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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? May 29
Veterans Memorial Day Observance by Plumstead Twp Veterans Committee. 9am at Veterans Park, 5775 Easton Rd, Plumsteadville. Memorial Day Weekend Event! Join us for a drive-thru parade of Veterans vehicles & emergency equipment starting at Pennridge HS at 10am & ending at Sellersville Firehouse. At 11am ceremony w/music at Sellersville Veterans Monument.
May 29 & 30
Fundraiser Yard Sale 8am-2pm at 1876 Sassafras Ln, Quakertown. Benefits pediatric cancer research Team Harrison at CHOP.
May 30
USO Style Concert by Lorri & James, 11am-1pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115. Lake Lenape Car Show at Perkasie Dog Park, 9am-3pm by Good Time Motorvators. Free to attend. $15/pre-registered, $20/day of show. Rain/shine, trophies, raffles, vendors, music by Hodge Podge. Please wear masks & social distance.
May 31
Memorial Day
American Legion Memorial Parade & Service (parade 9am, program 10am) at WWI Soldier Monument in Memorial Park, Mill St, Quakertown. Parade begins at 9th & Park Ave. Signs will be posted w/Covid-19 requirements.
June 1
Hoagie Sale Orders due before June 11. Pick-up Fri. June 18 from 1pm-3pm at UB Senior Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Milford Square. $6/ea. Cash Only when picked up. Order: Sue 215-536-3066 or upperbucksac.org
June 4 & 5
Yard Sale 9am-3pm held at 1104 W Broad St, Quakertown. (r/d June 11 & 12) Benefits St John’s Lutheran. FMI: 215-536-4353.
June 4 to 6
VIRTUAL Penn Market Antique Show & Dry Goods Market (Fri/Sat/Sun) Programs will be recorded & available until June 19 for ticket holders. FMI: schwenkfelder.com
June 5
Outdoor Community Flea Mkt 9am2pm at Christ’s Lutheran, 1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville. Space/$15. Reserve: FMI: 215-536-3193 or email: christselca@verizon. net. Must pay in advance. No rain date. “Smooth Retsina Glow” 12noon-2pm – Free Concert at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-4115 Cirque Adventure Pirate Show -HighFlying Aerial/Acrobatics, 12noon Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. Bring chairs. Get tkts now: townplanner.com/ DriveInFamilyCircusQuakertown. $12/adult, $8/age 3-14, also Family Combo tkts.
Strawberry Festival 4pm - 7pm, at Trumbauersville Veterans Park. Serving strawberries, ice cream, cake, hot dogs and drinks. Cake donations appreciated. Fireworks at dusk. Trumbauersville Lions Club www.tvillelions.com Mini-Fairy Garden (live in-person workshop) $40, Pre-registration required by 5/29. FMI: CWQuakertown.com Flea Mkt 8am-1pm (r/d June 12) at Dublin Fire Co, 194 N Main St. Breakfast/lunch available. FMI: 215-249-3089. Ck for cancellation. Concerned Citizens for Clean Air Family Picnic, 1pm-4pm at James Memorial Park, 1001-1079 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. FREE event! Bring lunch & join us for music & discussion. FMI: citizensforcleanair.com Find us on Facebook! Saucon Valley Community Yard Sale 8am-2pm (rain/shine) Follow Covid safety guidelines.
June 6
Jennifer Lynn & Co back w/Monthly Craft show 11am-4pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. Local crafters/vendors. Then hunt treasures at the Flea Mkt. “Broken Dial” 12noon-2pm - Free Concert at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-4115
June 7
Family Education Program on Addiction first three Mon. of month 7pm. Understand the impact on everyone involved. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. FMI: 215-527-3077. Register: 800-221-6333.
June 9
Quakertown Veterinary Clinic Fundraiser 12noon-2pm. Cactus Blue Food Truck will be here. 10% of proceeds go to help Megan O (Vet Asst) while she navigates her fight. 2250 N Old Bethlehem Pike. Kids’ Yoga 10am-10:45am at Peace Valley Nature Ctr in Doylestown. Each outdoor session includes a craft. No fee ($5/pp or $10/ family donation appreciated) No pre-registration. FMI: 215-345-7860.
June 10
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 12noon-2pm at Alleviate Massage & Muscle Therapy, 116 East Broad St, Quakertown. Meet and tour the massage studio w/Michele Childs.
June 11
Free Fall Action Park Grand Opening 4pm at 670 S Main St, Quakertown. 2nd Fridays in Quakertown begin today at The Gathering Place, 351 W Broad St. Dominick’s food truck, live music w/ Alex Buono Band, more. Proceeds benefit Quakertown War Memorial Project.
June 12
Slot Car Show 9am-1pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. (just inside Entrance #1). Features slot cars, accessories & literature for sale.
70th Strawberry Festival, 4:30pm-8:30pm at First UCC, 151 S Fourth St, Quakertown. Food, games, silent auction, live music (following CDC Protocols). FMI: Lisa 267-374-1121. Yard Sale/Flea Market 8am-1pm at St. Isidore’s parking lot, 2545 W Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown. (r/d June 19). FMI/or reserve vendor space: 215-529-9727 or email: landscapecommittee@yahoo.com Flea Mkt/Bake Sale 8am-12noon at Jerusalem Lutheran, 733 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Rain/ shine. FMI: 215-257-9423 or jelchurch.com Sausage Sandwich w/Chips & Drink and Bake Sale, 11am at Pennsburg Fire Co, 501 Penn St, Pennsburg. Drive through service. Outdoor Thrift Mkt 9am-2pm at Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie. Everything 50% off! Masks required!
June 13
Hilltown Twp Historical Soc. Open House 1:30-4pm w/speaker @ 2pm. ‘Life of a Civil War Soldier & Life at Home’ (free, collectors invited to share artifacts & knowledge) Strassburger Farmstead, 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pk, Sellersville. FMI: 267-614-9174 26th Annual Garden Tour 11am-4pm self-guided tour through Doylestown’s charming streets. Master Gardeners on hand for info. $30 until May 31, then $35. 215-340-3639 or website: bucksbeautiful.org Naturalist Foray “Is It Buggy Yet?” 2pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. Pre-registration needed/limited spaces. Bug Boxes in hand we will search for critters. Contact: 215-348-6270, peacevalleynaturecenter.org/events-calendar
June 14
Flag Day
Family Education Program on Addiction first three Mon. of month 7pm. Understand the impact on everyone involved. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. FMI: 215-527-3077. Register: 800-221-6333.
June 17
Community Dinner (3rd Thurs) 5:30pm at First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown. Curbside only. RSVP: 215-536-4447. “Firefly Frolic” 7:30pm to 8:30pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. (r/d 6/18). $10/ family, $5/one (free/Mbrs) A short hike for lightning bugs. Pre-regis. needed. Contact: 215-348-6270, peacevalleynaturecenter.org/ events-calendar
June 18 to July 3
Q-Mart’s “Patriotic Photo Contest” on FB. Grand prize: Gas Grill. (patriotic theme) Age 16+ to enter. Submit to sara@quakertownfarmersmkt by June 20. Photos will be posted on FB from June 21 until July 3 for voting. FMI: Visit us on Facebook for details.
June 19
Bucks Co SPCA Quakertown Shelter Open House 11am-3pm. Behind-the-scenes tours, meet our animals. Raffle baskets, pet supplies, special K9 demos, food trucks, more. FMI: www.bcspca.org
3oth Annual Roll, Stroll & Run, 8am1pm at Indian Creek Fdn, 420 Cowpath Rd, Souderton. Bike, ride or walk to raise money for ICF & Developmentally disabled people. Bring kids for the family carnival. Question? 267-203-1500. Contemporary Christian Concert at Univest Ctr, Quakertown. Gates open 5:30pm. Charity Event, all donations for “The Drop”, bring your lawn chairs.
June 20
Father’s Day
June 21
Summer Begins
Bucks 5K Series-Break-Fast 5K & 10K starts 8:30am. Run, jog or walk, then a postrace gourmet pancake breakfast. Doylestown train Station, South Clinton St. Website: break-fast5K.run bcrrjohnny@gmail.com 19th Annual Father’s Day Car Show 9am3pm. Silver Creek Athletic Assn, 2943 Rte 212, Springtown. FMI: 610-346-6840 or SCAAcarshow@gmail.com Naturalist Foray Herps 2pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. Pre-regis. needed. Check for frogs, salamanders, toads, snakes & turtles. Contact: 215-348-6270, peacevalleynaturecenter.org/events-calendar Family Education Program on Addiction first three Mon. of month 7pm. Understand the impact on everyone involved. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. FMI: 215-527-3077. Register: 800-221-6333.
June 22 to 27
“The Irish…and How They Got That Way” tells story of the Irish experience on both sides of the pond. 2pm & 8pm. Delaware Valley Univ., Doylestown. Contact: 215-297-8540, buckscountycenterfortheperformingarts.org
June 25
Bring Your Own Kayak, 8:30pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown for a delightful evening paddle. Pre-regis. needed. $10 (mbrs free) FMI: 215-348-6270 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org/events-calendar
June 25 & 26
Community Flea Mkt 8am-?? benefits The Elysian Sanctuary for Creatives. 1005 Gravel Pike, Schwenksville at Engage Art Studio. Table spaces available. Call 484-968-3103.
June 26
“Sunset Skyz Music Duo” 12noon-3pm - Free Concert at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-4115 WWWA Wrestling at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. Bell Time is 6:30pm.
June 27
“Maddy Pearl” 1pm-4pm - Free Concert at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-4115
Have something to share with your community? Give us the details! info@ubfp.org • 215-529-8915 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951
June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
Arnold Receives Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Community Pride Award
Who Has the Right to Pursue Custody of a Minor Child? BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. The emotionally charged area of child custody is one of the most intense arenas for litigation in Pennsylvania. More violent acts against judges, lawyers and police officers result from Domestic Relations cases, than any other area of law. A lot of anger and frustration is directed towards family law judges because they have the less than envious job of deciding which custody arrangement will be “in the best interests of the child”. As such, over the last decade Pennsylvania has seen an onslaught of new Child Custody legislation ushering in numerous changes to the old law. One of the subtler changes in child custody legislations addressed the issue of standing, or in other words, who has a legal right to file for or pursue court action for the custody of a minor child? The “new” Child Custody Act (23 Pa.C.S. §§5321-5341), which applies to all custody cases filed after January 22, 2011, defines three classes of individuals who have legal standing to file or pursue custody actions: 1) parents; 2) grandparents; and 3) third parties who have assumed parental duties. Parents: Parents have always had the ability to pursue custody of their child under Pennsylvania law. This common sense approach has not changed. Section 5324 of the law provides parents with the right to file for any form of legal or physical custody. Grandparents: For a long time, Pennsylvania common law dictated that grandparents had no rights when it came to custody or visitation of their grandchildren. However, this antiquated legal trend was eventually abolished through legislations. Under the law today, specifically Sections 5324 and 5325, grandparents are treated as third parties but they are afforded special status which allows them to pursue both legal and/or physical custody but only when certain conditions exist. Similarly, great-grandparents are given standing to pursue partial physical
custody or supervised physical custody when a similar set of conditions are met. Grandparents also have standing to pursue custody if they stand in loco parentis to the child, which is explained below. Third Parties: Any person who stands in loco parentis has standing to pursue any form of physical or legal custody. In loco parentis is not specifically defined by the new Child Custody Act, but it has been defined in multiple Pennsylvania family law court opinions. The most widely used definition comes from Peters v. Costello, 891 A.2d 705, 710 (Pa.2005), which states: “The phrase ‘in loco parentis’ refers to a person who puts oneself in the situation of a lawful parent by assuming the obligations incident to the parental relationship without going through the formality of a legal adoption.” However, the status of in loco parentis does not come without its limitations. A third party is not allowed to step in and assume the parental status and duties if doing so is against the wishes of a natural parent. It is not necessary for the third party to have direct approval of the natural parent, but there must at least be an agreement regarding the placement of the minor child. Once this is accomplished, the consent or agreement by the natural parent cannot be revoked at a later date. Under this category, biological relationships to the child are irrelevant, as long as in loco parentis status has been achieved by those wishing to pursue custody. If you find yourself unsure of whether you have the legal right to file for custody of a minor child, regardless of the type of custody you are seeking, make sure you sit down with an experienced family law attorney first. Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a Bucks County attorney located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite 101B, in Dublin, Pennsylvania. He specializes in estate planning & administration, family law, business law and real estate law. To set up a consultation, call his office at (267) 227-9138 or visit his website at www.fravel-law.com
The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship by a business, individual, school, community organization or civic group that makes an outstanding commitment to litter control, recycling, beautification or general environmental stewardship. The Community Pride Award was presented to Tim Arnold, Richland Township Supervisor, on May 10. Arnold was nominated by State Representative Craig Staats for his work to address and clean up litter in the 145th legislative district located in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Arnold and the Richland Township Water Authority have organized the “Richland Township Road Cleanup Day” for approximately 15 years, removing close to a ton of trash from the regions roadsides each year. Volunteers have also removed over 100 tires over the years. Arnold provides lunch for those that participate. The annual cleanups are registered with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Pick Up Pennsylvania program which provides free trash bags, gloves and safety vests for the event. “It was a pleasure to work with the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful organization and present Richland Township Supervisor, Tim Arnold, with the Community Pride Award. Mr. Arnold was recognized for his many years of organizing Richland Township’s Roadside Cleanup events. I’d also like to thank the many volunteers who come out each year and demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship,” said State Representative Craig Staats. Arnold accepted the Community Pride Award from PA State Representative Craig Staats and Morgan Schuster, Bucks County Conservation District and Keep Bucks County Beautiful representative, at a recent awards presentation at the Richland Township monthly meeting.
