What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?
June 6 & 7
May 30
Order hoagies from Trumbauersville Fire Co by today for pickup June 8. Call Jen at 215-989-0909
“Young Frankenstein” free movie matinee 2pm-4pm at Perkasie Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. Peanut-free crunchy snacks & beverages in lidded containers are welcome. 215-257-9718
Fifth Friday in the Café, 7pm at Generations, 259 N 2nd St, Souderton. $15/evening of pop hits from 50s-80s w/ Cayden Johnson & Connor Feick. Snacks, desserts, beer, wine, soda, coffee, tea. Register by May 27 at 215-723-5841.
May 31
3rd Annual Snouts & Tails 5K & Fun Run at Last Chance Ranch, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown. ($40/runner, no dogs/ strollers this one) ($25/person 1.5 mile Walk 2x around Ranch) ($5 Kids Fun Run w/adult) Food, vendors. Registration: www.runtheday.com
Springfield Twp Historical Society Open House at our One-room School House, 2165 Rt 212, Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg). See historical documents, albums etc. Free! Public invited.
Questions: Tom Cline 484-308-1510
June 1
‘Spring into Summer’ 11am-2pm at United Friends School, 1018 W Broad St, Quakertown. UFS Café, Games, Dunk Tank, Vendors, Live Music. unitedfriendsschool.org
“A Common Thread- Community Day” Concert Sundaes 7pm at Souderton Community Park. (Rain: Souderton HS or Indian Crest Middle School). Refreshment sales support community groups. 215-723-5841, generationsofiv.org
June 3
Perkasie Historical Society Membership Picnic at the Perkasie Carousel: ‘Our Carousel Music.’ Tom Iannucci shares his passion for music that he has arranged and composed for our Carousel. perkasiehistory.org 215-257-7039
June 3 to 7
Quakertown Fire Dept Carnival, 600 W Mill St, 6pm-10pm nightly. Rides, Food trucks, ‘Celebrity’ Dunk Tank, Carnival Games. Wristband nights (Tues/Wed/Thu $30) Check out Facebook page for more info.
June 4
‘70s Night’ at Telford Night Market 5:30pm-8:30pm. Telford Train Station, Penn Ave & Main St, Telford. Local vendors, live music, great food all season. Vendors? telfordhappenings.com
June 5
‘Trivia Night’ 7pm-9pm, Bishop Estate Winery, 2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie. Food Truck will be here 6pm-9pm. Family-friendly (under 21 must be with parent). Free to attend. May bring own chairs/table. Questions? 215-249-3559
June 6
Perkasie First Friday “Paws Night Out” 6pm-8pm at W Walnut St, Perkasie. Live music, games, vendors, games, shopping, crafts, food trucks & Band (to be announced)
Highland Park Inside Yard Sale. Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-1pm at 415 Highland Park Rd, Sellersville. Highlandparkcamp.org
June 7
Flea Market/Craft Fair, 9am-2pm at Christ’s Lutheran Church, 218 E Broad St, Trumbauersville. Vendor spaces 9’x12’ are $15. Call 215-536-3193 to reserve.
Yard Sale/Bake Sale 8am-12noon (r/s) at Jerusalem Lutheran, 733 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Jelchurch.com 215-257-9423
Flea Market 8am-1pm at Grace United Methodist, 295 S Main St, Telford. 215-723-2144
Trumbauersville Community Day at Veterans Park, 140 Woodview Dr, Quakertown. Strawberry Festival, Activities, Fun for all. Fireworks at 9:30pm. Questions? 215-536-2518, 215-989-0909
31st Quakertown Veterinary Annual Pet Fair, 10am-3pm at 2250 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown. 215-536-6245. Free, pet-friendly event! Crafters, music, food, pony rides, animal demos, adoptions, petting zoo, shuttle service.
‘Ed Bara & Friends’ (world famous singer) 7pm at Peace-Tohickon Lutheran, 100 Old Bethlehem Rd, Perkasie. Free concert filled with laughter, tears & joy. Refreshments. Free-will offering. peacetohickon.org
Royalty Wrestling: Bend The Knee, open 6:30pm, bell time 7pm at Forrest Lodge, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. Info: royalty-wrestling-bend-the-knee. eventbrite.com
Dublin Community Day 1pm-5pm at Supplee Park, 151 Middle Rd. Fun for all. Clown Judy Tudy, petting zoo, bounce houses, vendors, Car Show w/Road Angels, DJ Darren, more. Free shuttle starting at Dublin Fire Co.
June 7 & 8
A Gershwin Portrait, the Music of George & Ira Gershwin, presented by the Cantata Choir under the direction of Larry Benner, featuring Rhapsody in Blue. Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3:00pm. Air Conditioned & Elevator accessible. St. John’s UCC, Route 212 & Main Street, Richlandtown. 215-538-0875.
June 7 to 9
16th Annual Used Book Sale (Sat 8am5pm) (Sun 12noon-5pm) (Mon is $5/bag day sale 8am-5pm) at Good Shepherd Church, 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown. 215-712-7527.
June 8
Annual Heritage House Festival, 12noon5pm at James Memorial Park 1027 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Free! Rain/shine. Details: westrockhillhistoricalsociety.org/ welcome/activities
Tools, Toys & Other Old Treasures Fair, 1pm-4pm at Historic Stokes House, 1299 Apple Rd, Applebachsville (Quakertown).
Haycock Historical Society gathers Collectors to share their treasures. Ask them questions & learn about our past. Stroll the beautiful grounds. Free admission. Picnic lunch served $5/person. Trumbauersville Hoagie Sale Day! Orders need to be placed 10 days prior to Sale. Pick-up is 12-2pm today. Info: Jen 215-989-0909.
“Class of ‘84” (80s Hits) Concert Sundaes 7pm at Souderton Community Park. (Rain: Souderton HS or Indian Crest Middle School). Refreshment sales support community groups. 215-723-5841, generationsofiv.org
June 10
ZOOM Webinar: Medicare with you in mind, 5:30pm-6:45pm. Take 4 easy steps to Medicare! FREE to register. Call Brenda for info at 215-703-0111. We will have a team of experts, so bring your questions.
June 11
‘Western Night’ at Telford Night Market 5:30pm-8:30pm. Telford Train Station, Penn Ave & Main St, Telford. Local vendors, live music, great food all season. Vendors? Telfordhappenings.com
June 12
Indian Valley Library Used Book Sale 10am-6pm at 100 E Church Ave, Telford. keanxl@ivpl.org
June 13
John Denver Tribute Concert 7pm by Charlie Zahm & Tad Marks at Solomon’s UCC, 2990 Bedminster Rd (Rt 113), Perkasie. Free-will offering donation. Directions? Church Office 215-795-2668 or solomonsucc.org
AARKS Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser for Wildlife, open 6pm, games 7pm at Pennridge Community Center, 146 E Main St, Perkasie. Fun-filled evening! aarkevents@aark.org, 215-249-1938
June 13, 14, 15
“The Outsider” live performance at DCP Theatre, 795 Ridge Rd, Telford. Fri/Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. Box Office: 215-234-0966. Tickets and Story details: dcptheatre.org (also 6/20, 6/21/, 6/22)
June 14 Flag Day
Summer Quest Kick-Off Event at (Quakertown Library 11am Elmwood Park Zoo & 2pm Magician Ran’D Shine) and (Perkasie Library 11am Magician/ Comedian Ran’D Shine). Summer Quest runs June 14 to August 9. Check your local library for more.
Free Veterans Seminar 11am-1pm (lunch included) American Legion Post 242, at 610 E Broad St, Quakertown. Bucks County VA representative will keep Vets up-to-date with changes. Register: text 610-986-2265. kspencer6568@gmail.com
‘Joyful Noise 10” Free Music Festival 10am-7pm at Univest Performance Center, The Park at 4th, Quakertown. Monetary & food donations welcome. Vendors, raffles, activities, food. Many performers. stpaulsqtown.org/jn10
Strawberry Festival/Craft Fair 11am4pm (r/s) at St. John’s Lutheran of Spinnerstown, 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Quakertown. Live music 1pm-4pm. Crafts, food, raffle, games. Bring chairs. NO alcohol. FMI 215-536-0734
Yard Sale/Flea Market 8am-1pm at St. Isidore’s parking lot, 2545 W Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown. r/d June 21. FMI 215-529-9727 or 215-536-4389 Museum Display 12noon-4pm at Perkasie Historical Society Museum, 513 W Walnut St. “Cigar Making & the Tobacco Fund”. Photos, tools, packaging. This industry started The Tobacco Fund to support our soldiers. FMI 215-257-7039 Hawaiian Luau 7pm-12midnight at Trumbauersville Betterment Club, 2000 Oak Dr, Trumbauersville. $5/door for non-members. Buffet at 7pm for $12 pp. Entertainment at 8pm with DJ Wil-n-Kat. 215-538-1314
Quakertown Saturday Sunset Social presents Life’s a Garden, Dig It? (plant swap & sale) 4pm-7:30pm along Broad St, downtown Quakertown. Food, drink, music & shopping. Details on FB. Saturday Sunset Social, click on Events. Chicken BBQ take-out fundraiser, 1:30pm-4pm. $15 includes a complete meal (half a chicken) with dessert. Grace UMC, 295 S Main St, Telford. Highland Park Dinner & Concert. Turkey Dinner $12. Reserve online or 215-257-9987. Outdoor Concert 7pm. At 415 Highland Park Rd, Sellersville. Highlandparkcamp.org
June 15 Father’s Day 23rd Annual Car Show 9am-3pm (open 8am) at Silver Creek Athletic Assoc., 2943 Rt 212, Springtown. Admission $5, under 12 is free. Entertainment, Food, 50/50, playground. NO pets/bikes. Rain/ shine. SCAAcarshow@gmail.com
Touch-A-Truck Event 10am-1pm at Quakertown Farmers Market, 201 Station Rd. ‘Marshall’ from Paw Patrol will be here 11am-1pm for photos & visits. Will have a DJ & Father’s Day Craft kids. Free “Montgomery County Concert Band” Concert Sundaes 7pm at Souderton Community Park. (Rain: Souderton HS or Indian Crest Middle School). Refreshment sales support community groups. 215-723-5841, generationsofiv.org
June 17
Trivia Night 3rd Tuesday every month, 6pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St, Quakertown. Come enjoy some friendly competition.
June 18
‘International Night’ at Telford Night Market 5:30pm-8:30pm. Telford Train Station, Penn Ave & Main St, Telford. Local vendors, live music, great food all season. Vendors? Telfordhappenings.com Music Bingo 12:30 open, games 1pm. Generations, 259 N Second St, Souderton. Songs from 50s-80s replace numbers on bingo cards. Don’t have to guess the song. $5/card or 3 for $12. Bring own marker & food or buy in our Café. No registration.
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?
