Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

“National Adopt a Senior Pet Month” November 1

Comedy Night Benefit at West End Fire Co, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, starring Jimmy Carroll, $20, doors open 7pm, call 267-374-0732 Carnival in the Graveyard Show, 7:30pm at McCoole’s, 4 Main St, Quakertown, 215-589-4789 November 1 & 2 International Crafts Festival (Fri 12noon-8pm) (Sat 8am-4pm) Ten Thousand Villages at Upper Milford Mennonite, Kings Hwy & Geissinger Rd, Zionsville, info: 610-966-2733 November 2 Craft Fair 9am-2pm at PA National Guard, 325 E Park Ave, Sellersville, refreshments available, 215-234-4729 Free Flu Shots for uninsured, 9am-11am (age 9 & older), St. James Lutheran, Route 309, Coopersburg, regis. required: 866-STLUKES

Longaberger/Vera Bradley Bingo at Leithsville Fire Co Hall, 1995 Leithsville Rd, Hellertown, doors open 12noon, tkt info at 610-554-8456 or 484-851-3154

“Harvest by Candlelight” 6pm (traditional Thanksgiving music) at St. Peter’s Covenant Church of Hilltown, Church Rd & Hilltown Pike, free will offering, refreshments, 267-733-2941 Breakfast 8am-12noon at American Legion Post 255 Aux, 75 N Main St, Sellersville, $4.50 donation, 215-257-9801, www.sellersvillelegion.com November 4 Keystone Meal-A-Month at Quakertown Chick-Fil-A, 4pm-9pm, (pt of tab donated), 602 N West End Blvd, Rte 309, Quakertown

Annual Holiday Craft Show 9am-3pm at Dublin Fire Co, 194 N Main St, Dublin. Food available, info at 215-249-9242

Richlandtown Historical Society will hold its one-year anniversary meeting 7pm at Benner Hall. Public is cordially invited.

Handwriting Analysis Forum, 10am at Indian Valley Library, 100 East Church Ave, Telford. Bring your own samples, discussion is free and open to public, 215-257-3927 or GrimHandwritingAnalyst.com

November 13

Veterans Appreciation Breakfast w/Sen. Bob Mensch & Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick 8am-10:30am at Upper Perk HS, Two Walt Rd, Pennsburg. Info & reservations at 215-541-2388 Penny Auction at Souderton Fire Co, 266 N 2nd St, doors open 5pm, details: 215-721-3167

November 5 – “Election Day!”

Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm at Friedens Lutheran, 2451 Saucon Valley Rd, Center Valley, $8/adult, $4/age 6-12, take-out available, 610-865-4144

Annual Election Day Bazaar 10am-2pm at MorningStar Moravian Church, 234 S Main St, Coopersburg. Lunch served 11am-1pm

Vendor Fair 1pm-4pm benefits Boy Scout Troop 79, at First United Methodist, 5th & Market Sts, Perkasie

Halloween Dance, must be 21, prizes for costumes, KAOS, food, $5/admission, Trumbauersville Social Club, Oak Drive (behind firehouse), info at 215-538-1314

Jazz & Joe Concert w/Alan Segal Quartet 7pm-9pm, Church of the Holy Spirit, Sumneytown Pk at Barndt Rd, Upper Salford. Refreshments provided, free will offering, info at 215-234-8020 November 15 Red Cross Blood Drive 2pm-7pm at Quakertown United Methodist, 1875 Freier Rd, Qtwn, apppointments preferred, call 215-536-4992

November 16 Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4pm-7pm at St. John’s Lutheran, 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown, $9/adult, $5/age 6-11, free under 6, info: stjspin.org or 215-536-7846

Native American Folk Concert w/Spirit Wing 7pm, info/tickets call Nature Center at 215-357-4005, churchvillenaturecenter.org November 7 to 10 Galaxy Art Show & Sale at Bucks Co Courthouse rotunda in Doylestown, details at 215343-6543 or bhoblin@novabucks.org November 8

Roast Beef & Ham Dinner Family Style, 4pm7pm, Trinity UCC, Rte 212, Pleasant Valley, $12/adult, $5.50/age 6-12, $1 extra/take-out, 610-346-7114

Star Party Campfire Program 7:30pm, $5/adult, $3/age 4-12, free/3 & under.

Reservations required, 215-357-4005 or churchvillenaturecenter.org

Longaberger Basket Bingo, open 5pm, St. Andrew’s UCC, 615 E Walnut St, Perkasie, tickets: 215-721-4560 or at door

November 8 & 9

Raffling For A Cure 4pm-8pm (baskets, baked goods, vendors) at Emil’s Restaurant, 1710 N Ridge Rd, Perkasie

Rummage Sale (Fri 10am-7pm) (Sat 10am3pm - $3/bag sale), lt lunch/dinner available, Christ Evangelical Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193 or christselca@verizon.net

Annual Holiday Craft Show 9am-3pm at Dublin Fire Co, Rte 313, over 60 crafters, bring a letter for Santa’s box, drawing at 3pm for gift certificates, 215-249-9242

Holiday Bazaar (Fri 9am-6pm) (Sat 9am3pm) at Souderton Mennonite Homes Aux, 207 W Summit St, Souderton, (crafters, famous oyster stew, baked goods)

November 3 – “Daylight Saving Time ends”

November 9

FREE Community Breakfast 8:15am, meal followed by community day of service at Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, Rte 113 & Elephant Rd, Perkasie

Pumpkin Festival (free) 10am-3pm, games, prizes, pumpkin carving or painting, food avail., Christ Evangelical Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193

Breakfast 8am-1pm at Springtown Fire Co, 3010, Rte 212, Springtown. $7/adult, $4/age 6-10, free 5 & under

Spaghetti Dinner/Bake Sale/Silent Auction Fundraiser 4pm-7pm for Boy Scout Troop 55 at Trinity Lutheran, Hellertown Ave, Quakertown. $8/adult, $5/age 3-10, free/2 & under, 215-536-7434

Bingo for M.S. 2pm at East Greenville Fire Co, Washington St, East Greenville, tkt info: 267-374-0976 or 215-529-4758, bring stuffed animal to donate to Lehigh Valley Hospital for the children

Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out), $8/adult, $4.50/age 6-12, $8.50/take-outs, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike

Life Choice Hospice program 12:30pm, free & open to the public, info at 215-256-6900 or encoreexperiences.org

Hoagie Sale by Qtwn Lions Club, $4.50 at two QNB locations: 3rd & West Broad and Rte 309 & Mill Rd, Quakertown

Soup Day 11am-2pm (or sold out) at Dublin Fire Co, Rte 313, Dublin. Eat in or take out, sandwiches & hot dogs also available

November 14

“Harvest Dinner Dance” at Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 East Main St, Perkasie, 215-453-7027

Halloween Costume Party 7pm at American Legion Post 242, 610 E Broad St, Quakertown, $5/pp includes DJ, food, prizes, 215-538-0747

Early Morning Bird Walk 7am-9am, free to public, bring binoculars, etc. Call Nature Ctr at 215-357-4005, churchvillenaturecenter.org

Free Flu Shots for uninsured (age 9 & older), 3pm-6pm at Quakertown Hospital, 1021 Park Ave, Qtwn, regis. required: 1-866-STLUKES

Fall Craft Fair 10am-3pm at Pennridge Community Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale, 484-602-5795

Annual Craft Fair 9am-3pm, Sellersville Fire Co, 2 N Main St. 60 craft tables, Santa arrives 11am, food & fun, 215-258-5222

Vaccination Clinic 10am-2pm at Richlandtown Fire Dept, 125 South Main St, Richlandtown.

Benefits Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue, details/info at 215-538-2510 or lastchanceranch.org

Flapjack Breakfast (all-u-can-eat fundraiser) 8am-10am at Applebee’s, 145 N West End Blvd, Quakertown, $7.50/adult, $4.50/age 10 & under, 215-536-7263

UBACE “Battle of the Bands” competition at McCooles’s Arts & Events Place, 10 South Main St, Quakertown. Cash prizes & Awards.

To participate: battleofthebands@ubace.org

November 10

DelVal Raptor Center visits 11am at Perkasie Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave. See birds of prey (eagles, owls, etc), no registration required, all ages welcome, 215-257-9718

Breakfast 7:30am-12noon at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Lane. $7/adult, $3/age 5-10, under 5 is free

Buffet Breakfast 8am-1pm at Silverdale Fire Co, 111 Main St, Silverdale, $7/adult, $4/age 6-12, under 6 is free. Good food!

Hilltown Twp Historical Society Open House 1pm-4pm at Hartzel-Strassburger Homestead, 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pk, Sellersville. 2pm: Kent Kline-American Toy Soldier Collector, free, 267-614-9174 Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser 1pm-5pm at Bridgeton AA, 1340 Bridgeton Hill Rd, Upper Black Eddy, ticket info: mwelsh@epix.net or ksenderling@verizon.net November 11 – “Veterans Day!” Veterans Day Program 10am at Strayer Middle School, 1200 Ronald Reagan Dr, Quakertown.

The public is invited to attend this Patriotic Event to honor all Veterans of the Armed Forces.

Veterans Day Bus Trip to Washington D.C. $40/pp, leave Forrest Lodge VFW, Sellersville at 7am, return 9pm, call Frank 215-679-7770 November 12 “Awesome Animal Careers” - free interactive program provides valuable info w/live animals. All ages, 6pm-8pm at Delaware Valley College, Mandell Bldg, (rm 216) 700 E Butler Ave, Doylestown Upper Bucks Tech School Open House 6pm-8pm for students (grade 5-11) & parents, 3115 Ridge Rd, Perkasie, mreese@ubtech.org “Agenda 21 & Sustainable Development in Your Community” 6:30pm-8:30pm Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St, Qtwn

Guitarist Toby Walker, 7:30pm (door opens 7pm) at Perkasie Mennonite, 320 West Chestnut St, Perkasie, portion of proceeds benefits FISH, details/pricing at 215-723-2010 or perkmenno.net November 17 “History of Postcards” 2pm at Springfield Twp Histor. Soc. Church School, 2165 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg), bring old postcards to share, questions? Call Tom Cline 484-308-1510 Bingo & Bag Bingo at Quakertown Fire Co #1, opens 12noon, $20/admission, bring a non-perishable food donation for Qtwn Food Pantry for special drawing, Tina 215-538-7984 Pet & Family Photos w/Santa , 1pm-5pm at Stardust Ceramics in Perkasie. $8/family, visit perkasiedog.org for details and registration.

November 18 Marble Run Mania for Kindergarten thru 5th grade, 7pm at Perkasie Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. Build tracks and tubes, watch marbles go through them. 215-257-9718 Free Community Dinner 5:30pm-6:30pm at Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie, call before 3pm w/questions or transportation, 215-249-3689 November 19 Longaberger Basket Bingo at St. Isidore’s School, 603 West Broad St, Quakertown, opens 6pm, $20 (22 games, 6 cards, hot dog & drink), desserts available, other prizes.

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press • Quakertown Neighborhood Association monthly meeting, 7:30pm in Conference Rm of Off Broad St. Music Studio Annex, 334 W. Broad St. Open to the community! quakertownna@gmail.com

30th Annual Festival of Lights Dedication Ceremony w/Holiday Entertainment & Tree Lighting at Grand View Hospital main lobby, more info at 215-453-4381

November 20

December 6

“A Life of My Own: Meeting Eleanor Roosevelt” presented by Coopersburg Historical Soc., 7:30pm, Free at Membership Mtg at Coopersburg Borough Hall

December 4

“Holiday Dinner Dance” at Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 East Main St, Perkasie, 215-453-7027 Christmas Tree Lighting, Triangle Park, Broad St., Quakertown. Info: quakertownalive.com

November 21

December 6, 7, & 8

Local Artisans Holiday Show & Sale 4pm-8pm at McCoole’s Arts & Events, 10 S Main St, Quakertown. Call for details.

Kringle Christmas Shoppe benefits Haycock Histor. Soc. Held at Latvian Baptist Church, 1142 Apple Rd, Applebachsville. Over 30 artisans, free adm, music, cookies, raffle baskets, info at 610-346-8581

November 23 Towamencin Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run 9am at Fischer’s Park, 2225 Bustard Rd, Lansdale. Top male & female runners win a turkey. ($17/pre-reg.) ($25/day of), info: 240-210-5682, events@towamencin.org November 23 & 24 Handcrafts from Around the World, 9am-1pm at St. James Lutheran, Rte 309 & Oxford St, Coopersburg, also bake sale November 27 Community Thanksgiving Service 7pm at West Swamp Mennonite, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown. St. John’s Lutheran & West Swamp joining in, light refreshments served following service.

November 28 – “Happy Thanksgiving!”

December 1 Live Nativity at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran 3pm-5pm, all are welcome, live animals, free refreshments, near Rte 563 & Lawn Ave, Sellersville, 215-257-9423 December 1 & 8 Cantata Choir of St. John’s UCC performs “Make His Praise Glorious” Advent music, begins 7pm, Rte 212 & Main St, Richlandtown. All are invited, free-will offering taken.

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December 7 Generations 2013 “5K Reindeer Run” - start time 8am, 259 N Second St, Souderton.

Registration info at generationsofiv.org Perkasie Carousel (last chance this season to ride), www.perkasiehistory.org Christmas at the Y, 10am-1pm, photos w/Santa, Little Shopper’s, Balloon animals, etc. 215-536-YMCA Pancake Breakfast w/Santa at Grand View Hospital’s Cafeteria in Sellersville, seatings at 8, 9, & 10am. $5.50/adult, $3.50/kids 2+, free under 2. Reserve at 215-453-4084 Soup Day 11am-2pm (or sold out) at Dublin Fire Co, Rte 313, Dublin. Eat in or take out, sandwiches & hot dogs also available December 8 Christmas House Tour (starts at McCoole’s Arts & Events 3pm), tour homes 4pm-8pm, $15/pp, $12/seniors, 215-536-2273 or see quakertownalive.com December 12 Upper Bucks SPCA Open House, 5pm-7pm, 60 Reservoir Rd, Quakertown December 14 Breakfast & Photos w/Santa for kids up to 8 yrs old, 9:30am-11am at Quakertown Center, 1020 S Main St, Qtwn. Must RSVP 215-536-9300, seating is limited!

It was Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, that declared the last Thursday of November to be a National Day of Thanksgiving.

Have something you’d like to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 • 312 W. Broad St. Quakertown

Children’s Developmental Program to Hold Holiday Extravaganza Tickets are still available for the Children’s Developmental Program’s (CDP) Holiday Extravaganza Live and Silent Auction, Saturday, November 9 from 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. at Saucon Valley Country Club, 2050 Saucon Valley Road, Bethlehem, PA. This fun evening will include photos with Santa, holiday music, food and drink, live and silent auctions, a sparkling jewelry raffle and other surprises.

The silent and live auctions will feature many unique items ~ including three Grant Wood lithographs, travel opportunities to New York and St. Thomas, 60” flat screen Samsung TV, jewelry (including a diamond and ruby necklace valued at $1800), holiday decorated trees, dining experiences, collectibles, holiday décor and more ~ with something to fit everyone’s taste.

