Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

December 2

Christmas Tree Lighting 6pm-8pm Downtown Qtown. Strolling carolers, gingerbread house contest, live nativity, and much more. Santa arrives 7pm by Quakertown fire truck. Info: quakertownalive.com Holiday Dinner Dance. $22/dinner & dance, $10/dance only. Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie, 215-453-7027. Buffet 6pm-7pm, Dance 7pm-10pm Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser (for Encore & PEAK Ctr) 7pm-9pm, $15/pp, The Peak Ctr, 606 E Main St, Suite C, Lansdale.

BYOB, teams of 4-8, snacks provided, prizes.

215-256-6900, encoreexperiences.org Hellertown Hist. Soc. Holiday Open House (open 6pm) at Heller-Wagner Grist Mill, 150 W Walnut St. (tours, food, music, train display), 610-838-1770, hellertownhistoricalsociety.org

December 2 & 3

Christmas Craft Show at the Quakertown Train Station. (Fri 4pm-8pm) (Sat 9am-4pm).

Local artisans, Bake sale, & Yearly raffle.

Sponsored by Woman’s Club of Quakertown. quakertowntrainstation.org Model Train Display by Perkasie Model RR Club at 120 N 7th St, Perkasie. Both days 12noon-8pm. Details: Doug at 215-257-7075.

Free admission, donations appreciated “The Nutcracker” Ballet (Fri 7:30pm) (Sat 1:30pm) at Cavalry Church Theater, Rte 113, Souderton. Tkts: $25/adults, $21/seniors & students. Box office 215-822-4640 or online at delawarevalleydance.com

December 2, 3, 4

Kringle Christmas Shoppe in Applebachsville (Fri 1-8) (Sat 10-4:30) (Sun 12:30-4:30), Latvian Baptist, 1142 Apple Rd. 30+ artisans! Free adm. live music, raffle baskets, haycockhistoricalsociety.org

December 3

Souderton Holiday Parade “The Sweetness of the Holiday Season” begins 11am on Souderton & Telford Main Streets, info@stmainst.org Souderton Tree Lighting 6pm-8pm, live music, shopping, Santa, free craft & gifts for kids in the hollow. info@stmainst.org.

Christmas at the Y in Quakertown 10am1pm. Photos w/Santa $5 or bring your own camera. Little Shoppers Shop for the kids to shop. Balloon animals, crafts, more. Info: ubymca.org Holiday Bazaar/Bake Sale 9am-2pm at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 N Main St. Local crafters/vendors, food/drinks for purchase. Info: 267-374-7762, bucks58fire.com Reading Goes To The Dogs 2pm-3:30pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St. Children read to certified therapy dogs. 215-536-3306 Quakertown Farmers Mkt’s first Holiday Tree Lighting w/Santa at 7pm. Children’s crafts and caroling by St. Isidore’s School Chorus will begin 6:30pm. QMart, 201 Station Rd, 215-536-4115 Christmas in Quakertown Concert 7:30pm at Quakertown UCC, 4th & Park Ave. Quakertown Band, Festival Choir, Handbell Choir, more. Prelude begins 7pm, info@firstucc.net, 215-536-4447 Indoor Flea Mkt/Bake Sale 8am-2pm at UB Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. Kitchen open, 215-536-3066, upperbuckssac.com Holiday Bazaar 9am-3pm, lunch available.

Christ Lutheran, 69 Main St, Hellertown Trumbauersville Winterfest 7pm-9pm.

Bonfire, warm drinks, s’mores. FREE, Santa by fire engine. Donate hats/scarves/gloves for “Spread the Warmth Tree” at Veterans Park Pavilion, 140 Woodview Dr (behind UCC Church) Generations 5K Reindeer Run, 8am at 259 N Second St, Souderton. (also a 1-mile Fun Walk) Regis/check-in 7:15-7:45am. Breakfast & Prize Ceremony 9am. 215-723-5841, generationsofiv.org Holiday Trunk Show 12:30pm-4pm (local artists), warm cider, door prizes. Still Kicking Martial Arts, 136 Mill Rd, Quakertown

Richlandtown Annual Tree Lighting at Walnut St Park. Celebration begins 6pm, Santa arrives 6:30pm. Bring a plate of cookies to share with your neightbors.All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner 3:30pm-7pm or sold out.

Zion Lutheran Fellowship Hall, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill. $9/adults, $5/ ages 5-12, take-out avail. Info (day of dinner) 215-538-7911 Family Christmas Party 4pm-6pm, free crafts & food. Bring camera for “Old Time” Bethlehem shoot. Trinity UCC, 1990 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley. RSVP: trinityucc212@gmail. com or 610-216-7185

December 3 & 4

Model Train Open House 12noon-5pm, free adm. Donations welcome. Basement of Coopersburg Borough Bldg, 5 N Main St. 215-538-0501, casme.org Free Pet Photos w/Santa 10am-3pm at Dublin Agway, Rte 313, Dublin. 215-249-3117 Christmas Holiday experience 10am4pm at Harley Hill Alpaca Farm, 451 Kellers Rd, Quakertown. 215-536-2841 harleyhillfarm.com

December 4

Breakfast w/Santa Fundraiser, 8am10am at Applebee’s, 145 N West End Blvd, Quakertown. Info/tkts 215-518-4301 Breakfast w/Santa Claus 8am-1pm at Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212. $7/age 9+, $4/ages 5-8, under age 4 is free.

Breakfast 8am-12noon at Sellersville Amer.

Legion Aux, 75 N Main St. $5/age 5+, $2/age 3-5. Info: 215-257-9801 Live Nativity w/live animals, 3pm-5pm at Jerusalem Lutheran, 733 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Free, more at 215-257-9423 or jelchurch.com Winter Basket Bingo at Sellersville Firehouse, 2 N Main St. Open 11:30am.

Tkts/$20 adv., $25/door if avail. Includes 24 games & lunch. All must have tkts, sfdbasketbingo@yahoo or 215-257-4028 x58 Happy Holidays Open House Fundraiser 12noon-4pm at Animals in Distress, 5075 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg. Music/crafts/ food/Basket Social (drawing 12/17, info at 610-966-9383) Christmas House Tours “Classic Quakertown at Christmas” (Reception 2pm, Tours 3pm-7pm), Tkt info: 215-536-2273, quakertownalive.com Sellersville Winterfest 6:30pm-9pm at Sellersville Firehouse, 2 N Main St. Lots of activities, food, music. Tree lighting, Santa, Trolley rides.

“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” candlelight presentation by Cantata Choir, 7pm at St. John’s UCC, Rte 212 & Main St, Richlandtown.

215-538-0875, (snow date Dec 18), elevator accessible.

December 5 & 6

Annual Holiday Art Sale (created by art students)10am-6pm at BCCC, Rollins Ctr, 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown Campus. 215-968-8425, www.bucks.edu

December 6

“Winterfest” 6:30pm-9pm along Main St, Sellersville. Tree lighting at Firehouse, 2 N Main St. Santa arrives 6:45pm w/Mrs Claus, free refreshmts, crafts, music, trolley rides.

Lots more, call 215-257-5075 Holiday Business Card Exchange 5pm-7pm at Brick Tavern Inn, 2460 Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown. Free/UBCC mbrs, $25/nonmbrs. ubcc.org/events, 215-536-3211

December 8

Holiday Open House 6pm-8pm at Pearl S Buck Intl, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie.

Entertainment, food, tours, Festival of Trees & Santa Claus. Free event, 215-249-0100 x110 “Winter Wonders” Preschool Science Program for ages 3-6 w/adult, 1pm-2:15pm at Perkiomen Watershed’s Brownstone Barn, Rt 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Info/regis: loltman@perkiomenwatershed.org “Holiday After Hours” 5pm-7pm at Mennonite Heritage Ctr. Details at 215-7239472 or IndianValleyChamber.com

December 9

Telford Tree Lighting 7pm, live music, free cookies, cocoa, kids crafts & phots w/Santa & Mrs. Claus. info@stmainst.org

December 10

Breakfast w/Santa 9am-11:30am at St. Isidore School, 603 W Broad St, Quakertown.

Tkts: $5/pp or $20/family (same household), purchased at door w/cash or check Cookie Walk 9am-2pm at Eastern Upper Bucks Seniors, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville.

Craft table, lunch available, 55 raffle winners drawn. 610-847-8158 Santa Claus visits Quakertown Train Station 10am-1pm to visit with the children & photos.

15 Front St. Quakertowntrainstation.org “Storytime w/Mrs Claus” 3pm-5pm at 4th St Skate Shelter, Quakertown. $10 child w/adult, under age 5 is free. Limited space, register at quakertownrec.com QMPO Craft Fair 9am-3pm, food & student performances. Quakertown Freshman Ctr, 349 S Ninth St. 215-538-1683 “A Celtic Christmas Concert” (Charlie Zahm, guitar/singer) 7pm at Solomon’s UCC, 2990 Bedminster Rd, Perkasie. Free-will offering, info: 215-795-2668 or solomonsucc.org Holiday Gathering 5:30pm-8:30pm at Dublin Fire House. Tree lighting, free carriage rides, hot chocolate/cookies, train rides, nativity, music & dancers, much more.

DiscoverDublin.org (r/d Dec 11) Flea Mkt 9am-2pm at Pennridge Commun.

Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie. Kitchen open, also Book Sale in the lobby. 215-453-7027, pennridgecenter.org Christmas Dance 7pm-11 pm at Sellersville Amer. Legion, 75 N Main St. $5 donation, DJ Johnny K. Info: 215-257-9801

December 10 & 11

“2 Brainy Guys Comic & Toy Show” (Sat 9am-9pm) (Sun 10am-4pm) Free adm.

Features toys old & new, comic books, action figures, more. QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. Info: 215-536-4115 Free Pet Photos w/Santa 10am-3pm at Dublin Agway, Rte 313, Dublin. 215-249-3117 Christmas Open House & Barn (Sat 10am4pm) (Sun 12noon-4pm) at Deerwood Alpacas, 778 Deerwood Lane, Quakertown. Bring a camera! 215-536-1777, deerwoodalpacas.com

December 11

“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” candlelight presentation by Cantata Choir, 7pm at St. John’s UCC, Rte 212 & Main St, Richlandtown.

215-538-0875, (snow date Dec 18), elevator accessible.

Keystone N Trak Model RR Club Holiday Open House 11am-4pm, Dublin TEC Ctr, Suite 216, 123 N Main St, Dublin. N Scale trains running. Free admission, all welcome. (also Dec 17 & 18) Santa Paws Day 10am-5pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. Santa will take photos w/your favorite pet in Dept #353A. Please bring pets in Exit #10. Photos are $4.99 Pet Photos w/Santa Paws 1pm-3:30pm at Animals In Distress, 5075 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg. Animalsindistresspa.org Breakfast Brunch w/Santa 8am-2pm at Leithsville Banquet Hall, 1995 Leithsville Rd, Hellertown. $8.95/pp, $4.95 kids 5-12.

Everyone gets a gift, 2 Grand Prizes (bikes), info: 610-838-2190 All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast 8am-12noon at Silverdale Fire Co, 111 W Main St. $7/adults, $4.50/kids Holiday Shopping Vendor Show 11am-3pm at Sellersville Firehouse, 2 Main St. Chinese auction, food, fun. Proceeds donated to Bucks County SPCA. Info/regis: 484-300-9551

December 12

Fundraiser for Needy Families begins 4:30pm. Steamed clams & burgers. American Legion Post, 610 E Broad St, Quakertown.

Scott France will do open mic night. Info: 215-538-0747 “Love Actually” (9 intertwined stories) movie 12:30pm at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. Info: 215-256-6900 or encoreexperiences.org

December 12 & 13

“Christmas Around the World” concert 6:30pm by St. Isidore’s students, 603 W Broad St, Quakertown. (Mon: grades 1-8) (Tue: pre-school-kindergarten)

December 14

“Student Community Service Awards” at 11:30am-1:15pm Membership Luncheon. Details at 215-723-9472 or IndianValleyChamber.com Christmas Party w/Jeff Ross, (11:30 Buffet & Party, $12), (12:30pm Party only, $6), Sign up for Buffet by Dec 9. UB Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Firehall, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Christmas Banquet & Pennridge HS Senior Choir Concert 12noon at Pennridge Commun.

Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie. Tickets ($20) 215-453-7027, 7028. Pennridgecenter.org

December 16

Holiday Cash Raffle 6:30pm-8pm in Legacy Rm of Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie. Food & fun, BYOB. Details/Ticket ($20) at 215-453-7027, Pennridgecenter.org

December 17

“Operation Santa Tour” (Santa by fire truck) 4pm-9pm throughout Trumbauersville Fire Dept Response Area. Have your camera ready!

Justin at 215-892-8447 or bucks58fire.com Pet Photos w/Santa Paws 1pm-3:30pm at Animals In Distress, 5075 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg. Animalsindistresspa.org “Nativity-A Story of Hope” 5pm & 7pm (outdoor w/animals, music, & refreshmts) at Trinity Lutheran, 2170 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley. Info: 610-346-7282, TrinityPV.org

December 17 & 18

Keystone N Trak Model RR Club Holiday Open House 11am-4pm, Dublin TEC Ctr, Suite 216, 123 N Main St, Dublin. N Scale trains running. Free admission, all welcome.

December 18

Christmas Sanctuary Evening 4pm-6pm, St. John’s Lutheran, 4 S Main St, Richlandtown.

Christmas music continuously inside, outside is a warm fire, hot chocolate/cookies. Stay as long as you want. 215-536-5027 Very Merry Cookie Sale/Posh Presents Boutique 9am-3pm, Community Rm of Riegelsville Boro Hall Bldg, 615 Easton Rd. (also Cookies for Basket Raffle tkts. Details: 610-749-0633 or 610-749-0790)

December 19

“A Taste of Chanukah” (a joyous celebration of Chanukah to enjoy) movie 12:30pm at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. 215-256-6900, encoreexperiences.org

December 21

Winter begins Christmas Lunch & Sing-A-Long, $2, sign up by Dec 14. UB Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Firehall, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066

December 25 December 27

Christmas Day

Covered Dish Membership Meeting 11:30am. Bring a dish or pay $5 & enjoy fellowship w/members before meeting. UB Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Firehall, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. 215-536-3066

December 31

New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve Party w/Gary Dee Orchestra. $22/dinner & dance, $10/dance only. Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie, 215-453-7027. Buffet 6pm-7pm, Dance 7pm-10pm New Year’s Eve Party 7:30pm-12:15am at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie. Dinner/Dance $45/pp. Buffet reserv.

by Dec 15. 215-453-7027, pennridgecenter.org

January 1 January 4

New Year’s Day 2017

Quakertown Wrestling Alumni Night, inviting all past Qtown wrestlers & coaches to HS match against Upper Dublin. Varsity begins 7pm, no charge for alumni. 267-374-0031or Qtownhsalumni@gmail.com

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

Richland Library Breaks Ground on $1M Addition

Local dignitaries and friends gathered for the groundbreaking of the new million-dollar addition to the Richland Library on Main Street in Quakertown. The two-floor addition includes a new foyer, a new area for the reading collection as well as special exhibits and an art gallery upstairs.

‘Golden Can Challenge’ Yields 400 Items for Food Pantry

Every November at St. Isidore School, the students participate in the "Golden Can" Challenge to donate non-perishable food to the Food Pantry. The class that contributes the most cans of food will claim the Golden Can trophy for the year. This year the 8th grade celebrates their victory after donating over 1000 items total (over 75 items per student). All grades combined donated over 4,000 items to the St. Isidore Parish Food Pantry, so that families in-need can enjoy the holidays.

Wehrung Named Upper Bucks Chamber President

photo by michele buono

QCHS Class of ‘58 Holds Reunion

The Quakertown Community High School Class of 1958 celebrated their 58th Reunion this past August at the home of Nancy and Ed Moore. submitted photo

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Students of Miss Cindy’s School of Dance, and performers in the school’s annual “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” production pose in a store window in downtown Quakertown while other students look on. The December 3 performance takes place at Palisades High School. photo by christopher betz

Incoming Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce president Jason Wehrung, of Wehrung’s Lumber & Home Center, accepts the gavel from outgoing president Tom Klee of QNB. Wehrung will serve for one year. photo by christopher betz

‘Fix Mobile’ Opens in Quakertown

Chance Tedesco cuts the ribbon at his new Fix Mobile store on Broad Street in Downtown Quakertown.

Fix Mobile repairs broken smart phones and tablets and has locations in Easton and Allentown. photo by michele buono

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Ongoing Events & Resources Holiday Events at Pearl S Buck Intl, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie. (Festival of Trees now to Dec 31 except Dec 25), (Craft Show now to Dec 4), (Holiday Open House-Dec 8 from 6pm-8pm), 215-249-0100 x110 Annie’s Handmade Quilts, Pillows, & Blankets showing every Saturday in Dec.(3, 10, 17, 24, 31) at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. (Store 317A-Exit 20), 215-679-2576 Santa will be at Quakertown Farmers Market, 201 Station Rd. 10am-5pm every Sat & Sun until Dec 18. (Entrance #10) Photos $2.99 w/Santa Christmas Tree Sale now until sold out at Trumbauersville Fire Co. (Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm) (Sat-Sun 9am-8pm) Info: 215-538-1880 or bucks58fire.com “Become a Master Naturalist” training for Spring 2017 at Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy. Regis. deadline is Jan. 1, 2017.

Info: Ellyn at enolt@pamasternaturalist.org or 717-368-4899 Reservations now being taken for Preschool Science Programs (ages 3-6 w/ adult) at Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, Brownstone Barn at Rte 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Info: perkiomenwatershed.org/ pre-school-science-young-learners Quakertown Farmers Market Auctions 1st & 3rd Fri/month w/Les Beyer, 2nd & 4th Sat/month w/Tom Lorah, call 215-536-4115 for info Hoagie Sales 2nd Monday of month (except July/August) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, advance orders due Wed. before. $5.25-$5.75, info/order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com Saturday Bird Walks 8am on trails at Peace Valley Nature Ctr.in Doylestown.

Bring binoculars, suitable for adults & over age 12 w/adult. $2 donation, 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org 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 is 2nd Saturday

each month, 11am-2pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.orgSupport &

Service Groups

Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215593-9995 or email 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 Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month, stef@sistersu.com The Parent Support Group on Addiction meets 7pm, first and third Wed every month in Red Schoolhouse, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Bedminster Twp. Info: Matt, batchof5@yahoo.com Family Education Program on Addiction meets 7pm the first three Mondays of the month in the Red School House at Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie.

Regis. at 800-221-6333 Bullying Prevention Support Group 6:30pm7:30pm every Wed at UBYMCA in Quakertown.

Free. advance registration required: 215-750-7220 SOS Bereavement After Suicide – Family Support Group meets at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital 2x monthly, inf: call 215-536-5143 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 Caregiver Support Group meetings last Thurs. of every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting.

Caregiver Support Group 4pm-5pm, meets 4th Thur. of month, Hidden Meadows, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville, 267-429-3931 hiddenmeadows ontheridge.com Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets 4pm, 4th Thurs of month, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931

Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Group, 3:30pm5:00pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4517 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guidance, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900. www.NOVABucks.org Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, free babysitting, 215-538-3195 Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-923-7900 Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tuesdays 7:30pm-8:30pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster. naranon@yahoo.com Doylestown Nar-Anon meets Wednesdays 6pm at Summit Behavioral Health, 702 Hyde Park, Doylestown. Call 215-589-7111 for directions and info.

A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/ violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220-w8116, www.awomansplace.org AARP meets 2nd Thurs each month, 1pm at First UCC, 151 S 4th St, Quakertown, 215-536-7512 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: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am-9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054

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Community Meals

“Fourth Sunday” Breakfast every month, 8am1pm, all-you-can-eat buffet, $8/adults, $4/kids, (Easter Egg hunt in April), Lwr Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pk, Coopersburg Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 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 the Yerger Bldg across the street from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown

Bingo

Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Saturday of month, 1pm-4pm, lunch available to buy, (lots of $$ specials), 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, details: 215-256-6900 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall every Thur, 12:15pm (first Thur. of month has $50 Jackpot), 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, doors open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smokefree), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues. doors open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn.

215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat. night, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open.

Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 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

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

You are invited to attend these special Holiday Services

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”

- Steve Maraboli

Bible Baptist Church

BY REV. KATHERINE STEINLY Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (ROMANS 13:1, 8-14) In this passage, Paul is counseling the congregation of Rome about how to live under the law of the civil authorities of the Roman Empire and at the same time live in accordance with God’s law. This is tricky business for early Christians living under the Roman Empire, and, in some ways, it continues to be tricky business for us today. When does our faith call us to oppose the policies of our government?

How do we voice our discontent productively?

How do we share our faith with others and honor the constitutional value of the separation of church and state? These are questions we must consider as Christians living in the United States.

Sometimes, our political viewpoint brings us into conflict with people in our community of faith. In the wake of the presidential elections this past month, many of us became aware of deep political divisions within our congregations and families. Many of us wondered how it could be possible to bridge this divide and step forward together as the people of God. Paul has advice to offer. One of the reasons Paul is writing to the congregation in Rome is to counsel them on how best to live with one another in the face of division. The congregation in Rome is composed of Gentile and Jewish believers, and conflict has arisen due to this difference. It is no coincidence that in his review of God’s law in this passage, Paul stresses the importance of love: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” As we consider our neighbors with whom we may disagree, Paul and God call us to consider them with love.

This month, we enter the season of Advent and prepare for the birth of Christ. We will also experience the longest night of the year.

Amid this growing darkness, we know that God’s light continues to shine among us.

While we may feel weary thinking of our holiday to-do lists, Paul calls us to wake up and look closely at the world around us. We are called to consider our world and neighbor with new perspective. How will the imminent arrival of an infant who embodies God’s love and acceptance shape what we see? How does this shape how we act?

Hopefully, we will realize that our neighbors have a deep need for God’s love just as we do and that sharing that love with one another can bring us closer and enable us to work together to serve the least among us.

Katherine Steinly is the pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richlandtown. She can be reached at pastor@stjohnsrpa.org.

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship

meets at Strayer Middle School Auditorium 1200 Ronald Reagan Drive, Quakertown 267-772-0288 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Thomas Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf

Christ Church United Church of Christ

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

Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Christ’s Lutheran Church

1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopcke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church

Church of the Incarnation

44 S. 8th Street, Quakertown 215-538-3787 Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Holy Days as announced.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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

First United Methodist Church

501 Market Street, Perkasie 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie.com Pastor: Scott Dorn Mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, positively impact our community and world.

Good News Church

424 Juniper Street, Quakertown 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. An alternative to the ultra-contemporary Sunday Worship and Children’s Church 10:30 am, Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm, World Evangelism Fellowship affiliate.

Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: The Rev. Catherine Kerr 10:00am Sunday Eucharist

Grace Bible Fellowship Church

1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Pastor: Ron Kohl, Sr. Pastor Sunday School for all ages, 10:10am Morning Worship, Evening 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:30 pm, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30 pm, Tues: Ladies Bible study 9:30am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30 pm, Adult Bible study 7 pm.

Morning Star Fellowship

429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 215-529-6422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry provided, EastWest Cafe open with free coffee. Celebrate recovery Wednesday 7pm.

Check website for more info.

910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net www.stjohns-ridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter 8:30am Traditional - 10:30am w/priase band.

Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available.

Handicapped accessible. All invited and welcome anytime to Share the Joy!

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

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. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie 215-795-2965 office@kellerschurch.org www.kellerschurch.org Worship 7:45 & 10:15 am, Sunday School 9 am, Koinonia Cafe 8:#0 pm, Holy Commnion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Children’s Church 2nd & 4th Sunday

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

Pennridge Christian Fellowship

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown

First United Church of Christ

Fourth Street & Park Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Alternative worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm

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

401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Where God’s Love Changes Lives

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley

1875 Freier Road, Quakertown 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Thomas S. Robinson III Sunday morning worship: 8:00am, 9:00am 11:00am Sunday School for all ages 10:00am.

MorningStar Moravian Church

610-282-1908 234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Jay Petrella Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.