June 19 Juneteenth/FreeDom Day
June 20 First Day oF summer American Legion Fundraiser 4pm9pm at 75 N Main St, Sellersville. Food Truck, Rita’s of Quakertown, Alex Buono Band plays 6pm-9pm. Legion open for beverages & Bar. Family fun: Pool, Darts, Cornhole. ritasofquakertown@gmail.com
June 20, 21, 22
“The Outsider” live performance at DCP Theatre, 795 Ridge Rd, Telford. Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm & 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. Box Office: 215-234-0966. Tickets and Story details: dcptheatre.org
June 21
Yard Sale 9am-2pm at Trumbauersville Betterment Club, 2000 Oak Dr, Trumbauersville. Call the Club for details and table rentals. $10 per table. 215-538-1314
Let’s Bowl for Last Chance Ranch at Earl-Bowl Lanes, 251 N West End Blvd, Quakertown. 2 times to pick from. (5:30pm-7:30pm) (8:30pm-10:30pm) $25/2 hours bowling, music, food, shoes. Adv.purchase only. Check on Facebook Outdoor Craft Market & Food Truck 9am-2pm at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 N Main St, Trumbauersville. Crafters: $40 for 10x10 space. Contact Marilyn at m_rbobb@verizon.net or 215-536-2518.
‘Start of Summer Bash’ 10am-1pm at Pearl S. Buck Estate, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie. Food, games, make & take crafts, scavenger hunt, puppet show, mini horses, tours of Buck Museum. 215-249-0100
‘Make Music Upper Perk’ 10am-11am at Schwenkfelder Heritage Center, 105 Seminary St, Pennsburg. Free celebration of music! info@schwenkfelder.org
June 22
“Tookany Creek Band” (Bluegrass) Concert Sundaes 7pm at Souderton Community Park. (Rain: Souderton HS or Indian Crest Middle School). Refreshment sales support community groups. 215-723-5841, generationsofiv.org
June 24 to 28
Perkasie Fire Co Carnival at Lenape Park, Constitution Ave, Perkasie. Rides, games, food, fun! Presale wristbands at Perkasie.bartshow.com until 4pm June 24. Check facebook.com/perkasiefirecarnival
June 25
‘Meet the Mayor’ at Telford Night Market 5:30pm-8:30pm. Telford Train Station, Penn Ave & Main St, Telford. Local vendors, live music, great food all season. Vendors? Telfordhappenings.com
June 28
‘The TRUE Voice of Elvis’ with Doug Church, 8pm (open 7pm) at Tylersport Firehall, 125 Ridge Rd, Tylersport. BYOB (soda & ice supplied) Food available to buy. Tickets/info: 610-287-3469 or 610-937-5266.
Make & Take Craft: Folk Art nature crafts, drawing & painting using stencils & your imagination, 10am-2pm at Schwenkfelder Heritage Center in Pennsburg. Free, Register at 215-6793103. meredith@schwenkfelder.org
53rd Pennridge Community Day 12noon6pm at Lenape Park, Rt 152, Perkasie. (set GPS to 100 E Walnut St, Perkasie) Followed by Perkasie Fire Carnival at 6pm. Vendor registration is open until June 4. Follow us on Facebook.
Historic Trolley Tour- part of Community Day Celebration. Tour begins at Lenape Park. FMI 215-257-7039
Perkasiehistoricalsociety.org
Telford Fireworks 2025 (first ever) at Penn Valley Church, 320 N 3rd St, Telford. Brought to you by Telford Happenings & Penn Valley Church. Help us raise money by donating now. Updates at telfordhappenings and 267-281-4096
June 29
Penny Party 1pm at St. Andrew’s Lutheran, 20 Dill Ave, Perkasie. $5 donation includes beverage & snack. Live music, 50/50, door prizes. Tickets: 215-257-9624
“HUNKAJUNK” (Pop/Rock) Concert
6pm-8pm in Dimmick Park, 570 Durham St, Hellertown. Food Trucks & Adult Beverages for 21+ crowd. Email: info@hellertownborough.org
“KY3 Show Band” (Latin) Concert
Sundaes 7pm at Souderton Community Park. (Rain: Souderton HS or Indian Crest Middle School). Refreshment sales support community groups. 215-723-5841, generationsofiv.org
July 2
‘Independence Day’ at Telford Night Market 5:30pm-8:30pm. Telford Train Station, Penn Ave & Main St, Telford. Local vendors, live music, great food all season. Vendors? Telfordhappenings.com
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
July 4 inDepenDence Day
Quakertown Community Day, 8am10pm at Memorial Park in Quakertown. Pancake breakfast, car show, vendors, food, live entertainment, lots more. Fireworks after dark!
‘Free Concert’ -Concert Sundaes 7pm at Souderton Community Park. (Rain: Souderton HS or Indian Crest Middle School). Refreshment sales support community groups. 215-723-5841, generationsofiv.org
July 5
Museum Display 12noon-4pm at Perkasie Historical Society Museum, 513 W Walnut St. “Cigar Making & the Tobacco Fund”. Photos, tools, packaging. This industry started The Tobacco Fund to support our soldiers. FMI 215-257-7039
July 6
“Allentown Band” (Concert Band/ Marches) Concert Sundaes 7pm at Souderton Community Park. (Rain: Souderton HS or Indian Crest Middle School). Refreshment sales support community groups. 215-723-5841, generationsofiv.org
July 9
‘Safari Night’ at Telford Night Market 5:30pm-8:30pm. Telford Train Station, Penn Ave & Main St, Telford. Local vendors, live music, great food all season. Vendors? Telfordhappenings.com
July 20
Hoagie Sale. Italian and Turkey, with and without onions. Orders due July 13. Christ’s Lutheran Church, 218 E. Broad St, Trumbauersville. Info/orders: 215-536-3193
“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” - Nora Ephron
2025 Mazda CX-30
Mazda has become known for a superb line of SUVs catering to a wide variety of buyers ranging from singles to families, all of which have a variety of needs. We were privileged to test and review their most recent offering in their CX-30 AWD SUV.
The 2025 CX-30 subcompact AWD SUV is offered in eight trim levels of 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2, 2.5 Turbo Premium and top-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus that we tested.
CX-30 is the complete package as it offers impressive driving manners, has an upscale cabin, it’s loaded with features and has top government safety ratings. It’s also kind at the pumps.
This fine SUV is one of Mazda’s top sellers with the three-row CX-90 coming on strong for folks who need added passenger/cargo space.
CX-30 has a handsome stance with smooth, slippery, aerodynamic, elegant styling lines and LED headlights. Its rear end has a sporty touch with large diameter tailpipe extensions and a liftgate that sports a slight spoiler look along with LED taillights.
Inside, CX-30’s cabin is simple in design with familiar, traditional controls and sumptuously padded heated/cooled front seats plus a heated steering wheel. The Premium Plus model came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment display that is controlled by a rotary mouse on the console. The display provides Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa connectivity along with Mazda Connect services and a host of apps and serves the rearview and front cameras. Sharing the console with the 6-speed automatic transmission gear selector, is a toggle drive mode switch for Sport and Normal modes. It’s flanked by the rotary infotainment display switch behind it and a wireless cell charger in front. Over on the gauge cluster, it has a digital speedometer but uses an analog tachometer and gas gauge.
With a low 18-inch step-in into the rear seat, rear doors open wide for easy ingress/egress and the seats themselves are nicely padded with marginal leg room for two tall adults but ample head room.
Back in the cargo area that has a 30inch lift-over onto the floor, it’s spacious. With the rear seats upright, there’s 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space that measures
31.5 inches deep, 40.5 wide and 30 high. Flip the seatbacks and cargo loading depth increases to 60 inches – a full five feet. Below the cargo floor is a space saver spare tire with some space around it to stow small items out of sight.
CX-30 Premium Plus gets its grunt from a potent 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that generates 227-hp and a whopping 310 lb/ft of torque. Coupled to the 6-speed transmission, the CX-30 is one exciting performer that earns EPA mileage estimates of 22 city, 30-highway mpg. There’s certainly no want for power, especially in Sport mode. And paddle shifters make performance even more interesting.
As for ride and handling, CX-30 rides smoothly and quietly on Bridgestone 18inch tires. And it handles confidently in sharp, tight turns. With a short wheelbase, CX-30 parks easily with its tight turning radius. And when the weather gets snowy, an 8-inch ground clearance can handle modest snow depths and Mazda’s AWD system throws torque to the appropriate wheels for sure-footedness.
This top-line Mazda was priced competitively carrying a base price of $36,800. And that came with a long list of standard features and safety features such as lane departure warning, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear smart brake support, rear crossing smart brake support, all of which go towards accident avoidance. For convenience it includes rain sensing wipers, windshield wiper deicer and heated side mirrors. Many of these are extra cost options on some cars.
The only extra costs were for Soul Red Crystal metallic paint ($595) and rear stainless bumper guards ($135) along with delivery ($1,375) took the bottom line to an affordable $38, 905. CX-30 delivers a lot of content for the price.
Added to CX-30 attractiveness, CX-30 received a full five government safety stars for driver/passenger frontal crash and four stars for rollover.
CX-30 also comes with a 60 month/60K mile powertrain warranty, 36 month/60K mile new vehicle limited warranty along with 24-hour roadside assistance.
If in the market for a reasonably priced SUV that’s loaded with content and has top safety scores, impressive fuel economy and is actually fun to drive, go test drive a CX-30. You’ll be pleasantly impressed.
Nick Hromiak is aN automotive eNtHusiast aNd freelaNce writer. He caN be reacHed at NHromiak@verizoN Net
Carter Waskevich Named UBCTS Student of the Month
Pennridge High School student
Carter Waskevich has been selected as Upper Bucks County Technical School’s May 2025 Student of the Month. Carter's story is one of early focus and strong commitment. His journey in the Electrical program began in his freshman year, a decision that speaks volumes about his proactive approach to education. He'd toured UBCTS in middle school, and that experience sparked a desire to gain real-world skills. He chose the Electrical program, drawn to its problem-solving nature – a challenge he accepted and excelled in.
A cornerstone of Carter's high school experience was the co-op program, a bridge between the classroom and the professional world. He began working with Indian Creek Electric, a long-time supporter of UBCTS, in January of 2024. Indian Creek Electric has provided him with a terrific education through on-thejob training. He was immersed in the field. His workdays were a dynamic mix of experiences, from residential wiring to electrical installations in car dealership showrooms. Each day brought a new set of problems to solve and new techniques to master.
Carter's dedication and skill haven't gone unnoticed. Since January 2024, he's been a valued employee at Indian Creek Electric. As he looks to the future, Carter plans to continue working with Indian Creek, building on the strong foundation he's established. He's also considering furthering his academic pursuits at
Bucks County Community College, with an eye towards a mechanical or electrical engineering degree. His long-term aspiration is to find a place within a growing engineering firm where he can contribute his skills and
continue to learn.
Some fun facts about Carter:
He finds exhilaration on the snowboarding slopes, enjoys the strategic challenges of golf, and cherishes the opportunity to travel the globe with his family, experiences that have broadened his horizons and shaped his perspective. He has been experiencing the life of an adult through shopping, cleaning, and planning, as the state's plans to expand Route 309 meant his family needed to move, a significant transition.