The cost is $125 per person. Dress is business casual; no denim.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the CDP’s ongoing programs and services which benefit the children of our community.

Children’s Developmental Program is a community preschool and early intervention center which operates under the philosophy that all children should be given the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. The CDP began in 1957 and has been serving the Quakertown area and surrounding communities ever since, striving to enrich the lives of our children.

For further information regarding attending this event, or to purchase tickets, please call CDP 215.536.7800.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

Newman-Murray: National Music Treasures and they made it happen here on Sleepy Hollow Road

by thomas van moore

In the early 60s, when Charley Newman was in Nashville, always carrying that red Guild guitar, his exuberant personality and high tenor voice, well word got around. Roy Acuff, Pee Wee King, Chet Atkins and others would “look him up.” In the late 50s he turned down a job playing with Bill Haley & The Comets. He got to know Roy Orbison a bit, spent two weeks living with Elvis Presley’s manager Colonel Tom Parker as a teenager and later toured in the opening band for Jerry Lee Lewis.

Older brother Danny stayed local, served a couple years in the Army as a radar operator and worked a full-time day job at Sellersville’s Ametek-U.S. Gauge. But when that sun went down midweek, the microphone, guitar and amp were packed and he drove them to eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey bars, lounges and hotels through the 60s and most of the 70s. Behind that sweet, pure tenor voice and a perfection-driven musical presence, he played mostly rock ‘n roll but preferred country and his Quakertown roots—which Charley left behind on a few occasions before settling back in the area by the late 70s.

“We always talked about who was the best singer and best guitarist in our young families (four siblings),” smiled Charley. “What we all agreed to was that I was the shortest.”

Countered the normally reserved Danny, “But I was the best looking male.”

Danny and Charley were the sons of (Uncle) Elmer and Julie Newman. Cousins Kenny and Maryeva were the offspring of (Pancake) Pete and Sophie Newman. The elder Newmans were the proprietors of Spinnerstown-Pennsburg’s nationally respected Sleepy Hollow Ranch from 1940-1963. Their four young siblings performed in the late 40s and 50s on the ranch stage as The Junior Sleepy House Gang. Pete’s given first name was Kenneth but he became Pancake Pete because he loved flapjacks and it was the only food that he could cook. Elmer’s birth name was Daniel Armour Newman.

Charley looked back, “I’ve always felt that if we four had kept at it (together musically) we had a good chance of making it full-time in the

business. But youth, my chasing rock ‘n roll and my traveling affected that. It’s something you’ll never know, but you wonder about.”

What we do know is the kids were blessed with star-studded genes.

The elder two Newman brothers and two Murray sisters started performing hundreds of Midwest miles apart but tied their troths to national radio and

(left-right) Danny and Charley Newman as they

appear today. The mantel on the fireplace behind them is made from a beam salvaged from the original barn. And the history lives on. photo by thomas van moore

later some television while rubbing elbows with big-time country (and eventually a few rock ‘n roll) legends. Danny and Kenny have now retired and Charley teaches guitar at Fretz’ Music Store in Souderton afternoons and evenings. Sister, cousin Maryeva Newman Stevenson passed away from cancer on January 26, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. “May she rest in peace,” emailed Danny recently. Kenny now lives in Maitland, FL still working and training horses a la “The Horse Whisperer.”

The Murray sisters’ parents emigrated to the U.S. from Yugoslavia in 1908 and brought

with them their family name, Bogdanovich.

It wasn’t until 20 years or so later when a Canadian announcer felt unsure of how to pronounce their last name that he introduced them as “Sophie & Julie… uh, uh… Murray —the…Murray Sisters.” Sophie was born in Yugoslavia. Julie was delivered in Affinity, West Virginia.

At the beginning of the Great Depression, in 1929 ‘Uncle’ Elmer and ‘Pancake’ Pete Newman won first prize in a Midwestern hillbilly music contest and were invited to join the ‘Iowa Barn Dance Frolic’ on WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa. It was a Saturday night show, eventually broadcast for three hours in The Shrine Auditorium, seating capacity 4,200. Some nights they sold SRO tickets. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, sisters Sophie and Julie were singing as the ‘cowgirl sisters’ on a rival radio station. Their typical workday was to do thirteen 30-minute shows through the day.

The gals were in demand at the time and did shows throughout the Midwest — Milwaukee, Chicago, Des Moines and Shenandoah, Iowa, among other cities and towns. The Newman brothers invited them to join their show, but the offer was refused. Yet the four became pals, and the men eventually managed to convince the ladies to come to their new musical outpost in the Philly area and the sisters agreed by the mid-30s.

Pete & Sophie married in 1936 in Skippack, PA. Julie said back in a 2001 interview, “People paid admission to see the wedding.”

The following year, Elmer and Julie traded wedding bands in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

In 1939 the four purchased more than 13 acres of land outside of Quakertown on old Route 663. Their dream of running a country & western ranch was realized and on May 4, 1940, Julie’s birthday, they opened Sleepy Hollow Ranch, present address 1345 Sleepy Hollow Road, Pennsburg.

The ranch hosted national country, and later, rockabilly favorites like Eddy Arnold, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Chet Atkins, Kitty Wells, Bill Monroe, Roy Clark, Bill Haley, Carl Perkins and on and on. By the mid-late 50s rock ‘n rollers Bobby Darin, Gene Vincent, Frankie Avalon and the Everly Brothers performed. Four times a year, usually on holidays, a big-time rodeo was on tap.

Food, drink, games, pony rides, square (and round) dancing and many concession stands complemented the hillbilly, country and rock ‘n roll-laden stage. Elmer handled the emcee duties until 1957 when son Charley took over that responsibility.

Good, clean fun was in abundance with an admittance fee of 25¢ in 1940 up to $1.00 for adults in the early 60s. Kids up to age 12 were free early on and then charged 10 to 25¢ through that 23-year time period. The place was heated but not air conditioned (A lengthy piece was done on the Ranch and its myriad performers and history in the June issue of the Upper Bucks Free Press). The Mess Hall (it was WW2 time you know), the Sleepy Hollow Inn was under roof as was the stage, but not the outside soil where the large audiences sat in benches and chairs.

The Newmans were close to many of the stars, especially Gene Autry, the Kershaw brothers (Rusty & Doug) and Eddie Arnold and his agent Colonel Tom Parker. In 1959, Charley played with the Autry ensemble at the Reading Fair. In the earlier days Elmer worked and became good friends with a Midwestern radio announcer and was invited to attend his wedding on January 26, 1940 to Jane Wyman. The groom’s name was Ronald Reagan. Elmer’s wife Julie did not make the celebration because she was in the very early stages of pregnancy (with Charley).

Pete, Sophie, Elmer and Julie alternated Sleepy Hollow musical sets with the established acts that graced the famed stage. They recorded many songs, performed on national radio (ABC radio broadcast from WFIL Radio in Philly). In conjunction with that performance they were on “Hayloft Hoedown” aired from Town Hall in Philly. That show went to television (WFIL-TV, Philadelphia) in the late 40s.

When performing at Sleepy Hollow, some of the big-time performers stayed at Pete & Sophie’s house on the western side of the property or on the east side of the ranch with Elmer and Julie. Songs the Newmans had penned were recorded by Autry, Elton Britt, and other national recording artists. The Newmans, in-

dividually and collectively, also recorded many 78 RPM cuts.

Danny & Kenny Newman were born in 1938 and Charley and Maryeva in 1940.

Kenny was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Maryeva in Quakertown PA. Both went to Quakertown High School. Danny and Charley were born in the Reading, PA Hospital. They had lived in Trumbauersville during elementary school, attended school in Geryville and Trumbauersville, then went to Brookline Elementary School. Danny and Charley went on to junior high in the Haverford (Delaware County) school system until ending up at Quakertown High School in the 50’s, rejoining their cousins. The three Newman boys were into music very early, each learning string instruments and each with strong vocal talents.

Maryeva learned the drums and piano but was especially recognized for her beautiful voice.

In 1954 Julie picked up a full-time job at Ametek-US Gauge and worked on the ranch weekends while doing some evening work there also. That was until the overnight fire on November 3, 1963 which destroyed almost all of the structures including the 60 foot-by-120 foot main building. All structures were log cabin-type with creosote-laden wood. The fire appeared to have started in the kitchen and quickly turned 23 years of memories and pictures to ashes.

Almost all of the photographs of the performers, rodeos, and family were on the walls of the main building and vanished like the unseen breeze that fed the inferno.

Kenny recalled, “Danny and his family were at my house in Shimerville (Lehigh County) spotlighting (scouting) deer when the early morning telephone calls came in.” At 2:30 a.m. that morning, the bartender was the last person to leave the facility. A passing motorist saw the fire and, at 5:40 a.m., roused Elmer Newman from sleep at his house and he called the Pennsburg Fire Company. When the fire truck arrived, it was too late. Since the ranch was only partially insured, the relative costs to replace the structures were too expensive to rebuild.

“Danny and I arrived there in a short period of time,” Kenny voiced. “The morning’s first (dawn) light was overwhelmed with bright fire and smoke.” Ironically, if you push into the woods at the back of the present property today, you’ll find three old refreshment stands still upright, a bit unstable and featuring some charred wood overseen by a few small telephone poles and hanging wires confirming that there was power on that property a half decade ago. That piece of property is for sale in two separate parcels now, one 2.4 acres and the other 2.7 acres. The western section of eight acres is presently owned by Kimberly Heath who lives there with her husband Bob and mother Nancy Hansen Heath – not counting the two horses, many dogs and a cat or two. They have a strong sense of the musical heritage that seemed to beckon them to that location two years back.

Neighbor and close lifelong friend Ray Heffentrager worked at Sleepy Hollow. “They bought the place in ’39,” Ray said, “and when it opened the following year I worked as a teenager at the soda stand, ice cream place, and other parts of the ranch. Later Pete would use my pick-up truck or my back hoe and he was so good at it that I hired him for that purpose in my later business, Ray Heffentrager’s Excavating Company. He was right on the money with his measurements and diggings.

I’m 88 years old now and Pete would be 98 if he was still living. But given those 10 years on me, he was always more handsome that I was.” Through the years, some recall Pete as a look-alike to Clint Eastwood. Ray also stated, “The families were just wonderful people.”

Heffentrager was the main person responsible for getting the road the ranch was on (the old route 663) changed to “Sleepy Hollow Road” after the new Route 663 was built a mile to the south. He still lives near the ranch on that historic road.

The last segment of this article will appear in the December issue. This edition is timely—the ranch burned down on November 3, 1963— exactly 50 years ago. More in the next issue about the more recent musical happenings of the Newman family and the answer to one question about the bottom of Mr. Presley’s blue suede shoes.

Tom Moore can be reached at tom@ubfp.org

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Ongoing Community Activities and Resources “Little Women” presented by First Drama Troupe of First UCC, 141 S 4th St, Quakertown, Nov 8, 9, 15, 16, & 17. Details & ticket info at Office: 215-536-4447 Quakertown Hospital Fundraisers: Nov 7 Discovery Toys, Nov 11&12 Books are Fun, Nov 17 Handpainted Housewares, Nov 21&26 Jewelry, 9am-4pm, 1021 Park Ave, Quakertown. 215-538-4846 Community Outreach Fundraiser “Gingerbread House Contest” at Good Earth, 23 Main St, Coopersburg. Buy a kit/$6.99 and bring your masterpiece back week of Dec.1-7 for two wks of voting ($1/vote) Prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places. 610-349-1340 Now thru Nov 16, perkasiedogpark@gmail. com will sell BonTon coupon books for $5 (dog park keeps 100% of money) during BonTon Community Days. Email for details!

Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit Quakertown Food Pantry for families in need.

Bring non-perishable foods through 11/23 to UBYMCA in Quakertown, 215-536-YMCA All Veterans are invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville.

Call Frank 215-679-7770 Sept. 11 to Dec. 11, English as Second Language, (free) Wednesdays, (5pm-7pm) at Qtwn Elem. Sch, 123 South 7th St, Qtwn. Details: deblodgett@verizon.net or awert@qcsd.org (English/Spanish) PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-3pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or www.lastchanceranch.org/ “Meet the Dogs” (1st & 3rd Sat. May to Nov. 12noon-3pm), lastchanceranch.org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215538-2510 lastchanceranch.org Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-593-9995 or email carolonline1@verizon.net Doylestown Singles Soc. Intermediate Bridge Club meets every Tues. 7pm at a private residence in Doylestown. Info at 215-340-7604 or shalstrick@comcast.net

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, free babysitting. www.oa.org or Bob 610-762-3779 Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-923-7900 Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tuesdays 7:30pm-8:30pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/ friends of those struggling w/addiction, bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com Doylestown Nar-Anon meets Wednesdays 6pm at Summit Behavioral Health, 702 Hyde Park, Doylestown. Call 215-589-7111 for directions and info.

A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/ violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220-8116, www.awomansplace.org Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel)

Networking & Civic Groups Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel) Business Networking International (BNI) meets every Thursday 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com

Community Meals Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 Free Community Meals 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-536-0395

Support Groups & Medical Resources

Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447

Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month at Stella’s, 200 N Main St, Sellersville, info: stef@sistersu.com

Free Community Dinner third Mon. of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-3689. Call before 3pm w/questions of transportation needs

SOS Bereavement After Suicide – Family Support Group meets @ St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital twice monthly, info/details call 215-536-5143 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 or 610-558-1326 Bikers Against Child Abuse of Bucks County meets 11am the second Sunday every month at Hilltown German Sportsmen’s Club, 1622 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown. For info, email: Teaseofbaca@aol.com Caregiver Support Group meetings last Thurs. of every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting.

Upper Bucks Clinic, free medical care Mon & Wed 5:30pm-8:30pm to uninsured low-income residents of Upper Bucks Co w/no medical insurance & meet income eligibility guidelines.

Info: 215-538-4774 Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Group, 3:30pm5:00pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4517 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guidance, Hotline 800-675-6900 www.NOVABucks.org

Bingo Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues. doors open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. 215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat. night, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open. Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Plumsteadville Fire Co. every Monday, opens 5:30pm, games 6:30pm (refreshments avail.) 5064 Stump Rd, 215-766-8250 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. (except July) opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. opens 5pm, games 6:40pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Bingo at UB Senior Ctr first Thurs. every month, $50 Jackpot! 12:15pm-3pm, 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, 215-536-3066 Bingo at Red Hill Fire Co Social Hall 3rd Sunday every month, opens 12noon, games 1pm-4pm, 82 E 5th St, Red Hill Cash Bingo at Green Lane Fire Co every Wed., Main St, Green Lane, opens 5:30pm, games 6:40pm, 215-234-8567

The name ‘November’ is believed to derive from ‘novem’ which is Latin for the number ‘nine’. In the ancient Roman calendar, November was the ninth month after March.

Notes from American Legion Post 242 by dick helm

The computer age can have its setbacks.

Last month I hit the wrong button and send my copy of last year’s announcement of November activities. I have now learned to review what I have sent. Below please find the correct information for the all-important November 11, Veterans Day, activities. Hope to see you at Strayer Junior High School!

