Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2014

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Visit Stu and Nancy Ackerman and several other Upper Bucks families who have beautifully decorated their homes for this year’s Quakertown Alive! Christmas House Tour. Learn more on pages 3 & 10 inside.

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December 2014 Volume 5, Number 12

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2014

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

November 28 & 29

44th Annual Belsnickel Craft Show,140 artisans (Fri 11am-6pm) (Sat 10am-4pm), Boyertown High School, Fourth & Monroe Streets, Boyertown, $5/age 12+, free under 12 w/adult. 610-845-2781 or 610-754-9337

November 29

Springfield Twp Historical Society Church School Open House 9:30am-12noon, 2165 Rte 212 in Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg), historic artifacts, photos, etc., refreshments Call for info: Tom 484-308-1510 Holiday Craft Show 9am-2pm at St. Philip Neri in Pennsburg. Info: 215-679-5339 “Small Business Saturday” – shop your Quakertown Merchants. quakertown alive.com

November 30 & December 1

10th Annual “Nutcracker” by Delaware Valley Dance Academy (Fri 7:30pm) (Sat 1:30pm) Calvary Church Theater, Rte 113, Souderton, Tickets: 215-822-4640 or delawarevalleydance.com

December 3

“Food We Eat: Sneaky Ingredients” 7pm at AAUW meeting, Wesley Enhanced Living, 200 Veterans Ln, Doylestown. Open to public, more info: shalstrick@comcast.net or 215-340-7604 31st Annual Festival of Lights 7pm at Grand View Hosp. Main Lobby, Sellersville. Make contribution to honor someone or something.

Info at Grand View Hosp. Aux 215-453-4381 Neighbor to Neighbor Medicare Advantage Event at UBYMCA Quakertown, 800-591-5578

December 4

10th Annual Cookies, Cocoa, & Caring, 6pm-8pm at Quakertown Train Station. Free cookies & cocoa, bring a gift card from a local business to support QCSD families in need this holiday, 267-424-0479

December 5

Tree Lighting Festival, 6pm, downtown Triangle Parking Lot, Broad St, Quakertown.

Ice sculpting, alpacas, carolers, Santa, free snacks. 215-536-2273, Quakertownalive.com

Holiday Dinner Dance (Music by Kevin Kelton Orchestra) at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie, Call 215-453-7027 for cost/details

December 5 & 6

5th Annual Holiday Craft Show (Fri 4pm8pm) (Sat 9am-4pm) at Quakertown Train Station, 15 Front St. Handmade crafts, bake & nut sale, & raffle. Qtwn Women’s Club, 215-536-3711 or 215-536-8509 21st annual Christmas in Doylestown House Tour (Fri 6pm-9pm) (Sat 11am-4pm), Tour four homes dating from the turn of the century, call Kay 215-260-1270

December 5 to 7

Kringle Christmas Shoppe (Fri/Sat/ Sun) at Latvian Baptist, 1142 Apple Rd, Applebachsville, free adm, live music, 30+ artisans, baked goods, etc. info & hours: 610-346-8581, Haycockhistoricalsociety.org

December 6

“Reading Goes To The Dogs” 2pm-3:30pm at Bucks Co Free Library, 401 W Mill St, Quakertown. Children are invited to come & read to certified therapy dogs. 215-536-3306 Winterfest, 7pm-9pm at Trumbauersville Veterans Park. Santa, bon fire, refreshments, bring marshmallow stick. Cookie contest!

Bring gloves, scarves, hats to donate for the Christmas tree, 215-536-1761 Flea Mkt 8am-2pm (table/$10), UB Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Qtwn, 215-536-3066 Dublin Fire Co Soup Day, call today only at 9am-11am to order, $6/qt, eat-in also avail. $5, info at 215-249-9242 Christmas at UBYMCA, 10am-1pm, Santa photos, Little Shopper’s Shop, Balloon animals, Meri the Elf, more. 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Info at 215-536-9622 x136 Breakfast w/Santa at Grand View Hosp.

Cafeteria in Sellersville, $5.50/adult, $3.50/ kids, free age 2 & under. (seatings at 8, 9, & 10am), reservations required: 215-453-4084

Generations of Indian Valley, 5K Reindeer Run & Walk, 8am start time, call Amy or Lisa at 215-723-5841 for participation info, astover@generationsofiv.org Perkasie Holiday Tree Lighting, 5pm-8pm, perkasieoldetowne.org Perkasie Carousel & Santa, 12noon-5pm.

Free rides, hot chocolate, & Santa. Menlo Park, West Park Ave & 3rd St, Perkasie, info: Perkasiehistory.org Souderton Holiday Parade 11am-1pm, Tree Lighting 6pm-8pm, visit stmainst.org for info Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Craft/ Vendor Show, 10am-3pm, 30+vendors, Fireside Hall Plumsteadville Fire Co, 5064 Stump Rd, kristen75@gmail.com Annual Christmas Cookie Sale 9am-12noon at Finland Mennonite Church, 1750 Ziegler Rd, Pennsburg. “God’s Creation” calendars & homemade ornaments also available “Christmas in the Hollow” presented by Bucks Co Audubon Society 12noon-4pm, wagon rides, s’mores, storytelling, & Santa. (r/d Dec 7), Honey Hollow visitor ctr to Tuckamony Farm, 6320 Upper York Rd, Solebury, bcas@bcas.org, 215-297-5880

December 6 & 7

Holiday Open House at Heller-Wagner Grist Mill, 150 W Walnut St, Hellertown, opens 6pm, entertainmt 7pm, light refreshmts, tours, vintage train display, 610-838-1770, hellertownhistoricalsociety.org 10th Annual Christmas Bazaar/Craft Fair at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Sch, 100 Broad St, Hilltown. Pix w/Santa, raffles, etc. Hours/info at olsh-hilltown.com Goschenhoppen Historians Christmas Market (Sat 9:30am-4pm) (Sun 12noon-4pm), Free admission. Redmen’s Hall, 116 Gravel Pike (Rts 29 & 63), Green Lane

December 7

Live Nativity at Jerusalem Lutheran, 3pm5pm, free dramatic presentation of the Nativity w/live animals, 733 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. jerusalemlutheranchurchsellersville.org 215-257-9423 Breakfast w/Santa Claus, 8am-1pm, $7/ age 9 up, $4/ages 5-8, free age 4 & under, Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212, Springtown Holiday Open House 1pm-4pm at UB SPCA Shelter, 60 Reservoir Rd, Quakertown. Take a tour, shop, light refreshments, get a picture taken with Santa, & meet our adorable, adoptable pets, bcspca.org 4th Annual Indian Valley Holiday House Tour, 12noon-5pm. Self-guided tour of 6 charming local homes. Tkts/$20, call 215-7231186, Zwingli UCC, Wile Ave, Souderton, complimentary refreshmts & restrooms avail.

Candlelight Concert by the Cantata Choir of St. John’s UCC, corner of Rte 212 & Main St, Richlandtown. (snow date Dec 21) Musical prelude begins 7pm Christmas House Tour, 3pm reception & silent auction at McCooles, 4pm-8pm tour beautifully decorated Quakertown homes. Tkt/ info: 215-536-2273, quakertownalive.com Fonthill Castle/Moravian Pottery & Tile Works Open House, free,12noon-4pm, hot cider, make ornaments, refreshments, & visit Santa. East Court St & Rte 313, Doylestown, 215-348-9461

December 9

Learn to make Victorian Ornaments, 7pm-9pm at Mercer Museum, 84 Pine St, Doylestown. $12/person, details/register at 215-348-9461 Mercer Museum Holiday Open House 7pm9pm, free & open to public. Sounds, scents, & scenes of the holidays. 84 Pine St, Doylestown, 215-345-0210

December 10

Candlelit Christmas, 6pm at Generations, 259 N Second St, Souderton. “Small plates” buffet & holiday music w/Galena Brass & Souderton HS Choir, tkts $12, 215-723-5841, reservations appreciated

December 11

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, Coopersburg Holiday Open House, 6pm-8pm at Pearl S Buck House, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-0100, complimentary décor tours of 36th Annual Fest of Trees, Santa will be there!

December 12

Christmas Open House 4pm-9pm at McCooles, 10 S. Main St, Quakertown. Live

music, Barbershop Quartet, & more, hors d’oeuvres, call 215-536-3635 by Dec. 10th.

December 13

“A John Rutter Christmas” 7:30pm at Trinity Lutheran, 19 South 5th St, Perkasie, original compositions & audience carol sing. (Dec 14, at 4pm St. John’s Lutheran in Sumneytown), ticket info: 484-932-8301 Live Nativity 4pm-6pm by youth group at First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd, Quakertown, light refreshments following, 215-536-7510,quakertowncob.org.

Celtic Christmas w/Charlie Zahm (guitar, singer) 7pm-9pm at Solomon’s UCC, Rte 113 between Center School & Keller Church Rds, outside Bedminster. Free-will donation, 215-795-2668, solomonsucc.org “Holiday Dreams” 6pm at Upper Perk High School, tkts $12/adults, $8/child, $15/door, reserved seating. Contact Juli Kell’s Dance Ctr, 267-923-522, julikelldance@gmail.com Annual Dublin Holiday Gathering at Dublin Firehouse, 5:30pm-9pm, (r/d Dec 14@4:30pm-8:30pm), DiscoverDublin.org Annual Cookie Walk, 9am-2pm, also Crafts, Homemade Soup, & Lottery winners drawn. Eastern Upper Bucks Seniors, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville, 610-847-8178 21st Annual Christmas Cookie Sale, 9am until sold out. Christ UCC, 101 N Main St, Trumbauersville, 215-538-0142 Fonthill Holiday Lights Meander 6:30pm9:30pm, Fonthill Castle, East Court St & Rte 313, Doylestown. Beautiful trees, greens, candles, live music, light refreshments at your own pace. $20/call 215-348-9461

December 14

Breakfast w/Santa, 7:30am-12noon at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Lane, $7/adults, $3/ages 5-10, free under age 5, $2/re-orders, 610-982-5710 Meet Queen Elsa 1:30pm-3pm at County Line Landscape Nursery, 811 Harleysville Pike, Harleysville. Donations accepted for SPCA & Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, 215-723-8955 Candlelight Concert by the Cantata Choir of St. John’s UCC, corner of Rte 212 & Main St, Richlandtown. (snow date Dec 21) Musical prelude begins 7pm.

“Shopping at the Mill & Visit Santa” 12noon-4pm at Heller-Wagner Grist Mill, 150 W Walnut St, Hellertown. Toy Train Display, tours, refreshments, 610-838-1770, hellertownhistoricalsociety.org

December 21

Quakertown High School Varsity Singers, 7pm at First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd, Quakertown, light refreshments following, 215-536-7510 quakertowncob.org, All are welcome!

December 22

“Spirit Journeys: The Longest Night” presentation 7pm at Generations, 259 North Second Street, Souderton. $10 fee includes refreshments. Details: 215-723-5841 or astover@generationsofiv.org

December 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7pm at First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd, Quakertown, light refreshments following, 215-536-7510, quakertowncob.org, All are welcome!

Christmas Eve Brunch 10am at Generations, 259 N Second St, Souderton. Food & music w/Four TRAK Barbershop Harmony, tkts: $8/adults, $4/kids. Reserve at front desk or 215-723-5841

December 28

Breakfast 8am - 12noon at Lower Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg. $8/adults, $4/ages 3-12, free 2 & under.

Military, Fireworkers, Police, EMT - please ask for your $1 discount

December 29

“Give the Gift of Life” Holiday Inn ExpressRed Cross Blood Drive 9am-7pm, regis. online at redcrossblood.org or lobby day of.

1918 John Fries Hwy (Rte 663) Quakertown, 215-529-7979

December 31 – New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve Party (music by The Blue Notes) at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie, Call 215-453-7027 for cost/ details

January 3

Dublin Fire Co Soup Day, call today ONLY at 9am-11am to order, $6/qt, eat-in also avail. $5, info at 215-249-9242

December 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

3

McCoole’s Events Place Hosts Benefit for Local Musician Matt Roman Over 350 devoted followers of musician and teacher, Matt Roman, rocked the day away to the tunes of 10 different acts at McCoole’s Events Place on Sunday, October 12. Proceeds from this event were earmarked to help defray the costs of treatment and medications for Roman who suffers from liver disease. Over $5,500 was raised for the cause according to Roman, who was able to secure the theater at McCoole’s Events Place at no cost from owner, Jan Hench.

