring arrives. Spring is my favorite time of the year.

The snow has disappeared, the coldness of the air is becoming comfortably warm, and the earth is in a stage of replenishment. From the time I was a child, the first sign of spring was seeing a Robin. Today, I still look forward to the first sight of robin red-breast, and I greet her with a hearty, “Welcome Back.” I am in awe of how the trees lose their leaves during cold weather to prevent damage, and then, in the spring they grow back in all their splendor.

Beautifully colored, fragrant flowers appear, along with exquisitely designed butterflies, bees, grasshoppers, and all the other creatures of the earth that were in hibernation. They all re-emerge to celebrate this new beginning.

Spring is a time that reminds me to break down all strongholds in my life. It is a time for me to cleanse what has been, and to refresh it with what will be.

Spring prepares me for the long-awaited “Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer.” It is the season that I no longer have to drive uncomfortably in cold weather attire. It is the time I can put down the windows and let the wind blow through my hair, or open the sunroof and “Let the Sun Shine In.” It is the time that I love the intoxicating fragrance of summer rain

because it reminds me of my childhood in the country. It is being awaken at five o-clock in the morning by the birds singing to me. It is sitting under the shade of the old oak tree, going for a walk in the park, or having lunch by the lake. It is looking up to the heavens and being captivated by the beauty of snow-white, puffy clouds in all types of arrangements. Summer is a great time of the year despite excessive heat and humidity, fierce hurricanes, tornadoes, and torrential rains. I find that my life can be as unpredictable as the storms of summer, or as calm and comfortable as the shade from the old oak tree.

Even though I am a bit sad to see summer end, the autumn season is the most beautiful to me. The many different shades of red, yellow, brown, and green leaves are a color palette that is very pleasing to my eye. There is nothing like walking through rustling leaves to remind me of my childhood when I would make a leaf house and repeatedly fall into the pile of leaves. There is something extraordinaire for me about the fall. The changing colors of the trees are more brilliant; the air is crisper, and sunsets are intensely stunning, wrapping the western sky in an array of colors. Fall is a season of change, just as my life can be. I don’t always like change in my life, but it helps me to grow. It helps me to rid my life of what is not working and to create something new.

I am grateful to God for His creation which includes the changing seasons, and the opportunity for me to appreciate the splendor of each one. As I reflect on my life in 2016, I have experienced fury and failure that was changed to serenity and success. There was sadness and sickness that became happiness and health.

During the past year, I learned when to let go of things that were not meant to be a part of my life. All of my life experiences have allowed me to grow. And so, as I begin another year, I embrace all the changes of the past, and look forward to new seasons in 2017.

I wish all of you a joyful, prosperous New Year.

You can contact Jacque at: jacque@ubfp.org

Holiday Memories In past years I wrote articles of the many Christmas and Winter Holidays remembrances when Upper Bucks was still very rural and a farm community. Early in this holiday period my wife and I attended a performance of “The Home Coming” with our friends Will and Marie Cressman. All of us agreed after the show that this show based on the 1950’s story of “Spencers Mountain” and later on the TV adaptation of “The Waltons”, that it brought back memories of our past.

Unlike the past articles of remembering Christmas at my grandmother’s house, Christmas morning at the farm outside of Richlandtown, and the special Christmas Church and Celebration memories, this article is based upon remembering two themes that I pulled out of this play.

The first theme is that of “Love.” As we Christians believe, Love came down at Christmas time at the coming of Jesus. But more than this is the love that continues in all of us. This play showed love of the mother waiting anxiously for her husband to arrive home from work that was far away in this depression period (1933). The love of the oldest son (Clay-boy- TVs John Boy) for his siblings and his neighbors includes the Baldwin Sisters and Birdshot. Love of the father who missed the last bus (that was involved in a fatal crash) and had to walk and hitch hike to arrive home late with a bag of goodies. More than the presents given by him and the news he was going to stay and make his living from “The Mountain”; was the fact he was with them and the family was complete. This theme of “Love” was always in the Helm household at this special time. My dad’s love of history instilled in me my investigations of such obscure local history as “The Fries (pronounced freeze) Rebellion” to make it as well known as it is, to not only the area residents but is now part of the history in our school systems. My mother’s love of learning encouraged all of us to try to excel in everything we do. These articles I wrote

in the past four years are a credit to her. Both our parents love of friends and neighbors and wanting to share in what they meagerly had has made all their children as outgoing and giving to their community. Indeed the “Love” we shared through our Christian upbringing and family life has been a blessing and endless gift of our humble beginnings.

The second theme is centered on Clay-boy’s gift from his father. Early on his father caught his son writing notes as he sat in his bedroom on remembrances of his family. He reprimanded him on the wasteful use of the note pad that was to be used for schoolwork only during this time of depression in the U.S. Clay-boy found out that his father spoke proudly of his son’s wanting to be a writer. When his father arrived home that late fearful night (The Homecoming) and distributed the gifts to the children from his last pay check, his gift to Clay-boy (John-boy) was a “Stack of Note Pads” to encourage his goals.