Veterans Day! Over the past several years many of the restaurants and businesses have started to give either free meals or discounts to veterans to thank them for their service to this great country. My wife and I have taken advantage of these meals that offer a free meal for me and a wonderful selection of other special meals for her. We go not only for the free meal, but we also go to be with our fellow service men and women who have served. It is so important that we do go to these businesses to also show them are appreciation of what they do for us.

Veterans Day! We are so lucky to have Paul Clymer as our representative who volunteers to coordinate the local Legion Posts to act as hosts for a memorable service that is held in a different school district each year. The services include all the 6th grade classes from Palisades, Quakertown, & Pennridge Schools as well as classes from private schools in the

area who all take part in the service. This year’s service (the 25th such service) will be held at Strayer Junior High School on Reagan Drive off of East Broad St, Quakertown.

The service will be held on November 11, promptly at 10am. Everyone is welcome. We strongly encourage public participation in this inspiring service that includes music provided by the children, local musicians, and singers singing patriotic songs, and as always, an inspiring talk. In the past we have not had many civilians there. Remember by attending you not only honor those who served but you show respect to the children who are performing and attending in this all-important service. Of course, we ask all veterans who served in war and in peace times to attend and represent your branch of service.

We ask those civilians and former service persons to arrive no later than 9:50am so the service can start promptly at 10am, as the children have to be returned to their schools for lunch and studies on a strict schedule.

Quakertown Post 242 will be the host Post this year and, in addition to the refreshment provided at the school, look to our sign for special honors to be given to veterans at our nearby Post located on East Broad Street.

Looking forward to seeing at the service and as always-God Bless America!

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

Army Service and Its Meaning This is the conclusion to Dick Helm’s three-part series on his service in the Army. The staff of the Upper Bucks Free Press would like to thank Dick and all veterans for their service to our country.

When I think back to that period of almost two years, I think of how it all changed my life. I came face to face with many famous politicians, other famous Americans such as Chief Justices Earl Warren, and many foreign dignitaries. I worked on all the logistics of Vice-President Hubert Humphrey’s visit to Europe. Although his visit was after I returned home, so when I saw him on television after supper, I knew where he was going the next day before the newscaster mentioned it. Because of the area where we worked, the Command Group enlisted men were encouraged to travel in pairs because of the espionage factor. I made it a point to put half of my pay away every month so I could “see Europe.” Many of the soldiers who came to Europe never saw much more than Germany and the villages surrounding where the were stationed. I toured Paris, Spain, Portugal, England, Scotland, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, and of course, Germany. I was fortunate in that I was able to get Air Force “hops” as I was in constant communications with my Air Force counterparts.

Before the Armed Services went all volunteer, the politicians always mentioned that all volunteer would be better than having a draft system. I look back to those who were to be drafted chose to enlist for a better choice.

Draftees, such as myself and those who took training with me, paid just as close attention to what was being taught, as did the Enlistees.

After all, our continuation of life depended upon it! I saw draftees come into Germany from their tours over in Vietnam who were very good soldiers, with high honors given them. I know that I wouldn’t have gone in the service if it weren’t for the draft. Aside from the heartache of losing close friends in Vietnam, and the sometime sleepless nights as my advanced training was coming to a close; I am very thankful that I was drafted and experienced the Army in my life. I credit my wonderful education at Quakertown High School back in the 50’s and 60’s and most important the teaching of responsibility that only the Army could teach me as why I was somewhat successful in life.

As I had one of my former sedan drivers who I was in charge of, drive me up to Frankfurt to come home; I looked back at

Gross Alt Heidelberg with tears in my eyes. I was anxious to get back home to continue my civilian life, but it wasn’t just the memories of Heidelberg that brought those tears, it was the leaving of a part of my life that truly changed me as a person. When I left Fort Hamilton after discharge, I caught a short flight from New York to Philadelphia and, of course, was still in uniform. I then learned how bad anyone in uniform was received here at home. The nasty stares and underbreath comments were discouraging and I thought to myself is this the thanks we get for serving? Since then a lot of those chasms have been breached and thankfully those that served in the Vietnam period are now shown respect.

In the year 2000, my wife and I returned to Heidelberg. How things had changed. The bar of The Student Prince, the Alt Brucke (Old Bridge), and the Schloss (Prince Rupert’s Castle) were still there. Now in the Platz below the castle next to the Hotel Zum Ritter was a McDonald’s! My favorite restaurant on the main narrow street named after the dwarf who took care of the large wine barrel in the castle now was a boutique serving dresses instead of crepes. I went to show my wife the Command Building where I worked. It now had a large wall around the parking lot and an armed guard stepped out of the automatic gate to let a car out as we approached. Large stones were place on the sidewalk in front of the building and there were signs all over stating that no photography was allowed. We drove back to the Wine Country where we were staying in a wonderful little village. Heidelberg was now easy for me to leave behind. I was lucky to see it, as it was 20 years after the Second World War in its historic state.

Today I am active in the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 242 and sometimes we are regretfully busy shooting over the graves of those who served as our veterans of World War II and Korea who answered their final taps. I was fortunate that I did not have to face hostilities and had the experiences I had.

I will never forget those who I knew who gave their all (Steve Harris and Captain Christopher Seifert who was taken from us in March 2003 while serving in the 101st Airborne Divisiion.)

Each time I stand out there and fire a volley of three shots I do it to honor those who served without hesitation. I am proud to say I did the same. I end with this thought. I was given almost the last 50 years of my life by the way my name appeared on a list at Fort Knox. I will always honor those who gave their all and I ask you to honor them also. God Bless our troops!

Autumn is marching on. Even the scarecrows are wearing dead leaves. - Otsuyu Nakagawa

BPW Plans 2nd Green Fair, Commemorates Year Past at District Meeting District XI of the Business and Professional Women of Pennsylvania (BPW/PA) held their Fall District Meeting on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at the Montgomery Township Building, Stump Road, Montgomeryville. A total of 36 women from the five local clubs (Central Montgomery, Conshohocken, Quakertown, Souderton-Telford, and Upper Perkiomen) were in attendance.

District Director Donna Jones was proud to announce the awarding of the Bernice Maxwell Issues Management Award to the combined clubs of the District for their joint efforts in creating the “First Annual Green Fair” of 2013 under the chairmanship of Mary Montroy of the Souderton-Telford club. It was also announced that the District will hold the “Second Annual Green Fair” on March 8, 2014, at Generations in Souderton. Planning is underway under the co-chairs of Mary Montroy and Katie Pietrak.

Assistant District Director Karen Creghan conducted the annual Memorial Service for deceased members of District XI. The District lost loyal member Ethel Ciavarelli of the

Conshohocken club on December 12, 2012.

Ethel served as Conshohocken local president from 1963 to 1965, as well as being named their “Woman of the Year.”

Membership chair for the District, Mary Weeks, put on a short workshop on “Retention and Recruitment” of members for BPW/PA and recognized the Central Montgomery club for 100% retention and the Souderton-Telford blub for 85.7% retention.

Founded in 1919, BPW/PA is a leading advocate for working women in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

BPW/ PA promotes full participation, equity, and economic self-sufficiency for all working women. The organization works on all issues that touch women’s lives and sponsors programs and scholarships to improve women’s lives and careers. To find out how you can become a member of District XI of BPW/ PA, contact Membership Chair Mary Weeks at 215-855-7680 or durellfish@comcast.net and she will put you in touch with the club in your area.

Senator Mensch Visits with UBFP by michele buono

State Senator Bob Mensch ( R–24th District) recently sat down with the editorial board of the Upper Bucks Free Press to discuss matters that are happening in the Pennsylvania legislature and in our area, including the economic recovery, child protection bills, transportation, and property tax relief.

Mensch sees the US economy on the whole as experiencing a “jobless recovery” with too many people unemployed or under-employed; although he notes that southeast Pennsylvania is starting to improve as housing and construction starts increase.

In addition, Senate Bill 1 would reform transportation funding to help improve the economic outlook in Pennsylvania, although it has raised concern of higher gasoline prices in the commonwealth. This bill, which would be the first major funding enhancement in almost 16 years, closely mirrors the recommendations of the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission. The reforms include the lifting of the oil company franchise tax, increased fees on driver’s licenses and automobile inspections, a $100 surcharge on tickets, but not directly increasing the gasoline tax.

“Transportation is very important to job creation and improving the economy. For example, Marcellus Shale is a bright spot in our economy, but there’s no infrastructure to support it,” said Mensch, “42% of Pennsylvania’s bridges, that’s 25,000, have been deemed inefficient. We need to fix those bridges and this bill would help do that.”

In addition to providing additional funding for Pennsylvania’s highway and bridge infrastructure and 32 transit agencies, the plan addresses rail, aviation, ports, and bicycle/ pedestrian funding needs and achieves “significant cost savings” by modernizing many PennDOT services. It looks to raise approximately $2.5 billion annual funding by the fiscal year 2017 – 2018.

Senator Mensch is also hopeful that the legislature will pass a bill to reform funding for community colleges, “Community colleges play a fundamental role in providing the education and training that is needed in order to help fill the job gaps in small businesses and manufacturing,” The original standard on splitting the cost of community college tuition is into thirds, with student, state, and county equally sharing the cost. However, the cost burden has shifted over the course of the past years with the state covering about 30%, the county approximately

15 – 17%, and the student bearing over 50% of the cost of tuition. “Students are shouldering a bigger chunk of the cost than they should be and this puts an extra burden on the students and their families,” said Mensch.

The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed a series of bills that provide sweeping improvements to Pennsylvania’s child protection laws, including two bills sponsored by Senator Mensch. “Pennsylvania’s child protection laws are long overdue for review and update. The recommendations made by the Task Force on Child Protection helped us understand what needs to be done in order to prevent and deter child abuse and neglect. The passage of this bipartisan child protection package is an important step in this critical process.”

The next step, says the senator, who chairs

the Senate Committee on Aging and Youth, is to look at senior abuse, especially financial abuse of the elderly.

We also discussed property tax relief, which is always a hot topic in Pennsylvania. Property tax opponents argue that the tax is unfair as most owners do not earn income on their property and ever-increasing taxes cause increasing hardship. Mensch sees this issue as strongly tied to pension reform in Pennsylvania. He also feels that simply eliminating the property tax would cause the sales tax to skyrocket, encouraging people to buy less in-state and more online to avoid paying a higher sales tax. It would also put more pressure on the earned income tax and other taxes that would have to be re-evaluated to make up for the loss of property tax revenue. “It’s an unfair tax, but it can’t be looked at by itself,” said Mensch.

John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 Update

The month of November is a busy month for the VFW. On Veterans Day, November 11, there will be a Veterans Day program at Strayer Middle School. The Veterans organizations would like to thank Representative Paul Clymer for putting on this program. The students thoroughly enjoy listening to the Veterans speak about their experiences. On November 8, 9, 10, our Post will be collecting donations with the Buddy Poppy at various locations. (Some call them ‘the little red flowers’) If interested in the story behind the Buddy Poppy, visit www. ubfp.org/poppy. Donations from this program help us give back to the community in various ways.

This is also Thanksgiving month, the VFW’s Motto is “We honor the dead by helping the living.” With that in mind, we are collecting donations to help those in need. If interested in donating food or funds, please call the Commander or the Post.

The VFW sponsors programs that recognize our Police, EMS, Nurses, and Firefighters.

The deadline to nominate someone in any of these categories is mid-February 2014.

The Quakertown area has many dedicated to

serving their community, so please nominate someone you know.

Thanks to the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds, Tractor Supply Company, Penny Power, and Upper Bucks Free Press; approximately 100 Veterans were able to get their Bucks County IDs. The IDs are still available at the Courthouse in Doylestown. The John Rivers Memorial VFW Post co-sponsored the program.

John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 has donated funds to the House of Valor in Sellersville, PA. Through the help of Habitat for Humanity, a local serviceman will be moving into a new home. Pictured below at the job site are, left to right: Vincent Acquaviva, Jr., Les Walters, Paul Gerhart, Jr., Jack Boylan, John Sandle, and Ed Brous; and representing our Ladies Auxiliary are Samantha and Rebecca Gerhart.

In closing, we are always looking to sign up new eligible members. Please call 267-9924973 or 215-529-0500 with your interest.

Commander Paul Gerhart, Jr. Post Commander

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

7

Perfect Recipe for Retirement

Succulent turkey. Savory stuffing. Green bean casserole. Sweet potato and pumpkin pie. Every family has its Thanksgiving dinner traditions. With a carefully followed recipe, everyone around the table can enjoy their favorite dishes.

If you plan poorly and wait to throw the bird in the oven at the last minute, you will end up with a turkey of a dish. The same can be said for financial planning and preparing for retirement. Follow the perfect recipe and you’ll be rewarded with a juicy retirement.

Ingredients: one part Social Security earnings, one part savings, a pinch of planning.

First, start your retirement casserole with a visit to the Retirement Estimator. As useful as a food processor, the Estimator gives you an instant projection of what you can expect to receive in retirement benefits. Just plug in some simple information and the Estimator uses your past earnings and estimated future earnings to project about how much you’ll get when you retire. Like an experienced cook, you can experiment with the recipe and plug in different future earnings and retirement dates until it’s just the way you want it.

Next, fold in the savings. The earlier you begin, the better off you will be. Social Security replaces about 40 percent of the average worker’s pre-retirement earnings. Most financial advisors say you will need 70 percent or more of pre-retirement earnings to live comfortably. To supplement Social Security you also will need savings, investments, pensions, or retirement accounts to make sure you have enough money to enjoy retirement. Visit the Ballpark Estimator for tips to help you save at

www.choosetosave.org/ballpark.

If you have a pension from your employer or a 401k, IRA or similar retirement fund, be sure to add that into the mix.

Like to taste as you cook? Then you’ll want to set up a my Social Security account so you can log in anytime to check your reported earnings and projected benefit estimates. If something doesn’t taste just right — if your earnings are reported incorrectly or you find you need to save more to meet your retirement goals — there’s still time to make corrections before your retirement casserole is done.

Once you’ve added the ingredients of Social Security earnings, personal savings, and any pensions you may have, it’s time to let the retirement casserole bake.

If you pull the retirement casserole out to find it a little underdone, just put it back in for a bit longer. Delaying retirement can increase your benefits and give you more time to build up your savings. To learn more, read our publication entitled When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits. It provides helpful information regarding the things you should consider when making a decision on when to collect retirement benefits. You will find it, along with our other useful publications, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

When the retirement casserole is ready, enjoy it! You deserve a comfortable retirement.

Following a traditional Thanksgiving recipe carefully can ensure a satisfying meal. In the same way, following our financial planning recipe will help you achieve a more fulfilling retirement. Learn more at socialsecurity.gov.

Tom Reiley is the Social Security District Manager in Allentown. Do you have questions about Social Security matters?

Email Tom at thomas.reiley@ssa.gov.

Upper Bucks YMCA to Celebrate 40 Years Old plus 5 Years Young The Upper Bucks YMCA has been serving the communities in Upper Bucks County since 1968. On November 17, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm the community is invited to a free 45th birthday celebration with games, prizes, food and a photo booth!