“Having such an event at McCoole’s is why we need to support local theater,” remarks Hench. The talent at this benefit was amazing and all those who came really enjoyed the music and dancers.”

Appearing at the event were international recording artists’ Bobby Messano and Bobby Radcliff, as well as local favorites Mike Dugan, Chicago Joe Mac, Gary Rissmiller’s Co-Op Bop, Arnie Englund’s Blues Roots, UBACE Kids Rock, Mad Dog & BNO alumni

and Glue Factory.

Roman, a native of Perkasie, has been teaching guitar, bass and stage presentation to beginners through professionals since 2001. He is also a full-time musician under the moniker “Roman,” appearing at local and New York venues and touring the US and Europe. He studied under jazz giant Pat Martino, played bass for blues legend Bobby Radcliff, and performed on stage with John Popper (Blues Traveler,) Charles Fambrough (Jazz Messengers,) and Bobby Messano (Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood) and others.

He has opened for countless punk, rock, and blues artists.

“McCoole’s offered the perfect venue for this event,” notes Roman. “As a result of Jan Hench’s experienced care, handling and promotion of the R4R Benefit, we were able to raise the money we did, entertain hundreds of people with 10 different acts, all in one day!”

Glue Factory featuring (l-r) Randy Graser-bass, Matt Roman-guitar, John Pawlikowski - Vocals

submitted photo

Holiday Spirit Alive! win Quakertown It’s Christmas in Quakertown and Quakertown Alive! wants to help you get into the holiday spirit.

Quakertown Borough’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting is December 5th, 6 to 8 PM. Victorian carolers will be strolling through the downtown businesses singing traditional Christmas songs. Downtown merchants will be offering special in-store promotions. The Bethlehem Writers Group will be signing books at Lion Around Books. The Karlton Café will be on the street with hot cocoa and soup available for purchase. Everyone enjoys spending a bit of quality time with the alpacas of Harley Hill Farm. Enjoy the sounds of the season from the singers of East Swamp Church and the Quakertown Community High School Varsity Singers. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving by fire truck, courtesy of the Quakertown Fire Department at 7pm to light the Christmas Tree. To warm chilly children – and adults! – First Savings Bank will provide warming stations. Quakertown Alive! also thanks QNB Bank, St. Luke’s Quakertown Campus, TCR, the Upper Bucks Free Press, and Sonlight Productions for their sponsorship of this event.

Join us for the 2014 Christmas House Tour on Sunday, December 7. The afternoon begins with a holiday reception at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place at 3PM. While there, enjoy the all-day silent auction and art show featuring Quakertown’s own Jim Lukens as well as other local artists. The tour begins at 4PM. Ticketholders are welcome to visit six beautifully-decorated homes, the Morning Star Fellowship Church, the Burgess Foulke House, the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, and Synergis Technologies in the newly-renovated Best Made Center.

Advance tickets for the tour are only $18 each, $15 each for seniors (63 and older). You can buy your advance tickets at the Quakertown Alive! office, Quakertown Borough Hall, Lion Around Books, Sine’s 5&10, Always Beautiful Flowers & Gifts, and Tana Kaya Boutique.

Tickets will also be available at the door on December 7 for $20 each, $17 each for seniors. Quakertown Alive! thanks Indian Ridge Provisions; Kwik-Goal Ltd.; Edward Jones Investments, Bob Podraza; Lewis Brothers Contractors and Builders; Tom and Jann Paulovitz; the McGowan Paulovitz Families; and Charles and Betsy Meredith for their support of the 2014 Christmas House Tour.

A couple of scenes from Quakertown Alive’s 2013 Christmas House Tour.

‘Give the Gift of Life’ Blood Drive

The 1st Annual Holiday Inn Express, Quakertown Alive & Dunkin Donuts Blood Drive “Give the gift of Life this Holiday Season” will be held Monday, December 29th 9am-7pm. Registration will be located in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites located at 1918 John Fries Highway, Quakertown, PA. They will be recruiting blood donations from the generous and caring members of their staff and Quakertown community. The winter months bring a greater need for blood donations, since so many people are busy with the

holidays. It’s a painless process and the opportunity to save a life!

This is a very direct way we can help the community we live in! Please tell all your family, friends and co-workers! Donors can schedule to give blood Monday, December 29th by registering online at www.redcrossblood. org (sponsor code holiday). All donors will receive a limited edition long sleeve Red Cross t-shirt. For eligibility questions please call the American Red Cross at 1-866-236-3276.

For info contact: Natalie at 215-529-7979 or salesquakertown@wankawala.com.

photos by michele buono

UBFP Monthly 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 • December 2014

Upper Bucks YMCA Hosts Community Leaders’ Forum

My Old Blue Coat As you get older it is necessary to continue to go through attic and basement to discard or sell those items that had meaning to you over the years. Such is true of “My Old Blue Coat.” When we recently returned from closing up our Summer Home in Cameron County; I took the two containers of goods we bring back from “Camp” to store in our somewhat warm basement. Looking around I made it a priority to “Go Through” some of the boxes and cloths hanging from a 6 prong cloths hanger on the one beam. There hung that old blue coat. Back in the 1980’s I wrote a paper relating that coat to that of my grandfather’s apparel that he wore before he died in 1953. I was only about 8 years old; in the reflection of time; but I am sure that many of my classmates who lived in the country can reflect back then as I did when our area was still rural and “Simple”. In my reflection I refer to our horses and our 1st & 2nd German Shepherds. They have since passed on as well as our 3rd Shepherd and we presently are sharing our love with a 4th mixed shepherd. The coat no longer fits and is to ragged and worn to give to someone and I will have to discard it; but the memories will be with me until it is my turn to exit. Below you will find the reflection as I wrote it back in mid 1980’s. It tells of how it was back in this area back around 1950: My wife Nina, upon my request, sewed together the ripped back of the sleeve and the zipper bottom ends of my old barn coat. Why not throw it away as I have done to other coats in the past? No, I like that “Old Blue Coat”.

It all starts out to the memory of my sickly Grand-pop (Sam Bleam). His lungs were coated with the dust of cutting stones as a stone mason earlier in life that caused him to have what we now call emphysema. This caused him to walk slowly and deliberately as he would get up from his rocking chair two times a day to feed his chickens. He got up from his rocker and in the evening he would turn around, face his rocker, and reach up and wind his marbleized mantel clock that set on the mantel above his chair. He then would turn around and would walk the few steps over to the kitchen door, grab his tattered, torn, and faded denim coat that hung on a peg on the wall next to the crackled and glazed mirror, and after putting his coat on, go out to feed.

As I always asked to do, I would accompany him when visiting at the farm.

He would walk out the porch slowly towards the outbuildings out back with his arms out from his frail body that bent forward with his big hands swinging gently as he walked.

Shooing away the gaggle of geese that always tried to pinch you, he made his way to the long abandoned pig pen next to the barn that now held the chicken mash and corn in barrels to get the chicken feed. He would put corn in the deep pockets of that tattered coat to throw out to the geese on the way back to the house. After getting the container of mash he would go to the chicken coop, open the door slowly so any rats in the pen would scurry to their holes. Grandpop would empty the mash in the galvanized trays, check and fill the chicken water containers with the container of water he had me carry, and

gather any eggs laid during the day. Once again we would walk together taking the containers back to the pigpen and then walk diagonally towards the house, passing the turn around area where my dad’s 1940 Nash was parked.

Around the Nash we would be once again be surrounded by the geese and Grand-pop would reach into those deep pockets, grabbing the corn with those large working hands and gently sewed out the corn to the geese as if he would be sewing a field of fertile soil as they did in “his” olden days. He was a man of few words; but would talk to the geese as he walked to the house, now wheezing as took every breath. He would go in, take off that coat, hang it up where he found it, and gently sit back in his rocker.

I would give the eggs to my Grammy Bleam and continue doing what kids do at Grammy’s place. My image if Grand-pop of sitting their in his worn pants, medium high work shoes, light blue denim shirt with yellow suspenders holding his trousers will never leave my memory! He would sit down, wring his hands together as to aid circulation, and then grab the rocking chair arms and slowly start his gently rocking where he left off before going to feed.

The last time I entered the farmhouse, showing it to a prospective buyer, it was empty and the room where he once sat in was changed.

In my minds eye, I saw the “kitchen” as it was back in my youth with grand-pop’s coat hanging by the door and grand-pop’s rocker by the old cast iron stove near the inside wall. REALITY HITS and it is all gone-its empty now! The pigpen is gone as well as the barn. The remnants of the chicken house are tangled in brambles and can hardly be seen. After almost 150 years in the family it is to be sold. As I pass that sold property on Axe Handle Road I will always have many memories. Amongst them will be memories of “The Old Blue Coat” For this reason I too have memories of my once new blue coat. Not of dress up events; but of the times I spent going out with both Heidi and Leisel our first two German Shepherds usually have a biscuit for them as we returned from the barn after feeding the horses or taking our twice daily walks. I reached into those deep pockets on a cold winter’s night to give half an apple to Jacque and Diablo, our two horses, on my last check at night before going to bed. The times in the spring when the horses would brush their heads against my sleeves to loosen their winters hairs that loosened from the blaze on their face. The pink stains left after retrieving the Pea seeds as I planted the garden before St. Patrick’s Day. The many treats retrieved when taking the dogs for a walk. Yes, also keeping me warm on those first days of Trout Fishing in April. The horses and the two dogs mentioned are gone; but like the memories of my Grandpop those memories I now have of my blue coat are still there! Many memories are still to be made after the repairs—memories of our current shepherd Lakoda (Cody) and perhaps-other happenings around Old Woods Road.

Since I wrote that article, Cody is gone now and we have a new adopted pet named Abby. It’s not always the fancy and expensive things that count in life. Like “The Old Blue Coat” treasurer the memories of those you love, especially during this Thanksgiving and Christmas Season!

The Upper Bucks YMCA held a Community Leaders’ Forum on Thursday, October 30th from 7:30 to 9:30 am at the Y. The purpose of the event was to ask specific questions about what the Y’s role is and should be in the community, how collaborations can be strengthened, and what programs and services the Y can provide to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living and foster a sense of social responsibility. Members of the Y’s Strategic Planning Committee, consisting of Chairperson John Sylvia, President, St. Luke’s Quakertown Campus; Dale Wentz, QNB; Dee Keustner, 44 Business Capital; Nick Yelicanin, Univest; and Greg Grim, Grim, Biehn & Thatcher; along with Melanie Roth, YMCA of the USA Resource Director facilitated the morning’s activities. Additionally, 20 representatives from Upper Bucks County organizations participated including Quakertown Community School District, Grand View Hospital, St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital, Penn Foundation, Richland Township, Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Quakertown Alive, Habitat for Humanity, Outreach Cares, Quakertown Food Bank, Children’s Developmental Program, Quakertown Youth Baseball Association, Open Door English, Quakertown Main Street Action Park, Bucks County Head Start, St. Paul’s

Lutheran Church, Morning Star Fellowship, United Way of Bucks County, Quakertown Youth Pastor Network, St. Isidore’s, Trumpets of Mercy.

According to Pat Edwards, Upper Bucks YMCA Executive Director, “Every three years the Upper Bucks YMCA develops its strategic plan to determine how we can best impact our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

This year, we decided to assemble a group of individuals who we thought could assist us in establishing what our community requires from us. We were quite pleased with what we accomplished and look forward to incorporating what we learned into our next strategic plan.”

The Upper Bucks YMCA serves over 10,000 people annually, including over 5000 children and offers swimming, fitness, child care, youth, teen and adult sports programs and activities. Its mission is to put Christian principles, including honesty, caring, respect and responsibility into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA has a financial assistance program, supported by the United Way of Bucks County and private contributions, which ensures that no one will have to be turned away because of his or her inability to pay.

