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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2017
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? July 28
“Secret Life of Pets” free movie at dusk, Veterans’ Park, Pumping Station Rd, Richland Twp. Food/drinks available while supplies last. 215-536-4066
July 29
Free Family-Friendly Concert features renowned electric violinist Joe Deninzon with the Got Strings Orchestra, 3pm at Souderton Mennonite Church, 105 W Chestnut St, Souderton. Free will offering accepted.
July 30
All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast 8am-12noon at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. $7/adults, $5/ages 4-7. Info: 215-536-2224 or haycockfire.com Community Outreach Benefit 1pm-7pm at St. John’s UCC, 538 E Thomas St, Coopersburg. $10,000 raffle, basket auction, live auction at 4:30pm. Food, fun, entertainment. Info: cobcares.org
July 31
Summer Reading at Quakertown Library performance “Sciencetellers” (science made fun) & Phila. Zoo (live animals) at 7pm. Free, no registration, info: buckslib.org or 215-536-3306
August 1
“National Night Out” 6pm-10pm, various block party locations, free food, entertainment. More info at quakertownboro.com August 1 to 5 Quakertown Fire Dept Carnival at Memorial Park, Mill St, Quakertown. (Tu-Fri 6pm10pm) (Sat 3pm-10pm) Entertainment, games, food, rides. Info: quakertownboro.com
August 2
% of sales 5pm-9pm at Inside Scoop, Rte 309, Coopersburg donated to cobcares.org
August 2 to 4
“Finding Rest” Concert Experience. 6:308:30, Park at 4th Amphitheater, Mill & 4th Sts, Quakertown. Performing every night: Wonder (southern/alt. rock), Aug 2-Improv Express (jazz), Aug 3-Children from the Forum (sing/ dance), Aug 4-First Voice (comtemporary). Free adm., food available. FindingRest.info
August 4
Cheesesteak & French Fry Dinner 4pm-7pm at Richland Twp Fire/Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. Eat-in or take-out. $9/adult, $8/ senior, 215-536-7226 “Moana” - Friday Drive-In Movie at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193. Also collecting food for Food Pantry. Free potluck dinner at 6:30pm, bring side dish/dessert to share
August 5
Family Fun & Touch a Truck Event 11am3pm, QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FREE! Games, prizes, DJ, fun, all kinds of vehicles & trucks. (12noon-1pm Meet 2 Eagles cheerleaders) Fun continues inside. Info: 215-536-4115 Bucks County Household Hazardous Waste Collection r/s from 9am-3pm (info: buckscounty.org/recycling) at Strayer Middle Sch., 1200 Ronald Reagan Dr, Quakertown Community Open House 10am-12noon at St. Luke’s Care Now, 157 S West End Blvd, Quakertown Mustang Club Cruise Nights 4pm-7pm, Country Sq Shopping Ctr, 240-3 West End Blvd, Quakertown. DJ Hodge Podge, door prizes, pony corral, no alcohol. Info: 215-5387256 or guillrandolph@aol.com Flea Mkt/Craft Show 8am-3pm at Living Memorial Park, Coopersburg. $15/space, 800405-2773 or uslionsclub.com
August 8
Quakertown Rotary Charity Golf Outing at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 2020 Trumbauersville Rd, Quakertown. Questions: George 267-7720782 or quakertownrotarygolf@gmail.com
August 8, 9, & 10
% of sales all day at Bella Ristorante, 639 Main St, Hellertown donated to cobcares.org
August 9
Ancient Egypt, Forensic Anthropology, 1pm at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Speaker: Dr. Philips of Univ. of PA. (Highlight: re-examination of 3300 yr old murder case) Free! All welcome, 215-453-7027
51st PA Dutch Folk Festival (Fri 12noon8pm) (Sat 10am-6pm), food, crafts. Henry Antes Plantation, 318 Colonial Rd, Perkiomenville. Details: 215-234-8953 or goschenhoppen.org
August 12
Open House 11am-1pm at Burgess Foulke House, 26 N Main, Quakertown. Info: 215536-3298 or QuakertownHistoricalSociety.org Mother’s Market 9am-1pm, Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 N Main St. Vendors wanted! Contact Nancy: 267-575-0866 or nohrberg7@ gmail.com to reserve space. Light refreshmts avail. bucks58fire.com
August 13
“Zumbathon for Hunter” Fundraiser, 2pm-4pm at VFW Forrest Lodge, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. Raffles & door prizes. $10/advance, $15/door. Info: 215-2579480. Excess funds donated to LOPA.org. Coach Bag Bingo Benefit, doors open 11:30am, Benner Hall, 1260 E Cherry Rd, Quakertown. $30/tkt, RSVP by 7/31 at ezregister.com/events/21080/ Must be 18 yrs to attend. Info/questions: 267-446-4454 or 215-768-6189 Cruise w/the Motorvator’s at Quakertown Dairy Queen, Rte 309, Qtown. $1/car donation for CHoP. 4pm-8pm, George 610-395-1558 August 14 “Groundhogs” 7pm, West Rockhill Historical Soc. meeting at West Rockhill Twp Bldg, 1028 Ridge Rd, Sellersville.
August 15
Joint Morning Business Card Exchange 7:30am-9am at Penn Fdn, The Loux Ctr, 807 Lawn Ave, Sellersville. Network w/Pennridge & Indian Valley C of C. Free, reserv. requested by Aug. 11. Pennridgecc@pennridge.com, 215-257-5390
Upper Bucks Brewfest 1pm-5pm (VIP Hour 12noon), The Park at 4th, Quakertown. quakertownalive.com or 215-536-2273 16th Annual Hellertown-Lower Saucon Community Day, info: Colleen at 484-851-3771
August 19 & 20
Roasting Ears of Corn Festival 10am-6pm at Museum of Indian Culture, 2825 Fish Hatchery Rd, Allentown. Info: 610-797-2121 or museumofindianculture.org
August 24
“Herman’s Hermits” and “Gary Puckett & Union Gap” live at Quakertown Amphitheater. Tkts at Quakertown.eventbrite.com
August 25
Legislative Breakfast –State of the Union Address w/Cong. Brian Fitzpatrick & Sen. Bob Casey. (healthcare, tax reform, other important issues) Door opens 7:30am (networking), 8am (event) at McCoole’s, 4 S Main St, Quakertown. Registra. required: UBCC.ORG, more info: jhaigh@ubcc.org or 215-536-3211
August 26
“Shake, Rattle & Soul” Dance, 7pm-10pm, $12/tkt. BYOB, snacks provided. Pennridge Commun. Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. 215-453-7027
August 27
Classic Car/Motorcycle Show 4pm-7pm at Lowe’s of Quakertown, 1001 S West End Blvd. Family Fun Event, food trucks, free regis., trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places
August 30
“Trauma & Addiction”Training Workshop w/Dr. Joseph Troncale, 8am-11am at Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Auditorim, 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown. Limited seating, register at: 610-928-0173
August 18
John Hadfield & Dog Reggie Comedy/ Variety Show 1pm at Pennridge Community Senior Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. $5 includes hoagie lunch. Reservations made w/ paid tickets. Limited tkts. Info: 215-453-7027 August 30 to September 3 UBE Fire Company’s 11th Annual Carnival. (Bands wanted to play for recognition only), call Ron 610-972-7272
August 11
August 18 & 19
September 2
August 10
“Fantastic Beasts…..”- Friday Drive-In Movie at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193. Also collecting food for Food Pantry. “Batman Lego Movie”(free) at Veterans Park, Pumping Station Rd, Richland Twp. Food & drinks avail. Info: Tim 215-536-4066 or tim@richlandtownship.org
August 11 & 12
Estate Sale- 8am-2pm both days, rain/ shine, (vintage & Craftsman tools, furniture, paintings, Nat Geo mags), 830 Fairhill Rd, Sellersville. Betw Keystone Dr & Highview Rd Root Beer Floats 10am-4pm at Landis Market in Perkasie. Come enjoy a float or a hotdog for $2 each.