“I’m honored to be recognized by State Representative Craig Staats and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful organization. This award may have my name on it but I’m just one piece of the puzzle, the credit for the successful Richland Township Roadside Cleanup Program truly belongs to our township residents who volunteer to come out each year. Without their help and dedication, the success of this program would not be possible,” said Tim Arnold, award recipient. The community Pride Award is a part of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Leaders for a Beautiful Pennsylvania. Leaders for a Beautiful Pennsylvania showcases legislators and public officials “leading the way” in effort to keep their communities clean and beautiful, and also serves as a toolbox for leaders to access program tools and resources needed to initiate change. This initiative encourages officials to coordinate or join a local improvement project, whether it be a cleanup, planting at a local park, special recycling event or painting a community building. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful provides the program tools and resources to get you started. “Clean and beautiful communities are the foundation for community and economic development. We are grateful for Tim Arnold and the many volunteers who give of their free time to improve their community,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “We encourage public officials to sign up to be a Leader for a Beautiful Pennsylvania and pledge to work together to keep our communities clean and beautiful.” To nominate a constituent for a Community Pride Award, the nominator must be a legislator or public official who has signed the Leaders for a Beautiful Pennsylvania Pledge. Visit keeppabeautiful.org and choose Keep It, then Leaders for a Beautiful Pennsylvania for more information.
(l-r) Morgan Schuster, Bucks County Conservation District and Keep Bucks County Beautiful
representative, Richland Twp. Supervisor Tim Arnold, State Representative Craig Staats.
“Be aware that even before you have reached your ultimate professional destination, if you always strive for excellence, you can and should have a substantial impact on the world in which you live.” - Sandra Day O’Connor
June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Quakertown Alive! Distributes Façade Grants to Downtown Businesses
Quakertown Alive! has distributed the first round of matching façade grant checks to local business owners. Quakertown received a $50,000 grant through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development and has been working with local business and property owners to disperse the funds. This is the fourth matching façade grant check Quakertown has received, leveraging over $350,000 in façade improvements to the bor-
ough’s small businesses. This first round of checks totaled over $17,000 and included matching funds for David Yates, Quakertown Trust Building, 245 W. Broad Street; Cindy Johnston, Miss Cindy’s School of Dance, 243 W. Broad Street; Vince Randazzo, 304 W. Broad Street; and Cindy Landis, All Things Bridal, 302 W. Broad Street..
Think Local. Buy Local. Love Local.
American Legion Post 242 Update Standing in front of Quakertown Trust Building, one of the subject properties, are Sherrie Rotenberger, Jann Paulovitz, Jamie and David Yates, Naomi Naylor, Alice Yates, Danielle Bodnar, Lisa Walter
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” - Arthur Ashe
Quakertown Blazers Set to Begin 38th Season
The Quakertown Blazers will begin their 38th season in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League with a visit to the Jersey Pilots on June 8 and return home on June 10 for the 7 pm home opener against Trenton. The Generals eliminated the Blazers in the 2019 playoffs, the last game for both teams. The 2021 roster includes the returning shortstop, Quakertown’s Jake Reed, and Quakertown’s Mason Hicks, a sophomore infielder at Harford CC. Nolan Bolton (Souderton, West Chester), Trevor Leamer (Berks Catholic, DeSales) and David Kilroy
(Upper Perk, Mansfield) add team depth. Veteran high school and collegiate coach, Jeff Evans, will be the Blazers new manager. Former manager, Chris Ray, will become the general manager. Ray played on the Blazers 2011 team that included current major leaguers, the Oakland’s Lou Trivino (Upper Bucks Christian, Slippery Rock) and Toronto’s Tim Mayza (Upper Perk, Millersville). Seating at games could be limited due to social distancing precautions. Keep up with the Blazers, including their current schedule at quakertownblazers.com
BY DICK HELM This issue of our American Legion notes will be out in late May 2021 and I am happy to tell you that, as stated in our May notes that we are still on for the Parade and Memorial Service on Monday, May 31st. The parade will start at 9:00 AM at 9th and Park Avenue. It will cross over Juniper Street and then make a right turn down Broad St. to 4th Street. After making a left on 4th it will turn left on Mill Street to the World War I Memorial where the Memorial Day Service will take place starting at 10:00 AM. If it should rain there is a possibility the parade would be cancelled and we would only have the Memorial Day Service. Our guest speaker is David Christian from lower Bucks County who served heroically during the Vietnam War. He is remembered for his advocacy for the Vietnam Memorial, Agent Orange problems, and Stress problems
affiliated with warfare. Come out to hear his very important message and help us honor those who gave their all! Charley Wismer reminded me to include a message to “Get your tickets in.” These tickets offer a record amount of chances to be a winner. Everyone is a winner if you come out to the drawing, as eats are available to all attendees. Also you are a winner for a second reason—the proceeds help Veterans in need. Winners in attendance can receive their winnings the night of the drawing. Others will be notified so they can pick up their winnings at the Post or have them sent to you. The Post is now able to operate with fewer restrictions and as of Memorial Day will tentatively have fewer restrictions. Stop in to see our improvements to the bar and dining area and have great food and refreshment without having to “Take Out!” Look for the numerous summer events coming to our Post on our front yard sign. Thank a Veteran!
Does Your Dog Know Sit, Everywhere? Generalizing simply means, teaching your dog that when you ask him to sit, it means the same thing regardless where you are. Dogs don’t generalize as well as humans do. It’s very difficult for us to understand what they are going through when we ask them to do a behavior they already know, but in a different scenario. An example of how dogs do not generalize well would be if your dog only fetches a ball, then you throw your car keys and say fetch, most likely your dog will not pick them up. Sometimes simply taking two steps to the right when your dog is learning something new, will throw your dog off and make it seem like he has no clue as to what you were asking for him to do. To not get stuck on the same level of behavior and to make sure your dog can generalize well, you need to be increasing criteria constantly and begin generalizing a behavior to other scenarios as soon as you can. Once you have gotten a behavior on a verbal cue, it’s time to take it on the road. Have your dog perform the behavior on different surfaces, in different locations, with different distractions, and in different positions in relation to yourself.
You can generalize behaviors to the level you want. You may not need your dog to sit 50’ away from you, but you want him to sit when company comes to the door. You can simply proof to the level you need. I would recommend however, ALWAYS proofing emergency behaviors as much as you can, like recall. Teach your dog to generalize the recall in all situations by proofing as many training scenarios as possible. Can your dog come back when someone else is feeding him? Can he come when there is a rabbit in the field, when he is playing with other dogs, when he’s running, eating cat poop or during loud noises? Once you have generalized lots of behaviors to many different scenarios, your dog can start to do it on his own, especially if the behaviors are similar. For example, if your dog can sit when asked on grass and concrete, then learning to “Sit pretty” when asked on grass and concrete will be slightly easier to generalize than if he didn’t have any prior generalization skills. Consult a CPDT-KA for more force, fear & pain free training tips. Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner and instructor for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown. She www.molassescreekdogtraining.com
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
Dolores (Lorey) M. (Rhoades) Smell,
84, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord after passing away peacefully in the early morning hours on April 24, 2021. Having spent her final days at home surrounded by friends, family, and her beloved cat, Max, she is now reunited with her husband, Bob, and daughter, Judy. Lorey was a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart, Robert G. Smell, for 62 years. She was born on March 24th, 1937 in Quakertown Hospital, Quakertown PA. She was the daughter of the late Harry M and Margaret Mary (Spitznagel) Rhoades. Graduating from Quakertown Community High School in 1956, Lorey went on to her longtime career of working in retail at the Pansy Shop where she had many fond memories. She also sold Avon cosmetics for many years. Lorey used her retired years to spend time and create memories with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Once moving to Dublin. PA, in 1969, Lorey became a member of the Dublin Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, where she remained a member for the rest of her life. She held the position of treasurer within the Auxiliary for many years. Lorey could be found selling chances for a raffle or a quilt at Dublin craft shows and carnivals, helping out at basket and purse bingos throughout the years, scheduling and managing many Dublin flea markets, and so much more. Her contribution to the Dublin Ladies Auxiliary and the Dublin community was impactful and will not soon be forgotten. Lorey loved being surrounded by her family more than anything in the world. She was an adventurous spirit who enjoyed taking cruises and traveling around the country with her husband, Bob. She loved cheering on Penn State and going dancing or attending country music shows. She made it a point to always keep in touch with friends and family members, no matter how much time had passed or the distance between them. Most importantly, she never missed a chance to spoil a grandkid and was immensely proud of every single one of them. She did her best to never miss a single concert, sporting event, dance recital, or graduation for her two children and all six of her grandchildren.
~Obituaries~
Lorey was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. Smell, and daughter: Judy M. (Smell) Markley. Lorey is survived by her son: Jeff Schmell (wife Sherri) of Sellersville, grandchildren: Steve Moyer (fiancé Amie Galambos), Tyler Schmell, Sadie Markley, Nolan Schmell, Eliza Schmell, and Bryce Schmell, and one great-grandson: Avery Moyer. Lorey’s kind heart, joy for life and warm smile will be deeply missed, not only by her family and friends, but by the entire Dublin community. She is at peace now watching over us. A memorial service will be held in remembrance of Lorey, her husband, Bob, and daughter, Judy on Saturday June 12th at 10:30 A.M. in the Living Hope Community Church, 22 PA-313, Dublin PA.18944. Visitation is from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the church. All friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Dublin Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary in memory of Dolores Smell, 194 Main St, Dublin, PA 18917.
Fianna
M.