Representatives from 20 organizations in Upper Bucks County participated in the Community Leaders Forum held at the Upper Bucks YMCA on Thursday, October 30, 2014. submitted photo

Tae Kwon Do Students Score Big at Regional Tournament

Ten students from the Upper Bucks YMCA Tae Kwon Do School recently participated in the Southern End Martial Arts Tournament in Quarryville, PA. The Y Tae Kwon Do School participants made an outstanding showing and walked away with a total of 24 awards. The awards earned were two - 1st Place Plaques, four - 2nd Place Plaques, six - 3rd Place Plaques, three - 4th Place Plaques, two – 5th Place Plaques and seven – Runner Up Trophies in five different divisions — Poomse (Forms), Breaking, 3-Point Sparring, 1-Point Sparring and Weapons.

According Master Ross Mountz, Head Instructor of the program, “This was especially rewarding as this was the first tournament attended for each of the 10 participants.”

Individual student awards include: Aspyn Braun, age 12, of Quakertown, and currently a High Green Belt, earned a 4th place in Forms and a Runner Up trophy in Sparring. Michael Brodeur, age 44, of Sellersville and currently a Blue Belt, earned a 1st Place in 3-point Sparring, a 1st Place in 1-Point Sparring, a 2nd Place in Weapons (Nunchaku) and a 2nd Place in Forms.

Tyler Dittus, age 7, of Coopersburg and currently a Yellow Belt, earned a 4th Place in Forms and a 5th Place in Breaking. Evan Dittus, age 9, of Coopersburg and currently a High Purple Belt, earned a 3rd Place in Sparring, a 3rd Place in Forms and a 3rd Place in Breaking. Patrick Domalewski, age 7, of Quakertown and currently a Gold Belt, earned a 2nd Place in 1-Point Sparring, A 3rd Place in 3-Point Sparring and a 5th Place in Forms. Shay Evans, age 14, of Perkasie and currently a High Green Belt, earned a Runner Up trophy in Forms and a Runner Up trophy in 3-Point Sparring. Dylan Lane, age 10, of Kintnersville and currently a High

Green Belt, earned a 2nd Place in Breaking, a 3rd Place in 1-Point Sparring, a Runner Up Trophy in 3-Point Sparring and a Runner Up Trophy in Forms.

Sarah Malseed, age 19, of Quakertown and currently a 1st Degree Black Belt, earned a 4th Place in Forms.

Sherry Malseed, age 44, Quakertown and currently a 2nd Degree Black Belt, earned a 3rd Place in Forms.

Christian Mountz, age 12, of Quakertown and currently a High Green Belt, earned a Runner Up Trophy in 3-Point Sparring and a Runner Up Trophy in Weapons (Nunchaku).

Master Ross Mountz is the Head Instructor of the Upper Bucks YMCA Tae Kwon Do program.

Mountz has been training and competing in Tae Kwon Do for over 27 years and holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a 4th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Aikido and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo.

Mounz adds, “Anyone age 5 and up can learn Tae Kwon Do. If you would like to schedule a visit or take a free class, visit the Upper Bucks YMCA, located at 401 Fairview Avenue in Quakertown, or call us at (215) 536-9622.”

The Upper Bucks YMCA serves over 10,000 people annually, including over 5000 children and offers swimming, fitness, child care, youth, teen and adult sports programs and activities. Its mission is to put Christian principles, including honesty, caring, respect and responsibility into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA has a financial assistance program, supported by the United Way of Bucks County and private contributions, which ensures that no one will have to be turned away because of his or her inability to pay.

left) Master Ross Mountz with students from the Upper Bucks YMCA Tae Kwon Do School in Quakertown (back l-r) Sherri Malseed, Mike Brodeur, Sarah Malseed, Christian Mountz (front: l-r) Tyler Dittus, Aspyn Braun, Evan Dittus, Dylan Lane, Patrick Domalewski (missing) Shay Evans

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December 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Upper Bucks YMCA Swimmers Raise $25,000 for Official Scoreboard

Members of the Upper Bucks YMCA Swim Team, in a quest for an ‘official’ timing and score display system, began raising money three years ago toward the $25,000 price tag. With the funds finally raised, the new system was installed on November 18. Two days later, swim team members, both current and alumni, gathered at the UBYMCA pool to see their efforts finally come to fruition.

After some opening remarks thanking everyone for their support, head coach Scott Woods ordered the scoreboard powered up resulting in applause from the crowd.

The first official swim was had by the top five fundraisers from last year’s Swim-AThon. They were Natasha Sawickij, Hannah Beil, Megan Woods, Nicole Cesanek and Elizabeth Kunkel. (Elizabeth was ill so her father, Steve Kunkel, swam in her place).

The entire timing system (touchpads, timing console, and scoreboard) was put into real service for the first official league swim meet that Saturday. The Upper Bucks Y Barracudas took on the Ambler Area Y Arrows. UBY girls won with a score of 5-0 and the UBY boys won with a score of 4-1.

photo) Upper Bucks YMCA Swim Team head coach, Scott Woods, shows off the new ‘official’ timing and score display system just installed at the Y in late November. After fundraising for three years, the team succeeded in hitting their $25,000 target to purchase the new system. (above) The top five fundraisers from last year’s Swim-A-Thon compete in the inaugural race using the new system.

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photos by christopher betz

Draeger Donates 500 Coats, 2½ Tons of Food

Draeger Medical Inc. of Telford recently held a coat and food drive to benefit the needy in the community. Almost 500 coats were collected by employees and donated to Bucks County Housing Group's Milford facility and Pennridge FISH. Draeger employees also collected close to 2 1/2 tons of non-perishable food for the Quakertown Food Pantry.

John Rivers VFW Vets Share Vietnam Experience

(above left) Collecting donated coats: John Kunes, volunteer coordinator of Bucks County Housing Group's Milford facility; Donna Leister, sales operational manager at Draeger Medical; Brian Landes, Pennridge FISH; Denice Czop, Bucks County Housing Group. photo by michele buono (above right) Employees of Draeger Medical Inc. stand with just a portion of the 2 1/2 tons of food collected for the Quakertown food Pantry. photo by donna leister

(left-right) Nancy Murray; Paul Gerhart, Jr. (USAF); Jerry Sisian (Army); Theresa Sisian, Vincent

Acquaviva, Jr. (USAF); Ed Brous (USMC), and Gordon Allem (Navy).

Beginning on Memorial Day 2012, the Federal commemoration is a 13 year program.

Government set forth to recognize the 50th John Rivers VFW Post members that served in Anniversary of the Vietnam War and to honor Vietnam were on hand at the Michener Library the men and women that saw our nation through in Quakertown during the week of Veterans Day one of the most challenging missions ever faced to share the history of and their experiences by the United States of America. The from the Vietnam War. photo by christopher betz

Army Vet at Belle Haven:

‘We Need an American Flag!’ by christopher betz

When 59 year old Cornell Smith’s health warranted it a couple of years back, he joined the residents at Belle Haven Nursing & Rehab Center on Mill Street in Quakertown. He enjoyed the company of the staff and fellow residents, but something seemed to be missing. There was no American Flag in the building.

Smith served in the United States Army for 20 years, retiring from the service in 1998. He had been stationed at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base for most of his career. The American Flag and what it symbolized was a part of his everyday.

“I noticed that there was no flag in here. I’m a Veteran. There’s lots of other Veterans here.

We’re supposed to honor the American Flag, but there was no flag to honor,” remarks Smith.

That fact was brought up to Linda Lokay, director of activities at Belle Haven, who did a quick scan of the building. It was true. No American Flag.

“Hard to believe there was no [American] Flag anywhere in here,” says Lokay, “but there wasn’t. Just that one outside.”

Together Lokay and Smith set out to remedy the situation. The John Rivers VFW Post in Quakertown was notified and was pleased to, after a short time, ceremonially present an official American Flag, complete with stand, to Smith and his fellow resident Vets. The Flag stands in Belle Haven’s Community Room for all to appreciate and enjoy.

Presenting the American Flag to Army Vet Cornell Smith (center) are John Rivers VFW members (left-right) Ed Brous (USMC), Pamela Templeton (USAF), and Gordon Allem (Navy). Until now, there was no American Flag on display inside Belle Haven Nursing & Rehab Center.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2014

CDP Fundraiser Nets Over $31,000

Children’s Developmental Program (CDP) recently raised over $31,000 during its annual fundraiser. “We are delighted with the success of this event,” said Betsy Nilsen, executive director of CDP. “The monies will go a long way toward helping us continue to provide high quality preschool and child care for our students,” added Nilsen.

The fundraiser had a Winter Wonderland theme complete with silent and live auctions, dinner and a jewelry raffle. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward CDP’s ongoing programs and services which benefit the children of our community.

“We can’t thank the community enough for being donors, sponsors and participants in this event. Our staff, parents and board of directors work collaboratively all year long to ensure the success of CDP, but we can’t

Ongoing Events & Resources Now until December 7 – Treasures & Traditions Holiday Craft Show 10am-4pm at Pearl S Buck Intl, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-0100 Now until December 21 (Saturdays & Sundays 10am-4pm) Christmas at Harley Hill Alpaca Farm, 451 Kellers Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-2841 Now until December 30 – “36th Annual Festival of the Trees” at Pearl S Buck House, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-0100 December 5 to January 2 (Fridays) Winter Wonderland: Holiday Decorations at Fonthill Castle, East Court St & Rte 313, Doylestown, 215-348-9461 December 6 to January 3 (Saturdays 10am-5pm) Exhibit: Under the Tree: A Century of Holiday Trees & Toys at Mercer Museum, 84 South Pine St, Doylestown, info at 215-345-0210 Einstein: Physicist, Philosopher, Humanitarian (4 lectures: Nov 10, Nov 24, Dec 1, Dec 15) taught by a Univ of Notre Dame professor, Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, 215-256-6900 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, 267-371-9636 (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.org

Meet 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/ Support Group 7pm-9pm, 3rd Thurs of month (exc. Dec 2014) Quakertown Hospital, 1021 Park Ave, Taylor Conf. Room B, ground floor, decodingdyslexia.org 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 or 610-558-1326 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 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, Hotline 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 800-220-8116, 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, membership info: 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 Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318

truly fulfill our mission without the generous support of our community. We are fortunate to have such strong community support,” concluded Nilsen.

Children’s Developmental Program is a community preschool and early intervention center which operates under the philosophy that all children should be given the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

CDP began in 1957 and has been serving the Quakertown area and surrounding communities ever since, striving to enrich the lives of our children.

For further information regarding CDP, or to make a donation to the school, please call 215.536.7800, E-mail CDP_Office@cdpchildren.org or visit the Website at www.cdpchildren.org.

Free Community Meals 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 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 Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown

Bingo 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. (except July) opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. opens 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Jackpot Bingo at Red Hill Fire Co Social Hall 3rd Friday every month, opens 6pm, games 7pm, 82 E 5th St, Red Hill Bingo at American Legion Post 397 every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, opens 6pm, snacks available, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624

December 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

7

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

Check Out this Year-end Financial Checklist As 2014 draws to a close, you may want to look back on the progress you’ve made this past year in various areas of your life — and that certainly includes progress toward your financial goals. At the same time, you may want to make some end-of-year moves that can close out 2014 on a positive note while paving the way for a productive 2015.

Here are a few such moves to consider: • Boost your retirement plan contributions.

This actually isn’t an “end-of-year” move because you have until April 15, 2015, to contribute to your Roth or Traditional IRA for the 2014 tax year. Nonetheless, the sooner you get extra dollars working for you in your IRA, the better. You can put in up to $5,500 to your IRA (or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older) for 2014. If you are self-employed, or run a small business, you also have until April 15 to contribute to a retirement account, such as a SEP IRA or a SIMPLE plan. In addition to helping you build resources for retirement, these types of plans can offer you some tax advantages — so if you haven’t established a retirement plan yet, consult with your financial and tax professionals • Sell your “losers.” If you own investments that have lost value since you purchased them, you can sell them before 2014 ends and use the tax loss to offset some capital gains you may have earned in other investments. If you don’t have any capital gains, you can use up to $3,000 of your tax losses to offset other ordinary income. And for a loss greater than $3,000, you can “carry over” the excess and deduct it from your taxes in future years. If you still liked the investment that you sold at a loss, and you want to keep it in your portfolio, you could repurchase it, but you’ll have to wait 31 days to avoid violating the IRS’ “wash

sale” rules. Keep in mind that these suggestions only apply to investments held outside your employer-sponsored retirement account; you can’t take a tax deduction on capital losses in a 401(k) or similar plan.