Unlike today when there are many government programs to aid those in need, (Back then and in the time of my youth these programs didn’t exist and our families struggled with the “Love” as their glue to exist in those times) our parents struggled to provide for their family with their goals to encourage us to work hard towards our goals. I am proud to say my parents succeeded in their goal.

Today as many of our families will share the holidays together, I wonder if 60 years from now their children will be able to extract the same feelings as I did on this Friday night in early December 2016 at the wonderful facility at Desales University. Isn’t it amazing how a performance such as this brings back memories, not of toys and tinsel, but of love and encouragement. We are truly blessed who lived in hard times such as the depression and the immediate post war period after World War II. I and my wife and our families hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and have a positive outlook for this New Year (2017).

Dick Helm is a regular contributor.

He can be reached at dickhelm@ubfp.org

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017

Nancy J. Diehl, 83, of Quakertown, died at her home on Wed., Nov. 30, 2016. She was the loving wife of Matthew C. Diehl.

Born in Perkasie, she was a daughter of the late Willard A. Weaver and Dorothy (Bergey) Diehl.

Nan was an artist and outstanding pianist.

She was a member of the Church of God, Worldwide Association, played piano for the choir and was instrumental in many church functions over the years.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons: Tom Diehl, wife Marian, Macungie and Kevin Diehl, companion Fenny Schmidt, Quakertown; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles “Skip” Diehl, NC; and a sister, Dorothy Johnston, Rhoadesville, VA. She was preceded in death by a son, Michael Diehl.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Interment will be private.

Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Quakertown in charge of arrangements. www.janauglefcs.com Edward B. Headman, 90 of Pennsburg, formerly of Quakertown, died Thurs. Dec. 1st at his home. He was the husband of the late Grace (Sell) Headman.

He worked as an accountant with S. Levine & Sons, Allentown for over 20 years.

Born in Perkasie, he was a son of the late Edward M. and Mary E. (Barndt) Headman.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Surviving are his sons, Andrew Headman, wife Barbara of Birdsboro and Peter Headman of Quakertown; daughters, Carole Waterman, husband Wayne of Pennsburg and Laurel Abreu, husband Joseph of Gilbertsville; eleven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. www.janauglefcs.com

~Obituaries~

Kimberly A. Koch, 51, of Kintnersville, died Sat., Dec. 3rd at Doylestown Hospital.

She was the loving wife of Thomas B. Koch for 19 years.

Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of Raymond L. Schrantz of Emmaus and the late Blossom R. (Noll) Schrantz Calaway.

Kim graduated from Southern Lehigh High School, class of 1983.

She went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree and CMA at Moravian College, Bethlehem.

For the past ten years, Kim was Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis with Univest Corp., Souderton. Previously she worked for DVI Inc., Jamison.

She enjoyed outdoor activities, especially hiking and waterskiing. Kim was very active in her community, serving as a girl scout leader as well as soccer coach and executive board member for the Palisades Youth Soccer Association.

Surviving with her husband and father are her daughters Melissa and Mary Koch, both of Kintnersville; sisters: Debra O’Connell, husband Andrew of Emmaus and Karen Schrantz of Macungie; and a dear friend, Wendy Badman. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kimberly’s memory may be made to Melissa’s PA 529 College Plan and/or Mary’s Iowa 529 College Plan. Checks can be made payable to: “PA 529 GSP” and/or “College Savings Iowa” and mailed c/o Kimberly Koch Memorial, PO Box 434, Nazareth, PA 18064 www.janauglefcs.com

Anna I. Gieseke, 71, of Quakertown, died Wed. Dec. 7th at Grandview Hospital, Sellersville.

She was the wife of the late Richard Gieseke Sr. Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Louise (Graf) Mastrangelo.

She worked as a teacher’s aide at Richland Elementary School for many years.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Applebachsville, where she served with the Social Ministries Committee.

Surviving are her daughters, Vicki Roeder, husband Tom of Quakertown and Barbara Graser, husband Karl of Perkasie; son, Richard Gieseke Jr., wife Beth of East Greenville; step daughter, Sharon Coon, husband Robert of Poteet, TX; grandchildren, Sarah, Nicholas, Tommy, Mikey, Aaron, Ronan; great granddaughter, Arabella; sister, Linda Mittleberger.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 837 Old Bethlehem Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951.

Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Quakertown is in charge of arrangements. www.janauglefcs.com

Lillian J. (Rhoades) Neiman, 84, of Quakertown, passed away in her sleep on Mon. Dec. 12, 2016. She was the wife of the late William K. Neiman.

Born an athlete on March 2, 1932 in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Helen (Maugle) and Joseph Rhoades.

Lill loved all sports from coaching girls basketball, to sewing softballs, to making it into the Quakertown-Pennridge sports hall of fame in 2010 for basketball, softball and field hockey.

She worked for Midguard for many years.

