Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026

2 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? December 31 New Year’s Eve January 1, 2026 Happy New Year! New Year’s Day Bingo, 12noon-3pm at Tylersport Fire Co, 125 Ridge Rd. $35/ adv, $40/door. Cash prizes, door prizes, raffles, food, more. Call 215-257-5900 Ext 0 (zero). January 2 Lehigh Valley Zoo visits Quakertown Library 2pm-2:45pm in large meeting room. Interactive show with live animals. No registration but space is limited. Info: 215-536-3306 “Notorious” free movie matinee every Friday 2pm-4pm at Perkasie Library, 491 Arthur Ave. Peanut-free crunchy snacks & beverages in lidded containers are welcome. 215-257-9718 January 3 Pop Up Thrift Shop at Last Chance Ranch, 10 Beck Rd, Quakertown. 10am2pm in the party room above the arena. Lastchanceranch.org January 9 “Double Indemnity” free movie matinee every Friday 2pm-4pm at Perkasie Library, 491 Arthur Ave. Peanut-free crunchy snacks & beverages in lidded containers are welcome. 215-257-9718 “Pride and Prejudice” (a staged reading & performance from the Jane Austen novel) 8pm (doors open 7pm) at DCP Theatre, 795 Ridge Rd, Telford. General admission, donations accepted. Dcptheatre.org for info 215-234-0966 January 10 80’s Trivia Night (by QCHS Baseball Booster Club) 6:30pm-10:30pm at Benner

Hall, 1260 E Cherry Rd, Quakertown. Tickets: $25/adv, $30/door. 484-9198092 or amtaylor1022@yahoo.com. BYOB & Snacks. January 14 Woman’s Club of Indian Valley meets 1pm at Telford Community Building, 125 Hamilton Ave, Telford. Program: “A bit of Local History” by Souderton-Telford Historical Society & Edie Adams. Check out our FB page or call 862-251-3076 “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” free movie matinee every Friday 2pm-4pm at Perkasie Library, 491 Arthur Ave. Peanut-free crunchy snacks & beverages in lidded containers are welcome. 215-257-9718 January 16 & 17 Huge Horse Blanket Sale 10am3pm at Last Chance Ranch, 10 Beck Rd, Quakertown. Amazing selection of horse blankets & other tack. Lastchanceranch.org January 17 ‘Ask a Teen’ Tech Help, 2pm, 3pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St. Help with Word formats, email, laptop, tablet help, social media tips & phone app tutorials. Register: tinyurl.com/askateen or 215-536-3306 January 18 Cash Bingo, open 11:30am, bingo 1pm at Lenape Banquet Hall, 2 N Main St. $30/adv, $35/door if available. Email ladiesaux@sellersvillefd.com for options to buy tickets. No one under 14. Kitchen open. Not a BYOB event. Snow date is January 25.

January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20 Beginner’s Guide to Dungeons and Dragons, 6pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St. Learn basics of character creation, gameplay & storytelling in the legendary role-playing game. 215-536-3306 January 23 “Gaslight” free movie matinee every Friday 2pm-4pm at Perkasie Library, 491 Arthur Ave. Peanut-free crunchy snacks & beverages in lidded containers are welcome. 215-257-9718 January 26 Keystone Quilters Meeting “How Quilters Celebrate Life” 7pm at St. John’s Lutheran Activity Center, 26 1st Ave, Richlandtown. Guest fee $5 by Venmo. ALSO on Zoom at 6:45pm, call 267-261-6202 to register January 30 “The Uninvited” free movie matinee every Friday 2pm-4pm at Perkasie Library, 491 Arthur Ave. Peanut-free crunchy snacks & beverages in lidded containers are welcome. 215-257-9718 January 30 to Feb 1 “Diary of Anne Frank” at DCP Theatre, 795 Ridge Rd, Telford. $20 (Fri 7:30pm) (Sat 7:30pm) (Sun 2pm). Also Feb 6 to 8. Details: dcptheatre.org

January 31 Penny Party 1pm at Quakertown Farmers Market, 201 Station Rd. Funfilled afternoon of ‘regifting madness’. Doors open 12noon in Event Rm 201. Tickets $5 at door for a bag of 100 numbers. Come early, seating limited. “Textiles for the 250th”- Virtual program (for Schwenkfelder Heritage Center). “Fashions of John & Abigail Adams”, “Evidence of Patriotism from the Sewing Box” and more. Register at 215-679-3103 and more info. Alternative Music 101, at 3pm, Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St. Learn about the college-radio era of the ‘80s to the grunge boom of the ‘90s and beyond. Explore how these years shaped modern music. 215-536-3306 17th Annual POQ Bowling Extravaganza, 9:30pm-12midnight at Earl Bowling, 251 N West End Blvd, Quakertown. $150 covers cost of one lane with bowling & shoes for up to 5 people. DJ & Prizes. Visit Prideofquakertown.org for signup. February 6, 7, 8 “Diary of Anne Frank” at DCP Theatre, 795 Ridge Rd, Telford. $20 (Fri 7:30pm) (Sat 2pm & 7:30pm) (Sun 2pm). Details: dcptheatre.org February 7 LCR Trivia Night with DJ Will at Benner Hall, 1260 E Cherry Rd, Quakertown. Open 5pm, Trivia 6pm. $25/ pp up to 8 people per table. Registration required, must be over 21. Info: lastchanceranch.org

Have something to share with your community? info@ubfp.org • fb.com/ubfreepress • 267-529-8915 Upper Bucks Free Press • 582 S. West End Blvd, Ste 2 • Quakertown, PA 18951

Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen Want to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you. Rules for setting up a Roth IRA. If your teen has an earned income, you may be able to set up a Roth IRA for them. For example, if your 15-year-old has earned $7,500 at a summer job, you can set up an account for them up to $7,500 (the maximum annual Roth IRA contribution in 2026). The amount cannot exceed the teen’s income. Keep in mind that the money you contribute to the Roth IRA can count as a gift within your $19,000 yearly gift tax exclusion ($38,000 for a married couple).1 Looking ahead to the future. If money is withdrawn from a Roth IRA before age 59½, a 10% federal tax penalty may apply. There is, however, a notable exception. Up to $10,000 of investment earnings can be taken out of a Roth IRA at any time if the money is used to buy a first home. In this instance, the IRS may waive the early withdrawal penalty. Should your teenager become a parent someday,

a portion of those Roth IRA assets might also be utilized to pay college tuition costs for themself or their child.2,3 This article is for informational purposes only. It's not a replacement for real-life advice, so make sure to consult your tax professional before modifying any Roth IRA strategy. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals also can be taken under circumstances other than first-home purchases, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals. To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, the teenager must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Greater earning potential, thanks to the magic of compound interest. Setting up a Roth IRA for a teenager is a great way to introduce them to basic financial concepts, such as compound interest. Giving your teen a hands-on learning experience may help them understand the value of saving for the future. You may also be facilitating the development of your children’s or grandchildren’s financial habits. There are a few things to consider when

setting up a custodial Roth IRA. Setting up a Roth IRA for a minor is often referred to as a custodial IRA. Until the child is able to take it over, you act as the custodian of the account. Individual state laws determine when the minor child is able to take over management of the Roth IRA for themselves. A tax professional can provide guidance

that may help ensure that you and your minor child are following all federal and state regulations. 1. Investopedia.com, April 30, 2025 2. IRS.gov, 2025; 3. IRS.gov, 2025 This article was submitted by Bob Podraza of Robert James Investments at 1313 West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-583-5013 or at robertjamesinvestments.com

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

January 2026 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 3

A Look at Life Then & Now

“January looks forward to the new year and back to the old year. He sees past and future.” - M. L. Stedman

I recently turned 70 years old. This semi-ancient milestone has caused me to look at life today compared to when I was a younger man. I often read posts on Facebook; about how great the old days were. It’s true, some of the times growing up seem better, at least those when I was a boy. I could stay out all day without worry, play and hitchhike with little danger. Whether all of that was true, or simply ignored/imagined, perhaps I’ll never know. Life did seem simpler and safer, but life was not always what it seemed. In many ways, it was harder and more difficult for most. We have witnessed so many improvements over the past 70 years, that I would much rather live today. Our life expectancy has risen dramatically. More people live into their 80s and 90s today, thanks to better care and healthier living. A big plus for me! Living longer has allowed us to experience more, enjoy more, and take advantage of what life has to offer. Shelli is still heading to the gym seven days a week for an hour, and then coming home and walking 6 to 10 miles with our dog Fritz. Good thing he loves this winter cold. Heart attack prevention and cancer detection are far more advanced. Perhaps my brother Bill would still be alive with our current cancer treatments. Infant mortality has plummeted dramatically, with childbirth being safer for both mothers and babies. Sadly, in the U.S., women of color continue to die at much higher rates during delivery. Smoking has declined tremendously, with massive reductions in lung cancer and heart disease as a result. We are walking more today, but I don’t see too many of us who would “Walk a mile for a camel.” If one does have high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, or high cholesterol, available treatments have improved quality of life for millions.

Organ transplants have become routine. One can argue about technology, but who among us doesn’t appreciate streaming shows and movies whenever we like, taking photos with our phones for instant memories, FaceTime with friends and family, and the Internet with immediate access to information? I recently had to actually go to the camera shop to get some old film developed. What a pain in the neck! Our cars are much safer and reliable today. The only time I have broken down on the side of the road in the past 40 years has been when driving my old 1959 Morris Minor. Going on what was considered a long drive, to Philadelphia for example, required us to check the oil and the water and make sure the tires were inflated properly. Car designs aren’t as great in my opinion, but that’s a small trade off for not having to worry when family is out on a road trip. Shelli laughs that I still love watching the Andy Griffith show. Always have. An episode a few days ago had Andy and his uncle talking about what great mileage he got at 15 miles per gallon. I think Shelli’s Toyota averages 47mpg. And before you start complaining about the price of gas, in 1973 when I started to legally drive (thanks dad for letting me drive at 13) the average gas price was 39¢ a gallon. Commonly quoted figures for 2025 suggest a national average price of $3.29. Adjusting for inflation, that $.39 is in the $3.50 range. Civil rights have expanded widely, although I am extremely worried about today’s political environment pulling back safeguards for minorities, women, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. In some ways, we seem to be going backwards. It’s much easier to be fair and kind. Hate is hard. However, there is definitely one thing that was an advantage in years past. We didn’t buy so much crap that we needed to rent a storage locker to keep it in..

John Schaninger is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and has lived in Upper Black Eddy for over 15 years. Reach him at m12string@aol.com

4 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026

My Annual Wellness Check

First UCC served over 65 of our neighbors today with volunteers from the church, Angels Table, and others from our community who wanted to give back. May we always find reasons to be thankful.