Luau-Theme Dance 7pm-10pm at Pennridge Community Senior Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. Light refreshments, $12/person. Info: 215-453-7027. Peach Festival at Pappy’s Orchard, 2576 Cassel Rd, Coopersburg. 215-679-3981
August 19
John Rivers Day Celebration, Flag Folding Program/Tails of Valor, 11am-3pm at Haycock Twp Community Ctr. Free food, live music, guest speakers. Info: 267-992-4973 or 267-374-3093 Kids’ Day 10am-2pm at the Promenade Shops, 2845 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley. Touch-A-Truck Exhibit, martial arts demos, Wildlands Conservancy w/live animals. Giveaways, games, prizes, etc. 8th Annual Bell Tower Outdoor Concert 6pm, St. John’s Lutheran, 910 Allentown Rd, West Rockhill. Variety of music, hotdogs/ice cream Following inside: pipe organ program & Name That Tune. 215-257-9643,
Mustang Club Cruise Nights 4pm-7pm, Country Sq Shopping Ctr, 240-3 West End Blvd, Quakertown. DJ Hodge Podge, door prizes, pony corral, no alcohol. Info: 215-5387256 or guillrandolph@aol.com
September 4 September 9
Labor Day
Annual Community Yard Sale 9am-4pm at Tinicum UCC, 310 E Dark Hollow Rd, Pipersville. $10/space, call 484-719-6549 or teamtraut@aol.com 70th Annual Haycock One Room School Reunion, 12 Noon, Bring covered dish and/or dessert, Hot dogs and drinks provided. Meeting at 1:30 pm, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 837 Old Bethlehem Rd., Applebachsville, 215-536-4747, 215-348-4400
VFW Post Presents John Rivers Day
John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 invites the public to help celebrate and honor the life and sacrifice that John Rivers, a former Haycock Township resident, made for our great nation. It has been 75 years since Private First Class John Rivers, United States Marine Corps was killed in action on August 21, 1942, at the Campaign of Guadalcanal. John Rivers would have been 100 years old this coming November. There will be WWII vehicles and memora-
bilia on display. Activities throughout the event will include Tails of Valor, meet “Rivers” a Service Dog in Training, flag folding presentation, and live music. Free hot dogs, sides, drinks, cake, and ice cream will be served. Many local and state officials will be in attendance. This event is taking place on August 19, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Haycock Township Community Center at 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951. All are welcome.
New Vitae Wellness Foundation Hosts Trauma and Addiction Training New Vitae Wellness Foundation and Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers are pleased to announce a complimentary community training opportunity August 10, 8 am to 11 am. Special guest speaker Dr. Joseph A. Troncale, a specialist in substance abuse and a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, will discuss the correlation between traumatic events and addictive behaviors.
The event will be held at Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Auditorium, 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18103 Two continuing education credits are available for Pennsylvania social workers. Seating is limited; Contact New Vitae Wellness and Recovery at 610-928-0173 to register.
August 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Tour Offers “Behind the Scenes” Peek at Perkasie and Sellersville
From a free ride on the historic Perkasie carousel to a guided tour of the Washington House and Sellersville Theater, “P.S. I Love You!” will pull back the curtain on two of Upper Bucks County’s often overlooked boroughs. Scheduled for September 23 and presented by the Arts & Culture Council of Bucks County, “”P.S. I Love You” will give visitors an opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history, talented local artists and thriving new businesses Perkasie and Sellersville are neighboring communities that have a rich history (dating back to the 1700’s), and are the homes to many talented local artists, art galleries, cultural attractions and thriving new businesses. The primary goal of the tour is to bring visitors to Perkasie and Sellersville for a personalized look at this area’s “hidden gems,” according to Council President James Sell. “This will be an exciting opportunity to explore and learn about the cultural amenities in this often overlooked area,” said Sell. “Perkasie and Sellersville occupy a unique spot in the region’s history.”
Stops on the tour include a visit to the 200-year old Washington House Hotel & Restaurant and the Sellersville Theater, a ride on Bucks County’s oldest carousel, and a peek at Perkasie Park’s 19th Century Victorian cottages. Along the way, visitors will experience some of the up-andcoming businesses that are part of the Pennridge area’s economic revival, including the headquarters of Eric & Christopher (a nationally-known pillow company started by two Bucks County artists), and Chimayo Gallery. The day will conclude with a tour of the Free Will Brewing Company, which is quickly becoming a household name among craft beer lovers up and down the East Coast. Participants will receive a ticket for a complimentary brew. The tour will begin at noon. Tickets are $30, and include light refreshments. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.perkasierec. com/info/activities/ For more information, send an email james. sell@bucks.edu or call 267-685-4801
“The month of August had turned into a griddle where the days just lay there and sizzled.”
- Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees
The Upper Bucks Free Press is made possible by the businesses and organizations you see on these pages. Remember to thank them for supporting your community’s voice.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2017
Will vs. Simple Will BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. I frequently see ads in newspapers where law firms or attorneys advertise “simple wills” for $50.00. Or online legal aid sites providing “simple will” forms for $40.00. In my experience, these distinctions do nothing more than confuse consumers. I often feel that the discounted price of simple wills compared to “not so simple” wills, pushes individuals to settle for an estate planning document that does not meet their needs nor is adapted to their individual situation. And as such, many people choose the less expensive method, over a quality legal document that is tailored to their needs. So what is a simple will? Essentially, a simple will is a will that does not incorporate any tax or asset protection planning. It basically says “all my assets shall pass to person x.” Personally, I believe that every will should incorporate some degree of both tax and asset protection planning, simply to protect the
named beneficiaries, and as such I make sure all of my client’s wills contain those appropriate provisions. Additionally, if you have minor children, or have children on the way, a simple will WILL NOT SUFFICE FOR YOUR SITUATION! A minor child cannot accept an inheritance, so that needs to be addressed in the text of your will – usually using the will to establish a trust, something that is well beyond the scope of a simple will. So before you decide to save a few dollars on a simple will, make sure the needs of your individual situation will be covered. Otherwise, you or your family members will likely wind up paying for it in the long run. Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a solo practitioner located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite 208, in Dublin, Pennsylvania who specializes in estate planning & administration, family law and business law. You can reach him at (267) 227-9138. To receive monthly newsletters, law updates and special offers, subscribe to his email list here: http://www.fravel-law.com/contact/
Diversify Your Investments, but Consolidate Providers You have probably heard that diversification is a key to investment success. So, you might think that if diversifying your investments is a good idea, it might also be wise to diversify your investment providers – after all, aren’t two (or more) heads better than one? Before we look at that issue, let’s consider the first half of the “diversification” question – namely, how does diversifying your investment portfolio help you? Consider the two broadest categories of investments: stocks and bonds. Stock prices will move up and down in response to many different factors, including good or bad corporate earnings, corporate management issues, political developments and even natural disasters. Bond prices are not immune to these dynamics, but they are usually more strongly driven by changes in interest rates. To illustrate: If your existing bond pays 2 percent interest, and new bonds are being issued at 3 percent, the value of your bond will fall, because no one will pay you full price for it. (Of course, it may not matter to you anyway, especially if you planned to hold your bond until maturity, at which point you can expect to get your full investment back, providing the bond issuer doesn’t default.) Here’s the key point: Stocks and bonds often move in different directions. If you only own U.S. stocks, you could take a big hit during a market downturn, but if you own domestic and international stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit and other types of investments, your portfolio may be better protected against market volatility, and you’ll have more opportunities for positive results. (Keep in mind, though, that even a diversified
portfolio can’t prevent all losses or guarantee profits.) So, it clearly is a good idea to diversify your investment portfolio. Now, let’s move on to diversifying financial service providers. Why shouldn’t you have one IRA here and another one there, or enlist one advisor to help you with some types of investments and a different advisor assisting you with others? Actually, some good reasons exist to consider consolidating all your investment accounts with one provider. For one thing, you’ll keep better track of your assets. Many people do misplace or forget about some of their savings and investments, but this will be far less likely to happen to you if you hold all your accounts in one place. Also, if you have accounts with several different financial service providers, you might be incurring a lot of paperwork – and many fees. You can cut down on clutter and expense by consolidating your accounts. But most important, by placing all your accounts with a single provider, possibly under the supervision of a single financial advisor, you will find it much easier to follow a single, unified investment strategy, based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You won’t get conflicting advice and you’ll receive clear guidance on important issues, such as the amounts you can afford to withdraw each year from your retirement accounts once you do retire. Diversification and consolidation – one is good for building an investment portfolio, while the other can help you invest more efficiently and effectively. Put the two concepts together, and make them work for you. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones office on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or at bob.podraza@edwardjones.com
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
Property Tax Issue on Ballot This fall, voters will have the opportunity to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow local governments to exclude more of a property’s median assessed value for property tax reductions. Currently, the state constitution only permits local governments – counties, municipalities and school districts – to exclude up to
50 percent. Constitutional amendments require legislative approval in two consecutive legislative sessions before the question can go before voters in a general election. With passage of House Bill 1285 this session and the identical House Bill 147 last session, the referendum question will be on the ballot on Nov. 7.
