Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

December 1

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival 6pm-8pm, downtown Quakertown. Carolers, treats, live nativity, vendors. Santa arrives by Firetruck 7pm. Quakertownalive.com (visit UBFP table for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from a local business) Richlandtown Boro Annual Tree Lighting 6:30pm at Walnut St by the Water Tower.

Camp fires start at 6:30pm, tree lighting 7pm, Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck.

December 1 & 2

“Finding Santa”w/North Pennsmen Barbershop Chorus (Fri 7:30pm) (Sat 2pm) at Pennridge HS, 1228 N 5th St, Perkasie. Tkts/ door $18/adults, $15/seniors & students. Age 12 & under free w/adult. NorthPennsmen.org or 215-393-1940 2017 Christmas Craft Show (Fri 4pm-8pm) (Sat 9am-4pm)at Quakertown Train Station, 15 Front St. Handmade crafts by local artisans, Meyers famous apple dumplings, yearly raffle.

Model Train Display 12noon-8pm both days.

Free, donations welcome. Perkasie Model RR Club, 120 N 7th St. Info: Doug 215-257-7075

December 1, 2, 3

Kringle Christmas Shoppe (Fri/Sat 10am-6pm) (Sun 10am-4pm) Haycock Twp Community Ctr, 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. Free, 40+ participants/artisans. Food avail., live music, raffle baskets.

Haycockhistoricalsociety.org Perkasie Model Train Display 12noon-8pm both days. Free, donations welcome. Perkasie Model RR Club, 120 N 7th St, Perkasie.

Details: 215-257-7075

December 2

Gingerbread Craft Show 9am-2pm at Church of the Holy Spirit, 2871 Barndt Rd, Harleysville. Crafts, baked goods, raffle baskets, gingerbread houses. Info: churchoftheholyspirit.us Souderton Holiday Parade 11am. Info: stmainst.org Flea Mkt/Bake Sale 8am-2pm at UB Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. Kitchen open for breakfast & lunch. Upperbucksac.org Pictures w/Santa (9am-12noon) & (1pm3pm) at Milford Twp Fire Co, 2185 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. Info: mtfd5775.com Holiday Bazaar 9am-3pm at Christ Lutheran, 69 Main St, Hellertown. Pastries, lunch, soup also available.

Holiday Shopping 10am-2pm at The Proper, 117 W Broad St, Quakertown. Lunch available. 10% of table space rented supports local Animal Rescue. Info: text 484-300-9551 Reading Goes to the Dogs 2pm-3:30pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St. Children of all ages invited to read to certified therapy dogs. Info: 215-536-3306 Holiday Bake Sale/Bazaar 9am-2pm at Trumbauersville Fire Co. 142 N Main St. Raffles, lite refreshmts for purchase. Info: bucks58fire.com “The Nutcracker” by Miss Cindy’s School of Dance, 1pm & 6pm at Palisades HS. Call now for reserved seating at 215-536-6755.

Christmas at the Y, 10am-12noon, Santa, Little Shopper’s Shop, Make & Take Craft.

Free event. UBYMCA, 401 Fairview, Quakertown, 215-536-ymca Perkasie Historical Soc. Museum, 513 W Walnut St, open 4pm-8pm featuring trains/ trolleys. Carousel open 12noon-5pm w/free rides, hot chocolate & visit from Mr/Mrs Santa Claus. Info: perkasiehistory.org Jerry Blavat 6pm-12midnight at Tylersport Firehouse. Tkts $30/pp. Info: auxiliary@tylersportfireco.com or 215-257-5900 x85 “Christmas in Quakertown” Concert. Music begins 7pm at First UCC, 151 S Fourth St, Quakertown. Featuring Festival Choir, Quakertown Band, Bell Choir, more. Free-will offering, 215-536-4447 or firstucc.net Trumbauersville Winterfest 6pm-8pm at Veterans Park Pavilion, 140 Woodview Dr (behind UCC Church). Bon Fire, warm drinks, snacks. Free event. Hats, scarves,

mittens, gloves donations accepted for “Spread the Warmth Tree” Perkasie Holiday Tree Lighting 5pm-8pm.