CD Specials 6-Month

9-Month

Relationship Rate

% 3.60 APY

1

Visit QNBbank.com/cd-sale

Relationship Rate

% 3.45

APY 2

Call 800-491-9070

Stop by any of our 12 conveniently located branches Annual Percentage Yield (APY) 3.60% with an Interest Rate of 3.54% is accurate as of 12/11/25. To be eligible for the CD Relationship Rate APY, customers must own a personal QNB checking account in good standing, at the time of CD account opening. APY assumes interest remains on deposit for the entire term. Penalty fees may apply for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. $500 minimum deposit is required to open a CD account and to obtain the APY ($100 minimum for QuiNBy’s CDs). $250,000 maximum deposit limit applies. At maturity, CDs are automatically renewable to a non-promotional 6-month term at the prevailing APY in effect at that time. Checking opening is subject to approval. The offer is available to consumers and excludes IRA, business, trust, and municipal accounts. Limited time offer: we reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time without notice. 2 Annual Percentage Yield (APY) 3.45% with an Interest Rate of 3.39% is accurate as of 12/11/25. To be eligible for the CD Relationship Rate APY, customers must own a personal QNB checking account in good standing, at the time of CD account opening. APY assumes interest remains on deposit for the entire term. Penalty fees may apply for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. $500 minimum deposit is required to open a CD account and to obtain the APY ($100 minimum for QuiNBy’s CDs). $250,000 maximum deposit limit applies. At maturity, CDs are automatically renewable to a non-promotional 9-month term at the prevailing APY in effect at that time. Checking opening is subject to approval. The offer is available to consumers and excludes IRA, business, trust, and municipal accounts. Limited time offer: we reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time without notice. 1

Endless Commercials for Medicare drove me nuts again this year. “December seventh is the deadline!” They announced, ad nauseum. At least this year they didn’t use Joe Namath or ‘Martha’, the crabby, old woman who refused to believe that (if she called immediately), they’d sign her up for the best policies options at the best price. My wife hated Margaret’s voice and attitude. So did I. We were born in 1952 and have been on Medicare for years. Initially, we were confused, like Martha. Miraculously, like a missionary offering light and salvation, a young insurance salesman knocked at our door. We liked him. He gave us the same set-up he gave his father so we trusted him. Now, he’s long gone, onto better things (we hope). But a company representative visits us every year to check in and update our details. We could probably save money with a different company, but we’re lazy and this works fine. Being old enough to get Medicare means we’ve seen tremendous changes in the medical field in our lives. Now, instead of Dr. Stanley Moyer operating out of his home on Juniper Street, my ‘primary physician’ (PP), works with a group of doctors in office complex in what used to be the Quakertown Hospital. There are specialists nearby and medicines available for every ailment or condition. Now, there’s diagnostic equipment that would be magic or sci-fi when I was a kid. Artificial Intelligence coordinates and correlates the data, reminds me of appointments, and forwards all the details to the government. Under Medicare my PP checks me over twice annually. One is a special ‘Wellness Check’ investigation. He looks over information I bring in, like hometaken blood pressures and prescription complaints. If I have concerns or aliments, or if he discovers a problem during my physical examination, he prescribes tests or refers me to a specialist (referrals are needed before Medicare will pay). Part of the Wellness report is a long list of questions. Some are medical but some are more ‘social’ or ‘lifestyle’ questions. Some ‘leading’ questions are looking for something, like “Do you feel safe at home?” or “Have you fallen recently?” That one worried me this year. I had fallen, twice! I’m a bit paranoid about ‘Big Brother’. If I’m diagnosed with a ‘falling problem’, Medicare, my supplemental insurance company, the Dept of Transportation, Social Security, the NSA, even my daughter who works for the FBI could find out about it [Her mother would probably tell her, anyway]. In the past few decades, my dexterity has diminished (arthritis), my endurance is reduced (heart attack), and my memory ain’t what it used to be. Surprise, surprise, I’m a grandfather! I didn’t want to tell him, about my falls but I’m a Quaker and had to. When my dog Peyton got too old to hop onto my bed, he found spots on the floor around the house to sleep at night. To the Wellness Check question, “How many

times a night do you get up to pee?” I’d answered, “Usually, just once.” It was on one of those 3am trips, that I had my first fall. I headed for the front bathroom but the night light usually on in the hall was off. I knew the way and charged along. On the floor in the bathroom doorway, an indistinguishable shadow that I sleepily ignored, was Peyton stretched out sleeping. I stepped squarely on him. He yelped and scrambled. I stumbled and grabbed the towel rack as I flew forward. It tore loose from the wall deflecting my arc of fall. My ribs slammed into the toilet bowl knocking it loose from the floor and my head thumped the edge of the bathtub. It was clattering commotion but the groaning and (non-Quaker-like), swearing about (what I thought was) broken ribs woke the wife. They weren’t broken, just bruised with one separated at the sternum. I’d been there done that, and knew I’d be sore a while. My head didn’t even have a lump, so no medical attention was required. Like any man who’s been married over 50 years, I blamed my wife for forgetting to turn on the nightlight, since she retired last. But also: I was healed by the time we drove the RV to California. Then, somewhere along I-90 in Wyoming, I’d been napping in the back during the wife’s driving shift. She sometimes forgets that, when it’s full of gasoline, groceries, supplies and two people, the van weighs over 10,000 pounds. I visited the toilet, got a bottle of water from the frig, and was groggily making my way forward to the copilot’s seat. She underestimated distance again and was forced to (not quite) slam on the brakes. Standing, unprepared, and subject to Isaac Newton’s physical laws of motion and the Doppler Effect, I flew forward. My ‘bad ribs’ impacted the fold-out dining table, and ripped it from the wall with a crash. My cheek impacted the driver’s arm rest as I flopped to the floor. She glanced down at my grimaced face as i blinked up at her past the cup-holders and said, “Sorry, are you okay?” As I struggled into my seat and buckled up, I groaned, rubbed my ‘re-popped’ rib, and hostilely reminded her that the van weighed five tons. I was just bruised, again. I was healed up again before my Wellness Check. I debated if I should admit to the falls and risk some sort of medical intervention. But then, I had another ‘accident’. I was stiff from our cross-country drive and scheduled a massage. While the Asian woman was hanging on bars in the ceiling and walking up and down my back there was a loud crack. My rib cartilage ‘popped’ again. I winced when my PP probed me so I ended up telling him the falling stories. He prescribed: 1) Pay more attention at home in the dark, 2) No walking around when the vehicle’s moving, and 3) No more women tramping grapes on my back. I was relieved he didn’t recommend I see a specialist or have me turn in my driver’s license... yet. Jack Schick is a long time Quakertown area resident and regular contributor here at

UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com

January 2026 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 5

Big Value in Bob Ross Paintings of Happy Trees My uncle Frank, now 97 years young, introduced me to artist/broadcaster Bob Ross (1942-1995) when I was a kid. Growing up, my uncle Frank was the craftsmen of craftsmen. He could fix a leaky toilet, repair the garage door opener, repurpose an old office chair, carve duck decoys, and build a garden gazebo. Like many of his generation, he didn’t have much, so he had to learn how to make functional and fun things. He enjoyed “his hobbies” as he called them and would always have a craft project for me, my siblings, and my cousins prepared to keep us entertained. It was fun to make something in his workshop and take it home to show Mom—a wooden spoon, a figurine made of rocks, or a Christmas ornament. Uncle Frank is a talented guy and liked to share his enjoyment of crafting. When it came to painting, my uncle Frank and other crafters learned to paint from TV’s longtime on-camera art teacher, Bob Ross. Ross’s PBS show The Joy of Painting boasted 403 episodes. The show aired from January 1983 to May 1994. And, after years of doing in-home appraisals all over the country, I know that many people have a painting or two tucked away that they produced based on the instruction offered during Ross’s TV show. Many amateur artists report that they made a painting in front of the TV following along with Ross. There are a multitude of landscape paintings all over America featuring mountains, sunsets, and Ross’s infamous “happy trees”. These resulting amateur paintings are part of Americana just like Norman Rockwell’s images of children or Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings. What was considered kitchy art for decades by the art market is now selling for record prices at auction. At Bonhams auction house, two early 1990s Ross landscapes exceeded market expectations and estimated auction values. New records were set for the artist with Lake below Snow-Capped Peaks and Cloudy Sky

bringing $114,800 and Lake below SnowCovered Mountains and Clear Sky which sold for $95,750. Ross’s art has been enjoying a surge of interest at auctions around the country with examples of his paintings selling in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Ross was highly prolific, producing thousands of paintings in his wet-on-wet technique, known to art experts as alla prima, over his short lifetime. Today, Ross paintings are sought after, and thrift store shoppers are looking for them with vigor. Why is Ross getting such attention now? Resale value is important and there is an abundance of flippers in the online art market aiding Ross’s market rise. What’s coming next? The sale of Bob Ross style landscape paintings made by art enthusiasts commanding lower values than an authentic Ross painting but still getting more money for a copycat than one might think. In my experience, the most difficult aspect of an artist’s career has been achieved with Ross… that is, widespread positive promotion and collecting desire from the younger generation. Ross has something equally attractive to collectors: Nostalgia. Everybody knows Ross and recognizes his paintings. A large sector of Americans watched Ross’s PBS show. And, from my experience as a market insider, art historian, and appraiser, I know that the paintings produced “a la Ross” exist in homes all over the US. And since demand in the art market is about nostalgia now, these paintings attract buyers in great numbers. A new generation of collectors are poised to paint their own 21st century “happy trees” and sell the authentic Bob Ross paintings that are bound to pop up in the art market for a tidy profit. Ph.D. art and antiques appraiser, YouTube star with 75 million views on her channel www.

YouTube.com/DrLoriV , and award-winning media personality, Dr. Lori Verderame presents her popular Antiques Appraisal Comedy Tour nationwide. She appears on Netflix, History channel, and CBS & ABC networks. Want to know what your stuff is worth? Visit www. DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.

Think Local. Eat Local. Be Local. UBCTS Hosts Annual Santa Breakfast

The Upper Bucks County Technical School hosted their annual Santa Breakfast. Food was prepared and served by the culinary arts students. The event raises funds for FFA and the Culinary Arts program. photo by michele buono

Rolling Into History: Quakertown Bowling Eyes Another SOL Title BY JULIA SKARBOWSKI The bowling team has been one of the most successful teams in Quakertown sports, with a history of consistency, and championship success, over the years, both the girls’ and boys’ teams have established themselves as dominant forces in the SOL American League, and this season they are once again aiming for the top again. The origin of the bowling team, started by Nicole Walker of Northampton County was a smaller, lesser-known program, but through dedication and strong leadership, it quickly grew. What began as a group of students with a shared interest in bowling has turned into a program defined by discipline, teamwork, and winning traditions. As the years passed, the team continued to improve, gaining respect across the league. The girls’ bowling team has made his-

tory by winning back-to-back SOL championships, proving their ability to perform under pressure and maintain excellence year after year. Over the past two years the girls have had a total of only 3 losses out of almost 130 games. The boys’ bowling team has been just as impressive, capturing an incredible threepeat by winning the SOL championship for the past three years in a row. This level of dominance reflects the program’s depth and strong foundation. Even with graduating seniors, the boys’ team continues to reload rather than rebuild, welcoming new freshmen who are ready to contribute while veteran leaders guide the team. As both teams have emerged it’s time for some new faces to join the legacy. With a total of 7 seniors for the class of 2026 Coach Allen Hunsicker looks to grow his team with new bowlers and keep the legacy he has honed throughout the years.

The QCHS Girls Bowling Team finished with the championship win over the first seeded Wilson High School team at the Blizzard Bowl Tournament on December 27. submitted photo

6 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026

~Obituaries~

Marianne Patricia Benner, 78, of Coopersburg, PA died on November 19th, 2025. Born in Bethlehem, PA, Marianne was the daughter of the late Michael S. Kramer and the late Mary A. Kramer (Timko). Marianne attended Bethlehem Catholic High School and graduated in 1964. Marianne loved her family deeply and cherished the time spent with them camping, going to the beach, traveling, watching their various sporting events and above all else, just spending time together as a family. Marianne will be dearly missed by her husband, John, together they spent 54 loving years of marriage together; her three sons, Michael and spouse Suzanne (Katzbeck), Matthew and Ryan; her granddaughters, Mikaela and Chloe; her brother, Michael Kramer and spouse Donna (Soltysiak) along with her extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, Marianne is predeceased, at birth, by her daughter Casey Ann. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).

in their home or tending to the large garden. Even while caring for her husband, whom she affectionately called "Boss", Beulah's commitment to those around her never wavered. When she wasn't in the kitchen cooking, canning, or baking, Beulah could be found crocheting intricate doilies and baby blankets, working on word searches, or enjoying an occasional trip to the casino to play the slot machines. Beulah had a special love for angels, and those who knew her best would say she was an angel herself—placed in our lives to demonstrate the true meaning of sacrifice, giving, and unconditional care for others. Her legacy of love, hard work, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Interment will be in Trinity Great Swamp Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made--in Beulah's memory--to the Quakertown Food Pantry. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.