August 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Ongoing Events & Resources Michener Art Museum Exhibits, “Myths & Nature” until Aug 27, “Dedicated, Displayed, Discovered” until Jan 7, “George Sotter:Light & Shadow” until Dec. 31, Located at 138 S Pine St, Doylestown. More info: MichenerArtMuseum. org or 215-340-9800 Quakertown Farmers Market Auctions 1st & 3rd Fri/month w/Les Beyer, 2nd & 4th Sat/ month w/Tom Lorah, call 215-536-4115 for info Hoagie Sales 2nd Monday of month (except July/August) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, advance orders due Wed. before. $5.50-$6.00, info/order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com 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, 267-3719636 (bring DD 214 for proof eligibility) PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-2pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org 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.org Support & Service Groups Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-593-9995 or email carolonline1@verizon.net
Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month in Perkasie, info: 267429-3196, stef@sistersu.com, Parent Support Group on Addiction meets 7pm, first & third Wed every month in Red Schoolhouse, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Bedminster. Info: batchof5@yahoo.com Family Education on Addiction meets 7pm, first three Mondays every month in the Red School House, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Free, register 800-221-6333 SOS Bereavement After Suicide, Family Support Group 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 or 610-558-1326 Caregiver Support Group meets last Thurs. every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting. Caregiver Support Group 4pm-5pm, meets last Thur. of month, Hidden Meadows, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville, (tour & complimentary lunch), 267-429-3931, hiddenmeadowsontheridge.com Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic (for uninsured eligible residents), 595 W State St, Doylestown. Call to schedule an eligibility appointment at 215-345-2260. aschealthclinic. org Alzheimer’s Support Group, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4512, nkoval@phoebe.org
Alzheimer’s Support Group, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, NOVA hotline 1-800-6756900. www.NOVABucks.org Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tues 7pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-2208116, www.awomansplace.org UB Kiwanis meets 1st Wed of month 7:30am at Panera Bread, 4th Wed of month 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wed 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 Thurs 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am-9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054 Community Meals Free Community Meal third Wed of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318
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Free Community Meal second, fourth & fifth Weds.of month, 6pm, Richland Friends Quaker Meeting. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Free Community Meal third Thurs of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447 Free Community Meal first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm, Yerger Bldg across from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave Quakertown Bingo Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Sat of month, 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 West End Fire Co every Wed, open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smoke-free), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues, open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. 215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat, 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. (except July) open 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. open 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Bingo at American Legion Post 397, 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, open 6pm, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624
Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 • 582 S. West End Blvd, Quakertown PA
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2017
Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship 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 Church United Church of Christ
101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!
Christ’s Lutheran Church
1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville 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
Church of the Incarnation
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, Holy Days as announced.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday service at 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome!
Evangel Assembly of God
401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul No Sunday evening services during summer. Where God’s Love Changes Lives
First United Church of Christ
Fourth Street & Park Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Alternative worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm
First United Methodist Church
501 Market Street, Perkasie 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie.com Pastor: Scott Dorn Mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, positively impact our community and world.
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.
Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: The Rev. Catherine Kerr 10:00am Sunday Eucharist
Grace Bible Fellowship Church
1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sundays: 9am Unified Worship Service, 9:40 Children dismissed (4yrs - 3rd grade) Children’s Church, 7pm Evening Worship. Wednesdays: Teens for Christ (7-12th grade) 6:30, Kid’s Club 7pm; Adult study 7pm.
Morning Star Fellowship
429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 215-529-6422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry provided, EastWest Cafe open with free coffee. Celebrate recovery Tuesday 7pm. Check website for more info.
MorningStar Moravian Church
610-282-1908 234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Jay Petrella Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.
Quakertown United Methodist Church
1875 Freier Road, Quakertown 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Thomas S. Robinson III Sunday morning worship: 8:00am, 9:00am
BCOC Receives Grant, Expands Food Program The Bucks County Opportunity Council has received a grant from the Leo and Peggy Pierce Family Foundation for $14,000 to help continue to expand its food program. The grant will be used to help transport donated food from the Council’s existing partners like Wegmans Food Markets, Applegate Natural & Organic Meats, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue and Philabundance increasing the amounts of healthy, nutritious foods that will be distributed through Bucks County’s pantry network. The grant will also be used to purchase software and scanning equipment to help the Council improve its food inventory systems. “We are grateful for the support from the
Leo and Peggy Pierce Family Foundation,” explained Heather Foor, Food Program Manager at the Opportunity Council. “With the support of our partners including the County of Bucks, we have been able to serve more people than ever before. With this grant, we will continue this momentum and be better able to track the food donations as well.” The Opportunity Council and its partners provide food to over 60 pantries throughout Bucks County and operate two Fresh Connect programs, a farm market style program weekly in Ottsville and Bristol. For more information on the Opportunity Council, visit www.bcoc.org.
11:00am Sunday School for all ages 10:00am.
Trinity Great Swamp UCC
Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown 215-538-7555 Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org Clerk: Jack H. Schick Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.”
Spinnerstown Rd & County Line Rd Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis / Matt Gorkos Sunday School classes for all ages (preK adult) 9:15 am. Family activities throughout the year
Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker)
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. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown
1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Outdoor Summer Worship Service, except during inclement weather, June 18 through Labor Day weekend. 9:30am Sundays. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and your favorite morning beverage.
St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley
910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net www.stjohnsridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am w/praise band. Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available. Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible. All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville
837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown 215-536-5789 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.
Paul’s United Church of Christ
104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net 8:00 am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9 am Sunday School all ages, 10:15 Worship in Sanctuary
Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9am Traditional Service, 11am Contemporary Service. FaithQuest resumes in the Fall, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry. Living God’s Love for All.
Victory Fellowship Church 120 Ridge Road, Telford 215-453-9988 victoryfellowshippa@gmail.com www.victoryfellowshippa.org Pastor: Dr. Virgil A. Mobley Full Gospel.A friendly, loving, and joyful church where the presence of God is in His house. Check out our website.
August 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Schmauder Returns from Mongolian Mission CDT Shane Schmauder (MS3,UofS) a cadet with the Royal Warrior Battalion, Army ROTC at the University of Scranton returned home on July 20, 2017 after completing a month long CULP Mission in Mongolia by conducting English language training to the Mongolian Armed Forces, as well as participating in cultural events such as their Independence Day Nadaam Festival in the Gobi Desert. CDT Schmauder is a 2014 graduate of Quakertown Community High School and the son of Michael & Judy Schmauder of Milford Township.
American Legion Post 242 August 2017 Update BY DICK HELM The other night at our Post meeting our new Sons of the Legion Commander, Bob Grunmeier, approached me with a photo showing Anthony Corrall. A Life Member of many years of our Post. Legionnaire Corrall often speaks of his memories of “The Post.” Bob and other “Sons” paid a visit at Genesis Health Care to visit Anthony and decided they would bring him back to the Post for a sandwich and a beverage. The “Sons” and Anthony both enjoyed this visit. As part of their new goals our sons plan to do more visiting, more hands on helping those veterans in need of simple repairs to their homes, or transportation to special events. I mention this, as too many times a subordinate arm of “The Post” does not get the recognition they so deserve. The sons has always been active and as I mentioned before –their Sunday Breakfast menus are extraordinary! It is so good to see the continued support with added activities of this important arm of our Post. Charley Wismer mentioned that the Veterans Drawing was much better than anticipated and I hope to have a final figure of net proceeds in
next months notes. The Auxiliary Chair at our meeting mentioned about the great food they served at the drawing. Charley Wismer commented that we probably had one of the “Best Feeds” for those who purchased tickets. He also mentioned that when we have the Youth Activities Raffle in the fall that he anticipates a much bigger group of people attending because of the food. Kudos to the Ladies for a job well done! Our Post is on a definite upward climb. The only misfortune is that many of our fellow Legionnaires are passing away. (I am going to participate in a Graveside Honors Ceremony after finishing this article.). Again Charley Wismer can’t stress enough for every member to get a member as many qualified persons are still out there and are not a part of the Legion. I will have a detailed outline of our annual September 11th Service for you in next months NOTES. We encourage you to please attend to honor those of Bucks County who lost their lives that fateful day in “The Towers.” Most important we also honor our Police and First Responders. Please plan on reading the September article and attending so you also can show appreciation for their “Devotion to Duty!”