The Y began in a storefront on 3rd and Broad Streets. In 1968, the American Legion Building at 14th Street and Park Avenue was purchased and the Y was incorporated. In 1984, the Sports Center on California Road was added. In 2008, a much planned consolidation took place when a new facility became reality on Fairview Avenue.

According to Pat Edwards, Upper Bucks YMCA Executive Director, “We are so excited to be celebrating 45 years in Upper Bucks County, five of which are at our new

location. We look forward to seeing our members and the community on November 17!” The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Upper Bucks YMCA serves over 10,000 people annually, including over 5000 children and offers swimming, fitness, child care, youth, teen and adult sports programs and activities. Its mission is to put Christian principles, including honesty, caring, respect and responsibility into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Y has a financial assistance program, supported by the United Way of Bucks County and private contributions, which ensures that no one will have to be turned away because of his or her inability to pay.

(above) Upper Bucks YMCA, circa 1968, at the corner of 3rd & Broad Streets in Quakertown. (below) Upper Bucks YMCA’s state of the art facility on Fairview Avenue in Quakertown, now 5 years

young, as it appears today.

submitted photos

Senior Center Action Upper Bucks Senior Center 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, Qtwn 215-536-3066 www.upperbuckssac.com Game Day - Line Dancing – Yoga Pinochle – Bingo (public) - Bridge Call for details

Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville Line Dancing – Chair Yoga Advanced Tai Chi – Beginner Tai Chi Weight Loss Group - Call for details

Pennridge Community Center 146 E. Main St, Perkasie 215-453-7027, www.pennridgecenter.org Bingo – Ceramics – Billiards – Aerobics Line Dancing - Card games – Arts – Chess Wii games - Tai Chi – Mahjong – Zumba Beginners Computer - Call for details

Generations of Indian Valley 259 N Second St, Souderton 215-723-5841, www.generationsofiv.org Flexercise – Tai Chi – Low & Go – Yoga – Step Interval – Sit/Flex/Stretch – Line Dancing - Call for details

Properties of Merit Seeks to Raise Property Values, Revitalize Quakertown

Quakertown Alive! has just completed the 7th year of the Properties of Merit program.

Begun in 2007, this had been a state-funded effort, but after just two years, state funding was withdrawn. Jann Paulovitz, Missy Rose, Lynn Kraft and Nancy Buckner with Quakertown Alive!, recognizing the importance of Properties of Merit to local home values, took up the mantle and have continued the program. The Properties of Merit also benefits A Brush with Kindness, a program of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County. A Brush with Kindness helps revitalize the appearance of neighborhoods and preserve affordable housing. Quakertown Alive!’s goal is to identify property owners that can benefit from and are willing to work within this program with the ultimate goal of revitalizing neighborhoods in the downtown area of Quakertown.

Winners of this year’s Properties of Merit program will be announced at a reception at the Arts and Events Place hosted by McCoole’s owner Jan Hench. Quakertown’s newest bakery/ patisserie Moussey Mousse will be providing desserts for the occasion. This year’s exclusive Properties of Merit sponsor is First Savings.

The Committee’s Choice Award for 2013 will be accorded to Lynn Kraft in recognition of his tireless work devoted to the beautification of Quakertown. He has contributed his time and talent to many non-profit organizations in town, including Quakertown Alive!.

Perhaps his most visible contribution is in the downtown Broad Street area. Lynn maintains and decorates the sponsored hanging baskets and planters in the downtown area. He was instrumental in planting 700 tulip bulbs in Triangle Park. He personally selected the plantings for the downtown pottery.

The 2013 Properties of Merit finalists will all be recognized at the November 13 reception. The finalists are, in the Meetinghouse District: 350 South 9th Street, 706 West Broad Street, 35 South Main Street, and 22 South 10th Street; in the Burgess District: 321 North Penrose Street, 923 West Broad Street, 1040 Brookfield Circle, and 1102 Mill Street. Special Awards bestowed this year are: the Preservation Award, The Lofts at Station View; Business Award, Pippi & Peanuts Eclectic Boutique; Founders Award, Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce; and the Community Award, West End Fire Company.

8

• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

A Match Made in Bethlehem Local culinary entrepreneurs team up on pair of food and drink venues in Downtown Bethlehem.

by christopher betz

Longtime acquaintances, Vince Randazzo and Steve DiDonato, had been pondering the idea of opening a unique venue where one could enjoy an extensive variety of wines, properly paired with Italian meats, fine cheeses, and other ‘tapas.’ It would be called Artisan Wine and Cheese Sellers. Bethlehem, with its relatively recent Renaissance, seemed to be the perfect setting . The two set off late last year to explore possible locations in the thick of a city well regarded for its history, restaurants, arts , and music scene.

Their trail ended at a vacant train cargo depot by the Lehigh River, just down the hill from the bustling downtown. The building, long since having served its original purpose, was certainly unique, large enough to accommodate their plans, and in spectacular condition. It turns out the 140 year old depot had been extensively renovated and restored in 2009 by architect George Donovan who used the building to house his firm. Donovan moved his business to smaller quarters in May of last year.

Steve DiDonato and Vince Randazzo stand at the bar in their newly opened venue, Artisan Wine & Cheese Sellers on West Lehigh Street in Bethlehem. photo by christopher betz Randazzo, of Quakertown, and DiDonato, of Upper Macungie, are both experienced restaurateurs. Vince owns and operates Dominick’s Pizza & Restaurant and the PreGame Sports Bar in Quakertown. Steve owned and ran Abruzzi on Main in Coopersburg for a number of years before closing it in 2007 to pursue another venture in the wine dispensing business.

They had their experience, a great location, and a keen vision. What they did not have is a liquor license – kind of scarce and expensive in

those parts. And that’s when Vince and Steve finally met their Match.

Neighboring the vacant cargo building was its accompanying train station, also many years from seeing its last passenger. It was now a popular cigar bar and ‘gastropub,’ a bar that serves good food along with a selection of better beers and spirits. It was the Wooden Match, and it was for sale – liquor license and all.

Vince and Steve show off the capacity of their custom wine cellar during a celebration before Artisan’s official opening date. They put wine in there now. photo submitted by steve didonato Neither Steve nor Vince were looking to take the reins of yet another full-scale restaurant.

Steve left that part of his life in Coopersburg, and Vince had his hands full with two very busy restaurants of his own. But fate had brought these guys together at the train station by the river. So they bought it.

Randazzo says, “It just seemed to make sense. One stop shopping to suit any taste… wine or beer… exotic cheeses or big cheeseburgers… calm or maybe a little rowdy.”

DiDinato remarks, “This was just too good [of an opportunity] to pass up. The two make a perfect pairing at a single place.”

The partners immediately went to work on The Wooden Match, making it their own,

while they awaited approval for zoning on their wine and cheese venue. That approval came this past January, and after a lot of planning, outfitting, and installing equipment, Artisan Wine and Cheese Sellers came to fruition.

With a few “soft openings” over the past few months, Steve and Vince fine-tuned their new venture. DiDonato says, “We had a ton of people come through here during Musikfest.“ to which Vince added, “Yeah it was crazy… for both places!”

Artisan is now officially open and offers over 25 different premium wines served via taps connected to the very wine distribution system on which DiDinato now focuses his “real job.” Inside, Artisan accommodates about 100 people. There are 10 rooms, each artfully decorated with work from local artists. In fair weather, up to 80 patrons can enjoy their experience outside. A variety of cheeses, fruit, and other cold tapas are served along with the various wines as well as a bit of knowledge. “We want to educate people about the wines and the foods that complement them. We may begin offering classes,” says DiDinato.

Artisan is now open Thursday through Saturday from 5 pm till midnight. The venue is also available other times for business meetings, bachelorette parties, birthdays, etc. “It’s great place to have a gathering,” remarks DiDinato.

The Wooden Match continues its role as a place to enjoy hearty food, dozens of craft brews, and fine cigars. Live bands play here often, usually outside on the patio, to enthusiastic crowds. The Wooden Match is open every day. Learn more on their website, www.beermeatcigars.com.

Both places are located at 55-61 West Lehigh Street in Bethlehem.

Job Hunting?

Artisan Wine & Cheese Sellers (left) and The Wooden Match (right) together offer a serene and refined experience and an experience a little rougher around the edges. photo by christopher betz

Where Can I Get my Free Press?

PERKASIE Rep. Paul Clymer’s Office Dam Good Cafe Emil’s Diner Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Mirage Hair Salon Olde Towne Convenience Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank Revivals Restaurant

QUAKERTOWN Aamco A-Plus Mini Market Borough Hall Bottom Dollar Foods Beer City Brick’s Sales Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Dominick’s Pizza Downtown Dogs Earl Bowl Lanes Embers Cafe First Niagara Bank First Savings Bank Flashpoint Acupuncture Frank’s Pizza The Free Press Bldg.

Giant (Qtwn Plaza) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Independence Court James Michener Library John’s Plain & Fancy Liberty Thrift Store McCoole’s Restaurant McDonalds Melody Lakes Moyer’s Shoes Pep Boys Philly Soft Pretzel Factory

Quaker Cleaners Quakertown Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Redner’s Market Roma Pizza Sal’s Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sine’s 5 & 10 Spinnerstown Hotel St. Luke’s Hospital Swann’s Pantry Tom’s Help Desk Upper Bucks Sr. Center Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts

TELFORD Grundy Manor Indian Valley Library Landis Supermarket Lisa’s Pizza SOUDERTON Care & Share Shoppes Generations Main Street Java Mr. B’s at Calvary Church QNB Bank Vincent’s Pizza COOPERSBURG Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Minit Market Weis Markets

TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Fino’s La Cantina Spor’s General Store

SILVERDALE Green Street Barber Shop

SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner Suelke’s Roadstand Village Market

Also available at some local post offices and lots of other high traffic locations.

HARLEYSVILLE Landis Supermarket

Have a suggestion for a place you’d like to see the Free Press?

E-mail terri@ubfp.org.

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

9

Quakertown Football Player Seriously Injured, Parents Seek Policy Change “No win is worth the future livelihood of a player” – Angela Smith, Phil’s mom by michele buono

It was the Quakertown Panthers versus Pocono Mountain East on September 20. It was a football game that Richard and Angela Smith and their family will never forget. It was the last football game that senior cornerback Phil Smith would ever be able to play.

On that night, in the first quarter of the game Phil went to tackle the Pocono running back, but something went wrong. “As I hit him, I felt a lot of pain. I hit against him pretty hard,” said Phil. He hurt enough to come in off the field. On the sidelines, a trainer massaged his neck and back and applied an “icy/hot pack”.

Despite the pain, Phil saw that he was needed out on the field, so he grabbed his helmet and

ran back out to play. But that was when Phil realized that he could not continue in the game.

The pain coming from his neck was so severe that he could not lift his arms or even wear his helmet.

Phil’s mother, Angela, was watching all of this play out on the field and sidelines. She says that she was shocked that her son had been allowed to return to the game after he was injured.

Once again on the sidelines, Phil’s equipment was removed and he was benched with ice pack applied to his shoulder. He was in such pain he could not lift his arms to takea pain relief tablet, so someone helped him. By halftime, the pain was getting worse and Phil was starting to feel a numbness in his arms. It was at this point that he was encouraged by the chiropractor, who volunteers as the team doctor, to go to the emergency room to be checked out. After some indecision about whether or not to use the ambulance to take him to the hospital, Phil walked to the family car for the short trip.

At the Emergency Room in St. Luke’s Hospital in Quakertown, the extent of Phil’s injury was revealed in CAT scans and x-rays.

Phil had sustained a significant break in the C5 vertebrae. “Don’t you move” was the doctor’s direction and Phil was put in a neck brace and laid to immobilize his neck and prevent further injury. But for the sake of no more than two millimeters, Phil’s spinal cord would have been severed. X-rays had also discovered that Phil had a month-old fracture in his C7 fracture from an injury suffered at an August football practice.

Angela and Rich, Phil’s father, were told that without surgery, it was a certainty that

Phil would be paralyzed. At this point, the decision was made to transport Phil to St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem where they were better equipped to deal with his condition.

Surgery was set for the next day. Surgeons ended up shaving the vertebrae to slide the spinal cord back together before fusing the vertebrae in place. Meanwhile, Angela and Rich were praying for a successful surgery. After two and half hours, they got the good news that he would not be paralyzed, although he would never be able to participate in contact sports again.

Throughout the whole ordeal, Angela and her family have remained focused on the positive and are grateful for all the support they have received from the community.

Quakertown coach George Banas came to the hospital and waited with Angela that first night that Phil was in the hospital while Rich took care of the couple’s other children. When Phil was released from the hospital, Quakertown’s American Legion Post 242 had arranged for him to have a hospital bed set up in the Smith family home. Angela remarks how very thankful she is for the Quakertown Booster Club, who organized meals and restaurant gift cards for the family. “This was a very difficult time and we are very grateful for the help we have received,” says the busy mother of six. Rich adds, “We are thankful to God and to all of those who have helped.”

What the Smiths would like to see happen in the aftermath of their son’s injury is for the school district to take another look at the policies governing procedure when a student athlete is injured. The shoulder and neck rub, jogging back out to the field, the neck stretching was recommended to their son; even the walk to the family car for the short drive to the hospital, all could have caused Phil to be paralyzed for life.

Angela says that the athletes and parents rely on the trainers and sideline health professionals for information about proper treatment after an injury. “I hope that something is learned from this [Phil’s injury]”, says Angela, “We found out at the hospital that any movement could have severed his spinal cord, it was that close; we were lucky. If something like this happens again, the next kid might not be as lucky.”

Rich and Angela spoke at a recent school board meeting describing the family’s ordeal and expressing their desire to see a stronger policy in place of how to handle potentially life-altering injuries on the field.

While no comment was made by the school board at the time, Superintendent Lisa Andrejko did release the following statement regarding Phil Smith’s injury, “While we believe co-curricular activities are vital to our educational program, it is unfortunate when situations beyond our control occur. The parents have asked that we review our protocols and we will work with our school physician and trainers to do that. We continue to support Phil in his academic endeavors.” It has been reported that the school district is paying for Philip’s medical costs that are not covered by the family’s insurance.

Today, Phil continues the slow steady road to recovery. He attends just a few classes at the high school each day before coming home to rest. Due to infection, Phil taking his second course of antibiotics. He’ll be wearing a neckbrace for a few weeks yet and will need more X-rays to determine further treatment.