Carter is a shining example of what's possible when students can develop practical skills and pursue their passions. He is more than just the May Student of the Month; he represents the bright future of skilled trades.
Last Chance Ranch Launches $5.5M Capital Campaign to Build New Animal Rescue Facility in Quakertown
At its 12th Annual Tails & Ties Gala, Last Chance Ranch (LCR) officially launched its 2025 Capital Campaign, “Defining the Future of Last Chance Ranch.” The campaign supports the construction of a state-of-the-art rescue and rehabilitation facility on 44 acres recently purchased in Quakertown.
Executive Director Jackie Burke shared the vision for the new facility, which will include enhanced medical and isolation suites, 24 kennels, expanded equine infrastructure with barn stalls and arenas, and calming, fear-free design features for dogs and cats. The facility also includes multi-use spaces for education and training, as well as ample room for community engagement and future growth.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Burke said. “With your support, we can build a permanent home that truly matches the scale and heart of our mission.”
Since its founding, Last Chance Ranch has rescued over 21,000 animals, with 907 adoptions completed in 2024 alone. But the current rented facility has reached its limits, unable to meet the growing needs of animals and the community.
To date, the campaign has already raised more than $500,000, and at Saturday’s gala, LCR was presented with a $250,000 matching gift challenge to help kick off the campaign and drive momentum toward the first $1 million raised. Every dollar donated will be matched, doubling the impact of community support during this critical early phase.
Supporters can get involved in a number of ways, including naming opportunities, bench and brick dedications, and contributions to the Gift of Hope Tree, which will be permanently displayed in the new facility.
To donate or learn more about how to get involved, visit lastchanceranch.org/ capital-campaign or call 215-538-2510.
Trumbauersville Boy Scout Troop 13 Life Scout Martin Wilson led the design and construction of a community seed exchange as his Eagle Scout service project. This project which is located in front of the Trumbauersville Borough Municipal building is designed to give the community access to new flowers and vegetables for flower beds and gardens where they can take what they need and leave any extra seeds they may have left over to share.
Trumbauersville Borough has been chosen by several local Eagle Scouts to perform their
crowning achievement projects. These include a "little library" book exchange, signage for the borough's Veterans Park, a monument and garden to commemorate Veterans, painting curbs in front of fire hydrants, and more. Several Eagle Scout candidates are lined up to also do their projects in Trumbauersville. The next project set to begin shortly involves the identification and marking of the borough's fire hydrants for when mutual aid fire companies are called to service in the borough.
Judith A. Ahern, 80, of Quakertown, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Bethlehem.
Born on January 10, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Walter E. and Emily L. (Yost) Crellin, Sr.
After completing high school, Judy went on to graduate from beauty school in Delaware. She worked as a cosmetologist for a short time before transitioning into retail sales. She retired in 2018 as a Sales Manager from Macy’s.
Judy found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with her beloved cats and dogs, watching MASH* and ME TV, cooking, and knitting. She especially enjoyed sitting by the window, watching the birds and deer outside. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Ahern.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Sandra Cross and Pamela Manlove (husband Ed); her sons, Robert Hall (wife Thea) and Peter Hall (wife Kelly); her brother, Walter E. Crellin, Jr.; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held in Grove Methodist Cemetery, 490 W. Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380. Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.
denise M. (Ashby) Arthur, 73, of Quakertown and formerly of Boothwyn, passed away at home on May 6, 2025. She was born in Chester, PA on August 19, 1951 to the late John B. Ashby and Olga (Ishchuck) Ashby. Denise was the loving wife of the late Lawrence B. Arthur for 26 years. She was a teacher and administrator in the Chester Upland School District for over 40 years. Denise loved teaching. She was an avid baker, loved flowers, and was a chimes member of Longwood Gardens. Denise is survived by her children Denise Apessos (George), Kelly Clausen, and Lawrence Arthur Jr. (Jessica); grandchildren James, Tabitha, Cody, Andrew, Casey, and Ryan; sister Mary Everett; godson Nicholas; and many other loving family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents; husband; brother Steven Ashby; and son-in-law James Clausen. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
JAMes “JiM” A. bAsile, 85, of Warwick, PA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 21, 2025, at Independence Court of Quakertown.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, Jim was the
beloved son of the late John D. Basile and the late Stella (Juszczyk) Basile.
Jim will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Joan-Marie (Shearn) CarselloBasile, together they shared 30 loving years of marriage; his children, Donna BasileIannacone, Christina Panebianco (Frank), John D. Basile (Angela), Dana Lupinacci (Nick) and Alicia Martino (Frank); his grandchildren, Joseph, Dayna, Frankie Jordyn, Dominic, Dominic, Giuliana, and Matteo, his great-grandchildren, and his nephew and nieces.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene (Carsello) Basile; his brotherin-law, Paul Carsello, his sister, Barbara (Rocchi) Basile; his brother-in-law, James Rocchi; and many other cherished family members and friends who welcomed him with open arms.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
JAMes n bergey, age 73, of Trumbauersville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday April 4, 2025, at his home in Trumbauersville, PA, surrounded by his family.
He was the spouse of Nancy Stover Bergey, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Rockhill Township, PA, he was the son of the late Walter Bergey and the late Elizabeth Leebner Bergey.
James graduated from Pennridge High School in 1970.
He served our country in the Army during the Vietnam era.
James worked for 28 years at West Rockhill Elementary School in Pennridge School District, retiring in 2023. James loved to build things, especially anything with wood.
Survivors include in addition to his wife Nancy, two sons, Joshua Bergey and his wife, Jennifer, and Matthew Bergey and his wife, Ashley; and four grandchildren, Isabella, Lexie, Walter, and Jillian.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
dorothy MAe ellen (henshAw) burgos, 72, of Quakertown, passed away at home on April 27, 2025. She was born in Abington on November 23, 1952 to the late Walter Henshaw and Dorothy (Gavigan) Henshaw. Dorothy was the loving wife of the late Eufemio Burgos for 49 years. She was a loving, caring, and amazing mother, and she enjoyed every moment she had with her grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, movies, playing cards and board games. She was the "aunt" that made time for everyone.
Dorothy is survived by her children Jerry Burgos (Vicki), Sandra Mumbauer (Richard) Julie Williams (Robert),
Dorothy Wagner (Earl), and Jennifer Burgos-Lopez (Edwin); grandchildren Nicholas, Morgan, Benjamin, and Emma; and many other loving family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents; husband; and brothers Richard, William, Warren, Thomas and Robert.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
Ms. doris Ann brown (stAncAto) of Milford Square, Bucks County, passed away on May 12, 2025. Born in Tamaqua, PA, she was the daughter of the late John Orme Brown and Elizabeth Mauger Brown.
She was regarded as a woman of quick wit and keen intelligence, and her friends often sought her advice and expressed admiration for her unflagging courage in the face of adversity.
Ms. Brown is survived by her two sons, Tristan Stancato (Robin) and Philip Stancato (Kim); her two daughters, Charlotte Smetzer (Lee Brensinger) and Tracey Virnelson (Fred); her six grandchildren, Brendan, Austin, Jacob and Dillon Stancato and Nicholas and David Virnelson; and five great-grandchildren, Jayden, Emma, Paisley, Landon and Kayce Virnelson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother and greatest hero, Lt. Col. John Lawrence Brown, and her grandson, Ian Stancato.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
chArles J. clAncy, 90, of Quakertown and formerly of Philadelphia, passed away at home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Born on March 4, 1935, in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late John and Jeanette (Elmer) Clancy.
A graduate of Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, he went on to enter the workforce.
He held employment with Philadelphia Gas Works for thirty-seven years, retiring in 1996.
Outside of work, he found joy in woodworking and reading.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-three years: Margaret E. (Behrle) Clancy; brothers: Edward, Stephen, and John Clancy, Jr.; and sisters: Joan Clancy and Claire Scally.
Charles will be lovingly remembered by his daughter: Peggy Steinberg (Michael); brother: James Clancy; sisters: Patricia Scally, Jeanette Jones, Noreen Thompson (Gerry), Geri Mardt (Thomas), and Kitty Cusick (Bill); grandchildren: Maria Ricciardi (Donny), Michael Steinberg, Maggie Johnson (Evan), and Tess Guidos (Justin); and great-grandchildren: Avery, Maisey, Nora, Molly, Christian, Nina, Josie, and Jude.
A viewing will be held at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, 2545 West Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951, on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 9:00am until the time of Mass of Christian Burial—in church—at 10:00am.
Interment will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.
Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.
richArd “lefty” crouthAMel, born on April 18, 1934, and son of Willard and Elizabeth (High) Crouthamel, made his final earthly journey and passed away on April 21, 2025.
Lefty seemed to be born for a life of activity and adventure.
As a youth, he had various jobs in his Perkasie neighbor-
hood. In school he excelled as an athlete, earning a yearly mention in The Free Press for his “legendary” touchdown in the Sell-Perk/Quakertown Thanksgiving Day game.
After graduation, he and his best friend traveled across the country working odd jobs as they went to California and Florida. After returning home, Lefty joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Bingen, Germany for 3 years, decoding classified information. During his service career, he traveled extensively throughout Europe.
Not long after his return home, he met and married his beloved “Rose”, Rosella Bleam, and together they raised a family. They vacationed almost every summer while raising their 2 daughters in a 1700’s farmhouse. He enjoyed camping, hiking, hunting and fishing, as well as playing and watching sports. Lefty was a very hard worker, doing whatever was needed to support his family. He worked at Mack Trucks for 20 years, then drove school bus for Moravian Academy after taking early retirement. He also took up painting, at which he excelled. Many adventures followed, including summers running B&Bs in both Prince Edward Island and Alaska where they forged lifelong friendships, visiting friends who lived out of state and attending many of the activities that their grandchildren were involved in.
Lefty’s dream lifestyle was granted him and Rose when they spent 7 years living in Alaska where they attended Kenny Lake Chapel and made many new friends. They enjoyed fishing, hiking, game nights, snow shoeing, hunting, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, chopping wood, gardening and their life of faithfulness to others, whatever the need may be.
Lefty confessed that though all the adventure made him happy, his life changed when he heard the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sin and selfishness, and that by believing Him, we would receive the gift of amazing grace for here on earth, and eternal life with Him in Heaven. Though many difficulties followed, Lefty’s testimony of his pursuit of God, his faithfulness to family and friends and his desire for adventure all prevailed.
Because of health issues, Lefty and Rose moved back to PA in 2013 and continued to love and serve family, friends and the church. Their passion for God and people was displayed right up to their dying days as they continued to pray and sing together every morning and night. Together they had an impact on many lives and they are sorely missed.
Lefty is survived by his daughters, Terry MacBride (married to Daniel) of Palm, PA and Sherry Green (Married to Timothy) of Barto, PA, 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. His wife Rose preceded him in death on Feb. 19, 2025. A joint celebration of life was held for them on March 9, 2025 at Butter Valley Community Church in Bally, PA.
ivA JAnet (rose) dobson, one hundred, of Quakertown, passed quietly in her sleep Sunday morning May 4. Her and the love of her life, Arnett Dobson, were married for 69 years.