• Evaluate your 401(k) investment mix. You may be able to adjust the investment mix in your 401(k) as often as you like. So when evaluating your 401(k), make sure your holdings aren’t concentrated in just a few investments, and try to determine if your portfolio is still appropriate for your risk tolerance — not too aggressive or too conservative. Also, if your plan offers a “Roth” option, consider taking advantage of it — with a Roth, you won’t be able to deduct your 401(k) contributions from your taxes, but once you retire, you won’t be taxed on your withdrawals.

• Review your insurance coverage. If you’ve experienced any changes in your life in 2014 — new spouse, new child, divorce, new job, etc. — you may need to review your life insurance coverage to make sure that it’s still sufficient for your needs and that you have the correct beneficiaries in place.

By making these and other moves, you can say a fond farewell to 2014, knowing that you’ve done what you could to help bolster your financial position — for 2015 and beyond.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones office on West Broad Street, Quakertown.

He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or bob.podraza@edwardjones.com

Repurposing Ideas at Holiday Time I have been known to say that just because something is old that doesn’t mean it is automatically valuable. I have junk in my house, my grandmother had junk in her house…sometimes it’s just older junk.

With those sage words of wisdom offered to the masses, here are some creative ideas about what to do with those keepsakes that you just can’t part with but you don’t want to just store away in a plastic tub for the rest of your life. Objects that have some value to you on some level but that really won’t make a big difference when it comes to cashing in are the objects that are the topic of this particular column.

Repurposing is very popular now and more so at the holidays. There are more people seeking out antiques and thrift store items in order to reuse or recycle them than those who just want to collect for collecting’s sake. Be sure you only repurpose those objects that really are not valuable. Once you know that you have a low value object, consider some creative ideas.

Piecing up the Plates

Plates can be among some of the most inexpensive collectibles that nearly everyone has hanging around the house, attic, or yard sale. Vintage decorative floral plates can be used at parties and even given away to guests as favors. They really spruce up a buffet line, block party, or family get together.

Look around your grandma’s, aunt’s, and neighbor’s cupboards and see if you can spot any plates. I have some chipped yet colorful examples from the 1970s hanging around my cabinets that would be prime examples for this project.

Some creative craft aficionados have taken such plates, broken them into pieces and used them in craft projects. Just break the inexpensive plates into 2 to 4 inch pieces and then use them as you would tiles. Some of the most popular repurposing objects for old plates are refrigerator magnets. Just simply stick an adhesive backed magnet to the back of your plate piece. Some damaged or chipped plates have been recycled into a decorative concrete frame around the kid’s sandbox or kiddie pool area. They will look great

stucco-ed or glued onto wooden birdhouses, garden jardinaires or bird baths, and trivets. Some folks have used broken plates as walkways leading to a garden shed or pool house. These are some great ways to use those damaged and not so valuable floral plates and keep the memories, too.

Picking up Jewelry

Damaged jewelry or fancy buttons - particularly cheap pieces of costume jewelry that can no longer be repaired or worn—can be reused and made into really cool art objects. Damaged pieces of costume jewelry can be the source for jewelry pictures by sewing or gluing the broken pieces onto a piece of velvet, felt, or fabric. Then, the textile is framed as you would a collage.

Old broken jewelry or pieces thereof can be made into a brooch tussy mussy or brooch b o u q u e t comprised of both fresh Artwork made of pieces of flowers and costume jewelry. submitted photo colorful fake gemstone pins in the shape of flowers. Country music star, Miranda Lambert carried a brooch bouquet at her country themed wedding.

It is a cool union of vintage and Victorian, fresh and faux.

Some pieces of costume jewelry are valuable so be sure to check out the value with an appraisal before you start taking it apart. However, the damaged pieces are fair game for you crafters out there.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide.

Dr. Lori is the expert appraiser on the TV show, Auction Kings on Discovery Visit www.DrLoriV.com, Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2014

Facing Foreclosure Q:

I am behind on my mortgage payments and the bank is threatening foreclosure. I don’t have the money to bring my mortgage up to date. Will I have to move out of my home? What are my options?

A: Thank you for your question. The economic reality is that many homeowners are currently behind on their mortgage payments. After a homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments, the bank can begin the foreclosure process. The process begins with the bank sending notices to the homeowner that he is behind on his payments, and encourages the homeowner to obtain credit counseling in an effort to work on a solution to bring the mortgage current. If the mortgage cannot be made current, the bank will institute a foreclosure action.

Prior to instituting a foreclosure action, the bank may contact the homeowner with various options, or agreements, to allow him to keep the house. These options include a loan modification, forbearance agreement, or a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

A loan modification will typically modify the terms of the original mortgage and may include reducing the interest rate, lengthening the term of the mortgage, and possibly providing a large balloon payment at the end in order to minimize the monthly payments for all payments prior to the last payment. Of the types of agreements that banks offer homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments, a loan modification is the most popular. A forbearance agreement typically involves making payments which are higher than those provided for in the initial mortgage with the goal of bringing the mortgage up to date. In exchange for making these higher payments, the bank agrees not to exercise its right to foreclose on the property. A deed in lieu of foreclosure is an agreement where the homeowner agrees to give the property back to the bank. The benefit to the bank from a deed in lieu of foreclosure is that they are not required to go through the time and expense of a foreclosure action. The benefit to the borrower is that the bleeding on the credit report stops sooner, as the future monthly delinquencies will no longer be reported to the credit bureaus.

If a homeowner is behind in his mortgage and not able to make any of the above arrangements with the bank, or even while negotiating for one of the agreements with the bank, the bank may still file a lawsuit against the homeowner for foreclosure. If you are served with a foreclosure action and the property is located in Bucks County, you may be eligible to participate in the Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program. You must elect to participate in this program. Once in the program, you will typically be contacted by the bank and provided with a loss mitigation

application. This application requests information regarding your job, tax returns, income, expenses, and a variety of other information in order to assist the bank with making a determination of what kind of an offer they can make given your situation. The benefit of participating in this program is that the foreclosure action is put on hold while you are in the Diversion Program. It must be noted, however, that if it appears that an agreement cannot be reached or if you fail to appear for a scheduled conference, you will be removed from the Diversion Program and the foreclosure action will resume.

If you are unable to resolve your matter, the foreclosure lawsuit resumes. If you do not have a good faith defense to the foreclosure, a judgment will be obtained by the bank and a sheriff’s sale will be scheduled. However, it may not be too late to save your home. You can continue to try to enter into an agreement with the bank to keep your house until it is sold at sheriff’s sale.

Another option, if appropriate, could include filing for bankruptcy, which would postpone a sheriff’s sale. If a property is sold at sheriff’s sale, the homeowner is no longer the owner of the property. In Pennsylvania, there is no right to “redemption,” which permits a homeowner to buy back the property from the purchaser for a limited period of time following the sale.

If your property has been sold at sheriff’s sale and was purchased by the bank or a third party, you are still not required to move from the home. After the sheriff’s sale, if you have not left the property, a new action in “ejectment” will be filed against you. This action alleges that the plaintiff is the new homeowner, having purchased the property at sheriff’s sale, and further alleges that you, the previous homeowner, have not left the property. After a judgment has been obtained in this action, the new property owner can enforce that judgment and have the sheriff forcefully remove any remaining occupants at the property.

Our lawmakers have come a long way in providing safeguards and due process for homeowners who fall behind on their mortgage payments. It is up to each individual to make sure that he makes an educated decision when faced with the possibility of a foreclosure action.

Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, and it would be well worth the time and effort to secure a consultation with an experienced attorney if faced with the possibility of foreclosure.

Peter M. Williams is a Bucks County, Pennsylvania attorney with offices in Lower Bucks (Levittown) and Upper Bucks (Quakertown). He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Bucks County Bar Association. He has eleven years of experience assisting his clients with their important civil, criminal, and real estate matters.

To submit a question for Mr. Williams to answer in this column, or should you wish to contact Mr. Williams for a free initial legal consultation, please call 267-583-3690 or email: pwilliams@peterwilliamslaw.com

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

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

Q’town Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Redner’s Market Roma Pizza Sal’s Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sine’s 5 & 10 St. Luke’s Bone & Joint Swann’s Pantry Tom’s Help Desk Upper Bucks Sr. Ctr Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Fino’s La Cantina Spor’s General Store SPINNERSTOWN Spinnerstown Hotel E J’s Barber Shop PLEASANT VALLEY Country Kitchen SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner Village Market

PERKASIE Dam Good Cafe Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Olde Towne Convenience Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank TELFORD Indian Valley Library Landis Supermarket Lisa’s Pizza SOUDERTON Care & Share Shoppes Mr. B’s at Calvary Church SILVERDALE Green Street Barber Shop OTTSVILLE NAPA of Ottsville COOPERSBURG Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Market Weis Markets SPRINGTOWN Reflections Hair Studio 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.

256 Feet Spotted on Upper Saucon Trail

Kelli DiCesare What has 256 feet and was spotted everywhere on the Upper Saucon Rails to Trails system recently? Girl Scouts of course! ...and why? They were celebrating Girl Scout Founder Juliette Low’s birthday with a four mile hike.

The planning power duo behind the event was Molli Somers and Ashley Pearson, 5th graders at Joseph Liberati Intermediate School, who are earning their way to the Bronze Award through the Southern Lehigh Service Unit.

Their idea was in keeping with the Girl Scout song, “Make New Friends But Keep the Old”.

Molli and Ashley invited the Saucon Valley Girl Scout Service Unit (new friends) to hike from Hellertown to the Reading Drive stop on the trail. Their Southern Lehigh Service Unit (old friends) hiked from Upper Saucon Park to by

the Reading Drive stop as well. At that point, the two service units met, exchanged SWAPS, (which if you aren’t familiar with SWAPS, they are little hand crafted treasurers that girl scouts make to exchange with their new friends), sang the song, met Juliette Low (played by Alicia Johnson, Oscar winning performance), visited, and then headed back down the trail.

The weather was not ideal but the enthusiasm, giggles, and smiles were out in full force.

A big thank you goes to the Quakertown Chik-fil-A for their generous food donation.

Thanks also to Hamilton Orchard for supplying the healthy crisp apples. And thanks to the moms who made the post-hike cupcakes, provided the juice, and bundled up and took that hike with their girls.

Molli and Ashley did a great job in preparing for and running this three hour event, but why wouldn’t they – they are Girl Scouts.

December 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

9

Happy Holidays!

Can you believe it has been another year and Christmas is here already? I am always amazed at how quickly time goes by and the holidays are here for us again. I feel like it was just the start of the school year. So here comes the hustle and bustle of the holidays and time to buy gifts for those we love and hopefully for those who are less fortunate. This time of year is a good time to remember those who have less than us, who may be poor and struggling due to their life circumstances, when a helping hand, some food, donation and gifts would make their holiday seem like it all makes sense. Sometimes we can forget that little things can make such a huge difference in their and our lives. Giving to others can be rewarding and healing; it is a way of connecting without having to have any expectations.

I think all of us at times are guilty about our gift giving and how we have expectations about how others will be thankful and grateful for the time, thought and energy we put into the gift or gifts that we purchased for them. It can be hard to give without expecting or wanting anything in return.

So it is important for us to keep ourselves grounded and focused on the meaning and the task at hand. What I mean by the “meaning” is what is our intention in buying gifts for others.

Sometimes there is a greater purpose and symbolism in what we get for certain people. We may put more thought and preparation in finding the perfect gift because we want that person to know how much they mean to us. Other times I think that we can over think and put

way too much pressure on ourselves to have the best of the best in our gift giving. It can be hard to stay on task because we want perfection instead of staying focused on the meaning behind our gift giving. Give from the heart not necessarily from the pocket. When we really know our friends and family and trust who we are and what we have to offer going Christmas shopping can be lots of fun. I would encourage you to have fun even if that means bargain shopping if you truly enjoy it. If you do not I don’t know if it is a good idea for you to be out and about in the midst of all that chaos. I have found that most people only become more irritated and Scrooge-like when they are out at the local stores when they don’t want to be or really don’t like the drama associated with Christmas shopping.