Evangel Assembly of God

Quakertown United Methodist Church

1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Worship service 9:45 am, Sunday School 9 9:45 am - children 3 years through 6th grade

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville

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

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net 8:00 am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9 am Sunday School - all ages, 10:15 Worship in Sanctuary

Trinity 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 School classes for all ages (preK adult) 9:15 am. Family activities throughout the year

Trinity Lutheran Church

102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9 am traditional services, 10:15 Sunday School, 11am Contemporary service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Community Service Oriented

Victory Fellowship Church

120 Ridge Road, Telford 215-453-9988 victoryfellowshippa@gmail.com www.victoryfellowshippa.org Pastor: Dr. Virgil A. Mobley Full Gospel.A friendly, loving, and joyful church where the presence of God is in His house. Check out our website.

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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American Legion Post 242 Update

BY DICK HELM

December 2016

Your American Legion Post has just survived another busy activities period. The program involving our other Local Legion Regional Posts once again sponsored a memorable program at Strayer Middle School here in Quakertown. Literally hundreds of middle school students from Quakertown, Palisades, and Pennridge Public Schools as well as other church affiliated schools showed us veterans and other guests that our children, once exposed to a patriotic program, truly appreciate that “Freedom is not free.” The enthusiastic response in Attentiveness to Speakers, Flag-Waving, Singing, and words of thanks afterwards, showed me that these leaders of tomorrow are “On the Right Track.” Our program director of 26 years, former Representative Paul Climber, made some changes to the program this year that were well received We wish to thank the Administration and Faculty of the School and District for such a wonderful facility and reception given to the Veterans on their special day. We also like to thank all the participants for giving such a wonderful program. We had a special guest, “Rosey the Riveter” who told of the service of the ladies, of which she was one, who were back home assembling airplanes, motor vehicles, weapons, and armaments for the troops needs on the “Battle Lines.”

Recently the School District visited our Post and borrowed a few of our donated artifacts of Past Wars display to be prominently display in a showcase at the High School to honor those who served in World War I in this time period 100 years ago. This is an important part of our history and we appreciate their effort to make the students aware of what the soldiers and sailors contributed to our continuation of this great country and its freedoms we share.

At our Post meeting of November 22’d, we had a presentation by Boy Scout volunteers in the progress of refurbishing the camp at Camp Quabosco. Camp Quabosco is a 6-acres facility just outside Quakertown in the Haycock area that is under the bequeathed directorship of Post 242. It had fallen into disrepair and with the help of volunteers of our Post and the Local Boy Scout troops and the generous donations of corporate sponsors is now a very viable weekend retreat for our children in the Scouting type programs. I will have a detailed article on the refurbishing of Camp Quabosco

in the future. Thanks to all for such a wonderful program. As we all know there is a serious drug problem in this and surrounding areas and facilities and organized scouting programs helps greatly to add programs and retreats to help in alleviate this problem. In other business Charles Wismer mentioned about the “Youth Drawing” held on Nov. 19th. We sold $5900 worth of tickets and realized about $1800.00 of funds to be used to support our youth in programs such as Camp Quabosco.

The sales were down this year and we wish to emphasize the important need for this income.

During the drawing a Police Officer was present to receive a check for $450.00 from our Post for the Christmas “Shop with a Cop” program. I recall hearing a policeman outline his experience last year when he mentioned to the boy he was with, he could check out any area (including toys) for what he wants. The child went to the clothing area and picked out a nice pair of pants as he only had one decent pair of pants to wear. After hearing that experience it certainly woke me up to the needs of children in our area. This program, in my mind, certainly CAN change lives!

Our Post Ladies Auxiliary is certainly alive and well. These ladies have spent their Holiday time (Thanksgiving, Patriots Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day) in preparing free MEALS for area veterans and special program guests compliments of our Post. These ladies are offering Friday Specials and Steamed Clam Specials for Post members quite frequently.

When visiting the Post check the Notice Board for these events. Let us not forget the Sons of the Legion Sunday breakfasts. They are open to the public and I recommend the delicious Scrapple they serve as a side meat. Their next breakfast is on Sunday, December 11th. “Try it—You will like it.”

American Legion Post 242 is alive and well and I hope after reading this lengthy article you make it a point to support our functions.

Two of the pillars of Legionism are to support our veterans and our youth. By buying a ticket for our two drawings from a Legionnaire or coming to a public function such as the “Sons of Legion Breakfast” you can be a contributing part of these wonderful programs. We always encourage you to attend in person, Memorial Day (May), Patriots Day (Sept 11th), and Veteran’s Day (Nov 11th). When you get a chance, do as I do, Thank a Veteran.

Got Holiday Stress?

This is the time of year right after Thanksgiving when our stress levels can rise and we can start to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of Christmas and what that means to us, to our friends, family and coworkers.

Sometimes it feels as though we are being pulled into so many different directions that we just don’t know what to do and may create a crisis for ourselves. The key is to plan, delegate and prioritize what is important to you and with your relationships with others. What is the meaning of Christmas to you? Is it all about the presents? Is it searching for those special gifts? Is it the gift wrapping and writing out cards? Is it the time you spend with your family and friends that you may not have seen all year? Is it preparing and sharing that special meal? Is it remembering those who are less fortunate than us that may need our help? Is it about being one up on everyone else and having to have the perfect gifts? Are we looking for recognition and acceptance from others? Whatever Christmas means to you is going to determine how well you will be able to enjoy the holidays.

We all have lists that we make about whom we are getting gifts for and what we think they may want. Some of us have an idea of how much money we want to spend on each person on our list. So, if you start out by asking yourself What does Christmas mean to me and depending upon who is on your list what it means to them. You will be able to systematically prioritize the time and energy it

will take for your Christmas to be successful.

The problem some of us run in to is that we are so focused on making sure that we please others that we may overspend and may even become resentful about the whole gift giving.

That is why it is so important to be clear about the meaning for you and give love and gifts unconditionally because it is what is important to you. This is not always easy because those of us who worry will wonder if what we have given is enough.

It can be difficult but also empowering to stand in your own light and share your truth with others because what do you have to lose.

Those who love you and do not care about the gifts are going to be so grateful to be celebrating the holidays with you!! The holidays are supposed to be about enjoying and sharing with one another and if gifts are involved great!! It is beneficial for us to evaluate what we truly value in our relationships with others at this time of year. I am not saying to not buy Christmas gifts but be mindful of how you spend your money and ask yourself why you are giving what you are and that you can afford to be as generous as you want to be because you can; not because you feel you should and are worried about what others are going to think of you. May you be enriched by all those you love so dear and “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.

Time for a Year-end Investment Review

With the holiday season upon us, you may well be busier than usual. However, by spending a few minutes reviewing your investment scenario of this past year, you can see where you’ve been, where you might be going, and what you need to do to keep moving forward toward your longterm financial goals.

So, as you look back at 2016, pay close attention to these elements of your investment picture: • Performance – Reviewing your investment performance over time is important in helping you determine if you’re on track to achieve your financial goals. So, in evaluating how your investments did in 2016, ask yourself some key questions: How did your investments do relative to their performance in past years? If there was a big difference, what might have accounted for it? Were your returns relevant to your long-term goals? In other words, if you have already established a return rate you’ll need to reach your goals – and you should indeed set such a rate – were your actual returns “on track” to help you make progress toward your objectives? And, just as importantly, were your return expectations realistic, based on your investment mix and the market environment?

• Investment mix – If you are a diligent investor following a well-designed strategy, you probably started out in 2016 with an investment mix that reflects your risk tolerance, time horizon, and short- and long-term goals. But over time, your investment mix can change, even without your having done so on purpose.

If you owned a certain percentage of an asset,

such as growth stocks, and those stocks appreciated in price substantially, they could take up a larger percentage of your portfolio than you had intended, thereby exposing you to a higher risk level than that with which you are comfortable. So now that the year is coming to a close, examine your investment mix to see if it needs “rebalancing.”

• Contribution levels – Are you taking full advantage of your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan? Specifically, if you got a raise this past year, did you boost your contributions to your plan? The more you invest now, and throughout your working life, the less likely it will be that you have to play “catch up” in the years immediately preceding your retirement.

• Mistakes – We all make mistakes in every walk of life – including the way we invest. In looking back over 2016, can you spot some investment mistakes you might have made?

Did you temporarily “bail out” on investing immediately after the “Brexit” vote, only to find, a few weeks later, that the markets had soared to record highs? Did you act on impulse and buy a so-called “hot” stock that turned out to be inappropriate for your needs and risk level? While mistakes like these might be costly in the short term, they can ultimately prove invaluable – if you learn from them.

We’re just about ready to turn the page on the 2016 calendar. So, as you review your investment decisions for the past year, try to determine what worked, what didn’t – and what you can do to improve your results in 2017. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones office on West Broad Street, Quakertown.

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

Did you know?

The largest gathering of people wearing Santa hats is 30,333 and was achieved by Los Angeles Angels baseball fans at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California - remarkably, in June of 2014.

8

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

A Richland Hunting Experience

As I write this column it is a balmy, sunny 50 degree fall day. Winter is not far away, and it will surprise us with its harshness, as it always does.

This fall I was able to get a good harvest of False Indigo (Baptisia australis) and Purple Hyacinth Bean seeds. Purple Hyacinth Bean is a fast growing annual vine with dark purplish-green leaves and an abundance of purple flowers, similar to sweet pea. If given a trellis or fence to climb on it can reach 10’ and will reward you with blossoms all summer long.

False Indigo is a stunning blue flowering native plant that is a lovely addition to any garden. Both types of seeds are fairly easy to germinate and grow. However, because of their hard seed coat they will need scarification to germinate, which involves nicking the seed coat or soaking the seeds overnight in water (my preferred method). Purple Hyacinth Bean seeds are best sown directly into the garden after danger of frost has passed in mid- May. Baptisia can be started indoors, as well as direct sown. New Baptisia plants will take 2 to 3 years to mature and bloom. For the winter they will be stored in an air tight container in my refrigerator.

Outside holiday gardening can help take some of the drabness out of a winter day. I usually plant two winter-themed containers in early December, a concrete urn and a large black kettle inherited from my parent’s farm.

Since I have several trees that can be trimmed this time of year my arrangements often include Arborvitae boughs and holly branches.

The basic rule of container gardening holds true even with a winter arrangement: it contains a “thriller”, “filler(s)” and “spiller(s)”.

The “thriller” is the tallest part of the design and often the focal point. The “fillers” are the continuity between the “thriller” and the “spillers”, which cascade over the container to soften the design. Begin with the “thriller”, placing it toward the back of the container.

The “thriller” should be about 2 ½ times the height of the container. The width will depend on the shape of the container and the other elements you choose. A live evergreen shrub or branches such as birch or holly can be “planted” in the container as your “thriller”.

Inanimate objects like sleds and decorative snow measuring sticks also work to add height and a bit of whimsy. Branches like winterberry or redtwig dogwood add a festive punch of color. Soft evergreen branches work well as the “spillers”, layered in a pleasing, draping way to give the arrangement a good base. “Fillers” can also include bergenia (pigsqueak), heuchera (coral bells), winter

pansies or whatever is available that is winter hardy. Or, use natural elements such as dried hydrangea flowers, wired pinecones, or seedpods (sprayed or natural). Decorative items such as glass birds, ornaments or ribbons add a personal touch which define your own style.

For inspiration, gardening magazines and internet sites are a good source of ideas for winter arrangement ideas and appropriate cold hardy plants.

When you are finished playing outside, your energy can be put to good use with indoor plants. Your plants have been inside for about 6-8 weeks so it is a good time to re-inspect them to see if you have missed any unwanted hitchhikers. Remove any dead or dying foliage or blooms. Decaying plant material in your indoor garden can encourage disease and insect infestation.

Do you have that gifted Kalanchoe plant that is no longer blooming and has become leggy over the summer? Try propagating new plants.

Once the plant blooms it is difficult to get the common Kalanchoe blossfeldiana to rebloom under normal conditions. Cut the healthiest tips from the plant just below a leaf node and insert into moistened perlite (use rooting hormone if you prefer, but it is not necessary).

After the roots form, pot up in a good well draining potting soil. You should get blooms on the new shoots next spring.