Info: PerkasieBorough.org Souderton Tree Lighting 6pm. Live music, shopping, Santa, free crafts/gifts for kids in the hollow. Info: stmainst.org All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner 3:30pm7pm or sold out at Zion Lutheran Fellowship Hall, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill. $9/adults, $5/ages 5-12, free 4 & under. Take out available. Info: 215-538-7911 day of.

December 2 & 3

“Storybook Christmas” Minsi Trail Flower Club’s Open House (Sat 9am-3pm) (Sun 12noon-3pm) at Passer Commun. Ctr, 2580 Richlandtown Pike, Coopersburg. Crafts, bakes goods, kiffles. Lunch avail. Sat only.

Info: 610-346-9419

December 3

Springtown Firehouse Breakfast 8am12:30pm, Adults/$7.50, Kids 5-8/$4.50, under age 4/free. Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212.

Breakfast 8am-12noon at Sellersville American Legion Aux, 75 N Main St. $5/ age 5+, $2/ages 3-5, Free/ages 0-2. Info: 215-257-9801 Christmas Workshop 3pm-6:30pm Fellowship Hall of First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown. 12+ craft tables, silent auction. Free workshop & dinner following, but a free will offering will be accepted.

Holiday Vendor/Craft Show 11am-3pm at Pennridge Animal Hospital, 1419 Ridge Rd, Perkasie. Bake sale, raffle baskets, refreshments. Info: HarleysHavenDogRescue.com 2nd Annual Holiday Basket Bingo at Sellersville Fire House, 2 N Main St. (open 11:30, games 1pm) Tkts: $20/adv, $25/door if avail. All entering must have tkt. Order: sfdbasketbingo@yahoo.com or leave message at 215-257-4028 x58 Live Nativity 3pm-5pm at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran, 733 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Info: jelchurch.com Quakertown Community HS Varsity Singers perform 7pm at Quakertown First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd, Qtown.

Handicap accessible.

Christmastime Community Hymn Sing 6pm at Saucon Church, 6639 Main St, Coopersburg.

All welcome, stay for refreshments.

“Morning Star” Christmas Cantata by Jos. Martin. Musical prelude begins 7pm at St. John’s UCC, corner of Rte 212 & Main St, Richlandtown. 215-538-0875 (snow date Dec 17) Souderton Alumni Men’s Chorus performs Christmas Concert directed by Jon Leight.

7:30pm at Zwingli UCC, 350 Wile Ave. Free will offering collected, a reception will follow the concert.

December 4

“The Normal Heart” (AIDS crisis) Free movie, Q&A following. 6:30pm at Zlock Performing Arts Ctr, BC Community College, 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown. Audio-loop tech. for hearing impaired. Info: bucks.edu/live, 215-968-8087

December 5

Holly Jolly Holiday Party 4pm-8pm at McDonald’s Indoor Playground, Quakertown.

Free. Crafts, games, Santa. Info: 267-776HOPE or LilysHopeFoundation.org

December 6

“Home For The Holidays” American Music Theater Christmas Show in Lancaster. (smorgasbord meal w/unlimited food), Call Pennridge Community Ctr for trip info: 215-453-7028/7027.

Family Christmas Party 5:30pm-7:30pm at Trinity UCC, 1990 Rte 212,, Pleasant Valley.

Crafts & lots of food. Free, but please RSVP

by Dec 4 to help with our planning at trinityucc212@gmail.com or 610-216-7185.

34th Annual Festival of Lights, 7pm at Grand View Hosp. Main Lobby. Info: 215-453-4381

December 7

‘Black, Brown & Teddy Bears’ Nature Program 1pm-2:15pm (for 3-6 yrs w/adult) Kids invited to bring own teddy bear along.