A few days after Phil was released from the hospital, he received a visit from the other seniors on the high school football team who brought pizza and good company. The Smith family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. photos by michele buono

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

Fitzpatrick Meets with T’ville Manufacturer

Westgates Hoof It for Hunger

The residents at Hidden Meado

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick recently visited Bracalente Manufacturing Group in Trumbauersville for a plant tour and meetings with management and employees to discuss recruitment, employee training, funding opportunities, and corporate taxes. Pictured with Fitzpatrick is BMG president Ron Bracalente. submitted photo

Ridge Valley UCC Packs Meals to Feed 11,500

Chester and Mildred Westgate, both in their mid 90’s, were among the 155 walkers in the October 13th CROP Hunger Walk in Quakertown’s Memorial Park. The Westgates are members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spinnerstown. photo submitted by ken butz Members and friends of Ridge Valley United Church of Christ got together on September 28 to pack meals for hunger relief agency Stop Hunger Now. Over 40 volunteers met to fill, weigh, and package dried meals to benefit needy individuals worldwide. Over $2500 was raised to purchase the ingredients, and all who attended enjoyed an afternoon of music and packing meals for about 11,500 people. Many thanks to Finland Mennonite Church for lending their facility. Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief agency working in over 65 countries abroad. Learn more at stophungernow.org. Visit Ridge Valley UCC’s website at ridgevalleyucc.org. photo by bill swope

5th Grader Foregos Birthday Gifts, Feeds the Hungry

Dorothy and Friends took time off from Oz to participate in the 46th Quakertown Halloween Parade. photo submitted by ken butz

Drew Kramer, a fifth grader at J.M. Grasse elementary school and a local Boy Scout, decided to ask his friends to bring food donations for Pennridge FISH, the local food pantry in Perkasie, to his 11th birthday party, in lieu of birthday gifts. He collected 152 pounds of food and $20 in cash donations for the charity which he delivered to the pantry on October 28. Pictured in photo are: Drew Kramer and his mom, Sandie Kramer, of Pennridge. photo by paige neuman

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

11

Sellersville Legion Post Gives $1000 to Milford Square Shelter

ows on the Ridge in Sellersville share a heartfelt Thanksgiving greeting with all.

submitted photo

Nase-Kraft Legion Post of Sellersville donated $1000 to the Milford Square Shelter on October 29. $500 for holiday gift cards and $500 towards a new van for the shelter. Here Post Commander Craig Wilhelm and Joe Hall present the checks to shelter manager John Kunes. submitted photo

First Drama Troupe will be performing the Louisa Mae Alcott classic Little Women at the First UCC Church at 4th Street and Park Avenue in Quakertown. Show dates are November 8, 9, 15, 16, and 17. See their ad on page 15 and visit www.firstdramatroupe.com for more info. submitted photo

Joyful Noise Heard by Hungry; Food Pantries Receive $7500 The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce ‘Foodie’ Committee celebrates another successful event October 17th held at Sands Brothers in Quakertown. This year’s event supports Foundation for Free Enterprise Education benefiting Quakertown and Palisades high school students and the Upper Bucks County Technical High School photo by michele buono

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Applebachsville held The Joyful Noise V Fundraiser in June, netting $7500 for three local food pantries. Quakertown Food Pantry, St. Isidore’s Food Pantry, and Milford Square Food Pantry each received $2500. Together they serve over 10,000 people a year.

The event featured six bands, crafts show, antique cars, children’s events, tours of the historic church built in 1855, and a pig roast. The check was presented September 8 at the church celebrating “God’s Work, Our Hands.” (left to right) Kelly Shaak, St. Paul’s Council president; Joanne Cramer, Quakertown Food Pantry coordinator; Rich Baringer, Joyful Noise V committee chair and organizer; Lisa Young, coordinator for St. Isidore’s Food Pantry; and John Kunes, coordinator for the Milford Square Food Pantry. Pastor David Heckler is in the rear. submitted photo

12

• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

Family Raises Funds for PLGA Research

by michele buono

Y Swim-a-Thon Slated by kimberly kratz

The Upper Bucks YMCA Swim Team will host its First Annual Swim-A-Thon on November 8 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Celebrating its 40th year, the team will host the United States Swimming Foundation’s sanctioned and supported event to raise funds for a timing system and scoreboard.

Head Coach, Scott Woods said, “Most high school and clubs teams these days use some type of timing system for competition which permits more accurate timing of events, and a scoreboard for spectators to instantly see results.”

The culmination of three years of fundraising that included hoagie sales and other team events, the Swim-A-Thon is a crucial step towards obtaining the needed money to make the goal a reality. The estimated $25,000 cost for a new timing system includes: a scoreboard with a line for each of the six lanes to provide a swimmer’s time, the electronic pads that attach to the end of each lane to register a swimmer’s finish, installation, support equipment, and the software package to run the system.

Looking to its long-term potential, “A timing system will allow us to begin hosting high

school meets for Quakertown and Southern Lehigh, invitationals, and championship meets,” said Wood. It will provide a higher level of legitimacy and recognition among both YMCA members and other YMCAs against which Upper Bucks Swim Team competes. Woods adds they hope that at the start of 2014, guests will see a “modern, competitive facility with the ability to host higher-level meets and [they will see] instant feedback on a swimmer’s improvement.”

Each swimmer will be given 15 minutes to swim as many lengths of the pool as they are able to. Donations can be based on the number of lengths completed, or a swimmer can receive a flat donation for their participation.

United States Swimming Foundation will supply prizes. Nationally, all participating clubs will earn points based on dollars raised in their respective events to compete for a Grand Prize for an exclusive visit to the club by Olympic Gold Medalist, Ricky Berens.

The Upper Bucks YMCA Swim Team looks forward to a Friday night of excitement and energy and welcomes support from local businesses as well as individuals for the event.

For more information, call 215-536-9622, or visit online at www.ubyswimming.com.

When Wyatt Kilhefner was two years old, he was diagnosed with a baseball-sized brain tumor. Surgery determined that because of its location, the tumor could not be completed removed. Over the course of his life, eleven year Wyatt has endured surgeries and chemotherapy to keep the tumor in check. Wyatt’s condition is known as a pediatric low-grade astrocytoma (PLGA) , and while benign, the tumor’s growth needs to be controlled as it is located near his hypothalamus. Wyatt has lost sight in his left eye and recently has been dealing with an autoimmune disorder in his digestive tract. The good news is that his recent round of chemotherapy has shrunk his tumor by 30%.

After the shock and feelings of devastation when Wyatt was first diagnosed, Wyatt’s parents decided to be as proactive as they could and learn all they could about Wyatt’s tumor.

They were surprised to find out that treat-

ment options hadn’t changed in 25 years and that there had been little research regarding PLGAs. Jerry and Jessica used their resources and started the Why Not Me? Foundation to help fund research in the quest for a cure. In the years since its founding, the Foundation has raised almost $550,000 towards programs to help understand and defeat PLGAs. Lobsterfest, Why Not Me?’s local fundraiser was held last month at the Kilhefners’ residence in Richland Township. Every year the fundraiser grows in scope and helps raise more money for the cause. As in years past, the Mango Men provided musical entertainment for the occasion, with Wyatt sitting in and playing his guitar. Jessica is very thankful for all of the support that they have received from businesses in the area, including Sterner Insurance, Trevdan Building Supply, Michael E. Orlic Real Estate, Yates Electrical Service, and the Quakertown Rotary Club.

Sky Clears for Annual Toy Run

by kimberly kratz

Are you a part of one of the 75 local businesses that supported the 11th annual Indian Valley HOG Toy Run? Have you ever enjoyed watching a bike run or been stuck waiting for a parade of cycles to pass? How long would it really take to drive from Quakertown, through Dublin to Cross Keys if there were no cross traffic or lights? I invite you to share this firsthand look from inside the ride.

Undeterred by a torrential rain storm that drenched Upper Bucks County the night before, over 150 registered bikes, rumbled through Quakertown carrying toys benefit Bucks County Children and Youth, according to IVHOG Membership Officer, Linda Joseph.

Michele Buono, Upper Bucks Free Press Content Coordinator, called upon me to cover the Saturday morning toy run. Turns out, a seat had opened up on a Honda Goldwing trike owned by Brenda Hoot of Quakertown, and “we” were invited along to experience the ride.

Never having been on a toy run, I had little idea what to expect.

Armed with the contact info, I called Brenda to arrange our connection. She and her husband Kris Hoot are this area’s Assistant Representatives of the Eastern Pennsylvania Retreads, part of an international motorcycle club for the over-40 crowd.

“Sounds like my kind of crowd,” I told her.

“We’re recycled teenagers,” she joked.

The Retreads, Brenda explained, have ridden every year since the toy run’s inception especially because it benefits local children and youth. This year would be no exception, but looking out the window Friday night made me wonder if the ride would happen. Because the toys must be delivered, it is a rain or shine event. By morning the rain had stopped, but it was cloudy and there was a cold snap to the air.

I checked my phone. A text from Brenda.

“Dress in layers,” it said. As a former Girl Scout, I was already all over that one.

About a half hour before our scheduled meet up: another text.“Feels like you’ll need gloves,” it said.

With my layered clothes and gloves, I gathered my press pass, camera, and notepad headed to the Hoot’s under a cloudy sky. A cheerful and friendly bunch greeted me there.

After the introductions, Brenda gave me a helmet. The sun tried to break through the clouds and it was getting warmer, so I decided against wearing the gloves. I settled in on the back seat of Brenda’s trike. She got on and leading the others, we headed to the Giant/Lowe’s lot.

The event kick off ran like a well-oiled ma-

chine. Safety-vest clad volunteers stood in the parking lot to direct us around Saturday morning shoppers to the staging area. Once parked, we lined up to register. Not always the sharpest tool in the shed, something dawned on me. “I ought to have brought along a toy,” I thought.

Fortunately, the group happily accepts gift cards or cash donations, so people like you and me can support BCCY anytime. While bikers waited in line to register, volunteers served free coffee and offered up raffle tickets. The line moved quickly, and all registered bikers received an event pin and a swag bag courtesy of local businesses.

A breeze began to break up the clouds while we chatted up other bikers and took pictures.

Just before the prompt 11 a.m. start, a volunteer hollered, “Last call for coffee!” With an increasing rumble of engines, everyone prepared to leave.

QPD Detective Jeffrey Boehm of the motorcycle unit led the run along with Santa Claus, the fire department and traffic blockers—volunteer bikers who help law enforcement officers clear the route to Bucks County Children and Youth. Organizers and shoppers waved farewell as the bikes exited the shopping center. The air warmed and the sun began to shine.

A traffic control vehicle blocked cars before they could enter the roundabout while the officer directed oncoming vehicles to stop. As we looped it, I noticed an irate man stopped in a black pickup truck. Though his window was up, his wrinkled expression, flailing hands, and obvious jabbering at the officer made it clear that we, the bearers of toys for local children and youth, had just wrecked havoc on his Saturday morning plans. I admit I giggled. Given the circumstance, the pickup truck driver’s reaction looked ridiculous to me.

Keeping pace, we rode towards the Freshman Center where we passed the enthusiastic Quakertown Panther mascot posted on the corner at Ninth and South Main to attract drivers to the QMPO Ford Drive Event. The bikes, in turn, attracted the attention of people gathered there.

Turning right onto Ninth Street heading towards West Broad Street, neighborhood adults and children stopped to wave and watch. Some stood in their yard or watched from their front porch while others peeked out windows. We kept moving. The bikes had free passage, blowing the stop signs across Park and Juniper. It made me wish I could do that anytime. Side note: maybe I could cover a story on personal jet packs? I digress.

Brenda beeped her horn frequently at spectators along the way, especially the children.

Though only along for the ride, I could not help but wave to them as well. At every single intersection we passed, she belted out a hearty “Thank you!” to the posted traffic control officer.

Watching the roadside spectators brought me to a realization. People who are delayed on their way to or from their outings react to the bikers in one of two ways. One set of people takes it in stride, just enjoying the moment. Some step out of their cars snapping cell pics, all the while smiling, talking to one another, waving and pointing. Then there is the other set—the obviously annoyed (like pickup truck guy) who act as though their plans to get from A to B are significantly more important than any bike run. These are the ones to watch out for. Some lack common sense as they attempt to inch out seemingly trying to decide whether they can cut across or pull out into the run between bikes.

Making our way out of Quakertown, we eased southward on 313. The local fire department trucks pulled aside at Paletown Road leaving us to continue our trek. Along the hilly, straight road ahead, I loved that as we approached 563, we could see the line of bikes stretching a mile ahead of us atop the hill at Ridge Road, and again further along when our view from Ridge Road was of those ahead scaling the next hill to Branch.

Without a stop, we arrived at Cross Keys, home of Bucks County Children and Youth offices with staff cheerfully waving our arrival.

Once parked, bikers dismounted and carried

unwrapped toys into the building’s lobby to place under a decorated tree. There sat Santa accompanied by an elf.

Bikers were also greeted by local Boy Scouts who enthusiastically served up free chili, hot dogs, pizza and drinks in the parking lot. To raise extra funds for the event, bikers could purchase tickets to win donated raffle prizes displayed on tables. There were all sorts of cool and interesting items including: dinners for two, movie tickets, tattoo gift certificates, ThirtyOne items and more.

In retrospect, I should have clocked the travel time. Then again, knowing the travel time might create a negative effect on your next 313 commute. You’re welcome. After the run, it was back to real life: dealing with traffic, stopping for the lights and people going about their day without stopping to wave.

Because of the generosity of area bikers and local business owners, many Bucks County families will have a happier holiday season.

I challenge local bikers to double registration and businesses to provide additional funding needed to extend the run through downtown Doylestown next year. It is fun, the people are welcoming, and our children are worth it.

Since 1981, Bucks County Children and Youth has been responsible for providing services to infants, children, teenagers and their families. Your donations provide holiday and birthday presents to our local kids. To make a donation, contact Roxanne Watkins-Hall at 215-348-6997.

“Retreads” group that took Kimberly along for the ride. (left-right) Kale Donnelly, Kris Hoot, Bruce “Woody” Wood, Brenda Hoot, Susan Reich, Mark Reich, Ed Benner, Kathy Benner. submitted photo

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Hope I saw most of you at the Autumn Alive Event.

I was asked to be a judge this year for the Pet Parade!

Miss Michele from the Free Press told them about my ability to judge fairly and that landed me this great opportunity. There were many great looking dogs there and it was hard to choose. I also noticed on my adventures through Quakertown that we have new places to eat! Embers Café, which is located by the massage school, then there is the Burrito Boy/ Pita Girl/YoYum place, which is near Park Avenue along Route 309. The Panera Bread place next to Applebee’s has a sign saying they are hiring, so I am sure that will be open soon.

Hope you all get to be with family or friends for Thanksgiving and if you can, invite some-

one to your house that doesn’t have anyone close by to share the holiday. This wonderful picture of me is my cartoon self that my book cartoonist drew for me. He knows me SOooo well. Love, M.J. and Happy Thanksgiving!

Go ahead... Make our Thanksgiving.

Chewy is a 3 year old Toy Fox Terrier who came in very shy. He is doing much better now, and loves the attention from staff and volunteers.

Aurora is a 3 year old Chocolate Lab who is waiting for her forever home.

Tanya is a 6 year old Shiba Inu/Terrier Mix If you would like to adopt Chewy, Aurora, Tanya, or one of the many other animals waiting for homes at the Bucks County SPCA’s Upper Bucks shelter, you can visit the facility at 60 Reservoir Road, just off of California Road, Quakertown or give them a call for more information at 267-347-4674.

