Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

PREVENTION OF ANIMAL CRUELTY MONTH

April 1 – April Fool’s Day April 1 to 4

Easter Flower Sale (Wed, Thur, Fri 9am9pm) (Sat 8am-4pm) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, info at 215-536-2518 or 215-536-1998

April 2

DaVinci’s Last Supper (live portrayal) musical prelude begins 7pm at Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Qtown, 215-536-4345, trinityquakertown.org Kitten Foster Orientation 6pm-7pm at UB SPCA, 60 Reservoir Rd, Quakertown, 267347-4674, regis. at bcspca.org

April 2 & 4

Easter Bazaar 1pm-4pm at Animals in Distress, 5075 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, 610-966-9383 x8 or email aidpa@enter.net

April 2, 3, & 4

Photos w/Easter Bunny at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, Bunny Booth in Dept 353A. If able, please donate a canned vegetable/fruit for the Quakertown Food Pantry

April 3

Easter Egg Hunt at Riegelsville Park, 1pm-preschool & younger, 1:05-K thru Gr 2, 1:10pm-Gr 3 to 5. Rain/shine, 610-346-7698

April 3, 4, & 5

Easter Flower Sale at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. Starts 8am, info at 215-536-2224

April 4

Easter Egg Hunt 1pm at Druckenmiller Field, 111 Maple Ave, Sellersville. If rain/ snow, eggs given out at Publi Works Garage across from the park by Borough of Sellersville

Easter Egg Hunt 9am for kids up to 5th grade. Finland Mennonite, 1750 Ziegler Rd, Pennsburg. Bring a basket, rain/shine. Crafts & snacks later. 215-679-8980 Easter Egg Hunt for the Children, 2pm in Oriental Rug Room at Ten Thousand Villages in Souderton. Bring your basket, 215-723-1221 Easter Egg Hunt 10am at Benner Hall, 1260 Cherry Rd, Richlandtown, 5 age groups w/ grand prizes, all kids receive a gift. Free, rain or shine Moonlight Walk 8pm-9:30pm at Peace Valley Nature Ctr, 170 N Chapman Rd, Doylestown, peacevalleynaturecenter.org

April 5

– Happy Easter!

Easter Egg Hunt 1pm at Upper Saucon Social Quarters, 4900 Lanark Rd, Center Valley. All are welcome!

April 8

Easter Party w/Tammy G. ($12/buffet & party at 11:30am) ($6/party only at 12:30pm), sign up by 4/2 for buffet. UB Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066

April 9

Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm or sold out, $9/adults, $5/kids 6-12, $9.50/ take-outs, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike

April 11

Flea Mkt/Bake Sale 8am-2pm at Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown. Kitchen will be open and serving breakfast sandwiches & lunch, 215-536-3066 Ruff, Ruff, & Read, 11:30am-12:30pm at Indian Valley Library, 100 Church Ave, Telford. Beginning readers read to therapy dogs. 2nd Sat every month, no registration,

215-723-9109 x112 LCR Benefit Gala: Boots, Barks & Bowties, 5pm-9pm, ArtsQuest Ctr at the Steelstacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Enjoy beer, wine, food, Motown music, auctions. Email jackie@lastchanceranch.org for info & to see how you can help Annual Garden Tea Party, doors open 12:30pm,“The Garden Guru” will be at James-Lorah Auditorium, 132 N Main St, Doylestown, details/tkts: 215-362-0335 or fisher2186@verizon.net Adopt-A-Highway Spring Clean-up, 8am10am, begins at CDP parking lot, Rte 313 & Thatcher Rd, Quakertown. Sign up info: stephanie.weachter@ubymca.org Birding in Cooks Creek Watershed, 7am9am, Fuller Preserve in Springfield Twp. Call for directions: 215-345-7020 x107. Free/mbrs & kids under 12, $10/non-mbrs Mother’s Market 10am-1pm, benefits Quakertown Christian School. Details: 215536-6970 preschool@quakertownchristian.org Beef ‘N Beer, 7pm-11pm, rock band Paranoise, tickets $25. Perkasie Owls Club, 602 Elm St, Perkasie, tkts at 267-242-2916 Homemade Chili Sale 9am-12noon or sold out. Zion Lutheran Fellowship Hall, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill. $6/qt, call Charlie 484-695-5504 by 4/3 to insure your selection of chicken or beef chili Rock Walk 2pm-3pm along High Bridge Trail near Nockamixon Park. Meet at Weisel Hostel, 7374 Richlandtown Rd parking lot.

Free! More info: Nockamixon Educ. Ctr 215-529-7307 9th Annual Phyllis Schnaible-George Klotz Fishing Tournament (Kids Contest 8am-12:30pm) (Adults Contest 1pm-4:30pm) $10/pp. Details/tkt info at 610-838-0722

Ongoing Events & Resources WHOGA – (benefits of yoga while seated in a chair) free participation, (Mar 4, 18, Apr 1, 15, 29) from 9:30am-10:15am, Encore, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, 215-256-6900 Jitterbug Dancing, 1pm Wednesdays 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, & 4/15 at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. $10/person, $15/ couple for 8 wks. Register at 215-256-6900, encoreexperiences.org Mar 5 to April 2 (Thursdays) Albert Einstein Lectures, 12:45pm, free, 30 minute videos, Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. 215-256-6900 Computer Workshops at Pennridge Community Ctr: (Apr 7-9 Microsoft Publisher) (Apr 14-16 Photoshop Elements Basic) (Apr 21-23 IPad Basics) (Apr 28-30 Email Basics) (May 5-7 Internet Basics) All classes are from 1-2pm and cost $10 per 3-day session. Info: Debbie 215-453-7027, Mar 10 to June 16, Tues. 12:30pm, free nutrition classes at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. Learn to shop & cook better, easier, & healthier. Details: 215-256-6900 Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Summer Programs: (6/9-6/12 “Green Growing Things” 9:30-11:30am, ages 3-6 w/adult, $40/$45) (7/13-7/17 or 8/3-8/7 “Summer Explorers” 9:30am-12:30pm, completed K/1st gr, 8/108/14 completed 2nd/3rd gr, $120/$150) (6/22-6/26 or 7/27-7/31 “Summer Afield” 9:30am-12:30pm completed 4th-6th gr, $120/$150) (6/29 or 6/30 “Exploring the East Branch” 9:30am-2:30pm completed K-4th gr, $30/$40) ALL must pre-register w/payment, Linda 610-287-9383, register now!

Saturday Bird Walks 8am on trails at Peace Valley Nature Ctr.in Doylestown. Bring binoculars, suitable for adults & over age 12 w/ adult. $2 donation, 215-345-7860 All Veterans invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville.

Call Frank 215-679-7770 Veterans invited 7:30pm, fourth Monday each month at VFW Post 3405, at 211 E Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Call for details at 610-282-1840 Veterans invited 1:30pm, second Sunday each month at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post

11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, 267371-9636 Bring DD 214 for proof eligibility.

PetSmart Adoption Day on 2nd Saturdays, 11am-3pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Qkrtwn, 215-538-2843 lastchanceranch.org Neighbors Adoption Day, 2nd Saturday each month, 10am-1pm, Neighbors Home & Garden, 38 Main St, Hellertown, 610-838-7000 Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.orgMeet the Dogs at LCR, 12noon-3pm, Saturdays (weather permitting), 9 Beck Rd, Qkrtwn, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org.

Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-593-9995 carolonline1@ verizon.net Doylestown Singles Soc. Intermediate Bridge Club meets every Tues. 7pm at a private residence in Doylestown. Info at 215-340-7604 or shalstrick@comcast.net

Support & Service Groups

Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month, stef@sistersu.com Bullying Prevention Support Group 6:30pm-7:30pm every Wed at UBYMCA in Quakertown. Free. advance registration required: 215-750-7220 Decoding Dyslexia Upper Bucks Info Group 7pm-8:30pm, (3rd Wed. of month) Quakertown Hospital, 1021 Park Ave, Taylor Conf. Room B, ground floor, decodingdyslexiapa.upperbucks@gmail.com SOS Bereavement After Suicide – Family Support Group meets at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital twice monthly, info/details call 215-536-5143 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 Caregiver Support Group meetings last Thurs. of every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting.

Upper Bucks Clinic, free medical care

Mon & Wed 5:30pm-8:30pm to uninsured low-income residents of Upper Bucks Co w/ no medical insurance & meet guidelines. Info: 215-538-4774, 267-404-7100 Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets 4pm, 4th Thurs of month, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931 Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Group, 3:30pm-5:00pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4517 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guidance, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900. www.

NOVABucks.org Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, free babysitting, 267-784-2152 Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-923-7900 Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tuesdays 7:30pm-8:30pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com Doylestown Nar-Anon meets Wednesdays 6pm at Summit Behavioral Health, 702 Hyde Park, Doylestown. Call 215-589-7111 for directions and info.

A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220w8116, www.awomansplace.org Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays each month, 7pm at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel) Business Networking International (BNI) meets every Thursday 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown,

Scrap Metal Recycling 9am-1pm at parking lot behind St. Paul’s Lutheran, South Main St & Lincoln Ave, Telford. What to drop off?

Email greenteam107@comcast.net Greaser Dance 7pm-12midnight (UB Street Rod Assoc.) Benner Hall, 1260 Cherry Rd, Richlandtown. $22.50/donation includes prize drawing. DJ, BYOB (must be 21), buffet, info/ tkts: Jon 215-258-5719

April 12

All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet 8am-1pm at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown, $7/adult, $6/senior, $3/kids 6-10 Buffet Breakfast 8am-1pm at Silverdale Fire Co, 111 West Main St, Silverdale. $7/adults, $4/kids 6-12, free under 6 Bags & Bingo (Kiwanis Club), doors open 12:30pm at Generations, 259 N Second St, Souderton. Longaberger/Vera Bradley Bags, food available, upperbucks@pakiwanis.org Goodtime Motorvators at Dairy Queen, Rte 309, Quakertown from 3pm-6pm. $1/donation per car donated to Children’s Hosp. of Phila.

Info: George 610-395-1558 Firehouse Breakfast 7:30am-12noon at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Ln, 610-982-5710. $7/adults, $3/ages 5-10, free under 5, re-orders $2 Hilltown Hist. Soc. Open House 1:30pm4pm,“PA German Gardening Practices” 2pm at Hartzel-Strassburger Homestead, 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville, free adm. 267-614-9174 Mother & Daughter Bash (for girls 4-10 yrs old) 1pm-3pm at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown, fees/details at ubymca.org 40th Season Spring Chamber Music Concert, 3pm at Delaware Valley College, 700 East Butler Ave, Doylestown, 610-294-9361

membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054

Community Meals

“Fourth Sunday” Breakfast every month, 8am-1pm, all-you-can-eat buffet, $8/adults, $4/ kids, (Easter Egg hunt in April), Lwr Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pk, Coopersburg Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318Free Community Meals 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Quakertown, 215-536-4447 Free Community Dinner first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm at the Yerger Bldg across the street from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown

Bingo

Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Saturday of month, 1pm-4pm, lunch available to buy, (lots of $$ specials), 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, details: 215-256-6900 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall every Thur, 12:15pm (first Thur. of month has $50 Jackpot), 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2nd Mon. of month, door opens 5:30pm, games 7pm, kitchen open, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, doors open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smoke-free), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues. doors open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. 215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat. night, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open. Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028

April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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More of What’s Going On Penny Party 1:30pm at St. Luke’s Church, 20 Church Rd, Hellertown. All welcome, $2/ number, kitchen is open, 610-838-0897 Nature’s Spring Gifts 2pm at Nature Ctr, 170 N Chapman Rd, Doylestown. Free, come see what you can discover. 215-345-7860 or peacevalleynature.org

April 13

Hoagie Sale at Trumbauersville Fire Co, call Kim to order at 215-536-1998 Historic Studies of Hagersville, 7pm at West Rockhill Histor. Soc. meeting. West Rockhill Twp Bldg, 1028 Ridge Rd, Sellersville

April 15

Annual Gala 6pm-9pm at Generations of Indian Valley, 259 N Second St, Souderton, $100/pp, info: Lisa 215-723-5841 x21 or lfurbacher@generationsofiv.org

April 17

7th Annual Sporting Clays Invitational to benefit UB Lions Kidney Fdn, Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays in Coplay, PA. 215-536-3089 or gary@parzychconstruction.com Lily’s Hope Golf Tournament, email John at john@lilyshopefoundation.org for more info Baskets & Bags Bingo (Longaberger, Vera Bradley, Coach), doors open 6pm, door prizes, raffles, refreshments, Hatfield Fire Co, Market St, Hatfield Coach Bingo Fundraiser 7pm-10pm (open 6pm), tkts/$35 in advance. St. Agnes R.C., 445 N Main St, Sellersville. Email: mjgarges@verizon.net for tickets

April 17 & 18

Spring Rummage Sale (Fri 9am-4pm) (Sat 9am-12noon, $2/Bag Day), Quakertown United Methodist, 1875 Freier Rd, Qtown.

Becky 215-896-7055

April 18

Spring Muse (Celtic, folk, classical & humor) opens 7pm at Perkasie Patchwork, 320 W Chestnut St, Perkasie. $12/adults, $10/seniors, free/12 & under, details: 215723-2010 or perkmenno.net Afternoon Tea Saturday, (doors open 2pm) food, games, prizes, auction, etc. at St. Isidore School Auditorium, 603 W Broad St, Quakertown. Tkts/$15, call 215-536-8214 or available at the door Designer Purse Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown, doors open 11:30am, adv/tkts $25, at door/$30, reserved seating for 6 or more, Mimi: 215-778-1641 Fishing Derby at Perkiomen Creek at Lenape Park (E Spruce St) during the morning. $10/register online at perkasierec.com/ info/default.aspx, over age 15 must have PA fishing license to participate.