I have many plants in my indoor garden.

There are tropicals, desert cacti, succulents, and some annuals that we winter over such as geraniums and coleus. It can be difficult to remember when and what to water. To assist our memories my husband and I keep a calendar on the wall. When either of us water, we record our efforts for that day. Plants that require special care in the winter, such as poinsettia, bromeliads, Sicilian fig and clivia are tagged so that we do not forget that they get watered less frequently. This method has worked well for us and keeps our plants healthy and happy.

Spend some time with a plant and it will make your holidays less stressful!

Our 2016 Home Gardening Hotline is closed for the winter season. Look for us to be back online next March.

Have questions? Contact us!

“Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Rd Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksHotline@ag.psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us through the Upper Bucks Free Press!

I was toting my shotgun while walking through a stubbled cornfield watching my two dogs investigate along the hedgerow a few dozen yards ahead of me. “A hunting experience can be tremendously satisfying even if the game-bag stays empty,” I was thinking. I’d seen no small game so it appeared to be one of those days.

We were on a friend’s farm in Richland/ Haycock Township. We crossed a few fields on a bumpy, dirt road then parked at a brushy patch where the ruins of an old farmhouse and barn had been let overgrow. Disappointingly, a flock of doves flushed up as we parked. The dogs chased out a rabbit there the last time, but after beating bushes for a while, we gave up.

We crossed the cut cornfield to a hedge row studded with pin oak trees. I had vague hope of seeing a squirrel, or maybe chasing out a rabbit but . . . nothing. It was warm and windy; not great small game weather. When we got to the tree line 200 yards from the car, my youngest dog darted into the wood as though he’d seen a squirrel.

By the time I caught up, he’d lost interest and both dogs were lapping muddy water from a puddle left by recent rain. I encouraged them along and we hunted down through the woods for several hundred yards seeing no squirrels.

Half the leaves were still on, obscuring vision, and a gusty wind filled the forest with noise and falling detritus.

I found what looked like a likely spot and set up my camp stool next to a tree that shielded my eyes from the settling sun. I called in the dogs, took the bowl and bottle of water from my pouch and gave then a fresh drink. We then settled in to sit for awhile. I placed the dogs facing opposite directions within a few yards of me and told them to “Look for the squirrels.”

We’d been there about thirty minutes when I saw motion by the edge of the woods at another field. It was a deer. Then, it was two deer; then three. I stood up. Through the brush at the edge of the woods I could only see parts of them. Then, one stepped into the woods toward me. It had horns.

One dog was right next to me, hidden by a tree. The other was out in the open and visible from the direction the deer were coming.

I signaled him to me and got both dogs on a leash. The older would stay, no matter what, but the younger might react, at least stand up and growl, when he saw the deer.

A six-point buck came straight for us. I was partly obscured, but still visible. I stayed motionless and, though he looked right at me, he didn’t see me. He laid down about twenty yards from us, facing away, toward the other deer at the field. Beyond him, at about forty yards, I saw the back and head of an even larger buck. I couldn’t count the points, but the spread was wide and his body large.

For fifteen minutes I watched. I made snorting noises (poorly), in a feeble attempt to get the big buck to come toward me. After another

15 minutes, I saw more deer through the brush along the field edge. The big buck had disappeared, but there was at least one other but and several doe.

The dogs were oblivious. From their positions close to the ground they’d seen nothing.

They grew anxious and antsy, sitting still for nearly an hour. I wished a squirrel would show itself, so I could shoot and end the tension. Of course, any blatant human action would have alerted them, any shift in the wind to spread my scent, would end it. I made some more snorts, but the noisy wind ruffled forest muffled my sounds.

Finally, a doe burst into the woods, as if spooked from the field. She came directly toward us. The resting buck jumped to his feet and joined her. The dogs heard, then saw them. The younger one lunged forward to the extent of his leash. I tugged hard and said, in a normal, but stern voice, “Stay!” He let out a ‘ruff, ruff.” “Quiet! Quiet!” I said. The older dog was at alert, but still and silent.

The deer saw the dog. They bound across in front of us at about 15 yards, a doe and the buck followed by another doe. We watched them disappear through the woods. The other deer were still moving around by the edge of the field, unaware. In a few minutes, another six pointer and the big buck came walking directly toward us. As the big one came to within 15 yards I counted eight beam points and two brow tines—a ten pointer.

The one dog was still out in the open and not still. The bucks stared at him, not at me, who was also visible. Suddenly, he startled, as tough he’d caught scent, or perhaps realized something was amiss. The bucks didn’t bolt, but turned and slowly walked away, up the same trail the others had taken and, in a few minutes, were out of sight.

I kept the dogs on their leash, to prevent them from following the deer, packed up and headed back through the woods toward the car.

The sun was getting low, and, as agitated as the dogs were, sitting for squirrels was useless.

I was beaming from the experience. I felt a deep satisfaction and a glowing respect for my relationship with the natural world.

At the edge of the cornfield, with the truck visible in the distance, I let the ‘boys’ off their leash to hunt the hedge row. They showed particular interest in one pin oak, but quickly moved along. I hesitated a moment, and, when the dogs were a couple dozen yards up ahead, a squirrel sprinted along a branch, leaped to an adjacent sapling and darted along another branch.

In a flash, I raised my gun and fired. The squirrel instantly dropped to the ground. The dogs rushed back. The young one was first on it, but it was the older one that picked it up and brought it over to me. “Thanks, boys!” I said.

“Sometimes a hunting excursion is fantastic even thought the game bag is empty. This one would have been, anyway. But now there’s icing on the cake.”

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

The Virtues of Hunting

BY JUSTIN KLEE

In modern society, the word “hunting” can have many negative connotations.

Unfortunately, people refuse to look beyond those negative implications to see the positives. Hunting is a chance to experience the outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of the working world. It is full of family traditions that bring many generations together for the common goals of providing food for their family and enjoying the great outdoors.

With a large variety of hunting available in the state of Pennsylvania, the possibilities of great memories afield are endless. Hunting is not only deeply rooted in family traditions, but

is also connected to the conservation of the targeted species and their habitat. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, over the past 80 years sportsmen have contributed more than $14 billion towards projects that protect the natural environment and the wildlife that call it home. Without the help of hunters and other sportsmen, deer, turkey, and waterfowl populations would be a mere fraction of what they are today. So the next time you encounter a hunter, remember the positive impact he/she has on the world around you.

The Upper Bucks Free Press encourages members of our community to share their thoughts on topics important to them with our readers.

Have something to share with your community? Send it to us!

info@ubfp.org • 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

9

Sentiments of Christmas Past

“Dashing through the snow – In a one horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go – Laughing all the way Bells on bob tails ring – Making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing – A sleighing song tonight”

By the time you read ‘The World as I See It’, the holiday season will be upon us, you will have pulled out all of your Christmas music, and “Jingle Bells” will probably be one of the many tunes you will be singing as you sign cards, shop for gifts, and prepare your Christmas menu. Go ahead and admit it – you are probably singing it right now.

I love celebrating holidays, and Christmas is my favorite time of the year. As I was growing up in the country, our Christmas celebration started early and was extended way beyond December 25th. My Mother started buying ingredients for her big ‘cookie bake’ the beginning of November. It was necessary to have ample flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla when she started baking after Thanksgiving.

She already had the tin, lard cans that the butcher had brought in July, where she would store those dozens of mouthwatering, roll-out cookies. I loved helping her because she would let me use the different shaped, metal cookie cutters to cut out the dough – bells, stars, reindeer, Santa, and hearts. For my very own cookies that I could eat before Christmas, I used a thimble as a cutter, and baked them in my mini baking pans. I passed on that tradition to my daughter when she was young, but she had a Tupperware baking set, and it was plastic – rolling pin, two red cookie cutters, and a rolling sheet. I can still visualize that time in the kitchen with my Mother, and later, in my own kitchen with my daughter.

One of the great Christmas memories I have is taking the train from Quakertown to Philadelphia to see the Christmas lights and displays, and to hear the organ play Christmas music at John Wanamaker’s. I was so fascinated by that trip. The hustle and bustle of the city streets were beyond the imagination of this little five year old country girl. My older sister lived in Philadelphia, so she met us at Reading Terminal Station and played tour guide. I had heard adults talk about Broadway in New York City, and I was sure I was there.

A few weeks later we would take the Trolley from Uptown, at Main and Broad Streets,

and spend the day walking up and down Hamilton Street in Allentown looking at all the Christmas sights, getting candy canes from Santa(s), and loving the animated window display at Hess Brothers. Throughout the year we would take the trolley to Allentown, and my Mother would window shop at Hess’s, but she would never go inside the store. Instead, she went to a fabric store a few blocks down the street and purchased material. She was an excellent seamstress, so she would go home, get out her roll of brown paper, cut out a pattern, and make whatever haute-couture she had seen in the window of Hess’s. But, Christmas was special because we went inside the store, and I was captivated by the decorations, the Christmas music, and all of the merchandise.

Everything was so elegant that I thought I must have stepped off the streets of Paris into Galeries Lafayette (not that I knew anything about Galeries Lafayette at that time of my life). I cherish those Christmas excursions that my Mother provided for me during my younger years.

My greatest memory of Christmas is the family gatherings that we had at our home.

My Mother sent Christmas cards, decorated, baked, cooked, played Christmas music on the radio, and sang Christmas carols. But, her main focus was on the reason that we celebrated Christmas. It was the time to remember the birth of the Christ Child, and for that reason, our Christmas extended well beyond December 25th. She said that Jesus was one of the greatest gifts we could ever receive, and that we needed to make it a continuous celebration.

But, for that specified calendar date, we talked, laughed, and (over) ate the smorgasbord of food she had prepared for the day. And it was guaranteed that sometime during that day, among other Christmas carols, we would sing: “Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.”

For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, filled with memories to cherish in years to come.

Jingle Bells – Lyrics by James Lord Pierpont Silent Night – Lyrics by Joseph Mohr

You can contact Jacque at: jacque@ubfp.org

Sellersville Hosts Winterfest The Sellersville Winterfest Committee announces that the borough’s 18th annual holiday celebration, “WINTERFEST 2016,” will be held Tuesday evening, December 6 from 6:30 until 9:00 PM along Main Street in Sellersville.

The evening begins at 6:30 PM with a tree lighting ceremony at the Sellersville Fire House, 2 North Main Street, Sellersville.

Santa Claus will arrive at the fire house by fire truck at the conclusion of the ceremony at 6:45 PM to visit with all the children. Mrs. Claus will also be on hand to visit with children. The Sellersville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be serving free refreshments.

The fire house will host children’s craft activities and various Sellersville businesses and area organizations offering giveaways and refreshments. The fire house will also host musical entertainment all evening provided by Faith Baptist Ministries. From 7:00 PM, there will be free Trolley rides up and down Main

Street to visit various businesses, churches and venues, where additional refreshments and entertainment will take place.

St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 25 East Church Street, will present a live nativity, holiday music and refreshments. St. Michael’s will also be presenting a live theater presentation of “A St. Michael’s Christmas Carol”. The Sellersville Museum will be open previewing its annual Christmas Tree Forest exhibit. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 104 Green Street, will also host their annual live steel band holiday concert. The Sellersville Theater will be open offering free holiday entertainment and refreshments.

Admission is free to all events and trolley rides. However, cash donations and non-perishable foods for trolley rides are requested with all donations to be given to Pennridge FISH food pantry.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

They Stole my Signs!

Again I have a topic that relates to today’s events and my days back in the 1960’s.

(This article was written the evening of November 11th) I have been interested in our local political activities since my return from overseas in 1967.

Ethel Bleam from Upper Richland Township approached me to fill an open slot as Republican Committeeman for our township.

While serving in the Army in Europe in the Protocol Office of the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Army in Europe (USAREUR), I met US Representatives and Senators who were from all over the United States. I naturally took an immense interest in the political process after meeting and having the privilege of talking to these leaders.