Deeter,
age 87, of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on April 26, 2021 at Valley Manor Nursing Home in Coopersburg, PA. Born in Andreas, PA she was a daughter of the late Aaron Lauchnor and the late Clara Weider Lauchnor. She enjoyed reading. She is survived by one daughter, Susan Frey and her husband Charles of Center Valley, PA; three step-grandchildren, Sheila, Kristi and Kevin; and seven step great-grandchildren, Miranda, Karissa, Abigail, Madison, Rebekah, Bradyn, and Emma. She was predeceased by a son James in 1971 and a daughter who passed at birth. A gathering with the family will be announced at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. of Quakertown. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.nauglefcs.com
Nancy A. Stauffer, 83, of Quakertown
died April 27, 2021 in St. Luke’s Hospital Upper Bucks Campus. She was the wife of Timothy R. Stauffer.
Born in Quakertown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frederick & Gertrude (Weber) Erdman. She was an office secretary in the clothing industry and health care field. Along with her husband she enjoyed classic cars and going to car shows. For 37 years before the sale of their home at Lake Wallenpaupack she enjoyed snowmobiling and boating. She was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church in Center Valley. She is survived by her husband Tim and friends and neighbors. Predeceased by a brother William Erdman. Services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Friedens Lutheran Church 2451 Saucon Valley Rd. Center Valley, PA 18034.
Carl P. Moyer, age 77, of Springfield, passed away on April 29, 2021 at Belle Haven Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. He was the loving husband to Edwarda (Tomlinson) Moyer with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Born in Pottstown, he was a son of the late Paul and Marian N. (Nagle) Moyer. He graduated from Pottstown High School and earned his Master’s Degree in Education and graduated from West Chester University. Carl was a math teacher for Lower Bucks Vo-Tech. In his retirement, he and his wife owned their own antique store. Surviving along with his wife are stepchildren: Katherine, Stephanie, Edward and Susan, 11 step-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren and brother Tom Moyer. He was predeceased by step son-in-law William Sammons. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). To view Carl’s online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. John Elmer Kandel, age 89, of Richlandtown, PA, passed away on April 30, 2021 at his residence. He was the loving husband to the late Mary E. (Egner) Kandel with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Born in Quakertown, he was a son of the late Peter G. and Esther A. (Taylor) Kandel. He graduated from Quakertown High School in 1949. John proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. John was the barber in his Richlandtown shop for many years enjoying conversations with his customers. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Richlandtown and the Richlandtown Fire Company. Surviving are sons: Jeffrey, wife Denise, John E. “Rick”, wife Colleen, all of Richlandtown, & Michael, wife Mouse, Coopersburg, grandchildren: James, Julie, Seth, Jacob, Bryn, Zoe, Peter, five great-grandchildren, and siblings: Peter G. Kandel, Jr. Memorial Contributions: Richlandtown Fire Company. www.nauglefcs.com Joan F. Donaghy, 62, of Coopersburg died May 1, 2021 in her home. She was the wife of David Donaghy. They were married 39 years last November. Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Laurence & Edna (Firmenish) Ford. Teaching was her passion in life and was last employed as a teacher at St. Isidore’s Catholic School in Quakertown. She also taught dyslexic and autistic children on-line. Joan also enjoyed sewing. She was attending St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Limeport. In addition to her husband she is survived by a son Ian Paul, a brother Laurence “Butch” (Debbie) and a sister Mary Burns (William). A Memorial Mass was held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 12:00 P.M. at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951, Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. Joseph N. Detwiler, 73, of Quakertown died May 4, 2021 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. Born in West Rockhill Twsp. PA he was the son of the late Joseph and Elva (Nyce) Detwiler. He was last employed as a chemist for American W a t e r Works. He is survived by a son Zachary Detwiler (Snehal Chaudhari) of Cambridge, MA, a sister Clara Bergstein (David) of Allentown, PA. He is also survived by his companion Florence Dollman and her
son David Dollman both of Quakertown, PA. Nieces and nephews. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Upper Bucks Lions Kidney Foundation P.O. Box 576 Trumbauersville, PA 18970 or to The Sanctuary at Haafsville 901 Nestle Way Breinigsville, PA 18031.
Colleen M. St. Clair, 91, of Quakertown formerly of Philadelphia and Berlin, NJ, died May 7, 2021 in LifeQuest Nursing Center, Quakertown. Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Ernest & Martha (Carter) Storr. She managed a Seven Eleven Store in Cinnaminson, NJ before retiring. She enjoyed flea markets, shopping, going out to eat and visiting friends. Colleen also enjoyed trips to the New Jersey Shore especially Brigantine. She is survived by a son Bill “Butch” Stone (Loretta), two daughters Colleen Ottenger, & Grace Ann Stone, Joe St. Clair, Jack St. Clair. Several grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She was predeceased by a son Frank St. Clair. Memorial services were held on Friday, May 21, 2021 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Animals in Distress P.O. Box 609, 5075 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, PA 18036. Richard Slifer, 51, of Quakertown, on May 7, 2021 in Bethlehem, PA. Born on March 4, 1970 to Earl and Sarah Slifer of Quakertown, PA. Richard was well known for his compassion and his willingness to do anything for anyone, but his biggest accomplishment was the birth of his only son, Zackery. Richard was predeceased by his mother, Sarah Minnie (Hager) Slifer and his father Earl Leon Slifer. He is leaving behind his son Zackery (Victoria Martin) Slifer, sister Peggy (Mike) Skeleton, brother Earl (Deb) Slifer, sister Ella (Ray) Coffey, nieces Chasity (Isaac) Strawder, Desirae (Nate) Onnen, Krystl Slifer, Madison Coffey, nephew Mikey Skeleton, 9 great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nieces. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Donations can be made to Zackery’s GoFundMe page at https://gofund. me/03123ca1 or Naugle Funeral Home 135 W Pumping Station Rd Quakertown, PA 18951: www.nauglefcs.com Mary Biehn Schwer, 91, of Quakertown passed away May 12, 2021 in her home. She was the wife of 59 years of the late Dr. William E. Schwer. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Hobart G. and Sarah Neil Biehn. In high school, Mary played tennis, acted in plays and was valedictorian of her class. A graduate of Temple University, she became an English teacher and reading specialist until retiring to raise her family. Mary was a devoted member of the church throughout her life, serving wholeheartedly in many capacities. A member of the Quakertown United Methodist Church, she had been the church organist and a Sunday School teacher. Mary was a woman of many talents. She was an engaging storyteller and excellent writer, and master of the crossword puzzle. Playing the piano for the enjoyment of others and cheering for the Phillies brought her joy. Mary will be greatly missed by daughters Holly Schwer of Quakertown and Dr. Sally Schwer Canning of Oak Park, Illinois, and by her granddaughter Maddie Canning, sister Kathryn Landis, dear cousin Linda Bleam, dear friend Anarg Z. Frangos Sr. and many other wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her son-in-law Michael Canning. Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this summer. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the church or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. Ann C. Horvath, 97 of Sellersville formerly of Warminster died Thursday May 13, 2021 in Quakertown Center. Born in Coplay she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Theresa Kerbacher. She was a former member of Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church in Southampton. Ann is survived by her children Cindy Bing (Bill), Janetta Kordowski (Walter), Matthew
June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Horvath (Judy) and Michael Horvath (Joann). A sister Mary Frances “Mitzi” Csaszar, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a granddaughter and her husband Alex Horvath. Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA.
Richard R. Baringer, 82, of Richlandtown died May 14, 2021. He was the husband of Arlene A. (Doncsecz) Baringer. They were married 61 years last June. Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late N. Leroy & Mamie (Hottle) Baringer. He was the owner operator of Springfield Meat Company, Richlandtown. Richard was a past Worshipful Master of the Saucon Lodge of Free & Accepted Mason #469. In 1991 he was Supreme Tall Cedar. He was also a member of several other Masonic organizations and social clubs. He enjoyed auto racing especially NASCAR, hunting, and traveling. He was a member of St. John’s U.C.C. in Richlandtown. In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Keith “Chip” (Barbara). A sister Dorothy Fairer (William). Four grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers Norman L. “Butch”, William and a sister Florence Davis. Services were held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Memorial contributions can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association www.mda.org/jerry-lewis/ Scott A. Moyer, 55, of Pennsburg died May 14, 2021 in Quakertown Center. Born in Sellersville, PA he was the son of Ruth Emily (Kernechel) Weid, of Quakertown and the late Arthur Thomas Moyer. He was a landscaper for J W Landscaping in Quakertown. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially walking his dog in Green Lane Park. Scott enjoyed all sports especially the Philadelphia 76ers, the Eagles and Phillies, and all soccer games. He also enjoyed watching his grandsons play football. In addition to his mother he is survived by his children Tommy Moyer of Norristown, Megan Moyer (Josh Greenwald) of Red Hill. Two
~Obituaries~
brothers Edward Schettig (Kim) of Oregon, Arthur Moyer (Donna) of Perkasie, two sisters Linda Harrington (Peter) of Quakertown, and Mary Keller (Michael) of Quakertown. Three grandchildren Erik, Joshua, & Leon Greenwald. Also survived by his ex-wife Sharon Moyer of Barto and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by two brothers Charles Moyer & William Schettig. Memorial Services were held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951.
Lewis (Lew) R. Crawford, 87, of Perkasie, died peacefully on May 19, 2021, at his home. He was the loving husband of the late Elizabeth F. Crawford who died in January. Born in Newark. NJ., he was the son of the late Lewis A. and Theresa (Szedlmayer) Crawford. Lew was the owner/operator of LRM in Souderton before his retirement. Prior to that he was in the sales and service department at Fisher and Porter, Hatboro. Lew served as an Air Force mechanic during the Korean War, a service he was very proud of. He was also a member of the Fort Washington Masonic Lodge #308 and the Lehigh Consistory. As much as Lew loved fishing and hunting and staying at their “home away from home” in Potter County, his family meant everything to him. Lew is survived by a daughter, Lisa M Fluck and her husband Kevin of Sellersville, two sons, L Ross Crawford and Mark E Crawford and his wife Tina, both of Hilltown, A brother, Walter of Potter County, PA. Four grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his brother Steven. Services were held Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W Broad St, Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1818 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Pamela Jane Sorgen, 56, of Perkasie died May 19, 2021 in her home. Born in Wilmington, DE she was the daughter of Henry J.,III & Dorothy A. (Calhoun) Sorgen. She was an Estate Administrative Paralegal retiring in 2016 from Grim Biehn & Thatcher. Prior to that she worked for Drake, Hileman & Davis and also for the former McBride &
Murphy. Pamela was a notary and a member of the PA Notary Association for 35 years. She was a former Den Mother and secretary of the St. Andrew Council. Pamela enjoyed reading, concerts, and walking. In addition to her parents she is survived by a son Michael T. Hafner (Mykayla) a brother Henry J., IV (Brenda) and three nephews Henry Sorgen, V, Matthew Ryan Sorgen, & Jamie F. Sorgen. Memorial services were held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Tails of Valor Paws of Honor P.O. Box 127 Coopersburg, PA 18036.
Naomi Bickerstaff, 77, of Quakertown died May 24, 2021 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Curtis G. Bickerstaff. They were married 56 years in February. Born in Bedford, PA, she was the daughter of the late Owen & Mabel (Harper) Mallow. In addition to her husband she is survived by a son Paul and a daughter Jodi. A brother Bud, two sisters Ollie and Clary. Five grandchildren Brandi, Chelsea, Nathan, Zachary, & Azalea. Three great grandchildren Remy, Killian, & Charlotte. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. Irene H. Pavlica, formerly of Kintnersville, PA passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown, PA where she made her home for the last three years.