Surviving are their children, Delores "Dee" Isenhart, husband Ron and Gary Dobson, wife Alma (Gilbert). She was predeceased by their beloved son, Charles and Her Husband Arnett. Other survivors include grandchildren Chris Dobson (Liz), Kelly Schroeder (Justin), Sean Dobson & wife Sara, Jason Dobson, and Krystal Hughes (Andrew); great-grandchildren Ashley, Kaitlynn and Izaac Schroeder, Chloe and Addie Dobson, Darian Grainger and Sophia, Rylie, and
~Obituaries~
Iva Dobson; friends Dave Bryant and Kurt Weeks. Beloved aunt to Nieces/Nephews. Born in Coe, WV, she was the daughter of the late Sherman and Martha Rose and was predeceased by sisters Effie, Minnie, Maggie, Ada and Ethel and brothers Frank, John, and George.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
MAry elizAbeth Augsburger dotts passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025 in the presence of her loving family at her home in Madison, CT at the age of 89. She is survived by her four daughters, Gwendolyn Hughes (Joseph Meyers), Jennifer Jackson (Keith Hoffer), Margaret Thomas (James), and Rebecca McCudden (Michael), grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, Raymond Richard Dotts, and her brother David C. Augsburger.
Mary, daughter of the late Chris D. and M. Estelle Cook Augsburger, was born August 14, 1935 in Gettysburg, PA. She graduated from Quakertown High School in 1953 and Houghton College in 1957. Mary lived for 50 years in Camden, DE and with family in Madison, CT for almost three years before passing away.
Mary worked various jobs over the course of her life. She was a fifth grade and elementary school teacher in the Quakertown School System. Mary also worked at JCPenney as an associate and department manager for 13 years, a federal program manager, and a coordinator of volunteer services.
Mary loved nothing more than her Lord and her family. She found great joy in serving as a church organist beginning at the age of 15 through the age of 86. She was an integral member, alongside her husband Raymond, of her church, Camden Bible Fellowship Church, for 45 years. She helped many find the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and was a dedicated and steadfast servant of the Lord her entire life.
Mary’s beloved husband of more than 66 years, Raymond, passed away almost exactly two years prior to Mary. Their family is comforted that she is reunited with him whom she loved so deeply.
Mary was a sweet, gentle, wonderful woman who loved with all of her heart. She walked through life showing everyone kindness and love. Her memory and love will be carried forever in the hearts and minds of her children, grandchildren, family, loved ones, and everyone who knew her. While she is greatly missed, Mary will always be remembered and loved and is now home in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ, her savior, and her husband Raymond.
Mary’s family would like to extend their deep gratitude to her devoted and loving caregiver Vanessa Sansculotte and to her friend and companion Cybil Juárez. For those who wish to donate in memory of Mary, contributions can be made to the Pinebrook Educational Foundation. Donations should be made payable to Pinebrook Educational Foundation and sent to Dr. Andrew T. Crossgrove at 140 Harleysville Pike, Harleysville, PA 19438.
Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.
Allen thAtcher frAnk died in Bowie, Maryland on March 13, 2025. He was 89. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of Norman and Gertrude Frank. He was a 1953 graduate of Quakertown High School where he played football and track. He was a 1957 graduate of Ursinus College and a 40-year employee of the Department of Defense in Washington, DC. He also served in the US Army. In
the 1970's he moved with his family to Cheltenham, England for a three-year assignment with the Defense Department. He coached football and track for the Belair (Bowie) Boys Club. In his later years he was an active participant in the Maryland Senior Olympics. A baritone soloist, he sang with several choral groups and participated in various theater productions in the Washington area. For over 60 years he was an active member of the Christian Community Presbyterian Church in Bowie, MD. He is survived by his wife, Judith Shelly Frank, a son Timothy (Susan) and grandsons Tristan and Anders Frank.
He was predeceased by daughter, Shelley Marie and sister Norma Frank Donner. A service will be held in the Fall.
Alice J. ferguson (nee hAvener), 84, of Richlandtown, PA and formerly of Coopersburg, Barto, and Harleysville, PA, passed away on Sunday May 25, 2025, at Phoebe in Richlandtown.
Born on March 19, 1941, in West Conshohocken, she was a daughter of the late Allen and Grace (Rhoads) Havener.
A graduate of Upper Marion High School’s Class of 1959, she went on to study business and work as a secretary prior to her marriage, after which she became a homemaker.
She found joy in watching golf and completing crossword puzzles.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband: Blaine M. Ferguson; companion: John W. Green; sisters: Maize, Susan, and Sandra Havener; and her brother: Albert Havener.
Alice will be lovingly remembered by her daughters: Jean Ferguson and Jennifer Warshel (Jefferey, Sr.); sons: John Ferguson (Barbara) and Chad Fergson (Christa); grandchildren: Mollie (Eric), David, Jade (David), Jefferey, Jr., and Joel; great-grandchildren: Kelly, Rowan, Thoren, and Titan; and her brother: Allen James Havener.
In keeping with Alice’s wishes, funeral services will not be scheduled.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made—in Alice’s memory—to her favorite TV station, PBS, via the local PBS 39 (WLVT) affiliate.
Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.
nAncy AlbertA (thoMson) furst, 87, of Center Valley, PA, passed away on April 20, 2025. She was born in Sellersville, PA on February 13, 1938 to the late Russell and Dorothy (Diehl) Thomson. Nancy was the loving wife of Edward Furst for 64 years. She loved flowers and was an avid gardener. Nancy dedicated her life to her family and thoroughly enjoyed any time she got to spend with them.
Nancy is survived by her husband Edward; daughter Robin Nase (Keith); grandchildren Alicia Kershner, Kevin Furst, and Cassandra Bettler; 7 great grandchildren; Brother Merrill Thomson; and many other loving family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents; son Edward Furst Jr.; grandson Edward Furst III; and brother Russell Thomson Jr. Services will be privately held. She will be interred at Quakertown Union Cemetery.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
Arlene swAuger gehMAn, 97, passed away on April 30, at Souderton Mennonite home where she resided for the past 16 years. She was born on August 30, 1927, in Hilltown Twp to I. Elwood and Mary Jane (Ulmer) Moyer. She is survived by her son Thomas Swauger (wife
& Family
Kathy), grandsons Michael Swauger (wife Jacqueline) and Nicholas Swauger (partner Shanna Bryan) of Coopersburg, great grandchildren Drew and Kendall Swauger and Audrey Bryan, along with many much-loved nieces and nephews.
Arlene was predeceased by husband Ernest L. Swauger, son Richard Swauger and second husband Willis Gehman, sisters Margaret Struble and Josie Tyson, and brothers LeRoy Moyer and Darwin Moyer.
Arlene was a graduate of Grand View Hospital of Nursing, class of 1948. She worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem for many years, and as Director of Nurses at Valley Manor Nursing and Convalescent Home in Coopersburg. She finished her career as a nurse for Dr. Robert M. Saks, DO, Center Valley, where she retired after 14 years.
Arlene enjoyed all kinds of hobbies and activities including baking, crocheting and sewing. She enjoyed card and board games like pinochle and Rummikub. She kept active by bowling and playing Wii Bowling, where she would keep track of her score and often beat the gentlemen whom she played against. She loved listening to Church Hymns and Sunday church service kept her busy in retirement. Interment is in St. Andrew’s Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Andrew’s Church Memorial Fund.
Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.
JAnet elAine gross, of Sellersville, PA, went to be with her Lord on April 13th, 2025.
Born in Sellersville, Janet was the daughter of the late O. Harold Gross
of Madison, South Dakota, and Gladys (Wood) Gross of Promised Land, Pennsylvania.
In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, keeping up with her cousins in the West and spending time with her sister and brother-in-law, Bernita and Bob Stanwood, traveling to their vacation cabin and farm in upstate Pennsylvania.
Janet was predeceased by her nephew, Nathan Gross Stanwood, her sister, Bernita Stanwood, brother-in-law, Robert Hewitt Stanwood ll, and her brother, Leonard Gross.
Janet will be dearly missed by her niece, Janet Elisabeth Stanwood, nephews Robert Stanwood and Jonathan Stanwood, as she was very close to them, providing love, guidance and hospitality.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
gArwood J. krAMer, Jr , 74, of Quakertown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in his home. Born on April 4, 1951, he was a son of the late Garwood J. and Avanel (LaRose) Kramer, Sr.
Following his formal education, he spent his career working in construction. Outside of work, he was an avid hunter and a skilled gardener who always had bountiful array of vegetables.
He was a lifetime member of the Ridge and Valley Rod and Gun Club, Spring Valley Sportsmen’s Club, Coopersburg Fire Co., and the Upper Saucon Social Quarters in Center Valley.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother: Kenneth Kramer; sister: Karen Polochek; and brother-inlaw: Philip Calabrette.
A devoted husband and father, Garwood
will be lovingly remembered by his wife of forty-three years: Jeannette Kramer; son: Garwood Kramer, III and his wife Jennifer; daughter: Kimberly Kramer; step-daughter: Dawn (Dieterly) Kehoe and her husband George. He is also survived by two brothers: David Kramer and his wife Beth; and Jeffrey Kramer and his wife Melanie; two sisters: Donna (Ritennauer) Thorne and Lynn (Kramer) Calabrette; and three grandchildren: Alisa (Kehoe) Bolton and her husband Brandon; Ryan Kehoe, Austin Mower, and Shelby (Kramer) Zonberg and her husband Zachary.
Interment is in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Garwood’s memory, to the Parkinson’s Foundation via their website: www.parkinson.org.
Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.
kevin JAMes Mckee, 55, of Ocean Pines, MD, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Baltimore, MD. Kevin was the beloved husband of Erin (Clemmer) McKee and loving father to daughter, Shawn Amber McKee (25) and son, Jordan Andrew McKee (10). In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his father, James McKee, husband of Harriet McKee. Also by his brother, Brian McKee and his wife Maria McKee. As well as his sister, Michelle Davis, and cousin, Melissa Shingle.
Kevin loved and cherished spending time with his family making lasting memories together. He also deeply valued his friendships and was always willing to lend a helping hand when anyone was in need. He will be remembered for his warm smile, generous spirit, and the quiet strength he brought to those around him.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
keith r. MorAn, 90, of Sellersville, PA and formerly of Leon Valley (San Antonio), TX, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Born on September 15, 1934, in Wakefield, Michigan, was a proud Texan, devoted family patriarch, and accomplished military officer. Born in Wakefield, Michigan, he was valedictorian of Baraga High School’s Class of 1952 and later earned a degree from Hampton Institute. He also studied Serbian at the Monterey Language Institute early in his military career, ranking second in his class.
At 20, Keith enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving for 24 years, including two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the bronze medal. He specialized in intelligence and was stationed at seven bases before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in San Antonio. After retirement, he worked as an analyst for government contractors. In a surprising chapter of his life, he briefly modeled for Bill Blass suits, appearing in commercials and fashion shows.