Conservancy’s Brownstone Barn, Rte 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Pre-regis. w/ paymt required. 610-287-9383

December 8

Telford Tree Lighting 7pm. Live music, free cookies, cocoa, coffee, crafts for kids & photos w/Santa. Info: stmainst.org

December 9

Breakfast w/Santa (8, 9, 10am seatings) at Grand View Hosp. Cafeteria in Sellersville. ($3.50/ages 2-12) ($5.50/adults). Kids’ price incl. photo w/Santa, face painting & goody bag. Reservations required at 215-453-4084.

Advent Breakfast 9am at DeSales University. $25/tkt incl. buffet, inspirational message, & sing-along Christmas music. Tkts: Joyce 215718-6788 or email jodee6213@vwerizon.net “Cookie Walk” 9am-2pm at Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Ctr, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville.

Lottery winners will be drawn. Light lunch available. 610-847-8178 Christmas Cookie Sale 9am till sold out at Sine’s 5&10, 236 W Broad St, Quakertown.

Santa arrives by train 10am at Quakertown Train Station, 15 Front St. Pictures w/Santa from 10am-1pm. Food available.

QMPO Annual Holiday Craft Fair 9am3pm at Quakertown 6th Grade Ctr, 349 South 9th St. Over 30 crafters. Music all day, raffles, food. Performances by QCSD Bands & Choirs. craftfair@qmpo.org Christmas Carnival 11:30am-2pm at Quakertown United Methodist, 1875 Freier Rd. Free games/prizes for all ages. Lunch provided. Info: Sharon 215-529-6547 1st Army-Navy Game Party at American Legion Post 210 from 2pm-7pm (kick-off 3pm), 315 North St, Doylestown. All veterans welcome! Soft drinks & snacks available.

BYOB “Tool Shed” musical entertainment 12noon2pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. 214-536-4115 Christmas Family Fun 1pm-4pm at St. John’s Lutheran of Spinnerstown, 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd (GPS Quakertown) Make crafts, shop “Little Shoppers”, light refreshmts. Free admission, info: 215-536-0734, stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Live Nativity 6pm-8pm at Quakertown Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd, Qtown. Then come inside to our Chapel for hot chocolate & yummy goodies.

Holiday Gathering 5:30pm-8:30pm,Dublin Fire House. Tree lighting, free rides/hot chocolate/cookies, live nativity, petting zoo. Bring camera for Santa & other characters. Donate toy/non-perishable food. DiscoverDublin.org (r/d Dec 10, 5:30pm) Charlie Zahm Concert (Scottish/Irish Songs of the Season) 7pm at Solomon’s UCC, 2990 Bedminster Rd (Rte 113) Perkasie. No admission, free-will offering. Refreshmts during intermission. Directions: solomonsucc.org Souderton Holiday Tree Lighting 7pm. Info: STMainSt.org Christmas Dance w/DJ Johnny K, 7pm11pm at Sellersville American Legion, 75 N Main St. Donation $5. Info: 215-257-9801

December 10

Christmas Puppet Show for All Ages, 3pm A “Venty” Merry Puppet & Story Christmas.

Cookies, hot chocolate & carols at St. John’s Lutheran Richlandtown, 4 S Main St. 215-5365027, stjohnsrpa.org “Songs for the Season of Light” Concert

by Valley Choral Society, 4pm at Trinity Lutheran, 19 S 5th St, Perkasie. Free-will offering. 215-257-6801 Vendor Bingo/raffles, 12noon-4:30pm, Tylersport Fire House, 125 Ridge Rd, Tylersport. $5/adm. (mention “Charity” so Sellersville Fire Dept benefits). Pay as you go w/ea vendor, $1/board, $2/3 boards. No adv. tkts, avail. at door only.

“Morning Star” Christmas Cantata by Jos.