So remember to give and love without conditions. Be as pure in spirit as you can be. Greet others with a smile when you are standing in a long line. Sing along to the Christmas songs.

Throw some extra change in the local missions’ envelopes. Treat someone less fortunate to a hot meal. Buy a coffee for the next person behind you. Step outside of yourself and see all the good that there truly is in the world.

And by all means, “Enjoy the Holidays!!”

My belief is that “All persons are truly greater than they think they are.” Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219. Visit her website at www.balancelife4u.com.

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.

‘Hope for Stacey’ Event Supports CRPS Patient Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Stacey Meyers in the Second Annual Hope for Stacey Comedy Night. Stacey suffers from CRPS or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a dysregulation of the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system resulting in multiple functional loss, impairment and disability. This is a very painful disease and insurance does not cover all of the treatment needed to help Stacey. On November 14th, the Comedy Night helped raise a few thousand dollars to help cover her medical bills. You can support Stacey by visiting www.HopeForStacey.com and making a donation. submitted photo

Take a ride on the Reading! (from Coopersburg)

Second Annual UBACE ‘Battle of the Bands’ Showcases Local Talent On November 15th, the Upper Bucks Alliance for Creative Expression (UBACE) hosted their 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands at McCoole’s Arts and Events Place. As the show hosts the UBACE band opened and closed the show. The competing bands included The Exits, Petrichor, Got Strings? INRUSH, and Native Dream. Cash prizes were awarded that evening to Native Dream for best original

song and to Got Strings? INRUSH for both the Judges and People’s Choice award. INRUSH also won 6 hours of recording time at Sonlight Productions in Perkasie, PA. UBACE Band practice is open to area students (grades 6-12) on Wednesday nights from 7-9 PM at DeVoe’s Music Inc. on Broad Street in Quakertown.

While we do not offer lessons we give students the opportunity to come together and play in a band atmosphere that is a safe and drug-free environment. Because of our sponsors and the support of the families and friends during our concerts weekly participation is free to students and their families. We also have an art program coming in 2015. For more information please visit www.ubace.org.

Got Strings? INRUSH took both the Judges and People's Choice awards. INRUSH also won 6 hours of recording time at Sonlight Productions in Perkasie, PA. photo by christopher betz

For many of us this phrase brings back memories of the famous board game. Having your token land one space short of ORIENTAL Avenue and shelling out $25 to $200 depending on who owned the READING space plus how many other railroads.

For others of my generation, that phrase also brings back additional memories. As a child, each New Year’s day my mother would take my sister and myself to watch the Mummers parade in Center City.

All bundled up, we would head off early in the morning to the Reading Railroad station.

With tickets in hand, we would sit on the hard wooden bench awaiting the arrival of our train.

Then the floor would rumble and we would jump up and join the crowd pushing out the station doors on to the platform.

After climbing up the steep steps into a passenger car we would find seats and settle in for our trip. My face would be pressed against the window, searching for trains on the adjacent tracks, from the time we left the station till our arrival at the Reading Terminal, I enjoyed my ‘Ride on the Reading’ as much as watching the colorful parade.

Alas, the Diesel powered passenger trains are gone. The Reading Railroad commuter lines have been replaced by SEPTA, and the huge Reading Terminal building is now a convention center.

My fascination with the Reading Railroad and other local railroad lines lives on through my involvement with the Coopersburg Area Society of Model Engineers. This group of model railroad enthusiasts has constructed a large H.O. scale operating layout with several sections modeled after locations of the former Reading Railroad. Using the newest digital control, the members can operate over a dozen trains simultaneously on the 35’ by 45’ layout.

If you to have an interest in trains, big or small, you are welcome to visit the model rail-

road club. The layout will be open to the public from noon till 5:00 pm during the following weekends: December 6 & 7 and 13 & 14.

Located at 5 N. Main St. Coopersburg, admission is by donation and all are welcome. For additional Information visit www.casme.org submitted by Dave Long, owner of J&D Whistle Stop hobby shop in Quakertown.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2014

What Is There To Think About?

At the close of 2014 and my 28th year in private practice, I take this moment to reflect.

I never seem to be amazed by reasons and excuses as to why a person does not proceed with addressing poor hearing and receptive communication issues.

The most famous one is – I need to think about it. What is there to think about?

The case history list of complaints include, but are not limited to: • Asking people to repeat things.

• Misunderstanding what someone asked or stated.

• Setting the television volume at a higher than normal level.

• Arguing over what you thought they said.

• Disagreements arising from not hearing what your spouse said.

• Making speech louder does not make it clearer.

• Complaining that other people mumble and do not speak clearly.

• Shying away from conversation because you cannot hear.

• You have become a recluse and avoid social interaction.

• Having an expression on your face that tells your family member that you did not hear or understand what was said.

• Asking your spouse (your human hearing aid) what someone else said.

• Inability to understand at church, meetings, or any gathering of people.

• Competing background noise masks the speech you are attempting to hear.

• Your spouse, family, and friends are disgusted because you never had your hearing checked.

Sound familiar? The case history intake I document from most every patient has most of these concerns. Once I complete the audiological evaluation and review the results, I make recommendations. One recommendation for every patient is to get their hearing checked each year. Hearing may change and that person may not notice.

For the person where hearing aids are needed and recommended, sometimes they state, I need to think about it. What is there to think about? Really. The extensive case history points to hearing loss and difficulty understanding speech. The evaluation establishes the fact that bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is present and permanent. Most often, that person’s hearing is worse than mine and I wear hearing aids. They need to think about it?

There is nothing to think about. All the thinking about it in the World will not change the situation. There are times when you need to make your life better with a positive change and this is one of those times. With digital (computerized) technology and an array of hearing aid styles, one does not needlessly suffer from poor hearing any longer. Take that important step, put forth the effort, and finally… finally do something about your hearing.

In closing, let us be thankful for the roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, food on the table, heat when it is cold, air conditioning when it is hot, keeping up with the bills and taxes, some gas in the tank, a couple bucks in our wallet, and good health. Be thankful for the basic things in life and each new day.

Anything else beyond this list is a plus.

If you have neglected to address the issue involving your hearing up until now, it is never too late to start. Make it a point to schedule an appointment with a board certified & licensed audiologist to have your hearing checked today. You’ll be glad you did. Good hearing health is a phone call away.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2015!

Mr. Murphy has had a bilateral mild-tomoderate 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.

Quakertown Paint & Sip Studio Takes Flight Quakertown has a new sip & paint studio!

Perhaps you’ve seen the bright neon colored signs around proclaiming Flying Pigments Paint Parties! The studio is located at 93 S. West End Blvd on Route 309 North behind Embers Café in Quakertown. And don’t miss what’s beyond the neon exclamation point by the walkway leading to the studio’s front door.

What’s a paint party and what am I sipping? At a paint party, you are often with a random group of attendees that are given paint, brushes, canvas and step by step instruction on how to create a pre-selected painting of your choice. The parties are BYOB and everyone is there for a good time. There’s always plenty of laughter.

Flying Pigments is also a great place to have a date night, girls’ night out, birthday party, wedding shower, and even retirement parties.

It’s an entertaining activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone and your guests go home with a memento that is truly unique.

“It is so wonderful to see people excited over something they had no idea they could do! Creating art is fun. Creation comes from experimenting. Kids experiment with color all the time - fearlessly. Doing the same thing as an adult makes you feel like a kid! Who wouldn’t enjoy that?” says April Beaver, owner of Flying Pigments.

Adult art education has been difficult to find in Upper Bucks County as of late. Flying Pigments intends to fill that gap with their centrally situated studio. The concept of guideassisted art creation has been increasingly popular lately and is bringing attention to the arts by providing hands-on experiences in a fun, inviting atmosphere.

Among the events hosted at Flying Pigments are: “Help My Painting” workshops, an evening every few weeks where you can bring any paint party or hand painted creation you’d like to make changes to and April helps you make some remarkable adjustments.

Upcycle events- Useful and decorative items are artfully created from recyclable items.

So if after having a taste of the arts, you may decide you’d like to do more ‘creating.’

Then check out the lessons offered at The Gallery at Joanne’s Frame Shop adjacent to the Flying Pigments studio. Shop owner JoAnne Schmalz offers expertly fashioned ready-made and custom frames to showcase freshly painted masterpieces. April also teaches acrylic lessons at the Gallery.

Learn more at FlyingPigmentsPaintParties. com and look them up on Facebook and Twitter. April’s art can also be seen at FuzzyNacho.com.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS BuckyGrams: naughty, nice,stockings, chimney, fireplace, cookies, milk,reindeer, roof top, sleigh, bag of toys, jolly Hidden Message: Merry Christmas! Box Puzzle: candy cane

December 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

11

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 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. Sunday service & childrens church 10:30am Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm. Friendly, Biblebased, Christ-centered, Spirit-led 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@verizon.net 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, Kidspiration Services.

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 for infants to age 12. Wed evenings 7pm with prayer, crossroads youth and (Sept-April) boys and girls clubs. Everyone is welcome.

Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown 215-538-7555 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 Starting Sept 14: 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.

Notes from American Legion Post 242 by dick helm

What an impressive Veterans Day Program down at Pennridge Middle School! This year we had a better attendance of Veterans and local citizenry at the service than in years past.

Thank You. The student participation be it in chorus or band or lining the hallways as the Veterans went to the library for luncheon, was very impressive and meaningful. The presentations by school staff to the 6th graders and guests in attendance was inspiring (and we all could tell) from the heart! While we enjoyed the wonderful luncheon students in the form of speeches, instrumentals, and a wonderful soloist entertained us.

All in all, we experienced our youth realizing what Veterans did and are doing for their country and showing their appreciation after a very stirring program. We once again want to thank all the participants that added to the program with vocal presentations, inspiring speeches, and “Playing the Taps.” We hope that this program that takes much planning by all (especially Paul Clymer) will continue in the future.

This year I accompanied Les Walters down to the Veteran’s Center in Spring City to deliver the nearly $1000.00 (retail worth) of goods and clothing to be given to two special adopted veterans and the veterans as a whole. It was a wonderful experience to see the containers of items we loaded from the back of his vehicle.

Les and especially his wife Kathy spend all year shopping for bargains to make Christmas a meaningful day for those who served in their youth. Thank you Les and Kathy! The persons helping us unload the parcels were very upbeat and when different veterans passed them in the halls I was impressed that they knew all their names and went out of their way to have small talk to these persons who were eager to chit-chat with someone. I could tell that these caregivers really “Cared!”

The Sons of the Legion are having a breakfast on December 14th @ 9:00 AM ($6.00 for adults) and the Ladies Auxiliary will have a special Christmas Party for the Children on December 14th also. Check out the marquee out front for details or better yet members visit your Post Canteen and get the details posted on the activity board. WANTED:Attendees to the Post meetings 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 PM.

12

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2014

Youth Get a Real Taste of Homelessness

photos by christopher betz

Erik’s Kid Book Lovers Holiday Picks!

Looking for a perfect book to give a kid in your life this year? Check out some of my favorites I’ve read this year!

Ages 0 - 4 years Mix It Up! by Hervé Tullet: Mr. Tullet is a great author, and he has a whimsical style for his books. I think that tons of kids would enjoy this. Mix It Up has lots of interactiveness in it – all without flaps or apps! This book introduces the mixing of colors, with simple instructions.

It is quite fun to do and it is super educational.

We’re Going to the Farmers’ Market by Stefan Page: Go on a trip to the farmer’s market to buy food! This board book is packed with awesome illustrations. I love the shapes and boldness in them. This is a really great-looking nonfiction picture book filled with information for little kids about a farmers market. It gives a healthy food message while showing how fun visiting a market can be.

Ages PreK - 6 years Belches, Burps, and Farts – OH MY!

by Artie Bennett After tackling the subjects of butts and poop (The Butt Book and Poopendous) where else would Mr. Bennett turn – body gasses of course! This is another hilarious yet scientifically amazing book from

Puppy is eating all of her food and there is a giant octopus outside the house keeping Kitty from running away. This is a hilarious and educational addition to the Bad Kitty series.