Beulah A. Calabrette, 103, of Richlandtown, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Born on July 19, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Mabel (Heintzelman) Trumbower, wife of the late Pasquale Calabrette, and mother of the late Raymond H. Nice, wife Patricia. Beulah is survived by her daughters: Rosemarie Haas and her husband Harold, along with their children Sherry, Howie, and Laura; and Patricia Golla, with her children Chris and Jessica. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her siblings Henry Charles Trumbower, Anna Crouthamel, and Mary S. Frey. Throughout her remarkable 103 years, Beulah embodied the true spirit of selfless devotion. She was the heart and center of her family, faithfully bringing everyone together on Sundays with an abundance of food and warm companionship. Her kitchen table was a gathering place where no one ever left hungry—or without having sampled her legendary homemade pasta, meatballs, shoofly pie, lemon meringue pie, or pizzelles. A woman of extraordinary work ethic and dedication, Beulah spent her youth assisting her parents with the family farm and their sexton duties at Trinity Great Swamp UCC Church. She worked as a sewing machine operator in various clothing factories for over 44 years, and devotedly supported her husband's business by preparing lunch daily for all his workers

Mary Lou Dando, 77, of Sellersville, passed away on December 16, 2025. She was born in Philadelphia on June 19, 1948 to the late Francis and Phylliss (Hussey) Pellegrino. Mary Lou was the loving wife of the late James Charles Dando for 41 years until his passing in 2010. Mary Lou was an avid reader, and always enjoyed watching Phillies games. She loved dogs, including, but certainly not limited to Tiffany, Shelby, Casey, Bailey, Thunder, and Skye. She was an Army wife, and would become a regular supporter of veteran charities. Mary Lou is survived by her daughters Michelle Yocom (Jeff) and Deborah Renee Dando (Joe); grandchildren Elizabeth, Emily, Jason, and RJ; brother Dennis Pellegrino (Karen); sister-in-law Irene Pellegrino; brother-in-law Ken Dando (Sue); and many other loving family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents and brother Franny Pellegrino. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Barbara J. Dewitt, 72, of Richland Township, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Born on February 24, 1953, in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Shirley M. (Schive) Bittenbender. A graduate of Salisbury High School’s Class of 1971, she went on to enter the workforce before becoming a homemaker. She found joy in playing the lottery, shopping, cats, baking, knitting, crocheting, and traveling to Jamaica. Her great-

est pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren. Barbara was a member of the Eastern Star and the past president of the Cedarettes. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister: Judy Sterner. Barbara will be lovingly remembered by her husband of thirty-eight years: Keith “Chip” Dewitt, Sr., to whom she wed on August 29, 1987; sons: Barry Brown (Rebecca) and Keith Dewitt, Jr. (Jenna); daughters: Krista Bose (Robert), Kelly Marzullo (Antonino), and Amanda Grim (Lawrence); brother: Robert Bittenbender, Jr. (Su); sister: Lois Douglass; grandchildren: Devin Brown (Sarah Boring), Nathaniel Brown, Emily Bose, Kendell Dewitt, Rowan Brown, Carina Marzullo, Allison Dewitt, Nico Marzullo, Noah Bose, Kylie Bose, Hadley Grim, Leland Grim, and Alessio Marzullo. She is also survived by her adopted mother: Arlene Baringer; and her adopted son: Antonio (Marianne). A visitation will be held at the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 821 West Broad Street, Quakertown, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00am until the time of the memorial service—in the funeral home—at 11:00am. Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

George Clinton Dungan, 91, of Limerick, PA, died on December 9th, 2025. Born in Sioux Falls, SD, George was the son of the late Earl Lucian Dungan and the late Theresa May Dungan (Reeves). George is predeceased by his wife, E. Maureen Dungan (Powers), together they spent 61 loving years of marriage together. George is also predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen Marie Dungan. George will be dearly missed his children, George Clinton Dungan II (Josie Piccolo Dungan), Kurt Joseph Dungan (Patricia Dungan), Kathleen Marie Dungan (deceased), Mark David Dungan (Diane), and Michael John Dungan (Marianne); his grandchildren, George Clinton Dungan III (Britta), Joseph Patrick Dungan (Krysten), Nicole Renee Dungan, Max David Dungan, Jack Michael Dungan, Sarah Elizabeth Gevers (Carlo), Shane David Dungan, Michaela Elizabeth Dungan, Katelyn McKenna Dungan, Sean Michael Dungan; and his great-grandchild, Cameron George Dungan. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com) Dean Eisenhart, 60, of Kintnersville, passed away suddenly, on top of a mountain, doing what he loved, on November 30, 2025. He was born in Allentown on January 4, 1965 to James and Joan (Sharp) Eisenhart. Dean was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He was a general contractor for most of his life, and although he did just about anything, he excelled in cabinet making and finish carpentry. Dean loved to travel, and went all over the continent with one of his hunting buddies, Ed Grader. He was wonderful to his family, and a great friend to many. Dean will be greatly missed. Dean is survived by his parents; brother Brian Eisenhart (Donna); nephew Lukas; niece Grace; and many other loving family and friends. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Philip Fermier, 80, of Reading, PA, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Reading Hospital. Born on April 28, 1945, in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Philip C. and Betty

(Matthews) Fermier, Jr. A graduate of Methacton High School, in Collegeville, he entered the United States Navy in 1964 through 1968, serving as a radio operator on the USS Parsons and the USS McCormic on three tours of duty to the South China Sea. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Phil began a lengthy career as an insurance agent. Outside of work, he took pleasure in reading—especially books pertaining to history—bicycling, and listening to smooth Jazz music. Philip will be lovingly remembered by two brothers: David (Sylvia)and Alan (Connie) Fermier; and nieces and nephews: Alison, Thomas, Andrew, David Jr., Adam, Jason, and Jamon. Services will be private. Interment will take place in Wentz’s United Church of Christ in Worchester Township. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown. John Charles Flynn, 88, of Quakertown, passed away on December 11, 2025. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 23, 1937 to the late John and Agnes (Roeser) Flynn. John was the loving husband of Virginia (Hazlin) Flynn for 63 years. He was a math teacher for his entire working life, including 38 years at Jenkintown High School. John studied oil and watercolor painting and created many beautiful pieces at home. He loved to maintain the vegetable garden in his backyard and preserved the food to be enjoyed all year. John was a devoted father to his two loving daughters. John is survived by his wife Virginia; daughters Anne Haag (Stephen) and Susan Flynn; siblings James Flynn (Britt) and Jane Banik; nieces; nephews; and many other loving family and friends. John is predeceased by his parents and sister Eileen Bricker. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Raymond Walter Frank, age 72, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Born in Allegheny County, PA, he was the son of Raymond Frank and Rosemary Fagan. Raymond graduated from Pennsbury High School in 1970. He was a Quality Control Technician for The Rodon Group. Raymond was an avid reader who surrounded himself with books. Fishing trips to Canada, seeing the newest Marvel movies in theaters, and going swimming at the local public pool were his favorite ways to relax. He was a juggler, practiced Tai Chi, and enjoyed delving into the mythic and mysterious. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia Sewak. He is survived by two daughters, Caitlin Frank, and Keeley Frank and her husband, Jerry Barney; two nieces, Crystal Richard, and Trisha Sewak; and one nephew, Michael John Sewak. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Wayne C. Heist, Jr., 88, of Riegelsville, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on July 25, 1937, in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Wayne C. and Mary L. (Walp) Heist, Sr. A graduate of Quakertown High School’s Class of 1955, Wayne was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in post-war Korea. He received

January 2026 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 7

~Obituaries~

his Honorable Discharge in 1962. While Wayne held various construction jobs through the years, his professional goal was reached when he successfully became the owner/operator of Buck Valley Builders—a role he held until his retirement. He was a member of Grace Church in Bethlehem; and was an active member of a men’s bible study. For Wayne, carpentry wasn’t just a job—it was a hobby, which he could often be found enjoying at home up until the last six months of his life. Additionally, he took joy in playing cards, tending to his vegetable garden in his younger years, and reading (quite avidly). Above all, though, family was most important to him. Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-three years: Joan (Wood) Heist; two daughters: Dr. Auburn Heist, DVM and Gwen D. Heist; his sister: Thelma L. Goodhart; and his extended family of nieces and nephews. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.

Teagan Celeste Herman, 17, of Quakertown, PA, died on November 28th, 2025. Born in Sellersville, PA, Teagan was the daughter of Richard Herman and Shannan Herman (Byrnes). Teagan will be profoundly missed by her parents, Richard and Shannan; her older brother, Nate; her paternal grandparents, Joan (Holmes) and Gary Brimager; her maternal grandmother, Lisa (Irwin) Byrnes; her uncle Brian Byrnes, uncle Patrick & aunt Jamie (Minnick) Byrnes, and aunt Cindy Herman; her boyfriend, Will Ruckeleschel; her best friends, Reese Gordon, Gabby Benner, Taylor Emberger, Liz Sanchez, Sophia Talarico, and Charlotte Jessup; her 2 dogs, Cappy and Kirby; her four cats, Marble, Smokey, Alfred, and Faris; along with her extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Robert P. Herman, her maternal grandmother, Maureen “Bunny” (Raquet) Byrnes and her maternal grandfather, F. Patrick Byrnes, Sr. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Wayne Kelchner, 70, of Quakertown, passed away suddenly on November 26, 2025. He was born in Palmerton, PA, on August 24, 1955 to Janet (Fritzinger) Kelchner and the late Carl W. Kelchner. Wayne was the loving husband of Joann (Miller) Kelchner for 26 years. He was a stone mason almost his entire life, starting as a teenager. Wayne was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed getting out on the water in a boat, canoe, or kayak. He was also an avid coin collector his entire life. Wayne is survived by his wife Joann; mother Janet; daughter Courtney Cerep (James Norton Jr.); grandchildren Kyarra Hutchins & Xzavier Norton; siblings Karlene Laub (Bob), Warren Kelchner (Diane), Tim Kelchner (Kristin Stires), Ed Kelchner (Tracy); nieces; nephews; and many other loving family and friends. He is predeceased by his father Carl; and brother Peter. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Barbara Ann Keller, 82, of Quakertown, PA, died on November 20th, 2025. Born in Hagerstown, MD, Barbara was the daughter of the late Lloyd T. Guessford and the late Connie M. Bright (Cassano). Barbara attended Saucon Valley High School and graduated in 1961. Barbara served on the Parks and

Recreation Board of Richland Township and in 2007 received Volunteer of the Year from Richland Township. She also served as a publicly elected Judge of Elections for Richland Township. Barbara was an active member at Community Baptist Church and taught a kindergarten Sunday School class for many years. Barbara will be dearly missed by her husband, Maynard. Together they spent 60 loving years of marriage together; her children, Maynard (Rachel) and David (Renee), her grandchildren, John (Jordan), Daniel (Joyous), Joseph, Sarah, Priscilla, Jordana Mann (Tyler), and Cheyemma. She also has five great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).