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2017
Sally L. Combs, 73, of Quakertown, PA, died on Sun., March 26, 2017 in her home. Born in San Francisco, California, she was the daughter of the late Delbert L. and Betty (Remington) Combs. She earned her Master’s Degree as a Social Worker and worked for various agencies. Surviving are her sons, Jason Lieberman, wife Amy of Shoemakersville, and Benjamin Lieberman, of Quakertown; brother John Combs; sister Cindy Combs, of Pennsburg; and one grandchild, Michael. She was preceded in death by her sister Susan Boone. Naugle Funeral and Cremation Service, Quakertown was in charge of arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com Dorothy K. (Ritchie) Stevens, 91, of Hereford, died Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Pennsburg Manor, with her loving family by her side. She was the widow of Joseph B. Stevens, Sr. Born in Bristol Twp., she was a daughter of the late Howard and Helen (Tims) Ritchie. Dorothy was a full-time mom whose greatest joy was spending time with and “keeping track of” her family and their activities. In former years, she joined the VFW and liked going different places with them. She had also enjoyed attending the United Church of Christ in Orangeville with her late husband Joe. Surviving are her children: Dorothy Williams, of Coopersburg; Erroll Rittenour, wife Theresa, of Langhorne; Virginia Kriebel, husband Robert, of Eagleville; Mary Rittenour, of Hereford and Helene Smith, husband Donald, of Bristol; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Doris Pretzos, of Tom’s River, NJ. She was preceded in death by a son, William Raymond Rittenour; and a sister, Virginia Buzby. Memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 4601 Forbes Blvd., Suite 130, Lanham, MD 20706. https://donate.dvnf.org www.nauglefcs.com Calvin “Pete” Peterson, Jr. , 75, of Quakertown, died peacefully on June 30th in his home. He was the husband of the late
~Obituaries~
Patricia M. (Johnson) Peterson. Born in Doylestown, he was the son of the late Calvin, Sr. and Theresa (Tyler) Peterson. He was a graduate of New Hope-Solebury High School. Calvin was the owner of Peterson’s Sanitation in Quakertown for many years. Surviving are his sons, Peter A. Michael, Christopher, Donald, all of Quakertown and Daryl, wife Marsha of Bethlehem; daughter Kenya Karnga, of Quakertown; sisters, Lorraine Colter and Joan Case of New Jersey; grandchildren, Christopher, Rachel, Antonio, Corrine, Derek, Zander, Deion, Dominick, Frank, Amber, Janna, Khalfani, Scarlet Rose, Krystina, Alexa, and Peter; and great-grandchildren, Daniel, Zakiyyah, Lilly, Cloe, Jaydyn, and Jeremiah. Interment St. Paul’s Cemetery Applebachsville. www.nauglefcs.com
Peter A. Smith, 25, of Quakertown, died Sunday, July 2nd at his home. Born in Sellersville, he was a son of Richard and Angela (Spiezio) Smith. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in accounting and worked as an auditor for KPMG. Surviving with his parents are brothers, Nathanael, Philip, Jacob, and Solomon, all of Quakertown; sister, Rachel of Quakertown; maternal grandmother, Sheila Baldwin of Woodhull, NY. Services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 8th at Naugle Funeral and Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. A calling will precede the service from 12:30-2:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peter Smith Memorial Fund at https://goo.gl/wPAgsS www.nauglefcs.com Sandra Calabrette, 70, passed away in Carrollton, TX , Tues. July 4th. She was born in Quakertown, a daughter of the late Joseph & Minnie Calabrette, where she lived 64 years until moving to Texas with her mother in January 2011. After high school Sandra attended the Allentown Business School to acquire an IBM Keypunch Operator Certification and
went to work for Link Belt Crane Company in Lansdale for only a few short years before becoming disabled. She was a member of St. Isidore’s Roman Catholic Church, Quakertown for all of her years in Quakertown and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 33 years. Sandra is survived by her brother, Joseph Calabrette and wife Susanne of Hickory Creek, TX, nieces Melissa Clark, Christine Mouser and Jessica Shiver all of TX, one grandniece and three grandnephews. Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, 90 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016. www.bbrfoundation.org
Sadie Nyce, 83, of Quakertown, died peacefully surrounded by her husband and family Tues., July 4, 2017. She was the loving wife of Robert Nyce for 41 years. Born in Perkasie, she was a daughter of the late James and Alice (Yerger) Kramer. Sadie was a loving and passionate wife, mother, “gram” to her grandchildren and “mom-mom” to her great-grandchildren; and a homemaker who loved to bake and make candy. She was passionate about dogs, and one of her favorite pastimes was going to the casino. For 15 years, Sadie and her husband Robert had a fresh produce roadside stand. Her specialty in canning was her secret recipe for bread & butter pickles. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends; which includes her children: Debbie Smith of Emmaus; James Baringer, and Linda Marcy, husband Daniel, of Coopersburg; grandchildren: Sheila Bulusu, Cindy May, Kristy Baringer and Tim Rush; great-grandchildren: Clifford May, Connor May, Justin Shaw and Marshall Johnson; and sister, Clara Gluntz, of New York. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Fund, PO Box 7262, Hillsborough, NJ 08844-7262. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., Quakertown in charge of arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com Jack R. Diehl, 82, of Quakertown, died peacefully in his home Wednesday, July 5. He was the loving husband of Esther (Houpt) Diehl for the past 60 years. Born in Perkasie, he was a son of the late Amandus and Lena (Vetter) Diehl. He worked as a truck driver delivering block for NyceCrete Concrete & Block Co., Lansdale for 25 years before retiring. Jack was an active member of Rocky Ridge Mennonite Church, 114 Rocky Ridge Rd., Quakertown. Surviving with his wife are his sons; Dan (Monique), Rick (Mary), Mark (Linda); daughters, Wanda Goetz (Richard), Jackie Hoch (Art), Tammy Leatherman (Clyde), Donna Rice (Wayne), & Anita Souder (Brent); 24 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren (with 3 more soon to arrive); siblings, Lena Fitzgerald, C. Warren, Jean Huff, Emily Poppell, Leonard, Carol Moyer, Ellen Solano, Althea Kern. A memorial service will be held Sat. July 8, 3 PM in Rocky Ridge Mennonite Church, 114 Rocky Ridge Rd., Quakertown. Family & friends are invited to call at the church 1 -3 PM. Interment in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Benevolence Fund of the church. www.nauglefcs.com K. Marjorie Billger, 97, of Sellersville, previously of Quakertown and Bedminster, died on Sat., July 8, 2017 at the Rockhill Mennonite Community, Sellersville. She was the widow of Warren Billger. Born in Quakertown, Marjorie was the only child of the late Howard C. and Florence (Ott) Nicholas. She was a 1938 graduate of Quakertown High School – in the first class to have 100 people. Marjorie was employed as a secretary clerk for the Bucks County Sewer & Water Authority for 17 years, retiring in 1982. Previously she served as secretary of the Bucks County Council of Girl Scouts for about 10 years. In earlier years, Marjorie loved going to the beach. More recently she enjoyed watching the Phillies, and was an avid reader. Surviving is her only daughter, Joan De Tuccio, husband Richard, of Glen Burnie, MD; her granddog, Rhett; and several cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Isidore’s Roman Catholic Church, 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951.
Debra A. Bruckno, 59, of Quakertown, died Sat. July 8th at the home of her sister, Barbara Slotter. Born Feb. 12, 1958 in Quakertown, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Frances (Hamburger) Bruckno. Debbie received her diploma from Quakertown High School in 1979. She worked for TGI Fridays in Quakertown and volunteered at Quakertown Center for over 20 years. Debbie was involved in many activities, including Special Olympics bowling and swimming, Quakertown special needs soccer, horseback riding, tennis, and Girl Scouts for many years. She enjoyed summer camp for a week every summer and she also enjoyed vacations with her family. Surviving is her sister, Barbara Slotter of Quakertown; brother, David Bruckno, wife Karen of Montrose; nephew, David Bruckno Jr; great nephew, Hayden Bruckno; great niece, Raven Bruckno. She was predeceased by a great nephew, Brandan Bruckno, and brother-in-law, Thomas Slotter. Memorial contributions can be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, 2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 124, Norristown, PA 19403; or the Quakertown Soccer Club – Special Needs Division, PO Box 844, Quakertown, PA 18951; or Grandview Hospice, 700 Lawn Ave., Sellersville, PA 18960. www.nauglefcs.com Hunter Deams Larrabee, aged 10, of
Trumbauersville passed away suddenly on July 12, 2017. He was born on March 26, 2007, in West Chester, PA. He loved playing football and baseball. He also enjoyed fishing, kayaking—anything that had a motor that he could make go fast—and anything else he could do outdoors. In his spare time he loved to build with his legos, play with his trains, and watch movies or play games on his iPad. He was super sweet when it came to animals, and his dream someday was to have a farm of his own with his cousin Karlie. Hunter is preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Edward Collins. Hunter is survived by his mother, Michelle (Steve), and his father, Deams; his sister, Nyah; his grandparents, Julie Larrabee (Mack), Judith Welsh (Chuck), Mark Welsh (Diane); his great-grandparents, Donald and Eleanor Welsh and Sandra Collins; his aunt, Shannon (Mike) Williams; his cousins, Seth and Karlie; all his extended family and friends. Hunter’s family is grateful to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA), which helped Hunter bring life to others, and to Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, which generously absorbed some of the cremation cost. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 27, 2017, at the Wagontown Firehouse, from 11am to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, those who would like to make a contribution, which will be gratefully received by Hunter’s family, please contact Michelle at Hunter_Larrabee@aol.com.