Prime Rib Dinner 4pm-7pm Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 N Main. $21/adults, $10/kids 5-10, Advance tkts only, call 215-536-2518 BAM Spring Bazaar (Businesswomen & Momprenuers), family event w/raffles, food, games, etc. 2pm-7pm at Highland Park Camp Meeting Dining Hall, 415 Highland Park Rd, Sellersville, 215-906-2552

April 19

Caves in BC Cooks Creek Country, 2pm at “Church School” Springfield Twp Hist. Soc., 2165 Rte 212, Coopersburg, free to public, questions? 484-308-1510 8th Annual Clash of the Church Choirs, (benefits Cancer Soc.) 3pm at St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran, Dill St, Perkasie. Vote for favorite choir w/monetary donations, free, refreshments after, 267-347-4633 “The God Box, a Daughter’s Story” by Mary Lou Quinlan, 1pm at Sellersville Theater, (NY Times bestseller), $20/tkt, reception/book signing after show. Info/tkts: call Grand View Aux 215-453-4084 Vera Bradley/Longaberger Basket Bingo for Animals in Distress Shelter, opens 5pm at Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 Elm St, Allentown, info: 610-762-8553 or KHART70906@aol.com Longaberger Basket Bingo for Brookline Lab Rescue, opens 12noon at Tylersport Firehouse, 125 Ridge Rd. Ticket info at BrooklineLabRescue.org or 215-343-6087 10th Annual Basket Bingo, filled Longaberger products, doors open 11:30am at Sellersville Fire Dept, 2 N Main St, Sellersville, 215-257-4028 x58 Theme-Filled Basket Bingo (not Longaberger) doors open 12noon at Eastern Upper Bucks Seniors, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville. $20/pp, free cake, lite refreshmts for

sale, reservations at 610-847-8178 Annual Women’s Day Out 12noon-4pm.

Indian Valley Country Club, 650 Bergey Rd, Telford, $25/adv, $30/door. Contact Pam: 215-723-3569 x113 or northpennymca.org

April 20

Friends of James Michener Quakertown Library seeking new members & volunteers to help w/book sales. Meeting is at 1pm, contact Greg Shannon at 267-202-1335

April 22 April 23

– Earth Day

Business Card Exchange 5pm-7pm at Therapy Plus, Inc, 320 West Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown, info@ubcc.org, 215-536-7767

April 24

Spring Flowers Dinner Dance w/Gary Dee at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 East Main St, Perkasie, info at 215-453-7027 or pennridgecenter.org (dinner reservations required $22) (dance only is $10) Third Day Soul on Fire Tour 7pm at Stabler Arena, 124 Goodman Dr, Bethlehem. Tkt info: 866-734-6204 or lehightickets.com

April 25

“Doll & Me” Tea Party 12:30pm-3pm, host GS Troop 2811, St. Isidore School Gym in Quakertown. $15/girl w/adult, doll fashion show, food, crafts, games. Chance to win American Doll of the Year. Reserve only: 215-529-7616 Gospel Music Concert w/Harmenaires quartet, 7pm at Solomon’s UCC, 2990 Bedminster Rd (Rte 113), Perkasie. Free-will offering! Refreshments after concert, directions: solomonsucc.org PA Dutch Dinner 4pm-7pm at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Ln, 610-9825710, BYOB, $11/adults, $6/ages 6-12, traditional PA Dutch foods Earth Day Event at Menlo Park in Perkasie, 10am-2pm, learn to be more environmentally friendly & sustainable. Activities, demos, & more. Info: perkasierec.com GVH sponsored Fashion Show, doors open 9am, breakfast 10am. $28/person, Franconia Heritage Banquet & Conference Ctr, reserve by 4/17 at gvh.org or 215-453-4381 Healthy Kids Day 10am-12noon at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown, free activities, refreshments for sale, details: ubymca.org Bingo at Nase-Kraft Post 55, 75 N Main St, Sellersville, doors open 12noon, gift cards from local businesses, light lunch avail.

215-257-9801 or 267-992-4973 BACA Bash (Bikers Against Child Abuse), 7pm-11pm (open 6pm, buffet 7pm), Keelersville Club, 2252 Ridge Rd, Perkasie.

Music, food, raffles, etc. Details: Grizz 2 610-848-8681 Mother’s Market at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Perkasie. Info: 215-964-7977 or mothers.market2015@gmail.com

April 26

Sunday Breakfast 8am-12noon at Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, 610-967-0411, $8/adults, $4/ ages 3-12, military, firepersons, police, EMT, please ask for $1 discount Bradley/Coach/Thirty-One Bag Bingo, doors open 12noon at Quakertown Fire Co, 505 W Broad St, Quakertown, food available, tkts/questions: Tina 267-424-3549 or Lee 215-536-5609 Model A Ford Day 9am-3pm, Hellertown HS & Lehigh Vly Ford A Club. Grist Mill Park, W Walnut St, Hellertown. Free, tours, concessions, flea mkt, more. 610-867-4395, lvmodelaclub@gmail.com

April 27

“America’s Summer Capitol from 18961926” (multi-media presentation), many selections played by The Quakertown Band, 7pm at Quakertown Public Library, Mill St, Qtown “My Life as a Quilter” patsloan.com, Keystone Quilters meeting, 7pm at Quakertown Christian School, 50 East Paletown Rd, Quakertown, $5 visitor fee, keystonequilters. org/index.html

April 28

Covered Dish Membership Meeting 11:30am at UB Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, Quakertown.

Bring a dish or pay $5 & enjoy fellowship w/ other members before meeting

Have something to share with your community? Send us the details!

April 30 Chicken Pot Pie Dinner 4:30pm-7pm or sold out, $9/adults, $5/kids 6-12, $9.50/take-outs, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike

May 2 “Bark in the Park” at Lenape Park (next to Perkasie Dog Park), Constitution Ave, Perkasie. (r/d May 3), perkasiedogpark@ gmail.com Mother’s Market 9am-1pm, sponsored by Trumbauersville Fire Co, info at 215-5362518 or 215-536-1998

Indoor Craft/Flea Mkt, 9am-2pm at Tylersport Fire Co, 125 Ridge Rd. $15/table, call 215-257-5900 x7 or aux@tylersportfireco. com “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” musical (open 1pm), $25/tkt, Labuda Center, DeSales Univ. Contact Diane at 267-371-4521 to support Phoebe Richland HCC Auxillary

May 6

Cinco De Mayo 5K at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown, one loop through town, 6:30pm/walkers, 7pm/runners. Fees/ details at 215-536-9622 x120 or megan.gelsebach@ubymca.org

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

American Heritage Named One of the Best Places to Work in Philadelphia

Local Retired Guy Wins $50, Goes to McCoole’s to Celebrate

(left - right) UBFP publisher Christopher Betz, McCoole’s proprietor Jan Hench, and local retired guy, Len Messina. Len was the lucky winning voter in our Best of Upper Bucks 2015 poll. He won $50 from UBFP to spend at any sponsor appearing in the March issue. He chose McCoole’s! Len plans to take his wife Alice to dinner at the end of the month to celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary.

Jobs Now has named American Heritage Federal Credit Union one of the Best Places to Work in 2015, recognizing the Credit Union for five awards in Best Employer Overall Pennsylvania, Large Company over 100, Best Employer – Most Family Friendly over 100, Best Employer – Most Flexible Over 100 Employees and Promoting from Within.

Employees were asked to nominate employers in twenty-three categories. The independent certified public accounting firm, Kreischer Miller, received the nominations, tabulated the votes and validated the results in each category.

The Jobs Now Best Places to Work reader poll was sponsored by Monster.com, The Bucks County Courier Times, The Intelligencer and The Burlington County Times, who sponsored an awards luncheon for the nominated companies at the Northampton Valley Country Club on Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

The Philadelphia-based credit union was one of hundreds to enter, securing its position on the list based on the strength of its company culture evaluated by its employees. This is the fifth consecutive year the credit union has been named a winner in the competition.

American Heritage Federal Credit Union is a $1.5 billion member-owned financial cooperative serving over 700 sponsor companies.

It is the country’s 132nd largest Credit Union

with over 137,000 members and 30 branches in the Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery and Camden Counties.

American Heritage Federal Credit Union won five awards from the 2015 Jobs Now, including Best Employer Overall Pennsylvania, Large Company over 100, Best Employer – Most

Family Friendly over 100, Best Employer – Most Flexible Over 100 Employees and Promoting from Within. American Heritage Employees are pictured here with the five awards at the luncheon and awards ceremony at the Northampton Valley Country Club last month.

These happy kids had a lot of fun at the annual Easter Egg hunt at First United Church of Christ in Quakertown on March 29. One of them didn’t wait to get home before sampling her newfound treasure. submitted photos

April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Quakertown Grad Receives Hope Paige Scholarship breath. The condition results in a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest or heart failure, and is a common cause of the sudden death of young athletes. In Tara’s case, the disease is genetic.

Her father and sister both have the same condition. Her father had a heart transplant at the age of 47.

Tara was diagnosed when she was 16. Up to that time, she had been an active athlete engaged in field hockey. Now she cannot participate in sports or any strenuous activities and must regularly monitor her heart rate and blood pressure.

“I knew I needed to wear a medical alert piece of jewelry,” says Tara, “but I didn’t want to wear something that would be so obvious that I would always have to blurt out information about my condition. I wanted something more subtle that I wouldn’t hate putting on every morning.” She chose a silver Hope Paige bracelet with a medical alert heart charm, customized by the company with the words “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy” in English and in Spanish, because she was just about to spend four months studying abroad in Seville, Spain.

Tara is graduating from Muhlenberg with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Spanish, and will attend nursing school at Moravian College in Bethlehem in the fall where she plans to become a pediatric ER nurse like her mother.

“I used to go to work with my mother when I was little,” Tara explains, “and I always loved the fast pace and quick thinking required by emergency medicine.” She adds that she loves kids and has volunteered to help with after-school programs for children since she was a child herself.

“There aren’t enough pediatric emergency care programs in the United States,” she says.

“Children are kind of a species themselves and they need specialized care.”

It would be difficult to imagine a more deserving recipient of one of the first Hope Paige HERB It Forward scholarships.

Setting Boundaries

This topic comes up a lot in many conversations that I have with my clients and with friends, family and people in general. It never seems to surprise me how many people lack boundaries, cross boundaries or have no idea what a boundary is or means. A boundary is defined as “unofficial rules about what “should” not be done; limits that define acceptable behavior.” Most of can relate to personal boundaries which are guidelines, rules or limits that we create to identify for us what are reasonable and permissible ways for other people to behave around us and how we will respond to someone who steps outside of those limits. We build them out of our beliefs, opinions, attitudes, past experiences and life circumstances.

So this is where things get tricky!! What I may define as a boundary to me someone else might disagree with or think is ridiculous because of how they live their lives and what they have been taught or not taught about boundaries.

Physical boundaries by definition you would think would be clear; i.e.; do not touch someone who does not want to be touched, do not yell or scream at someone in their face, do not intimidate someone with your size. However not everyone would agree with those statements because they feel that in some way that your reaction or non-reaction does not constitute a boundary. Depending upon their life experiences these behaviors would seem “normal” because that is what was done in their family or inner circle. So when you say don’t touch me that way it makes me uncomfortable, they may laugh and not care because that doesn’t make sense to them. And unfortunately for some

they don’t care enough to want to understand or change these behaviors. And for the person needing to set the boundary this can be difficult because they do not want to create any conflict or may minimize the actions and in some cases allow the behavior and be uncomfortable.

The best decision to make is to stand up for yourself and not allow the behavior to continue once you have said this is unacceptable to me.

What each of us can do is to define our own personal and physical boundaries. If we don’t like when people are constantly poking fun at us we can let others know that we would appreciate that they stop because we find it offensive and unnecessary. If they don’t stop your choice is to stay or leave; but at least you have verbalized a boundary. Most people do not like when you say no to them, so they will continue to ask until you give in… that is a boundary issue.

People not respecting your answer is crossing a boundary, especially when you have told them clearly that you can not do it. Boundaries are not easy to draw all the time. I believe mostly because a lot of us worry too much about how others are going to react that it is just easy to go with the flow. However a fair amount of people don’t even know sometimes what a boundary is or how to go about setting one.

So think about what your values and beliefs are with how you believe you and others should be treated and know that is more than okay to tell someone that how they are treating you is not okay. Regardless of the outcome you will feel better for having said something than keeping quiet. Self-respect and self-love is boundaries.

Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219.

Visit her website at balancelife4u.com.

Remembering Rural Route 663

from Quakertown to Pennsburg When I returned home from overseas in the Army in 1967, as I mentioned before in an article, I noticed many changes in Quakertown while I was out of country for over 18 months. I returned to work at Berman Leasing in Pottstown and traveled Route 663 from Quakertown to just outside Gilbertsville where I would turn off to reach Route 100 to travel to work. Rout 663 was a country road and with the changes in manufacturing and the addition of turnpike traffic since the mid 50’s, this rural road had to be rebuilt as it went through small villages and had sharp turns that caused major traffic incidents with its increased pressure. I remember driving past a tractor trailer load of tomato’s being shipped to Conti’s Packing, spilled over the cemetery at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown as the truck laid on its side. The hill north of Sleepy Hollow Ranch was always a challenge on an icy or snowy morning. As I recently drove this route, I recalled how the daily traffic was on this rural road before they built the present Rt.663 shortly after returning home (In the 19—‘s). I then thought of detailing my trip to work back in the day to jog the memories of the old timers and to tell the new people in our area exactly what I saw on my daily trip.