She is survived by her children, Susan Koder, husband Ron of Quakertown, Cathy Schuster, husband Alex of East Greenville, Wendy Lynn, husband Garry of Allentown, and John Neiman, wife Dawn of Allentown; son-in-law, Robert Mease; eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, Dr. Belle Neiman-Mease and brothers Joseph Rhoades and William Rhodes.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 459, Richlandtown, PA 18955 or Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036 www.janauglefcs.com Jodi A. (Dobson) Bleam, 52, of Quakertown, died Mon., Dec. 12 at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Fountain Hill. She was the loving companion of Brian Bleam for 30 years.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of Joseph “Joe” Dobson, of Quakertown, and the late Harriet “Sissy” (Braun) Dobson.

Jodi was a graduate of Quakertown High School.

She worked as a dietary cook for Quakertown Manor for over 12 years. Jodi loved to cook, and could make any kind of food.

Surviving in addition to Brian are children: Brian Bleam, Jr., Kevin Bleam, companion Amanda and Camryn Bleam, all of Quakertown; two grandchildren: Brielle and Rylan; and a sister, Debbie Kramarenko, husband Jim, Souderton. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Ciera Naomi Bleam in 1998.

Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown in charge of arrangements. www. janauglefcs.com Mark Alderfer Landis, 69, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, went to be with the Lord on December 17, 2016.

He was born on November 16, 1947, in Sellersville, Pennsylvania to Elmer S. and Kathryn (Alderfer) Landis. He married Janet Louise Hunsberger on September 30, 1967; they were married 49 years.

Mark was a member of Rocky Ridge Mennonite Church in Quakertown. He was a humble, hardworking man who enjoyed his work as both a butcher and carpenter. His hobbies included wood working, listening to Johnny Cash, and spending time with family, especially watching his grandchildren grow.

His loving family will always cherish the handcrafted items Mark created, and even more so the priceless moments where the grandchildren got to spend time with their “Pop Pop.” Mark is survived by his wife Janet; daughter Marla (Landis) Siwert and her husband Louis, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; son Shane Landis and his wife Linda of Palm, Pennsylvania; son Matt Landis and wife Cheryl of Harrisonburg, Virginia; son Mike Landis and his wife Lauren of Arlington, Virginia; daughter Marci (Landis) Schmucker and her husband Aaron of La Junta, Colorado; sister Mary (Landis) Hange and her husband Durrell; sister Sara (Landis) Halteman and her husband Paul; brother Jacob Landis and his wife Ruth; sisterin-law Shirley Landis and sister-in-law Doris

Landis. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Jordan and wife Daphne; Michelle, Jarod, Zach, Tyler, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Josh, Ethan, Evan; 5 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Mark was preceded in death by his parents; brother James A. Landis and his wife Eleanor; brother Paul A. Landis; brother John A. Landis; sister-in-law Anna May Landis; brother Elmer A. Landis; brother Daniel A. Landis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

Donate online at www.samaritanspurse.org, or by mail at Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. www.janauglefcs.com John A. Rohrer, 68, of Coopersburg, died Sat., Dec. 17 at his home, a caretaker to the end. He was the loving husband of Lore (Exley) Rohrer for 44 years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of Jean (Tennet) Rohrer, Cape May, NJ and the late Albert J. Rohrer.

John graduated from Neshaminy High School, and went on to receive special certifications from Temple University and Bucks County Community College.

He worked for many years as Plant Superintendent for the former Alfa Laval in Warminster, retiring in 1999. After retirement, John got his CDL license and drove bus for Levy Bus Service, because he liked to keep himself busy.

John was best known for his hearty, contagious laugh, and the big black truck that he drove. He and Lore loved to go camping, and he liked to golf and bowl in his spare time.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are daughters, Kristen Hayward, husband John, of Coopersburg and Michele Edwards, husband Matt, of Bethlehem; grandchildren, MJ, Mason, Marshall, Elyse, Maddie, Grayson and Eli; siblings, Bill Rohrer, wife Cheryl; Albert Rohrer, wife Betty Ann, all of Feasterville; Ed Rohrer, wife Kathy and Jean Curran, all of Cape May, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the LVHN - Regional Burn Center, 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., 3rd Floor Kasych Pavilion, Allentown, PA 18103. www. janauglefcs.com Kathleen M. Walp, 67, of Quakertown, died at St. Luke’s Hospital in Quakertown on Sun., Dec. 18.

Born in Quakertown, she was a daughter of the late Alfred C. and Ruth (Banes) Walp.

Kathleen was a member of First UCC Church in Quakertown.

She was a teacher with Quakertown School District for over 30 years, and she was active in First UCC church activities, including the choir, bell choir, volunteer driver, and organizer for the annual Advent Workshop. She also served several terms as the president of the Women’s Guild. She was the family historian who served as the treasurer of the Walp Family Reunion. Kathleen also enjoyed travelling the world, arts and crafts, walking, and reading.