It all started on a long walk on May 7th, 1965 when I went to my car to meet the bus in Doylestown to travel to Philadelphia for my last physical and swearing into the Army and the train trip that night to Fort Jackson, S.C. You can imagine the thoughts of a 22-year-old going for basic training at the time when Vietnam was in the headlines turning from “Advisors into and Active Confrontation.” I met the challenge and faced a rigorous Basic Training, living in 8 man tents instead of the usual Army Barracks, as if my life dependant upon it! In reality it did. I then went for another 8 weeks of training as a forward observer for Armored at Ft. Knox, Kentucky after a brief visit to home. I had made acquaintance with Steve Harris from Maryland who was with me in our 8-man tent during basic and who also went to Ft. Knox. He and I would go out to Louisville on weekend passes during Advanced Training.

As it happened Steve went to Korea and I went to Germany when they chose a roster by picking every other name. Steve was in Korea for a short time then transferred to Vietnam.

Steve met a gruesome death! I was fortunate to work for the Commander in Chief of the Army in Europe through some lucky circumstances when I was in transfer at Ft. Dix on my way to my assignment as a Czech. Border Observer at the German Border line. I still was open for transfer at any time to Vietnam because of my Forward Observer training. I still had to live with the thought of “What If” everyday. I endured and was discharged from the Army as a Sp5 (Equivalent to Sergeant). I served my time proudly.

Now to the meat of this article. When I came home and took on the job as Republican Committeeman; I did the job with the same drive that helped me be successful in the Army. Back then Committee People had to

sign applications for people wanting local state jobs. We had to hold caucuses to fill local open political positions as well as meet to approve county and some state political positions. I met many earnest politicians such as Marv. Weidner, Paul Clymer, Craig Staats, Local Township Supervisors, and many U.S. Representatives who I walked door to door in both Richland and later on in Milford Township. where I moved to after marriage. I then filled the vacant Committeeman position with a lovely person (Ruth Moyer) as my fellow (Committeewoman) worker. After over 20 years of service in both Townships I gave up the position due to schooling and work commitments. I always have helped at the poles. I always had “Yard Signs” at my parent’s home in Little California. Then continuing displaying them at the corner of Old Woods Road and Wright Road in the home that my wife and I have shared since 1975! Not only was the display of these signs my “Right” as an American to display—I served my time to my country to have the privilege To Do So! Never did I have any signs disturbed. Never were the signs in the way of visibility to traffic. Never did I keep those signs up after election!

This year during the night or early morning of November 11th—Two of my four signs (Donald Trump and Brian Fitzpatrick) as well as a sign for Donald Trump that I had out at our mountain home (Untouched for 6 weeks in the mountains) were STOLEN! What a shame.

I am almost positive the culprits did not share military service as I did. I am sure that my neighbors who approached me as I met them at the poles while giving information to voters from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM did not change their mind as to who they were going to vote for with these signs missing. What I am sure of is that I feel “Violated” of my rights that I so deserve to have. We had a break in at our home in the mountains this past summer and now this. I feel as violated with this theft as we did with the food and items stolen from our place in Cameron County.

In closing I want to let those responsible know that I served my country for 2 years honorably and I have served my fellow residents offering voter information of both Richland and Milford Township honorably for over years. Your removal of my signs on the eve of election did not change MY VOTE and quite frankly has upset my neighbors regardless of their party affiliation. I certainly pity someone who has to stoop to such petty and cowardly actions as their way to show their political support and patriotism!

Dick Helm is a regular contributor.

He can be reached at dickhelm@ubfp.org

“Christmas can be celebrated in the school room with pine trees, tinsel and reindeers, yet there may be no mention of the man whose birthday is being celebrated.

One wonders how a teacher would answer if a student asked why it was called Christmas.”

- Ronald Reagan

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

#shopsmallquakertown

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

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

Getting Help with Heat November means the start of a program that’s brought cold-weather comfort to millions of people – including some here in Pennsylvania.

You might know it as LIHEAP, though its full formal name is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It’s a federally funded program that helps people pay their electric or other heating bills during the winter months. LIHEAP application season starts at the beginning of November and ends at the beginning of April each year.

You don’t need to have an overdue bill to qualify. You can apply for help online, by mail or in person. And you can get help whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, as long as you meet income eligibility guidelines based on the size of your household.

The winter months can be a stressful time, in between the hassles of cold weather and the pressures of the holidays. A utility bill shouldn’t become another worry.

If you qualify for LIHEAP, or just want to find out more about it, you have several options. You can call the toll-free LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095; contact your county assistance office; or visit pplelectric.com/liheap.

LIHEAP is only one of several programs available to help people in PPL Electric

Utilities’ service territory who may be having trouble paying their electric bills.

Another example is Operation HELP, which offers cash grants for heating bills. Operation HELP is funded by donations from PPL employees, customers and the company, and has helped more than 91,000 families since 1983.

There’s OnTrack, a payment plan program that lowers customers’ bills. We work with agencies throughout our area to offer this service. There’s also the Winter Relief Assistance Program, or WRAP, which offers free home weatherization services that can help you use less energy.

Now is also a good time to consider budget billing, as well. This program averages your energy use over 12 months and charges you a level, predictable amount each month based on that average. This helps reduce seasonal highs and lows in your bill. For more information about these other programs, visit pplelectric.com/billhelp.

If the approach of winter brings on concern about utility costs, please check out these programs. They’re there to help, and they’ve helped many people. They can help your winter be a season of warmth, not a season of worry.

Carol is the Regional Affairs Director for PPL Electric Utilities in Allentown, PA. Reach her at CObando-Derstine@pplweb.com

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

11

Finally Making the Correct Decision There are patients in my practice and many other people I’ve met who have difficulty in making the correct decision with respect to their hearing health care requirements.

Those who make it to my office for a complete audiological evaluation wish to find out the status and etiology of their hearing acuity. That’s a good thing. However, that is where those with an aidable hearing loss cease their pursuit to better hearing.

After an extensive case history of complaints and indicators, along with an evaluation dictating amplification and aural rehabilitation is required now, here are a few of the excuses: • “I need to think about it.” (What is there to think about? Do something!)

• “I need to ask my family (or friend) to see if they think I need hearing aids.” (Why do you need to consult your family or friend? Do they have a doctorate in audiology?)

• “I don’t feel that I need any hearing aids.”

(If that is true, why does everyone need to shout at you in order for you to start to hear?)

• “I hear just fine.” (If your hearing is fine, why did you and your spouse provide an extensive case history of not being able to hear in most all listening situations?)

• “If people spoke up, I wouldn’t need hearing aids.” (Everyone does speak up. You have poor hearing and can’t keep up with any conversation.)

• “I can turn up the television and hear fine.”

(Your neighbors canceled their television provider and now pretend they are listening to the radio. Oh, that’s not the radio. That is you television they are hearing.)

• “Hearing aids cost too much.” (Not as much as having a diminished quality of life because you avoid social situations and general conversation. You spent three weeks in Maui, but you are unable to understand when people speak.)

• “How about if I start with one and if that doesn’t work out, I’ll buy the second aid?”

(Let me get this straight. You will purchase one device when the recommendation is for two since you have a loss in both ears. One is not going to help you. However, you state that you will come back and spend the same amount of money for the second device if the first one doesn’t work for you. I fail to see the logic.)

As for other people I’ve met, they have the same excuses. Then there are those individuals who have been inappropriately fitted elsewhere that can’t be helped:

• “I spent $1,000 in 2012 on this hearing aid from another dealer and haven’t worn it since.

Just clean it up and give me a battery to put in it.” (First of all, you needed two devices and you purchased one. Secondly, the one device you purchased does not have enough power and is the incorrect size; you needed a larger more powerful model. Third, cleaning this aid and putting a new battery in it does not address your hearing difficulty.)

• “I bought these hearing aids for a cheap price since I’m a member of a big box store and I need help because they don’t work for me.” (You focused on price. A salesperson sold you a bill of goods. They were working in the produce stuck department last week.

This salesperson does not have a Doctorate in Audiology, knows nothing about the anatomy & physiology of the auditory and vestibular system, the devices are inappropriate for your loss, you were never provided appropriate counseling and aural rehabilitation, they couldn’t help you because they didn’t know what to do, and the software is proprietary to the store and no one else has access to it. You are stuck.)

The best first step is to see a board certified and licensed private practice audiologist. This professional holds a Doctorate in Audiology.

They have at least eight to ten years of higher learning from a university and thousands & thousands of hours of practical experience in handling patients with hearing loss. They know what is entailed to take a case history, provide you with a complete audiological evaluation, explain the results in layman’s vocabulary, make professional recommendations, properly fit & adjust digital amplification, and customize an effective counseling and aural rehabilitation program with follow up to meet you communication requirements.

As we close out this year, make it a priority to address your hearing concerns once and for all. Schedule an appointment to see a board certified and licensed private practice Doctor of Audiology today!

To all my readers, I wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas in 2016 and a prosperous Happy New Year for 2017!

Dr. Murphy has had a bilateral mild-to-moderate sensor-ineural hearing loss all his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user.

Dr. Murphy has been in practice in Pennsylvania since receiving his Master of Education in Audiology from University of Virginia in the Spring of 1987. Dr. 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.

Tracey Sell Joins QNB Bank As Branch Manager Tracey Sell was recently named Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager at QNB’s Quakertown Commons Office located inside the GIANT Food Store. Tracey is responsible for the efficient, effective management of a full-service supermarket branch office, as well as coaching branch staff, developing new business and retaining and expanding existing relationships.

Tracey has been in banking for 30 years. In her previous role, Tracey served as an Assistant

Branch Manager at First Niagara Bank. She has completed numerous American Bankers Association classes and other banking industry training programs. She has also received several Awards for Top Sales Performer and Excellence in Customer Service.

Tracey lives in Spinnerstown with her family. She remains active in her community where she assists several local veterans clubs with donations and charity events to support our veterans.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

Employment Opportunities

You’ve Got Maids - Hiring commercial nighttime cleaners & daytime residential cleaners. (215) 529-7837 Spor’s General Store – Help Wanted: Waitress/Deli/ Cashier/Lottery. Nights and Weekends. Must be 18 or older. Apply in person. 22 W Broad St, Trumbauersville.

Haly Home Comfort – Now Hiring Fuel Delivery Drivers.

1432 S West End Blvd, Quakertown (215) 536-9235 The Proper Brewing Company – Hiring Line Cooks. E-mail: Kris@theproperbrewing.com or stop by the brewery, 117 W. Broad Street, Quakertown, PA during business hours.

Edible Arrangements - Hiring Seasonal personal skills, attention to detail, must. Call (215) 536-1298 or stop by mation and to apply. 582 S. West End

Help. Good interand reliability a store for inforBlvd, Quakertown

Upper Bucks Free Press - Marketing & Sales Opportunities.

Experience not necessary. Communication skills, reliability, and ability to work independently a must.

Great fit for students, homemakers, and retirees. Email: cjbetz@ubfp.org to inquire.

Physicians Create Regional Force in Pain Management In September, we shared the story of Dr. Gugger, a young physician who recently opened a new practice in Quakertown, the Pennsylvania Pain & Spine Institute. At the time, he was proud to share that his new patient Chip Brewer, of Lansdale, was receiving relief from his pain and returning to some of his cherished activities.

Now, Dr. Gugger is joining forces with two other Ivy League trained physicians, David Qu, M.D., and Robert Kelly, D.O., of Highpoint Pain & Rehabilitation Physicians of Chalfont, PA. Together, the three will now practice under one name which will be the Pennsylvania Pain & Spine Institute.

Owners of Highpoint Pain & Rehabilitation Physicians, Drs. Qu and Kelly met as residents at Harvard Medical School; Dr. Qu subsequently met Dr. Gugger at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania during their specialist training in Pain Management. Together, the three young physicians will form a formidable force in southeastern Pennsylvania where their patients have dubbed them ‘the answer guys’.

When asked why they decided to join forces with Gugger, Dr. Qu says, “I’ve known Doug for several years and I know the high regard leaders in our field have for him at the University of Pennsylvania. He’s an excellent doctor, exactly the type of physician we want to help grow our practice and represent our values. We want to extend the high quality of care that we strive for in Chalfont, and Doug is the perfect physician to carry on our values in Quakertown.

Additionally, the name, Pennsylvania Spine & Pain Institute, better represents the extent of our reach and breadth of our services.”