The Zero Degree Zombie Zone by Patrik Henry Bass: The combination of this zombie story along with the great illustrations make this book a winner! A lot of kids will get into the story because it is a fun action-packed read. Bakari is a great main-character who is very believable as a fourth-grader. I like how he handles everything (including bullies) even with the threat of a full-scale zombie invasion looming. Kids who like NERDS and Diary of a Wimpy Kid-type books will enjoy this book.

Middle Grades The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm: Ellie’s parents keep telling her she needs to find her passion in life, but lately Ellie is only feeling numb. The start of sixth grade is not going well. Things get a lot more complicated when her mom brings home a pushy, teenage boy who happens to be Ellie’s scientist grandfather (Melvin) who found a cure for old age.

I loved everything about this book. I really like that the book isn’t focused on the wacky science experiment that turned Ellie’s grandfather into a teenager, but rather on Ellie’s struggle to find her “passion,” dealing with growing

Artie Bennett! He handles these subjects with so much ease and humor, you just can’t put this book down!

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd: I love when a wordless picture book is done really well! The illustrations in this book have such a story to tell! It is cool how Ms. Boyd draws the night scenes with very little color, except where the boy’s flashlight beams. There are little cut outs on the pages that tie the pages into each other nicely. You can look through the book several times and keep picking out little details and see all that the flashlight beam is missing.

Chapter Books Bad Kitty Drawn to Trouble by Nick Bruel: With the (unwilling) help of Kitty, Mr. Bruel teaches readers how to write a good story. You learn about protagonists, setting, plot, conflict, foreshadowing and much more in a fun-filled way. The story’s plot is, Kitty needs to go on a diet of turnips, because she’s gained a lot of weight recently. But, Kitty hates turnips,

apart from a friend, and getting closer to her grandfather. I love Melvin. He is so cranky and nerdy! It also teaches an important lesson about the power of science and how it has to be used wisely.

Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods by Rick Riordan: This book is hilarious! Percy Jackson’s point of view on common Greek myths is one of a kind, and full of wit. I find it completely funny that Percy explains all the myths in the modern language of a teenager.

And that he also wise-cracks at the gods’ antics.

I was laughing out loud at this multiple times! I think that Mr. Riordan has written a fun story that will get kids interested in the Greek gods and their myths. All that and the artwork is AMAZING! I recommend this book to anyone interested in mythology, Percy Jackson or just good books – you’ll love it!

For more on books and reading, visit my website at ThisKidReviewsBooks.com

Friday, November 7 at 6:05 PM, I was leaving the Free Press Building to head home. Of course, darkness comes so much earlier now that Daylight Savings Time is over for a while.

It could have been warmer, too, but dark and cold is what’s on the menu for the evening commute home till Spring.

As I approached my car, I noticed more than a dozen young people, and a few not-soyoung, had fanned themselves up and down both sides of the Downtown Triangle parking lot brandishing big posterboard signs and holding buckets in the hopes of collecting donations from passing motorists.

For what!? And why in the dark? You’d have to be crazy to stand around out here. It’s

34 degrees! What would make anyone do this on a night like this? Aha... the signs say it all.

Rev. David Heckler, pastor of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Applebachsville, and this team of youths were out here raising awareness of the plight of the homeless in our area. Heckler is also putting forth an effort to facilitate ‘Code Blue’ shelters in Upper Bucks. These shelters are temporary places where the homeless and others without heat can go to be warm when Code Blue declarations are triggered. Temperatures below 20 degrees, including wind chill, is that trigger.

A number of youth involved in the ‘campaign’ that night were also going to sleep outside in makeshift cardboard shelters to get a real taste of what it’s like to be homeless this time of year. Did I mention it was 34 degrees?

Kelly Ingram and Brooke Melin of Quakertown, PA, Tiffany Farrar of Bethlehem, PA., and Cheyenne Boyer of New Tripoli, PA recently began 10-month terms of service in the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), an AmeriCorps program. Ingram and Melin, based out of the AmeriCorps NCCC regional campus in Sacramento, and Farrar and Boyer, based out of the regional campus in Denver, are beginning their first projects this month.

Founded in 1994, AmeriCorps NCCC is a residential national service program that supports disaster relief, the environment, infrastructure improvement, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Over the past 20 years, over 900,000 Americans have served over 1.2 billion hours across the family of AmeriCorps programs. Currently, about 80,000 people serve in AmeriCorps programs nationwide each year, about 2,500 of whom serve with AmeriCorps NCCC. Farrar, Boyer, Ingram, and Melin arrived at their respective regional campuses in early October to begin training. This training, which prepared them for 10 months of full-time service with AmeriCorps NCCC, emphasized teamwork, leadership development, communication, service learning, and certification by the American Red Cross.

As Corps Members, Farrar, Boyer, Ingram, and Melin will be responsible for completing a series of six to eight weeklong service projects as part of a 10 to 12 person team. Their first service projects will end mid-December, at which time their teams will break for the winter holidays and begin a new project in a new location in January.

Fifty-six teams composed of over 600 Corps Members and Team Leaders began service projects in November throughout the Pacific and Southwest regions, based in Sacramento in Denver respectively. Some of these projects include providing services to homeless clients at Sacramento Loaves and Fishes, supporting a community garden in Missouri and a children’s hospital in Arkansas, and assisting with ongoing flood recovery in northern Colorado,

among others.

There are three additional NCCC campuses located in Baltimore, Md., Vinton, Iowa, and Vicksburg, Miss., each of which is a hub for its respective area of the country. These other campuses begin their 10-month cycles at different times of the year.

Before joining the NCCC, Farrar attended High School of Fashion Industries and Pennsylvania State University. She graduated in 2012 with a degree in International Politics.

Farrar said, “I wanted to gain more community service experience, strive to be a better me, and grow personally.” Farrar is the child of John Farrar and Diana Hobbs.

Before joining the NCCC, Boyer attended Northwestern Lehigh High School. Boyer said, “[I was looking to take a gap year to volunteer abroad but the idea of going so far away right after high school scared me. My guidance counselor told me about AmeriCorps and I was immediately interested. I’ve always enjoyed volunteering and I think this will give me many opportunities to do so.” Boyer is the child of Cheryl and Robert Boyer.

Before joining the NCCC, Ingram attended Quakertown Community High School. Ingram is the child of Greg and Cheryl Ingram.

Before joining the NCCC, Melin attended Quakertown Community High School. Melin said, “[I joined NCCC] to help build up communities from disasters.” Melin is the child of Darren and Stacy Melin.

AmeriCorps NCCC members, all 18 to 24 years old, complete at least 1,700 hours of service during the 10-month program. In exchange for their service, they receive $5,730 to help pay for college. Other benefits include a small living stipend, room and board, leadership development, team building skills, and the knowledge that, through active citizenship, they can indeed make a difference. AmeriCorps NCCC is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC, visit the website at www.nationalservice.gov/nccc

by christopher betz

Local Women Serve in AmeriCorp Service Program

December 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

Proactive, Not Reactive

Your most powerful tool for changing a dog’s behavior is using positive reinforcement for doing something you want him to do because the reward makes him more likely to repeat the behavior again. I am constantly preaching “You need to ignore your dog when your dog is being bad. Always pay attention to your dog when your dog is being good.” What I am trying to say is to always reward your dog for sitting over jumping up, and reward potting outside versus punishing for peeing inside.

Easier said than done!

Ignoring bad behavior is very confusing for dog owners. I am not giving you permission to ignore the dog when he is doing inappropriate things like eating rocks or dirty underwear or chewing on your furniture. I want to be very clear on how to help the dog learn what is appropriate and what isn’t. Above all else I want you and your dog to be safe.

Out –of- date compulsion trainers may have you yank on a prong or choke collar, throw a can filled with pennies, scream and yell at your dog. Attempting the use of violence and intimidation may stop the unwanted behavior but falls short of providing the information that corrects the unwanted behavior. Did you ever try to teach a child how to ride a bike by yell-

ing at them “no, no, no” then wait for them to somehow figure it out how to do it, right?

Without information how is your dog going to make better decisions?

Force-free trainers do administer corrections but it is how we administer them. We do it proactively through management not intimidation. Management is simply not giving the dog the opportunity to get in trouble in the first place, so we have don’t have to be reactive, but poop happens!

The 3 R’s: Remove, Redirect and Reinforce Remove: Remove the dog from the environment or things in the environment. Dog eating your underwear? Remove the dog to another room or place your underwear where he can’t get them.

Redirection: Remove the dog from the unwanted behavior then give him something else to do. Having the dog play fetch is incompatible with swallowing rocks.

Reinforcement: Reinforce the dog for an incompatible behavior. Praise the dog for chewing on his toys, instead of your furniture or your pant leg.

Be a benevolent teacher, train without pain or intimidation use the three R’s.

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

Bucks County SPCA Hosts Open Houses Celebrate the Holidays with the Bucks County SPCA at one of our open houses. Visit with our animals, take a peek behind the scenes and meet Bucks County SPCA staff and volunteers in Lahaska on December 5th from 6pm - 8pm or in Quakertown on December 7th from 1pm - 4pm.

Santa ‘Paws’ will be on hand for photos, and there will be light refreshments and gifts for the animal lovers in your life at both shelters.

Who knows, you just might meet and adopt a

new best friend. If you’re not looking to bring a new pet ‘home for the holidays’ you can still get them a gift - we’ll have fun wish list items decorating our giving trees and donations to support our animals are always appreciated.

The Lahaska shelter is at 1665 Street Rd., Lahaska, PA (New Hope for GPS). Upper Bucks Shelter is located at 60 Reservoir Rd., Quakertown, PA. Visit bcspca.org or our find us on Facebook to stay up to date on all our activities.

Adoptable Dogs at Harley’s Haven

Meet Zoey!

This adorable not-so-little american bulldog mix is just to die for! She is about 4 1/2 months old, and is already 35lbs....so I expect she will be at least 80lbs when she is done growing!

Poor Zoey ended up at a shelter in Baltimore, where she spent half of her young life, until we found her a scooped her up! Due to this time in the shelter, she is a bit nervous of strangers, and we are working on her socialization. But once she warms up to you....there is nothing better than a Zoey snuggle! She is a wiggly, adorable puppy, who just needs someone with some training experience who can help her continue to grow into the beautiful girl we know she will be! She is up to date on vaccines, spayed, and microchipped. She LOVES other dogs, and loves to play!

Meet Dalton!

Poor Dalton has had a rough, young life... he was shot with buck shot, infected with heartworm and demodex (non-contagious mange), and dumped at the shelter in South Carolina.

Though you would never know it - he is the happiest dog I may have ever met!! He is a 1-2 year old hound/lab mix of some kind, and seriously all he wants is to love you and play!

He loves other dogs and all people! He is good with cats, children, you name it! Dalton is up to date on vaccines, neutered, and will have all of his current medical issues treated by us prior to adoption. He just needs someone to give him a chance. Consider opening your heart to Dalton this holiday season....I promise you won’t be disappointed!

These adorable pups are available for adoption through Harley’s Haven.

Call 215-527-7432 to arrange to meet them.

Top 8 Toxic Foods Dogs Must Avoid With the holidays upon us….I thought it would be a good time to refresh you all on some food no-nos in the dog world. Though most human foods are ok for dogs, here is a short list of ones that are toxic, and should be avoided!

If your dog ingests any of these foods, even in small amounts, seek out the advice of your veterinarian immediately! Be safe, and happy holidays!!

1. Avocado – though not as serious in dogs/ cats as it is in other animals (like rabbits!) – the flesh and skin of the avocado can give them an upset stomach when eaten, especially in larger quantities. The pit can be dangerous too, for causing obstructions of your dog swallows it!

2. Raw bread dough – the yeast in the dough is what is dangerous here! If ingested, the yeast will love the warm, damp, dark environment in the stomach so will multiply, which will in turn expand the dough. This can cause pressure on the stomach and even diaphragm to cause damage to the stomach walls, or difficulty breathing. Even more alarmingly, the expanding dough produces alcohol, which is then absorbed and causes signs of intoxication – this can be serious enough to require hospitalization, and can even be fatal if left untreated!

3. Chocolate – everyone always knows this one! The cacao in the chocolate is what does it – so that is why dark chocolates and baking chocolates are more toxic. In smaller toxic doses, dogs can just exhibit signs of too much caffeine like an increased heart rate, respira-

tory rate, and excitation. In high toxic doses, it can cause seizures, coma, and death.