Surviving are her brother, Phillip L. Walp and wife Barbara of Montgomery, AL; sisterin-law Susan Walp of Montgomer, AL; 10 nieces and nephews; and 8 great-nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by sister Nancy I. Lerch and brother Kenneth C. Walp.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy’s memory to First United Church of Christ, 151 S. 4th St., Quakertown, PA 18951. www.janauglefcs.com Alice M. Wieder, 86, of Quakertown died Thurs. Dec. 22 at home. She was the widow of William H. Wieder, Jr. Born in Richlandtown, she was a daughter of the late Arthur S. and Mary Bertha (Banes) Hillegas.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Tohickon United Church of Christ, Perkasie.

Alice is survived by her daughter Judith Montag, grandson William R. Montag, wife Sandra, and grandson William H. Montag, all of Quakertown. She was predeceased by a daughter, Debra L. Wieder; and her siblings Clyde, Harold, Grace, Miriam, & Dolly. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Tohickon UCC, 1050 Old Bethlehem Road, Perkasie, PA 18944. www. janauglefcs.com

January 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

~Obituaries~

Doris Elaine (Stoneback) Wilson, 85, of Quakertown, passed away peacefully on Sat., Dec. 24th, at The Laurels, Hidden Meadows Memory Care Community, Perkasie.

She was the beloved wife of the late Stanley R. Wilson, married for 63 years.

Born in Perkasie, Doris was the daughter of the late Jacob and Ethel (Price) Stoneback. Doris grew up in Quakertown and graduated in 1949 from Quakertown High School. She went on to attend and graduate from Kutztown University in 1953 with a bachelor degree in art education. Doris was a mother and housewife for the first twenty years of her marriage caring for her five children. Doris was a leader in the Girl Scouts, participated on the Quakertown Community Hospital Board and served as the administrator of the hospital volunteer service program. She enjoyed 24 years of retirement traveling nationally and internationally with her husband. Doris loved painting, quilting, cooking, tending her flower garden and spending time with family and friends.

She was active in the First United Church of Christ in Quakertown for 67 years where she was a member of church council and sang in the choir.

Surviving are sons, Bruce (Thea Witsil) Wilson of Napa, CA, Dean (Beth Hunter) Wilson of Quakertown, Brett Wilson (Barry Edwards) of Emmaus, and Kent “Chip” (Lori Aguilar) Wilson of San Diego, CA; daughter, Kim Wilson (Zac Reicher) of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Justin, Danielle, Luanne, Kyle, Ry, and Zane; and great granddaughter Cecily.

Services are private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations can be made to the Property Fund, First United Church of Christ, 151 South Fourth St., Quakertown, PA 18951.

Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Quakertown, is assisting the family with arrangements. www.janauglefcs.com Eleanore F. (Shumard) Bricker, 94, of Kintnersville, died Tue., Dec. 27 at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital.

She was the loving wife of the late Robert H. Bricker.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Francis (Griffith) Shumard.

Eleanore was a 1940

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graduate of Merchantville High School in New Jersey.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale.

Eleanore had a love for nature and all its creatures as well as the outdoors. She also had a vast knowledge of films, music and literature.

She was a prolific writer of songs and poetry.

Surviving is her son, Robert Bricker, wife Melodie, Quakertown; daughter, Jacalynne “Jackie” Dieterichs, husband Karl, New Britain, PA; grandchildren: R. Todd, Rebecca, Kim, Sarah, Todd R. and Tricia; and 9 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Bucks SPCA, 60 Reservoir Rd, Quakertown PA 18951. www. janauglefcs.com

Dorothy H. (Hiegley) Dickert, 97, of Topton, died on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 in The Lutheran Home at Topton. She was the widow of Clyde W. Dickert, who died on December 14, 2009. Born in Bethlehem, Dorothy was a daughter of the late Edward F. and Emma R. (Chamberlain) Hiegley. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Topton, and a former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Richlandtown. Mrs. Dickert was a graduate of Liberty High School. She was employed as the Office Manager by Hartman Insurance Agency, Quakertown, for 12 years. Prior to that, she was employed

by Bell Telephone, working as a Bell Girl in Quakertown. Dorothy was a member and past Worthy Matron of the former Quakertown Chapter 319, Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed needlepoint and puzzles.

Survivors: Dorothy is survived by two sons, Ronald C., husband of Phyllis M. (Gogel) Dickert, Whitehall, John W., husband of Anita L. (Lakis) Dickert, Allentown; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; two step great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, parents, and a sister, Pearl (Hiegley) Wintersteen.

Services: Dorothy’s body was donated to Humanity Gifts Registry, Hershey, PA, to help with the education of medical students. A private graveside service be held at later date in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Allentown.

Contributions: The family requests contributions be made in Dorothy’s memory to Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, One South Home Avenue, Topton, PA 19562.

Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com

Update your Home with the ‘New Neutrals” Make 2017 the year you update your home with “new” neutrals—hot, timeless colors that pair well with hues like cornflower, taupe, wine and sunny yellow. A departure from the monochromatic shades of prior years, the new neutrals transition from black and white to beige, khaki and taupe tones—taupe, in fact, an earthen brown-gray, was named the 2017 Color of the Year by Sherwin-Williams.