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She was born December 1, 1926 in Riegelsville, PA a daughter of the late John and Theresa Czuk Ballek. Irene was a graduate of Easton High School. She married her husband, John, and together they raised their family. Irene was a hard worker, taking care of her family and home, doing essential jobs including canning, freezing, baking and yard work. After her children got older, she worked for about twenty years as a baker’s helper for her sister-in-law’s business, Irene Ballek’s Baked Goods. She was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Riegelsville, PA and loved doing crossword puzzles. She is survived by two children, Janet Davis Achuff (Ted) and Alan Pavlica (Joan); five grandchildren, Alan Pavlica Jr., Ann Marie DeAngelis (Rob), John Pavlica, Jennie Dattner (Shane) and Darla Burke (Kevin); four great grandchildren, Elizabeth O’Beirne (Ryan), Jacob Burke, Elizabeth Pavlica and Blaise DeAngelis. In addition to her husband, John, who died in 1989, she was preceded in death by her great grandson, Nathan Burke and her siblings, John, Frank, Ernest, William, Margaret and Edward. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021 in St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 345 Elmwood Lane, Riegelsville, PA. Interment in the Riegelsville Union Cemetery. Friends may call at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass. Memorial contributributions may be made to Team “Nathan” Burke Scholarship Fund, Coranado H. School, Attn: Bookkeeper, 4910 29th Dr., Lubbock, Texas 79410. Arrangements by the Robert W. Snyder Funeral Home, Riegelsville, PA.
Celebration of Life for Kevin Michael Leamer (February 18, 1971 - February 14, 2021)
Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm East Greenville Fire Company Event Hall 401 Washington St, East Greenville, PA 18041 To honor Kevin’s memory, family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of his Life! We will start our celebration by enjoying Kevin’s music. Please be prepared to share your favorite memories and stories of your adventures with Kevin! We know you all have them! The Memorial will start at 2:15 pm. Dress is casual as Kevin would only want it that way. Let’s be safe - Face masks will be required.
Be prepared to cry, laugh, and probably sing. We want to give Kevin his wishes with a wonderful celebration of his crazy, beautiful spirit and love of music! Light refreshments will follow the Celebration of Life Memorial. ~ Aubree, Lois, Keith, and Kelly
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
(above left) Dozens of participants descended on the Park at 4th in Quakertown for ‘Amy’s Ride Run Walk’ on May 15 to support research for treatment and a cure for Pancreatic Cancer. photos by ken sutliff (above center) What a perfect day for the community to enjoy itself! Arts Alive! 2021 in Downtown Quakertown on May 15 was a day full of family fun, smiling faces, lots to do, lots to see, music, dancing, and food. Quakertown Alive! holds the event annually on the third Saturday each May. The community event was canceled last year due to state restrictions on gatherings due to Covid 19. photos by michele buono (above right) Many dogs and their human companions assembled at Quakertown’s Annual Mutt Strutt on May 22 to support the Quakertown Police K9 unit. Attendees were treated to agility and K9 police demonstrations, a best dog trick contest, an ice cream eating contest for both canine and human alike, as well as numerous vendors and rescue groups. photos by christopher betz (left) Quakertown welcomed Euphoria Tanning Salon to their downtown district last month. Jamie Yates and Megan Sell offer full tanning services as well as teeth whitening and redlight therapy. The salon is located at 332 W. Broad Street above Always Beautiful Floral Design. photo by michele buono
What Happened this Month in the History of Quakertown
BY AIMEE PATTISON
1888 Bartram Ramsey married Katie Sacks, officiated by Rev. Ohl at St. Johns. Temps reach 100 degrees in the shade. 1889 News reaches town about the Johnstown flood on May 30, papers say over 2000 killed. J.L. Smith’s wife & 2 children of Quakertown, perished in the Johnstown flood. 1890 Women are planting extra potatoes this year, crops ruined by potato bugs infestation. Census taker is counting heads in town. 1894 Calvin Heckler sold the Quakertown Times to Horace Heist and Byron Conway. Tobias Mitman brought a strawberry to town to show everyone, it was 9 inches around ! 1895 Hay is being hauled to the presses. Towns people are complaining about the smells from the slaughter house, it is so bad, they contacted the board of health. Anna & Morris Metz had a son, Ivanhoe. 1896 A lightning storm came thru town, alarms started blaring, the barn on the Artman property on Main St. caught fire, when it was struck by lightning. 1897 Two boxes of strawberries cost 25¢ Decoration day was celebrated by the town, stores were shut down for the day, so everyone could enjoy the day. John Benner married Clara Steiner, daughter of Aaron of Juniper St.. The Germania band gave the town it’s first of three open air concerts on the old tennis grounds on Juniper. 1898 Quakertown Traction Company ran its first car over the new lines, the first ride was enjoyed by company officials. They had the car all decked out in bunting . Catherine Troxel, widow of Samuel, died from dropsy. 1899 Saylor Hall held a Animatoscope show,
the hall was packed full. Mame Bush, daughter of William & Christina, married Professor Samuel E, Berger, Harriet Dietz, lost her father Francis, husband of Mary Headman Blee. Harriet was adopted by the Blee’s in Kentucky. Francis was a retired Policeman from Philadelphia. He and Mary lived at 127 S. 11th St. He died of congestion of the brain, aged 60 yrs. Pastor, Rev. George Gardner passed away, he was the husband of Mary, his was one of the largest funerals ever in Quakertown, since he was the Pastor of St. John’s where he was interred. 1900 Memorial Day celebrated at Lulu Park. Sixth Street has finally been graded and has stone laid on the surface. Elmer Z. Barndt married Lucy S. Croman. Six new summer cars were purchased by the Traction Co. adding to the 7 they already have. Charles Biehn married Mae Fisher. Tilgman Saylor married Mame Fellman of Rockhill. Charles Hillegass married Ella Johnson Wuster. Thirty two young people were received into membership at St. John’s. The Red Lion Hotel had a phonograph concert on the portico. Mr. Kolb of the Theobold and Oppenheimer Cigar Co, returned from Germany and was met at the station by the whole company. The Germania band supplied the music. Mrs. Jesse Henry of Front and Juniper, had two fingers cut off playing with a lawn mower. Linwood Leon Pluck, son of William, aged 1 yr, died of diphtheria Anna Mary Arn of 10th & W. Broad St died, aged 66 yrs. She was the widow of Gottlieb.
June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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QCHS Alumni Spotlight: Randy Bloch, Class of ‘73 Randy Bloch was not a model student. His goals while a student at Neidig Elementary and later Quakertown Community High School were more focused on having fun than learning his reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic. Looking back, he can sympathize with what his teacher must have gone through while he was in their classrooms. “Unfortunately, I was not a serious student,” says Bloch, Class of 1973. “So, I want to finally apologize to my teachers and fellow classmates for the constant classroom disruptions.” It’s not that he was averse to hard work. Randy describes himself as a “lifelong entrepreneur” who always had jobs during his school years. The reason young Randy may have been dozing off in his first period Health class: he had a 4:30AM paper route. He also had a part-time job delivering the Quakertown Free Press for two years during high school. Randy also mowed lawns or shoveled snow depending on the season and helped out at his father’s office equipment business. He quickly discovered that he enjoyed not just earning money, but being his own boss. Randy does have some fond memories of Quakertown Community High School. He was cast as the lead in “Charley’s Aunt”, the comedic senior play in 1973. And friends still recall the time he “stuck the landing” at a baseball game. Although Randy had struck out, he still ran the bases and performed a cartwheel over home plate. The umpires were not amused and left mid-game. After he graduated in 1973, Randy started selling office machines at Bloch Business Machines in Allentown. A few years later,
he purchased the business from his father. In 1976, he married his childhood sweetheart, Dawn Strawsnyder Bloch, who he met at the 8th grade dance. Randy credits his children for being the inspiration for the business that he started 23 years ago. He wanted a way to teach his then eight-year-old twins, Jaclyn and Jonathan, about the rewards of hard work and the enjoyment of communicating with people. Of course, Randy needed this to be fun and exciting. So, he designed and built Putt U Miniature Golf in 1998. Putt U is recognized as the #1 miniature golf course in Pennsylvania and internationally as one of the most challenging venues. They have hosted national miniature golf tournaments with the 2016 US Open recording the highest winning score to date. Randy is very grateful for all of his very patient teachers throughout his Quakertown school career. They recognized his potential for success while channeling his “restless energy” and he was inspired to succeed and express his creativity. “Growing up in Quakertown provided me with lifelong friendships and instilled in me small town values,” says Randy. The Quakertown Community High School Alumni Association encourages alumni to participate in the association’s activities and its mission which includes fundraising and providing scholarship opportunities for QCHS grads. For information about the association, contact Melea Rupert at mrupert55@hotmail.com or visit www.quakertown.net/alumni.