LeRoy E. Kline, Jr., 90, of Quakertown, PA, died on October 11th, 2025, in his home. Born in Quakertown, LeRoy was the son of the late LeRoy Kline Sr. and the late Helen (Novak) Kline. LeRoy attended St. Isidore Catholic School before graduating from Quakertown Community High School in 1953. He also served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. After high school, LeRoy started working at Eagle Shirt Company in Quakertown. There he joined the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America and served as a Delegate to their 1966 convention in Atlantic City. LeRoy met his future spouse, Eloise Pfeifer at Eagle Shirt Company. They would marry in 1968 and settle on California Road in Richland Township. They were married for 31 years. LeRoy was also employed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). Throughout his tenure he worked at several stores and won numerous awards for his dedication to the PLCB. He was also a member of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776. LeRoy retired from the PLCB in 1998. Upon his retirement, LeRoy spent much of free time visiting antique stores and attending sporting events. He was an avid Quakertown High School sports fan and was a longtime season ticket holder to the DeSales University Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. He also followed the Philadelphia sports teams, and attended many Phillies games throughout his life. LeRoy also coached Connie Mack baseball in the 1950’s. LeRoy was a congregant of St. Isidore’s Parish and regularly attended the Saturday Vigil. LeRoy always had a special place in his heart for animals. From his childhood dog, Earl to the numerous family cats throughout the years. He also cared for dozens of feral cats and enjoyed feeding peanuts to the squirrels. LeRoy was happiest sitting on his front porch reading the newspaper, watching the birds and the world pass him by. Above all else, he loved his family deeply and cherished the time spent with them. LeRoy will be dearly missed by his children, First Child (Brian Kline) and Second Child (Kevin Kline); his grandchildren, First Grandchild (Sophia Kline); along with his extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, LeRoy is predeceased by his brother, Richard P. Kline and sister-in-law Donna (Kemmerer) Kline. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in LeRoy’s name to the Bucks County SPCA, Post Office Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931.

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821 West Broad St. | Quakertown, PA Mary A. Kline, 74, of Quakertown, PA, died on November 28, 2025. Born in Quakertown, Mary was the daughter of the late John Popowitcz and the late Helen Dervich. Mary attended Quakertown High School and graduated in 1969. Mary worked at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital in Outpatient Registration and eventually retired there after 27 years. Mary enjoyed shopping, yard sales & flea markets, gardening, the casino and traveling with her husband Larry all over the country for the last 15 years. Mary also enjoyed writing and visiting her two pen pals in England for over 40 years. Mary will be deeply missed by her husband, Larry, together they shared 54 loving years of marriage; her children Scott (Amy), Ryan, and Tracy (Tom); her grandchildren, Daulton, Taylor, Mason, and Ava; her siblings, Nancy and Barbara; along with her extended family members and friends. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Mary Daniels Levy, 82, of Quakertown, PA, died peacefully in her home on November 20, 2025. Born in Philadelphia on October 9, 1943, Mary was the daughter of the late Thomas Daniels and the late Marguerite Daniels (Scott). Mary retired from York County after 22 years of service in 2005. She enjoyed cross-stitch, reading, and traveling. Mary will be dearly missed by her children, Jennifer Levy Gillespie (Sean) and Marguerite Levy Paluch (Brian); her grandchildren, Miryam Ruth Levy, Jack Amichai Levy, Meaghan Isaac Levy, Liliana Paluch; her siblings, Rita Daniels

and Maggie Candido; along with her extended family and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary is predeceased by her brother, Al Daniels, and son, Adam Levy, who died three days after his birth in 1972. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Josephine M. (Wallish) Maccari, 96, of Philadelphia and formerly of Levittown, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at LifeQuest Nursing Home in Quakertown. A strong, independent, and fierce lady, she grew up in Shamokin, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Frederick and Dorothy (Schuller) Wallish. After graduating, St. Edward’s Catholic School Class of 1946, she moved to Philadelphia to attend nursing school at St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing. She always had so many delightful stories to tell about her days of training as a nurse. For over 40 years, she was a wonderful and caring nurse. During that time, she worked for various hospitals, including John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital where she served as Head Nurse, and later Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, PA from which she retired. While working, Josephine became a single mom, raising four kids on her own. Her life was not always easy, but she had a lust for life and knew how to have a good time. She loved to dance and party—one of her favorite songs was "Man! I Feel Like a Women" by Shania Twain. She also loved the big band’s sound, especially the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Her hobbies included travel, ceramics, gardening, and more. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband: Ricardo CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

8 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026 MACCARI continued from page 7 “Mickey” Maccari, and her sisters: Lorrine Dougherty, Anna Bradley, and Patricia Yoncoskie; a daughter: Doreen Edelman (Steve), a grandson: James Erdman, sons-in-law: Jim Erdman and John Heck. Among those who will miss her laughter and her funny sayings like "I ain't dead yet, honey! I'm still looking for a man." include her son: David Ireland (Denise); daughters: Rosie Erdman (Jim) and Cheryl Ann Heck (John); grandchildren: Dawn Gradel (Andy), Jeffrey Erdman, Denise Snape (Alex), Dan Ireland, Melissa Mains (Tony), Jill Guy (Shannon), Kristilee Scheffler (Dustin), and Stephen Edelman (Robert Beard). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Hannah, Norah, Alex, Kailynn, Julian, Ollie, Zoe, Charlotte, Vivian, Jacob, Lilli, and Arora; and a devoted family friend: Bruce Squares. Private interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, PA. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown. Ruth N. Noack, 84, of Quakertown, PA, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Valley Manor in Coopersburg, PA. Born on May 18, 1941 in Sellersville, she was the daughter of the late Jacob C. Ritter and Alice (Ritter) Brad. Following her formal education, she married and became a dedicated homemaker, exercising her talents as a great cook and caregiver and delighting others with her memorable sense of humor. Ruth’s larger-than-life personality brought joy and laughter into any room. Ruth enjoyed traveling, playing a spirited game of pinochle, and listening to an eclectic collection of music. A lover of nature, she favored yellow roses and being in the company of animals—especially horses and dogs. Above all, though, Ruth loved spending time with her grandchildren, as well as nannying for twins and many other children whom she adored. Ruth was a natural encourager, making friends wherever she went and giving of her time to serve others. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband: Willard “Peter” Kurtz, who passed away in 2009; her second husband: Paul J. Noack, Jr., who passed away in 2022; and her brother: Richard Ritter. Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her sons: David (Rachel) Kurtz and Daniel Kurtz; daughters: Ruth Ann (Michael) Reinsmith and Rebecca (Matthew)

~Obituaries~

Reinsmith; grandchildren: Jasmine, Jesse, Olivia, Hannah, Jacob, Harlan, Samara, Nathan, and Jenna, as well as nine great-grandchildren. Interment will be in Tohickon Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Bucks County SPCA. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.

Albert W. Pray, age 82, of Haycock, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 15, 2025 at home in Haycock, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Jeanne Pfeiffer, grandson of Al Smith and Mae Agusta Smith. He is survived by his daughter Raven Pray Bishop, son-in-law Robert Bishop and grandson Wren Bishop; his daughter Megan Pray and partner Michael Kedl; brother Frank Pray; wife Sandra Pray, step-children Charles & Tyler Cummings and Ashley Sheehan; step-grandchildren Mason Wenhold, Presley Sheehan, and Brooks Sheehan; and many other family members and friends. He was a superlatively talented stone mason, known for his meticulous stone walls and chimneys and restoration of historic stone homes-first in upstate New York, and later throughout Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region. An enduring hallmark of his work was the Raven's Nest Tavern,; a place he proudly called home and carefully restored. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com). Eric S. Reiss, 53, of Richland Township, Quakertown, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Born on September 28, 1972, in Sellersville, he was a son of the late Wayne H. and Linda D. (Nace) Reiss. Following high school at Southern Lehigh, Eric entered the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 375’s Electrician Apprenticeship Program. He graduated in 2002 as a Journeyman Electrician and later went on to attain his Master Electrician License. He was currently contracted with Pagoda Electrical of Mohnton and was extremely accomplished in his profession. A self-taught and driven man, Eric had a limitless desire to take on an array of projects. It wasn’t uncommon to find Eric outdoors on a tractor, in his Jeep, using power tools, operating his chainsaw, or simply chopping wood. He was

hard-working and loved providing for his family. His on-the-go routine was known to naturally push those around him to accel and do their best. When he wasn’t tackling projects around his home, he was an active member of several local organizations. He belonged to the Coopersburg Fire Company, Upper Saucon Social Quarters, North Penn Gun Club, and the Masonic Lodge 512 of Quakertown. He was a former member of the Quakertown Moose. Outside of social memberships, Eric loved boating, fishing, golfing, camping, traveling, spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, and playing a spirited game of cornhole or shuffleboard. Above all, Eric was a proud father. He adored his children and prioritized giving them great experiences, teaching them, and enriching their lives. Watching them advance in school, Scouting, personal interests, or sports, and develop into wonderful human beings gave him the utmost joy. In addition to his parents, Eric is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Orvis and Elizabeth “Betty” Nace, as well as an uncle: Kevin Nace. Eric will be lovingly remembered by his wife of eighteen years, Liane D. (Keller) Reiss, whom he met on July 28, 2000; daughter Paige; son Grady; sister Tammy (Reiss) Cole; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. A viewing will be held at the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 821 West Broad Street, Quakertown, on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. A second viewing will be held at Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 218 East Broad Street, Trumbauersville, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00am until the time of the funeral service—in church—at 11:00am. Interment will follow in Christ Union Cemetery, Trumbauersville. Michael J. Rumley, 85, of Quakertown, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Phoebe—Richland, following a brief illness. Born on August 17, 1940, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Alfred J. and June L. (Landis) Rumley. A graduate of Quakertown High School’s Class of 1959, he went on to enter the workforce. He worked for Freed Glass for many years, then took a position with Landis Meats from which he later retired. Outside of work, Michael was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. He found joy in

visiting Wildwood and Cape May, New Jersey beaches, playing cards, completing word puzzles, and spending time with his family. Michael will be lovingly remembered by his sister: Mary Ellen Yeakel (Gary); niece: Krista Fronk (Bryan); great niece: Natalie; and great nephew: Alexander; as well as several cousins. Interment will be in St. Isidore’s Parish Cemetery, Quakertown. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown. Herbert J. “Jay” Schmoock, Jr., 89, of Quakertown, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at LifeQuest. Born on September 24, 1936, in Hartsville, he was a son of the late Herbert John and Thelma Mae (Dillon) Schmoock, Sr. A graduate of Upper Perkiomen High School’s Class of 1954, he went on to become a successful businessman. He owned and operated H. Jay Schmoock Construction—a company that built homes and remodeled post offices—for over forty years, retiring in 2002. Outside of work, he was an avid polo player for twenty-seven years. He was a member of Chukker Valley Polo Club and played in matches along the East Coast and once in Bogotá. He also found joy in bowling, golfing, mowing the grass in later years, as well as deer and fox watching. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandson: John J. Schmoock, Jr., who passed away in 2018; and two brothers: Herbert D. Schmoock and Walter Schmoock. Jay will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-eight years: Patricia Ann (Bortz) Schmoock, to whom he wed on August 10, 1957; sons: Herbert J. Schmoock, III (Lori), John J. Schmoock (Susan Reinhard), and Thomas J. Schmoock (Sherrie); granddaughter: Tara Muschera (Michael); and brother: Kim Schmoock (Debbie). Services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown. Judith Marie (Weller) Suelke, age 76, of Quakertown, PA, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Charles “Bill” Suelke, Jr., with whom she shared 59 years of devoted marriage. Born in Sellersville, PA, Judi was the daughter of the late Arlie Weller and the late Mary (Guerra) Weller. Judi and Bill owned and operated Bill Suelke’s Produce for many years and were

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~Obituaries~

a cornerstone business at the Quakertown Farmers Market. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters Angie Sullivan (Andrew), and Lisa Suelke Higginson; her grandchildren Jason Sullivan (Kelsey), Erica Sullivan, Joshua Gottshall (Marie), and Paige Jones; her great-grandchildren Jaxon, Brantley, Waylen, Charlie, Cole, and Merrick, Mikaylah; her siblings Frank Weller (Bonnie), Linda O’Neal (Ross), and Douglas Weller (Beth); as well as her nieces Stephanie and Nicole. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).