Joseph F. Dobson, 77, of Quakertown, died Tuesday, July 18th at his home. He was the husband of the late Harriet N. Dobson. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late John and Anna (Hill) Dobson. Surviving is his loving companion, Cheryl Slifer of Quakertown, daughter, Debbie (Jim) Kramarenko of Telford; grandchildren, Justin, Brian, Kevin (Amanda), Camryn, Josh, and Chelsie; great grandchildren, Brielle and Rylan; sister, Alice (Edward) Cannon. He was predeceased by a daughter, Jodi Bleam, and a granddaughter, Clera Bleam. Services are private at the convenience of the family. Naugle Funeral and Cremation Service, Quakertown was in charge of arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com Claude J. Post, 72, of Quakertown, passed away at his home on Fri., July 21, 2017. He was the husband of the late Barbara (Morgan) Post. Born in East Stroudsburg, he was a son of the late Carl and Gertrude (Miller) Post. Claude worked as a Police Officer for Pennridge Regional Police Department for many years. His memberships include the American Legion, the VFW, Moose Lodge, and he was a life member of the Coopersburg Fire House. Surviving is his son, Joseph, and wife Donna of Riegelsville. He was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Schwager. www.nauglefcs.com
August 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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~Obituaries~ Majorie E. Cope, 89, of Richlandtown, died Sunday. July 23th at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. Born in Quakertown, she was a daughter of the late William and Ida (Shelly) Cope. She worked for Moore Business Forms, Quakertown prior to her retirement and had previously worked for U.S. Gauge - Ametek, Sellersville. She was a longtime Girl Scout Leader
and was a member of East Swamp Church, Quakertown. Surviving are her daughters, Maureen Gerhart, husband Edward of Coopersburg, and Marcia Giesbrecht, husband Darrel of Omaha, NE; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, Bill Cope Jr., and a sister Mary Schantzenbach. Naugle Funeral and Cremation Service, Quakertown, is in charge of arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com
Habitat Bucks Dedicates Quakertown Townhome
Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County dedicated a 3 bedroom, 1 ½ bath Quakertown townhome to Brian, father of four boys. This is the first Upper Bucks property purchased and rehabilitated by Habitat Bucks after acquisition from the National Community Stabilization Trust program (NCST). NCST is a non-profit organization that works to restore vacant and abandoned properties to productive use and protect neighborhoods from blight. Habitat Bucks has purchased eight properties through NCST and sees this program as an opportunity to have an accelerated impact on the Bucks County community. On Friday, July 28, friends, family and Habitat staff and volunteers gathered to celebrate with Brian and his sons. Previously sharing a small, two-bedroom apartment in Quakertown, Brian’s main goal in purchasing a home was to provide enough space for his family to do simple things like eating together at the same table and having enough room for each son to have his own bed. Having had experience with Habitat Bucks in the past, Brian was very excited to partner with them. He knew that he would be buying a quality house with everything completed and move-in ready. With what he could afford with his full-time job at a local uniform company as a single dad, he’d otherwise only be able to purchase a house that would require extra funds for renovations and repairs. “We are glad to be able to partner with
Habitat Bucks to support positive growth and make an impact in Bucks County,” says David Freeman, President and CEO of QNB Bank. “It’s an honor to join Habitat’s mission to help individuals, families and communities grow, prosper and build a better future.” This is the 105th home Habitat Bucks has dedicated to a family in its 26+ year history. Sponsors of the project include QNB Bank and Precision Solutions, Inc.
Charity Block Party Raises $3000 for QCO
On June 24th, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richlandtown hosted a Charity Block Party to benefit Quakertown Community Outreach (QCO). QCO is a local grassroots organization that serves people in need, especially those experiencing homelessness. Having existed for less than two years, QCO has provided 100 weeks of emergency housing for over 60 individuals and families and has provided over 300 additional families with needed items and services, such as food, clothing, gift cards, medicine, utilities, transportation, diapers, holiday gifts, air conditioners, medical care, and free counseling. While storms threatened, the Block Party successfully raised $3077.22 in funds for QCO. This was done with the support and help of many local businesses, including Ciocca Auto Dealers, Naugle Funeral Home, Grida’s, H&K Group, Precision Solutions, Richlandtown Fire Company, Thrivent Financial, Alcamo’s Restaurant, Applebee’s Restaurant, Giant Food Stores, Ray Heffentrager, Richlandtown Inn, Smoke House Factory BBQ, Spinnerstown Hotel, Sunday’s Luncheonette, Bikers against Child Abuse, QNB, John Fries Rebellion, Ron Ann Diner, K-Love, Penn Foundation, Spors, Yum Yum Donuts, Falk Funeral Home, Pat
Bleam’s Beauty Salon, Word FM, Phoebe, Baringer’s, PJ’s Catering, Nil’s Country Kitchen, Always Beautiful at Q-Mart, and Tastefully Simple. Individuals and families from the neighborhood who came to the event gave generously and had lots of fun. Activities included music from St. John’s SJLR New Life Band, demonstrations and rides on unique human-powered vehicles by Bob Swaim, crafts by Penn Foundation, fire engine display by Richlandtown Fire Company, the QNB Squirrel, vendors, games and prizes for kids, face painting, a silent auction, and bingo. There was also plenty of good food, including Rita’s water ice, cotton candy, ice cream sandwiches, baked goods, Smoke House Factory BBQ, PJ’s Catering fried food, and burgers and hot dogs. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richlandtown would like to thank everyone who supported this event through donations, services, and coming to visit and have fun. Together, we have made a difference for people in need in our community. St. John’s has already started planning for next year’s June 23rd 2018 Charity Block Party and hopes to see you there!
Pastor Kat Steinly (center) presents a check to QCO leaders Dave Hammerschmidt and Nicole Trovinger-Remick with daughter Alivia Remick. submitted photo
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2017
Employment Opportunities
Spring Hill Suites - Hiring Front Desk Associates, Room Attendants, House Person/Bell Person. Apply at 1930 John Fries Highway (Route 663), Quakertown, PA. No phone calls. You’ve Got Maids - Hiring commercial nighttime cleaners & daytime residential cleaners. (215) 529-7837 Spor’s General Store - Hiring part-time help, various positions. Stop in to inquire. 22 W. Broad Street, Trumbauersville. Edible Arrangements - Hiring Seasonal personal skills, attention to detail, must. Call (215) 536-1298 or stop by mation and to apply. 582 S. West End
Help. Good interand reliability a store for inforBlvd, Quakertown
Pool Pro - Local pool store seeks service technicians and helpers. 1619 West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-0456 Dazzle Hair & Nail Studio - Nail Technician PT / FT We’re looking for a licensed nail technician to work in our salon. To be considered please call Jennifer at 215-529-4464 or send resume to jennidazzles@gmail.com Woods’ Pools - Local pool builder seeks construction trainees. Experience a plus. technicians and helpers for upcoming pool season. 1619 West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-2323 Upper Bucks YMCA - Wellness Center Attendant, Sports Attendant, Art Teacher, Member Service Associate, Kids Korner Babysitter. All include full Y membership. Call 215-536-YMCA (9622) or stop in to apply. 401 Fairview Avenue, Quakertown.
PennDOT Hiring for Winter The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will again sponsor a winter maintenance program, offering a number of positions to supplement the permanent workforce. The jobs include temporary equip-
ment operators, mechanics, trades helpers, welders, clerks, typists, semi-skilled laborers, stock clerks and custodial workers. The program runs from September through April. To apply now, visit www.goo.gl/PznuSF.
As I write this article we are in the middle of July and in the second week of an extreme heat wave. The Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) have decimated my miniature rose and made “lacework” of the pussy willow (salix). These green iridescent beetles are beautiful, but destructive and frustrating! Japanese beetles are native to Japan, but were first spotted in Riverton, New Jersey in 1916. They soon become major pests in U.S. home gardens due to a lack of native predators. Adult Japanese beetles emerge in late June to early July. They’re most abundant during sunny days in July and August, and then the beetles “mysteriously” disappear from the garden. The females fly to turf and burrow 2-3” into the soil to lay eggs. In late August through September the grubs hatch and feed on turf roots. When the soil cools, the grubs burrow deeper, where they lay dormant until the soil warms to at least 50 degrees. In late May to early June, the larvae (grubs) molt to pupae in the soil. There are several methods to control them, but the most environmentally-friendly might be the “jar of death”. Squirt a little dishwashing liquid into a cup of water in a pint jar. Since adult Japanese beetles release a pheromone that attracts other adults and causes them to cluster, you can tap a leaf with several beetles into the jar at one time. (At dusk this pheromone is no longer produced, so do this during daylight hours.) This method doesn’t prevent or eradicate beetles, but can substantially reduce the population if it’s done several times each day. In addition to squashing, spraying with water and the “jar of death”, there are other biologic, commercial controls available. Two types of Japanese beetle traps , available at
garden and home centers, use a floral lure, or a combination of a floral lure and a pheromone. Caution is advised since these traps can attract Japanese beetles to your garden from miles away. There is also a beneficial nematode (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) which attacks Japanese beetle grubs, but this method is labor intensive because it must be applied at night and kept moist. Milky Spore (Bacillus polilliae) is another method but requires multiple years of continued application before it becomes effective. If you choose to use an insecticide containing pyrethrum for control of the adult beetles, read the label carefully and do not apply when bees and other pollinators are present. If you suspect a heavy infestation of grubs in your turf, the best time to apply an insecticide, such an products containing imidacloprid, is in late summer before the adults emerge. For more information, see this Penn State publication “Japanese Beetle on Ornamental Plants”: https://goo.gl/SnkQrN And the Penn State fact sheet “Lawn Management Through the Seasons”: https://goo.gl/B534j7 Bucks County Master Gardener Horticulture Hotline Monday through Friday, 9 am to 12 pm You can call, email, write or visit us with your home gardening questions and concerns! 215-345-3283 “Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Rd Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksHotline@ag.psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us through the Upper Bucks Free Press!
photos by michele buono
FIND YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce offers a warm welcome, whether you’re starting a new business or growing an existing company – we’re here before you need us.