Soon after crossing Rt. 309 at Trainer’s Restaurant, I turned left at the Cities Service Station following Route 663. The Y in the road was a break off as it is today, of Old Bethlehem Pike. Route 663 passed by the row of homes that are now seen to the left and continued straight up the hill passed the home of Burton Dimmig. Continuing down hill was Owens’ corner at Portzer Road. Many cars and trucks would be off the road and in the deep ditch at this corner in bad weather. From there you went up a slight incline and past the drive to Setman’s where they made a unique building in the silo of the barn near there manufacturing facility. The long lane going back to Setman’s was bordering the airfield that had the planes flying directly over the road. I picked up a passenger at Frederick’s farm that is no longer there and is replaced by a business complex today. As we passed Aucklands Farms we went down Hacker’s hill and as you crossed the Unami Creek you would have to negotiate a slight knoll to enter the village of Milford Square. Once again you had to be careful as you crossed the intersection of Allentown Road at the Post Office that was the former Weiss’ Store. You could always check your watch with the clock in the window. (It still is there today).

As you passed Sigman’s Auto Repair and the

Milford Square Garage you once again had to watch for trucks or farm tractors and wagons going into the Rosenberger Feed Mill (Clover Leaf). From there you would have clear sailing up to the Pa. Turnpike. Again you had to be alert as you had vehicles making a left into the Turnpike. If you were stuck behind “A Slow Poke” you could pass them on the small strip of 4 lanes crossing the Turnpike. The road made a slight turn into the village of Spinnerstown and this again was a slow down as you would have to make a left turn at the Spinnerstown Hotel. At the top of the hill you encountered a School Zone slowdown at Pfaff School and had to deal with the school buses going in and out. Down from the school by St. John’s Lutheran Church you had a left then right turn.

This is where the tomato truck and many other traffic incidents occurred. Then shortly after passing Heffentrager’s Trucking you encounter “Kooker’s Hill.” This steep grade was and is still in a wooded area and with the combination of steep hill and trees there was very little sunlight that hit—thus ice and snow problems. At the top of the hill you passed the famous Sleepy Hollow Ranch. Shortly after passing the ranch you went around a few more curves and passed two garages with scrap yards. Then up a hill passed an abandoned one-room schoolhouse and once again around a sharp turn to the left. You went down a straight drive towards Geryville and if necessary you could pass any slow moving vehicle! But if you did do this, you had to make a quick stop at the Geryville Public House or you would end up in the parking lot of the General Store across the street. After making a left on Geryville Pike you traveled just a short distance to make a right on the Montgomery County portion. For some reason that stretch of 663 seemed narrow and you guessed it –it was hilly and full of curves. Again it was shaded and proved to be a hazard in winter. You finally approached Shady Nook this side of Pennsburg and you could finally let up your grip of the steering wheel on your white knuckled drive through the country! Remember this was a major route with increasing traffic!

In closing, many times we criticize our State Officials for making such moves as rerouting that portion of Rt. 663. Quite frankly I can not imagine today’s traffic on the above route that was outlined. I believe Rt. 663 from Quakertown to Pennsburg would be in the news every week. Today I find it pleasurable to travel the old 663 and truly enjoy the scenes that now can be viewed. Back in the day this was always a harrowing trip that was a dread on a bad snow day. I hope that you remembered as I did the different landmarks along the way. May you have safe journeys on the “New 663!”

BuckyGrams: robins,budding trees,green grass,tulips,daffodils,forsythia,crocus,nesting,baby animals,Easter,egg decorating,warm and sunny Hidden Message Spring has sprung! Box Puzzle Spring Break

Tara Wasserman, 21, graduating senior at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, has been awarded one of five $5000 Hope Paige HERB It Forward scholarships because of her exemplary commitment to paying-it-forward. The HERB It Forward Scholarship program was introduced this year by Hope Paige Medical ID, a company that, for the past 11 years, has offered a wide array of medical alert jewelry and other supportive products for people dealing with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and severe allergies.

The scholarship was created to reward committed, enthusiastic and wholehearted young adults who have the desire and drive to make a difference. Shelly Fisher, CEO of Hope Paige Medical ID, was inspired by her father, Herb Lotman, a self-made businessman whose lifetime was dedicated to helping others. “The ‘HERB it Forward’ Scholarship was created to educate those future leaders who will continue to pay it forward,” says Shelly. “We want to help them in their educational pursuits since education is the one gift that can’t be taken away from you.”

Fifteen scholarships were awarded this year to youths 17 to 25 years old, who have been Hope Paige customers within the last five years or have an immediate family member who was a customer. Contestants submitted applications and were then interviewed. Five of the winners were awarded $5000 scholarships.

Others received $500 and $1000 scholarships.

Most graduating college seniors are focused on launching themselves into their first full-time job or pursuing a graduate degree. Tara Wasserman, who has lived in Quakertown since she was 11 and is a graduate of Quakertown Community High School, is interested in all of the usual college senior preoccupations. But she also copes every day with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes part of the heart muscle to be thickened or enlarged. Symptoms include chest pain, lightheadedness and shortness of

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road, Quakertown 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Russell J. Atkinson Sunday morning worship - 8:00am 9:00am 11:00am, Sunday School for all ages 10:00am, Communion offered first Sunday of the month Bible Baptist Church meets at Strayer Middle School Auditorium

1200 Ronald Reagan Drive, Quakertown 267-772-0288 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Thomas Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf Christ’s Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopcke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Pastor: Ron Kohl, Sr. Pastor September - May: 9am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10am Morning Worship, Evening Worship 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:30pm, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm Good News Church 424 Juniper Street, Quakertown 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. An alternative to the ultra-contemporary Sunday Worship and Children’s Church 10:30 am, Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm, World Evangelism Fellowship affiliate.

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

Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: The Rev. Catherine Kerr 10:00am Sunday Eucharist Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville 215-257-7244 rvucc.pastor@verizon.net www.ridgevalleyucc.org Pastor: Rev. Steve Myren We are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith.

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

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

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

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

Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: Barbara Moran A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling.

Join us at 10:30am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Church of the Incarnation (Anglican-Episcopal) 44 S. 8th Street, Quakertown 215-538-3787 Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Wednesday 10:00am First United Methodist Church 501 Market Street, Perkasie 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie.com Pastor: Steward Warner Mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, positively impact our community and world.

St. John’s Lutheran Church 19 South 10th Street, Quakertown 215-536-3593 stjohnsquak@verizon.net www.stjohnsquak.org Pastor: Ray Miller Sunday Worship 8 and 10:30am, Sunday School 9:15am. Welcoming, Reaching Out, Serving. Elevator available Trinity Great Swamp UCC Spinnerstown Rd & County Line Rd Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis / Matt Gorkos Sunday Worship Services 8am (Communion 1st Sunday of month) and 10:30am. Sunday School classes for all ages (preK-Adult) & family activities 9:15am.

Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9 am traditional services, 10:15am Sunday School, 11am contemporary service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Community Service Oriented Holy Spirit Anglican Church 1133 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield 215-453-7452 rtufton@verizon.net www.holyspiritanglicanhatfield.org Pastor: Rev. Robert Tufton We are a traditional conservative Evangelical Christian church.

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

Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown 215-538-7555 Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org Clerks: Kathy Redding, Jack H. Schick Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.”

Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 215-529-5422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry provided, EastWest Cafe open with free coffee. Celebrate recovery Wednesday 7pm.

Check website for more info.

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

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com Pastor: Axel Kaegler www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Founded in 1734, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown is the oldest Lutheran church in Bucks County.

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net www.stjohns-ridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter Worship: 8:30 am – Traditional, 10:15 am Contemporary w/ Praise Band, Sunday School 9:30 am, Visitors always welcome “You are invited to share our joy!”

8th Clash of the Church UBCC’s Early Expo a Success Choirs Scheduled The 8th Annual Clash of the Church Choirs benefiting Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. This year’s concert will be held on Sunday, April 19 at 3 PM at St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dill St., Perkasie.

Four area church choirs will sing various musical selections in a friendly competition to see which one will be picked by the audience y monetary donations as the best. A banner will be presented to the winner. The participation choirs are from West Swamp Mennonite Church, Quakertown, St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Perkasie, First

United Church of Christ, Quakertown and Christ Church of the UCC, Trumbauersville.

Along with their choirs a special exhibition choir, the Quakertown School select choir, the Varsity Singers, under the direction of Jonathan Lechner will present some selections.

Last year the clash raised $4,225 and $24,587 has been raised since its beginnings in 2008. The public is cordially invited to this afternoon of good church music and friendly competition.

Refreshments will be served following the concert.

Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce held their annual business conference and expo last month at Bucks County Community College in Perkasie. Nearly 40 vendors and many attendees from all over the area participated. A great networking social capped off the event. photo by tracy kline

Historic Washington House to be Renovated into Hotel

The Washington House Proprietors Elayne Brick and William Quigley have announced plans to renovate the upper five stories of The Washington House and create a new boutique hotel in the unoccupied space.

Construction began at the end of March on The Washington House Hotel and Restaurant with a projected hotel grand opening date of December 2015. The restaurant will remain open and operating through construction with no extended periods of closure.

The historic building will soon feature eleven new rooms and suites including the Tower Suite with exclusive access to the Tower Observatory. The rooms and amenities will include classic decor, private baths, WIFI, cable television, continental breakfast and more.

The Washington House will welcome guests through a new two story vestibule and other renovation plans include an upstairs lobby, a conference room and a new dining patio.

The proprietors invite the community to join in preserving “the centerpiece of our small

town.” The benefits to hotel sponsors are generous. Patrons can purchase Hospitality Cards, which are gift certificates purchased in advance, that will be issued in amounts greater than their purchase price at a future date. Hotel sponsors will also enjoy perks like small group construction walk throughs and a grand opening reception. Specific information is available at washingtonhouse.net and through the staff members at The Washington House and Sellersville Theater.

The Washington House was a hotel in its beginning days in the early 1800s. Thirty years ago Elayne Brick and William Quigley were “brought to Sellersville by a beautiful, old building” and “have worked hard since then to preserve The Washington House and Sellersville Theater properties and serve the community.”

“We feel a responsibility to the property to finish what we started. What better way to do that than to return it to its original function as a place to stay overnight?” - Elayne Brick

April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Brewster My Rooster A while back, I had a pet rooster. I’m not sure what the Quakertown ordinances are about that. The cops never showed up and my neighbors were all seniors who were hard of hearing, so crowing didn’t bother them, much.

Brewster, as we named him, was a delightful, entertaining guy, so, except for the few times he scratched up flower gardens, we had no real complaints. A couple neighbors who’d grown up on farms were nostalgic and actually liked having him around.

I had Easter chicks a few times when I was a kid. We’d get ‘peeps’ that were spray-painted colors from Moyers’ Chicks when they were over on Hellertown Ave. I don’t remember what happened to them. They probably died young or my parents gave them to a farm, either way I’d never seen one grow up to be a chicken before.

A young woman who worked with my wife got a baby chick and two ducklings from her mother for Easter. They sure were cute, but the woman lived in an apartment in Allentown! We at least had a yard, so my wife too them off her hands. We kept them in an old turtle aquarium at first. I was more attentive than when I was a kid, so they actually grew up.

I converted a dog house we had out back into a coop and moved everybody outside when the weather got warm. We live next to the Licking Run, and there was still water in it all year back then. We fed the wild ducks. Sometimes there’d be 50 of them for ‘lunch’, so there was no problem with our big, white ‘Easter ducks’. We just let them loose. They’d use the coop at night for a while, but eventually joined the flock.

Brewster didn’t quite fit in with that crowd.

He’d join them for meals, nastily bullying the mallards, but mostly he just ‘free-ranged’ the neighborhood.

He had a regular visitation route. He’d hit a couple of neighbors who’d leave food out for him, and others who’d toss some out when he crowed at the back door. Usually, he’d hang out in our yard, perching on lawn furniture or scratching around in the bushes for bugs. When I got home from work, he’d come running from wherever he was and greet me when I got out of the car, clucking away. I’d pick him up, ruffle his feathers and scratch his wattles, like you would a lap-dog or cat.

Actually, I did have one complaint. A woman up the street called and said my rooster had chased her husband. Fleeing for safety, he fell and hurt his wrist. I apologized, but couldn’t help thinking about all the pheasant necks I’d wrung during hunting season. I tried to imagine what it might take for me run from a rooster.

A big goose guarding a nest is one thing, but a chicken!? Fire up the grill!

In winter, the ducks moved to Memorial Park at Third Street, where discharge from the factory kept the creek thawed. I insulated Brewster’s coop and got a couple bales of straw, but on really frigid days, the kids made me bring him

inside. He was good at using newspapers for ‘business’, but even stashed off in the utility room, the 4am crowing was unappreciated. I tossed him out for it once when it was near zero. I felt guilty when I got home from work and found him shivering by the front door with frostbite of the comb and wattles. He got some serious scabs, but survived.

Brewster’s most endearing quality was his love of the TV show, Star Trek: the Next Generation. You know; the one with Data the android, Captain Picard and Worf the Klingon.

I’m a Trekkie and watched reruns every chance I got. I don’t know how it got started, but Brewster got hooked on the show, too. We watched it together. I’d move the piano bench over close to the TV and lay out some newspaper on it and on the floor next to it (chicken poop isn’t big, doesn’t stink until it starts to ferment and roosters don’t necessarily poop every hour, but I took precautions anyway).