According to Dr. Qu, “We see patients with complex conditions who have been disappointed with other practice outcomes. We pride ourselves on getting to the root of our patients’ pain conditions. We have been trained in the art of the physical exam as well as industry leading pain therapies and procedures. This allows us to make discoveries that perhaps other physicians have overlooked.”

Dr. Gugger’s patient, Mr. Brewer, confirmed this notion. After years of physical therapy and cortisone injections he was about to give up. “My family doctor kept telling me that it was time to see a pain physician, someone board-certified specifically in the treatment and relief of pain; but I really lost hope that anyone was going to do anything different. I’ve seen

therapists and surgeons, and no one seemed to have any new ideas. What was one more opinion going to do?” he feared.

I’m happy to share that I was wrong! Dr. Gugger knows all of the newest techniques and introduced me to something I’ve never heard of before, a genicular nerve block with X-ray guidance. This procedure has changed my life,” Brewer shared.

Dr. Gugger shares, “Chip had severe knee pain and osteoarthritis that was not responsive to multiple traditional therapies. His condition was complicated by his previous history of trauma. We performed what is known as a genicular nerve block of his left knee. This new, minimally invasive procedure blocked the painful nerve signaling that caused his chronic discomfort. The procedure can also be utilized for those patients still experiencing knee pain after a total knee replacement or for those who aren’t candidates or ready for knee replacement. Chip’s prognosis is excellent and most importantly, he won’t need surgery.”

When asked what makes them different from other pain physicians, Dr. Kelly expresses, “We are board-certified and fellowship-trained specifically in pain medicine with a focus on avoiding surgery and restoring function. We know the newest, minimally invasive procedures for alleviating conditions of the back, neck, knee and hip (among others) that are traditionally treated with surgery. Our goal is get our patients back to their daily activities and to enjoy long-term relief, without the need for surgery.”

Drs. Kelly, Qu and Gugger are all board certified and fellowship trained in Pain Medicine.

Additionally, Dr. Gugger honorably served in the United States Navy for four years and completed a long tour in Afghanistan before returning to civilian medicine. They welcome veterans.

Dr. Gugger sees patients in The Atrium building in Quakertown at 127 S. 5th Street, Suite 180. To make an appointment with Dr. Gugger, please call 215-695-6688. Drs. Kelly and Qu see patients in the Highpoint Medical Building, 700 Horizon Circle, Suite 206, Chalfont, PA 18914. To make an appointment with Dr. Kelly or Dr. Qu, please call 215-395-8888. For additional information or to learn more, please visit the Pennsylvania Pain & Spine Institute online at www.pennpain.com.

BuckyGrams: moose, goat, giraffe, buffalo, antelope, gazelle, mule deer, elk, rhino, cow, gnu, yak Hidden Message: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Box Puzzle: Stand up for America!

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

In the Spirit of Giving The holidays! What a wonderful time of year! In the true holiday spirit, I love to do my part to give back in the holidays (but throughout the year too!). Here are a few ideas of ways that you, or you and your pet,

can give back!

1. Donate blood – yes that’s right! There are blood banks for dogs and cats too, and donations to these banks can and do save lives!!

My favorite local one, is one that is run by the University of Pennsylvania – more info here: https://goo.gl/E2yfQU 2. Foster a pet in need – there are lots of dogs and cats out there sitting in cages this holiday season. It is very easy to get involved either with a shelter, or a rescue group, and they would love to see extra homes in the holiday season – knowing a dog or cat can sleep in a warm bed on Christmas, is such a wonderful feeling! Many shelters even do temporary fostering, so if it’s something you can’t do longterm, even if you can do it for a short time it still has wonderful benefits!

3. Become a therapy dog (or cat) team – therapy pets have amazing healing properties for those in need of some furry love! Whether it be at a nursing home, hospital, or other – there are many studies that prove how effective they are to helping people in these situations.

And getting certified is not as intimidating as it seems! More info here: https://goo.gl/6nJ5pR (and this is just one example!)

4. Take up a collection – whether it is funds, or goodies – blankets, collars, leashes, toys, treats, food – these are all ALWAYS needed by rescue groups and shelters alike! Just reach out to a few local ones, and I’m sure they would welcome the help!

Remember – the spirit of Christmas is about giving back, not just about getting. So this holiday season – do something kind and help us all make this world a better place! Happy Holidays everyone!

Dr. Mehaffey and partner Dr. Jen Heller own and operate the Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be reached at 267-272-9996. They also founded Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.

Harley’s Haven

Meet Quinn!

Our goofy faced Quinn is such a special girl! She is a 1-2 year old boxer/lab mix, and is a doll!! She does great with other dogs, and is playful and outgoing with people. She lives in a foster home with a little boy and they are the best of friends! Quinn is spayed and up to date on vaccines - she is ready to go!

Meet Sarina!

Sarina is a 9 month old dalmatian/terrier mix who is full of life!! She LOVES to play and does awesome with other dogs - she is high energy, and would do best in a home with another

active doggy playmate, or a very active family and home! She is super sweet and snuggly too, and loves nothing more than a good snuggle with a blanket and some love. She does wonderful with other dogs and all people, and is interested in cats, but could easily learn to live with them! She is very trainable and wants to learn - so just needs someone to continue to work with her on her puppy manners! She is spayed, vaccinated, and is also house and crate trained! She would love a family of her very own for the holidays!

If you are looking for a furever friend, give Harley’s Haven a call today at (267) 354-5204.

Are you expecting a new puppy?

These 9 suggestions may help the transition from the breeder or rescue to your home a little easier.

Using some equipment may help to keep your puppy safe but also save your belongings.

1. Choose a crate that comes with a Puppy Panel. You can extend the Puppy Panel as your puppy grows. You’ll only have to buy one crate as your puppy grows.

If the crate is too big, the puppy will likely eliminate in one corner then sleep in the other corner. The crate shouldn’t be so small that he doesn’t have room to sit up or stretch out.

2. It’s very tempting to buy a nice cozy bed, but try to hold off on that for now. A puppy will either pee on it or tear it apart. Of course, you can add some bedding, but use something old like, sheets, T-shirts, or towels.

3. I recommend a wire-panel exercise pen, which can be configured to any size or shape you might need. They can also be used to block doorways to rooms you’d like to keep off-limits. Great for homes with open floor plans.

4. Wee-wee pads maybe a solution for apartment dwellers. Remember it’s very difficult but not impossible to transition a puppy to eliminate outside after they have been trained on a wee-wee pad.

I know it is Christmas time but I must say” Happy Birthday to ME!” It was 13 years ago on Nov 27th that I was born. I didn’t get my forever human mom until late in January. I was very lucky to find the right human the first time around. Some dogs have to live a “ruff” life until they get a forever human. Please think of those loving animals in the local rescues and pounds when you are looking for a forever animal companion. Yes even cats make wonderful pets too. Some people cannot walk a dog or they would rather hear purring and meows rather than a bark. (I can’t understand that last reason.} Also, it is my advice that the dog and human should pick each other rather than be given as a gift. So if you want to give a dog or cat to someone, let them pick it out. You can trick them into seeing which one likes your human friend by taking them along to see the animals but don’t let them know it’s for them.

Don’t forget the older animals either. They are often potty-trained and socialized when they are older. Some may understand human words like ‘sit’ and ‘come.’ Have a Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season.

I am sorry I misspoke last month about the concerts that Valley Choral Society is performing in December. They are selling tickets to these concerts now. It is the concerts in the Spring that will be free. My Bad. Love M.J.

5. A new puppy will chew anything in his path including your shoes, furniture, or molding. Make sure you have plenty of toys to chew instead, and always offer a toy when you catch him chewing on inappropriate items.

6. After puppy-proofing your home, there may still be a few items you can’t just place out of puppy’s reach, like your furniture. Bitter spray can be applied to most household items.

It’s scentless for humans, but tastes nasty to dogs, and keeps their curious mouths away.

7. Ask the breeder or shelter what they are feeding the puppy then have it on hand before you bring him home. This will prevent unnecessary accidents because of diarrhea. Use stainless-steel bowls (steel collects less bacteria than glass or plastic).

8. Even the best-trained puppy will have an accident at some point. Use an enzymatic cleaner! Avoid any cleaner that contains ammonia it smells just like pee to a dog, and dogs love “going” where they’ve “gone” before.

9. Register for puppy classes with a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. January is Train Your Dog Month!

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

14

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

Donald Joseph Shaw, Jr, 50, a great man known for his love of people and humor, died peacefully at his home on October 27, 2016.

Don was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts in 1965, the son of Mildred Arnold Shaw and the late Donald J. Shaw, Sr. In 1999 he married the former Heather Mangan of Bear Creek.

In addition to Heather, his wife, Don is survived by their children Don and Dillon Shaw, both at home.

He is also survived by his mother Mildred Shaw, brothers, Daniel and his wife Betsy Shaw and Douglas Shaw, and a sister, Debra Dowless.

He graduated from Quakertown High School in 1983, and from Wilkes University in 1987 with a Bachelors in Political Science.

He played on both soccer and baseball teams for Wilkes. He is a member of the Quakertown Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Wilkes University Sports Hall of Fame.

Don worked for Whiteman Tower for twenty-four years as VP of Packaging, then Lindenmeyr Munroe as General Manager of Packaging for five years.

Don served as assistant coach for Wilkes University Men’s Soccer for twelve years.

He also served as coach for White Haven Baseball’s T-Ball, Little League, and Majors teams, and as assistant coach for Mountain Top American Legion baseball team.

Don was a force of nature, hard working, and full of integrity. He loved people, his family and friends, and having fun. He especially loved the Boston Red Sox and Patriot teams.

Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, or Saint Jude’s Church Building Fund, 420 S Mountain Blvd, Mountain Top. Memories and condolences may be shared with Don’s family at lifecelebrations.com

~Obituaries~

Glenn L. Haring, 94 of Richland Twp., passed away Thurs. Nov. 10th at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown.

Born in Richland Twp., he was the son of the late Elmer and Alma (Wickert) Haring.

He was the beloved husband of the late Ethel Haring.

He was the father of Debborah (Dennis) Molnar of Green Lane, Dale (Patricia) Haring of Perkasie, and David (Carol) Haring of Richland Twp.; grandfather of Mark, Susan, Christopher, Alicia, Brandon, Jesse and honorary granddaughter Kate; step-grandfather of Mallory, Megan, Fred and Diana; great grandfather of Jenna, Scott, Alexandra, Dylan, Kyle, Molly, Drew and Landon; step-great grandfather of Julian, Delaney, Maya and Jakub; and great great grandfather of Kyle, Jr. He was a Quakertown High School Graduate, class of 1940.

During WWII he served as a Corporal with the 8th Field Artillery Observation BN. From the Beaches of Normandy to the Elbe River, and crossed the Elbe River with the 83rd Div. in April 1945.

His unit was attached to the 29th Div., 30th Div., 78th Div., 2nd Armored Div., and 83rd Div. when they faced heavy enemy artillery fire. His unit’s job was to locate enemy guns.

The 8th field artillery BN received a citation for locating over 7,000 enemy gun locations.

He retired from the Reading Railroad after 40 years of service as a Telegraph Operator and Station Agent.

He served Richland Twp. as a school director from 1951 to 1955 when Richland Elementary and the Quakertown Senior High School were built. He also served as a Twp. Auditor from 1960-1997.

He was a member of the Quakertown American Legion, Quakertown; Masonic Lodge No. 512; Lehigh Consistory; Sons of the American Revolution; and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Quakertown where he served as Sunday School Teacher and Council Member.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers contributions should be made to St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 979, Quakertown, PA 18951.

Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown is handling arrangements. www.janauglefcs.com

Helen M. Millard, 85, of Quakertown, died Wed., Nov. 16th at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. She was the wife of the late John C. Millard, Jr. Born in Perkasie, she was a daughter of the late A. Forrest and Ursula (Krout) Peters.

Helen worked for the former Standard Terry Mills, Inc. in Souderton for many years.

She loved to watch and “coach” the Phillies on TV. Helen was a member of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Souderton and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Telford.