Visit ubcc.org/join today! info@ubcc.org • 215-536-3211
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Empower Life Coaching and Counseling AC DJ’s • BucksMont Staffing Agency • CK Auto Service & Race Fab, LLC Conceptual CAD, LLC • Pride of Quakertown • Upper Bucks Dental Arts Keller Williams Real Estate - Ken Price, Agent • Radon Protection Systems, Inc.
(above) Becky and Rudy Hess show off their garden on this year’s Quakertown Alive! Garden Affaires tour in July. (above right) Adrienna Albert holds a fairy garden she made at the Garden Marketplace. (below) Garden Affaires committee: Mary Ann Smith, Pat Quay, Jane Buckley, Joan Pavlica (chairperson), Lynda Ulrich, Kathy Greger, Lee and Marlene Minster
August 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Contest to Find Next Top Bard of Bucks County The search is on for the 41st annual Bucks County Poet Laureate, according to Bucks County Community College professors Christopher Bursk and Ethel Rackin, directors of the longest-running poet laureate program in Pennsylvania. Entrants must be a Bucks County resident over age 18 who has never previously served as poet laureate, explained Bursk, the 1978 poet laureate and a longtime professor at Bucks County Community College, which administers the program. Each entrant must submit 10 original poems along with an entry form to the college’s Language and Literature Department. Entries must be postmarked by Wednesday, September 6 or hand-delivered to the office by Friday, September 8 at 4 p.m. The winner of the competition will receive a $500 honorarium and a proclamation from the Bucks County Commissioners. He or she will also be honored with a reading and reception at Bucks County Community College with 2016 Poet Laureate Laren McClung and contest runners-up. Two judges will blindly select the winner. The preliminary judge will narrow the entries down to a few dozen to be sent to the final judge, who will choose the winner and three runners up from the pool of finalists. The judges for the contest will be Barbara Daniels, preliminary judge, and Margaret Holley, final judge.
Daniels is the author of Quinn and Marie and Rose Fever. Her poetry has appeared in Mid-Atlantic Review, Solstice and The Literary Review among others. She earned an MFA from Vermont College and received two Individual Artist Fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Holley’s books include Walking Through the Horizon, The Smoke Tree – winner of the Bluestem Award, Morning Star, Beyond Me, and Kore in Bloom. She is also the author of The Poetry of Marianne Moore: A Study in Voice and Value. Holley is the former director of the creative writing program at Bryn Mawr College. There is no charge for entry. Poetry of any style, form, or length is welcome. All work must be original, published or unpublished, typewritten or word-processed on one side in black ink. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form, which can be obtained at http://bit.ly/buckscountylaureate, at libraries and bookstores throughout the county, or by contacting the college’s Language and Literature Department at 215-968-8151. Entries must be postmarked by September 6 or hand-delivered by September 8 to Poet Laureate Contest, Language and Literature Dept., Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940. For more information, contact Dr. Christopher Bursk at 215-968-8156.
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” - John Lubbock
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A Time to Build Up This August is the two-year anniversary of my column, The World as I See It. August 2017 could be a celebratory column about the twenty-four narratives of my life which I have shared with you – a summation of the book inside of me. But, such a column would defeat my purpose in writing about my life. Writing is calming for me. Putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, guides me through difficult areas in life; it helps me to focus on important matters; it turns my sorrow to happiness; it reminds me that no man is an island. It lifts my spirits when someone on the street tells me that my column brought back so many memories for them, or that they agree one hundred percent with my thoughts. July was the first time in two years that a reader of The World as I See It actually emailed me and respectfully disagreed with something I had written. I welcome those responses when someone has a different perspective. As American citizens, we have that First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech – and thought, and differences of opinions. The key is to be respectful. Over the years, as I have traveled the World Wide Web, I have noticed that people are becoming so mean and hateful, disrespectful, bullying, and totally disregarding how their behavior will effect another person’s life because it is “all about me.” Back in my day, we called it egotistism; our elders called it vain; today it is called narcissistic. This concerns me because children are watching the behavior of their parents, and they are not seeing very good examples set for them. If our children are the future (and they are), what type of future lies ahead of us?
If you visit any site on Facebook, you will see evidence of a changing world. If you visit any news site that allows comments, you will find the vilest of personalities. But, it is not just the internet; it is real-time life. Recently, I was sitting at a traffic light that was red. The opposing light was about to turn amber; my light was still red, but the occupant of the car behind me was blasting his horn for me to go – through a light that was still red. Last week I saw where someone became upset because they had to wait in line at the ATM. Well, here is a newsflash – life is about waiting. I do not possess the patience that I once had, but I understand that is not all about me. There are so many obstacles in our world today that need our attention. In any given week there are people who have been murdered, missing children, missing adults, suicides, earthquakes, homelessness, abuse, incest, rape, fatal auto accidents, drownings, hunger, and disease. Among all of these hurdles there are people who allow impatience, disrespect, rudeness, entitlement, and bullying to overshadow who they could become. That brings sadness to my heart. But, deep within that sadness is a desire; a desire to set an example by being the best person I can be. I feel that my responsibility is not only to “talk the talk,” but also to “walk the talk.” And that, is The World as I See It. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain The World as I See It is strictly the sole beliefs and opinions of the writer, and is not written in a professional capacity. you can contact Jacque at: jacque@ubfp.org
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2017
Toys as Art & Jewelry To date, nearly 100 toys have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong Museum in Rochester, New York. The National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1998 and toy inductees include: soap bubbles, Rubik’s cube, rubber duck, stick (yes, cuz every kid plays with sticks), the cardboard box, chess, Hot Wheels toy cars, little green army men, doll house, Star Wars action figures, dominoes among others. Anyone can nominate a toy into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Final selections are made on the advice of a panel of judges, made up of historians, educators, and others in the field of play. This prompted me to consider how vintage toys are repurposed into new art forms. I found some pretty interesting collaborative efforts, mainly in the areas of fashion, art and jewelry design. Crayola crayon and colored pencil necklaces are the result of a designer using a pre-fab necklace, rope or chain link to string through a group of pre-drilled crayons or pencils to make a colorful necklace. Colored pencils also can be chopped up and strung in the manner of small scale beads to make bracelets, necklaces, etc. Another unusual toy- inspired work of art are the Lego toys that have been made into high fashion, ultra-expensive jewelry pieces. For instance, the Chanel clutch purse based on Lego designs ranges in price from $9,900 to $11,000 each. These purses are true works of art, hence the price tag. The purses come in
bright colors just like original Lego building blocks and feature geometric shapes. Since their introduction, the Chanel Lego purse has been seen in the hands of some of today’s trendy celeb-fashionistas, Rihanna, Jennifer Biel, and Kim Kardashian West. Purses are not the only Lego-inspired artwork out there. The Smithsonian Institution’s annual Craft2Wear event featured jewelry using Legos. Actual Lego blocks are strung together into necklaces, earrings, and bracelets by several designers the world over. Some are enhanced with sterling silver, set precious stones and gold leaf. If you are a gamer, then consider a PlayStation wallet. Inspired by Sony’s best-selling video game console introduced in 1994, the PlayStation wallet is modeled after the look of the original PlayStation and like some of their games, the wallet is hand held. Beanie baby purses featuring stuffed animals still focus on the famous Ty tag and animals with clever names like Beary Bag (bear) and Hutch Clutch (rabbit). Who knows, maybe we will see the introduction of Rubik’s cube bracelets, little green army men earrings, and soap bubble wand barrettes. Celebrity appraiser, Dr. Lori Verderame is an internationally syndicated columnist, author, and award-winning TV personality who stars on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island and Discovery’s Auction Kings. With a Ph.D. from Penn State Univ., Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events to worldwide audiences. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/events or 888-431-1010.
“August is like the Sunday of Summer.” - Anonymous
Providence Engineering Moves to Upper Bucks Providence Engineering Corp. is pleased to announce that their Harleysville office has moved to 200 Kelly Road, Suite C, Quakertown, PA. The move stems from Providence’s growth in the region of the past year and nearly doubles the square footage of available office space. Providence now offers a more convenient location to service our clients in the Greater Lehigh Valley region and beyond to the North, South and East. The office will be managed by Dana D. Ziegler, P.E. Senior Project Manager. Providence has also hired Gavin T. McManaman, P.E. as Senior Project Manager to work out of the new Quakertown location assisting Dana with the growth of the branch. Gavin brings more than 20 years of experience to the Providence team in structural design and construction engineering expertise. He coordinates and manages project teams from concept to closeout including site surveys, cost estimates, technical and contractural specifications, structural design, submittal review and
construction observation. Established in 1992 Providence Engineering Corporation provides structural engineering design and analysis services, as well as many facets of construction compliance and delegated design services to the building industry.