Keith cherished his time spent creating trails at Isle Royale National Park as a young man, believing it helped shape him. He was a pillar at his church, a man of strong faith and loved cantering and singing in the church choir. In his free time, he found joy in fishing, sports (anything with a ball), crossword puzzles (in pen), Jeopardy (he always knew the answers) and being with his extended family and friends.
Keith was not only admired for his professional achievements but also for his personal virtues. He was known for his unwavering integrity, kindness, compassion and he always left things better than he found them. Keith's legacy is one of strength, resilience, and love. He instilled in his family the values of hard work, per-
severance, and the importance of seeing the glass half full. His stories of service, adventure, and family were cherished leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Keith lived in Leon Valley for 60 years. In addition to his parents, Louis A. and Rose (Carriere) Moran, he is preceded in death by his wives: Joni (Simonson) Moran and Yolanda (Bartoli) Moran; daughter, Karen Lowe; grandson, Adam Sawyer; son-in-law, Galen Moffett; and his siblings: Olivine Chaput, Louis A.Moran Jr., Phyllis Dutton, Delores Ethington, Anita Nevala, Barbara Whatley, and his twin Kenneth Moran.
Keith will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Patricia (Gilliland) Moran; his children: Judy Whatley (Mark),Mary Moffett, Pamela Moyer Hager (Christopher), and Scott Chamberlain (Kelsey Payton); his grandchildren: Ryan Wurz, Sara De La Cruz (Vincent), Ashley Whatley, Grant Moffett (Emmy), Emily Moffett, Cory Hager, Jane Payton, Scott Jules Payton, and Amanda Lama (Adrian); six great-grandchildren: Freya, Arya, Willow,Jaelynn, Grayson, Oliver, and Aubrey; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 6907 Kitchener Street, San Antonio, TX 78240, with a Rosary beginning at 9:30am, followed by a Memorial Mass--in the sanctuary--at 10:00am. Interment--with military honors--will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.
rosAlie elenA (reinhold) Polito died at home at the age of 80 in the care and loving arms of her family. She was a devoted wife of 60 years to Anthony Polito, and beloved mother to Vincent Polito and Jennifer Marano and their spouses Kathryn Polito and Michael Marano.
Rose was a doting grandmother. She will be missed by her four grandchildren Brandon and Nicholas Marano, and Noah and Olivia Polito.
Rose was born and raised in Manhattan, NY and moved to Staten Island to raise a family with her husband Tony.
Rose was a deeply thoughtful woman and an artist at heart. She was a nature lover, bird watcher, and flower and plant expert.
Rose inspired all around her when in her Golden Years she took up kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and tire flipping.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
lynn irwin rAtzell, 82, of Lower Nazareth Township, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. He was the beloved husband of the late Sarah Jane (Myers) Ratzell who passed in 2013 and Katherine (Keck) Heller whom he married in a commitment ceremony in November 2022. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Irwin and Evelyn (Fox) Ratzell. He graduated from Quakertown High School in 1960 and attended Penn State University graduating in 1964 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked for PP&L for over 32 years retiring in 2002 and then did private consulting for 3 years more before retiring in 2005. He was a former member of Christ UCC Church in Bethlehem where he was active in the Soup Kitchen through Bethlehem Emergency Shelter and more recently has been an active member at
New Creation UCC Church in Palmer Twp. He was also active in the Nazareth Lions Club, the Environmental Advisory Council of Lower Nazareth Township, and the Rotary Club of Nazareth. In his free time, Lynn enjoyed cycling throughout the Lehigh Valley, and he was an avid skier and loyal Penn State fan. Survivors: Lynn is survived by his wife, Katherine, and his children, Thomas Ratzell and his wife, Donna of Blandon; Michelle McDermott and her husband, John of Newtown; sister, Karen Weikel and her husband, Terry of Sellersville and 4 grandchildren, Greg and Alec Ratzell and Grace and Rachel McDermott. Lynn is also survived by Katherine’s stepchildren David Heller (Patti) and Marleah Doyle (Wayne) and their grandchildren. Services: Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, June 6th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM all at New Creation UCC Church, 3730 Nicholas Street, Easton. Burial of cremated remains will be private at Nisky Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to James Funeral Home, Bethlehem. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions to New Creation UCC Church, 3730 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA 18045 or to The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042
rAchel love "rAe" robinson, 69, of Elverson, PA, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on May 25, 2025. She was born in Sellersville on September 25, 1955 to the late Newton Condict and Ethel (Stopka) Condict. Rachel was the loving wife of James C. Robinson for nearly 30 years. She was a famously good cook, loved flowers and gardening, and took great care of her dogs. Rachel was guided by her faith, and is now in the arms of her loving savior.
Rachel is survived by her husband Jim; siblings Newton Condict, Rebecca Bray (Randy), Deborah Bauman, Lydia Condict, Julia Hufford (John), Andrew Condict (Amy), Joel Condict, and Jonathan Condict (Cindy); 22 nieces and nephews; 11 great nieces and nephews; and many other loving family and friends.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
JosePhine griffoni rogers, 100, of Coopersburg, passed away at home on April 26, 2025. She was born in Philadelphia on June 4, 1924 to the late Antonio Pologruto and Marianne (Scoleri) Pologruto. Josephine spent 24 years of marriage with Joseph Griffoni until his passing in 1974. She would later marry Ralph Rogers and spend 20 years with him until his passing. Josephine was an avid seamstress and dress maker.
Josephine is survived by her daughters Beverly Smith and Melanie Setzer (David); grandchildren Andrew Smith, Ryan Smith, Andrea Moyer, and Amber McCubbin; great grandchildren Rebecca Smith, Alana Moyer, Keira Moyer, Julia Moyer, Zoe McCubbin, and Shane McCubbin; and many other loving family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents; husbands; and 11 siblings.
Josephine will be privately interred at Chelten Hills Cemetery in Philadelphia.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
benitA ukstins It is with heavy hearts and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Benita Ukstins, on May 3, 2025, at the age of 84. She passed away peacefully in her home in West Norriton, PA surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 22, 1940 in Liepaja, Latvia, Benita was a woman of unwaver-
ing faith, strength, empathy and boundless love for others. She dedicated her life to her family and to her Lord, Jesus Christ. She emigrated to Germany with her parents and older sister, Astrida, and then later to the United States to the Cleveland, Ohio area in 1951. She was a devout member of the Cleveland Latvian Baptist Church until 1986 where she served as the women’s ministries leader and choir director.
Benita graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN in 1966 with a dual major in elementary education and music. She was married to Uldis Ukstins in 1967 who pastored at the Cleveland church until 1986. The family then moved to Lansdale, PA where Uldis began pastoring at the Bucks County Latvian Baptist Church and then later the Philadelphia Latvian Baptist Church.
Benita was member of the board of the Union of Latvian Baptists in America where she oversaw aid to the Baptist churches in Latvia, Brazil and other parts of the world. In the 1980s, she was also a member of the Baptist World Alliance Women’s Ministries Board. She often traveled to Latvia in support of these ministries.
As a devoted mother, Benita raised her children with love, grace and wisdom. She dedicated her life to her children, her family, and to her work. As a life-long school teacher and as the head of the women’s missions work for the Latvian Baptists in America, her dedication to others was unwavering. She helped and prayed for children and those in need here in the United States, Latvia and around the world. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and heard.
She is survived by her husband Uldis of 57 years, her three daughters Liv, Ači, and Erika, her sons-in-law Daniel, Aaron, and Nick, her two grandchildren Luke and Tessa, her sister Astrida Kuhns, brotherin-law Robert Kuhns, and their family. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she so faithfully served. We will carry her memory and love for others forward.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to “LBDS Sieviešu Kalpošanas Apvienība” (Women’s Ministries of the Baptist Churches in Latvia) in her memory.
Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
- Revelation 14:13 niv
bryAn cory verhAnovitz, 51, of Center Valley, PA, died unexpectedly on April 30th, 2025, in his home. Born in Allentown, PA, Bryan was the son of the late Dr. Richard Verhanovitz and the late Ellen Jane (Chergosky) Verhanovitz. Bryan enjoyed watching Philadelphia sports teams and had a love of reading science-fiction novels. Bryan also loved horror movies. He enjoyed being a part of online horror movie forums and hosted several international horror movie marathons online.
Bryan was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Bryan will be dearly missed by his wife, Jean, together they shared 24 loving years of marriage; his sister, Beth Clark (Chad); his nephews Noah and Peter Clark, Christian Haddock and niece Sydney Clark; along with his extended family members and friends. Bryan is predeceased by his parents.
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, (nauglefcs.com).
KRAMER
What is Phenology?
You may not know the term, but you have heard of the correlation between the blooming time of some plants and the associated crop planting dates. The first paper on Phenology was written in 974 B.C., before meteorology, botany and ornithology were implemented.
Phenology is the study of relationships between periodical biological events – usually the life cycles of plants and animals – and environmental changes. The word Phenology is derived from the Greek word phaino which means “to show” or “to appear”. Phenology is nature’s calendar: when flowers bloom, leaves break bud, when birds begin migrating, and when leaves change color and fall. Farmers and gardeners use Phenology to develop a planting schedule and when to apply pesticides based on when insects may emerge. Insects are well suited to predictions based on Phenology because they are cold-blooded, and their growth and development is directly correlated to weather conditions. Researchers use changes in Phenology as an indicator of the vulnerability of certain species and communities to changes in climate. Phenology records are gathered over many years to develop reliable correlations. Correlations based on seasonal or climactic changes such as weather or temperature changes are more reliable than calendar dates. Some examples of phenological correlations stated in a 2012 article by Karen Delahaut of the University of Wisconsin include:
• Plant peas when forsythia blooms
• Plant potatoes when the first dandelions bloom
• Plant beets, carrots, cole crops like lettuce and spinach when lilac is in first leaf
• Plant corn when oak leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear (this observation was made by Native Americans centuries ago) Now, of course we know that this is folklore unrelated to gardening events
• Plant beans, cucumber and squash seed when lilac is in full bloom
• Plant tomatoes when lily-of-the-valley plants are in full bloom
• Transplant eggplant, melons and peppers when irises bloom
Current scientific research suggests soil temperature as a better indicator of when to plant crops. This publication has a handy chart of preferred soil temperatures for planting crops.
https://tinyurl.com/fyzan3n6
Phenology can also be used as an indicator of the appearance of some birds,
mammals, plants, fungi and reptiles and amphibians. For instance a Penn State Phenology release specifically focuses on a collection of observations in Quarterly publications, the first of which is “Spring Phenology Notes”, covering April, May and June. Subsequent articles will be released with the change of seasons.
You can start your own Phenology Notebook by recording your observations of the correlation between flowering plants and vegetable planting and/or the appearance of wildlife.