Surviving is her son, Jeffrey L. Millard, husband Bruce Bachart of Pottstown; daughters, JillMarie Rayborn, husband Don of Quakertown and Jeannette Hartzell, husband Michael of Ladson, SC; grandchildren, BillieJo, Jason, StevieLin, Jeffrey, SaVannaMarie, ChristianJ and CheyenneSkye; great-grandchildren, Natasha, A.J., SierraMarie, Devyn, Vincent and Landon; great-great-grandchildren, Sativa, Zoe, Jacob and Alessandra. She was predeceased by a son, John W. Millard; daughters, JudyLynn Millard and JoAnn Wolfe; one brother and five sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sat., Dec. 3rd at Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 69 W. Broad St., Souderton. Calling from 1:00-2:00 PM at the church. Interment to follow in Hillside Cemetery, Souderton.

Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Quakertown in charge of arrangements. www.janauglefcs.com David A. Nause, age 76, of Rio Grande, NJ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. He was born in Northampton, PA, son of Walter Nause and Anne Marie (Auchy) of Dublin, PA and brother of Catherine Ercolino (Nause) of Quakertown, PA, deceased.

He is survived by his wife, Michele M. Nause of Rio Grande, NJ; his daughters, Jennifer L. Nause of Chalfont, PA, Rebecca A. Smoot of Chalfont, PA, Martha Persky-Block of Golden, CO; and his son, William Silcox of Manahawkin, NJ. He is also survived by his sons-in-law, William Smoot of Chalfont, PA and Dr. Geoffrey Block of Golden, CO; his grandchildren, Tyler Gallagher and Connor Gallagher of Chalfont, PA, Zach Persky and Ian Persky of Golden, CO, Justin and Alyssa Smoot of PA, and Natalie and Annie Block of CO; and his beloved and cherished pet, Reba McEntire.

Dave was raised in Quakertown, PA and attended Quakertown Public Schools. He went on to graduate from Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. Dave received his Master’s Degree in Education from Temple University and his Principal’s Certification from Villanova University. Dave received a degree in Sports Medicine and was the first to establish a co-educational program in Athletic Training at the Hatboro-Horsham High School where he was

employed for 37 years.

In his earlier years Dave was a member of the Hatboro Borough Council and rose to be Vice President of said council. Dave was also elected to be a member of the PIAA District One Committee and ran District One Championship Soccer Playoffs. After Dave’s retirement from education, he moved to Southern New Jersey to Rio Grande where he started a property management firm.

Dave was also a licensed Real Estate agent in New Jersey.

Dave greatly enjoyed his peaceful time in his backyard pool which he called “Paradise”.

A Memorial Celebration will be planned for a future date. Donations in Dave’s memory to the Cape May County Animal Shelter, DN 501B, 4 Moore Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 would be appreciated. Condolences at www.radzieta.com Esther H. Haines, 100 of Springfield Township, died November 24, 2016 at the home of her daughter Lorraine Helm. She was the wife of the late William W. Haines, Sr. Born in Richland Township she was the daughter of the late Eli and Alice (Reintzheimer) Appel. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley and a member of the church WELCA group and Prime Timers. Esther also enjoyed all outdoor activities. She is survived by her daughter Lorraine H. Helm (Harold Jr.) and a son David E. Haines (Linda). A daughter in law Georgia Haines, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son William W. Haines, Jr. two sisters and three brothers. Services will be held on Friday December 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2170 Rt. 212 Coopersburg PA 18036. Call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

In Lieu of Flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to the church at the above address.

Rudolph M. Lorenz, Jr., 77, of Coopersburg, died on Nov. 28, 2016 at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. He was the loving husband of Rita M. (Welsh) Lorenz for 55 years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Rudolph M., Sr. and Rose (Fehrenbach) Lorenz.

He was a graduate of Mercy Vocational High School in Philadelphia.

Rudolph was a laborer for various trades, most notably carpentry.

He was a loving father, an Eagle Scout, an avid stamp collector and a history buff who enjoyed working puzzles of all kinds.

Rudolph was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Colesville.

Surviving in addition to his wife are 4 children: Rudolph M. Lorenz, III, wife Deborah, Douglassville; Rose M. Dunn, husband Richard, Sykesville, MD; Ronald M. Lorenz, wife Diane, Richlandtown; Raymond M. Lorenz, wife Jennifer, Lehighton; grandchildren: Jay, Christopher, Chelsea, Ashley, Ryan, Dana, Rachel, Rylee, Grace, Drew and Jack; sister, S. Rosemarie Lorenz, SSJ, Philadelphia; 2 brothers: Robert Lorenz, wife Sheryl, Cadillac, MI and Richard Lorenz, wife Beth, Canyon Lake, TX. He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Lorenz.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 4021 Upper Ridge Rd., Pennsburg, PA 18073 or the American Heart Association, 968 Postal Rd #110, Allentown, PA 18109.

Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown in charge of arrangements.

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

15

Organize Your Home for the Holidays Many homeowners find the holidays to be a difficult time of year. To ensure that your holidays are as enjoyable as possible, be sure to get your home ready to face this festive season. Here are a few tips to prepare your home for the holiday hustle: Create a Master To-Do List Set aside an evening before the start of the holiday season to create a master to-do list.

Next, set deadlines for each task to ensure everything is finished before guests arrive.

De-Clutter and Clean Remove as much clutter as you can before you pull out your holiday décor. After your clutter is safely stowed, create your holiday cleaning regimen. Bring your draperies to the cleaners and have a cleaning pro help with window washing. You can also have your carpets professionally cleaned to enhance your home’s ambiance. A thorough cleaning of your house is a wonderful way to begin the winter season.

Easy Fix-It Projects From fixing running toilets to tightening loose handrails, addressing small household projects can enhance your holiday season.

Hiring a handyman is the easiest way to handle multiple small household repairs at once, and give you time to tackle other home organizing projects.

Holiday Kitchen An organized kitchen is key to successfully hosting holiday celebrations. Part of an organized kitchen means having all of your holiday cooking items at the ready. Check to ensure that items like pans, meat thermometers, baking trays and carving knives are easy to access.

Line Up a Catering Service Have your holiday parties and gatherings catered if you’re not a fan of cooking. From

deli trays to full-blown holiday feasts, you can relax while someone else does the cooking for you. Additionally, having more free time will allow you to focus on special touches or the things you love to spend time on, like trimming your holiday tree.

Wrap Station When the majority of your gifts are wrapped ahead of time, you can reduce some of that holiday stress that sneaks up when you have last-minute things to do. To make the process more efficient, you can create a wrap station that includes all of your rolls of wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, tape, scissors and gift tags.

When these items are all in one place, you will have an easier time wrapping presents.

Hire a Decorating Stylist If you’re too busy to decorate this holiday season or simply want a fresh eye to approach your décor, consider hiring a holiday decorator to tackle your indoor décor and a contractor to manage outdoor décor concerns like light hanging and wreath-hanging. A professional designer and contractor may become booked up quickly, so be sure to reserve their time as soon as possible.

When your home is organized and you have a detailed holiday plan, you are poised to enjoy a less-stressed holiday season. These tips may require some advance work, but they’re designed to make your holidays flow smoothly so that you and your family can enjoy them to the fullest.

Sue Deily has been a Realtor® for 31 years, resides in the Upper Bucks Area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties. Sue has been featured in Bucks County Real Estate Trendsetters. Sue is happy to answer your real estate questions and can be reached at suesellshouses@gmail.com and at

215-872-9865.

Freeman Appointed to National Community Bankers Council

The American Bankers Association has selected David W. Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of QNB Bank, to serve on ABA’s Community Bankers Council. Freeman attended the ABA Community Bankers Council meeting in Washington, October 3-5.

During this meeting, bankers talked at length about the current challenges facing community banks across the country, including recent regulations, pending legislation and fintech innovations.

David Wasserman, House Editor for The Cook Political Report, was one of the featured speakers at the meeting.

“Community banks play such an important role in our banking industry,” Freeman said. “This appointment gives me the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania and advocate for the continued success of America’s hometown banks.”

The ABA Community Bankers Council, which meets twice a year, is made up of approximately 100 bankers from institutions with generally less than $3 billion in assets. Members are appointed by the ABA chairman.

Mr. Freeman has served as QNB Bank’s President since September 2010. His banking career spans over three decades and includes experience in executive and management positions in various sized financial institutions. As an active leader in the community, Freeman serves on several non-profit boards in the Bank’s market area including: Boy Scouts Minsi Trails Council, Bucks County Symphony, Rotary Club of Quakertown, St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital, Upper Bucks YMCA and Union Cemetery of Quakertown.

16

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

VFW Post 11322 December Update

The Holidays Are Coming – Give a Book!

As I’m sure you know, the holidays are fast approaching. The gift of a great book is one that will be appreciated and will last.

I am here with some book gift suggestions!

For the youngest in your family, board books are probably still best.

Make sure to get board books with sturdy pages that can easily be wiped clean.

Press Here by Hervé Tullet is an interactive book, where you “change” the page by following the instructions, and then flipping the page.

The dots change colors, move around, and can seem like an electronic game, while still being off-screen.

The Peek-a series by Nina Laden, including titles such as Peek-aBoo! and Peek-a-Who?, is a good series because it involves using visual and textual clues to make guesses, furthering reasoning skills, and all that while having a fun time guessing!

Of course, if they do not have classics such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, those books are must haves!

For kids 4-6 years old, picture books are a good gift. There are so many great picture books out there. I love how they can teach lessons without kids knowing they are learning.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae is a good example of this. Gerald the giraffe loves to dance, but finds it hard due to him being a giraffe. Then, an encouraging word from a friend helps him accomplish his dream.

It teaches that you shouldn’t give up on your dreams, no matter what they are.

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle is in the Little Blue Truck series. This book talks about Little Blue Truck delivering Christmas trees to his friends.

Anything by Sandra Boynton is good for both of these age groups. Her books are funny, and great for read-alouds. Boynton’s books are what got me reading at an early age.

For older readers, 7-9, chapter books are better suited. Chapter books are generally short, (about 100-300 pages) and keep a young

reader’s interest.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

by J.K. Rowling is sure to be a hit, seeing as the movie was just released. Kids will like comparing the book to the movie.

This age is a great time to introduce kids to non-fiction reading. There are many choices out there. I suggest trying Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton. It shows places in the world you may not know of. The book has a great sense of adventure.

For a classic, you could go for the Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner.

These are great books, and kids will love reading these books. This would be a nice family book club read, where everyone reads the same book and then discusses it.

Middle-grade literature is my favorite genre.

Authors have to really stretch to make a compelling, exciting, often very tense story that deals with real-life problems. They have to do all that while still writing age-appropriate. It forces authors to be more creative and, in my opinion, write better stories than some young-adult books.

For fans of the Percy Jackson series - try the Magnus Chase books! Rick Riordan recently came out with the second book in this series, The Hammer of Thor. The stories follow Magnus Chase, cousin of Annabeth Chase (a character from the Percy Jackson series), as he is trying to save the world from evil straight out of the Norse myths and legends.

The Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans is quite popular, with the latest being Fall of Hades (book 6). The series follow teens with super powers trying to save the world.

There is a lot of action, and morality questions for the readers.

A modern classic, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, describes the story of a boy who is physically disfigured, and his time in a public school. It is a really meaningful story, and kids will benefit from reading about the different viewpoints.

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

UBYMCA Tae Kwon Do Students Score Big Nine students from the Upper Bucks YMCA Tae Kwon Do School recently participated in the Southern End Martial Arts Tournament in Quarryville, PA under the guidance and direction of Head Instructor Master Ross Mountz.

The Y Tae Kwon Do School participants made an outstanding showing and walked away with a total of 22 awards. The awards earned were three - 1st place awards, six - 2nd place awards, eight - 3rd place awards, four - 4th place awards and one – 5th place award in four different divisions — Poomse (Forms), Breaking, 5-Point Sparring and Weapons.

“This was an exciting time for our students,” Master Mountz stated, “and I am very proud of each and every participant.”

Individual student awards include: Mason Horner, age 6 and currently a Yellow Belt, earned a 2nd place in 5-point Sparring, a 2nd place in Forms and a 3rd place in Breaking.

Wilson Martinez, age 8 and currently a Purple Belt, earned a 1st place in 5-Point Sparring and a 3rd place in Forms. Bobby Jones, age 8 and currently a High Yellow Belt, earned a 5th place in 5-Point Sparring.