Before It’s Too Late I read a story today about those from the depression and World War II
a woman, just 95 years old, and her husband, 99, who have been living in Mexico for many years... both survivors of concentration camps... Auschwitz and Mauthausen. They have not spoken about their internments and the horrors they witnessed and endured, or have not until recently. I have seen a few films and television shows with similar stories of victims not wishing to relive their horrors, but now, at advanced ages, believe it important to do so...so the world does not forget. Some have never spoken of them...even to their own children. Too painful to recall...safer to ignore and push to the recesses. “What good would it do anyway”, some others may ask. My wife Shelli is currently conducting interviews with those impacted by the terror attacks of September 11. They are less an interview, and more of a conversation, with people who worked the pile, worked or lived in the area, or lost loved ones either on that day, or in the following years due to 9/11 related diseases. (Available now on YouTube or podcast) They are heart wrenching. Much as survivors of Nazi death camps, many of these 9/11 survivors have never told their stories...again, even to their families, who in some cases are actually hearing them for the very first time. Many weep, a few tell their tragic tale with a bit of humor. All have suffered. As we leave a time of living for many of
eras, we find fewer days left to speak with our loved ones...our grandparents, our great grandparents, our parents, and perhaps even our siblings. A few years ago, when completing college as an adult, I was given an assignment to go out and interview someone. I chose my mom and dad. Leo and Judy were depression era children, born in 1921 and 1924, and were of the generation that spoke little of their past history or family histories. It may have been the Eastern European backgrounds that contributed to their humbleness as well, but when we sat and spoke, a new world opened up to me... about their lives...their own relationship... lost children and lost siblings...stories of arranged marriage and ocean stowaways...a civil war defender...a bootlegger...none of which I would have known, had they not agreed to help me with my project...or, had I not asked. A wonderful show that I have watched on internet, Story Trek, is based on the premise that everyone has a story...many say they don’t... but during their conversation, find that they do, and each one is incredible. We all do have a story...so does that person sitting next to you...or across the street...the one you visit on holidays...or perhaps on the other end of a telephone call. You just need to ask them. Before it’s too late. John Schaninger is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and has lived in Upper Black Eddy for 12 years. Reach him at m12string@aol.com
My Sister Shirley My sister was the firstborn in our family. There are four of us consisting of my sister and two brothers and myself. My two brothers, Harold Jr. and Robert, and my sister were all born two years apart and I came along 4 years after my last brother. I was therefore eight years younger than my sister Shirley. When the others came home from their respective one-room schools and would work on their homework, I am told I too wanted to do homework. My older sister would take time out to come up with something to work on. Do to this special homework that she had me do, when I entered 1st grade I was fluent in my alphabet, numbers, and simple adding and subtracting. I even could write my name and other common words. During the summer she would take us boys back threw the cow pasture to a small pond in the swamp. She was always teaching us new things, especially in nature. One example I remember, was her showing the cluster of frog eggs floating on the pond, then a few days later we walked back and saw the small black tadpoles swimming around. We would check weekly on the pond and soon witnessed these now larger tadpoles growing legs and seeing their tales disappear, as they grew larger. The next year when the first warmer evenings took on the sound of the frogs (spring peeps) loudly breaking the stillness of the night down at the meadow pond, Shirley told us that they were the frogs that we witnessed from eggs, to tadpoles, to frogs. When my mother had to go to the hospital for an operation, Shirley provided the family with our meals and got us ready for school. One morning she was so busy that she burned the toast on one of those old toasters where you had to place the bread, close the side lid then later open it up then turn the bread to the side needing to be toasted. I never have seen toast that black! We still tease her about this incident to this day. I remember going to her 8th Grade Graduation and Commencement and hearing her give her “Valedictorian Speech,” How proud my parents were that day. Speaking of being proud, I was privileged throughout my life to hear her wonderful singing voice. Recently during this period of visiting restrictions during Covid-19, I received an e-mail of a recording of her singing “The Lord’s Prayer” at a recital held at the beautiful chapel at Muhlenberg College and this sparked the idea of writing this column. If the announcer in the recording would not have mentioned “Thank You Miss Shirley Helm,” I would have thought it was Marion Anderson singing. Matter of fact, one of her voice teachers from Philadelphia also taught Ms. Anderson whom my sister admired. At this time I would like to mention some of her many vocal accomplishment because of this her exceptional talent. My sister sang in the church choir, sang at many many weddings, and was one of the soloist with the Quakertown Band back when the band appeared at venues almost weekly. Matter of fact, which is where she met her husband Donald Rupert. She performed many vocal and acting roles at the Lyric Theater in Allentown with the Municipal Opera Company. I remember going to see her in “Showboat”, “Oklahoma”, “Student Prince”, “South Pacific”, and most important seeing her when she co-starred in the Oscar & Hammerstein hit—“Carousel.” She sang
in many famous choirs in the area. Just to name a few were The Zion Choral Society, The Bach Choir under Ifer Jones, and Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians. She was also asked to appear with “Big Name Bands” of the period. One small remembrance of that period had me helping her with her vocals by trying to sing the lead ins for her to practice at home in our sun porch. Matter of fact, because I was Shirley’s brother, my high school music teacher Henrietta (Landis) Jahnsen, insisted that I try out for Mixed Chorus. I really think that being Shirley’s brother far outweighed my singing voice! My sister Shirley married and when her husband graduated from Drexel they moved out to Lancaster, Pa, because of his employment. She continued singing, mostly in church. During that period in her life she became the mother of two sons—Clarke and Bruce. Was she going to follow her music career or was she going to be a full time housewife and mother. No Brainer! She chose motherhood and raising her boys. Clarke graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Lehigh, went on to work in D.C. for Congressman Kostmeyer, and recently retired from a career with The Delaware Valley Basin Commission. Bruce graduated with honors from Moravian College with honors and has been employed with a national insurance company. Bruce is following his mother (and dad), in music talent. Blue Grass and folk music are his specialty. Writing his own songs and music is a very special talent. He and his cousin Tim Scheetz have their own web site and often appear on local radio programs and entertain many venues in the New Jersey and Pa. areas. Even today I have Shirley and my wife Nina proofread my articles. My sister and I in years past were affiliated with different political parties and living close to each other we were in the same voting district. We stood outside on cold November nights handing out our party’s literature with no animosity shown because of the different parties. Matter of fact, during the primary elections we would help each other by handing out the other person’s sample ballets while the other person was on break! As I mentioned in the past, we grew up poor but we really didn’t realize it. We also grew up in a period of U.S. history when you could achieve what success you wanted if you had the ambition to do so. Shirley and I are blessed with an above average I.Q. and this helped us to succeed I’m sure. In closing, my sister Shirley did well! She really could have had fame and fortune with her outgoing personality and exceptional talent. God blessed her with fulfilling her personal needs, her family (especially her pride and joy, her two sons), her grandchildren, Women’s Club friends, former friends at Saul’s Dept Store and Aucklands flower shop, Neighbors and health care workers. The Quakertown area was blessed with this one of a kind person and I felt it was my duty to help all those that she came in contact with over the years to jog their memory of such a wonderful person. Too often words are written about someone after they are gone. If you agree give her a call and say thanks. I was blessed with a wonderful wife and a great older SISTER. This column is my way of saying Thank You for being you to Shirley (Helm) Rupert! A person full of love and caring and sharing it abundantly! Dick Helm is a long time Quakertown area resident
and
regular
contributor
here
UBFP. Reach him at rbh9@verizon.net.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
Color Him Father, Color Him Love
Welcome to June 2021. In a few weeks, we will be celebrating those “Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer.” I look forward to summer because it brings back special memories of being raised in the country. Summer in the country was a special time for children because we were out of school and free to enjoy all that the country had to offer – climbing the big boulders in the woods that seemed like Mount Everest to us; scaling the tall trees and hearing our mothers yelling, “Don’t go up that tree any further. Do you want to fall and break both arms?” And then, there were treks through the woods to Tohickon Creek to fish with my uncle. I did not participate in that summer activity. Fishing was not for me, but I loved walking in the woods and finding wildflowers, and seeing different types of birds. On the way, there were some summer cottages that had been abandoned, and it was fun to peer through the windows to see what had been left inside. Sometimes we would see where squirrels had hidden their winter stash of food. When I moved “Uptown” summers were different. There were row homes, and sidewalks, and streetlights, and lots of noisy traffic. No clear vision of stars in the sky or brightly lit moonlight nights. And so, on the weekends I would take my lawn chair and a picnic lunch and go back to the homestead to enjoy those treasured times of days gone by. Eventually, I adjusted to life “Uptown” and now when I go back to visit family in the country, I am sure to leave before it gets dark because still, they do not have pavements and streetlights and I fear I may not be able to find my way back home (smile). June brings back great memories of summer in the country, but there is another
important time that is celebrated in June. The third Sunday of June is Father’s Day, a day we celebrate those important men who have taken on the responsibility of being not only a Father but also a Daddy to their children. We remember these strong, loving, kind men who are role models in the lives of their sons and daughters. A father is a little girl’s first love. He shows her how a man should love and care for a woman by the way he treats her mother. A father enjoys having tea with his daughter, taking her to dance classes, going to her first Daddy/Daughter dance, and even making ponytails and braids when necessary. And of course, he relishes being the coach of her soccer team. He is her Daddy. Fathers are always overjoyed when they have sons who they can teach to throw curveballs, and kick footballs, or take to the lake fishing. They also teach sons how to respect women by the example they set before them. Fathers are all this and so much more. They are a financial contributor, a supporter of the family, a stay-at-home father, a stepfather, an adoptive father, a co-parenting father, a forgiving and understanding father. They play a huge role in the life of their children, their wives, their families. I remember song from 1969 by a group called The Winstons titled, “Color Him Father, Color Him Love.” That seems appropriate for these special men in our lives. And so, on this Father’s Day, we acknowledge and celebrate all fathers. Happy Father’s Day! Jacque Holliday is a long time freelance contributor to UBFP. She always welcomes your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org
Wow! I was excited to see all of you at Arts Alive! Peanut was good on his first time out. My human was upset with me for teaching him to say hello to every dog we saw. I don’t understand. She says hello to humans so why can’t I say ‘Hi’ to dogs? We stopped at the Mirror Images booth for a photo op. We are looking forward to more times out and about. Love to All, Brandy
Harley’s Haven
What Do You Mean Housing Bubble? Home prices are being driven up with bidding wars and a lack of inventory, and that can be scary. So scary in fact that it may discourage some folks from looking to buy a home now, afraid that we are in a housing bubble. Here are 3 reasons though that this market is totally different than the housing bubble we experienced a little over a decade ago... 1. Housing supply is extremely limited. Inventory of homes for sale is currently running at less than 2 months, a historic low. A healthy inventory is about 6 months, and in 2008 we were actually up to as high as 11 months inventory. 2. Homebuyers are more Creditworthy. In 2008, when the housing market crashed,
mortgage standards were at an all time low for credit scores and down payment requirements, as well as proving income and assets to purchase. Current guidelines are much stricter, making the borrowers more financially secure. 3. Homes have equity. Homeowners were pulling out equity back in 2008, causing many to be upside down. This time around equity levels are extremely high, meaning that homeowners could see values decline slightly without concern. I’m available to share with you how today’s low rates make this a great time to consider buying a home, especially as values continue to increase. Reach out anytime! Sue Deily has been a Realtor for 35 years, resides in the Upper Bucks County area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties. Contact her at suesellshouses@gmail.com or 215-872-9865.
Meet Maddie & Liriope
Meet Maddie! This adorable little bull terrier mix was adopted from us a few years ago, but is unfortunately looking for a home where she can be the only pup, as she has gotten stressed with the other dogs in the home. She loves people though, and is a fun and happy girl, who would love a family of her very own! Contact us today for more info about Maddie! Meet Liriope! This adorable little baby is special needs, as she is blind and deaf, BUT don’t tell her she is different! She still RUNS
and plays in the yard, and absolutely loves other dogs!! She is still very much a puppy, and has a ton of puppy energy - but is sweet, fun, and so brave despite her handicaps! She will definitely need a home with another dog to give her companionship, and one with a fenced in yard, and dog experience! Don’t let her special needs deter you, Liri is a fun and happy girl who has a zest for life and will make a wonderful addition to a family!
Looking for a furever friend? Give us a call at (267) 354-5204!
Heartworm Problem Growing in PA Most pet owners have heard of heartworms – but as a brief refresher – they are spread by mosquitos and live in the blood stream. The story goes like this: your dog is bitten by an infected mosquito, who transfers the baby heartworm into the blood stream. The baby worm travels to the heart and grows over the next few months, and takes about 6 months to be a full adult who is now producing baby worms of their own, that head out into the blood stream and wait to be picked up by another mosquito to go infect another dog! A few great facts – people cannot get heartworms, yay! BUT, cats can – though it is not as diagnosed in cats, they can get them too, though they aren’t as severe since they can’t reproduce in cats, so they usually live quietly and die off on their own. The thing that is most concerning about heartworms is where they live – by living, growing, and reproducing in the heart they lead to heart disease, or even heart failure if left untreated! Historically, this has been a much larger problem in the southern US where there are mosquitos for a larger portion of the year, and more dogs live outside too! As our weather patterns change, however, and the parasite has
spread, we are watching our numbers creep up every year even here in PA. The good news?? There is a safe, inexpensive, and easy way to protect our pets! Our monthly heartworm preventatives that are available are essentially a dose of a very safe dewormer that is given every month to kill off any of those tiny babies that they may have been exposed to before they can travel to the heart and start to grow! This is why it is so important to keep them on a preventative every month! For those who are less comfortable keeping them on a preventative, then we often discuss testing they annually so we can jump all over it if they were exposed! If your pet has been off preventatives for over 3 months, you should test them too so we make sure we are not missing an infection that could affect them later (our preventatives only work to kill the babies, not the adults!). So as the weather is warming up, and we are all getting out there and enjoying the world again – don’t forget to protect your pups from heartworms or discuss testing with your veterinarian! Dr. Mehaffey and partner Dr. Jen Heller own and operate the Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be reached at 267-272-9996. They also founded and run Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.