Brewster could tell time (he knew 4am for sure), and would be waiting on the front stoop five minutes before Star Trek started. I’d pick him up, bring him in, set him down on the piano bench and prop my feet up on it next to him. He’d stand up and pace around a little, but when the theme song began--the familiar “daaada-da-daaa-da-da-dah”--he’d settle down, get comfortably seated facing the TV screen and watch the whole show. Whenever the theme song played; at the beginning, at commercials, at the end, Brewster would sing along--literally sing along! Any Trekkie would recognize his rendition immediately--”buuuck-ba-ba-buckba-ba-buck”. There was absolutely no question he was mimicking it. We all were amazed and delighted.

So it went, until one warm, green day when Brewster was maybe two. He came running over to the car when I got home from work. I said, “Hey! Chick-chick (my nickname for him),” picked him up, ruffled his feathers, tickled his wattles, put him back down and went into the house. An hour or so later when I went out again, he wasn’t around. A neighbor was working in her garden. “You see Brewster?” I asked.

“He was just here. I tossed him a worm,” she said, and got up to help look for him.

She found him. He’d crossed the creek on the footbridge and was in the middle of the large, mowed grass field behind another neighbor’s house--dead. He was still warm. I couldn’t see any injuries. I buried him in the ‘pet cemetery’ corner of our backyard with the cats, dogs and hamsters. I’ve had a dozen dogs and cats, a handful or two of hamsters, pet turtles, snakes and who knows how many goldfish. I’ve only had one pet rooster, though. I’ll never forget him and I’ll always love him.

Pets exist for one purpose: to be another outlet for Man’s unlimited capacity to express love. Love is eternal, of the Spirit. Because of that, when I make the great change we all must make, Brewster will be there, too.

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

Penn Foundation Hosts 10th Annual Legislative Luncheon

On March 13th, Penn Foundation hosted its 10th annual Legislative Luncheon. This event provides an opportunity for local legislators to visit Penn Foundation’s campus and learn more about the agency’s programs and services, and share their legislative priorities.

Penn Foundation President and CEO Wayne Mugrauer provided an overview of Penn Foundation’s programmatic priorities for 2014-2015, noting that Penn Foundation is positioning itself to become a fully-integrated, holistically-oriented healthcare system by 2020. Penn Foundation Medical Director Christopher Squillaro, DO and Director of Integrated Health Services Angela Hackman, MSW, LCSW shared some of the integrated

health efforts that Penn Foundation has underway.

In a time when mental health is being discussed on a national level, Penn Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to dialogue with area legislators about its programs and the issues facing community behavioral healthcare providers. Margaret Zook, Board Chair, and Tom Leidy, Vice Chair, facilitated a discussion with the legislators present.

Special thanks to those legislators who attended the luncheon – Bucks County Commissioners Robert Loughery and Diane Ellis-Marseglia, State Representatives Gene DiGirolamo, Robert Godshall, Thomas Murt, and Marcy Toepel.

Control Your Emotions in Volatile Markets For the past few years, the stock market has moved up fairly steadily, with no major “corrections.” But thus far in 2015, we’ve already seen periods of volatility — enough, in fact, to make some investors jittery. Nervous investors may be more prone to make decisions based on short-term market movements — so how can you stay calm?

First of all, when evaluating your investment decisions, stay focused on those factors that have historically driven stock prices. The U.S. economy is growing at a reasonably good pace, and corporate earnings remain fairly strong. Plus, stocks may not be as undervalued as they were a few years ago — as measured by the price-toearnings ratio (P/E) — but they still aren’t overly expensive, either. Things can change, of course, but when market volatility seems to be primarily caused by short-term events, such as plunging oil prices, it’s important to look beyond the headlines to these less glamorous, but probably more important, fundamentals of good investing. By doing so, you can help avoid making fear-driven investment choices.

What else can you do to help ensure that you don’t let feelings of anxiety influence your investment moves? For one thing, evaluate your investment mix. If you own too many stocks and stock-based vehicles, you could take a big hit if stock prices fall sharply during periods of volatility. Historically, however, bond prices have typically increased when stock prices fell — although, of course, there are no guarantees. So, if your portfolio consists of stocks and bonds, you are better positioned to weather the harshest ef-

fects of market turbulence.

To further prepare yourself for downturns, you may also want to diversify your fixed-income holdings to include investments such as U.S. Treasury bills, certificates of deposit (CDs) and municipal bonds. The percentages of each type of investment within your portfolio should be based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

Finally, you can help yourself maintain an even-keeled approach to investing by always looking for quality. Typically, higher quality investments fare better during market declines and recover more quickly when the markets rebound.

How can you judge whether a particular investment is of good “quality“? A long-term track record is useful to study. It’s certainly true that, as you have no doubt heard, “past performance is no guarantee of future results,” but it’s nonetheless valuable to know how a particular stock, for example, has performed in various economic environments. If it seems to have done well relative to others in its industry and over long periods of time, that may give you a good idea of its quality.

It’s never easy to take all the emotions out of investing, especially during periods of market volatility. After all, you count on your investments to help provide you with the type of future you’ve envisioned. But by focusing on the fundamentals, putting together an appropriate investment mix and constantly looking for quality, you can help “de-stress” yourself — and, as the American poet, novelist and historian J.G. Holland once said, “Calmness is the cradle of power.” submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones

West Broad Street, Quakertown. reached at 215-536-3635 or bob.podraza@edwardjones.com office on

He

can

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

St. Isidore School Launches First Color Run in Quakertown

St. Isidore School will celebrate its first annual Color Run on Friday, April 24th, 2015.

The event, which is open to the public, will include a family friendly 1 mile fun run/walk and a 5k course for runners or walkers. Throughout both courses, participants will experience splash zones where they will be doused in color.

“We’re extremely excited about the launch of the My School Color Run Program at our school,” says Brandy Voytko, Vice-President of the school’s parent/teacher association and Color Run organizer. “We’re looking forward to involving our entire student body and faculty in a fun and healthy program. We want to engage the entire community and encourage local businesses and individual community members to get involved.”

Event starts with walk up registration beginning at 4:30 p.m. The 1 mile run begins

Joshua and The Lightning Road

Donna Galanti

Author Donna Galanti was born in England but she now finds her home in Bucks County! She has just written an exciting, middle grade action-adventure story called “Joshua and The Lightning Road”. The book will be released on May 15th of this year. The story follows twelve year-old Joshua’s quest into another word to find his friend that had been kidnapped by a mystical being during a lightning storm.

Joshua realizes that all the crazy stories his grandpa told him about lightning storms are terrifyingly real and he soon finds himself up against terrible creatures determined to stop him.

I was fortunate to read an advanced copy of this book and Ms. Galanti has graciously agreed to answer a few of my questions!

Erik: Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Ms. Galanti! The first line on your book is awesome: “I never knew lightning could zap you without burning you to a crisp.” I love it when a book hooks you from the beginning.

How important to you was this first line?

Ms. Galanti: I’m so glad I hooked you! For me, the first line or paragraph in a book must grab me in order to keep reading. I often buy the book based on that emotional connection from the first page and hope the author follows through on their promise (and hope I can too!).

Erik: Having read the whole book, I can say that yes, you did! When I was reading the story I was wondering if you were afraid of lightning storms when you were younger or maybe a huge mythology fan, or both?

Ms. Galanti: I always loved summer lightning storms as a kid and would sleep on the screened-in porch to watch the big show. On the other hand, my dad has been struck by lightning three times on the golf course (and lived to tell the tales)! I’ve always loved the stories of the Greek Olympians. They are big and scary and full of power – and that drives my imagination.

Erik: Hit three times by lightning? I think I’d give up golf! Scents and smells play a big part in your descriptions, more than I usually find in stories. I think it made your settings even more realistic. When you say “He smelled like a wet

dog that had been swimming in sour milk,” I know exactly how revolting that is! Did you use scents on purpose, or is that typical of your writing style?

Ms. Galanti: Smells can hold powerful memory triggers. I wanted readers to see Joshua’s world as he experiences it. When you first smell a new scent, you link it to a person or event. Like the scent of fresh cut grass can remind you of a summer day, even if it’s the end of autumn. And when you happen upon that smell again, the link is there, ready to pop that memory open.

Erik: That is a very interesting point! Your story has just the right amount of scariness and tension for an MG book.

Did you intend to write this an MG book and have to keep that in mind as you were writing?

Ms. Galanti: Thank you! This book was always intended for middle grade readers. My son (the perfect audience for this book) helped me with plot issues along the way, and that was super fun!

As far as scariness and tension, I love it when an author takes my beloved characters to the edge of no return and gives me that spine-tingling rush of “oh, nooo!” This is what I aim for in my own stories.

Erik: You sure do a good job of it! Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Ms. Galanti: Joshua and the Arrow Realm, book 2 releases December, 2015. In the book Joshua is called to free his friend, who’s been enslaved as a power pawn in a queen’s quest to rule all. But when Joshua becomes bait in her hunting game, loses his powerful lightning orb, and his friends turn on him, he wonders if he can survive on wits and instincts alone and not only save his friend—but himself.

I’m plotting out book 3, Joshua and the Fire Realm, right now! It’s more adventure set in a volcanic landscape, filled with lots of friendships, battles, and bad guys.

Erik: I am looking forward to the rest of this series!

For more information on Donna Galanti, please visit her website at DonnaGalanti.com For more on books and reading, visit my blog, ThisKidReviewsBooks.com

‘Friends of Library’ Seek More Friends

The Friends of the James Michener Branch Library in Quakertown are seeking new members and volunteers to help with our book sales to help the library buy materials and fund programs.

For more info, contact Greg Shannon at 267-202-1335.

The next meeting is April 20 at 1 PM. Come out and support your library!

at 6:00 p.m. with the 5k starting at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available post-race for participants and available for purchase.

Interested participants can register by downloading a paper registration form at the school website www.stisidoreschool.com or online with a credit card by visiting our Active.com website at www.goo.gl/1Q7rvc. The registration fee includes run/walk registration, individual color packet, race bib and pins, and a My School Color Run T-shirt (only guaranteed if sign up is by April 1st). Anyone interested in this fund raiser can contact Brandy Voytko at 215-536-6052 or email Brandy at bvoytko@ stisidoreschool.com.

St. Isidore School serves students in preschool through 8th grades. For more information, call 215-536-6052 or visit www.stisidoreschool.com.

Garden Affaires Committee Installs Display at Bucks Visitor Center

The committee for the 5th Annual Quakertown Alive! Garden Affaires Garden Tour and Marketplace recently designed and installed a shadowbox display at the Bucks County Visitor Center, 3207 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020. The shadowbox, representing elements of the 2015 Tour and Marketplace is part of GardenFest, a celebration of nature centers, parks, gardens, garden clubs and attractions in and around Bucks County. GardenFest is open to the public during Visitor Center hours from March 16 to April 17, 2015. Beginning on April 20th, the Garden Affaires Shadowbox can be viewed at Quakertown Alive!, 312 W Broad St., Quakertown, PA. Designers and committee members include:

Joan Pavlica, Kathy Greger, Lynda Ulrich, Jane Buckley, Rosanne Johnson and Mary Ann Smith

‘Power of Women’ Founder Addresses Regional Woman’s Clubs

Pamela Varkony, nationally recognized speaker, writer and commentator, spoke at the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ Southeastern District meeting on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown. The Woman’s Club of Quakertown, the Woman’s Club of Perkasie and the Warrington Woman’s Club are members of the Southeastern District. Pam Varkony is considered to be a thought-leader in women’s empowerment, and she is the founder of the Power of Women networking and mentoring initiative. She is also well known for her work with the Business Council for Peace also known as BPeace. She spoke about the subjects of leadership, gender diversity and their impact on corporate cultures and government policies.

Her stories cover subjects from business ethics to the status of women in the third world. Pam is also the co-author of “Our Lost Tohickon Valley,” a history about Upper Bucks County.

Jessica Merena 13th at High Jump Nationals Jessica Merena, 13, of Doylestown (Tohickon Middle School), became the youngest female track and field athlete in recent memory from Central Bucks to compete in back-to-back years at a national championship.

Her mark of 1.25 meters (4’ 1.25”), a PR by 1.5”, was achieved on her third and last attempt at that mandatory opening height. She later clipped the bar with her heel(s) at 4’3”, her best attempt at the higher height.

The 2015 USATF Hershey National Youth Indoor Championships were contested on Saturday March 14 at the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex, Landover, MD, adjacent to FedExField.

Jessica said her goal for 2016 is to become an All-American. “The All-American title is bestowed upon any boy or girl of any age who scores in the top six in their event in either an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) or USATF (USA Track and Field) National Championship in cross country (top 25), indoor or outdoor

track and field. I’ll be a year older, wiser and definitely, stronger. I’ll need to make 4’ 9” or higher. Anything is possible!”

April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Notes from American Legion Post 242

BY DICK HELM The breakfast held the 2d Sunday of each month is showing increased success. The Sons of the Legion told me they plan on continuing the breakfast feast for the months of April and May of 2015. An all you can eat breakfast that supports the Sons and the Legion functions is a win/win situation.

Watch the marquee in our front yard for the dates and times! This function is open to the public.

Your Legion Honor Guard has been very busy this year firing rounds of three shots at the interment services of veterans. The veterans this year included World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veterans. If you or a loved one is considering having an Honor Guard perform this memorable Military Honor at a graveside service, it is important to do some “digging out” of paperwork in advance of visiting the Funeral Home. The most important form that

the Funeral Director needs is FORM DD214 that was issued at the veteran’s discharge.

It is important to check right after you read this article if the veteran has such a form. If not, contact the Veteran’s Affair Department in our county seat, Doylestown, or contact our post for further instructions on how to get a certified replacement form from the Department of Defense.

Our phone number is 215-5380747. Leave a message for the “Service Officer”.