“Poised Taupe celebrates everything people love about cool gray as a neutral, and also brings in the warmth of brown, taking a color to an entirely new level,” says Sue Wadden, director of Color Marketing for SherwinWilliams. “Not cool or warm, nor gray or brown, Poised Taupe brings a sense of coziness and harmony that people are seeking.”

Taupe is an ideal complement to blue-grays, especially when applied in a French countryside theme in a kitchen or living room. Taupe also works well with a natural palette, such as citrus green and weathered bronze, creating an organic aesthetic.

Rich wine, as well, combined with taupe, evokes baroque and romanticism, elevating bedrooms to sophisticated spaces. A vibrant yellow, in addition, alongside taupe, adds a graphic element, ideal for homes offices—where creativity is most needed—or in children’s bedrooms or playrooms.

Sue Deily has been a Realtor® for 31 years, resides in the Upper Bucks Area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties. Sue has been featured in Bucks County Real Estate Trendsetters. Sue is happy

QCO Holiday Brunch coordinator Emily George, and volunteers Erica Jones and Angela James

Fun was had by all at Quakertown Alive’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. photo by ken sutliff

to answer your real estate questions and can be reached at suesellshouses@gmail.com and at

215-872-9865.

QCO Bestows Blessings on Community’s Less Fortunate

Here is a testimony from the Organizer of Quakertown Community Outreach’s Holiday Brunch event, and Team Leader of QCO’s Christmas Wish List Angels program for the community, Emily George.

“My heart is full.This year my goal was to teach my kids the real meaning of Christmas, as they are slowly becoming non-believers in the big guy. This weekend we fed 50 people together, and wrapped just as many gifts for them. We also spent the afternoon delivering presents to children in need in our community, and they were so thankful to be a part of every

second. Although I’m completely exhausted, I sit here feeling so thankful to live in a community that comes together without hesitation to make others feel like they are worth it.

Just remember we are lucky to have presents under our tree, and food on our table. Count your blessings and enjoy the little things...

And a heartfelt thank you, to everyone that made these things possible.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!”

A huge thank you to Emily, her husband Mike George, their children and fellow volunteers Erica Jones and Angela James.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Shop for your Electricity Some people don’t want to hear another mention of the word “shopping” at this time of year. It’s a word you tend to hear an awful lot.

Still, you may be able to save money on your electric bill by spending a few thoughtful minutes shopping for your energy supply. You won’t have to go from store to store to find the right offer: All the information can be seen right at home.

Here’s how it works: You can choose to buy your electricity from one of many suppliers serving this area. Or, you can let PPL Electric Utilities buy it on your behalf. Either way, we’ll deliver your power safely and reliably over our electric grid, and you’ll call us if there’s an outage or other service issue. About 45 percent of our customers buy power from another supplier.

We hold auctions to buy power for customers who don’t shop. Then, we pass the cost of the energy through to you with no markup or profit. Our price for electricity is called the “price to compare,” and we update it twice a year – on Dec. 1 and June 1.

All you need to do is visit the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website at PAPowerSwitch.com. You can see how our

price to compare stacks up against offers from other state-licensed suppliers. You may be able to find lower rates that can save you money.

And who doesn’t like that, especially at this time of year?

The PAPowerSwitch website lists all the important information about each offer. Look carefully at the terms, especially these: - Is the rate fixed or variable? (Fixed rates don’t change, while variable rates go up or down based on the wholesale price of electricity. If that price goes up – as has happened in very cold weather -- variable-rate customers’ bills will go up with it.)

- How long will the contract last?

- Are there cancellation fees?

- If renewable energy is important to you, does the contract draw any of its supply from renewable sources?

If you’ve reviewed all the terms and decided an offer is right for you, click the Sign Me Up For This Offer button and follow any additional prompts. PPL Electric Utilities and your new supplier will work together to do the rest.

And you can devote your shopping attention to more difficult choices – like what to get your uncle who has everything.

Carol is the Regional Affairs Director for PPL Electric Utilities in Allentown, PA. Reach her at CObando-Derstine@pplweb.com

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017

Employment Opportunities

You’ve Got Maids - Hiring commercial nighttime cleaners & daytime residential cleaners. (215) 529-7837 Spor’s General Store – Help Wanted: Waitress/Deli/ Cashier/Lottery. Nights and Weekends. Must be 18 or older. Apply in person. 22 W Broad St, Trumbauersville.

Haly Home Comfort – Now Hiring Technicians and Fuel Delivery Drivers. 1432 S West End Blvd, Quakertown (215) 536-9235 The Proper Brewing Company – Hiring Line Cooks. E-mail: Kris@theproperbrewing.com or stop by the brewery, 117 W. Broad Street, Quakertown, PA during business hours.

Edible Arrangements - Hiring Seasonal personal skills, attention to detail, must. Call (215) 536-1298 or stop by mation and to apply. 582 S. West End

Help. Good interand reliability a store for inforBlvd, Quakertown

Pool Pro - Local pool store seeks service technicians and helpers for upcoming pool season. 1619 West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-0456 Woods’ Pools - Local pool builder seeks construction trainees. Experience a plus. technicians and helpers for upcoming pool season. 1619 West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-2323 Upper Bucks YMCA - Hiring part time babysitters, art teachers, childcare aides. Call 215-536-YMCA (9622) or stop in to apply. 401 Fairview Avenue, Quakertown.