Buckygrams: robin, woodpecker, cardinal, blue jay, tufted titmouse, oriole, chickadee, house finch, carolina wren, nuthatch, grosbeak, mourning dove Hidden Message: “Get out and enjoy the summer!” Bucky Block: sleeping on the job
June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant, I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” - Mark Twain
What Pests are in my Garden? Azalea lace bugs are the most common insect pest of azaleas. Light infestations cause no real harm, but when present in high numbers, azalea lace bugs are a major problem, causing leaves to be bleached or bronzed and causing plants to grow and bloom poorly. Both adults and immatures (nymphs) cause damage by sucking sap from the undersides of leaves. Avoid excessive lace bug damage to azaleas in your landscape by making it a point to regularly check the undersides of leaves for adults or nymphs. You won’t be able to find these through the winter months, because lace bugs overwinter as eggs inserted into the leaf tissue, although the brown fecal spots left from the previous growing season will remain on the undersides of leaves as a sign of infestation. If you find them, treat the underside of the leaves with insecticidal soap which is the least toxic option. For severe infestations that are intolerable to you, Spinosad or Acephate are available insecticides. Read the labels carefully and apply as directed.
Four-Lined Plant Bug – This piercing-sucking bug is only around for a month or so, but can inflict some unsightly damage to over 250 varieties of plants by sucking on the leaves. You may already have experienced their damage as they hatch in late May and are usually gone by the end of June. They are very small and are hard to see but their feeding spots are not. They rarely kill a plant. If the damage to your plant is concerning you can spray the undersides of the leaves with Insecticidal Soap
or Horticultural Oil. Insecticides containing bifenthrin, carbaryl or permethrin (to name a few) are labeled for this pest but should be used with caution. Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is a serious disease causing major damage to our State Tree. Adult adelgids are difficult to see with the naked eye. They are soft-bodied insects that feed on the base of the needles, causing them to die. A severe infestation can kill a mature tree in 4 years. How long the tree lasts depends on other factors such as drought or whether the tree has been compromised by other pests or diseases. The life cycle of the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is very complex. Three generations develop each year. The best way to determine whether a tree has been infested is to look for cottony white egg sacs at the base of the needles. Many steps can be made by a homeowner to help prevent and control this destructive insect. The following Penn State publication has a list of these useful suggestions/treatments. www.t.ly/pK10 Spotted Lanternfly Update – Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs have emerged. For up to date information log onto extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly Our Home Garden/Watershed hotline is currently open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 12-4! Calls and emails are being answered by trained Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards. Phone: 267-483-2020 Penn State Extension Bucks County Email: BucksMG@psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!
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Discuss Financial Goals with your Family June is Effective Communications Month. And it’s a good idea to recognize the importance of good communications, because it plays a role in almost every aspect of living – including your finances. You’ll want to clearly communicate your financial goals to your loved ones – and you’ll want to hear theirs, too. Let’s look at some of the communications you might have with family members: • Your spouse – You and your spouse may have different thoughts about a range of financial topics – how much to save, how much to spend, the level of debt with which you’re comfortable and so on. Try to reach some type of consensus on these issues. However, in regard to investing, you don’t necessarily have to act in unison all the time. You each may have different investment styles – one of you may be more aggressive, willing to take on more risk in exchange for potentially higher returns, while the other would rather invest with an eye toward mitigating risk, even it means accepting a lower return. Of course, there’s nothing stopping each of you from pursuing your individual investment strategies in your own accounts – IRA, 401(k) and so on. Still, if you are going to work toward common goals – especially toward a shared vision of your retirement lifestyle – you each may want to compromise in your investment choices. And this accommodation is even more necessary in your joint accounts. • Your parents – If you may someday be involved with your parents’ financial plans – which is highly likely – you should know in advance what to expect. This may not be the easiest conversation to have, but it’s an important one. So, for example, ask your parents if they have a durable power of attorney,
which allows them to designate someone to manage their financial affairs if they become physically or mentally incapacitated. You might also inquire if they have protected themselves against the potentially enormous costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. If not, you might suggest that they contact a financial advisor, who can offer solutions. Once you begin communicating about these issues, you may well want to go further into your parents’ estate plans to determine what other arrangements, if any, they have made. If it seems that their plans are not fully developed, you may want to encourage them to contact an attorney specializing in estate planning. • Your grown children – Just as you talk to your parents about their estate plans, you’ll want to discuss the same topic with your own grown children. Let them know who you have named as a durable power of attorney, what’s in your last will and testament and whether you’ve established a living trust. If you’re already working with a financial advisor and an estate planning professional, make sure your children know how to contact these individuals. Of course, you don’t have to confine your communications to estate plans – if you want to help your children financially, such as loaning them money for a down payment on a home, let them know. By talking with your loved ones about key financial matters, everyone benefits. So, keep those lines of communication open. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Bob Podraza on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or at bob.podraza@edwardjones.com
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church Meets at HIghland Park Dining Hall 415 Highland Park Road Sellersville, PA 18960 484-523-3333 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf
Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!
Christ’s Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-536-3193 christselca@verizon.net www.christslutheran.com Interim Pastor: Rev. Susan Lang 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church. Find us on Facebook!
Church of the Incarnation 44 S. 8th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-3787 Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Holy Days as announced.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday service at 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome!
BY PASTOR SUE LANG
Holy Imagination
“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” John 14:25-26 (NRSV) This was the promise Jesus made to his disciples, that when he returned to the Father, he would send an Advocate who would be present and, more importantly, active on their behalf as their companion on life’s journey. Jesus wouldn’t leave them alone but would provide for their future and assure that they would continue in his word and his ministry. It was reassuring for the disciples to hear this
First United Church of Christ
Fourth Street & Park Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net Facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Contemporary Service 11:45am, Alternative worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm
Good News Church
424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. An alternative to the ultra-contemporary Sunday Worship and Children’s Church 10:30 am, Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm, World Evangelism Fellowship affiliate.
Grace Bible Fellowship Church
1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:45am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult prayer meeting 6:45pm
Juniper Street Bible Church
317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115 Pastor: Bob Stevenson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org Sunday worship 10am (also watch live on our Facebook page), Tuesday 7pm Bible study and prayer, Sunday 6pm Bible study and sharing. We offer an invitation to you. Come and worship with us.
Morning Star Fellowship
Palisades Community Bible Church
St. John’s Lutheran Church
8730 Easton Road Revere, PA 18953 610-847-2637 secretary@pcbchurch.com www.pcbchurch.com Pastor: Rev. Corbin Seltzer, Jr. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30am, Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am, Tuesday Prayer Meeting 7:00pm, Men & Ladies’ Bible Studies - see website. “Walk by Faith.” II Cor. 5:7
4 South Main Street • PO Box 459 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org www.stjohnsrpa.org Pastor: Rev Dr. David A Genszler In person worship service Sunday at 9:30 am, Watch our Worship Service anytime on stjohnsrpa.org/sermon or on Facebook. Activity Center Rentals Open, Capacity 125, call 215-536-5027 to book.
Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Lori Wagner 8 AM In-Person Worship; 9 AM Parking Lot Worship; 11 AM In-Person & Livestream Worship. No Sunday School for the time being.Communion first Sunday of each month.
Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-7555 Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org Clerk: Jack H. Schick Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.”
St. Isidore Roman Catholic Church
429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-6422 Pastors: John & Theresa Decker www.mstarqtown.org Sunday Services at 9 am and 11 am. Our cafe is open with free coffee. Children’s Ministries provided. Celebrate Recovery on Tuesdays at 7 pm. Student Ministries on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Weekly Connections. For updates and schedule changes, check our website. .
2545 West Pumping Station Rd Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536-4389 Pastor: Rev. Kenneth C. Brabazon izzyparoff@comcast.net www.stisidores.org Sunday Masses - 5:00pm Saturday evenings; 7:00am, 9:00am, & 11:00am on Sunday mornings; 1:00pm in Spanish Sunday afternoons
then, even as it should be to us, too. The promised Advocate arrived on Pentecost as Jesus had promised and the disciples were filled with the Spirit and activated for mission. They were driven forth to proclaim the gospel in new and surprising ways. Pentecost was, in fact, a new beginning for the followers of Jesus. That same power that drove the first disciples out for mission is still with us today. How often do we feel it? How often do we allow it to activate us and drive us forth to proclaim the power of God’s in our lives? That’s the challenge for us this Pentecost season. This is the season of the work of the church, the longest time on our liturgical calendar. We are called to embody Jesus’ ministry in the world and to go forth
emboldened by the Spirit. This is the work that you and I are called to engage in on a daily basis—not just one day a week, but every day. Where do you see the Spirit alive and stirring you up on a daily basis? How does the Spirit define and invigorate your life? What, for you, are signs of the activity of the Spirit? These are things we need to ask ourselves both personally and corporately in our faith communities. The concerns of daily living, especially during a pandemic, can drag us down but the Spirit is among us to enliven us and motivate us for mission. One can’t see the Holy Spirit, only the results of its activity and its embrace. But neither can we see the presence of God except through the actions of others. People of faith just know God is with us. We know that we are never alone. As St. Paul says: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians:5:7
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown
1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 18968 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Outdoor Worship Service, 9:30 a.m. Sundays in tree-lined grove across from the church, weather permitting (inside if not), beginning June 20. Bring lawn chairs; PA guidelines on masks. Live-streamed on Facebook; video available on website..
St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley
910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am w/praise band. Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available. Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible. All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville
837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown 215-536-5789 stpaulsqtown@gmail.com www.stpaulsqtown.org Pastor: Rev. David Heckler We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome.
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street Sellersville, PA 18960 215-257-7268 Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Sunday Worship 10:15 in Sanctuary
Whether or not we acknowledge it, we are all living in a time of transition in the Church. The pandemic has changed the way we could safely worship and gather but it is the Spirit who stirred us up to find new ways of living and serving in Jesus’ name and of being and doing church. Much of the newness carries with it great excitement. In a sense, the Spirit stirs us to holy imagination even as we have been called to imagine new ways of living and ministering together especially in these times. As we move into the season of Pentecost, let that holy imagination be stirred up in you and your community in Jesus’s name and for the sake of his church. Sue Lang is the current pastor at Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trumbauersville. She can be reached at sue@revwriter.com
Women’s & Children’s New & Gently Used Clothing Handbags • Shoes • Jewelry • Accessories GREAT SELECTION OF SPRING & SUMMER ITEMS 246 W. Broad Street, Quakertown • 267~490~7401 www.lovethisboutique.com
June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue.
Think Local. Play Local. Be Local. “When you’re young, you think your dad is Superman. Then you grow up, and you realize he’s just a regular guy who wears a cape.” - Dave Attell
Have something to share with your community? Send it to us!