Without this form it is difficult to get Military Personnel from the honored veteran’s branch of service to fold and present the flag. We had one incidence for a service that was held on a Saturday where members of our Honor Guard had to do those services because all 15 teams of that branch of service members were scheduled for other services. So once again if you have Form DD214 at ready to give to the Funeral Director the sooner your request is put in.

News from John Rivers VFW Post 11322

by CMDR. Paul Gerhart, Jr. John Rivers VFW is looking for people that would like to be part of our support team. These people would help us with our fundraisers and other events where we would need help. On April 25th we are having a joint cash/ gift card bingo with Sellersville Legion. The doors will open at 12pm and the games will start at 1pm. There will be 16 gift card games and 4 cash games. The gift cards are from local establishments and vary from $40 - $20 in value. There will be some silent auction items and light refreshments available. If interested in playing please call 267-992-4973 and leave a message to reserve a ticket. Tickets will also be available at the door.

On May 15th we will be having a joint Vera/ Thirty-One bingo with Christ Lutheran Church.

This will be held at the Trumbauersville Firehouse. The doors will open at 6 and the games will start at 7p.m. Please call 267-9924973 or 215-536-3193 to reserve a ticket @

$20 in advance. The price for a ticket at the door will be $25.

The John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 is an organization that can help a Veteran or Veterans family with the tools to receive benefits. It is important to have your discharge papers and other pertinent paperwork in a safe place. As Veterans it is important that we have strength in numbers so that when we need our benefits the funds are there. IF you need the tools to start working on your benefits call 215-529-0500 and leave a detailed message.

This year is the 50th Vietnam Commemoration.

The John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 will be doing various events this year. On October 17th we will be recognizing the Vietnam Veterans with a Pig Roast.

Sometime this year there will be a special stamp coming out to help commemorate the Vietnam Veterans. WELCOME HOME. YOU SERVED YOUR COUNTRY PROUDLY! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Where Can I Get my UBFP? QUAKERTOWN QNB Bank Hidden Meadows Aamco Quaker Cleaners Roy Ann Diner American Heritage FCU Redner’s Market Stella’s A-Plus Mini Market Roma Pizza PERKASIE Borough Hall Sal’s Pizza Randa Dam Good Cafe Beer City Seven-Eleven Giant Food Markets Classic Staffing Sine’s 5 & 10 Landis Food Markets Chick Fil-A St. Luke’s Bone & Joint Olde Towne Convenience Dominick’s Pizza Swann’s Pantry Pennridge Chamber Earl Bowl Lanes Tom’s Help Desk Pierce Library Embers Cafe Upper Bucks Sr. Ctr QNB Bank First Savings Bank Upper Bucks SPCA TELFORD First United Church of Christ Upper Bucks YMCA Indian Valley Library The Free Press Bldg.

Upper Bucks Chamber Landis Supermarket Giant (Qtwn Plaza) Wells Fargo Bank SOUDERTON The Grundy House Yum Yum Donuts Care & Share Shoppes Hampton Inn TRUMBAUERSVILLE SILVERDALE Holiday Inn Express Borough Hall Green Street Barber Shop Independence Court Fino’s La Cantina OTTSVILLE James Michener Library Spor’s General Store NAPA of Ottsville JoAnne’s Frame Shop RICHLANDTOWN COOPERSBURG John’s Plain & Fancy Seven-Eleven Coopersburg Diner Liberty Thrift Store First Savings Bank Giant Food Markets McCoole’s Red Lion Inn SPINNERSTOWN The Inside Scoop McDonalds Spinnerstown Hotel QNB Bank Melody Lakes E J’s Barber Shop Turkey Hill Market Moyer’s Shoes PLEASANT VALLEY Last Chance Ranch Store Pep Boys Country Kitchen SPRINGTOWN Philly Soft Pretzel Factory SELLERSVILLE Reflections Hair Studio Quaker Cleaners A & N Diner Q’town Family Restaurant Grandview Hospital Village Center Automotive Have a place in mind where you’d like to pick up your UBFP? Let us know! We’re always adding new distribution points throughout Upper Bucks. Call Terri at 215-529-8915 ext. 11 or send an email to terri@ubfp.org.

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

Helen Rahmer Receives GVH LOVE Award

Grand View Health presented the 2015 Life of Volunteer Excellence (LOVE) Award to Helen Rahmer. Rahmer has been part of Grand View Health’s volunteer program since 2002 and has contributed more than 3,900 hours of service.

Her volunteer hours are spent supporting the information desk, as well as greeting and providing directions to patients and visitors.

Rahmer was nominated for the LOVE award because of her continued commitment to the hospital and the community it serves.

When she isn’t volunteering at Grand View, Rahmer enjoys reading, spending time with family and meeting friends for lunch. Rahmer resides in Hatfield. She has two children, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Ryan Takes First Prize at Milford Middle School Talent Show Eighth grader Bella Ryan took First Place for her vocal performance at the Milford Middle School talent show on March 27. Her mother, grandparents, and aunt and uncle all are very proud of her! submitted photo

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

Eighth grader Bella Ryan took First Place for her vocal performance at the Milford Middle School talent show on March 27. Her mother, grandparents, and aunt and uncle all are very proud of her! submitted photo

QNB Bank Supports Habitat For Humanity QNB Bank has recently committed to the Habitat for Humanity initiative “A Brush with Kindness”. The exterior home preservation program offers eligible home owners on a limited income repair services to ensure the safety of the place they live.

The Bank will cover the cost and employees will volunteer to make repairs to the home of a 79 year old, widowed, two-time cancer survivor in Quakertown. The home owner will receive a new screen door, storm window, and repairs to porch and deck. (left-right): Tom Drotar – Resource Development Officer, Habitat for Humanity; Brian Schaffer VP/Marketing, QNB Bank; Florence Kawoczka – Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity)

Everence Financial Advisor Jeffrey Godshall Joins Rockhill Mennonite Community Board Jeffrey Godshall, a certified financial planner Eastern Pennsylvania.

and trust and financial advisor with Everence Financial Advisors in Souderton, was recently appointed to the Rockhill Mennonite Community board of directors for a three year term.

“I am excited and honored to serve on the Rockhill Mennonite Community board,” said Godshall. “I strongly believe in the mission of the organization, to provide compassionate care for its residents centered in God’s love, as well as supporting our Mennonite Church-affiliated organizations.”

Through Everence, a faith-focused financial services organization providing a range of financial, insurance and charitable services, Godshall helps individuals and institutions throughout eastern Pennsylvania integrate their faith and finances. He graduated from Philadelphia University with a degree in accounting and holds his Series 65 securities license. Godshall is also licensed in accident, health and life insurances and fixed annuities.

He serves on his church’s finance commission and is the past treasurer and a current board member of the Mennonite Historians of

About Rockhill Mennonite Community: Situated on 44 picturesque acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Rockhill Mennonite Community has been providing compassionate services for 80 years. A full continuum of care includes 208 Residential Living residences, 53 Personal Care residences, a 90-bed Health Care Center, and Adult Day Services. All of these services are provided under one roof, which permits changing needs to be met by professional, caring staff. For more information, call 215-257-2751 or visit www.rockhillmennonite.org.

About Everence: Everence helps individuals, organizations and congregations integrate finances with faith through a national team of advisors and representatives. Everence offers banking, insurance and financial services with community benefits and stewardship education. Everence is a ministry of Mennonite Church USA and other churches. Visit www. everence.com/souderton or call 215-703-0111 to learn more.

April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Expectations Beyond Reality Most of us have had an experience that we felt was not up to our expectation. That experience has probably involved a vacation destination, clothing, meal at a restaurant, automobile, home, television program, new movie, appliance, political candidate, relationship, weather on a particular day, and more.

We embraced the product, service, or thing with a preconceived notion the end result would be exactly or better than anticipated. Our hopes were raised, the bar we set was not met, and we were disappointed. It happens.

Sure, the new place you picked to go on vacation was not what was proclaimed in all the travel books you read. That filet mignon at the new restaurant was not to your liking. The new motion picture touted in the fancy trailers on television was a dog. How about voting for a new township supervisor who touted himself as having municipal finance experience and promised the moon during the campaign? Then to discover after he takes office that he does not care about you, does not know what he is doing, has selfserving interests, and is actually a town clown.

How about that relationship with the person you…

Well, you get the idea.

The same goes for amplification; hearing aids.

A hearing aid is just that – a device, an aid to help you hear better.

In twenty-nine years of private practice, I draw upon my experience as a hearing aid wearer in providing a customized counseling and aural rehabilitation program for my patients. It does not matter if they are a first time user or are replacing an older set of devices. All patients are different, all hearing losses are different, all living environments are unique to that patient, and every hearing aid has its own set of features and benefits.

As I have written in a previous article, there are a variety of aspects to consider when establishing the limited menu of styles for this particular patient. Those factors include configuration and degree of loss, ear canal size, manual dexterity, speech discrimination scores, comprehension for rehabilitation information, support system if required, environments patient is exposed to, and more.

In counseling each and every patient, I convey to them what to expect. Based upon my personal experience as a hearing aid wearer and private practice audiologist, I want to ensure the patient knows exactly what to be aware of and listening strategies to use to enhance their listening experience and coping with adverse sound input. Still, there are those whose expectations (from another realm) are beyond reality.

Let’s take a look at those notions and realities: I don’t want to hear my refrigerator running.

– People with normal hearing hear that sound, adapt, and tune it out. You are rediscovering that sound.

I can hear my tires on the road while I drive. – Again, people with normal hearing can hear that sound, but tune it out. If the tire noise seems

excessively loud, an adjustment can be made to lessen the impact, but the sound is in the background at a lower level so you will detect it.

I hear my own voice and don’t know why. – When you speak, your voice is picked up by the microphone and you hear yourself. However, an adjustment can be made to filter down the effects.

I hear all this background noise and thought hearing aids eliminated background noise. – Hearing aids do not eliminate background noise.

The digital device is capable of ‘squeezing down’ or filtering down the intensity of the sound, but cannot eliminate it. A computerized adjustment can be made to reduce the amplification of background noise to a tolerable and noticeable level.

I paid ‘X’ amount of dollars for these hearing aids and thought I would be able to hear my spouse speak to me from the first or second floor of our home when I am in the basement. – Please, let’s get realistic. This is a hearing aid, not a super ear. There is a limitation on the distance between you and the sound source (spouse) in which you will be able to understand what is said and at what increased distance you will be able to detect a voice, but not understand words.

I thought this hearing aid would be smaller.

– No, when we discussed the choices in style based upon your loss, this is the device that was selected.

I thought the battery would last as long as a watch battery (four years), not two weeks. – A watch battery has one function – to keep the hands moving. A battery in a hearing aid is to keep the computer chip changing based upon the input of sound and noise while minding the patient’s hearing loss and requirements to understand speech in a changing environment.

I can’t get used to these hearing aids. – When you skip a day, you skip a week, you skip a month, and then you quit wearing the hearing aids. The adaptation process has a better opportunity of success when you get up in the morning, get ready, put your hearing aids in and wear them all day, every day. Put your hearing aids in and wear them!

As funny as it may read, these are just a handful out of hundreds of issues presented to me over the years. As always the best patient is the motivated patient. One who is motivated to put the hearing aids in their ears and wear them every day will be a success. If the patient is not motivated to put the hearing aids in their ears and wear them every day should not waste their time and money.

You are not fooling anyone except yourself. If you suspect that you may have hearing difficulty, see a board certified and licensed audiologist today!

Mr. Murphy has had a bilateral mild-to-moderate sensor-ineural hearing loss all his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user. Mr. Murphy has been in practice in Pennsylvania since receiving his Master of Education in Audiology from University of Virginia in the Spring of 1987.

Mr. Murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related national and international organizations.

He can be reached at hearingdoc@aol.com and by phone at 215-230-9000.

Spring has finally arrived (at least on the calendar!). Weather permitting you can gradually remove winter protection from shrubs and roses, thin and divide perennials, weed, mulch existing plantings, edge flower beds and prepare stakes and cages needed for emerging peonies and other herbaceous perennials.

Now that you have cleaned all your gardening tools it’s time to turn attention to lawn maintenance. Make sure to tune up your mowers and sharpen blades so you’re ready when your turf is. Dull or improperly maintained equipment not only destroys the aesthetic value of the perennial grass by discoloration and bruising of the leaf tips, but also provides more ready-access for disease organisms. For a helpful guide, refer to Penn State’s “Mowing Turfgrass” http://goo. gl/OjmJ5l Are you a new gardener? Have you constructed a new flower or vegetable bed? Are you wondering why plants in an existing bed are not thriving? The first and most important step in successful gardening is to know the composition of the soil. Here’s the link to Penn State’s publication “Don’t Guess…Soil Test”. http://goo. gl/L8Ydwj The soil test kit is $9.00 and contains complete instructions for sampling your soil. About two weeks after your sample is mailed to Penn State’s lab, you’ll receive a report detailing the composition of your soil, as well as how and what to add for your planting project. Soil Test Kits are available from the Penn State Extension office. Call us! 215-345-3283 or visit us in person.

Spring is a perfect time to plant cool weather vegetable crops such as onion sets, lettuce, spinach, and peas, seeded directly in the garden.

For more cool weather crops and planting tips refer to the Penn State Publication “Vegetable Planting and Transplanting Guide” http://goo. gl/9jGZox MASTER GARDENER Q & A Q: When can I reseed my lawn?

A: Late summer to early fall is the recommended time to establish a new lawn from seed.