Chop those Perennials! Some Perennials can benefit from an early June haircut. Cutting back Perennials now can delay bloom time, but the benefits outway the delay. You will be rewarded with more blooms and prevent “flopover” and the need for staking. Perennials that can benefit are Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), Speedwell (Veronica), Yarrow (Achillia sp.), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), tall species of Goldenrod (Solidago sp.), and Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium sp.). Plants in the Asteracea family such as Chrysanthum and Asters can be pinched back until early July.
Spotted Lanternfly Update: Spotted Lanternfly have hatched and have been spotted in Lower Bucks County. The latest 2024 research shows the SLF quarantine has spread to 17 states. Four counties in Pennsylvania have been added to the quarantined list in 2025 including Venango, Bradford, Sullivan and Wyoming. Log onto the Penn State Spotted Lanternfly website for the latest information on identification and management. https://tinyurl.com/28wtfk8y
(Article updated and reprinted from 5/23)
Other Resources: Phenology -Wisconsin Horticulture Spring Phenology Notes https://tinyurl.com/d6ty4y93
Our Home Garden Hotline is open Monday thru Friday, 9-12 and 1-4
Our office is often being staffed in person on Thursday between 1 and 4. Call before visiting. 267-483-2020
Penn State Extension Bucks County, 576 Penns Park Rd, Newtown, PA 18940
Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!
Think Local. Serve Local. Be Local.
Home Equity Loan Sale
'Start of Summer Bash' at the Pearl S. Buck Estate Scheduled
Pearl S. Buck International will be hosting a day of family fun with a Start of Summer Bash on June 21 from 10 am-1 pm on the grounds of the historic Pearl S. Buck Estate, 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA 18944.
Geared toward families with children aged 2-12, the Start of Summer Bash will feature food, games, make and take crafts, a scavenger hunt with prizes, puppet shows, and a chance to meet and pet miniature horses. Tickets are $10 per child; adults and children under 2 are free. Guests can also purchase an add-on ticket to tour the Pearl S. Buck House National Historic
Landmark Museum, the former home of Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, humanitarian, and activist Pearl S. Buck.
Tickets and a full schedule of events are available at https://tinyurl. com/28x77vl5
Call 215-249-0100 for information.
Pearl S. Buck International® provides opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, builds better lives for children around the globe and promotes the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark Home.
Common Training Mistakes When Teaching a Recall Cue
Training recall is one of the most valuable skills a dog can learn, but it’s also one of the most commonly mishandled behaviors.
Many owners assume their dogs will automatically understand the word “Come”—when in reality, recall is a learned behavior requiring proper instruction, reinforcement, and consistency.
Recall is a Learned Behavior
Dogs don’t instinctively respond to recall commands. They rely on us to teach, cue, and reinforce the behavior repeatedly until it becomes second nature. Without proper training, recall can be unreliable, leading to frustration for both dog and owner.
Stages of Learning Matter
Effective recall training progresses through four crucial learning stages:
• Acquisition: Teaching the dog to return when called.
• Fluency: Ensuring consistency and reliability in their response.
• Generalization: Practicing in various environments, starting with low distractions and gradually increasing difficulty.
• Maintenance: Continuing practice to reinforce recall over time so it remains a dependable skill.
Practicing in High-Distraction Environments Too Soon
Many owners attempt recall in settings that are too stimulating—like a busy park or an off-leash play area—before their dog has a solid foundation. This often leads to failure, making it harder for the dog to succeed. Instead, build recall skills in controlled environments first and slowly increase distractions as the dog improves.
Misuse of the Cue “Come”
Using “Come” casually, without acknowledging or rewarding the behavior, can weaken its importance. If owners call their dog without reinforcement, the command loses its meaning, resulting in inconsistent responses.
Unintentional Punishment
Calling a dog inside from a fun outdoor activity and immediately leaving for work might feel like punishment from their perspective. If recall consistently leads to negative consequences, dogs may become hesitant to respond. Have you ever heard of the Fun Police?
Negative Reactions That Damage Trust
Yelling at or punishing a dog for failing to come when called teaches them that responding might lead to something unpleasant. This unpredictability discourages recall rather than reinforcing it.
Pro Tips for Effective Recall Training
• Reward recall consistently with positive reinforcement (yummy treats or real food, petting, praise, toy and games like tug).
• Build distractions gradually so recall remains reliable in various settings.
• Ensure “Come” always leads to positive outcomes to strengthen trust. With patience and proper training, recall can become a dependable and lifesaving skill for every dog!
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
“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.”
- John Steinbeck
I had good news and bad news this morning. Each week I drive down to have breakfast or lunch with my son Mike. He lives in Downingtown now so it’s about an hour and a half travel time and the commute is worth every second. Always the highlight of my week.
We like to have breakfast at a small restaurant called Your Mom’s Place in Phoenixville. It’s easy to find. Just look for the big round Mom’s Breakfast and Burgers sign, open the screen door, and walk into this great place loaded with old school charm, one where Mike can get his favorite omelette, and I can ignore my doctor’s advice and have the occasional piece of scrapple, well done. If the sign on the door says closed, ignore it and walk in. Someone forgot to turn it over to the open side.
When he lived in Chester Springs, it was only a 10-minute drive for Mike, just a right turn out of his development onto Rt 113 and then a straight drive into town. Any luck and there will be a parking spot right out front. Now it’s about a 30-minute trek, but we both have a special feeling for this breakfast and lunch place, so that’s our usual weekly spot. It’s really not about the food, and hasn’t been for the past five years that we have been calling it home, a few minutes at a time.
The bad news this morning is that Your Mom’s Place has suddenly closed for good. That’s very bad news. A tradition lost. A tradition now a memory of the past.
If there’s any good news to be found, it’s that I learned of the closure before I drove to Phoenixville and will now detour straight to Downingtown and the Garden Grill, our back up place when Mom’s is closed for vacation.
There’s nothing really wrong with Garden Grill. It has a large menu with all of the typical breakfast food items. It’s a much larger space so it’s always bustling and the food is good.
But it’s missing the most important and intangible piece for any restaurant. The people. Everyone is very nice and friendly at Garden Grill but it doesn’t have that treasured immeasurable thing that makes you feel guilty if you go somewhere else. If another person bought the Grill and took it over, I doubt that we would notice a change unless the food or service went south.
Each time stepping into Your Mom’s Place, I knew Kathy would be there to greet me and begin to brew a fresh pot of my dark roast coffee. She knew I wanted a cup of Joe before I knew I wanted a cup of Joe. Usually, Bill would be at the grill cooking something amazing and ensuring that the smell of bacon was forever lingering in the air. Bill is the owner and would often come over to say hello and chat while we were enjoying our meal.
I like that we know their names and they know our names. It feels like family.
I don’t know what happened or the reason that they closed. It doesn’t matter. It’s a sad day for us. I am not sure if they realize, although I hope they do, the difference they made in our lives and mornings every week. Most likely that applies to many of their other customers as well.
It is very likely that someone else will take over and reopen with a new name. Phoenixville is a vibrant town with many restaurants, so that will happen, but it won’t be the same.
I doubt we will go there, as it’s a pretty far drive for Mike in the morning now since he moved. It surely will not have the same feeling. That’s hard to come by. Close to impossible.
Think of your own favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or pub. It’s always the people that make the difference and inspire you to come back time and again.
We will miss Kathy and Bill.
They were our inspiration.
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
ageratum anemone aster clematis cosmos crocus dahlia geranium heather hollyhock hyacinth iris larkspur lavender lilac lupine mums orchid pansy petunia phlox salvia snapdragon tulip verbena violet wisteria zinnia
“June is the time for dreams to take flight and soar into reality.” - Emma Racine de Fleur
Hope you all came out to Arts Alive! last month. I wanted to take time this month to point out that our fire companies need our support. There are many carnivals to help raise money for them. They start this month. Some of you complain about the prices. If you don’t want to go on rides or games then just write a check for a donation at the firefighters’ booth. These firefighters don’t get paid. They stop what they are doing and answer the call to help you so let’s all help them.
The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue. Think Local. Play Local. Be Local.
QNB Bank Seeking Student Art for 2026 Collector Calendar
QNB Bank is seeking artwork for its 2026 Student Art Calendar Contest from high school students (grades 9-12) of all schools in QNB’s market area. This will be the 30th installment of the QNB Student Art Collector Calendar.
The theme for this year is “Travel” and the art format is the same as years past – a pen and ink drawing. Fourteen drawings will be selected by the Bank to be featured in the calendar. Entry forms with a full list of rules and regulations for the contest can
be picked up at any QNB Bank location, participating schools’ art departments, or on QNB’s website at QNBbank.com/contest. Artwork may be mailed to: QNB Bank
Attn: Marketing Department
PO Box 9005
Quakertown, PA 18951-9005
Winners of the contest will be chosen and notified in June. Questions may be directed to the QNB Bank Marketing Department at 215-538-5600 ext. 5756.
A Simple Guide for Handling Life Insurance Claims After the Death of a Loved One
BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ.
New Vitae's Michelle Beck Honored as a 2025 Woman of Influence
New Vitae Wellness and Recovery is proud to announce that Michelle Beck, Vice President of Business Operations, has been recognized as a 2025 Woman of Influence Honoree by Lehigh Valley Business. The awards ceremony, held on May 14th at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, celebrates women across the region who are making a lasting impact through their leadership, innovation, and service to others.
Since joining New Vitae in 2016, Beck has played a key role in expanding the organization’s programs for individuals facing complex mental health, substance use, and brain injury challenges. She has guided the integration of critical operational systems, introduced sustainable growth strategies, and led the development of programs like the Residential Treatment Facility for Adults (RTF-A) and expanded brain injury services.
“Michelle is an essential part of New Vitae’s success and future,” said Judith O. Yanacek, President and CEO of New Vitae Wellness and Recovery. “Her work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is visible in every part of our organization—from the systems we use to the culture we’ve built. She leads with purpose, compassion, and clarity.”
Beck credits much of her professional satisfaction to the culture and values that define New Vitae. “During my interview, I was blown away that the CEO knew every resident by name and genuinely stopped to chat with them,” she said. “That moment showed me that this was a place where people truly matter. Coming from a large, bureaucratic organization, it’s been refreshing to work somewhere so flexible
and people-centered.”
In addition to her operational leadership, Beck is a passionate advocate for youth in foster care, animal rescue, and mentorship. Her approach to leadership is rooted in service—both to her team and to the community.
The Women of Influence Awards honor women throughout the Lehigh Valley who demonstrate outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and community commitment. Michelle Beck’s recognition as a 2025 honoree underscores the values she brings to her work and the positive change she continues to inspire.
New Vitae Wellness and Recovery provides integrated residential behavioral health, substance use, and brain injury services for adults in Bucks, Lehigh and Philadelphia Counties. With a focus on compassionate, trauma-informed care, New Vitae empowers individuals to build a life of stability, wellness, and purpose.
Think Local. Servc Local. Be Local.