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40 YEARS OLD PLUS 5 YEARS YOUNG WE’RE CELEBRATING 45 YEARS! We opened our doors in 1968 in a store-front on Broad St. in Quakertown. In 2008, we opened our new facility on Fairview Avenue. As a special thank you, you’re invited to a free event with games, prizes, food and a photo booth!

Sunday, November 17, 2013 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Upper Bucks YMCA 401 Fairview Avenue Quakertown PA 18951

Our first location, at the corner of 3rd & Broad Streets, Quakertown

Our current site on Fairview Avenue, Quakertown

Upper Bucks YMCA 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown 215-536-YMCA (9622) www.ubymca.org

How to Use a Real Life Reward for Your Dog

Q’town Halloween Parade Prizes Awarded

Organized and run by the Quakertown Lions Club, this was the 46th year that people lined the streets to enjoy the Quakertown Halloween Parade. It was a beautiful fall day full of fun with just a hint of spookiness. Crowds of children – and some adults – chanted for candy and other trinkets as the floats and groups marched up Juniper Street and down Broad Street.

The parade made its way past the reviewing stand at the Triangle Park parking lot for the judges to get a look at their costumes and performances.

Here are the winners of this year’s parade: Individuals 10 & Under 1st Place – Buzz Lightyear 2nd Place – My Little Kitty

Individuals 11 & Older 1st Place – Spanky and Our Gang 2nd Place – Jason 3rd Place – Smiley Face

Best Appearing Group

Non-Profit Floats

1st Place – Parading Pirates, GSEP Junior Troop #21303 2nd Place – Parading Pumpkins.

Daisy Troop #21772 3rd Place – Nightmare Before Christmas, Jaydor Co.

1st Place – Haunted Pumpkin Patch, Quakertown Educational Foundation 2nd Place – Cancer Awareness, Upper Bucks Relay for Life 3rd Place – Halloween Theme, GSEP Troop #2020

Small Group (3 – 9 people) 1st Place – Three Musketeers 2nd Place – Ievers Minecraft Style 3rd Place – Halloween Scrubs

Large Groups (10+ people) 1st Place – Bubble Bath, GSEP Brownie Troop #21468 2nd Place – Scallywag Scouts, GSEP Troop #2802 3rd Place – Halloween Theme, Cub Scouts Pack #185 4th Place – Animal Theme, Cub Scout Pack #55

Commercial Floats

1st Place – Wizard of Oz, Dream Dentistry 2nd Place – Caveman Caravan, Terry Feusner 3rd Place – ORE Rentals 4th Place – Coopersburg Kenworth

Fire Companies 1st Place – Quakertown Fire Co. 2nd Place – Trumbauersville Fire Co. 3rd Place – Richlandtown Fire Co 4th Place – Richland Twp Fire Co

Equestrian 1st Place – Shadow Hill Equestrians 2nd Place – Haycock Stables

Judges’ Prizes 1st Place – Woody (Toy Story) 2nd Place – Lukey Spooky Spider Machine 3rd Place – Big Jacks ’57 Chevy Bel Air 4th Place – Windy Springs Farm

“The walk” turns some dogs into instant knuckleheads as soon as you pick up the leash. Did you ever try to put a leash on an excitable jumping dog then get head butted in the nose? Your nose is stinging with pain while tears are rolling down your face. You touch your nose to see if you’re bleeding. You utter some colorful pleasantries.

Your blood pressure is rising and your patience is running thin. At this point some people just give up and never take their dogs for a walk.

They banish the dog to the back yard to relive and entertain themselves. Now we see the unwanted digging and barking behaviors develop.

Your relationship with your neighbors is now in the toilet. It turns into a vicious cycle. Then there are the lucky owners that can finally get out the door. They’ve been wrestling with their pooch for the last ten minutes just trying to put on the leash. Doesn’t that owner realize that he is rewarding that obnoxious behavior from the dog by taking him for a walk? Going for a walk is a gigantic “real life reward” for most dogs. So why not use it to your advantage. It sounds simple but all you need is patience and a dog that wants to go for a walk. When training your dog it isn’t always necessary to use

treats. You can use “real life rewards” anywhere and at any time. The art of dog training is rewarding calm behavior.

The walk begins in the house. Don’t ask your dog “Shadow, do you want to go walkies?” The object is to keep you and the dog calm. All you have to do is pick up the leash.

It’s amazing how a dog can hear. They seem to have bionic hearing when we open a refrigerator door from three rooms away. Take a deep breath in through your nose and blow out slowly through your mouth. Pick up the leash. Here comes the dog. Ask him for a “sit.” Squat down next to your dog. Place your hand under the chin while slipping your thumb under the collar. This can help you not get smacked in the face again. If he begins to jump or wiggle, remove your hand. If you try again and he starts to wiggle or jump simply get up and walk away. Go hang up the leash.

Go poor a glass of tea, relax. I love to see the expressions of the dogs at this point. It’s like what the heck man really? Start over and try again in a couple of minutes. You might get a little bit more cooperation this time. Snap on the leash walk toward the door. If for any reason the calm behavior changes just take off the leash. Go sit on the couch, turn on TV and breathe. Try again in a couple of minutes.

Patience is key!

14

• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013 Homes Businesses Onsite/Remote

The price has fallen on

the Microsoft Surface Pro Tablets

Get $50 OFF while supplies last 215-536-0831 TomsHelpDesk.com

2115 Allentown Rd. Quakertown

Quakertown Senior Receives Junior Firefighter Award Quakertown Community High School Senior Rachel Lennon received the 2013 Hereda Terrini Memorial Junior Firefighter Award for Pennsylvania. She has been a part of Quakertown’s West End Fire Company since April of 2012, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Ralph Lennon, chief of Lake Harmony Fire Company and a firefighter for 53 years, and her father, Joseph, who is a firefighter and trustee at West End. Battalion Chief Kevin Neubert nominated Rachel for the honor.

Last Year, Rachel rode out on 140 calls and so far this year, she’s been on at least 39 calls at press time. She also attends school full-time.

“My goal is to give back to the community,” says Rachel. She is also a certified nursing assistant in the Upper Bucks County Technical School’s healthcare program, earning First honors for her excellent grades and has competed in Skills/USA. Rachel also takes Firefighter 1 certification training through Bucks County Community College and has started training for EMT certification through UBCTS. She has also trained or earned certificates in water rescue awareness, hazardous materials awareness, business administration for medical

assistants, blood-borne pathogens, first aid and child CPR, and AED use. Rachel is also a Red Cross blood drive volunteer. submitted photo

During the past few months, an Ad Hoc Committee has been meeting in preparation for a general membership meeting and the election of new Officers and a Board of Directors for the Quakertown Historical Society.

To date the committee has drafted revisions to the Society’s bylaws to be approved by the membership. Key elements of the revisions are to provide a more efficient and effective composition of the Board of Directors and the formation of more focused committees. The committee is currently accepting nominations of persons willing to serve on the Board of Directors. The offices are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and

Director and chairperson of the Archives Committee, Director and chairperson of the Education Committee, and Director and chairperson of the Properties Committee. For more information call 215.536.3211 or visit the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce at the Upper Bucks Visitor Center located at 21 N. Main Street in Quakertown.

The scheduled re-organizational meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on December 9 at the Upper Bucks Visitor Center. Notification will be sent to recent and lifetime members of the Society. Members of the community interested in becoming members of the Society are encouraged to attend.

Harvest Season Offers Lessons to Investors

It’s harvest time again. Of course, harvest season may not mean that much to you if you don’t work in agriculture.

Nonetheless, you can learn a lot from those who do — especially in your role as an investor. Here are a few of these lessons to consider: • “Feed” your portfolio. Through the proper combination of fertilizers and irrigation, farmers seek to maximize the growth of their crops. And if you want to give your portfolio the opportunity to grow, you need to “feed” it with the right mix of investments. This generally means you’ll need to own a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented vehicles, such as stocks and stock-based securities. Keep in mind, though, that the value of these types of investments will fluctuate, sometimes sharply — and there’s no guarantee you won’t lose some or all of your principal.

• Be patient. Crops don’t grow overnight.

Farmers know that they will put in countless hours of work before they see the fruits of their labors. And they know that, along the way, they will likely experience setbacks caused by a variety of issues: too much rain, too little rain, insect infestations — the list goes on and on. When you invest, you shouldn’t expect to “get rich quick” — and you can expect to experience obstacles in the form of bear markets, economic downturns, changes in legislation and so forth. Continuing to invest for the long term and focusing more on long-term results than short-term success can help you as you work toward your objectives.

• Respond to your investment “climate.”

Farmers can’t control the weather, but they can respond to it. So, for example, when it’s been dry for a long time, they can boost their irrigation. As an investor, you can’t control the economic “climate,” but you can make adjustments. To illustrate if all signs point to rising long-term interest rates, which typically have a negative effect on long-term bond prices, you may need to consider reducing your exposure, at least for a while, to these bonds.

• Diversify. Farmers face a variety of risks, including bad weather and fluctuating prices.

They can help combat both threats through diversification. For instance, they can plant some crops that are more drought-resistant than others, so they won’t face complete ruin when the rains don’t fall. As an investor, you should also diversify; if you only owned one type of financial asset, and that asset class took a big hit, you could sustain large losses. But spreading your dollars among an array of investments — such as stocks, bonds, cash and other vehicles — may help reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio. (Be aware, though, that diversification by itself can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.)

Relatively few of us toil in the fields to make our living. But by understanding the challenges of those who farm the land, we can learn some techniques that may help us to nurture our investments.

Article submitted by Bob Podraza of Edward Jones in Quakertown, 215-536-3635

Quakertown Historical Society to Re-organize

Ground Broken for New Quakertown Park

Despite the rain, the mood was bright at the groundbreaking of Quakertown’s newest park. The new 12-acre park is located on the former Krupp Foundry site, straddling Quakertown Borough and Richland Township.

It will feature an amphitheater, walking trail, a gazebo, and benches. This passive recreation park is the last puzzle piece in the Quakertown park system, according to borough officials.

(left-right) Don Rosenberger and Jim Roberts, Quakertown Borough Council; Cathy Gillahan, Steering

Committee Chairperson; Scott McAlree, Borough Manager; David Freeman, Honorary Project Chair & QNB Bank President/COO; Iveta Gigova, American Native Nursery. photo by christopher betz

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

15

Giving Thanks It seems to be that time of year already the holidays have approached and they are here. Specifically in regards to Thanksgiving, it is known for being a time of being grateful for the things that we have in our lives. It is when we reflect on our friendships. It is a time when we connect with family members and friends and share special moments of love and gratitude. You may ask what is gratitude?

Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, an appreciation of who and what you have in your life and being able to verbalize and express it in a way that says basically “Thank You”. There may be times in your life this past year that you have been struggling physically, emotionally and financially and are wondering how I can possibly be grateful and say thanks. Gratitude comes from a spiritual place of knowing that no matter what life hands us good or bad there is a reason and a lesson to be learned from it. At some point in time we will come to realize what that is all about and say I am grateful for this experience whatever it may be. This is not an easy concept by any means to fully grasp at times and believe that there is any truth to it. All of our journeys in our life are ours and the paths we choose may be the same or different given the circumstances. So what works for one person may not work for someone else. What I do know is that when you have a more meaningful understanding of your life and what is happening all around you, you experience peace and

harmony and balance in your life. All of this comes from a place of gratitude.

So maybe this year you will look at Thanksgiving a little differently and experience your surroundings with a new eye per say. For some the thought of sharing a meal with certain family members is not pleasant or comforting, but it is what they do or have to do or should do. So if that is your story look at what it is that you can offer to the table. Maybe you do not feel grateful for being there or with them but maybe your thanks is being who you are and what you are giving to them and you can feel grateful for that experience. Sometimes these experiences make us a stronger more compassionate person which is something to be grateful for. All of us are blessed by our friends and families if we allow ourselves to be present and enjoy each other. There are plenty of things to be grateful for in our life if we can just look in front of us and around us and say,” My life is exactly as it supposed to be and I am grateful!” Do your best to let your friends, family and coworkers or whomever you come in contact with in the next month know that you are thankful to have them in your life, that because of them your life has more meaning and purpose. Give love, Give hope, Give support, Give encouragement but most of all Give Thanks!

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.

To spur the struggling economy in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made Thanksgiving occur on the third Thursday of November, making the holiday shopping season longer.

Failure is Not an Option Failure!!! What a negative word. This is not fun to think of. It causes stress just by thinking about it. Yet so many people think they are failures every day. There is only ONE thing that causes true failure. Yourself!! How many people do you know who have been trying to lose weight for years, yet they still don’t seem like they have made a difference. Some people go their entire life trying to get their weight under control only to finally die without making much of a dent. Would we call these people failures? How about someone who takes a test every month to get a job yet can’t seem to ever pass. Are they a failure?

No matter what you set out to do you NEVER have to be a failure. Let’s look at our weight loss client. Here is a person that has been working hard for years and has a goal to lose 50 lbs but seems to be stuck at 30. Let’s say she stays this way for the rest of her life yet continues to work out and eat a healthy diet. She is not a failure. The only way she would be a failure is when she finally

decides she is not worth it anymore. This is when she quits all together. No more work outs and eats nasty food. Another words she stops TRYING!! This is the ONLY way you become a failure. You stop trying. When do you decide you aren’t worth continuing to try?

When do you say to yourself “Forget it!! I’ll never do it so I QUIT”. As long as you are trying to obtain your goals, you cannot fail.

You won’t fail. You have to remind yourself, you ARE good enough, you ARE strong, you ARE worth it, NEVER GIVE UP!! You never know how close you are to success. If you quit now you will never know that success is right there in front of you. You only have to keep moving forward. To not Try is Failure and Failure is NOT an Option!!

Corbin Williams, NPTI-CPT, owner of GetReal Training, LLC in Sellersville, graduated from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI).

He also graduated from Wexford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Nutrition. He is a certified strength and conditioning coach and a certified nutrition coach.

You can contact him at 215-416-5757 or visit www.getrealtraining.net

16

• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

Written Contracts Prevent Amnesia

Get the Kid a Real Gun

I was the Shooting Sports Director at Ockanickon Boy Scout Reservation over in Point Pleasant. I was ‘Master’ at the Rifle Range, taught the Hunter Safety course, ran the NRA Marksmanship program and oversaw activities at the Archery Range. One evening, a bunch of the Junior Camp Staff members were messing around, like young boys do. They had ‘squirt’ guns and other toy firearms and were playing army, or cops and robbers or something. One of them came up to me and pointed his toy gun at my face.

He certainly wouldn’t have had the audacity to squirt me, but I was a little irritable and didn’t quite approve of the activity in the first place. I snapped out on the poor little guy. I grabbed his ‘gun arm’ wrist with one hand and yanked the ‘pistol’ out of his hand with the other. I shook it at him like I was going to club him on the head with the gun butt and angrily shouted, “Don’t you ever point a gun at me! Or, anybody else!”

He got a frantic, terrified look on his face.

Another adult counselor came to his rescue and said, “It’s just a toy. Relax!”