Walter “Vodge” James Szambelak Sr., 72, of Quakertown, PA, unexpectedly passed away on December 3, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Walter was the son of the late Joseph Szambelak and the late Pauline (Szczerbata) Szambelak. Walter will be dearly missed by his wife, Yvonne, with whom he shared 22 loving years of marriage; his children, Walter (RoseAnne), John (Michelle), Paula (Chris), Michael, and Jason (Amberlynn); his stepdaughters, Kimberley (Henry) and Kerie (Vince); his grandchildren, Lech, Roman, Ashley, Declan, Anastasia, Cameron (Natalie), Kailey, Joshua, Desiree, Michaela, Andrew, Isabel, Jason Jr., Hunter, Jaelyn, Lucas, Cataleya, Eden, Angelique, Giovanni, Ciari, Payton, and John. He is also survived by his siblings, Sophia, Joseph, Edward, Stanley, Lisa, Teresa, and Richard, along with many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory. In addition to his parents, Walter is predeceased by his brother, Thaddeus “Teddy.” Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com)

Michael M. Tillman, 34, of Quakertown, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township. Born in Long Island, NY, on December 17, 1990, he was the son of John B. Tillman and Maureen A. (Manning) of Center Valley. Michael worked for 10 years as a Sales Associate with Sprint Communications (T-Mobile). Known as a true people person, he formed meaningful connections across three states-Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. He enjoyed time on the water, boating, riding ATVs, and spending time outdoors. His trips to Florida, he enjoyed the many friends he had and spending time at the beach especially seeing the sunsets. Michael was always in motion and never stopped living life to the fullest. He was a huge influence on people. He is survived by his parents and his brother, Jonathan L. Tillman of Macungie. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael's name may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, General Service Office, P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163.

Patricia Ann "Patty" Walters, 77, of North Wales, passed away on November 26, 2025. She was born in Lansdale on November 17, 1948 to the late Russell and Ingeborg (Ahner) Fuss. Patty was the wife of Robert Walters for over 20 years until their separation. She was an avid reader, and worked in the telecommunication cable industry for over 25 years. Patty is survived by her children Martin Walters (Rayelle) and Susan Elliott (Mike); grandsons Parker and Quintin Elliott; siblings Susan Sinkowski (Dennis) and Russell Fuss (Shirley); and many other loving family and friends. Services will be privately held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patty's name can be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (www.chop.edu) Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).

Dwight Bradford Weikel, 73, of Quakertown, PA, died on December 9th, 2025, in his home. Born in Quakertown, PA, Dwight was the son of the late Francis F. Weikel and the late Freda Weikel (Ziegler). Dwight attended Pennridge High School, graduating in 1970. Some of his professional accomplishments include being recognized as Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer for the Southern District of Florida in 1995 by the Department of Justice. In 1998, Dwight participated in an undercover sting operation called Lunar Eclipse involving US Customs, NASA and the US Postal Service. Special Agent Weikel received a certificate of appreciation from NASA for his efforts. Dwight will be dearly missed by his wife, Thelma, together they spent 24 loving years of marriage together; his son, Daniel; his brothers, Larry; Bruce and Craig, his nieces and nephews, along with his extended family members and friends. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com) Linda Karen (Terwilliger) Willey, 76, of Quakertown, PA, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice House. Born in Philadelphia, Linda was the youngest daughter of the late Harold and Beatrice Terwilliger. She was the beloved wife of the late John Willey, with whom she shared 45 years of devoted marriage. Linda attended Frankford High School (Philadelphia) class of 1967. After high school, she married John and raised three children in Yardley, PA while working as a School Aide for Pennsbury School District for over 30 years, retiring in 2020. She is survived by her daughters Kelly (Willey) Finnell, Dana (Willey) Walko and predeceased by her late son Scott Willey. She is also survived by her siblings Marilyn (Terwilliger) McGuckin; Bill Terwilliger and Robert Terwilliger.

She is predeceased by siblings Beatrice (Terwilliger) Fitzpatrick, Harold Terwilliger and Dorothy (Terwilliger) Rudinski. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com) Pauline Anna (Bassarik) Wietecha, 96, of Quakertown, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Coastal Point Memory Care in Shallotte, North Carolina. Born on April 5, 1929, in Bethlehem, she was a daughter of the late Joseph J. and Pauline (Petras) Bassarik. The youngest of eight children, her siblings affectionately called her "Babe.” A graduate of Liberty High School, in Bethlehem, she went on to work for the Bethlehem City Water Department for about ten years before moving to Sellersville, PA. She then worked at Mennonite Nursing Home (off of 309) in Sellersville. Pauline and Stanley were members of St Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown, PA. In 2015, Pauline moved to Wilmington, NC, to live with her son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Rebecca, and her grandchildren, Jennifer and Nathan. She was a woman of great energy and determination and loved her judge shows, a good Hallmark romance, sitting outside in the sunshine watching the woods for birds and deer, and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years: Stanley T. Wietecha, who passed away in 2009; brothers: Andrew, Joe, Charles, Paul, and Mike; and sisters: Catherine and Mary. Pauline will be lovingly remembered by her three sons: Stephen (Ericka), Vincent (Oanh), and Michael (Rebecca); six grandchildren: Mary Anne, Matthew, Joseph, Joan, Jennifer, and Nathan; and three great-grandchildren: Lora Beth, Quinn, and Delaney; as well as many nieces and nephews. Interment will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden Street, Bethlehem. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown. Glenn E. Wimmer, 79, of Quakertown, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke's Hospital’s Upper Bucks Campus. Born on August 2, 1946, in Sellersville,

he was a son of the late John and Dorothy (Cotter) Wimmer. A graduate of Pennridge High School’s Class of 1965, Glenn went on to serve in the Army National Guard for eight years. He held a lengthy career as a District Sales Manager for Nyce Printing Company. After retirement, he started his own business: Vircomm. Outside of work, he found joy in fishing, golfing, travel, and pinochle. Glenn was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Perkasie, as well as the Quakertown Masonic Lodge, and the American Legion. Additionally, he served as a board member for Norristown Bell Credit Union, and as the East Coast Ambassador for L Tip International. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother: Ronald Lee Wimmer. Glenn will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty years: Margaret Ann (Hangey) Wimmer, to whom he wed on November 6, 1965; son: Glenn Wimmer, Jr. (Jennifer); daughter: Michelle Gangwer (Barry); and grandchildren: Nicole Clevenger, Richard “Ricky” Clevenger, Jr., Haley Wimmer, and Ryan Wimmer. Services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown. Harriet E. Wolfinger, 95, of Richlandtown and formerly of Quakertown, passed away on November 20, 2025. She was born in Telford on October 21, 1930 to the late Harold Godshall and Ruth (Hartranft) Godshall. Harriet was the loving wife of Roy Wolfinger for 45 years until his passing in 1995. Harriet loved spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren, and she could always be seen on the sideline cheering on the little ones. She enjoyed music and dancing for her entire life. Harriet is survived by her daughters Kerry Clarke (John) and Terry Gardner (Richard); grandchildren Chad Gardner (Anna) and Angie McFetridge (Michael); great grandchildren Grace, Emma, Griffin, and Wyatt; and many other loving family and friends. Harriet is predeceased by her parents and brothers William Bechtel and Harold Godshall. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).

10 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026

American Legion Post 242 January 2026 Update

What Happens if I Die Without a Will? BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. This is a question that I receive often from clients or prospective clients – “What happens to my property if I don’t have a will when I die?” And just like in so many areas of law, my answer is always “it depends”. When a person dies without a will, or their will cannot be located, or none of the beneficiaries named in the will are still living, then the deceased individual’s estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestate succession, aka the intestacy laws. The intestacy laws are set forth in sections 2101 through 2114 of the Pennsylvania Probate, Estates and Fiduciary Code. Section 2101 of the code defines an “intestate estate” as one in which “all or any part of the estate of a decedent not effectively disposed of by a will…” Essentially, the intestacy laws determine who inherits from the estate if there is no will to guide the personal representative. The laws outline a number of possible scenarios and provide guidance for each. For example, if the decedent is survived by a spouse, the following is a very basic outline of how the intestacy laws would determine how much the surviving spouse inherits: a. If the decedent is survived by a spouse but has no surviving issue, (descendantsaka children, grandchildren, etc.) or parents, then the entire estate passes to the surviving spouse. b. If the decedent is survived by a spouse, has no surviving issue, but does have at least one parent still living, then the surviving spouse inherits the first $30,000 plus 50% of the balance of the intestate estate.

c. If the decedent is survived by a spouse, and also has surviving issue, all of whom are also issue (descendants) of the surviving spouse, then the surviving spouse inherits the first $30,000 plus 50% of the balance of the intestate estate. d. If the decedent is survived by a spouse, and also has surviving issue, but one or more of said issue (descendants) are not issue of the surviving spouse (this applies to scenarios involving children from previous relationships), then the surviving spouse inherits 50% of the intestate estate. A lot of people that sit down with me, simply assume that their spouse would inherit everything if they died and didn’t have a will, but as you can see that is simply not the case. The intestacy laws also address scenarios where there is no surviving spouse, no surviving issue, no surviving parents/ grandparents, no surviving siblings, etc. These provisions can be quite confusing in real life application – sometimes even for attorneys. The best way to avoid having the intestacy laws apply to your estate is to have a well drafted will prepared well in advance. And if you find yourself in a situation where the intestacy laws are being applied to a probate estate that you’re involved in, make sure you retain an experienced estate/probate attorney to guide you through the process. Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a Bucks County attorney located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite

208, in Dublin, Pennsylvania. He specializes in estate planning & probate, orphans’ court litigation, business law and civil litigation. To set up a consultation, call his office at (267) 227-9138 or visit www.fravel-law.com

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My wife and I went to the youth drawing held at the Post this past month and were surprised at the attendance for this affair. Everyone was well fed at the buffet offered for ticket holders. Part way through the time just before the drawing, local police stopped by to be presented a check from last funds raised for youth -$2000.00 for “Shop with a Cop”. A program so important at this Christmas time of year both in promoting good relations with our Law Enforcement Officers and the showing of giving and caring. Thank you all for supporting our Youth Program through this annual drawing. Getting back to the Youth Drawing, I just got off the phone with Charles Wismer, our hard-working Adjutant. He mentioned we were at a profit of $3500.00 without taking into account the donations of funds back that are still being calculated. Buffet food expenses had

increased because of shortages in meat so this figure received was excellent! Once again thank you all for this support. Membership is coming in at a normal pace and we urge all members to review that stack of “Put aside ’till later bills” for your re-up form and send in your dues. Let’s make this another 100% re-up year. So far, we signed up 30 new members! Post 242 is growing. Our positive attitude, forward thinking, and program offers are proving successful. Usually to period between Veterans Day (Nov 11) and Memorial Day (End of May) is dormant as far as activities. Programs such as our Veterans Information Luncheons and Holiday Special Dances, yes, and even an ugly sweater affair are fun things we have at the canteen. Don’t forget our Friday night special (open to the public) special dinners! Come join us. ~ For God and Country, Dick Helm

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. Holiday Plants: Naughty or Nice for Pets? Keeping plants and pets apart is the safest solution. If not possible, here is some information to help you decorate safely with holiday houseplants. The Very Naughty List – If you have pets, It is best to avoid bringing these plants into the house. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) - These pretty holiday flowers are poisonous to cats and dogs. Lycorine, a toxic compound that protects the plant, is found in all parts of amaryllis, but is concentrated in the bulb. Poison symptoms are gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and tremors. Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) - Also referred to as paperwhites, Much like amaryllis, all parts of paperwhite narcissus are toxic to cats and dogs, especially the bulbs, where Lycorine and other poisonous alkaloids are concentrated. A pet's reaction to consuming paperwhites would be similar to consuming amaryllis. (Note: While they may resemble lilies and are toxic to pets, neither amaryllis nor paperwhite narcissus is in the lily family (Liliaceae). All parts of plants in the lily family, even pollen, are extremely dangerous for cats and dogs to consume.) Holly (Ilex spp.) - The ASPCA advises that while holly is toxic to pets, the leaves and berries have low toxicity. Therefore, it is unlikely that the parts of holly branches brought indoors would be highly dangerous to pets. Pet owners should still keep an eye out for symptoms of holly consumption. These include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum, formerly P. flavescens or P. leucarpum)– The tradition of a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe has evolved from ancient European solstice rituals. This parasitic plant has the seemingly magical property of remaining green, even while living on a tree that has shed its leaves for the winter. If your pet were to get hold of mistletoe, toxins in the plant, particularly in the white berries, could cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and low heart rate. Since fresh mistletoe is hard to find, substitute an artificial bunch for your holiday kisses. (According to the USDA, mistletoe only grows in a few of the southernmost counties in Pennsylvania and those near the Delaware Water Gap.) Christmas Tree Water – The needles of

a fresh-cut Christmas tree are not likely to harm your pet, but the water in the tree stand could be dangerous if treated with additives intended to extend freshness. Penn State recommends only fresh water to maintain your cut tree and discourages the use of any additives. On the Nicer List – It is not recommended that your pets chew on these plants but they are not cause for serious alarm. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) – This popular holiday plant has gotten a bad rap over the years. Reports of its toxicity have been greatly exaggerated. One reason for this reputation is that, as members of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), they have milky, latex-like sap. This sap can irritate pets' stomachs, but gastrointestinal upset symptoms should resolve on their own.