Buying Tips for New Year’s Travelers

As the new year commences, many of us find ourselves taking to the skies or roads on trips for business and pleasure. At this busy time of the year, many people find themselves hustling and bustling to new locales for work or play. As an expert appraiser, people often ask me what items are worth at locations around the world. When I travel-- and I travel a lot-- I often meet people who ask me what is a good buy or how to spot a bargain.

Here’s the 411 on what to shopping for cool collectibles in many parts of the world.

When collectors travel to various parts of the world, here are some of the collectible items that you may want to shop for in some famed yet fabulous far-off locales: Australia: Coral jewelry Caribbean islands: Giant seashells, Woven handbags China: Paintings Costa Rica: Coffee, hand-made wooden crafts Denmark: Hand-made wood objects Finland: Wool clothing Germany: Contemporary art, knives Greece: Pottery Guatemala: Santos sculptures Italy: Leather goods and fashion accessories Japan: Knives and swords Mexico: Silver, terracotta pottery Middle East: Gemstones New Zealand: Wool sweaters Panama: Hats Turkey: Linens, Tiles Puerto Rico: Mahogany furniture Russia: Matroyskas or nesting dolls South Pacific islands: Basketry, Black pears Spain: Lladro figurines Of course, this list is not all inclusive, but it gives travelers a good starting point about what types of objects may be good buys in certain places. While the unique qualities of

objects found in far off lands are interesting, be prepared to shop wisely while on vacation or traveling. Negotiate with cash when you can, be knowledgeable about exchange rates, and be sure to fully understand the shipping and return policies. Remember that in many tourist areas and big cities, the prices are inflated in an effort to attract buyers. Stick to your budget and compare prices from shop to shop whenever you can. No matter where you travel, remember that quality equals value.

Wherever you shop—at home or abroad—negotiate politely and consider the artisan and the locale when shopping for hand-made items. The allure of hand-made items is the fact that they demonstrate a special talent and help you to recall a special trip as a keepsake or souvenir. Some of my most favorite collectibles from my travels are those hand-made items that I bought directly from the artisan or those objects that I bought after an exchange with a shop owner or other local resident. I remember clearly the time I watched as a talented Romanian woman crocheted a tablecloth in Bucharest that I now use in my sunroom, how I tried to break the language barrier with a nun at the Vatican gift shop while I shopped for silver rosary beads blessed by the Pope for my mother, and I remember when a local man drew me a map of the local roads so I could find the sculpture studio of a Santos carver in Guatemala.

Happy Hunting!

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide. Dr. Lori is the expert appraiser on the hit TV show, Auction Kings on the Discovery channel and has shared her expertise with the History channel, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, and Today show.

Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/ DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.

BuckyGrams: auldlangsyne, holiday, toast, babynewyear, fathertime,resolutions, fireworks, timessquare, balldrop, midnightkiss, countdown, twelveoclock Hidden Message: Let’s Celebrate! Box Puzzle: Happy New Year!

January 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Mild Symptoms can be Serious Today I want to tell you about the importance of routine care! I know, I know…. it’s basically what we talk about here all the time, but I have a great example! Meet ‘Buddy’ – he is a 6 year old border collie who has just been a little off! ‘Buddy’ presented to my practice last week because he seemed a little lethargic for his normal, active self. He was otherwise eating and drinking and doing fine, just lethargic.

After performing a routine examination, he was found to have some discomfort in his abdomen – since he was doing well overall, we talked about bloodwork and xrays, but we decided to start with some GI protectants and bland food first, and see how he did! 2 days later, he was still not feeling well and had vomited, so we decided to recheck him and get some more information.

On xrays, we found a mass!! It was not large, but visible on xray and appeared asso-

ciated with the spleen. We performed a brief ultrasound to confirm, and his owner elected to take him right to surgery to figure out what it was and get it addressed!

In surgery, he was found to have a mass on the spleen that was bleeding – his spleen was removed and submitted for biopsy, and he did great! He recovered beautifully from surgery, and is doing wonderful. His biopsy results confirmed a splenic hematoma, which is benign or not cancerous – yay! Removing his spleen saved his life, and he can now go on to live a normal happy life!

The point of this story? Even very vague and mild signs, can be related to a serious problem!

Remember, any issue with your dog or cat is worth talking with your veterinarian about so you can decide together if/when more diagnostics need to be done!

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

Kids Shop with a Cop

BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ Police officers from Richland Township, Springfield Township, Quakertown, and Dublin were called to duty Thursday evening, December 15 at the Walmart in Quakertown. Nearly a dozen police cars and trucks flanked the front of the store on Route 309.

However, they were brought together not for an incident, but for an opportunity.