“I don’t care,” I said. “We don’t want these kids to think it’s okay to point a gun at people, any kind of a gun.”

That was over twenty years ago. These days, you can get expelled from school or thrown in jail for pointing a water pistol at somebody. I’m not sure they even allow kids to have toy guns anymore. I haven’t been in a toy store lately, but I can’t imagine they’re allowed to sell those noisy sub-machine guns my brother and I had, anymore. And caps are considered explosives, aren’t they?

You can still buy BB guns for your kids, though. My buddy just got one for his son, who’s about ten years old. My dad wouldn’t buy me a BB gun. I had to settle for a lever action air gun—at least until I stuck the muzzle in the ground then blew dirt into my brother’s eyes.

After that I had to use a stick or broken rake handle when we played army.

Douglas S— had a BB gun. When I was 11 or so, I was down at the Tohickon behind the Neidig School. Douglas was a nasty kid. From across the creek he shot at me. I saw the BB coming the whole way but wasn’t fast enough to get out of the way. It hit me on the forearm and ricocheted into my thigh. It stung like heck and left a red welt. I ran into the woods. BB’s bounced off trees and zipped through the leaves as he kept shooting at me.

I asked a couple of times, but never did get a BB gun. When I was twelve, my dad bought

me a single-shot .22 rifle at Sears instead. He taught me firearms safety, to keep my finger off the trigger until I was ready to shoot, to always keep my muzzle pointed in a safe direction. He took me out into the woods and let me shoot cans and bottles with it. It spooked me and gave me respect for the gun when I saw what happened when a can full of water was hit. It explodes. My dad said that the same thing would happen inside a person’s head if they were shot. After that, I never even thought about pointing it at someone.

I didn’t learn the lesson my dad was trying to teach me very well. Twenty some years later, when my son was about eleven, he learned to shoot with a .22 at Boy Scout Camp. He was a good shot. It was inconvenient for me to take him shooting a lot, so I bought him a BB gun to practice with. At the Scout Camp, there was a Range Master and strictly enforced rules. When he shot the .22 with me, he had an experienced, safety conscious dad leaning over his shoulder.

With a ‘toy’ BB gun, he was out on his own with a pocket full of ‘harmless’ ammunition.

I got suspicious when I noticed a dozen little dents in the mailbox. Nothing sounds neater than a BB ‘plinking’ off and echoing in an aluminum mailbox. When I noticed more dents in the lower panel of the storm door, my suspicion changed to concern. When my neighbor came over and told me I had to buy him a new windshield, my concern erupted into anger.

I didn’t wrap the BB gun around a tree, like I told my wife I was going to. I sat on the front porch waiting for him to get home from wherever he was raising hell with his no good, hooligan friends. As I fumed, I speculated how many dead birds were lying around the neighborhood, how many of the local cats had a pellet in their hides, or worse, how many more windshields I’d have to pay for or if I’d get a call form the police.

I‘d calmed down by the time he showed up.

After all, I gave him the darned thing. We had a long talk and I took his BB gun away for good.

For Christmas, I got him a real gun, a single shot .22 rifle from Wal-Mart. I took him out shooting whenever I could. At Scout Camp the next summer, he earned his Shooting Sports merit badge, got an NRA Marksman certificate and won the Shooter of the Week trophy. I couldn’t have been prouder.

My advice to parents who have the inclination: do not buy your kid a BB gun. A gun—any gun—is not a toy and must always be respected as the dangerous tool is is. Get the kid a real gun and teach him how to shoot safely and responsibly.

Read more writings by Jack Schick at Searchwarp.com and Soulofwit.com

With the best of intentions, people make commitments, promises, pledges, verbal agreements, or hand shake deals on a variety of situations.

All these arrangements tend not to be in writing.

Not having a signed document between the parties leads to forgetfulness, lack of followthrough on the entity giving their word, or just plain (sometimes convenient) amnesia whether it be intentional or not.

Let’s make this point relative to you. Take for example, politicians that make promises or elected officials who pass legislation in your area. If everyone had these documents readily available, amnesia would be non-existent.

How about a tax increase specifically for a recycling program only to have the program cancelled, but the tax is not rescinded? Let’s suppose another tax increase for 24/7 police coverage and forgetting to increase the police coverage? What’s worse is putting in another tax increase on top of the first tax increase for the original 24/7 police coverage! If these examples and many more instances you can think of in your life were put in writing, there is a lot less chance of forgetting.

To combat amnesia, forgetting a myriad of details, and keeping both parties safe while warding off legal disagreements, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania mandates a written sales invoice agreement made for every sale of new hearing aids.

This agreement was not unveiled by Harrisburg until July 1, 2004, some twenty years in the making. Before that time, in my practice, I have always used a regular sales invoice with the appropriate clause for the thirty-day evaluation period. That covered all bases. Due to unscrupulous people selling hearing aids and not honoring their obligation to an evaluation period, service, and warranty, Commonwealth lawmakers acted.

The primary focus of this sales invoice agreement form is a clause regarding the thirty

day money back guarantee. The clause is as follows: 30 Day Money Back Guarantee: If a hearing aid is returned within 30 days of date of delivery in the same condition, ordinary wear and tear excluded, you are entitled to a refund of the portion of the purchase price of the hearing aid and accessories as itemized on the receipt and above, less the cancellation fee stated above. If a cancellation fee is imposed the nonrefundable amount for each aid and accessories cannot exceed 10% of the purchase price of the hearing aid and accessories or $150.00 per aid and accessories, whichever is less. You will, however, be responsible for all nonrefundable service fees listed in Part A. If you cancel your order prior to delivery, you are entitled to full refund of the purchase price of the aid and accessories, and a full refund for services not yet rendered.

The form was created by bureaucrats with input from one audiologist who worked at a hospital having no idea of what additional information is typically given on a sales invoice agreement. An appropriately crafted invoice enables listing all the things that accompany the purchase of the hearing aids such as warranty, batteries, accessories, etc. This mandated state form provides no space or makes no mention of the extras.

The one good thing about this form is that it is in writing, signed by both parties, and copies for both signers. Any question about what is and is not will be answered by a written contract.

By placing details of a new hearing aid sale in a written contract, amnesia is prevented on both parties.

Mr. Murphy

has

had

a

bilateral

mild-to-moderate

sensor-ineural hearing loss all his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user.

Mr. Murphy has been in Pennsylvania since receiving his Master of Education in Audiology from University of Virginia in the Spring of 1987. Mr. Murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related national and international organizations.

He can be reached at hearingdoc@aol.com and by phone at 215-804-1111. practice in

You’ll See It When You Believe It

Growing your business from the inside out by jim donovan

What unspoken message are you sending your clients and customers? Is your personal energy field projecting positive, high vibrational energy or just the opposite? The latter will cost you business--and worse, you won’t even realize it. The energy I’m talking about here has been called many things, “being in flow,” “in the zone,” “locked on”, “jazzed”, “sending out good vibes,” (that last one is for anyone old enough to remember the 60’s).

Have you ever gone to a business networking event or function and noticed that there are always a few people that everyone flocks towards? If that’s not you, maybe you need to do some work to align your energy. You see, other people are attracted to that energy, whether or not they even know it.

I’m sure you’ve been in this situation. Days when everything just clicks for you: you found a parking space right in front of where you were going, your presentation to a new client was terrific and the client could not wait to give you their business. Everything was perfect and you were unstoppable. You were in that high vibrational state and “in sync” with the universe.

Conversely, has this ever happened to you?

You walked into a store, and a very grumpy looking person who was clearly not “in sync” asked you what you wanted. Your first reaction was to get out of there as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, too many people get in this space and wonder why people are not buying from them. I’m sure you’ve had those days too.

I know I have.

There are some simple energy techniques that you can use to put yourself in this higher

energy, good vibration state. A place where things will happen and you will begin to attract what you desire. You can avoid those lower states that will push business and people away from you.

Pre-pave Your Day Each day before you begin any work, devote some time to seeing your day as you want it to occur--visually, orally or better yet, in writing. Describe how you want to feel throughout your day. I’m not suggesting you try to visualize every detail of what will happen, but rather how you want to feel. As an alternative, project yourself, in your mind, to the end of your day. Looking back now, see your day as you would have liked it to occur. Bask in the wonderful feelings associated with your perfect day. Talk about what a wonderful day it was and how everything just flowed and how everything was so terrific as you went about doing what you do.

Do this simple exercise for only takes five or ten minutes, but do it each day. This will align your energy and put you in a positive state to begin your day. After you practice this for a while, you’ll begin to no-tice small shifts occurring in your life. You will begin to experience synchronicities, coincidences, and sparks of inspiration. You will have an idea to call someone, or someone will call you, or you will meet the person who will help you do something that you’ve been wanting to do. Try this for yourself and watch what happens.

Jim Donovan specializes in helping small businesses revenue.

expand

their

offerings

and

grow

He is the author of several bestselling self-help books and an inspiring speaker.

To learn more, visit www.JimDonovan.com.

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Local Author Helps People One Book at a Time

Bucks County author William Bentrim spent ten years in education as a teacher and guidance counselor.

Now he writes books that he hopes will benefit all people who read them.

Erik - You worked for a non-profit organization that helped with illiteracy in places like the Bucks County Prison.

Can you tell us about that?

Mr. Bentrim - I was on the board of Vita Education Services. As a board member I did not participate in the actual literacy instruction.

However one of our meetings was at the Bucks County Prison. There we met inmates who were in the program. One thirty something inmate proudly told us he had just read a book, the first book he had ever read. Incarcerated for various violent crimes, he said that because he had been illiterate he couldn’t do many things literate people take for granted. Reading instructions on a gas pump or signs in restaurants were beyond this person’s ability. He said that when people treated him as if he were stupid, he lashed out, violently. He stated that he was making sure his daughter learned to read so she wouldn’t end up in prison too. I found this man’s frankness and newly found passion to read very powerful.

Erik - A 2009 National Center for Education Statistics report said that 9% of Bucks County adults are illiterate. That’s over 60,000 people!

Why do you think that is?

Mr. Bentrim - I feel that the family structure is shuddering under the impact of economic woes. The fact that many, many families can not survive without both parents working means there is little time for parents to positively impact their children. These parents drop their kids at baseball or soccer and don’t participate even as spectators. The parents are too busy to read themselves consequently kids don’t have parents as role models for responsibility or literacy. Generally if kids see friends and family reading, they too read. If all they see are video games and TV they have little impetus to pick up a book.

Erik - As an author and educator, what do you think our community can do to combat illiteracy?

Mr. Bentrim - Teachers and parents need to accurately assess their children’s interests. If you have a good idea what a kid enjoys, you

It was a Beautiful Day at Quakertown’s Autumn Alive!

can always find something they will want to read. Presentation is so important. A motor head may not have any interest but tweaking the engine in their car but if you find them a book or magazine that shows them how to eke out 10 more horsepower, they will devour it. Things like Quidditch tournaments or Renaissance Fairs can tie activities to reading. A good librarian can make a world of difference. As a child I was lucky enough to enjoy a small public library with a librarian who saw what I read and found similar works for me to enjoy. She introduced me to books I would never have found on my own. She got my Dad to intervene with the Library staff to get me and adult library card when I was in fifth grade. That card opened up the rest of the library and hooked me for life.

Bottom line is that reading needs to be nurtured by the people who know their kids.

Erik - Your website states that you write books to have positive messages in them even though they cover some tough subjects.

What do you hope people will learn from your books?

Mr. Bentrim - I got an email last week from a Girl Scout leader in Tennessee who thanked me for writing Mommy’s Black Eye and for the domestic violence resources on my web site. Her girls are preparing for October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

A review on Hardy Belch and The Green Man posted this weekend, stated that the reviewers daughter got the message that being different doesn’t mean you are a monster.

The shortest girl in fifth grade told me that Short or Tall, Doesn’t Matter At All made her feel better about herself.

This is what I want kids and parents to learn.

I want them to read for fun but I want kids to think well about themselves and others. A love or reading directly impacts success. The ability to read manuals and instructions can translate into success in video games and sports. The ability to read text books and comprehend what you read translates into good grades. The ability to read fiction can soothe the soul after a troubling week. Reading isn’t limited to paper, it isn’t confined to eBooks, reading is one of the most important factors in personal growth. I truly believe that a love of reading can translate to being a happier, healthier person.

To learn more visit www.bentrim.info. For more on books visit ThisKidReviewsBooks.com.

Brunhilda Voted Most Beautiful Witch

The witches were out in force in Richlandtown last month. (left-right) Esmeralda (Cindy Yost); Elvira (Lynette Lampmann); Brunhilda (Sandy Fedorowicz), who was the winner of the witches beauty contest; Gouhl (Gail Williams); Witch from Sleeping Beauty (Micky Smith). photo by kimberly kratz/writing well design and photography

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America Blessings Books Care Givers Education Family Freedom Fresh Air

Friends Generosity Good Food Happiness Health Hugs Job Kindness

Liberty Life Love Nature Peace Pets Veterans Volunteers

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

ASHLEY J. CRAFT, 30, Schwenksville, died September 29, at her home. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Mark and Nancy (Norris) Deputy. Ashley graduated from Quakertown High School in 2001.

Following graduation from Empire Beauty Schools, she worked as a beautician and aesthetician. Surviving with her parents are her children; Joshua Cayden, Jackson Anthony, and Max Kehler; Brothers; Matthew Deputy, wife Julianne and Timothy Deputy, wife Jamie; Nieces and Nephews; Paternal Grandparents, Maurice and Phyllis Deputy; Maternal Grandparents, William and Bette Norris.

JACK R. CREMO, 85, of Dublin, died September 26 in Phoebe- Richland. Husband of June E. (Carr) Cremo. The couple celebrated 32 years of marriage in June. He worked as a supervisor of security at GrandView Hospital, Sellersville, prior to his retirement.

He served with the Army Air Corp during WWII, and was a member of Air Force Sergeants Association and WWII association.

Throughout his life, Jack had donated over 30 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.

Surviving with his wife, step-daughter Laura Duffy, husband Dan, Chesterfield, Missouri, and 3 step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son, PFC USMC, David.

BRUCE STONEBACK, 62, of Allentown died in Lehigh Valley Hospital, October 1.

Born and raised in Quakertown, Bruce attended Quakertown schools and graduated QHS class of 1968. After graduation, Bruce began teaching English for grades 9 through 12 at Pennridge High School. He retired from teaching in 2010 after having taught for 39 years. Bruce met his wife Diane at Quakertown High School. They would have been married 41 years on October 28. Bruce is survived by his immediate family, wife Diane Williamson Stoneback, daughter Margaret, Grand Junction, CO, and son, Ian, of Allentown. Also surviving are siblings Roseanne Blackburn, Cheryl Stoneback, and Barry Stoneback.

JEANETTE KADE, 72, of Quakertown died October 3, 2013 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. She was the wife of the late Donald E. Kade. She was a teller for Quakertown National Bank before retiring. Jeanette was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Richlandtown.She is survived by two sons Steven Kade (Suzanne) of Quakertown, and Jeffrey Kade (Shannon) of

~Obituaries~

Telford. A sister Karen Heimbach (Ted) of Richlandtown. Seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

PETER J. “PETE” BARNA, 69, of Quakertown, died Fri. Oct. 4 in St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital. Husband of the late Catherine M. (Dougherty) Barna. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of Ethel (Horwatt) Barna, Phila. and the late John Barna.