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) – Akin to varieties known as Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus, Christmas cactus does not have thorns, but segmented, fleshy leaves and white, pink, red, or orange blooms. They are roughly timed to bloom during the holiday for which each is named. The ASPCA rates Christmas cacti as non-toxic to cats and dogs. If your pet consumes any substance that is not their usual food and appears ill, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control's 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 888-426-4435. Resource:https://extension.psu.edu/ holiday-plants-and-pets The Bucks County Garden/ Watershed Hotline will open January 3, 2026. Call 267-483-2020 or email us Bucksmg@psu.edu. Our office is staffed Monday thru Friday, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm. Penn State Extension Bucks County, 576 Penns Park Road, Newtown, PA 18940.Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!

January 2026 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 11

Luke Stangs Named UBCTS December Student of the Month Luke Stangs, a senior from Palisades High School and resident of Ottsville, has been named Upper Bucks County Technical School’s December Student of the Month. He lives with his parents and sister and is in his third year of the Welding & Fabrication program. Luke chose UBCTS after his family and friends wisely suggested he learn a trade— apparently, they thought that Luke was a kinesthetic learner and they were right! The best part of welding for Luke? The mix of hands-on work and real-world knowledge. One of his standout experiences has been starting co-op with Stout Customs in Ottsville. He credits Matt Stout and his team for teaching him everything from efficiency hacks to a few tricks that aren’t in the textbooks. On a side note, Matt is also a UBCTS/Palisades graduate. Another standout moment for Luke is right here, right now…being named UBCTS’s Student of the Month. Believe me when I say he was quite shocked and honored when I told him. After graduation, Luke will enlist in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (the Seabees), building and repairing infrastructure, performing underwater construction, and

supporting military operations and disaster relief worldwide. His long-term goal? To join the Steamfitters Union and keep building a solid career in the skilled trades—

BY PALMA MOYER, RN

Gratitude. A friend of mine is frequently saying that a person who is grateful is not depressed. I think it should go further than that. If you are grateful, you are feeling happy and want to share the feeling with others. Most of the time we think we are only one person how can we do anything to help someone else? I feel if we smile at someone it’s a sign of recognition. It validates us of having a feeling that we are noticed, acknowledged and accepted. If we see that a person is in

distress or sad, a smile and a kind word can go a long way. It can be free therapy for both the giver and the receiver. The world is very chaotic at this time and our humanity is being challenged, so let’s step up to the plate and love one another as God has asked us to do. Keep smiling and loving your neighbor. Try it you might like it.

~ As Always, Palma Moyer, RN 1957 graduate of Temple University Hospital school of nursing. She Palma

is

a

shares her experiences and perspectives on nursing and on life. She enjoys hearing from you at donthelpmemoyer@aol.com.

200 Wreaths Placed at Union Cemetery

preferably without any accidental fireworks. When he’s not welding or planning world construction domination, Luke enjoys riding dirt bikes, tinkering with his trucks, and installing sound systems. He’s proud of what he’s accomplished at UBCTS and excited for the opportunities ahead—hopefully with more sparks and less paperwork.

Trip to Portugal 1966

Back in 1966 times were uncertain. I still carried the (military occupation standard) of Armored Intelligence Specialist (Forward Observer for Armored DivisionArmored Cavalry) even though I worked directly for the CinC on his personal staff in Heidelberg, Germany. There was talk of extensions because of the war and with 9 months of service left I stood a good chance of going to Vietnam. (I was on the list back in April ’66 and, I believe the CinC (Commander in Chief), my boss was responsible in having this done.) Because of the high security clearance and place that I worked, when we ever went out town or on leave, we had to go with another GI as Germany was a hot spot in the Cold War and the spy factor in this era was very high. As I found out upon our return, during our wonderful trip to Spain and Portugal, my best friend during Basic training and advanced training was killed in action over in Vietnam! Enlisted single men who worked in the Command Building at the office complex of USAREUR (US Army, Europe) occupied our room we lived in at Patton Barracks. Dave Nelson of Telluride, Colorado and I did a lot of going out town and went on trips together. We planned a large trip to Spain and Portugal for the late summer of 1966. I was able to arrange with my counterpart in the Air Force for a hop from Wiesbaden to Terra Hon Air Base outside of Madrid, Spain in a Lear Type Jet (T-39) transporting two pilots for flying missions at that

Ponderings by Palma

base. The Jet carried four passengers and Dave & I filled those seats. We were able to get transportation from the base to Madrid where I had made special reservations at the same hotel and in the same room where Ernest Hemingway would stay in his later years. Madrid was scenic but the people were on the less friendly side. We wanted to go to the Prado Museum during our short stay and could not get directions from anyone. The next evening, we were on a train for the long evening ride from Madrid to Lisboa (Lisbon). We entered the 2’d class rail car and had to surrender our “leave” papers to the soldiers who patrolled the aisle of the train cars until we reached the border with Portugal. (Spain was still under the dictatorship of Franco). Each sitting compartment with sliding door held 6-8 people and Dave & I were the first persons in our compartment. We were later joined by 2 Israeli soldiers, a guy and a young lady. Just before the train was scheduled to pull out, a tall American dressed in a Western outfit opened the door and joined us. In later conversation the American in Western wear explained Spaghetti Westerns to us and said he just made train from a shoot in Spain and another shoot tomorrow in Portugal. Spain was still under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco and the aisle next to the compartments holding 6-8 people was patrolled by them until the border of Portugal. Throughout the trip the five of us had a great time drinking wine and eating bread and snacks as we shared stories and our lives. Upon departure in Lisbon, I asked Clint what his last name was so I could possibly see him in the movies in the

Wreaths Across America is a nationwide initiative to place wreaths on veterans graves. This is the third year that Union Cemetery in Quakertown & Richland Township has been a setting for this program. Approximately 200 wreaths were placed at the cemetery on December 13th. Organizer Sandy Eckhart says about her involvement with this event, "It's truly an honor for me to be able to coordinate Wreaths Across America at Quakertown Union Cemetery. I feel it is a special time to not only be able to bring the community together in our historic cemetery, but more significantly, to recognize and honor the veterans who have been laid to rest within our grounds. It's a small token of service we can provide for the sacrifices they made for our freedoms we experience everyday." future. A few months later I went to the Post Movie Theater and on the marquee was his name. So, Dave and I went to the show that night and recognized Clint Eastwood down to the same type cloths he had on that eventful evening! When we arrived at Lisbon, we took a taxi to the hotel we thought we were going to stay that evening after visiting this city. I noticed the same landmarks we passed for the 3’d time. We then asked this dishonest taxi driver to take us back to the train station. Off we were north to points unknown. While in line gentlemen told us about the wonderful beach at a small town named CARCOVALUS? So, we purchased tickets to this town. We traveled North to this town passing the Sailors Monument (We visited this sight close up later) to our destination. When we arrived, we asked if there was a hotel available. One gentleman told us of a co-op type system. We went and were surprised to learn we would stay with a family and eat our dinner meal at the co-op for $5.00 a day. (Today there are a few large commercial hotels.) They took us to a home and the husband greeted us and escorted us around to wineries and small grocers that were the best. He left the next day on a ship to pickup foodstuffs along the coast of Africa. His wife and pre-school daughter were introduced to us and we moved into our lower-level sleeping quarters. Shower was outside and we shared a bathroom right up the steps. She spoke some English and asked us about breakfast, Next morning she brought 2 eggs with meat and toast! This for only $5.00 a day! We changed around and walked to the beach, What a beach! This beach was one of the nicest beaches I ever was on. You could rent a little tent called a Cabana to lesson the sunburn possibility for $.50 a day. We went to the community building for dinner that night and had steak, vegetables and pitchers of Red Wine – Yes; this was part

of the $5.00 charge! For 5 wonderful days we were away from the regimental army life and in what seemed like a dream. One day when I returned to the room I had a pleasant surprise. That morning, I had left my shirt on the bed and when I returned it was washed and ironed. Each day our evening meal consisted of a meat (Beef, Chicken, Lamb) and that endless pitcher of Red Wine. One day we joined a group of younger folks who swam out to a large rock beyond the surf. We dosed a bit and when we woke up the tide was just at the brink of overflowing the rock. Naturally we were anxious to swim ashore but one of the groups noticed two sharks swimming nearby. We all took our chances and dove in and swam ashore. I lost my $1.00 blue straw hat but later a young person recognized me and gave me my hat that he retrieved. Before leaving we got the address of the family we stayed with and that Christmas sent clothing and a doll, we bought at the PX Shopping Center for that wonderful little girl and a gift for the father and mother. Today this type of hospitality is rare and I thank God, I experienced it. We returned home through Spain stopping over at Barcelona where I saw a Flamingo Dancer and with disappointment swam in the rocky-beached Mediterranean. We hoped a fast train from Spain up though the wonderful country of Austria into Munich, Germany. Then catching a train back to Heidelberg. When I got back, I went to work and when I checked the casualty list, I saw Steve Harris’s name and reality once again hit me hard. This type of travel is unheard of today and I am glad that I could experience it before receiving this tragic news. I shall never forget this trip or my friend Steve! Dick Helm is a long time Quakertown area resident and regular contributor here at UBFP. Reach him at rbh9@verizon.net.

12 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026

Wow! Hope you all had a great Christmas like I did. We had people over and I got a chance to beg for goodies from 5 people! The down side to the month of December is captured in the picture you see here. My dog sister Maisie got her second title now in Agility with AKC. She passed both runs. One score was 95 the second run was 100. That red ribbon in the picture was for second place in a run. She doesn’t have anything else planned soon so maybe she will come back down to earth with her attitude. ~ Love Peanut

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

Think Local. Play Local. Be Local.