With life insurance being a frequently used estate/financial planning tool, one of the most common tasks family members must address soon after the death of a loved one is submitting a death claim under the decedent’s life insurance policy. And before getting too far along, I think it is important to explain what life insurance is: life insurance is a contract where an individual (the policyholder) pays premiums to an insurance company in exchange for a lump sum payment (the death benefit) to their designated beneficiaries upon their death.
In my experience, problems occur when people don’t submit the proper paperwork at the beginning of the claim process – either because they don’t understand what is required or don’t actually have the proper paperwork. The key to successfully navigating this process is understanding who the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the policy are. In every scenario, the life insurance company will request a death certificate and a completed claim form with the policy number. In scenarios where the proceeds of the policy are payable to an estate, the insurance company will also require a short certificate from the court indicating that an estate has been opened and a personal representative named. In scenarios where the proceeds are payable to the trustee of a trust, the insurance company will likely require either the full trust document or a certification of
trust. In scenarios where the proceeds are payable to an individual(s), the insurance company will request some sort of beneficiary information form, which contains contact info, SSN, relationship to decedent, etc.
However, in certain scenarios, there may be more required documentation aside from those I just mentioned. If the death was the result of a particular medical condition, the insurance company may request medical records. Or, if the death was the result of a homicide or deemed an “unnatural death”, then coroner and police reports may also be required. In situations where the beneficiary is a minor, the insurance company will likely request an affidavit, court order or both, before releasing the proceeds.
Dealing with life insurance companies can be stressful, time consuming and frustrating, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Sometimes it is just easier to have the attorney handling the probate process also handle the processing of the life insurance death claim. If you don’t have a probate attorney and are feeling overwhelmed, make an appointment with someone experienced in this area and save yourself the headache.
robert e fravel esQ is a bucks couNty attorNey located at 123
Employment Opportunities
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” - Unknown
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
— Matthew 11:28-30 (niv)
June has always marked a time of both endings and fresh starts for me. As a child, it signaled the end of the school year; at eighteen, graduation. Even now, it ushers in a much-anticipated break. After the long winter and fickle spring, summer's sun finally conquers the clouds. I find myself grilling dinner outdoors, enjoying walks, visiting nearby parks, and taking day trips to both new and familiar places. Even though I haven't had a summer off from work since I was 14, and all these activities fit into my regular schedule, summer profoundly shifts my mindset from simply getting through the days to savoring the good ones as they come. Summer becomes a season of rest, reflection, and renewal. Instead of ignoring the need or desire to slow down and recharge, I prioritize it, and these
practices naturally elevate my mood, as well as my motivation to pull even closer in my faith. Whether I am praying as I walk through nature, meditating on the goodness of God as I watch the movement of the waters as I sit by them, or even when I am reading the bible on the patio with a cup of coffee, I can't help but feel closer in my walk of faith.
But that feeling is just on my side of things. God doesn't come closer to me during the summer, even if my better mood allows me to perceive his presence more. It is all about that shift of my mindset that savors the good days and good things as they come. It's about living in a season where counting my blessings is a natural part of how I live, not a forced practice to remember to do.
And all of those facts about my life and the rhythm of the seasons remind me of what the Sabbath was designed to do: a day of rest, reflection, and worship of God that is meant to refocus us for the week ahead, or to relieve us of the stress we endured in the week before it. The church service is designed to draw us out of ourselves and into the reality that God exists, that life is bigger than our limited perspective, and it focuses us on the salvation that is found through the grace
of Jesus. A Sabbath also reminds us of the rest that we should be taking as a part of every day; a holy rest that pauses to pray, read the scriptures, sing songs of worship, enjoy God's creation, and take part in the mission of God to redeem the earth around us.
I wish I did not need as many reminders in my faith, but I do. So I praise God for the reminder of sabbath rest as I enter the
embrace of summer, and as I can take the time I should be taking every day to focus on the things that truly matter.
I pray that you are able to do the same. I pray that God reminds you of the goodness of Sabbath rest.
"Let the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy." - Revelation 21:11 JoN baumaN is tHe seNior Pastor at first uNited cHurcH of cHrist iN QuakertowN He caN be reacHed at JbaumaN@firstucc Net
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. Our cafe is open with free coffee. Children’s Ministries provided. Celebrate Recovery on Tuesdays at 7 pm. Student Ministries on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Weekly Connections. For updates and schedule changes, check our website. 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
Interim Pastor: The Rev. Susan Lang 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 Lutheran Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643
stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com
Pastor: Rev. Lauren Bruno 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am with praise band. Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available. Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible. All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Applebachsville 837 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
Sunday Worship 10:15 in Sanctuary Springfield Mennonite Church 1905 Pleasant View Road Coopersburg PA 18036 267-999-1404
Pastor: Robert W. Gerhart 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
Pair Honored for Rescue of Infant Left in Vehicle in Summer Heat
The Quakertown Borough Police Department honored two area residents at a recent Borough Council meeting for ‘duty above and beyond’ for their rescue of a baby left inside a hot vehicle last summer.
Michael Kulka and Morgan Scaringi, both of the Quakertown area, “took the initiative to think outside of the box” according to police, and removed the 2 month old boy from an unattended parked vehicle last July 5th when the outside air temperature was over 90 degrees.
The unlocked vehicle was 114 degrees inside despite the windows being cracked. The vehicle was not running.
Kulka and Scaringi called the police
who responded at 2:45 p.m. to West Broad Street in Downtown Quakertown. The child was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital’s Bethlehem campus for evaluation and treatment. The child’s mother, Janelle Loveless, of Bethlehem, was located nearby. She told police that she had forgotten the boy was in the car which had been parked for over 20 minutes in the summer heat. Loveless was subsequently charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Quakertown Police say that they routinely patrol looking for children left unattended inside parked vehicles and emphasize that it is never acceptable to leave children in a car no matter the temperature or weather conditions.
AI Art Attracts Young Collectors
Technology and more specifically, Artificial intelligence (AI) impacts many aspects of contemporary life. While we don’t think about AI within the art world often, it is certainly alive and well in the art trade and auction realm. Recently, Christie’s auction house presented the first sale dedicated solely to art produced using Artificial Intelligence with total sales of $728,784. The sale took place only online, of course, and was a success with 34 lots offered up for bid.
Works by Refik Anadol, Charles Csuri, Claire Silver, Holly Herndon, and Mat Dryhurst highlighted the auction that attracted art collectors and buyers in the Millennial and Gen Z demographic groups. There is so much talk about how young collectors are not active in the art market now. Many contend that young adults are not active collectors of art, antiques, or collectibles. Once again, that myth has been squashed. Digital art and AI-generated art attract many newcomers to the art market as well as young collectors born after 1996. It confirms that today’s young collectors believe Jackson Pollock’s longstanding Abstract Expressionist mantra that making art is not about the finished product, but rather it is all about the art-making process.
groundbreaking in the eyes of many. This art is derived from the use of artificial intelligence, computer algorithms, and tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Jasper, MS Copilot, etc. The art by AI-generated artists may also employ image generators like DeepAI, Picsart, Crayion, etc. to produce their works.
Technology impacts our contemporary lives. In keeping with the longstanding belief that art reflects society, contemporary art must embrace the technology-generated art is produced. The process of making AI-generated art is attractive and with this new group of artists and works of art available, the art market since it is such a major part of our daily existence and culture. When mainstream society embraces an art movement based on the activities of everyday life, like Andy Warhol’s Pop Art Campbell’s Soup Cans, the results are exciting.
Today’s young art collectors collect differently than other collectors. Young collectors who are comfortable with technology also embrace AI-generated art because they appreciate tech and understand how AI- has been stimulated.
How does it work? For those unfamiliar with the AI-generated art movement, AI-generated art is unique and, some say,
Other than AI-generated art, are there other art movements that young collectors are looking for? They seek out contemporary art in general, graffiti art, social art, works by emerging artists, eco-friendly art, etc. Art collectors under the age of 40 like to have an emotional, ethical, or political connection to the art that they buy. The background and mission of the artist also has a big impact on the youthful collecting group. Wonder what’s happening in today’s art world, just ask the youngest person in the gallery or auction bay what’s important to them and you’ll be right on target.
PH d aNtiQues aPPraiser, autHor, aNd award-wiNNiNg media PersoNality, dr lori PreseNts aNtiQue aPPraisal eveNts NatioNwide, aPPears oN Netflix aNd History cHaNNel, aNd Hosts videos oN Her PoPular viNtage bargaiN HuNtiNg youtube com/drloriv
Michael Kulka, 23, and Morgan Scaringi, 28, both of the Upper Bucks area, stand with Quakertown Borough police officer Robert Lee, holding their commendations for rescuing a 2-month-old boy from a hot car last summer. Lee was the responding officer and nominated them to be officially commended by the Borough Police Department. submitted photo
(left) John Rivers Memorial
Post
Poppy Queen 2025 Alice Cohen with Post Commander Paul
(center) American Legion Post 242 Auxiliary 2025 Poppy Queen Danyka Shannon with President Lisa Waterman photos by michele buono
The Quakertown Community High School Class of 1960 gathered at the
Pub in Pennsburg to celebrate the 65th anniversary of their graduation. The former classmates enjoy getting together every
lives and talk about the good old days in school. photo by michele buono
Happy 100th Birthday to Upper Bucks County’s newest centenarian! State Representative Craig Staats presented Ruth Irene Johnson of Richlandtown with a citation in honor of her 100th birthday. Ruth shared that her secret to longevity has been hard work and staying busy. submitted photo
Several members of Horsin' Around and Scales N Tails 4H club represented Bucks County 4H in Memorial day parades. Members dressed in Red, White, and Blue to show respect for those who never returned home. Some members even brought their favorite scaley friends to participate in the parade, too. A beautiful Memorial Day! submitted photos
The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag
On May 2, 1926, in Garhwal District, northern India, Jim Corbett shot the Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag. Newspapers across the Anglo-American world had been following the leopard’s reign of terror for years and headlined the epilog. The leopard’s death sparked celebrations across the sub-continent. Parliament and Indian officials showered Corbett with accolades. As the leopard’s body was carried through the countryside, throngs of hill-people lined the route cheering and cursing the demon that had claimed over 125 lives and enforced a nightly curfew on thousands of people. Never has a jungle creature achieved such fame or inspired such fear and hatred. Due to miraculous escapes and deadly prowess, the leopard grew to mythical common folks. To the philosophical, the prolonged battle between a modern hunter and primordial jungle beast became an allegory for the ‘conflict’ between an emerging 20th century world and a rapidly disappearing, primeval one.
The Rudraprayag leopard’s first ‘official’ kill occurred June 9, 1918. In its several hundred square mile territory there were no automobiles or roads, only cart and goat tracks or footpaths. There was no electricity or telephones and telegraph wires were strung to only a few larger towns. Thatch-roofed huts, terraced farms and pastures scattered the steep, forested hillsides. Deep-canyon rivers crossed only by footbridges divided it. Snowcapped Himalayas were the backdrop. The agrarian population was devout and superstitious. Rudraprayag is the source of the Holy Ganges and nearby shrines were visited by 50,000 pilgrims annually.