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
Employment Opportunities
Kulp Roofing & Construction - We are currently in need of experienced individuals for our roof repair team, gutter team, and window team. Individuals must be motivated, punctual, detail-oriented, professional and loyal. We are looking for long-term, year-round help. Applications accepted at our office at 216 D, Apple St., Quakertown, PA, Call 215-538-0618 Biagioli Construction - Laborer/ Helper Wanted For Remodeling Looking for a self motivated person. Experience not necessary, willing to train the right individual. Must have reliable transportation. Jbiagioli5775@gmail.com Spor’s General Store - Hiring various positions, ages 15 & up. Contact: bspor@sporsgeneralstore. com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville The Proper Brewing Co - Hiring Cook, Host, Runners, and Servers Contact: kris@theproperbrewing.com or stop in at 117 W. Broad Street,Quakertown New Vitae Wellness & Recovery seeking 2nd and 3rd shift nights and weekends Medication Technicians and Personal Care Aides. No experience necessary. We will train successful
applicants. 610 965-9021 McCarthy Masonry & Concrete, Inc. Operations Manager to coordinate and oversee our organization’s operations. This individual should have the knowledge of organization effectiveness and operations management of the construction business emphasizing in commercial construction. Should have experience in budgeting and forecasting, familiarity with business and financial principles. Excellent communication skills, leadership ability, and outstanding organizational skills. Degree in Business, Operations Management or related field is a plus. Project Manager Estimator responsible for planning/overseeing projects from Estimators from handoff to closeout of project. Will monitor the project’s budgets, prepare submittal packages, procure and keep track of materials. Collaborate w/vendors and subcontractors. Perform site visits, attend project meetings with customers and ensure quality control standards are met. Knowledge of computerease software a plus. Must be computer literate. Must have strong communication skills, Five year exp as Project Mng in construction or have an
Free Interview and Resume Help Offered Bob Zirinsky, a recently retired HR professional with over 35 years of experience in staffing for hundreds of area companies, wants to help you to make the right first impression for the next chapter in your career. New graduates and midlife job changers alike can benefit from Zirinsky’s expertise in the field of staffing. “It is important to be able to present yourself in the best way possible, to communicate what you have done and what you have to offer to a company,” says Zirinsky, “To get the edge over fellow applicants, it isn’t enough to just have the qualifications. You have to be able to show them who you are, what you can do, and why you’re the one that should do it.” With the pandemic restrictions subsiding, competition for the best employment opportunities will become more intense as people rejoin the workforce. The best way to make a first impression, according to Zirinsky, is to have a clear and concise resume. A well done resume shows that you are serious about your career pros-
pects and have the ability to show it. Your second impression comes with the interview. This is where you demonstrate what you’ve put on paper and personally connect with your prospective employer. Ask questions, get asked questions, and learn how you fit into the workplace you intend to join. “A lot of people are nervous about interviewing. There’s no need to be nervous; you just want to be prepared. I’m happy to help you do that!” says Zirinsky. Bob Zirinsky founded Classic Staffing in Quakertown in 1985 and has helped countless jobseekers and employers of all types connect in mutually beneficial relationships. Always one to be community involved with a strong desire to “give back,” Zirinsky is eager to meet those new to the workforce, as well as those looking to change careers, and share his wisdom and experience at no charge and with no obligation. He truly enjoys it. You can reach Bob at 215-538-1198 or by email at ZirinskyB@gmail.com. He looks forward to meeting you.
Engineering Degree. Maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to function on an active construction job site. Shop Mechanic specializing in the maintenance and repairs of light/ heavy duty equipment, company vehicles, and small engine equipment. Must be highly motivated, organized, and able to take directions and/or work independently. Responsibilities will include handling related purchases, computer transactions, and communicating with vendors. Maintain work logs, repairs and maintenance records. Misc other duties to support Yard/ Shop Superintendent. Attention to detail with an aptitude for problem solving. A strong commitment to all health and safety guidelines. Should have excellent verbal/written communication skills, and be computer literate with MS Office. Class A CDL Driver who is a highly motivated, organized individual with the ability to lift up to 80 lbs. Responsibilities to include load trucks and transfer equipment/materials from one location to another. Forklift experience, mechanical repairs/service a plus. Should have clean driving record and pass a drug/alcohol test. Concrete Finisher/Laborer responsibilities include prepping, placing and finishing commercial concrete. Be familiar with and able to use all finishing tools. Be able to take direction and work well with others. Laborer: Responsibilities include but not limited to getting materials off the truck and laid out on the job site. Assist with getting jobs ready including spreading fill material for prepping each job. Help with the pouring of concrete and assist the finishers in any way. Bricklayers, Stone Masons, Mason Tenders - Minimum of 3 years’ experience preferably with commercial work. Tools & transportation a must. Should be able to lift up to 80 lbs. Be able to take direction and work well with others. OSHA 10 & 30 preferred. Apply at mccarthymasonry.com, or send resume to HR@mccarthymasonry.com, or call 215-538-1874.
Independence Court Seeking CNA, Driver, LPN, Dietary Aide, Medication Aide, and House Keeper. 215-538-7050, 1660 Park Avenue, Quakertown. Always Beautiful - Part Time Floral Designer. Experienced only. As needed for weddings, holidays and events. Must have worked in a flower shop and be able to work independently. Musts are how to design bridal bouquets, corsages and everyday designs. Located in Quakertown. Please email info to ali5821@AOL.com Earl’s Pub & Grill - Hiring Dishwasher, Host, and Servers. Call 215-538-2121 or stop in at 254 N. Main St, Trumbauersville. Case Manager/ Legal Assistant – PT (10-15 hrs/wk) Duties: Enhances attorney effectiveness by developing case information, client contact, finalization of documents and maintain client files. Keeps cases organized by establishing and organizing files, monitoring calendars, meeting deadlines, documenting actions, inputting information into file database and case management software, and confirming case status with attorney. Helps develop cases by maintaining client contact, scheduling execution of documents, preparing and forwarding drafts of documents, preparing and filing deeds, generating action plan reports. Keeps clients informed by maintaining contact communicating case progress. Maintains case costs by verifying outstanding balances with attorney, clients, and providers. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications. Accomplishes organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests, exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. Some experience working in a law office preferred. Must be motivated, organized and detail oriented. Experience with Rocket Matter, Word & Excel preferred. Solid research skills, and basic understanding of legal terminology. May be flexible with some remote work. Pay: $20-$30/hour, depending on experience. Contact Robert Fravel at ref@fravel-law.com with your interest.
June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Bucks LWV Celebrates People Powered Day of Action The League of Women Voters of Bucks County celebrated the People Powered Fair Maps National Day of Action on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown. Pennsylvania State Representative Wendi Thomas, of the 178th District in Bucks County, was recognized and given a certificate for her leadership in redistricting reform in Pennsylvania, as the prime sponsor of House Bill 22, known along with its companion Senate Bill 222 as the Legislative and Congressional Redistricting Act (LACRA). LACRA would require fairer rules for redistricting and would allow for more transparency and public engagement in redistricting in Pennsylvania. The Bucks County Board of Commissioners represented by Commissioners Diane M. EllisMarseglia and Gene DiGirolamo were also recognized and given certificates by LWVBC representatives for their support of fairer redistricting with the adoption of a resolution on April 1, 2020, in support of redistricting reform. This event was part of a statewide effort to have Pennsylvania legislative leaders allow the bills out of committee to hearings and votes. In attendance at Thursday’s presentation, in addition to Representative Wendi Thomas,
Wedding Collectibles of Queen Elizabeth II Over the years, I have appraised more than my fair share of collectibles, art, and antiques that have a close relationship to HRH Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. In 2015, she surpassed Queen Victoria and became the longest-reigning monarch in British history. And recently, the death of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh and his funeral made me consider the collectibles that relate to their long union, one that started in the 1930s and has continued through several decades. As the Queen celebrated her 95th birthday in April of 2021, some interesting facts about the Queen and her Prince seemed quite timely for this year’s wedding season which takes place annually in June. While Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip first met in 1934 at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark to Prince George, Duke of Kent, the couple announced their engagement on July 9, 1947 and were married at 10.30 am on November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey in London, England. The brochure shown here was widely distributed and included photos of the Royal couple. The ceremony had 2,000 invited guests. Princess Elizabeth arrived at Westminster Abbey in the Irish State Coach alongside her father, King George VI and she was attended by eight bridesmaids. When it comes to any wedding, people like to know the facts about the bridal gown, the flowers, the symbolism of the jewelry, so here’s how it was on Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding day: The Wedding Rings The platinum and diamond engagement ring was made by the Philip Antrobus jewelers and the jewelry design employed diamonds from a tiara that belonged to Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg. The wedding ring
was made from a nugget of Welsh gold. The gold nugget came from the Clogau St. David’s mine, near Dolgellau in north-west Wales. Dolgellau is a town in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, lying on the River Wnion, a tributary of the River Mawddach. The Wedding Dress Princess Elizabeth II’s wedding dress was designed by the Sir Norman Hartnell, who won the design competition. At the time, the designer Sir Norman Hartnell cited Allesandro Botticelli’s famous painting Primavera, from the Uffizi collection in Florence, Italy, which symbolizes the coming of spring, as his inspiration for the dress design. The dressmakers using duchesse satin from Scotland had only three months to construct the dress before the November nuptials. The wedding dress had a fitted bodice, heart-shaped neckline, and a low v- point waist. The gown featured a skirt of floor length panels. The dress had a 15 foot long silk tulle train which trailed behind her with enough fabric to keep her eight bridesmaids busy. The dress featured satin applique produced at Lullingstone Castle in Kent, ten thousand seed pearls imported from the United States of America, and hand sewn crystals. Her shoes were high heeled sandals of ivory duchesse satin trimmed with silver and seed pearl buckles made by Edward Rayne. After the wedding, as royal tradition dictates, the Royal couple waved to adoring crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Several decades after that glorious day in November of 1947, the Royal couple enjoyed 73 years of marriage and the adoration of many the world over. Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s #1 show, The Curse of Oak Island. Visit www. DrLoriV.com and www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV or call (888) 431-1010.
were LACRA co-sponsors Representative K.C. Tomlinson and Representative Shelby Labs. The other Bucks County legislators who have signed on as co-sponsors to either the state House or state Senate LACRA bill are Representatives Meghan Schroeder, John Galloway, Frank Farry, and Todd Polinchock. State senators from Bucks County that are co-sponsors are Senators Robert Tomlinson, Steven Santarsiero, and Maria Collett. The April 29 People Powered Fair Maps National Day of Action was a national, nonpartisan event designed to increase public awareness and engagement around the redistricting process. The day of action was part of a League of Women Voters of United States’ program, People Powered Fair Maps. Local Leagues across the country held more than 300 events to recognize this effort. In Pennsylvania, many events were also held by local grassroots groups of Fair Districts PA. All highlighted how redistricting impacts issues people care about and how the public should have more of a say on how maps are drawn to counter partisan and racial gerrymandering. To learn more about LACRA and redistricting reform, visit www.fairdistrictspa.com. Information about the League can be found at www.lwvbucks.org.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
Amber Sims Named UBCTS Student of the Month
Amber Sims is a senior from Pennridge High School enrolled in Mr. Joel Ritter’s Law Enforcement & Police Science program at UBCTS. Amber has excelled each year since she enrolled as a freshman, named Officer in Charge her first year in the program, and Quartermaster every year since. Amber has received certifications through OSHA, the National Incident Management System, and CPR & First Aid. Always willing to go the extra mile, Amber has volunteered at numerous UBCTS functions interacting with guests, providing information to visitors, giving student tours, and even directing traffic. She is a National Technical Honor Society member and has earned First Honors each marking period at UBCTS. Amber has been an active member of SkillsUSA, first competing as a sophomore in the Technical Math district competition and earning a silver medal at Districts last year in Extemporaneous Speaking. This year, Amber will be recognized through SkillsUSA District 11 as a recipient of the Elmer Gates Enterprise Award. In addition to the success that Amber has found at UBCTS, she has excelled at Pennridge High School. Amber is currently ranked number one in her graduating class, which is a testament to her work ethic, intelligence, and
dedication. Field hockey has also been a focal point of Amber’s high school career, earning her a place on the All-State Academic Team and the ability to continue to compete at the college level. In the fall, Amber will attend Gwynedd Mercy University on a full academic scholarship. During her senior year, she will major in Criminal Justice. She will receive six months of training for her Act 120 Certification to be eligible for the Police Academy and Civil Service Exam. Amber plans to begin her career of service as a Police Officer to become a Criminal Analyst.