Less competition from weeds and two cool growing seasons (fall and spring), are preferable for success, before the lawn experiences its first period of heat stress. Spring is also often too wet to prepare a good seedbed. Penn State’s “Lawn Management Through the Seasons” http://goo. gl/Jz4PVD is a helpful guide for the average homeowner.

Q: How do I know if the soil in my garden is ready for planting?

A: Pick up a handful of soil and squeeze. If the soil clumps, or water runs off the soil, it’s too wet. If the soil easily breaks into smaller particles you’re ready to plant! Even if soil and weather conditions are conducive for planting, be aware that in our planting zone we can still expect frost until at least the second week of May, sometimes longer. Be prepared to cover seedlings or young plants to protect them.

Q: How do I know when to divide my perennials?

A: Perennials are best divided when they’re not in bloom. How and when to divide perennials depends upon their blooming season and their root systems. Spring is a good time to divide fallblooming perennials such as Beebalm (Monarda), Fountain Grass (Pennisetum), Coral Bells (Heuchera), Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum), and Daylilly (Hemerocallis). Refer to our Fact Sheet “Dividing Perennials” http://goo.gl/4c3Iox Of course, you can always call our hotline for advice 215-345-3283 – see our hours below.

Q: I have a poinsettia that I received as a gift for Christmas. The leaves have fallen off. What do I do now?

A: Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are popular holiday plants that are often discarded after blooming. With some patience and care you can get them to re-bloom. Even if you don’t want to bother with the process, the plant can be a wonderful addition to your summer garden.

This fact sheet should help: “Care of Holiday Plants” http://goo.gl/ydvNQo Got questions? Call us! 215-345-3283. Hotline hours: Monday, March 30 – Friday, October 2, 2015, Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 12:00noon.

Additional hoursWednesdays 1:00pm – 4:00pm You can also mail or email your questions, or visit us in person!

“Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Rd Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksHotline@ag.psu.edu We’re on-line, too! Read our blog: http:// goo.gl/I5PIrD “Like” us on Facebook for the latest information from Bucks County Master Gardeners: http://goo.gl/hjp4v1 “Over the Fence” is Penn State Extension’s quarterly horticulture electronic newsletter for Bucks County residents.

To receive our e-newsletter in your inbox, simply email BucksExt@psu.edu and say, “Sign me up for Over the Fence!” Our Spring issue arrives April 15.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

Wildlife Leadership Springtime and your Pets Academy Exposes Teens What to Watch Out for in Warmer Weather to Plight of Brook Trout

The snow is finally melting and the weather is getting warm! Spring is a great time to get your dog out again for walks and some much deserved playtime, and also to help them (and maybe you too) shed some of those pesky winter pounds! Before you start letting your dog enjoy the outside, there are a few things that you should remember to do first.

Have you been giving your pets their flea, tick, and heartworm preventative during the winter months? If not – it is definitely time to start those again! Before you start your pet back on heartworm preventative, you should visit your veterinarian for a quick blood test to make sure they didn’t contract heartworm disease while they were off the medication, and to make sure it is safe for them to start it again.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and can grow to be over a foot long. They live inside your pet’s heart, lung, and blood vessels.

They can cause signs ranging from coughing to exercise intolerance, and even collapse and death. Cats can get heartworm disease too and it is important to protect them as well! A lot of heartworm preventatives also protect against intestinal parasites, which is a great added benefit. April is Heartworm Awareness Month – so check with your veterinarian to see if they are running any specials!

Fleas and ticks start making more of an appearance as the weather gets warmer as well.

Our area has one of the highest levels of ticks in the country, which you will see even more of if you are planning a camping trip or a nice hike in the woods! Fleas and ticks are more than just pesky bugs, they can transmit a host of diseases from tapeworms to lyme disease! Make sure you protect your pets before these guys take a bite out of them. There are many different kinds out there – some are taken orally and others are applied directly to the skin – so make sure you do your research. Many over the counter products that are not sold directly through your veterinarian are not as well regulated and can cause reactions or may not even be effective!

Ask your veterinarian what the best flea and tick

preventative is for your pet!

Are your pets up to date on vaccines? We know these can sometimes get overlooked with the winter holidays and appointment cancelations due to snow! Before you take your pets outside, be sure they have all of the vaccines they need to keep them healthy and safe. All dogs and cats should be protected against rabies.

This disease is fatal and there is no cure, so the only way to protect against it is a vaccine! All dogs should get a Distemper combination vaccine as well to protect them against distemper, adenovirus, and especially parvovirus. All of these diseases can cause serious illness in your pets. Are you planning on taking your dog to dog parks or to a kennel if you are going on vacation? If so – remember to keep their bordetella (kennel cough) and influenza vaccines up to date. If your dog likes to go for hikes in the woods, swim in creeks/ponds, drink out of dirty puddles, or likes to share water at the dog park – they may need a leptospirosis vaccine. This vaccine protects against a bacteria that is carried in the urine of wildlife and can cause serious liver and kidney disease in pets and people too!

Do you have a lot of ticks in your yard or enjoy camping and hiking trips? Are you pulling ticks off of your dog despite giving them flea/tick preventative? Your dog may need a vaccine to help give them extra protection against lyme disease.

Don’t forget about your kitties! If your cat goes outside they should get the FRCP vaccine, which protects against upper respiratory/ GI viruses like rhinotracheitis, calici virus, and panleukopenia. They should also get a leukemia vaccine, which is a non-treatable disease they can get from other cats. Make sure you talk to your veterinarian and come up with a plan to decide which vaccines and preventatives your pet needs based on their lifestyle and exposure.

This will help keep them safe and healthy this spring!

Dr. Mehaffey

Dr. Jen Heller Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be reached at 267-272-9996.

They also founded and curate Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue. and partner

own and operate the new

Did you know?

In Old English the month of April was called Eastermonad. The earliest known use of the phrase April Fool dates back to 1693. The term April gentleman is used to refer to a newly-married man (by implication, a fool).

Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse presents ‘Spring Muse’

You are invited to the Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse with Spring Muse on Saturday, April 18, for music from the Irish tradition, new and old music from around the world, including some original tunes. Opening group: Russ Rentler and Bob Rentler. Address: 320 W Chestnut St., Perkasie, Pa. Doors open at 7 pm with performances at 7:30. Adults $12, Adults over 65 $10, Students 13 and up $6, 12 & under Free. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Bucks Co. Tasty refreshments for sale. Visit www.perkmenno. net. Wheelchair accessible.

Spring Muse is a fusion of five experienced musicians and performers who came together in 2009 to form a new, full sound. Their music relies heavily on the Irish tradition but is also inspired by new and old music from around the world, including some original tunes.

Each member of Spring Muse has spent a lifetime with music, and each brings that experience to the group. Drawing on deep roots in folk music, classical music, humor, and performance experience, the members make a group sound that captures the ear and the imagination.

Inspired mainly by the Irish tradition but influenced by many other musical forces, Spring Muse has a unique sound that they use to tell stories and to create a wide variety of moods, to engage and entertain every audience.

In keeping with the Irish tradition, Spring Muse performs songs that span a variety of moods, including lively dance tunes and songs of life, death, and love. Formerly performing

as solo acts or in smaller groups, the members of Spring Muse together make a unique group sound. The varied instrumentation and unusual arrangements make the sound itself exciting, and the songs always pull the listener in, through lively tunes and entertaining lyrics.

Opening the evening is Russ Rentler, an extra-ordinary person who is not only a medical doctor/humanitarian but a very talented musician and storyteller as well. His instruments of

choice are guitar, dobro guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, auto-harp, (almost too many to remember) and he sings, too!

Russ will be accompanied by his brother Bob on acoustic upright bass, penny whistle and guitar. These brothers have played together for 40 years, sharing original songs, and a multitude of instruments and musical textures with their audiences.

BY MARK WILSEY The Wildlife Leadership Academy of Pennsylvania strives to reach interested teenagers and teach them stream ecology and stream preservation. In the summer of 2014 I attended the WLA Pennsylvania Brook Trout Field School at the Seig Conference Center in Clinton County, near Lock Haven University. At the field school we had many nature professionals who gave lectures on stream and forest ecology and led us in outdoor activities. We learned about invasive plant and animal species, what a healthy stream looks like, and how to make a difference for the betterment of the ecosystems.

One of the activities we did was stream specimen examination. We collected insect specimens in the stream and categorized them into groups. The groups were the larva stage, the pupa stage, and the adult stage. An example of an insect we learned about was the mayfly.

We were able to collect all stages because we attended when it was peak mayfly season.

Related to the mayfly we created lookalike fishing flies. We then learned how to cast a fly fishing rod and even fished with the flies that we made in the local stream.

The main purpose of this section of the WLA was the brook trout. We learned the life cycle, the diet, and the struggles that the PA brook trout faces. Brook trout females dig a hole in the gravel bottom with their tales. The trout nest is called a “redd”. Then the female lays the unfertilized eggs into the hole. After that the male comes and fertilizes the trout eggs.

After a week or two the trout eggs hatch into tiny brookies. Only a few of the hundreds of babies will live to adult hood. This is due to the many animals that love to eat the tiny fish.

Even bigger trout will munch up the brookies.

Brook trout are the only native stream dwelling salmonid (salmon family) to Pennsylvania waters and are the official state fish. Brook trout, sometimes called native trout, speckled trout, square tails, or brookies, are typically associated with cold freshwater streams.

In order for a stream to be healthy enough for trout it must have enough shade. Shade will keep the stream cool enough for the brook trout which is essential for the survival of the fish.

Streams that travel through fields or residential areas do not have the correct characteristics to harbor brook trout. Even streams that once supported a healthy trout population will lose them

to deforestation.

Brook trout are threatened by many human and natural causes. One human cause is acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage is the acidic run off from old coal mines where small iron deposits oxidize and run into the streams. When there is too much iron runoff the Ph of a stream skyrockets. One main problem with Ph is that if it is too high the fish in the stream will lose the ability to breathe through their gills. Also, when the eggs are laid the acid in the water can break down the outer “shell” and kill the trout inside. Acid mine drainage is a huge problem

with brook trout.

The Wildlife Leadership Academy was started in 2007. Since then the academy has graduated 165 high achieving youth. Students from most of the PA counties attend the WLA. These students have reached out to 15,000 people across the commonwealth with their outreach accomplishments. All students who attend the WLA must perform an outreach by presenting what we’ve learned to the public.

Also students may present a power point or a trifold at a state fair or convention or through newspaper articles such as this story.

The WLA taught me many things about streams, plants, animals, and ways we as students can make a difference. The WLA also gave me the opportunity to teach my family about streams and what lives there, along with using what I’ve learned to improve our own fishing streams and our fishing experience.

If you or you know of someone who might be interested in attending go to PICEweb.org.

~Obituaries~ DONNA M. BRUNELL, 58, of Coopersburg, died Sat. Feb. 27 in St. Luke’s Hospice House.

She was the loving wife Richard A. Brunell, Jr. for the past 30 years.

She was a 1974 graduate of Saucon Valley High School and in 1976 graduate of the former Churchman Business School.

For 16 years she worked for the VNA in Easton and then was a preschool teacher for 10 years at Springfield Elementary School. She derived her greatest pleasure giving to her family as a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. Donna and her family enjoyed numerous Disney trips together.

Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she was a daughter of Paul H. Kichline of Bethlehem and the late Dorothy (Grobelski) Kichline.

Surviving with her husband and father, is a daughter, Jaclyn of Coopersburg; brother, Gary , wife Faye, of Hellertown and sister Gayle Holben of Bethlehem Twp. Services will be private. Memorial contributions in her name should be made to a charity of choice. The Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Quakertown is assisting the family with arrangements. www.janauglefcs.com WILBUR C. WEBB, 88, of Quakertown, formerly of Long Island, NY, died Tues. Mar. 3rd at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem.

Born in Queens, NY, he was a son of the late Raymond and Julia (Ruff) Webb.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He worked as an engineer for the Panasonic Corp. in New York City for many years prior to his retirement.

Surviving are his sister, Madelene Davis of Quakertown; nieces, Pat Rago and Janet Wrigley, husband Tom; nephews, Raymond Webb, Robert Webb, and Richard Webb; many great nieces and nephews and great - great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Webb Jr. www.janauglefcs.com

DOROTHY E. HOFFMAN, 95, of Harleysville, formerly of Coopersburg and Easton, died Fri. Mar. 6th at Peter Becker Community, Harleysville. She was the wife of the late Roland Hoffman.

Along with her husband, she owned and operated the Delaware Electric Co. in Easton for over 30 years prior to retirement.

Born in Phillipsburg, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Lillian (Moyer) Oakes.

During WWII, she was a member of the American Women’s Hospital Reserve, volunteering at Bett’s Hospital in Easton and selling war bonds at State Theatre.

She was a member of Morningstar Moravian Church, Coopersburg.

Surviving are her daughter, Rolene Kern, husband John of Quakertown; grandsons, John Jr. and Jeffrey; great grandchildren, Micah, Aiden, Raven and Rylan; sister, Joyce Bowlby.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Benevolent Fund at Peter Becker Community, 800 Maple Ave., Harleysville, PA 19438. www.janauglefcs.com ANNA M SCHULTZ, 92, of Rockhill Mennonite community, Sellersville, formerly of Red Hill & Quakertown, passed away Sat., March 7. She was the loving wife of the late Raymond W. Schultz for 63 years. Born in Pleasant Valley, she was the daughter of the late David & Lottie (Mohr) Longacre. She was a 1939 graduate of Quakertown High School and a 1940 graduate of Allentown Business College.