Big cats usually turn man-eater due to injury or age. The Rudraprayag leopard, a large (7ft 6in), male had no serious injuries and began when young. It's believed he developed a taste for human flesh during the Spanish Flu epidemic when millions of Indians died. Many bodies were thrown into the Ganges, as is religiously required, only partially cremated. Accumulating corpses were sometimes simply tossed into jungle ravines. Convenience was the impetus, but when corpses grew scarcer the leopard began procuring his own.
As the killings, particularly of pilgrims, increased the man-eater’s fame and rep-
utation spread. His stealth and cunning seemed supernatural. While two men sat in a lamp-lit hut, one turned to tend the wick. When he looked back, the leopard was silently dragging his friend out by the throat. At a pilgrim shelter the leopard stepped over a dozen sleepers before selecting one. It killed and carried her away, waking no one. The leopard was declared a “bhoota”, a shapeshifting demon. For eight years, at sundown people rushed home from market and field. Children were collected; livestock corralled. Throughout the leopard’s realm doors were barricaded. None dared go outside and sounds at the door were unanswered after dark. At the time, India was near-boiling. Gandi was in prison, strikes were brewing. Embarrassingly, the empire could not seem to protect its ‘wards’ from horrible deaths. Religious leaders demanded protection, district officials were pressured and bounties offered for the man-eater. To down-play the problem kills were vastly under-reported. Victims seen carried off but not recovered were not included in the count. Neither were those who died later from injuries received during a man-eater attack. There were many. Professional hunters from around the world, native and British soldiers, Gurka troops from Nepal, all vied unsuccessfully for the bounty. Many innocent leopards died. As it previously had, officials eventually turned to Corbett. In 1907, he’d shot the Champawat Tiger that killed 436 people, then successively bagged over a dozen more man-eaters with more than 1,200 victims. He was leery of leopards. Nocturnal hunters, they are the most cunning and, pound for pound, strongest of the cats. He declined to hunt the Rudraprayag man-eater until several conditions were met. Finally, in the summer of 1925, it was agreed that all hunting in the district would be banned, for Corbett’s safety and to ease pressure on the animal. To maintain his gentleman’s honor, he also insisted that all bounties be rescinded.
Born July 25, 1875, Jim Corbett grew up in India. He was a noteworthy businessman and regional personality. He’d served as officer of colonial troops in WW1 and the 3rd Anglo-Afghan War. From childhood he was an outdoorsman and hunter, becoming a renowned guide
in adulthood. Disgruntled with Edwardian sport-hunters, Corbett became a politically active conservationist. His love of the Indian people inspired his man-eater hunting. When he set out to kill the Rudraprayag leopard, he had enthusiasm and confidence. Both soon evaporated. Corbett’s first encounter with the man-eater frightened him. After sitting over a dead goat, he realized the leopard had been nearby watching. Tracks indicated it then stalked Corbett back to his bungalow. Another time, while in a tree-stand over a leopard-killed woman, the man-eater settled under his platform, out of sight and sheltered, while Corbett endured a severe thunderstorm. After miraculously escaping a steel trap, the leopard went to Corbett’s bungalow, shredded a fencepost, and urinated on his gate. The hunted was now hunting the hunter. Nightly vigils exhausted Corbett, physically and emotionally, and provoked his imagination. After months of frustration, he gave up and spent some time recuperating at his plantation in Kenya. When Corbett returned the following Spring, two fresh kills welcomed him. Again, poisons, scoped rifles, traps, 100-man bush-beatings and nightly ambushes failed. Several seriously close calls shook Corbett’s nerves. The horrors he’d seen—torn bodies of children and pregnant women, corpses left out as bait while mourners moaned, and the terror in everyone’s eyes, which he also felt on dark nights when he knew the elusive demon was just waiting for him to make a mistake--gradually broke his spirit. Thoroughly beaten, Corbett gave it one last try. As he’d done more than 100 nights, he sat in a tree-stand over a tethered goat. Just before midnight there was a glint of movement and a muffled thud. He flicked on the flashlight attached to his rifle. A leopard was on the goat. He fired, but the recoil broke the lightbulb. For fear it was only wounded, Corbett nervously waited until morning before retrieving the man-eater’s stiff, dead body. Celebration began. The darkness lifted and a new light came into the land. Jack scHick is a loNg time QuakertowN area resideNt aNd regular coNtributor Here at ubfP. reacH Him at sJckscHc@aol com
Hank Hill, Peter Griffin, Geppetto, Mufasa, Papa
What If Your Kids Decide Against College?
As a parent or grandparent, you may have diligently saved money in a 529 account to help fund your child's or grandchild's college education. But what happens if they decide college isn't the right path for them? It's a valid question that many families are facing as more and more people choose alternatives to traditional four-year colleges.
It's a more common situation than you might think. Fewer students are going to college, and the expenses continue to climb. American undergraduate enrollment rates peaked in 2010 and have steadily declined since. During the same period, the average costs of tuition and fees at a four-year public institution have risen by over 12 percent in inflationadjusted dollars.1,2
A 529 plan is a college savings plan that allows individuals to save for college on a tax-advantaged basis. The state tax treatment of 529 accounts is only one factor to consider before committing to this savings plan. You should also consider any fees and expenses associated with a particular plan. Whether or not a state tax deduction is available will depend on your state of residence. State tax laws and treatment may vary, and state tax laws may differ from federal tax laws. Earnings on nonqualified distributions will be subject to income tax and a 10 percent federal penalty tax.
First and foremost, it's important to remember that having a 529 account doesn't mean that the funds are reserved only for a four-year college education. Several choices are available for using the money saved in the account.
One option is to use the funds for a two-year program, such as those for an associate's degree or at a trade school.
Many vocational schools offer programs that can lead to careers that don't require a four-year degree. When you use the funds in a 529 account for these programs, you are still investing in your child's or grandchild's future and providing them with skills that may help them succeed.3
Another option is to use the funds for education expenses outside the United States. Many countries have educational institutions that offer programs that may interest the student in your life. By using the funds in a 529 account, you can help support their academic goals, no matter where they choose to pursue them. Certain restrictions apply, so you will need to explore this option more thoroughly if you decide to pursue it.3
The rules for 529 accounts allow paying up to $10,000 per year in tuition expenses at elementary, middle, or secondary schools with 529 assets. Furthermore, a lifetime maximum of up to $10,000 of 529 assets can repay existing student loans. So if the student doesn't use the 529 plan, it could be used by a different beneficiary. This means that you can transfer the funds to another family member who may be preparing to attend college, or you might even use the funds for your education if you decide to return to school.5
A 529 account holder can move money to a Roth IRA account under certain conditions, including:3
The 529 plan must have been open for a minimum of 15 years.
Changing beneficiaries to another student may restart the 15-year clock.
The owner of the Roth IRA must be the beneficiary of the 529 plan (meaning the student).
Any money moved from a 529 plan into a Roth IRA account will be subject to the
Roth IRA annual contribution limits. The Roth IRA contribution limit in 2025 is $7,000, with an extra $1,000 allowed for individuals over 50.
The lifetime limit is $35,000.
To qualify for the tax-free and penaltyfree withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.
It's important to note that taking the money out of a 529 account for nonqualified expenses comes at a cost. Doing so may result in federal income taxes and a 10 percent penalty on the earnings portion of the withdrawal.
The truth is that for some young adults, college does not offer what they need.
A person who aspires to enter a creative field might find more value in a vocational school or pursue their chosen field through smaller classes or institutes of learning. While most universities and colleges offer
these courses, the cost involved could be a problem, as might the requirement to take courses beyond the student's chosen field to earn a full degree. In short, college is not for everyone.5
As you are guiding and advising the student in your life through these complicated decisions, it's important to remember that a 529 account offers you a great deal of versatility and is designed with these variables in mind.
Remember that the funds in a 529 account can support the student's educational goals no matter their path. By understanding how it functions and working with a financial professional, you will find that a 529 plan offers many potential opportunities.
1. education data initiative, 12/21/2024
2. collegeboard com, 2024
3. schwab com, 6/14/2024
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.
Rodeo Day in Quakertown! Kids Learn Bike Safety
The Quakertown Bike Rodeo is an event held for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. It is held annually on the second Saturday of May. The program is designed to promote bicycle safety. All participants are required to wear a safety helmet. Helmets are provided to children who do not have one. The children are provided instructions and demonstrations on how to properly fit and wear their helmets. They are also provided instruction on safe riding techniques and how to utilize proper hand signals. Prior to participating in the event, the children’s bicycles are inspected for safety. During the event, participants are tested in bicycle safety skills and knowledge. Skills are tested through six courses; Circling, Serpentine, Balance, Maneuvering, Steering, and Braking. There is an additional ten question quiz to test the participant’s knowledge. At the conclusion of the event there was a bicy-
cle drawing, hand outs, and refreshments for all participants.
The practical measure of ability in handling a bicycle under varying conditions is an important factor in the physical safety of the rider and an integral part of a comprehensive bicycle safety program. Besides affording the young cyclist an opportunity to show their abilities in safety, these exercises also enable them to discover areas in which they can improve. The skill tests have been developed to increase awareness and proficiency in safe, skillful, and courteous bicycle driving on the streets of our community. The purposes of these tests are to make each rider conscious of the different phases of the motion in riding and improve the ability of handling a bicycle in order to achieve the highest degree of efficiency as a safeguard against accidents. These tests also establish confidence in their bicycle skills.
Overpricing Your Home May Backfire
Overpricing your home can backfire in several ways. Here’s why you should avoid it:
Longer Time on Market
Buyers know the market. If your price is significantly above comparable homes, many buyers won’t even bother scheduling a showing.
Stale listings raise red flags. The longer your home sits, the more buyers wonder what’s wrong with it, even if the only issue is the price.
You Might Get Less in the End Price reductions look desperate. Repeated drops can signal you're struggling to sell.
Lowball offers become more likely. Buyers may think you’re eager to offload it and submit offers far below even the reduced price.
Appraisal Issues
If a buyer needs a mortgage, the home must appraise close to the offer price.
If your price is inflated, the appraisal might come in low—and the deal could fall through unless you reduce the price or the buyer makes up the difference.
You Miss Motivated Buyers
The right buyers for your home might never see it—because it’s outside their search range.
Pricing correctly means tapping into the sweet spot where demand is strongest. Market Data Doesn’t Lie
Comparable sales (“comps”) set buyer expectations. Agents and buyers will compare your home to similar properties and quickly spot an overpricing.
The Right Price = More Interest
A competitively priced home can attract more attention, showings, and potentially multiple offers—driving the price up through demand rather than artificially.
If you'd like help figuring out what a competitive listing price might be based on recent comps or market conditions, I can walk you through it! Let’s chat!
Quakertown High School Chamber Orchestra Plays at State Capitol
The Quakertown Community High School Chamber Orchestra gave a fantastic performance in the East Rotunda at the State Capitol in Harrisburg recently. They were also recognized by the Speaker of the House while the legislature was in session. submitted photo