Obeying Rules & Common Sense
In a past article I mentioned about being on “The Keystone Safety Patrol” at Tohickon Valley Elementary School. We had instruction from AAA on the proper walking protocol along a highway as we lived locally and did not ride the bus but were “Walkers”. The rule of thumb was “FFWW” (On” Foot Facing with “Wheels go With”.) Now they encourage giving quite a space to either a walker or a bicycle rider. Most drivers respect the rights of either walkers or riders. Back in the day I hardly ever saw a Walker or Rider on the “Wrong Side” when I first could drive a car back in 1960. My how things have changed! Recently I have heard many conversations among my friends and relatives about infractions on these two forms of highway use. On the 4th of July 2017, I was talking to a classmate of mine at the car show in Quakertown and he suggested that I address this subject. Just the week before, we had to stop and wait for two persons walking on the wrong side of the road about 2 feet apart, as a car came towards us. Not only were they on the wrong side (not knowing we were BEHIND them) but they took up half the lane and made no attempt to move over! I must admit, when I walk our dog along Old Woods Road, I always make it a point to not only being on the correct side, but I stop and step over to the side as much as possible with our dog over there with me. Especially now when we have about 15 more times traffic because of a bridge being constructed on the Trumbauersville Road over the Pa. Turnpike. This is the same width road as the one where we saw the two persons walking illegally. I feel more comfortable about doing this and I am sure the auto drivers appreciate it especially to the new users driving on this narrow road. Since the advent of the “Partial Electric Cars”, the importance of observing the rule of walking on the side facing traffic is critical. These cars when travelling at the speeds required on country roads are in the “Battery” mode and without the engine noise of regular cars, I find I can’t rely on my sense of sound as I did when we had strictly combustion engines. As a Sage in this time of Shopping Center and Convenience Store parking lots, I wish to pass on a few observations that I have made in these Kamikaze pits. Yes, when negotiating these hazard areas that are worse than what we see on the NASCAR track, I wonder about the following. Why do some folks who really have a hard time walking have to park far away from the door and then I see perfectly fit persons hang a “Disability” tag on the mirror and then scoot off into the market? How come the parking strips were painted for VW Bugs or Mini-Coopers and I have to squeeze out my door so I don’t door nick the regular sedan parked next to me. In recent years they have marked Crosswalks with stop signs; I wonder why people have dropped all common sense and now walk our in front of a car that has stopped and is now starting to move before they got there. If this happened at a 4 way stop, only one lane of traffic would ever move! Why have people thrown caution to the wind
and drive down the entrance streets and especially the aisle traffic ways without any regard that SOMEONE might be backing out. Some speed bumps in some of the parking lots seem to have been designed by the paving contractor as a Jeep Obstacle course. In order not to completely spill our all your groceries you have to slow down to creeping (5 MPH). Why are some parking lots designed so the lanes do not go directly to the access road and you have to wind your way around the lot to get to the exit lane? Then they did not have the lanes meet at 90 degrees. They are at a sharp angle with narrow lanes once again designed for the VW Bug. I am sure, after reading this paragraph, you can think of a lot more items of questionable design or use you have encountered in these hazard zones. Lastly I want to mention motorcycles. In our travels I notice quite a few infractions by motorists that do not take to right of motorcyclists in mind. Most involve pulling out in front of a speeding cycle or making left turns in front of the cyclists. Today I want to question some infractions made by motorcyclists to us motorists. It is so much easier seeing an oncoming cyclist especially on a real sunny day with dark shaded areas if they would have the headlights on. Many cycles and cyclists are either dark colored cycles with drives in dark clothing. This is so important to see such a small vehicle approaching at a normal speed limit or at a high rate of speed. Also why do some cyclists insist on driving their machines either side by side or alone with the closest cycle to my lane being within one foot of the centerline? Also, I have seen groups of cycles on the wonderful winding road (Wykoff Run Rd) in front of our Summer home; sometimes up to 3 wide and literally crowding out the oncoming traffic as they lean going around the corners. Also when the cycle passes you on Route 80 going more that 70 MPH and then cut back in front of you with only about one car length of space. This makes me nervous and I usually back off so that I would have proper reaction time if the cyclists would hit an obstacle or have to swerve for a hazard and loose it. Last week I came to a 4 way stop at about the same time that some motorcycles approached to my right. I felt the cycles were there first so I left the lead “2” cycles go. Well 16 motorcycles later I crossed the intersection with other 14 cycles never stopping (I didn’t see that they were part of a funeral.) I guess I don’t know the 4 way stop courtesy rules. We motorist try our best to yield to the motorcyclists, all we ask for is some “like” courteous actions in return. I guess my generation is “gaping” again as my wife mentions to me often. I am a product of the time (the 60’s) when the motto was do to others, as you would like to have done to you. So next time you find yourself in a hurry, remember their is someone out their having to watch out for you in the crosswalks, coming around the parking lot access road at 30MPH or driving on the center line on a narrow country road. It just might be someone from the good old day that mumbles a few words under his breath about “What happened to being courteous?” .Dick Helm is a regular contributor. He can be reached at dickhelm@ubfp.org
August 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
I recently read an interesting middle grade book that deals with some tough subjects like immigration, racism and trying to find good in your own life. Lucky Broken Girl (Nancy Paulsen Books (2017)) by Ruth Behar gives us an interesting view on immigration in the United States in the 1960s. Although I had mixed feelings about this book, I think it is well worth the read and some readers will really relate to it. Synopsis from Publisher“Ruthie Mizrahi and her family recently emigrated from Castro’s Cuba to New York City. Just when she’s finally beginning to gain confidence in her mastery of English—and enjoying her reign as her neighborhood’s hopscotch queen—a horrific car accident leaves her in a body cast and confined her to her bed for a long recovery. As Ruthie’s world shrinks because of her inability to move, her powers of observation and her heart grow larger and she comes to understand how fragile life is, how vulnerable we all are as human beings, and how friends, neighbors, and the power of the arts can sweeten even the worst of times.” What I Thought- Reading this book was an emotional experience. Behar tackles the subjects of immigration, racism and the frustration of being isolated due to an accident in a compelling story. I loved the concept of this book and the fact the main character was an immigrant. I really enjoy stories that inject flavors of oth-
er cultures in the text. We do get glimpses of Irish, Mexican, Cuban and Indian characters, all whom help Ruthie navigate her struggles in the story. Although there are moments of hope and redemption, I found the story was rather gloomy. The constant pessimism from Ruthie wore me down. I found myself not really understanding what Ruthie was thinking and who she is but rather reacting to her actions in the story. I really think this book could be amazing with a bit more understanding of the character’s feelings. Still, I think kids in situations similar to Ruthie’s - hospitalized kids or those isolated because of cultural differences, will connect with the story. The book would best be described as a fictionalized memoir, because Behar explains that the story is based on her real life experience, but that she changed some of the facts to things she wished had happened. All of that was explained in her Author’s Note at the end of the book. When I realized that it was based on the author’s own trauma, I appreciated the story even more, as it added realism to the story for me. I wish the note was at the beginning of the story, I think I would have connected to it even more. At 256 pages, the book is a quick read and well-worth the time invested reading it. I wouldn’t hesitate to try another book from Behar as I enjoyed her story-concept. I recommend this book to fans of recovery stories that contain a great life lesson within the pages! For more on books and reading visit my site: ThisKidReviewsBooks.com.