A devoted lifetime member of the United Mennonite Church (formerly Bethany), Quakertown, she served her Lord as supt. Of the Primary Dept. for 20 years, along with other positions in the church. She was active in the Eastern District of the Mennonite Church and the Women in Mission. With her children, she was involved in Cub Scouts & Girl Scouts. Throughout her life she was a volunteer at the Care & Share Thrift Shop, Frederick Mennonite Community, Upper Perk Thrift Shop & Community Council, Upper Bucks Senior Center, & Rockhill Mennonite Community.

Surviving are her son John “Jack” of Red Hill, daughters JoAnn, wife of John Fosbenner of Franconia & Cathy, wife of Ronald Hartman of Pennsburg; grandchildren Adam, Karen, Stephanie, & Paul; great-grandchildren Will,

April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press • John, Aidan, Elena, Kaitlin, & Ainsley; sister Ruth Gano of Richlandtown, & brother, David Longacre, wife Mae of Coopersburg.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, 21 S. 12th St., Akron, Pa 17501 or www.mcc.org. www.janauglefcs.com KARLENE M. HINKLE, 64, of Richlandtown, was received into the loving arms of our Lord on Wed. Mar. 11th at Golden Living Center, Lansdale.

She was a hairstylist for over twenty-two years.

Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late C. Stanley and Grace (Erney) Sames.

She was a member of the Richlandtown Fire Co., Ladies Auxillary and the NHAB Association.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Richlandtown where she served on the Altar Guild and as Sunday School Superintendent.

She was also an avid bingo player.

Surviving are her daughters, Amy and Krista; brothers, Ronald Sames and Gerald Sames; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister Janice Sames.

Services are private.

Memorial contributions can be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 4 S. Main St., Richlandtown, PA 18955. www. janauglefcs.com ALEXANDER W. BOMENTO, 82, of Quakertown, died Wed. Mar. 18th. He was the husband of Jeanette (Abbonizio) Bomento for 49 years.

He worked for the former Alan Wood Steel, Conshohocken for 11 years and the former Pilling Medical Instruments, Ft. Washington for 10 years prior to his retirement.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Anthony and Mary (Speranza) Bomento.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in American Occupied Germany.

He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, Quakertown.

He dearly loved his God, his church, and his wife Jeanette.

Surviving with his wife are his loving family, brothers-in-law Joseph Abbonizio and Fred Abbonizio; sister-in-law, Rose Spiegle; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Anthony Jr. and sisters, Florence Gallo and Eleanor Twaron.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the church or the American Diabetes Association, 1617 JFK Blvd., Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103. www.janauglefcs.com ELLEN M. MAXWELL, 77, of Quakertown, formerly of Doylestown, died Wed. Mar. 25th at St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown. She was the wife of the late Eric Maxwell.

Along with her husband, she owned and op-

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erated the former Dollar Discount, North Wales and Sunoco Food Market, Warminster.

Born in Tullyglass, Glin, Ireland, she was a daughter of the late James and Bridget Thompson.

She was a member of New Britain Baptist Church.

Surviving are her sons, Thomas Maxwell, wife Melissa of Quakertown and David Maxwell; daughter, Elaine DeJesus; grandchildren, Sean, Patrick, Anastasia, Jessica, Kelsey; great grandson, Odin. She was predeceased by four sisters and a brother.

Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St. #102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. www.janauglefcs.com A. ROBERT “BOB” WISLER, 86, of Quakertown died March 29, 2015 in Mercy Suburban Hospital in East Norrriton, Pa. He was the husband of Margaret O. (Wheeler) Wisler. They were married 66 years last May. Born in Philadelphia he was the son of the late Albert & Carrie (Ott) Wisler. He retired in 1988 as a machinist from INSACO in Quakertown. Prior to that he worked for the former Best Made Hosiery, where he met his wife.

He then was a milkman for the former Hendricks Dairy before becoming owner/operator of the former Wisler’s Sunoco in Quakertown.

He was an active member and a volunteer at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Quakertown where he was a member of the property committee, and sang in the funeral choir. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a member of Milford Township Fish, Game, and Forestry Association, Souderton-Harleysville Game, Fish and Forestry, and Great Swamp Fish and Game. He also enjoyed flying model airplanes at the Buc-Le Aero Sportsman’s Field, doing woodworking and was a member of the Upper Bucks Senior Center.

In addition to his wife he is survived by four daughters Linda G. Wisler, Carol J. Horton, Cheryl J. Mirarchi (Tony), and Lois L. Wisler.

Six grandchildren Kenneth (Paula), David (Kandy), Curt (Pam), Heather, Christopher, and Jason, ten great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. Predeceased by a son Robert T., and a sister R. Arlene Weaver.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church 19 S. 10th St. Quakertown, PA 18951.

Call 10:00-11:00 A.M. in the church. The C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk. com) Quakertown is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church P.O. Box 979 Quakertown, PA 18951.

Night of Social Concerns for UFS 8th Graders

On Thursday March 26th, all were welcomed and encouraged to join us at The United Friends School in Quakertown as individual 8th grade middle school students presented their projects to the UFS community. If you were unable to attend please feel free to contact the school for more information or to interview students.

This year, in Information and Technology Literacy Class, the 8th grade students were given the opportunity to propose an idea for an independent study on a topic about which they feel passionate. A few students took this opportunity and have been working diligently to make the world a better place.

Presentations to include: “Ending Childhood Hunger: A Writing Campaign” by Sina Armstrong “Cyber Bullying in Online Gaming: Standing Up and Speaking Out” by Michael Nieves-Hoblin “Ending Gender Stereotyping in Toy Marketing” by Catelyn Fitzgerald “I Can’t Save the World, But I Can Help Bhimkothi” by Willow Goff Willow Goff, example of independent study: “This year, I was given the opportunity to do an independent project. Immediately, I started thinking about what I wanted to do and who I wanted to help. I know that at fourteen years old, I won’t end global water problems but I do want to make a difference. I know that if I can help raise enough money, I can give a village full of peaceful and cohesive people,

a local water source. I don’t believe that the consequences of our actions will be small if we raise enough money; it will change the lives of the villagers in Bhimkothi and hopefully inspire more people to help other villages in similar conditions. Every little bit counts towards clean water for this village.

On March 26th, I had a bake sale to help raise money for Bhimkothi village, with whom Unami Meeting has a sister relationship. The bake sale was during the school day in the Front Lobby. Everything at the bake sale cost $1.00.

Along with the bake sale, we had a video going on a loop of me explaining the cause and where the money is going.”

Thanks to the generous donations from the bake sale, Willow Goff was able to raise $544 for the Bhimkothi village in India. Quaker members of Unami Meeting will be delivering the donation to Bhimkothi next month.

United Friends School (UFS) is an awardwinning Quaker preschool, elementary, and middle school in Quakertown, Pennsylvania serving diverse populations in the Upper Bucks and Lehigh Valley regions. UFS develops 21st century skills through a progressive curriculum in a warm, loving environment, emphasizing peaceful resolution of conflict.

UFS’ mission is to make each day an inspiring learning experience guided by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and service. Learn more at www.UnitedFriendsSchool.org.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

ObamaCare & Medicare

I often get asked the question about how the Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”) is going to affect Medicare. This article isn’t about debating the merits or lack thereof of Obamacare but rather to address the specific relationship between Obama care and Medicare.

The Affordable Care act is for folks under 65 and Medicare is for folks over 65. When Obamacare became law in 2010, two immediate improvements were instituted within the Medicare system. First, a full menu of FREE preventative services became available without co-pays or deductibles. Second, the infamous “doughnut hole” or “coverage gap” for prescription drug plans was made less severe and is continuing be made less severe as the years go on, which is resulting in less cost for prescriptions. Obamacare was designed to achieve two basic objectives: Bring down prices to a more affordable level for standard health insurance.

Create a way that folks with pre-existing conditions will not have to pay outrageous sky high prices… or get completely denied coverage.

These objectives already exist within Medicare and here are the details: To address #1 above: Medicare is extremely affordable for most folks. Your red white and blue Medicare card from the government consists of parts A and B. There is no cost for part A (non-medical facility services) and part B (medical services) cost $104.90/per month (2013). So in essence, 80% of your total health care costs that parts A and B provides, costs a grand total of $104.90 per month. Next, supplemental coverage is needed to cover the 20% Gap. There are Medicare HMO plans that cost under $50 per month as well as Medigap plans that can cost between $100 - $200+ per month depending upon your age and which Medigap plan you choose. If one needs a part D drug plan, the monthly premiums range from $15 to slightly over $100 per month plus the cost of your individual prescriptions. If you juggle these numbers you see that very good comprehensive coverage at the time of life when it’s needed most can be affordable based on the

plan that you choose. Plus, there are substantial subsidies available that help low income citizens with all of the above costs.

To address #2 above: There are no preexisting condition issues or medical questions asked when you enroll in Part ‘A’ and ‘B’. If you choose the Medicare HMO option to cover the 20% gap, you will get issued the Medicare HMO plans regardless of preexisting or current health conditions. If you choose the Medigap option to cover the 20%, you get a six month window from your Medicare effective date where you will be issued a policy without preexisting or current health condition issues. After the six-month window, you will be asked medical questions and can be denied coverage. Also, there are many safeguards in place that allow you to buy any of the plans if you involuntarily lose coverage or are involuntarily terminated for various reasons. So the bottom line is, that for the most part pre-existing health conditions don’t play a major role or at times a very minimal role when it comes to enrolling in Medicare and buying supplemental options. In summary, the two points (above) that ObamaCare is trying to achieve… already exists within Medicare!

“Medicare Made Easy” Seminars Senior Insurance Solutions will be holding two (2) local “Medicare Made Easy” Seminars.

These seminars are a great way to relax and learn about how all the parts of Medicare fit together. These 60 minute seminars are a straightforward and clear presentation that allows attendees to know their Medicare options, and understand their choices! An easy to follow and entertaining PowerPoint presentation is used, handouts are provided, and there is always ample time for Q & A. Everything will be covered... Medicare Basics, MediGap, Medicare Advantage,Medicare Supplements, Part ‘D’ Drug Plans, Turning 65, Enrollment Guidelines, and Long Term Care.

See below for our current seminar schedule!

Howard Peck is the owner of ‘Senior Insurance Solutions’ based in Green Lane PA. He’s a Pennsylvania Licensed Insurance Broker who specializes in all things Medicare. He can be reached at 267-923-528 and hnpeck@comcast.net

Living Trusts We frequently speak with clients who already have or who are contemplating the creation of a “living trust” or, more legally speaking, a “revocable trust.” These vehicles are heavily marketed by attorneys and other estate planners as a means of avoiding probate, smoothing out the post-death administration process, and reducing costs. These vehicles gain an added luster when advisors such as Suze Orman sing their praises on national television.

We have seen Suze’s presentation on PBS and she makes a pretty convincing case for use of a living trust in California. However, our firm’s estate planning lawyers disagree with the use of such trusts by most Pennsylvanians, most of the time. The main selling points of these trusts according to those who tout them is that they allow the decedent’s family to avoid probate (remember this for later in the article) and reduce costs. However, in Pennsylvania, the probate process itself is not as lengthy or expensive as it is in most states. Moreover, Pennsylvania inheritance tax applies to assets in a revocable trust just as surely as they apply to assets not in trust.

The first problem: probate is never completely avoided. Not all assets have titles and it is cumbersome (maybe impossible) to include all of a person’s assets in a trust during his lifetime.

The result of this is that that person needs what is known as a “pour-over will” anyway, if only to serve as a catchall for all of the items that don’t formally get titled in the name of the trust.

Because a will is needed, probate is not avoided and the perceived benefit of the revocable trust is usually negligible.

Various inconveniences go along with having and owning a revocable trust. First, to the extent the trust is going to serve its purpose of “avoiding probate”, all of an individual’s titleable assets such as real estate, cars, bank accounts and brokerage accounts, must be titled in the name of the trust. Thereafter whenever an individual makes a sizable purchase, those items should also be included in the trust. Some trusts claim to include all the grantor’s property, down to grand mom’s wedding ring and grand pop’s watch, in the trust. This is a questionable claim, and it is unlikely that most individuals realize all this when they take the step of setting up the trust.

Such revocable trusts do not provide any identifiable tax benefits for most individuals. First, during a person’s lifetime a revocable trust is treated the same as the person who created it.

Thus, there is no difference to the individual’s annual and federal state tax returns and consequently no savings on those taxes. Second, such

trusts do not move assets outside of the individual’s taxable estate for Pennsylvania inheritance tax purposes or for federal estate tax purposes.

Some trusts actually are disadvantageous from a tax standpoint. A common “husband and wife” revocable trust scheme that I have seen, provides that the deceased spouse’s share of the revocable trust becomes irrevocable upon his or her death. This leaves the surviving spouse in a position where she has no direct control over the property (unless she or he is the trustee) and where the irrevocable portion of the trust must file a separate tax return every year.

There may be an occasional situation where a revocable trust makes sense for a Pennsylvania resident. For example, in past newsletter articles we have talked about using a single purpose revocable trust to pass on out-of-state real estate. Another potential user of such a trust might be the person who places high value on privacy (a revocable trust does not have to be filed locally on death; but it still needs to be filed with the Department of Revenue for Inheritance Tax purposes).

Having recognized some exceptions, we reiterate: given the relatively “light touch” that the Pennsylvania probate process imposes on most estates and the inescapability of the Pennsylvania inheritance tax, the inconvenience and costs of setting up and administering a revocable trust during a person’s lifetime do not outweigh the perceived and usually negligible benefits that those trusts may provide upon a person’s death.

If you already have a living trust (which, quite frankly, you may have been talked into) or if you are considering embarking on the process of setting up a living trust, please do not hesitate to contact us. It may be that that vehicle is right for you. It is more likely that it is not. We will give you an objective overview of the pros and cons and decide whether a living trust is right for you as an estate planning tool.