4. Onion and garlic – this family of veggies causes damage to dog’s RBCs, which can lead to signs of anemia such as weakness, panting, exercise intolerance. They would have to eat quite a bit to get severely ill though, so significant signs are not too common.

5. Grapes/raisins – though not well understood yet, something in the skin of grapes can be severely toxic to dogs, causing kidney failure. This failure can occur with as little as just a few grapes! Some dogs seem to be unaffected, but since we are unsure yet who is/is not, it is safest to avoid!

6. Macadamia nuts – another one that is not well understood! But when ingested, dogs can develop signs of general pain, weakness in the hind legs, and tremoring! The signs tend to resolve within 48 hours, but they may need supportive care for comfort.

7. Xylitol – most known for being the sweetener in sugar free gums, xylitol can be very toxic to dogs! It can cause seizures, and even possibly liver failure, with as few as just a couple pieces of gum!

8. Alcohol – and finally, just like humans, alcohol commonly causes vomiting, loss of coordination, disorientation and stupor. In severe cases, coma, seizures and death may occur.

Dogs are more sensitive to alcohol, so even small amounts can be serious!

Dr. Mehaffey and partner Dr. Jen Heller own and operate the new 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.

It’s December already and even though Christmas is near and I want to remind you all not to forget a present for your pets under the tree, my human wants you all to come to the best concert of the season. My human sings with the Valley Choral Society. There are two concerts to choose from. One concert is at Trinity Lutheran Church in Perkasie on Dec. 13th at 7:30PM. The other date is Dec 14th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sumneyville at 4PM. Please feel free

to check out their web site for a sample of their singing AND to buy tickets. Their web site is www.valchor.com Merry Christmas to all and keep an eye out for me in one of my many ridiculous outfits, like this one. Love M.J.

Audubon Society Hosts Holiday Family Event

Bucks County Audubon Society (BCAS) announces a holiday family event the first Saturday in December to ring in the season and celebrate the magic of Christmas! On Saturday, December 6 from 12pm to 4pm enjoy an afternoon of tractor-pulled wagon rides over the river and through the woods to Tuckamony Farm; toasty s’mores over the fire; storytelling by Kim Kurki, Author of World of Birds, hot cider, and visit with Santa. Tractor rides in between the visitor center and Tuckamony Farm will be on a schedule for families shopping for Christmas trees. The Honey Hollow Visitor Center will be beautifully decorated with natural materials and feature an art exhibit entitled, Bald Eagles Along the Delaware by Michael Mann throughout December.

In case of severe weather, Christmas in the Hollow will take place on Sunday, December 7. The cost per family is $25/$20 for BCAS Members... Admission is free with the purchase of a Bucks County Audubon Society membership. Kim Kurki’s book will be reading from her new book and signing copies for holiday gift giving. A portion of sales will benefit environmental education programs at Bucks County Audubon Society. For more information contact: bcas@bcas.org or call 215-297-5880.

Bucks County Audubon Society is located at 2877 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA 18938 (215)297-5880. Tuckamony Farm is located at 6320 Upper York Road, Solebury Visit: bcas. org for updates and other events.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2014

~Obituaries~ Virginia F. “Ginny & Sis” Meginess, 94, of Oro Valley AZ, previously Quakertown, died Oct. 27.

She was the widow of Earl Meginess.

She operated the former Virginia’s Beauty Salon, Quakertown for over 40 years.

Born in Quakertown she was a daughter of the late Allen & Letty (Meckley) Nadig. She is survived by a niece & nephew & great nieces & nephews.

Richard S. Freed, 77, a long-time resident of Milford Square, formerly of Tylersport, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2014 in St. Luke’s Hospice, Bethlehem. He was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Jones) Freed.

They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary last November. Born in Tylersport on December 12, 1936, he was the son of the late Calvin C. and Anna (Shedal) Freed. He attended Souderton High School. Rich, or Dick, as he was known to some people, was employed by the U.S. Gauge Division, Ametek Inc., Sellersville, for more than 15 years, retiring in 2001. Prior to that, he worked for several local clothing manufacturers including Imrod Clothing, formerly of Quakertown; and drove bus for Levy School Bus Co. Rich was of the Lutheran faith. A life-time member of the Milford Township Fire Co., he held many leadership roles culminating in Fire Chief. He also had been a member of the Amalgamated Clothing Union and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Lodge 1092. Rich served his country in the National Guard during the Korean conflict. He enjoyed socializing with friends and family. Rich loved blue grass and polka music and he played many musical instruments including the banjo, accordion and organ. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting deer and small game. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. Survivors: In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Lori Lang and her husband Tom of Palm Harbor, FL; Richard C. Freed, Jr. and his wife Susanna of Nazareth, PA; and Roy Freed and his wife Emma of Tarpon Springs, FL; Additional survivors

include seven grandchildren: Cory and Gary Freed of Palm Harbor, FL; Megan, Jonathan and Lauren Freed of Nazareth, PA; Travis and Dakota Freed of Tarpon Springs, FL; and two great-grandchildren: Annistyn and Xavier Lang of Palm Harbor, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to Milford Twp. Fire Co., 2185 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, PA 18951. The Freed family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital for their dedicated care.

Linda D. Reiss, 66, of Coopersburg, for-

merly of Trumbauersville, died November 9, 2014 in her home. She was the wife of Wayne Reiss. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of Betty (Schwager) Nace and the late Orvis Nace. She retired after 22yrs from TEVA Pharmaceuticals, prior to that she was an aide at Pfaff Elementary School in Spinnerstown.

Linda was active in scouting with her children and loved to do crossword puzzles. She loved her grandchildren and family and enjoyed vacationing, camping and keeping memoirs of their trips. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville. In addition to her husband and mother she is survived by her children Eric (Liane) and Tammy Cole (Sean) and her Husband’s beloved children Todd and Shawn. Two brothers Gary Nace (Debbie), and Kevin Nace (Chrissy). Seven grandchildren Sarah, Rachel, Paige, Grady, Colin, Ryan, and Justin. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Eric Reiss or Tammy Cole.

Ronald S. Kacerik, 69, of Sellersville died November 10, 2014 in his home. Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late Joseph & Helen (Glod) Kacerik. He worked for Mikro Tech, Inc. in Hilltown. Prior to that he worked for the former U.S. Gauge/Ametek Division.

Ronald was a 1957 All-Star Little Leaguer and enjoyed playing and watching baseball.

He also enjoyed watching and supporting his grandchildren in baseball and softball. He is survived by two daughters Angela KacerikGeorgiadis (Herb), Krista Kacerik-Robinson.

A brother Joseph (Barbara), two sisters

Elaine Frank (Robert) and Christine Bogotuik (Bernard). Five grandchildren Matthew, Alan, Ryan, Haley, Rachael. Thirteen nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife Laura (Frank) Kacerik. Predeceased by a brother Richard. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Trumbauersville Lions Club, P.O. Box 576, Trumbauersville, PA 18970 or to Pride of Quakertown P.O. Box 437 Quakertown, PA 18951.

Janice Marie Appel, 51, of Richlandtown, passed away on Mon., Nov. 10 at Phoebe Richland Nursing Home.

Born in Pipersville, PA, she was the daughter of Dale and Alvina (Madara) Ives.

Janice graduated from Central Bucks High School East. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors camping and hiking. She liked pottery and ceramics. She adored Mark Wahlberg and was an avid collector of coffee mugs. Most of all Janice loved watching her son playing football.

In addition to her parents, Janice is survived by her wonderful children; Nicole Murphy, Marie Appel and Max Appel; brother, Dale Ives Jr.; Brother-in-law, Rick Bruch; grandchildren, Tristan, Alexys, Kaitlyn and Jayden.

Janice is preceded in death by her husband Melvin “Chuck” Appel and her sister Janet Bruch.

Family & friends are invited to call Fri., Nov. 14, 9-11am at the Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. Interment will follow at Keller Church Cemetery, Perkasie, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Bucks Relay for Life, 480 Norristown RD. Ste 150, Blue Bell PA 19422.

Raymond M. Gross, 86, of Springfield Township, died November 10, 2014 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown.

He was the husband of Susanna (Spier) Gross.

They were married 64 years last March. Born in Richlandtown he was the son of the late Paul L. & Carrie (Hottle) Gross. He was a lifelong farmer and a retired school bus driver for Palisades School District. He was a member of St. John’s UCC in Richlandtown. In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Barry, two daughters Denise Gaspar (Ondrey) both of Quakertown, Donna Hilbert of Richmond, VA. Two brothers Lamar and Ernest. Four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Predeceased by a sister Stella Ackerman. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. John’s UCC, PO Box 356 Richlandtown, PA 18955.

William Robert Wetzel, age 73, of Allentown passed away on Wed., Nov. 13, 2014 at CedarBrook Nursing Home.

He was the son of the late Wilmer J. and Adeline (Swartzlander) Wetzel.

William was employed as a carpenter for many years before working on the family farm in Spinnerstown. He loved farming and driving the John Deere tractor.

He is survived by his Aunt Pauline M. Bleam of Quakertown, Cousin and Guardian George W. Weisel IV of Saylorsburg and other Cousins. William is preceeded in death by his younger brother John Charles Wetzel.

Arlene “Mickey” Knerr, 84, of Quakertown died November 11, 2014 in her home. She was the wife of Carl W. Knerr.

They were married 61 years last April. Born in Sellersville she was the daughter of the late Oliver Frank & Carrie (Seacrist) Richard.

Arlene was a retired cashier for QCSD High School Cafeteria retiring after 26 years of service. She enjoyed playing golf and traveling. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church Ridge Valley. In addition to her husband she is survived by a son Douglas R. Knerr (Christine) of Center Valley. A sister Ruth Richard of Sellersville, a granddaughter Erin and one great granddaughter Hannah.

Predeceased by a brother Norman Richard.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Rd. Sellersville, PA 18960 or to St. Luke’s Hospice Development Office 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Elaine M. Williams, 91, of Quakertown died November 11, 2014 in her home. She was the wife of the late Harvey E. Williams. Born in Fountain Hill, PA she was the daughter of the late Hugh Williams & Margaret (Kemmerer) Williams Roeder. She is survived by a daughter Roxann Bryan (Richard) of Kempton, one grandchild Melinda Kramer (Brian) and two great grandchildren Darin and Nathan, a niece Pat Kile. Predeceased by a brother William.

Betty Mae Rodenberger, 87, of Trumbauersville formerly of Rich Hill died November 12, 2014 in St. Luke’s Hospital Quakertown Campus. She was the wife of Earl Rodenberger. They were married 71 years on August 13, 2014. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of the late Raymond & Myrtle B. (Sloyer) Moyer. Betty enjoyed snowmobiling.

She was a member of Christ Church UCC of Trumbauersville, Pa. In addition to her husband she is survived by two sons Earl R. “Butch”, Jeffrey Lee (Kim), a daughter Judy Fluck. Brother William Moyer (Pearl), a sister Marian Fox, seven grandchildren Kelly, Nikki, Colleen, Heather, Tiffany, Noelle, seven great grandchildren Jessica, Cora, Christian, Damon, Jayden, Lucas, Kaylee, and one great grandson due in February. Predeceased by two brothers Raymond, and Richard a sister Mary Jane Foulke, and a granddaughter Susan. Contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant Street, Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Harry W. Griffith, Sr., 73, of Trumbauersville died November 13, 2014 in his home. He was the husband of Marie E. (Hellerman) Griffith. They were married 52 years last June. Born in Pittsburgh, PA he was the son of the late John J. & Mary M. (Barnhart) Griffith. He was a former employee of the Horace W. Longacre Co. Harry was a lifetime member of the North Penn Gun Club and the Betterment Club both of Trumbauersville. He also was a collector of coins, bells, and U.S. Navy hats. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam War and a member of the Quakertown American Legion Post #242.

He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville. In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons Harry W., Jr. and his fiancé Tammy Chamberlin, Edward A. (Janet), and Michael J. (Jennifer). A brother Ronald, three sisters Catherine Kutris (John), Cora Socokolich, and Elizabeth Leach (William).

Four grandchildren Thomas Diehl, Harry, III (Anna), Kayla, and Alexis. Contributions can be made to Christ Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 569 Trumbauersville, PA 18970.