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My New Fur Baby People say the only time that a good dog will hurt you is when they die. My heart has been broken for a long time. It has been almost three years since I lost my beautiful Black Lab, Shadow. A couple of months ago I took down the makeshift memorial to her, but left one photo and the mold of her foot print. The hurt isn’t as raw anymore. She will be in my heart forever. I still have tears for her streaming down my face just writing this paragraph. They say time heals all wounds and it does. I’d been kicking around the idea about a possible addition to my home. I wanted a playmate for my four year old Mizz Ziva before she was too old to really enjoy one. Time, money, and the stars were all in line and got me thinking, I was definitely ready for a new fur baby. I looked on line at different rescue sites. I had my criteria ready. I wanted a smart, smaller-than-40 pounds, and not-all black dog. The search went on for weeks. The moment I saw her sweet beautiful face it stopped me dead in my tracts. A thirty pound, nine month old white Australian Shepard mix with a big brown patch over the left side of her face with a cute black nose. I began to read her bio: “good with dogs, cat, and children.” There was even a video of her playing with a kitten. I was lucky. We did a meet and greet with Ziva. They acted like they were long lost sisters from another mother. The adoption process with Wags Rescue and Referral went
very smoothly. Kayleena H. Wilson was her name for about 30 seconds. Now she is just Kai. All I can say is the first month with her has been hell. I understood Kai was scared and nervous in her new surroundings. She had been though a lot in the past month according to her paperwork. She knew nothing, except how to look cute. This dog had no training at all: she crapped and peed in my house; tried to eat my underwear, shoes, and pens; gave me no personal space while I’m on the toilet; couldn’t be left alone in a crate without freaking out; and stole my towel when I was taking a shower. I watched how fast toilet paper can stream from the bathroom into the living room. Greetings consisted of her jumping, then raking her nails all the way down the back of my legs. Like a doggy version of Freddy Krueger. The good news is that she’s getting a lot better. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Camp Jean’s Doggie Day Care. Jean and all the ladies there take care of Kai while I’m working. Kai doesn’t have to be crated and left alone to freak out. She gets to submerge herself in the pool and play all day while I’m working. It should be the other way around. This has really helped tremendously with the speed of her training and the ease of her separation issues. A tired dog is a good dog. I love Doggie Day Care! Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI owner and lead trainer of Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown, PA
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2017
2017 Toyota RAV4 SUV As Toyota’s Camry compact sedan has always been the company’s top seller, it has recently been displaced by their RAV4 SUV. This shows the popularity and versatility of SUV/crossover models, and what car buyers prefer these days. And the RAV4 is
Home Staging on a Budget Staging is a very important and cost effective part of the home selling process. Staging your home to show off its qualities can only add to your final selling price. On average, people receive $2 in increased sale price for every $1 they put into staging a home. When staging your home for sale there are 5 Golden Rules to take into consideration as you work your way through each room of your home. #1 De-Personalize ~ Buyers need to picture themselves in the home, not you. That wedding picture may mean the world to you but to a potential buyer it’s a distraction from seeing a home for their family. #2 Maximize ~ Declutter and maximize the space in your home. Closets packed tight with all your clothes makes a home look like it lacks closet space. Consider storing the overflow offsite. #3 Sanitize ~ This rule is the easiest and cheapest way to stage your home – just clean it! A sink full of dirty dishes is as unappealing
to you as it would be to a buyer. It’s well worth the elbow grease to clean floors, walls, baseboards, ceiling fans and windows. #4 Modernize ~ Unless your home has exceptional period built-ins , all homes could benefit from some updating. If someone feels the home is dated they will reflect the feeling in a lower offer. Consider making simple changes like swapping out gold fixtures for nickel or chrome. #5 Neutralize ~ Color can make or break a buyers interest in a home. You may love that shocking red wall but all a potential buyer sees is a great deal of painting in their future because red clashes with their style. Painting is one of the most inexpensive ways to change the look of a home. Sue Deily has been a Realtor® for 31 years, resides in the Upper Bucks Area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties. Sue has been featured in Bucks County Real Estate Trendsetters. Sue is happy
a hot seller. For 2017, RAV4 adds Toyota’s Safety Sense system that includes pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, radar cruise control and automatic high beams among other most desired niceties. Offered in LE, XLE, SE, Limited and top tier Platinum, we were privileged to test the latter. There’s even a hybrid version that uses the same technology as Toyota’s proven Prius sedan. As the top level, the Platinum is furnished with nicely padded and supportive and heated front seats and equally soft rear seats. The aggressive and sculpted looking silver exterior of the test car contrasted to an eye-grabbing combination of grey and saddle tan leather upholstery. Toyota interior designers added a swath of padded leather to the vertical stack that appears to meld the entire dash, console and instrument cluster. HVAC controls atop this are ergonomically placed and easy to use without having to consult the owners’ manual. A 7-inch touchscreen aptly serves the JBL audio system, rearview camera whereupon a “birds eye” and curbside view is offered, plus apps that include handy weather and predictive traffic reports. There’s also a smaller driver information screen nestled between the speedo and tach for a variety of driver alerts and operating information. And a feature many comparable SUVs/ crossovers don’t offer is a 4WD Lock switch. It’s useful for up to 25 mph and when getting stuck in deep snow or thick mud. With a 6.1inch undercarriage clearance, the RAV is not particularly suited for any serious off-roading. But for snow, mud, even beach-buggy shorelines, it can handle most of these situations. Overall the roomy interior offers seating for five adults, albeit the middle seat could be a squeeze. The split-folding back seat offers ample leg
to answer your real estate questions and can be reached at suesellshouses@gmail.com and at
215-872-9865.
and headroom after a low 19-inch step-in. The back doors could open a bit wider for easier ingress/egress. With the back seat upright there’s 38.4 cubic feet of cargo room. That measures out to 37 inches deep, 44 wide and 33.5 high. Flip them
Well I must say I am proud of my dog sister Brandy. It seems she has lost almost a pound in a month going to her Fat Camp ugh, I mean Physical Therapy at Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital. That may not be much to a human but to a dog it is an achievement!. One pound to a dog is like 5 pounds to a human. We are hoping Brandy loses 5 pounds total. Eight would be better but let’s not get greedy. Speaking of exercise I have
and depth extends to 70 inches for 73.4 cubic feet. Beneath the cargo floor resides a full-size spare tire with some small item storage around the front of it. Powered by a 2.5-liter, 176-hp, 172 lb/ft of torque inline 4-cylinder, this torque is channeled to the wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission for EPA mileage estimates of 22 city, 28-highway mpg. This powertrain allows a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, which is sufficient for a small utility or pop-up camping trailer. In comparison, the hybrid version uses the same 2.5L four-cylinder plus two electric motors for a combined 194-hp and 206 lb/ft of torque. Its EPA mileage estimates come in at 34/30 mpg. With the gas-only engine, performance was on par with others in its class. RAV4 is not overly quick from a standing stop, but driven conservatively, it offers near best in class fuel economy.
Driving wise, the ride is smooth and controlled on 18-inch Toyo tires. Only exceptionally pocked-marked roads send jitters into the cabin. Handling is nimble and parking is easy with a relatively tight turning radius of 36.7 feet. As mentioned, the Platinum comes with a host of safety features that include frontal collision braking, pedestrian detection, cross-traffic alert and more. Starting at a base price of $36,150, this escalated somewhat with four extra cost options such as tonneau cover ($90), paint protection film $395), all weather floor mats/cargo tray ($239), cargo mat ($95) and delivery of $940 that brought the bottom line to $37,919. To its credit, the RAV received impressive government safety ratings. For an overall vehicle score it garnered a full five stars; for frontal crash, four for driver/passenger; for front/rear seat side crash five stars; and four for rollover. Without a doubt, the RAV4 is a compelling choice for a compact SUV and that includes Toyota’s fine quality reputation. Nick Hromiak is an automotive enthusiast and freelance writer. We look forward to bringing you his new column each month. He can be reached at nhromiak@verizon.net.
noticed that many of you take your dogs with you but I don’t see any water bottles for your dog. We dogs need water a lot more often than humans need water. We also sweat through our feet so don’t have us standing on hot pavement while you chat with your friends. Just thought you all would like to know that. Love M.J.
Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org
August 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue.
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
Amber Banana Belle’s Gown Butter Buttercup Canary Cheese Chick
Corn Daffodil Daisy Dandelion Egg Yolk Goldenrod Grapefruit Hay
Lemon Marigold Mustard Pencil Rubber Ducky School Bus Sponge
Squash Sun Sunflower Taxi Tennis Ball Yellow Jacket Yellow Pages
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2017
The Schote Family raised $84 for Quakertown Community Outreach with a lemonade stand in front of their home recently. QCO thanks Terra, Ron, Gavin, and Braydon. Thanks also to Alice Breon and Mary Lew for buying some delicious lemonade for a great cause! submitted photo
Quakertown Alive! commemorated Moyer’s Shoe Store’s 65th Anniversary in Downtown Quakertown recently. (left to right) Ralph Moyer III, Ralph Moyer, Jr., QA! president Paul Rose, QA! executive director Naomi Naylor photo by michele buono
Bo Bice, BST Perform in Quakertown QNB Bank sponsored a concert July 20 by Bo Bice, 2005 runnerup American Idol, and the current members of Blood, Sweat, and Tears at the pavilion at the Park at 4th in Downtown Quakertown in July. The band, none of them original from the 1960’s, paid homage to the original band’s catalog of music to an enthusiastic crowd. More concerts are planned at the pavilion, some free, this summer. left photo by john huhn, right photo by michele buono
The 10th Annual Sarah Parvin Memorial Soccerfest was a huge success with over 200 teams playing soccer for 24 hours straight, lots of food, live entertainment, and fun activites for players and spectators of all ages. Sarah Parvin was stricken with ovarian cancer at age 11 and succumbed to the disease shortly after her 12th birthday. Last year’s event raised over $50,000 in the fight against cancer. This year’s totals are not yet in, but are expected to be at least on par with last year’s figures. photos by ken sutliff
Participants in the Pledge of Allegiance Coloring Contest enjoy themselves at the annual Ice Cream Social on July 9th at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 in Quakertown. submitted photo