"January 1st is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one." - Brad Paisley

A Bug’s Life Aladdin Bambi Cars Cinderella Dumbo

Fantasia Hercules Jungle Book Lady and Tramp Lion King

Little Mermaid Monsters Inc Mulan Peter Pan Pocahontas Sleeping

Beauty Tangled Tarzan Toy Story Up Wall-E

January 2026 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 13

Ear Cropping:

A Cruel Tradition that Must End

When Simone Biles, America’s most decorated gymnast, appeared online with her new Doberman puppy, the image sparked outrage. The puppy’s cropped ears became a symbol of a practice that has no place in modern, compassionate dog ownership. Ear cropping is not tradition worth preserving; it is a painful, outdated cosmetic surgery that prioritizes aesthetics over animal welfare. Ear cropping is a surgical procedure typically performed on puppies between six and twelve weeks old. It involves cutting away part of the ear tissue, reshaping cartilage, and taping the ears upright for months while they heal. During this time, puppies face risks of infection, pain, and complications. Proponents argue that cropping prevents ear infections or enhances hearing, but veterinary science tells a different story. The American Veterinary Medical Association opposes the practice when done for appearance alone, citing anesthesia risks, long‑term discomfort, and the loss of natural canine communication. Dogs use their ears to express fear, joy, and curiosity; cropping silences part of their emotional vocabulary. Historically, cropping and tail docking were performed on working dogs to prevent injuries in hunting or combat. Today, however, the procedures are largely cosmetic, driven by outdated breed standards and tradition. Seeing cropped ears in dog shows or on celebrity pets can normalize the practice, influencing owners to pur-

sue it for their own dogs. This is why Biles’ choice carries weight: as a global role model, her actions shape cultural norms. By purchasing from a breeder who promotes cropping, she inadvertently endorsed both cosmetic mutilation and commercial breeding, while thousands of shelter dogs wait for homes. The breeder’s defense—that cropping improves health—rings hollow. Scientific evidence does not support these claims, and many countries across Europe have banned the practice outright. The United States lags behind, with patchwork laws that leave 130,000 puppies cropped annually. Beyond physical harm, cropped dogs often face social challenges: misinterpreted as aggressive, misunderstood by other dogs, and even overlooked in shelters due to their altered appearance. This controversy should not devolve into personal attacks on Biles. Instead, it should galvanize a broader movement. Dog owners, veterinarians, and lawmakers must reject cosmetic surgeries that cause suffering. Adoption should be celebrated as the gold standard of compassion, not dismissed as “virtue signaling.” Traditions can change, and this one must. Dogs love us unconditionally. The least we can do is protect them from needless pain.

Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner and instructor for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown and trainer for Runaway Farm Pet Hospital, Pennsburg She can be reached at molassescreek@verizon.net.

8 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter The months of December through February see less robust real estate activity in many areas due to the holidays and the cold weather, according to the National Association of Realtors®. But if you need to sell your home during winter, you can capitalize on certain advantages that seasonal selling provides. For one thing, winter buyers are typically motivated, whether it’s due to a work relocation, expanding family or other pressing need. And because there are generally fewer homes on the market during this time, sellers can benefit from less competition when negotiating offers. Here are ways to maximize the appeal of your home during the winter: 1. Focus on curb appeal. Clean up fallen leaves and dead branches. Make the front door inviting with planted topiaries, a festive door wreath and a fresh welcome mat. 2. Make the exterior safe. If you’re in an area with ice and snow, clear the driveway and walking paths. Spread rock salt or sand to prevent slips and falls. 3. Spruce up the interior. Declutter and clean all the rooms. Then, add warmth with fuzzy throw pillows and blankets. If you have a fireplace, fire it up for open houses—but never when the home is unattended for any period. Set your dining table as if you’re hosting a holiday gettogether. 4. Add potted indoor plants. Flowering

plants or an indoor herb garden can add additional warmth and liven up the interior of your home. 5. Light it up. Clean windows to allow more natural light to shine through. Replace burned out lightbulbs, add standing lamps to darker spaces, and turn on all the lights for showings to ensure the home is bright and cheerful. 6. Warm it up. Keep the temperature at a comfortable level for showings. Turning down the thermostat will make your home feel cold and uninviting. 7. Accommodate showing requests. Allowing showings during the holiday season can be difficult, but the answer to showing requests should almost always be yes. Don’t miss out on showing your beautiful home to motivated buyers. 8. Pay attention to the senses. Buyers may be sensitive to strong perfumes and scented candles. Opt first for a “clean” smell, and then consider adding a touch of vanilla, citrus or cinnamon. These adjustments can yield a quicker sale with a greater net during winter months. Bottom Line: It’s a great moment to make a move, whether you’re buying or selling. We love our phone calls, coffee dates, and house visits with people we know and those we have yet to meet! We’re excited for the opportunity to connect with you! Please call me at 215-872-9865 today.

Sue Deily is a regular contributor to UBFP. She can be reached at homes@suedeily.com.

15 Years Later, Shop with a Cop Still Going Strong in Upper Bucks

The first Shop with a Cop event in Quakertown was launched on December 15, 2011. Officer Lee first learned about the idea after reading a newspaper article about another police department in a neighboring county that had started a similar program. He brought the idea to Chief McElree, who supported giving it a try in Quakertown. To get the program started, Officer Lee and Officer Naugle went door-to-door to local businesses asking them to sponsor children from the Quakertown Community School District. At that time, the program supported

about 11 students, each with a budget of one hundred dollars. It quickly became a win-win initiative: the community could give back, children were able to shop for presents they might not otherwise receive, and police officers had an opportunity to build positive relationships with youth. Officer Lee shares that he occasionally runs into students—now in high school— who still remember him and the program. This long-lasting connection reflects the goal of Shop with a Cop: to build trusting partnerships with youth early on, with the hope that these positive interactions

continue into adulthood and strengthen the community as a whole. Trust and mutual buy-in go a long way toward achieving that. The most recent Shop with a Cop event was held on December 9th at Walmart and supported more than 200 children, with participation from a wide range of law enforcement agencies. The program is entirely volunteer-driven, and its continued success comes from the generosity of many recurring donors— from individual neighbors to large corporations. These donors consistently express their satisfaction in knowing their

contributions directly serve their own community and support local families. Children are often referred to the program by school districts, community organizations, churches, or police officers. The reasons for referral vary widely and may include financial hardship, family crisis, a death in the family, or a parent’s military deployment. If you would like to donate for 2026, please contact Officer Bob Lee at blee@quakertown.org

14 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026

"I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." - Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

When I read the line, "make a pathway in the wilderness", I think of God clearing a path through the heavily wooded forests in Pennsylvania; rife with trees, weeds, and thorns. However, Isaiah did not live in the great state of PA when he conveyed the hopeful message of God to the people. His wilderness was the dry wasteland of the desert that was easy to get lost in, with no water to sustain those who are lost. Considering this, to make a way through the wilderness wasn't to avoid thorns, prickly things, or the branches that whack you in the face; it was finding your salvation after the panic of being directionless and lost. And as you travel along that way, God will sustain you, like a river that flows within the desert. Our faith is about redemption. We are all given 2nd, 3rd, 70th, 5,000th, and many more chances because God never gives up on us, even when we give up on Him. It doesn't matter if we feel like we're lost, directionless, or even if we feel battered by the journey through life that we've been on...God still makes a way for us through the wilderness, and sustains us as we walk alongside Him. When Jesus Christ was born, the poor shepherds, as well as the wealthy wisemen, were drawn from their own wildernesses to see the Messiah who had come into the world. The New Year comes with it many resolutions that nod to the redemption that is so central in our faith. Many of us have new goals, or are revisiting the goals we set last year, in hopes to have a better 2026 than our 2025. But I would encourage you, as I encourage myself, to not leave God out of our desire to grow and improve as a person. Because when we get lost this year, God is going to be the one to show us the way. When we're thirsty for meaning and truth, Jesus is the only one with that Living Water to satisfy us. We need to take our walk with Jesus seriously this year, following in His footsteps, and being His hands and feet to the world around us. I'll leave you with some spiritual goals that I like to send out for all to consider every year. I challenge us to see what ones we can take as our own. Scripture Reading Goals Bible in a Year - If you're up for it, and have the time, this can be completed with a Bible formatted for this purpose, through following a printed plan, or by simply committing to reading 4 chapters a day. It can also be completed with one of several "Bible in a year" podcasts that take about 15-20 minutes a day. New Testament in a Year - I often tell people that there are more days of the year than chapters of the New Testament. Setting a goal to read the entire New

Testament this year is realistic, and it contains built-in days when life gets in the way. Once you complete the New Testament, it will be very easy for you to continue that momentum to the Old Testament. Read something every day - It may be a chapter, it may be a paragraph, or it may be a single verse, but going through the bible one book at a time can really help your understanding of the content that is seeking to be conveyed. Meaningfully Engage Weekly - Maybe it's every Saturday, or Sunday afternoon after church, or maybe both. Maybe it’s a chapter, 4 chapters, 10 chapters or a book at a time. But setting aside regular time can be a huge benefit to your spiritual life. Prayer Goals Morning, Evening, Meals - Setting a regular practice helps many people feel closer to God, and many have been operating within this basic pattern. Sporadically throughout the day Pray as you go throughout your day, pray for names and situations as they come up. Commit to striving to be more regular in your prayer life. Intentional Meditation - Maybe you spend time in nature, being open to God's leading in your life, maybe it’s through meditating on the scriptures, or maybe it is through making time for praying with a tactile prayer rope, like a Rosary, or a Chotki, to stay focused. Whatever has worked for you, this year is the time for exploring that more. Spiritual Retreats - Schedule some time for you to go for a walk, a hike, go fishing, sit by the water, sit in the forest, or rent a cabin for a night. Use this time to read, to pray, and to rest. Maybe start with setting a goal to take one spiritual retreat this year. Church Goals Worship Service - If you can make it to church on a Sunday morning, make it a goal to be present in the church service as much as you can. We all benefit from the music, the scripture reading, the liturgy, the sermon, and in the process of reflection during the service. We also grow when we are with others, and we can see that they are striving to follow God as well, and that they may need us to help them along their journey. Groups - Prioritize groups that are helpful for you, or your family, spiritually. Whether its Sunday school, music groups, women’s ministries, men’s ministries, or something else; prioritize that which feeds you. Ministries - Set goals for involvement in various ministries in the church, and/or the community, that remind you that our faith is not just about our own spiritual lives, but about joining God in the mission of caring for, loving, and redeeming the world around us. May you all have a blessed 2026, and may Jesus Christ be praised in our highs and our lows. Amen. Jon Bauman is the senior pastor at First United Church of Christ in Quakertown. He can be reached at jbauman@firstucc.net.

Buckygrams: o-lantern, of all trades, knife, and Jill, Frost, be nimble, in the box, pot, rabbit, squat, and beanstalk, up the car Hidden Message: Time for a fresh start! Bucky block: Try to understand

Employment Opportunities

January 2026 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 15

Advocates for the Homeless Seeks Volunteers for Winter Season Volunteers are needed to support the mission of the Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks (AHUB). AHUB is a non-profit organization which serves the needs of the homeless of the Quakertown, Pennridge, and the Palisades areas. One program under AHUB is a volunteer staffed community ministry called Code Blue which provides shelter and a warm bed and meal to the homeless of Upper Bucks County on cold winter nights when the temperature is 32 degrees or below. This homeless shelter is located at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Quakertown, PA. After a very successful twelve years for the program, we hope to broaden our volunteer base for this upcoming winter. Opportunities include: Shelter Admissions staff, Overnight staff, Morning Aide, and more. Season runs from November 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026. Please consider volunteering with AHUB. Contact

upperbuckscodeblue@gmail.com to learn about volunteer opportunities. Code Blue Sheltering Ministry, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, officially opened in Quakertown on December 1, 2013 after three years of development and provides warm shelter, food, and respectful overnight care for homeless people in Upper Bucks County during times of lifethreatening cold weather. We partner with churches, volunteer agencies and individuals in the Quakertown, Pennridge, and Palisades school districts to provide this ministry. During the 2024-2025 season, AHUB was open 73 nights with a total of 46 guests. 615 meals were served during the year. The Code Blue hotline is 267450-5191. Donations to our shelter can be made by sending to: Upper Bucks AHUB; PO Box 232, Quakertown, PA 18951. upperbuckscodeblue@gmail.com.