These police officers were there to participate in the 6th Annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ program. Nearly 60 underprivileged children from the Quakertown School District were given a personal police escort and a $150 Walmart

gift card to spend on gifts for their families, and maybe a little something for themselves, followed by a holiday party with Santa. The kids also received grocery store gift cards to help their families prepare a holiday dinner. $14,000 was raised this year thanks to numerous personal and business sponsorships throughout the community. The program has grown greatly with each passing year.

Quakertown officer Bob Lee, co-founder of the program, remarks, “This is a great opportunity for kids to see us in a different environment. It’s fun. It gives us a chance to serve as a positive role model.”

Learn more about the ‘Shop with a Cop’ program at www.quakertownboro.com

QBNG Donates $5000 to Area Charity Groups Every year the members of Quakertown Business Networking Group end their year with donations to some of the Quakertown areas non-profit organizations. Through the great participation of the QBNG, it was possible for the organization to raise $5000 in 2016. Five non-profit organizations were selected and each presented with a $1000 check at QBNG’s final meeting on 12/20/2016. In addition to the monetary donations, the organization also supports Quakertown Food Bank with hundreds of pounds of food items each year.

Quakertown Business Networking Group is comprised of area businesses helping each other grow. QBNG meets every Tuesday morning from 7:00-8:30 am at the Quakertown Chick-fil-A. To find out more about QBNG you can visit http://qbng.org (left to right) Representing Quakertown Fire Company: Jeff Haring, Collin Reinhart, Dave Reinhart; The Chick-Fil-A Cow; Representing Quakertown Food Pantry: Carol Kidd; Rrepresenting Outreach Care of Quakertown: Joanne Cramer; Representing Logan’s Heroes Animal Rescue Chris Baringer; Representing QBNG: Bob Podraza; Representing Quakertown Cares:Craig Gillahan.

Chew on This

Ignoring unwanted behavior is very confusing for dog owners. I am not giving you permission to ignore the dog when he chews on inappropriate things like rocks, dirty underwear, or your furniture.

I want to be very clear how to help your dog learn what is appropriate to chew on and what is not. Above all else I want your dog to be safe.

Your most powerful tool for changing a dog’s behavior is using positive reinforcement.

The reward makes him more likely to repeat the behavior again. Reinforcement is not all about treats. Giving the dog feedback by giving praise is reinforcement. You are letting the dog know he has made the right decision on what is appropriate to chew. Always pay attention to your dog when your dog is being good. Reward pottying outside versus punishing for pottying inside. Reward sitting versus punishing jumping.

Out –of- date compulsion trainers may have you yank on a prong or choke collar, throw a can filled with pennies, or even scream and yell at your dog. Attempting the use of violence and intimidation may stop the unwanted behavior, but falls short of providing the information that corrects the unwanted behavior.

Did you ever try to teach a child how to ride a

bike by yelling at them “no, no, no” then wait for them to somehow figure it out how to do it right? Without feedback how is your dog going to make better decisions?

Force free trainers do administer corrections, but it is how we administer them. We do it proactively through management, not intimidation. Management is simply not giving the dog the opportunity to get in trouble in the first place, so we have don’t have to be reactive, but hey poop happens!

The 3 R’s: Remove, Redirect and Reinforce Remove: Remove the dog from the environment or things in the environment. Dog eating your underwear? Remove the dog to another room or better yet put your underwear where he cannot get it.

Redirect: Give the dog something else to do. Having the dog play fetch is incompatible with swallowing rocks or chewing on your shoe laces.

Reinforcement: Reinforce by praising the dog for chewing on his toys, instead of yelling at the dog for chewing on your furniture or your pant leg.

It’s easier to teach a dog what to chew on then what not to chew on!

Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI owner and lead trainer of Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown, PA

Living in a small town atmosphere is great.

I had lived my first two years in California before moving to Quakertown. (I am now 13).

What some of you may take for granted that I notice is how quaint things are here. I love the celebrations that Quakertown Alive! puts on. The tree lighting, the parades and the Arts Alive and Autumn Alive events are all fun community things. During the Holiday season, the meters are covered in town so people can patronize the downtown shops without feeding a meter. Music plays from the bank in town on the hour. I love the little stands of fruits and veggies that people put out in front of their houses and they use the honor system. (Never would that work in LA ,CA!) My all time favorite which I can now say in public since the jewelry store has closed was Kulp Jewelers use to prop his front door open during the summer months. My human says it’s like living in Mayberry. (Wherever that is.)

Having lived elsewhere has made me appreciate these

things. I also love the “at home” businesses in the area. Beauty shops, repair businesses, many kinds of things can be found in a friendly at home atmosphere. Sure there are some troublesome areas in any town but I am happy to say I never see them. Thank You humans for making Quakertown and it’s surrounding towns such a nice place to be.

Love and Happy New Year, M.J.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017

Quakertown Alive! Awards Latest Round of Façade Grants to Downtown Businesses

photos by michele buono

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

2016 Mazda CX-9

Now in its second generation, Mazda’s 2016 CX-9 is the car makers’s largest and most expensive top-tier model. It offers seating for seven, boasts a myriad of most wanted safety features and is powered by an economical 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Offered in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and new top-line Signature model, we tested the latter that was loaded with practically every conceivable safety and convenience feature including rain sensing windshield wipers.