Pete served with the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Surviving with his mother, sons, Eric, wife Julie, of Evans GA and Scott, wife Amanda, Sellersville, grandchildren Ruby Rose and Cole Patrick.

CRAIG D. BILGER, JR., 36, of Quakertown died October 5, 2013. Born in Sellersville, PA he was the son of Craig D. Bilger, Sr. of Phoenixville and the late Barbara (Brown) Bilger. In addition to his father he is survived by a daughter Autumn Jackson, a sister Bobbi Jo, maternal grandmother Shirley A. Knowles, three aunts Deb Curley, Dee Gouchenour, and Kathy Brown. Step mother Lorraine Bilger, two nephews, and a niece.

RORY P. GRUSHESKI, 35, of Hilltown died on October 9, 2013 at Lehigh Valley Hospital with his loving parents by his side.

Born in Doylestown he was the son of Robert & Roberta “Bobby” (Deacon) Grusheski. He was last employed as a helicopter mechanic at Carson Helicopter’s in Hilltown. Rory was an avid soccer player playing from a young age through high school and becoming the youngest soccer coach in the Deep Run Soccer Association. In addition to his loving parents he is survived by two daughters, Ireland Deirdre and Marley Dylan. Aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews and dear friends Carla and Kara. He was predeceased in death by a brother Colin.

OPHELIA IVORY JAMES, infant child of Evan James & Crystal Young died at birth on October 16, 2013 in Lehigh Valley HospitalCedar Crest. In addition to her parents she is survived by maternal grandparents Deborah & Richard Young, Paternal grandparents Loretta & Jeff James. Maternal great grandmother Janice Cassler, and paternal great grandparents Dorothy & Kenneth James.

DOROTHY D. YODER, 57 of Quakertown died October 17, 2013. Born in Sellersville,

she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Emma (Gaugler) Krammes. Dorothy’s love of sales led her to a successful career in advertising sales. She was a member of the First U.C.C. in Quakertown. Dorothy enjoyed and loved music, dancing and cooking. Survivors: She is survived by a son, William R. Yoder (Stacy) of Quakertown; a daughter, Yvonne N. Kutyna (Edward) of Red Hill; and a granddaughter, Aubrey. She will also be missed by her Goldendoodle, Sammy. Memorial contributions can be made to Bucks County SPCA, 60 Reservoir Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951.

MARY D. EVANS, 90, of Lansdale died October 17, 2013 in Golden Living Center, Lansdale. She was the wife of the late Howard W. Evans. Born in Lambertville, NJ she was the daughter of the late Emilio & Lucy (Russo) Dilione. She is survived by two sons Howard of Quakertown and Edward of Middletown, Delaware.

Three Sisters Gerry of New York, Gloria of Flemington, NJ, and Vivian of Baptistown, NJ. Two grandsons Brett and Damon Evans.

JOSEPH C. LYNN, 85, of Quakertown died October 18, 2013 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Nora (O’Sullivan) Lynn. They were married 58 years in July. He retired in 1988 after 33 years of service as a flight engineer for TWA. He was a member of the former Richlandtown Lions Club where he served as a past president.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Joseph was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Joseph Clarence (Linda), Paul (Kelley) and Kathleen Lynn all of Quakertown, Patricia Howells (David) of Coopersburg, Kevin of Los Angeles, CA, and Rose Marie Sweeney (Albert) of Marion, MT. Six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

EUGENE J. “GENE” DROOGAN, 76, of Perkiomenville formerly of Milford Twsp., Bucks County died October 19, 2013 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem.

He was the husband of Marjorie A. (Hume) Droogan. They were married 55 years in April. He retired in 2007 as the Proprietor of the former Gene’s Used Auto Parts and Repair, Pennsburg.He was car enthusiast and a member of MANDRA, Wicked Effects Car Club, and the Del Val Winnies.

Gene was a U.S. Air Force Veteran serving during the Korean War. In addition to his wife he is survived by his four children Eugene J. Droogan, Jr. and his wife Suzanne

of Quakertown, Maureen A. Weil and her husband Dennis of East Greenville, Patrick B. Droogan of Colorado, and Kathleen M. Droogan of Ocean City, MD. Ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

BETTY JANE DOUTHIT, 84, of East Greenville died October 22, 2013 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. She was the wife of the late George M. Douthit. She was a former member of the Eastern Star. Betty enjoyed Bingo and going to the Casinos. She is survived by two sons Brian Charles of East Greenville, and Lawrence Lee (Wendy) of Lehighton. A brother Walter Santee, Jr. of Danielsville, a sister Sandy Masusock (Phil) of Aston, PA. Three granddaughters Amanda, Cathleen, and Sara. She is also survived by several nieces, two that are very dear to her heart Heather Santee, and Karen Masusock. Predeceased by a son Michiel Duane.

HAROLD R. REICHENBACH, 88, of Quakertown, died October 24 in the Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke’s. He was the wife of Emma (Wright) Reichenbach for 66 years. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Irvin and Maggie (Shelly) Reichenbach. He was a member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Quakertown.

He served in the Navy during WWII. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a glass cutter at Delbar, Inc., Perkasie for 30 years.

He was predeceased by a son, Gary; brother, Irvin Jr.; sisters, Mildred Weidamoyer and Dorothy Lesher.

Gregory “Greg” Dean White of Quakertown, died Sun. Oct. 27, 2013, at his home. He was 54.

Greg was born in Abington, the son of Jeremiah, Sr. and Eleanor White. He was a lifelong resident of Bucks County. He graduated from Central Bucks High School East (1977); worked for GM in Linden N.J; became a highly skilled carpenter; was member of The Heavy Highway Steel Workers Union Local 15253; and a drummer who played both at church and in local bands.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Ana “Cookie” (Velazquez); his son Gregory Luis; his brothers Jeremiah, Allen “Larry”, Zachary; his sisters Annette (Miller) and Gail (Manz); his father-in-law Angel Luis Velazquez and mother-in-law Ana Maria Velazquez; sisters-in-law, Margie Stevens, Candi Velazquez; Barbara Bryan and Pam White; brother-in-law Irvin Miller and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and his loyal canine, Dingo.

Pennridge “Pink Out 2013” Raises $3,412.25

Pennridge High School students present proceeds from “Pink Out” to Grand View Hospital. (left-right) Noah Lare, student council member; Joe Firuta, student council member, event coordinator; Kim Oates, RT, mammography coordinator at GVH; Kathy Burkey, RN, MSN, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient services; and Evan Kerr, student council member.) submitted photo

November 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Christ Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday services at 8am and 11am, Visitors and new members always welcome!

Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Pastor: Ron Kohl, Sr. Pastor September - May: 9am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10am Morning Worship Service, 6:30pm 2nd & 4th Sundays are small group meetings, 6:30pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays Evening Worship

Church of the Incarnation (Anglican-Episcopal) 44 S. 8th Street, Quakertown 215-538-3787 Andores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Wednesday 10:00am

Good News Church 424 Juniper Street, Quakertown 215-536-4393 www.gnciv.org Pastor: David Mackey, Jr. Sunday service & childrens church 10:30am Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm. Friendly, Biblebased, Christ-centered, Spirit-led Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 2966 Old Bethlehem Pike, Zionhill 215-536-7288 pastor@zion-zionhill.org Pastor: James Saboe Sunday School all ages 9:00am, Worship services 10:15am, We at Zion invite all to worship and fellowship with us.

Evangel Assembly of God 401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Where God’s Love Changes Lives MorningStar Moravian Church 234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg 610-282-1908 coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Lance Fox Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.

Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: Harper Turney 10:00am Sunday Eucharist St. John’s Lutheran Church 4 South Main Street, Richlandtown 215-536-5027 secretary@sjrpa.org www. sjrpa.org Pastor: Susan Sosnin Sunday morning worship at 9:30am with holy communion first and third Sundays of the month. Sunday school 8:30am Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville 215-257-7244 rvucc.pastor@verizon.net www.ridgevalleyucc.org Pastor: Rev. Steve Myren We are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith. Worship: Sundays 9:30am. Ridge Valley: Growing Together in God’s Love.

The Gathering (at the Barn) 24 Greentop Road, Sellersville 215-529-6824 tomdaugherty@live.com www.thegatheringchristianfellowship.com Pastor: Tom Daugherty

First United Methodist Church 501 Market Street, Perkasie 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie@verizon.net Pastor: Steward Warner Mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, Have a positive impact on our community and world.

St. John’s Lutheran Church 19 South 10th Street, Quakertown 215-536-3593 stjohnsquak@verizon.net www.stjohnsquak.org Pastor: Ray Miller Sunday Worship 8 and 10:30am, Sunday School 9:15am. Welcoming, Reaching Out, Serving. Elevator available Trinity Great Swamp UCC 9150 Spinnerstown Road, Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis / Matt Gorkos Sunday worship services 8am (Communion 1st Sunday of month) and 10:30am, 9:15 Sunday School classes for all ages (PreKAdult) & family activities Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9 am traditional services, 10:15am Sunday School, 11am contemporary service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Kidspiration Services.

Holy Spirit Anglican Church 1133 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield 215-453-7452 rtutton@verizon.net www.holyspiritanglicanhatfield.org Pastor: Rev. Robert Tutton We are a traditional conservative Evangelical Christian church.

Pennridge Christian Fellowship 720 Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen 215-257-7309 kallebach@pennridgecf.org www.pennridgecf.org Pastor: Thomas Vargis Sunday worship 10:30am, Sunday School after song service for infants to age 12.

Wed evenings 7pm with prayer, crossroads youth and (Sept-April) boys and girls clubs.

Everyone is welcome.

Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown 215-538-7555 Clerks: Kathy Redding, Jack Schick Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice over 300 years in Quakertown. Join us 10:30am Sundays

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

Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 215-529-5422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry during all services, Student ministry 6pm, Celebrate Recovery Weds 7pm, Divorce Care Thurs 7pm, EastWest Cafe open before & after services. Free coffee.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie 215-795-2965 office@kellerschurch.org www.kellerschurch.org Pastor: Robert E. Mitman Worship 7:45 & 10:15am, Sunday School 9am, Koinonia Cafe 8:30pm, Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Children’s Church 2nd & 4th Sunday

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Pastor: Rev. Patti Thomas 8am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9am Sunday School (all ages), 10:15am Worship in Sanctuary, Crossroads 1st Sunday of month 9am in Fellowship Hall

November is a Time for Remembrance and Thanksgiving November. The time of transition between fall and winter – cool but not real cold, maybe an early snow, the last of the leaves falling off the trees, lawn care stuff put away in favor of the winter stuff. Longer nights

and shorter days.

We celebrate Veterans’ Day in November, and say a big “thank you” to all the men and women who have served our nation in times of war and peace. We also set our clocks back one hour in November. Election Day falls in November, as well. This year, Hanukkah begins in November, but Advent does not.

November is the month my mother, and her mother, were both born, on the same date, twenty years apart. They’re both gone now, so November can be a little sad for me, as I take time to remember my Mom and my Nana.

But all that being said, I would guess that for most of us, November is all about one thing – Thanksgiving Day. Parades, football, turkey, stuffing (and getting stuffed!), pie, that weird green bean casserole thing your aunt always made that you had to eat but really didn’t like. For me, it also meant pickled herring and lutefisk (basically cod fish cured in lye and soaked in a white sauce – it’s as awful as it sounds, but we Swedes have to have it) and, to make up for it, and all the hot turkey sandwiches I could eat.

At least for me, November is a month of remembering. Remembering Mom and Nana, remembering wonderful dinners (and some not-so-wonderful dinners), remembering meeting Lynette’s family for the first time, and lots of other memories, many of them very sweet, funny, and cherished.

I hope November brings back those kind of cherished memories for you, too. Memories of good time, funny times, sacred time, with family and friends, memories that come back each year, memories that bring a smile to your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

Memories lead me to the other thing November means to me (and you, too, I hope) – giving thanks. Not just on the last Thursday

of the month, but every day of the month. I am so thankful for the love, the wisdom, the joy given me by family, the fact that I had a close, loving family to remember.

I am thankful for the new family November introduced me to, and the love I have received from them over the years, too. I’m thankful that I can feast on Thanksgiving Day, but I am also thankful I can find ways to help those who can’t feast to have food and shelter, warmth and caring nevertheless, not just on the holiday, but every other day, too.

I am thankful to have a wonderful congregation to serve, even as I am thankful to have served the other congregations I was at before St. Luke’s. I am thankful for my beautiful wife and child. I am thankful that I live a nation that allows me to worship and live and speak freely.

What are you thankful for this November?

I hope it is a very long list! And I hope that you will express that thanks every day, to those whom you know and love, to those who mean something special to you, to whoever causes you to be thankful.

And mostly, I hope we will all be thankful to God, who is the source of all the good things we have, all the blessings we have received, and all the love we have received.

True thanksgiving begins with God, centers on God, and ends on God, because all that we have has its origins in God. Which is why I hope you all make time to be at worship this month, on Sunday mornings, and also at an area Thanksgiving Eve worship service. We need to make God the center of our thankfulness, the center of our giving thanks, the center of our thanksgiving.

To make November, and the whole year, truly memorable, we need to commit ourselves to an attitude of gratitude, towards God, and towards all those who share our life, who make our life special, who have influenced and blessed us in the past.

May this November bring you many new and precious memories, and may this November awaken in all of us a deeper sense of thankfulness and gratitude every day of our lives.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • November 2013

5K Race Emphasizes Quakertown History by michele buono

“Berret, Seis, Gehen!” called out “John Fries” and the inaugural run of the Fries Rebellion 5K began. The approximately 100 racers were eager to be off. The race began and ended on Main Street in Quakertown in front of the new Upper Bucks Visitors Center.

Race organizer and avid runner Rachel Kave was inspired to make this 5K race happen because there are not many races in the area. She also wanted to bring Quakertown’s history to this race and make it more accessible to people. The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce agreed and helped to make the race happen.

UBCC Executive Director Tara King said that helping with the 5K was a natural fit, “ The Chamber of Commerce, The Quakertown Historical Society, and the Visitors Center – it’s a win-win-win.”

“John Fries,” also known as Dick Helm, is

happy to have more people learn about early Quakertown history. You may recognize Dick as a Free Press contributor whose columns focus on growing up during the 40s , 50s, and 60s, but he also has a passion for the earlier history of Upper Bucks.

The Fries Rebellion 5K benefits two well-known local organizations, Pride of Quakertown and Quakertown Soccer Club.

RACE WINNERS

Overall Mens Justin O’Brien Overall Womens Kelly Calabria Ages 20-29 Michael Slinko Christina Slekovac Ages 30-39 Fred Kehoe

Lisa Barella Ages 40-49 Rob Gallagher Tara Tobin Ages 50-59 Dean Dimmig Tammy Suyematsu Ages 60-69 Walter Camuso