“I am happy because I'm grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” - Will Arnett

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church Meets at HIghland Park Dining Hall 415 Highland Park Road Sellersville, PA 18960 484-523-3333 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah! Christ’s Lutheran Church 218 East Broad Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-536-3193 christselca@verizon.net www.christslutheran.com 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church. Find us on Facebook! Church of the Incarnation 44 S. 8th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-3787 Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Holy Days as announced. Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday service at 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome! First United Church of Christ 151 S. Fourth Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net Senior Pastor: Rev. Jon C. Bauman Sunday worship 9:15 am. Sunday School Classes for all ages at 10:30 am. 2nd Saturday Free Community Lunch Pickup 9:00 am. 3rd Thursday Free Community Supper 5:30 pm

Good News Church 424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. An alternative to the ultra-contemporary Sunday Worship and Children’s Church 10:30 am, Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm, World Evangelism Fellowship affiliate. Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:45am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult prayer meeting 6:45pm Juniper Street Bible Church 317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115 Pastor: Derrick Thompson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org Worship Sunday 10 am; also live on Facebook recorded to watch on Youtube. Bible study Tuesday 6 pm. We pray you will join us in worship and study. Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-6422 Pastors: John & Theresa Decker www.mstarqtown.org Sunday Services at 9 am and 11 am. Biblically based teaching. Ministry for all ages and stages of life. Student Ministry Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Free Community Meal Mondays at 5:15 pm. Pennridge Christian Fellowship 720 Blooming Glen Rd Blooming Glen, PA 18911 215-257-7309 pastor@pennridgecf.org www.pennridgecf.org Pastor: Thomas Vargis Multicultural Charismatic church worshipping God in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Our service consists of song service, testimonies, and teaching of the word. Live Spanish translation & children’s service 10:30 Sunday worship.Livestream: fb.com/pennridgechristianfellowship

Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Graham Truscott Sunday schedule: Worship 8:30 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, Worship 11 am Communion first Sunday of each month. RCCG New Life Chapel 450 S. West End Blvd (Route 309) Quakertown, PA 18951 (732) 491-1914 pastor@rccgquakertown.com www.rccgquakertown.com Pastor: Kayode Oluyemi Are you looking for the transformative experience through worship and the undiluted inspired word of God? Come to New Life Chapel on Sunday at 10am & Tuesday at 7pm. Richland Friends Meeting 206 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 538-7555 clerk@richlandquakers.org www.Richlandquakers.org Join us Sundays at 10:30am St. John’s Lutheran Church 4 South Main Street • PO Box 458 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org www.stjohnsrpa.org Pastor: Rev Dr. David A Genszler In person worship service Sunday at 9:30 am, Watch our Worship Service anytime on stjohnsrpa.org/sermon or on Facebook. Activity Center Rentals Open, Capacity 125, call 215-536-5027 to book. St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown PO Box 120 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd Spinnerstown, PA 18968 (GPS Quakertown 18951)

215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Bridge Pastor: R. Bruce Todd Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. Service also is live-streamed on Facebook (St. John's Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown, PA) and video available on the church website.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road Sellersville, PA 18960 (W Rockhill Twp) 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnridgevalley.com Pastor: Rev. Lauren Bruno Traditional Worship Service at 9:30 AM (communion w/ gluten free wafers and grape juice available) Dinner Church at 5:00 PM (communion available) in our Fellowship Hall. Handicapped accessible. All are invited and welcome to share the joy! St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Applebachsville 849 Old Bethlehem Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-5789 stpaulsqtown@gmail.com www.stpaulsqtown.org Pastor: Rev. David Heckler We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street Sellersville, PA 18960 215-257-7268 secretary@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Pastor: Rev. Dr. Steven Simpson Sunday Worship 10:15 in Sanctuary Springfield Mennonite Church 1905 Pleasant View Road Coopersburg PA 18036 267-999-1404 Pastor: Brent Briggs www.springfieldmennonite.org Join us at 10:15 am Sunday Mornings for a Blended Worship Service, Multigenerational,lovingcongregation.Biblically and Doctrinally Sound. Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536.4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Rev. Rachel Scheible 10:15 am Service, Handicap accessible, Family Friendly, Dynamic Music Ministry, Living God’s Love for All

16 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2026

QCHS Alumni Spotlight: Tom Bossert '93 BY RAY FOX '66 As I author this story, I want to thank all the Free Press readers who have told me how much they enjoy these articles. I have received two more emails asking me to add their relatives to the list of WW II Veterans. They are Henry W. Landis and Herbert Holtmeier. This brings the list to 785 people from the Quakertown area who served during WW II. Continued effort will be made to add to the list because they all deserve a sincere thank you for their service. Names can be added by calling Ray Fox at 215-536-6649 or email contact at rdefox@msn.com. This month’s article is about Tom Bossert and it has been a pleasure to reconnect with him to do the research for the article. I was Tom’s guidance counselor while he was at QCHS and he wanted me to add that he and I played some outstanding ping pong games after school during his senior year. I always found Tom to be a determined, intelligent, and strongly motivated person. He was always capable of finding a good balance between the demands of academic life and having fun. During High School Tom participated in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He also was a homeroom representative to student council and enjoyed helping in the planetarium. Yes, in those days the high school had a planetarium. Many alums may remember it under the supervision of Claire Klawiter or Steve Cherrybon. Elementary students during those days were invited to the planetarium for the annual Christmas show, which was also open to the public. Tom has fond memories of growing up on Park Avenue in Quakertown. He is one of the very few who was able to walk to school from grades K-12. The Elementary School, Strayer Jr. High School/later Middle School, and the Sr. High were all

a block away from his house. He lived in a close-knit area, in fact, his neighbor Tom Barrow was his soccer and baseball coach. He lived right across the street from Alumni Field so the sports and activities there became especially important to him. Tom remembers school as being fun with many events and friends creating indelible memories. For example, he remembers the comradery, coaches, and seasons from the teams where he was a participant. He especially remembers the highly successful soccer team from his sophomore year. Tom mentioned that, despite living so close to school in high school, he somehow was late to school quite frequently. So much so that he developed a relationship with the attendance secretary where he would stroll in late for homeroom but never late for class and she would keep his name off the attendance list. Tom had that kind of personality where he could get away with it. When asked about his favorite teacher, Tom had a difficult time. He mentioned so many elementary, middle school and high school teachers who made an impact on him. He specifically mentioned Craig Stephens, Mike Mackey, and Doug Peiffer. Then he said he really wanted to single out Dwight “Mitch” Anderson who was his Earth and Space Science teacher as well as his cooperating teacher when Tom was an Educational Intern. He explained that Mr. Anderson inspired him to think creatively, instilled confidence with humility, and triggered curiosity. After high school, Tom attended the University of Pittsburgh for his undergraduate studies. He started as an astrophysics major but graduated with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics. He

spent a semester at Georgetown University and transferred those credits back to Pitt. He continued his education and received his law degree from George Washington University. While there he worked in the Office of Independent Council for Judge Starr. Tom has held multiple positions in Washington. They include being a staff person in the United States Congress, working for the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security. In the Department of Homeland Security, he was an advisor under two U.S. Presidents serving in the West Wing of the White House with the responsibility of working with the Cabinets. His job there was managing enterprise and operational risk for the United States. He held every rank position on the U.S. National Security Council staff. Later, he worked as a national security analyst for ABC News. He is a Distinguished Fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the U. S. Atlantic Council and a Senior Fellow at the Auburn University McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security. He is also a guest lecturer at the Naval Post Graduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. Of all the awards and recognitions Tom has received, he feels being inducted into the QCHS Wall of Fame is the one he is most thankful for. Presently, Tom is the President and Co-founder of Trinity Cyber, Inc, a cybersecurity company the delivers the industry’s first active cyber defense capability. This is a method of detecting and actively preventing cyber threats. The company has been extraordinarily successful and is growing

rapidly. When asked about his family, Tom mentioned that his parents, Neal and Pat, both graduated from QHS in 1959. His older brother, Tim, graduated in 1986. He also mentioned that his grandfather, Ernest was the President of Quakertown Borough Council for seventeen years. His grandmother, Reta, was a pioneering female hospital administrator at Quakertown Hospital. His mother’s father was the manager of the local Acme Food Store. Tom mentioned that the traditional Thanksgiving football game took a real twist in his house because his mother was a teacher at Pennridge. Tom and his wife, Jessica, have a son by the name of Ben. Ben was recently baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church on Hellertown Avenue, which is the church where Tom was baptized and his parents were married. The Quakertown Community High School Alumni Association encourages alumni to participate in the Association activities. Its mission includes fundraising to provide scholarship opportunities each year for graduating seniors. Please check out our Facebook Page “Quakertown High School Alumni Association” and the Alumni pages of the QCSD.org website for more information. We are a 501(c)3 organization and always welcome any contributions toward our scholarship endeavors. If you are interested in donating, please email us at qchsalumniboard@gmail.com and you will receive info on how to do so. The Alumni board is a group of dedicated people who strive to support the students and alumni as much as we can. You could say that we “bleed blue” but more importantly, that we embody two commonly known Quakertown mottos: “Enter to Learn; Leave to Serve.”

'Quakertown Cares' Donations Exceed $50,000 this Season BY JANE THOMPSON-SMITH Our hearts are full at “Quakertown Cares” as community giving to the campaign continues to grow, enabling us to help Quakertown Community School District and Head Start families, and area seniors and veterans in need, over the holidays. Thanks to this giving, “Cares,” a grassroots community-based charity founded in 1995, continued its holiday gift card distributions over the holidays, giving $100 Target cards to 25 QCSD secondary level students as well as $35 Giant cards per family. The distribution was possible in partnership with the Salvation Army Christmas Carnival. Our hearts are full at “Quakertown Cares” as community giving to the campaign grows, enabling us to help Quakertown Community School District and Head Start families, as well as area seniors and veterans in need, over the holidays. Thanks to this giving, “Cares,” a grassroots community-based charity founded in 1995, continued its holiday gift card distributions over the holidays, giving $100 Target gift cards to 25 QCSD secondary level students, as well as $35 Giant cards per family. The distribution was possible in partnership with The Salvation Army Christmas Carnival. Also, partnering with Pride of Quakertown, “Quakertown Cares” has supported several students in the Quakertown High School and Strayer Middle School Sky Clubs. Quakertown Community School District again offered its employees payroll deductions to contribute to “Cares”, and this option yielded over $5,000! Also, some district staff members gave through school collections or by writing checks directly to “Quakertown Cares.” Thank you so much to the district and its very caring staff! QNB has also continued its decades-long

support of “Cares,” a 501(c)(3) charity, with an annual cash donation and in-kind services, such as copying, which allows the campaign to operate free of administrative expenses. As Quakertown National Bank, it was a founding entity of “Cares” along with the (original) Free Press newspaper and the Quakertown Community School District. The community has steadfastly supported the campaign ever since! Tax-deductible contributions to “Cares” are accepted year-round at: “Quakertown Cares,” QNB, P.O. Box 9005, Quakertown, PA 18951 (see coupon). An all-volunteer charity, “Cares” exists for one reason- to help our neighbors in need. Recent contributions through December 17: $1,200: QNB Bank; $1,000: Lauren Wieder, Chris and Brenda Roth; $750: Erica Henry; $550: Quakertown United Methodist Church, anonymous Quakertown resident; $500: anonymous retired QCSD educator; $400: Edward Swartz, David and Arden Freeman; $300: Enzo Martellucci; $250: Pam Fothergill; $200: Maggie and Daniel Stauffer, anonymous Quakertown residents, Helen Conroy, Shirley Natali, Kevin and Rebecca Kelly, Rebecca Leiby; $150: Amanda Jaeger, Andy Scappaticci; $100: Jeffrey and Lynn Geesaman, Nancy and Fred Tirjan, anonymous Quakertown residents in memory of Thomas Luckey, Lillian Brader, Patty Sabol, Eileen Bruchak, Rebecca Kummery, Crystal Prine, Carolyn Staffieri, Karla Lucabeche, Megan McGinnity, Kendra Mushrush, Rachelle Quinter, Katie Rosica, Terry San Angelo, Deena Shourds; $50: Jennell Denato-Hilton, Nicole Jerrom, Gillian Coyle, Elizabeth Coyle, Jonathan Pallone, anonymous Perkasie resident; $25: Corey Beil, Stephanie Rodgers, Katie Skonier, Clair Surovi, Arlene Taylor, Deborah Yard, Christina Fields