Luke Luna, age 11 and currently a Blue Belt, earned a 3rd place in Weapons. Richard

Strader, age 10 and currently a Green Belt, earned a 2nd place in 5-Point Sparring, a 4th place in Breaking and a 4th place in Forms.

Gage Grym, age 10 and currently a Red Belt, earned a 2nd place in 5-Point Sparring, a 3rd place in Forms, a 4th place in Breaking and a 4th place in Weapons. Aspyn Braun, age 11 and currently a High Red Belt, earned a 1st place in 5-Point Sparring, a 2nd place in Weapons, a 3rd place in Forms. Josephyne Strader, age 14 and currently a Green Belt, earned a 1st place in Breaking, a 3rd place in 5-point Sparring and a 3rd place in Forms.

Anne Marie Strader, age 15 and currently a Green Belt, earned a 2nd place in 5-Point Sparring and a 3rd place in Forms.

Master Mountz says, “Anyone can learn Tae Kwon Do. It is a fun, exciting and rewarding way to channel energy, develop discipline, become more physically fit and promote the core tenets of Tae Kwon Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit”.

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.

BY COMMANDER PAUL GERHART The year 2016 is almost gone. With support of the community John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 was able to help support Veterans and their families. During the year the post was able to help support over 50 Veterans and their families. Over the holidays we were able support them with food. Thank you to those that donated to our food and hygiene collection in November. For those that are interested in supporting Veterans and their families over Christmas please call 267-9924973 or 215-529-0500 and please leave a message.

In December members from the post will be visiting the nursing homes and delivering some holiday cheer to the Veterans. The post is always looking for people to make lap blankets that we deliver to the veterans. Thank you to those organizations that were able to support this so far. Something we offer for the Holidays is Christmas ornaments in Memory or Honor of Veterans. Please check the paper for the ad. Thank you to those Business and individuals that have sponsored one so far.

To highlight some of things that John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 did in 2016 with the community was. We were involved in both the Memorial Day Parade and the Hallowed Parade. In May we held a program called Remembrance Day so people could reflect on loved ones that passed away. In September we had our very first 911 program to recognize those that passed away on that horrific day 15 years ago. With the support of our newsletter sponsors the post was able to get information out to the post members about any changes that was going on pertinent to the post.

On December 6 at 1:30 PM there will be a special presentation on the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. This program will be at the Pine Run Community Center on Ferry Road in Doylestown. At our December Christmas Gathering we will be announcing which students won the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essays. Congratulations to those who won.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Members of the Quakertown Girls Soccer Team recently supported the VFW by collecting donations. submitted photo

Habitat for Humanity Dedicates 102nd New Home in Bucks County Volunteers, friends, family, and new neighbors gathered Saturday at 35 Harrison Avenue in Morrisville for the dedication of the newest Habitat for Humanity home -- the 102nd Habitat home built in Bucks County.

New homeowners Iryna her husband Petro immigrated to the U.S. several years ago, seeking refuge from the war-torn Ukraine.

Through Habitat’s Homeownership Program, they’ve found a caring community where they can raise their one year-old son, Daniel, and achieve the dream of homeownership.

The family moves to their new home in Morrisville from a one-bedroom apartment in Warminster. With the savings they will experience with their lower mortgage (compared with their high rent), Petro will attend school in order to regain the electrical engineering credentials he obtained in the Ukraine, which are not accepted in the United States. He has been working as a truck driver to make ends meet.

Since breaking ground, volunteers have contributed over 1,100 hours and over 100 businesses, organizations, faith groups and schools partnered together to build Iryna and Petro’s new home, including Holy Family University, Penn Color, Parx Casino, Bucks County Foundation, KeyBank, BB&T, Penn Community Bank and others.

“Our home ownership program is a hand up, not a hand out,” explains Florence Kawoczka, Executive Director, Habitat Bucks. ”Habitat families invest a minimum of 200 hours of sweat equity in their homes and pay taxes on the full value of the home.”

During the building process, Iryna and Petro’s Morrisville neighbors offered morning greetings, supplied water to the crew, and donated tools. Neighbors were also in attendance at the dedication ceremony to welcome the their new community members. Procter &

Gamble donated welcome gifts and St. Peters Lutheran Church Quilters of Hilltown presented the family with personalized handmade quilts by Quilts for Kids. The Invocation and house blessing was offered by Deacon Robert Skawinski of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church in Yardley.

“Our new home is a palace and we are grateful for everyone who helped make our dream a reality,” said Iryna.

The nonprofit Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to provide affordable housing opportunities for low-incoming individuals and families to increase their independence and well-being through affordable home ownership.

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

17

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

Think Local.

Buy Local.

Be Local.

Where Can I Get my UBFP?

Bright lights Candles Candy cane Caroling Celebration Cookies Decorated tree Elves

Evergreen Holiday Holly Mistletoe Nativity Naughty Nice

Poinsettia Presents Red nose Reindeer Santa Sleigh Snow Stocking

Sugarplum Tinsel Toys Winter solstice Wish list Wreath Yule log

QUAKERTOWN A-Plus Mini Market Borough Hall Beer City Caitlyn & Cody’s Diner Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Dairy Queen Dominick’s Pizza Edible Arrangements First UCC Church Friendly Book Store Giant Markets (309/313) Grocery Outlet The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Independence Court James Michener Library JoAnne’s Frame Shop John’s Plain & Fancy Let’s Steep (Q-Mart) Liberty Thrift Store McCoole’s Red Lion Inn Moyer’s Shoes Penn Community Bank Pep Boys Service Center Quality Inn & Suites Q’town Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Quakertown Alive!

Quakertown Farmers Mkt Redner’s Market

Rep. Craig Staats’ office Sal’s Pizza Randa Sellersville Auction Sine’s 5 & 10 St. Luke’s Bone & Joint St. Luke’s Hospital Spring Hill Suites Swann’s Pantry The Souper Bowl (Q-Mart) Top Star Express Upper Bucks Senior Center Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Christ Lutheran Church Fino’s La Cantina Spor’s General Store RICHLANDTOWN Seven-Eleven Penn Community Bank Phoebe Meadow Glen SPINNERSTOWN Spinnerstown Hotel E J’s Barber Shop PLEASANT VALLEY Country Kitchen SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner

PERKASIE Dam Good Cafe Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Olde Towne Convenience Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank TELFORD Indian Valley Library Landis Food Markets SOUDERTON Care & Share Shoppes SILVERDALE Green Street Barber Shop DOYLESTOWN Main Street Book Store DUBLIN QNB Bank Shop ‘N Bag OTTSVILLE NAPA of Ottsville Wehrung’s COOPERSBURG Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Market Last Chance Ranch Store SPRINGTOWN Reflections Hair Studio Village Center Automotive

18

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2016

QNB Bank Unveils 2017 Collector Calendar

Another New Year is just around the corner and with that comes the annual QNB Student Art Collector Calendar. Like years past, an art contest was held, open to high school students from surrounding districts. This year’s contest

received a total of 54 entries from 6 different schools. The 2017 “Transportation Through The Years” Calendar is available now at all QNB Bank locations. Stop in and pick one up for free while supplies last!

Visit the Quakertown Farmers Market this weekend!

New Disposal Options for Expired and Unwanted Medicines Pennsylvanians have more options to dis- facilities incinerating the pharmaceuticals to

pose of unwanted and expired medicines and pharmaceutical drugs thanks to enactment of HB 1737, part of the opioid epidemic package of bills.

The law allows pharmaceuticals delivered to collection events to be incinerated at permitted facilities, instead of solely being disposed of as hazardous waste, and allows collection events conducted by law enforcement, medical facilities, pharmacies, and resource recovery

be exempt from registering with DEP prior to commencing operations.

The Department encourages organizations hosting collection events to contact Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol or the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for help in publicizing the events and for guidance on disposal options.

For more information on prescription drug disposal please visit https://goo.gl/buKC7s.

‘Rosie the Riveter’ Addresses Veterans, Students

Bucks County’s real-life ‘Rosie the Riveter’ Mae Krier (center) was one of many to address students and veterans at a Veteran’s Day program held at Strayer Middle School. Past state representative Paul Clymer (left) and current representative Craig Staats (right) applaud Mae for her presentation and work during WWII. photo by christopher betz

December 2016 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Honda 2016 Civic Sedan

Honda’s 2016 Civic is the most striking, stylish and sexy looking sedan in its history.

Chiseled, angular, aggressive lines form a breath of fresh air for this top selling (and most stolen) front drive sedan.

This 10th generation Civic is built on an all new and lighter but stiffer chassis for better handling than any Civic of old. It’s also better riding since it is 0.8 inches lower, 1.8 wider and 3 inches longer.

Offered in LX, EX, EX-T, EX-L and top-line Touring that was tested, thereÕs also a coupe version, a 5-door hatchback, sporty Civic Si and high-performance Type R forthcoming.

The new Civic has two new engine choices.

The base engine is a 2.0L, 158-hp (138 lb/ft of torque) inline four cylinder, and a 1.5L, 174hp (162 lb/ft of torque) inline four with single scroll turbocharger that boasts a hot compression ratio of 10.6:1. The latter provides best in class performance and fuel economy and has been independently tested at 6.7 seconds for 0-60 mph. Its EPA fuel economy estimates are in the hybrid area of 31 city, 42-highway mpg with a CVT transmission. As such, there’s no want for power which is applied linearly (thanks to the CVT) after a slight touch of turbo lag. A traditional transmission would improve performance, but not fuel economy. Honda also did a great job on the interior. A blend of quality plastics, leather and snappy design says it all. A 7-inch touchscreen serves GPS nav, rearview camera, audio, apps including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, HondaLink and optional LaneWatch that shows a view of the passenger side rear view when activating the right turn signal. This in itself is a great safety aid when merging back into a lane or making a right turn when another car sneaks into your blind spot with the same intent. The display takes on the appearance of an iPad with similar operation. For audio volume there’s a touch slider control on the screen and one on the steering wheel that can be operated with the left thumb. But finding a radio station requires constant tapping. The console now has three push button settings for the seat heaters of low, medium and high, whereas earlier models only had low and high. An Econ button improves fuel economy by adjusting the performance of

the engine, CVT, climate control and cruise control. With that there’s an Ambient Meter on the gauge cluster that changes color based on your driving style. Green is most efficient, light green represents moderate acceleration/ deceleration and white means youÕre driving aggressively. Aside from a myriad of airbags, the test car came with forward braking system (that is overly sensitive) and lane departure warning. There was also a Brake Hold that maintains rear brake hold when starting off on hills. It holds the car after letting off the brake pedal and releases when pressing the accelerator. And under the console, there’s a flat tray to stow a purse or other small items. A good use of dead space. Front seats are comfy and supportive and the back seat is rated for three but mainly youngster size. Ingress/egress is made easy with wide opening rear doors. Back in the 14.7 cubic foot trunk, two large rolla-long luggages can be stowed. When pulling two handles in the trunk, the rear seatbacks flip

down to accommodate two golf bags or lengthy items. Overall, the new Civic rides quietly, smoothly and with staunch stability. It’s agile and parks easily. On the highway it feels like a much larger sedan as the steering tightens yet softens for city maneuvers. Price wise, the test car started at $26,500 with a long list of standard features. The only added cost was $835 for delivery that brought the bottom line to $27,335. So equipped, the new Civic has the best driving dynamics in its segment. It’s also the best Civic ever.

Nick Hromiak is an automotive enthusiast and freelance writer. We look forward to bringing you his new column each month.

He can be reached at nhromiak@verizon.net.

Classic Staffing Donates 100 Turkeys to Community

Classic Staffing on Broad Street in Downtown Quakertown held its annual Thanksgiving Turkey giveaway Monday, November 21. 100 turkeys were provided directly to families as well as to support groups for distribution which include: St. Isidore’s Food Pantry, Church of the Brethren, Bucks County Opportunity Council, the VFW and Morningstar Church. Lisa Green (far right) and daughter Ashley Spangenberg of Quakertown Cares, coordinated the event with food being provided by Bob Zirinsky (left), owner of Classic Staffing. photo by christopher betz

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