The above article is intended to provide information on an important legal topic.

The views and information expressed should not be taken as legal advice or opinion.

Always consult a qualified attorney on any legal matter.

Rodney S. Fluck is an attorney serving clients throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties.

He is an Upper Bucks native and a graduate of Quakertown Community High School, Princeton University and Penn State Law School. For over 14 years, Mr. Fluck has served small businesses and individuals in the areas of business law, real estate law and wills, trusts and estates. He practices with the firm of Butera Beausang Cohen and Brennan, which maintains offices in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 610-265-0800 or at rfluck@buteralaw.com.

April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Bill Would Permit Lottery Sales at PA Liquor Stores Senator Bob Mensch (R-24) re-introduced legislation that would permit lottery sales at state liquor stores which would increase the Commonwealth’s revenue and funding for services to older Pennsylvanians, while adding to the convenience of consumers in the state.

“Lottery ticket sales, which are commonplace at the licensed liquor stores of other states, are not specifically authorized by the Liquor Code and therefore they are not permitted in stores run by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB),” said Mensch.

“My legislation will give the PLCB the authority to be licensed as a Lottery Sales Agent.”

In past Appropriations Hearings board representatives testified regarding the potential new revenue that could be garnered for vital aging services provided through lottery funding simply by allowing the agency to sell lottery tickets. The PLCB and lottery representatives have had discus-

sions regarding the allowance of automated, self-service lottery machines on the premises of the PLCB’s wine and spirits stores. Data submitted by Revenue indicates that if the PLCB were permitted to sell lottery tickets through counter sales and vending machines in its state store system, and retained the 5% retail commission (plus bonuses) as other lottery sales agents are permitted to retain, it could see an increase in revenue of approximately $8,000,000 per year. With only vending machine sales, revenue could increase upwards of $2,000,000 per year for sales.

“Considering our growing aging populations and the waitlist we currently have in Pennsylvania for aging services, the increased funding liquor store lottery sales would bring is very needed by one of our most vulnerable populations,” said Mensch.

SB 611 was referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee.

Walking your Dog Does your walk with your dog look like your being pulled by a draft horse? Does the dog even know you’re at the other end of the leash?

Sometimes pulling on the leash is really saying it’s okay to pull all the time to a dog.

It’s not okay that you let your dog pull you to see another dog on a walk. Step after step you reinforce your dog for pulling by allowing your dog to meet that other dog (the culprit reinforcement for pulling). To acerbate things we yank on the leash trying to make them stop pulling. Dogs have an opposition reflex which means if you pull them they’ll pull back in the opposite direction. REALLY! Let’s face it we don’t walk where they want to walk and we definitely don’t move fast enough. If dogs could talk they would be saying “why don’t you kick it up a gear granny.”

One of my personal pet peeves is seeing a dog on a retractable leash with a choke or prong collar. First the retractable leash tells your dog it’s o.k. to pull most the time. That’s really defeating the purpose of using a compulsion collars in the first place. Second if you have a dog who pulls and receives painful metal prongs in her neck or gets choked you maybe changing the way your dog feels about strange people, dogs or new things. Now the dog begins to think every time she see a person, dog or new thing she receives pain or choking. Of course the dog doesn’t realize the

act of pulling is causing the pain. It’s like seeing a bee you know it’s going to hurt so you try everything to kill or get away from the bee.

So how do we get our dogs to walk and not pull? The first thing I encourage a new student is to use a front clip harness. It’s my personal go-to versus a head halter. Front clip harnesses are much easier for dog and owner to use then a head halter. They’re so sold at most pet supply stores. Remember this is just a training aid not a Band-Aid. Now you’re going to teach your dog that it’s fun to follow you. You need to work with little or no distractions. Take a step forward then encourage (pat your leg or say here girl) your dog to follow you. When the dog follows you click/treat or say good girl then treat when she is at your side. Turn away from the dog and try again. Gradually adding more steps to get your dog to follow you. Getting a treat down to the level of a little dog can be a challenge. Use a big spoon with peanut butter or liverwurst smeared on it. Remember to pull up the spoon after each reward. When you are out for a walk and the dog tries to pull simply stop then turn in the opposite direction. The dog will follow you.

When the dog catches up to your side simply click/treat or say good girl then treat. The help of a professional dog trainer maybe helpful for problem pullers. Remember dog walkers live longer!

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

The name Easter derived its name from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eastre, which symbolizes hare and egg.

Hope all of you went to the FREE Beatles music concert the Valley Choral Society had on March 22nd. If you missed this great group singing you can hear them sing again in May. I will tell you about those dates in Mays column.

I know humans have a short memory span so you might forget if I tell you now. For those of you who have read my books in my A DOGGY DAYCARE DAY series you know that I have my hands full with keeping the peace between the squirrels and my dog brother Jiggs, the Jack Russell. I thought Sam the teenage squirrel was a handful but he has some new, younger cousins. They have a stealth approach to the back porch and then they sneak up and eat the bird seed that fell on the porch when we were filling

the feeders. We never had squirrels violate the back yard fence yet alone go on the porch too! As soon as this icy snow melts I will have to tell Suzy squirrel to talk to their mother and explain the rules. Hope you all are enjoying this warmer weather. Be sure to check out my Ad in the months Free Press saluting them on their 5 years running. Love M.J.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

Choco-Lotta? You Betcha!

The Upper Bucks YMCA held its 12th Annual Choco-Lotta fundraising event March 20th at DeSales University. Despite the unfortunate weather, it was a packed house with plenty of people, food, entertainment, items to bid on, and of course, Candy!

The generosity of the 229 people in attendance resulted in 102 weeks of camp sponsored for are youth, totaling over $18,500. Additionally, over $23,000 was raised in the silent and live auctions. photos by christopher betz

April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Quakertown Community High School

APRIL 2015

JONES

CAROFF

CAMPBELL

Senior Jones, junior Caroff and sophomore Campbell compete in Hershey in PIAA bouts

By RYAN CHINNI Paw Prints Reporter “All three have a burning hatred to lose, natural talent ... they have a natural talent for winning that some people can only be born with.

These boys were born with it” —QCHS wrestling Head Coach Kurt Handel on his wrestlers.

Three Quakertown Community High School wrestlers competed in the PIAA state wrestling tournament on Mar. 5-6.

Senior Micah Jones, junior Gavin Caroff, and sophomore Harrison Campbell represented Quakertown’s wrestling program in Hershey.

The participants combined for two wins—a meager total—but with strong aspirations next year, the Quakertown team looks to improve.

See WRESTLING p. 2

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

2

April

Paw Prints

Photo courtesy of Harrison Campbell

Quakertown sophomore Harrison Campbell (right) faces three-time state champion Devin Brown of Franklin Regional. Campbell lost 7-3 at Hershey’s Giant Center.

Continued from p. 1 Junior Gavin Caroff (30-11) wrestled at 195 pounds, winning one of three matches.

The 5-foot-6 football lineman downed Central Dauphin’s Steven McNeal 4-1 in between losses to Eli Grape of Upper St. Clair (7-1) and Thomas Alcaro of Emmaus (fall 17 seconds).

“It was definitely nerve-wracking; you have 5,000 people in stands watching your every move, but I’m definitely looking to get back to states next year,” said Caroff.

Meanwhile, sophomore Harrison Campbell flourished by collecting a 38-9 season record.

Like Caroff, Campbell won the second of three matches. He topped Luke Carty from Bethlehem Catholic, 2-1. He also lost matches against two-time state champion Devin Brown of Franklin Regional, 7-3, and to K.J. Fenstermacher of Liberty, 6-1.

“It was a lot of fun, it’s a lot different, competing there, instead of watching, being down on the floor instead of the stands,” Campbell said.

Senior Micah Jones (32-13) joined the state field despite finishing sixth in the regional tournament, one out of qualifying. He qualified for the state tournament after an injury to a qualified wrestler.

Jones lost both matches. Brad Drabenstadt of Cumberland Valley decisioned him 5-3.

Penn Manor’s Zeb Pfeiffer outlasted Jones 13 -7.

“They weren’t sure if he was going to be allowed to or not (wrestle at states),” said Jones. “Those were a pretty long four days” waiting to find out.

The underclassmen cited working hard towards next year in order to obtain higher positioning. With a promising young core,

Quakertown wrestling intends to maintain its role as a force in Suburban One. “We were a very young this year; we had 15 sophomores and a combined 10 seniors and juniors,” said Handel. “We had a really good team season, but we’d like to send more guys next year [to states].”

CAMPBELL SHOWS PROMISE Strutting nervously in front of a crowd exceeding 5,000 at the Giant Center, Campbell prepared to face soon-to-be three-time state champ Devin Brown. He took a knee and talked to himself to calm his nerves, touching the crucifix tattoo on his back before the match. While Campbell admits to being nervous like any other wrestler, facing the eventual three-time state champion only bodes well for the standout sophomore.

While going against the state champion is a challenge of its own, actually wrestling a close match against the state’s top grappler is another.

That’s exactly what Campbell achieved.

Brown ended up taking the match 7-3, but wrestling a hard match against an opponent of that magnitude is an accomplishment.

Campbell began wrestling for the Quakertown Youth Club at the age of 4. He dominated the competition.

As he progressed it

became apparent to Campbell that this was the sport for him.

Harrison’s father, Bill, was an assistant coach at North Penn High School for 25 years, so whenever he felt he needed the assistance he could always go to his father for advice.

CAROFF SHEDS ANONYMITY Caroff had competed in front of big crowds before—a few thousand against rival Pennridge during football season—but felt more alone and exposed away from the cover of his linemates and without a helmet to shield him.

Caroff wants to work on just about every part of his game. He looks to get to states again next year and works towards placing at states next year as well (top 8).

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April 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

19

Think Local.

Buy Local.

Be Local.

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

Did you know? The dots on a domino are called PIPS?

Play Like a Kid

(rooster) Baa (sheep) Coo (dove) Bowwow (dog) Gobble (turkey) Buzz (bee) Growl (bear) Caw (crow) Chatter (squirrel) Heehaw (donkey) Hiss (snake) Chirp (cricket) Honk (goose) Cluck (hen) Cock-a-doodle-doo Hoot (owl)

Howl (wolf) Ribbit (frog) Hum (hummingbird) Roar (lion) Mew (kitten) Scream (peacock) Moo (cow) Squeak (mouse) Neigh (horse) Trill (raccoon) Oink (pig) Trumpet (elephant) Purr (cat) Quack (duck) Tweet (bird)

It’s great to be back to writing after a little time away from it. I have to give a shout out to a friend and faithful reader. Thanks Geno, for asking about my column every time I’ve seen you. It made me want to get back to the pen and think about why I write in the first place. It’s for awesome readers like you. So let’s just get to it.

The days are getting longer, warmer and sunnier. It feels good to get outside once again.

That is if you don’t like the winter and hibernate. As you get moving this spring, I want you to think like a child. To be more LIKE a child. Let me explain. From the time you are born, you begin learning. You learn quickly.

First, how to hold your head up. Next, how to use your arms. Then you figure out how to roll over and crawl. Before you know it you’re

oping the lats, shoulders, legs, glutes and abs.

Children are constantly moving and don’t stop for long. They run, jump, skip, crawl, balance on things and swing things. Check them out next time you take them to the park. They run to everything and climb on everything and “skin the cat” on the low bar, traverse the monkey bars, and walk the balance beam. When was the last time YOU tried any of this?! In our adult lives there are so many things that take our time away from having fun like a kid. Too many of us have sedentary life styles. We sit at work all day. We sit in our car to and from work. When we get home all we want to do is sit in our easy chair and watch our TV shows we missed. This is grounds for disaster later in life. As we get older we begin to get “stiff” and sore and our joints hurt and ... on and on.

Well we can do something about it NOW!! We can get back to our inner child and go out and play like a child does. Don’t say “I don’t have time” MAKE TIME!! You either want it or

balancing on two feet. Then the unthinkable happens…you LET GO and begin to walk.

From there you take off running and never look back. But over time all those movement patterns and motor skills and ranges of motion become more and more limited. As children we were able to play and move without thinking about these things.

Picture a child playing in a mud puddle. They can deep squat better than we can. They can keep their feet flat on the ground and almost sit right on the ground. If we were to try this I am sure most adults couldn’t get down that deep, let alone stand back up. Children climb.

They climb everything. It’s excellent for devel-

you don’t. Just get out there and try it. See if it makes you smile and feel good about yourself.

If you have children, they will definitely enjoy it!! It won’t replace your workout but it will be a start to a change of lifestyle. That is what we want, to change from a sedentary life style to a more active one. The best part about just playing like a child though, is you CAN’T be wrong!! So go have fun with the kiddos tonight. Climb, run, skip, jump, get the grass between your toes and PLAY LIKE A KID! Corbin Williams, NPTI-CPT is a Certified Strength, Conditioning, and Nutrition Coach Corbin owns of GetReal Training, LLC and can be reached at www.GetRealTraining.net

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2015

ST. LUKE’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL The Only One St. Luke’s is the only hospital in the Lehigh Valley and, in fact, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York to be named one of Truven Health Analytics™ 100 Top Hospitals in the nation.

The only one. We share this standing with some of the most prestigious and well known hospitals in the world – Duke University Hospital, Emory University Hospital, Stanford Hospital and University of Michigan Hospitals & Health Centers to name only a few.

We Deliver the Care You Need Why should you care about this award? Well, it’s really an award for you... if every other hospital in the nation cared for you like St. Luke’s and the other 99 top hospitals do, hundreds of thousands of additional lives and billions of dollars in health care costs could be saved every year.