Outfitted in Signature form, the CX-9 can easily rival most of the luxury branded SUVs on the market. And that includes such prestigious and pricey ones like Audi’s Q7, BMW’s X5, Infiniti’s QX60 and Lexus’ RX350, to name a few. To its credit it’s adorned with real rosewood and aluminum trim and the seats are shod with Nappa leather. The perforated front seats are sofa soft with adequate side and under thigh support. The third row seats are easily accessible as the second row slides generously fore/aft that provides more third seat legroom depending upon their position. However, and as with most three rowers, the seats are mainly suitable for children or nimble teens. After an easy 19-inch step-in, your eyes will readily notice the iPad type 8-inch display extending from the dash-top. It services the rearview camera, audio, Bluetooth and infotainment systems plus apps. As with most news cars, the CX-9 is equipped with the latest safety features of lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, smart brake support, smart city brake support, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

These are complimented with a host of airbags, roll stability control, dynamic stability control and traction control. Power wise, the AWD CX-9 gets it grunt from a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder that puts out 250-hp if using 93 octane, or, 227-hp with regular unleaded. Torque is

generous at 310 lb/ft which moves this seemingly heavy (4,301 curb wt.) vehicle with ease.

Power is routed through a 6-speed automatic transmission and a Sport mode (activated via a rocker switch on the console) optimizes the engine and trans for quicker performance. The powertrain combination gets EPA mileage ratings of 21 city, 27-highway mpg and sports a tow rating of 3,500 pounds. While its sleek design doesn’t offer as much cargo room as some of its competitors, the CX-9 has appreciable room. With the 50/50 folding third row upright there’s 14.4 cubic feet behind the seats; 38.2 with them folded; and 71.2 with both rows down. More meaningful and with the third row up the area the cargo area measures 21 inches deep, 43 wide and 29.5 high. Flip them and depth extends to 48 inches. With both rows down there’s 82 inches of cargo depth.

The major complaint we have with the vehicle is that rear visibility is hampered somewhat by too tall second and third row headrests. It improves when folding the third row but there’s still interference by the second row. If Mazda could use the low-profile ones like the middle rest, visibility would be expansive. Ride wise on Falken 20-inch wheels is smooth, quiet with a touch of athleticism in the handling end. The vehicle drives smaller than it looks. While the CX-9 is priced lower than the aforementioned, it’s still slightly above average when comparing it to many AWD models from Honda, Toyota or GM. Our test car came in at $45,215 with delivery after a base of $44,015. It was exceptionally loaded with the only option being $300 for the Machine Gray paint job. The small difference in base to total MSRP will tell you that the CX-9 is content laden and offers a lot of bang for the buck if you need a threerow SUV. 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.

January 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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

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Where Can I Get my UBFP?

Happiness (is a) Warm Puppy Cartoon Charles Schulz Charlie Brown Comic Strip Doghouse

Easter Beagle Great Pumpkin Joe Cool Kite-Eating Tree Kick the Football Linus Lucy

Marcie Peppermint Patty Piano Pig Pen Red Baron Red-haired Girl

Sally Schroeder Security Blanket Snoopy Sopwith Camel

QUAKERTOWN A-Plus Mini Market Borough Hall Beer City Caitlyn & Cody’s Diner Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Dairy Queen Dominick’s Pizza Edible Arrangements First UCC Church Friendly Book Store Giant Markets (309/313) Grocery Outlet The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Independence Court James Michener Library JoAnne’s Frame Shop John’s Plain & Fancy Let’s Steep (Q-Mart) Liberty Thrift Store McCoole’s Red Lion Inn Moyer’s Shoes Penn Community Bank Pep Boys Service Center Quality Inn & Suites Q’town Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Quakertown Alive!

Quakertown Farmers Mkt Redner’s Market

Rep. Craig Staats’ office Sal’s Pizza Randa Sellersville Auction Sine’s 5 & 10 St. Luke’s Bone & Joint St. Luke’s Hospital Spring Hill Suites Swann’s Pantry The Souper Bowl (Q-Mart) Top Star Express Upper Bucks Senior Center Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Christ Lutheran Church Fino’s La Cantina Spor’s General Store RICHLANDTOWN Seven-Eleven Penn Community Bank Phoebe Meadow Glen SPINNERSTOWN Spinnerstown Hotel E J’s Barber Shop PLEASANT VALLEY Country Kitchen SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner

PERKASIE Dam Good Cafe Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Olde Towne Convenience Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank TELFORD Indian Valley Library Landis Food Markets SOUDERTON Care & Share Shoppes SILVERDALE Green Street Barber Shop DOYLESTOWN Main Street Book Store DUBLIN QNB Bank Shop ‘N Bag OTTSVILLE NAPA of Ottsville Wehrung’s COOPERSBURG Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Market Last Chance Ranch Store SPRINGTOWN Reflections Hair Studio Village Center Automotive

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2017