Shirley Ruth Rodgers, née Henry, of Quakertown died Friday, Nov. 14th at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital following a short illness. She was born in Quakertown on Nov. 12, 1926 to the late Estella Smith Henry and Augustus Henry. At the time of her passing, Shirley had just celebrated her 88th birthday.

She was the wife of the late Howard B. Rodgers, Jr. With Howard’s passing in Dec. 2012, they ended a union of 69 years. Shirley married Howard in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1943 during America’s entry into WWII. Proud of her home, her family, Shirley enjoyed her gardens and flower beds, baking and entertaining and time with friends and neighbors. She always saw to the needs of her family putting their concerns before her own.

Shirley was blessed with loving, caring friends and neighbors. She was an extraordinary, nurturing mother and doting grandmother.

She is survived by her two children, Carol Rodgers Berlanti of Ocean Ridge, FL and son, Barton Jay Rodgers of Quakertown; four grandchildren, Merryl Berlanti Auman, Todd Berlanti, Justin Rodgers, and Jaime Rodgers Sumpolec. Shirley was especially delighted by her eight great grandchildren, Andrew, Ava, Abigail, Ayden, Sophia, Olivia, Dominic and Isabella.

Eileen A. Waropay, 71, of Quakertown, PA formerly of Kearny, NJ died November 15, 2014 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem.

Born in Jersey City, NJ she was the daughter of the late Newton & Frances “Edna” (Edwards) Hook. Eileen was known for her quick wit and great sense of humor. She enjoyed reading, loved music, and was a member of the Sunshine Singers. She was an active member of the Analomink Methodist Church in Analomink, PA before moving to Quakertown. In addition to her soul mate Francis F. Caputo Sr, she is survived by two sons Kevin (Theresa), of Shamong, NJ and Drew (Sharon) of Abington, PA; four grandchildren Meredith, Mikayla, Catherine and Clare; sister Phyllis Bruce (Bob) of Dover, DE and a sister-in-law Marie Rhein of Kearny, NJ. She is predeceased by two brothers Dr. Robert Hook and Detective Kenneth Rhein. A memorial service will be held at 1PM on Monday, December 1 at the Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Rd. Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke’s Hospice Development Office 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.

December 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

~Obituaries~ Luke Alan Reighard, 26 of Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Born in Abington, Pa on July 23, 1988 and died peacefully at home on Monday, November 17, 2014 after a life-long battle with muscular dystrophy.

Luke graduated from Pennridge High School in 2007. He managed his own media transfer business from his home. He died at home on Monday, November 17th, 2014 after a life-long battle with Muscular Dystrophy.

He was the son of Gregg L. Reighard, of Quakertown, and Joy D. Baumgardner, with whom he resided. Luke was predeceased by many lizards, frogs, a few cats, four dogs and a very special girl named Theresa – a beautiful Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.

He is survived by his parents, three brothers: Travis J. Reighard and wife Kate of Quakertown, Shane G. Reighard and wife Allison of Philadelphia, and Grant H. Reighard of Perkasie as well as a nephew and a niece.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Luke’s name to either the Dolphin Research Center, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050 or the Muscular Dystrophy Association) 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60606. A Celebration of Luke’s life will be held at First United UCC, 4th & Park, Quakertown, December 13 from noon to 4pm. An additional Celebration of Luke’s life, hosted by his father, Gregg, will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 from noon until 4pm at the First United Church of Christ, 151 S. 4th Street, Quakertown.

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Eleanor M. Vogel, 89, of Quakertown, formerly of Perkasie, died Fri. Nov. 21 in her home. Born in Perkasie, she was the daughter of the late Curwen & Mamie (Greenewalt) Weisel. She was a graduate of Souderton High School and received a degree in elementary education form Kutztown University. For over 35 years she taught for the Pennridge School district in the former 3rd St. School and Guth Elementary before retiring. She was a member of St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ, Perkasie where she had served on the elder board. For a number of years she was a volunteer for the Grand View Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by a daughter, Alison Longacre, husband Charles, Jr. “Chuck”, with whom she resided, sons Thomas, Perkasie and Jeffrey, wife Robin, of Quakertown, 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, brother Donald, wife Marion of Gwyneed, and sister-in-law, Patricia Weisel of Frederick. He was predeceased by son, Timothy, brothers Charles & Kenneth.

Joseph D. McBride, Sr., 82, of Quakertown died November 21, 2014 in his home. He was the husband of the late Margaret M. McBride. Born in Brooklyn, NY he was the son of the late Joseph & Lillian (Katzer) McBride. He worked for Pfizer Pharmaceutical before retiring. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. Joseph was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean War. He is survived by five sons Joseph Jr., Robert, Teddy, Chris, and Kevin, a daughter Patty. Ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter Nancy. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Luke’s Hospice Development Office 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, Pa 18015.

A Christmas Story One Christmas morning, just by the look I got on my face, I made my mom burst into tears then run to her bedroom and slam the door.

We could hear her howling and sobbing all the way out in the living room. My dad didn’t say much. He was used to her acting like that. I might have felt bad for her, but I felt worse for myself. That’s the way an American Christmas can be when you’re a young teen and don’t get exactly what you want.

It was long after Santa Claus died. I must have been about 13. I was going to the junior high school up on Seventh Street, anyway. I’d told her what I wanted a lot of times, even showed her. She said that they’d already gotten me something; ordered it from Sears, where my dad worked. I figured if I told her enough times, they send back whatever it was and get me what I wanted.

When I went home from school I’d usually walk out the back, past the Lincoln and Central Buildings, and down the alley past the rubber factory to Fifth Street. I don’t know why I went that way. I hated the smell of the rubber factory. Maybe I wanted to avoid some kid I was scared of who walked home on Juniper St., but I don’t remember anymore.

If I had some money, I might instead go out Seventh to Merle’s on the corner at Juniper, where I could buy a soda or some candy. But, a lot of times I went that way because a girl I liked, Kathy K--, walked home that way. I was sort of shy back then and tended to just stalk girls. But, most of the time I went down the alley to Fifth St. then cut over to Broad past the shirt factories and the luncheonette at Apple Alley (which they recently tore down).

Sometimes I’d cut down Apple Alley then would dodge out to Broad through a walkway between the buildings near Smith’s Furniture or the Free Press. Regardless, I always walked past Kulp’s Jewelry store. Displayed in their window I saw what I wanted for Christmas.

They had two Napoleonic chess sets. One set was white and dark blue. The king and queen, Napoleon and Josephine, were about five inches tall. The other set was the same size, but the pieces were shiny gold and silver. That’s the one I wanted! It cost $30, which was a lot in those days.

Almost every day I’d stop and stare at the chess sets on my walk home. It got to almost be a perversion. I’d just stand there staring at Napoleon and his fifteen gold-man army lined up against another Napoleon with a silver army. I wanted it really bad. I’d even dug out my old, cheap chess set and started playing against myself almost everyday, again.

After I got bored staring into Kulp’s win-

dow, I’d stop in Fields Shoe Store, where my mom worked. It was a couple of doors down from the jewelry store, where Lion Around Book Store is now. I’d tell her again what I wanted for Christmas. I remember making her walk up to Kulp’s with me, once, so I could point it out to her. She kept telling me that they’d already gotten me something and I’d like. She finally just didn’t say anything anymore. I assumed she’d given in and sent whatever they got back to Sears.

Like I said, both my brother and I had been given the bad news about Santa Claus years before, so all the presents were piled under the tree by Christmas Eve. We weren’t allowed to open them till the next morning, though.

I seem to remember that both my parents worked that evening, so we were home alone.

We were pretty good with the honor system and didn’t peek too closely. We did pick up the boxes and shake them. One package looked too large, but another one was the right size and rattled a little, like there were chess pieces in it. I was elated.

My dad didn’t seem to care one way or the other, but my mom was big on Christmas. She was famous for her cookies and slaved in the kitchen for weeks ahead of time, making them for friends and neighbors—I think they paid her for them. Our Christmas tree was always one of the best. It was huge and crammed with ornaments and lights that could be hung only with her approval. We had to put tinsel on strand by strand.

That Christmas morning I tore open the box I thought held my silver and gold chess set. It didn’t. It was the cheaper, blue and white set. I quickly tore open the bigger box, thinking they may have gotten me two chess sets. How could she not get me what I wanted so badly? It was a record player, instead. I was stunned. I was so disappointed I got a sick feeling in my stomach. My mom saw it on my face, shrieked, burst into tears and ran to her room. I sat in the living room pouting.

Now, these many decades later, I feel bad about it; not that I didn’t get my silver and gold chess set—I had the blue and white one for a long time; and I used the record player a lot more than I ever played chess. I feel bad that I ruined both my mom’s and my Christmas by being desirous, inconsiderate and wanton. It’s certainly not what Santa or Jesus would want.

These days, when someone asks what I want for Christmas, I think about my poor mother that sad Christmas morning and say, “Whatever you want to get for me is fine.

Deodorant or bubble bath always comes in handy. It’s the thought that counts, anyway.”

Have a merry Christmas, please.

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

Want a Lucky New Year?

Top 10 Food Traditions to Feast Your Way to Future Fortune

by stefanie williams

For most, January 1st provides an opportunity to create a fresh start and to look ahead to the endless possibilities of the new year. And on each New Year’s holiday, revelers from around the globe chow down on a variety of foods that are believed to summon good fortune. Many of these culinary superstitions revolve around foods that symbolize prosperity, wealth, forward motion, and long life. So, if you’re looking for a lucky 2015 – and who isn’t? – feast your way to future fortune by trying out some of the top ten good luck foods.

10. Pork - In many cultures, pork is a symbol of good luck because the high fat content symbolizes wealth and prosperity. In addition, pork represents progress, because pigs always root forward.

9. Grapes – In Spain and Portugal, it is a tradition to eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Day. As the clock chimes twelve times for midnight, one grape is eaten for each chime to symbolize the twelve months of the New Year.

8. Whole Fish – According to Chinese culture, fish has become a symbol of good luck, as the silver skin of the fish resembles the appearance of silver coins. Make sure to serve the fish with the head and tail intact to ensure a good year, from start to finish.

7. Pomegranate - Pomegranates represent good luck in Turkey and Greece because their red color symbolizes life and fertility, and their plentiful, round seeds represent prosperity.

6. Leafy Greens – Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale resemble paper money. According to superstition, the more leafy greens you eat, the

more prosperous you’ll be in the coming year.

5. Legumes, lentils, peas - Legumes, lentils and peas also represent money, as they are coin-shaped; and when cooked, lentils plump, symbolizing growing wealth.

4. Bagels, donuts – Ring-shaped foods symbolize eternity and the new year coming full circle.

3. Long noodles - In many Asian countries, tradition dictates the eating of long noodles, which represent long life- but make sure you eat them without chewing or breaking them!

2. Poppy seeds – Poppy seeds are considered to be lucky in Poland, because they are believed to bring good luck and lots of money in the new year.

1. Cornbread – Cornbread is a popular food to eat at New Year’s in the southern United States because its yellow color resembles gold.

Keep in mind – it is equally important to avoid traditionally unlucky foods as it is to enjoy the lucky stuff. Many cultures dictate that eating anything with wings is bad luck for New Year’s because birds could fly away, taking away all your luck. Further, chicken and turkey scratch backwards, which, superstition states, can possibly lead to setbacks. Similarly, backwards-swimming lobsters are also considered bad luck charms.

Happy New Year!

Stefanie Williams joined the Upper Bucks Free Press in 2014 as a columnist and editor. She is a student of Kempo Karate and a budding culinary expert breaking free from her Italian-American cheesy cuisine roots to create a repertoire of allergy friendly meals her whole family can enjoy. follow

You Stefanie on Twitter @blackbeltdreamn.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2014

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ANGEL CANDLE CANDY CANES CAROLING CHRISTMAS ELF FAITH FAMILY

FRIENDS GARLAND HANUKKAH HARMONY JACK FROST KWANZAA LOVE

MANGER MISTLETOE

NEW YEAR’S EVE

ORNAMENT PEACE PRESENTS SNOWMAN STAR

STOCKINGS TINSEL TREE JOLLY WINTER BEGINS

WISE MEN WREATH

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