“Don’t be afraid of fear. Because it sharpens you, it challenges you, it makes you stronger; and when you run away from fear, you also run away from the opportunity to be your best possible self.” - Ed Helms (andy bernard, the office)
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June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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2021 Audi Q7
Leave it to Audi to make SUV’s that satisfy a number of desirable features, functions along with solid German build. Audi’s Quattro (AWD) SUV line-up in particular includes the Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8, the latter is the top, most luxurious trim model. We were privileged to test the next to the top Q7, a three-row, seven passenger SUV that is loaded with the ultimate in high-tech features including an eye-grabbing Virtual Cockpit with high-resolution twin digital displays and digital gauge cluster. But that’s not all. How about an Adaptive Air Suspension and all wheel steering to go along with the Quattro AWD. To say the Q7 was fully loaded, is an understatement. Q7 is offered in five variations. The Q7 45 TSFI Premium and premium Plus come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder with 248-hp and 273 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 19/25 mpg when coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Q7 55 TSFI is offered in trim levels of Premium, Premium Plus and tested Prestige. The latter is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 generating 335-hp and 369 lb/ft of torque through an 8-speed auto trans with start/stop engine technology. Upon slipping into the Q7’s luxurious cockpit, your eyes immediately go to the pair of large digital displays on the vertical stack. An upper 10.1-inch touchscreen offers hand writing and voice recognition that serves a myriad of tasks including Bose audio, rearview/sideview/360 view cameras, 4G LTE Wi-Fi through connect PRIME connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto plus Google Earth 3D navigation and many more. Not on the touchscreen is a Heads-Up-Display showing speed and posted speed limits.
Below it is an 8.6-inch touchscreen for HVAC controls. The touch images are large and easy to use. Our only gripe here is that to turn on the heated steering wheel you have to first select Home, Vehicle and Climate icons, then the heated seat icon. A pressure switch on the steering wheel would be easier and quicker. A wireless phone charger is embedded within the console box however, it doesn’t allow appreciable small item storage. Q7s’ console houses a stubby transmission shifter with a “P” switch for park. That could take some getting used to especially if coming off a traditional console mounted shifter that gets pushed fully ahead for Park gear. Included too are paddle shifters. There are selectable driving modes of Offroad, Allroad, Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic through Audi’s drive select system. Leather front seats are heated/cooled (they get hot quickly) and are sumptuously padded with sensible lateral support. They complement the tri-zone automatic climate control. The digital gauge cluster is amazing. Audi managed to combine a host of features, functions, warnings and alerts (including a vehicle exit warning of oncoming traffic) plus the usual
speedometer, tachometer and normal operating gauges within it. A mere 18-inch step-in into the comfy heated second row seats allow a third passenger as the transaxle hump is relatively low and flat on top for a foot rest. They then flip fold forward to access the third row of seats that are mainly for youngsters. Both second and third row seatbacks power down and up via two sets of switches, one below the “B” pillar in back of the second row and a set in the cargo area.
With the third row upright, there’s 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space that measures 19 inches deep, 46 wide and 29.5 wide. Flip them and space increases to 35.7 cubic feet for 44.5 inches of depth. Fold all two rows and cargo space expands to 69.6 cubic feet for 76 inches of loading depth. Beneath the cargo floor is a bin that houses the Bose amplifier and a tire inflator pump with no space for small item storage. With the Adaptive Air Suspension, ride height can be raised 2.4 inches for mild off-roading or deep snow, or lowered an inch for more aerodynamic highway driving. And speaking of driving, shod with tall 21-inch all-season Continental run-flat tires that put down a 9.5-inch wide footprint for sure-footing in snow and inclement weather, Q7 rode ever so quietly, smoothly and felt more like a full-size rather than a midsize SUV. It handled superbly and exhibited no body lean in sharp turns taken at speed. Turn the steering wheel a mere inch either way and the nose pointed 10 degrees respectfully. With the all-wheel steering, parking is a breeze in the tightest parking places. Power wise, the 3.0L V6 in the Q7 exhibited robust power and torque that felt more like a photothe by christopher betzits 5,071-pound curb V8 under hood despite weight. Coupled to the 8-speed auto transmission, Audi says this beautiful boat can do 0-60 in a respectable 5.7 seconds. And with start/ stop engine technology, Q7 earned EPA mileage ratings of 17 city and 21-highway mpg. Q7 received a full five stars for the governments front/rear seat side crash ratings and four for rollover. With an extremely long list of standard features and safety items plus a panoramic sunroof, the Prestige Package ($10,400) included 14 items the most significant air suspension and multi-view camera systems, power soft closing doors and more. Other options included: Black Optic package ($1,750); Orca Black metallic paint ($595); cold weather package (750); towing package ($750) plus delivery ($995), took the base price of $60,800 to $76,040. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but it’s a lot of AWD SUV. While the midsize SUV market is vast, the Audi Q7 is an exception that goes above and beyond the competition. 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.
Laboski Appointed Solicitor to Bucks County Airport Authority Bucks County Airport Authority has appointed Gavin R. Laboski Esq. as its solicitor, providing legal support to the Authority as it fulfills responsibilities to the aviation community. The BCAA owns and operates Doylestown Airport and Quakertown Airport—significant elements of the transportation infrastructure of the county. The airports provide safe, convenient, efficient access to air transportation for businesses and individuals located within the county. The Authority also assists Bucks County Parks and Recreation in its man-
agement of the aviation aspects of Van Sant Airport and Park in Tinicum Township. The 5-member Authority board meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month at either the Doylestown Airport or the Quakertown Airport. Laboski replaces longtime solicitor (and pilot) Geoffrey A. Graham Esq., who retired from the post. “Over the course of 2020, I attended a few Authority meetings to learn how the board functions, what its main issues are and how my skills and experience would suit the Authority’s needs,” says Gavin. “I’m excited about working in a field that’s new to me but works well with my skill set and experience. And I look forward to assisting the Authority in its efforts for area pilots and the community.” Laboski maintains offices in Quakertown and Doylestown.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2021
Starting Anew What I have found is that most of us are trying to get ourselves in a different frame of mind now that changes are happening in the world with “the promise” of the vaccine. People in general have been feeling a renewed faith and a sense of optimism that we can start to go back to living a “semi-normal” life. Although our ideal might be to go back to living a normal one that may not in the cards right now. With that being said we can still feel that we have more “breathing space”. For those of us that have been vaccinated we definitely feel that we can breathe. The heaviness in the air even feels lighter. I don’t know if I am doing a good job with that explanation but that is how it feels to me. Even my conversations with my friends and clients feel more hopeful and optimistic. Part of starting anew means that we may have to take risks going back into the world. For some of us that will be quite easy and for a fair amount of us it is going to be a cautious step. There is still a sense of uncertainty I feel with boundaries and decisions with our relationships and outings. The reality is you MUST do what feels
comfortable for you. It doesn’t matter what other people even your loved ones think and do. If you put yourself in a situation that is not comfortable for you it can create a tremendous amount of anxiety and hamper your experience. Trusting in ourselves can be very difficult due to fears and worries about the unknown. Some of us have compromised ourselves this past year with decisions due to COVID. Some of us may not have had a choice about returning to work and having to be out in the day-to-day functions. So hopefully now that we are not feeling so paralyzed by the pandemic, we can make decisions and choices that make us feel good again and empowered!! All I have to say is to do your best to start moving forward and trust the process. Look at what changes you want to make in your life and how you can do that in the midst of what is going on in the world. It is never too late to seek out change and to become the best YOU!! 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.
Downtown Quakertown Gets Colorful
Quakertown Alive! volunteers teamed up with Quakertown Borough’s Public Works Department to play in the dirt. They filled the Borough’s 116 streetside planters with a colorful assortment of flowers to help make the Borough’s downtown district beautiful. pictured: Jann Paulovtiz, Sheila Finn, Pat Quay, Naomi Naylor, Joe Murgia. photo by michele buono
Slifer Achieves High Honor, Named 2021 US Presidential Scholar BY GARY WECKSELBLATT Raymond Slifer, a senior at Quakertown Community High School and Upper Bucks County Technical School, has been named a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of the highest awards the nation can bestow upon a graduating senior. “This is insane,” said Raymond, who found out when he checked his email during a break from running his milling machine at Bracalente Manufacturing Group. He read the letter from the U.S. Department of Education and “I had a big, old smile on my face.” He immediately contacted his parents on a group chat and they expressed how proud they were. “They were very, very excited,” he said. “I had to control my excitement and go back to running my machine. It’s a really fun time.” Raymond is one of 161 seniors chosen for the prestigious honor. Only 20 have demonstrated ability and accomplishment in the fields of career and technical education. Raymond is one of those 20. The challenge to attain these heights is significant. Consider, there are 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year. Just over 6,000 of them qualified for the 2021 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams. “This is an extraordinary achievement and Raymond is an extraordinary student and leader,” QCHS Principal Mattias van’t Hoenderdaal said. “Raymond has earned this accomplishment through hard work and dedication, and is certainly worthy of this recognition. I couldn’t be more proud of him. He is a fine example for our students to follow and he is certain to have wonderful opportunities in the future.” Jeff Sweda, Executive Director at UBCTS, said “I am so proud of Raymond and the entire staff. This is just another testament of the work that is put in will always shine. Congratulations to everyone.” Scholars are selected annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. They are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the arts and 20 Scholars in career and technical education. The Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate
exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. That’s where Raymond excels.
A Machining Technologies student, Raymond is a Cooperative Education student trainee employed by Bracalente in Trumbauersville. He is a tool room technician and has received all excellent evaluations from his employer He has also excelled in the Machining Technologies Program, earning the OSHA 10 Safety Certification and several National Institute of Metal Working Skills Certifications. He was named a member of the National Technical Honor Society and has competed and placed at SkillsUSA machining competitions at the district and state levels. Raymond, an Eagle Scout, is a junior firefighter with the Richlandtown Fire Co. He is enrolled in the UBCTS/Bucks County Community College Technical Entrepreneurship Program and will seek his associate’s degree upon graduation. He will then transfer to Pennsylvania College of Technology and major in Manufacturing Engineering. Raymond said he looked back today at how he continued to advance through the rounds of the Scholars program. “When I think about it, it’s like, ‘Wow, a lot of people started in this and they’re just as smart as me but I got selected to win the award, which is insane to me.’ I want to thank the people around me because I couldn’t have gotten where I am without them.” Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or gweckselblatt@qcsd.org.
“Real leadership comes from the quiet nudging of an inner voice. It comes from realizing that the time has come to move beyond waiting to doing.” - Madeleine Albright
Quakertown Rotary Club Recognizes Community Leaders The Quakertown Rotary Club held its first annual 4 Way Test Awards program at McCoole’s Arts and Events Place on May 11. The purpose of the Four Way Test is to award people in the community who embrace by the guiding principles of 1. Is it true? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
This year’s award winners are: Business Award Danielle Bodnar, Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Community Award Scott McElree,Quakertown Borough Manager and Chief of Police Community Award Dr. Robert Leight, Local Historian and Educator
2021 Quakertown Rotary 4 Way Test Award winners: Scott McElree, Danielle Bodner, Robert Leight photo by michele buono
June 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Trust is the foundation of all relationships. It is the type of relationship you should have with your doctor. In Bucks County, St. Luke’s specialists in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, podiatry and spine and pain management are focused on building a lasting relationship with you. This means earning your trust and putting your well-being first. The care you trust. Now more than ever.
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Matthew Brown, MD Orthopedic Joint Surgeon
Scott Doroshow DO Orthopedic Surgeon
Wei-Shen Lin, MD Orthopedic Surgeon
William McCafferty, DO Sports Medicine
Kristofer Matullo, MD Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
James Lachman, MD Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Brent Bernstein, DPM Podiatrist
Jung Lee, DPM Podiatrist
Scott Loev, DO Spine & Pain Management Specialist
Eric Bronfenbrenner, DPM Podiatrist
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