Martin. Musical prelude begins 7pm at St. John’s UCC, corner of Rte 212 & Main St, Richlandtown. 215-538-0875 (snow date Dec 17) U.B.E. Fire Co Breakfast 7:30am-12noon. $8/adults, $4/ages 5-10, free under 5.

Reorders/$3, To go/$9. Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Lane. 610-982-5710, ubefire.com K of C Santa Pancake Breakfast 8:30am10:30am at St. Agnes Chuirch, 445 N Main St, Sellersville. $7/adults, $3/ages 7-12, free/ ages 1-6. $20/family of four.

December 15 Holiday Dance 6pm-11pm at Pennridge Community Senior Ctr, Rts 113 & 152, Silverdale. Music by DJ Wiley’s Record Mania. $12/pp, snacks provided. All welcome, 215-453-7027

December 16 Holiday Vendor/Craft charity event for Lily’s Hope Fdn at Walden’s Music & Gifts, Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. 214-536-4115. Also gift basket raffles.

“A.C. Mitchell” musical entertainment 11am-2pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. 214-536-4115 “Old-Fashioned Christmas” Concert & Caroling begins 3:40pm at Perkasie Mennonite/ Patchwork Coffeehouse, 320 W Chestnut St. Free-will offering, donations of non-perishable food welcome. Details: PerkMenno.net or 215-257-3117 Storytime w/Santa “Twas the Night Before Christmas” 3pm around the tree, cookies following. Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. 214-536-4115

December 17 Buffet Breakfast w/Santa 8am-12:30pm at Benner Hall, Cherry St, Richlandtown. $7.50/ adults, $4/ages 6-12, under 6 free.

“Boothwyn Brass” musical entertainment 2pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. 214-536-4115

December 19 Pennridge C of C Business BEFORE Hours Event, 7:30am-9:30am at Calvary Church, 820 PA-113, Souderton. RSVP at 215-257-5390 or pennridgecc@pennridge.com

December 21 –

Winter begins ‘Animals of the North & South Poles’ Nature Program 1pm-2:15pm (for ages 3-6 w/ adult) Conservancy’s Brownstone Barn, Rte 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Pre-regis. w/ paymt required. 610-287-9383.

December 23 “Country Jades” musical entertainment 11am-1pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. 214-536-4115

December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7pm at Quakertown Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd, Qtown. Come celebrate with us. All are welcome. Handicap accessible.

December 25 – December 31 –

Christmas Day

New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve Party at Pennridge Community Senior Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. Appetizers/dinner begins 7:30pm.

Dance 9pm-12:15am w/Gary Dee. BYOB, $45/pp. Reserve by Dec 18 w/$10 deposit.

Call 215-453-7027

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Holiday Hazards for Pets The holidays are a wonderful time of year…the food, the decorations, the parties…so much fun!! BUT – with all that fun, come some hazards for our fourlegged companions! Here are a few hazards to keep in mind with all of your Christmas festivities!

• Christmas trees can tip over if pets climb on them or try to play with the lights and ornaments. Consider tying your tree to the ceiling or a doorframe using fishing line to secure it if you have an inquisitive pet!

• Water additives for Christmas trees can be hazardous to your pets. Do not add aspirin, sugar, or anything to the water for your tree if you have pets in the house.

• Ornaments can cause hazards for pets.

Broken ornaments can cause injuries, and ingested ornaments can cause intestinal blockage or even toxicity. Keep any homemade ornaments, particularly those made from salt-dough or other food-based materials, out of reach of pets, and clean up any breaks right away!

• Tinsel and other holiday decorations also can be tempting for pets to eat. Consuming them can cause intestinal blockages, sometimes

requiring surgery. Keep the shiny stuff away from the bottom of the tree!

• Electric lights can cause burns when a curious pet chews the cords, or even worse electrocution injuries. Make sure you supervise your pet around the tree, and unplug lights when you aren’t home.

• Flowers and festive plants can result in an emergency veterinary visit if your pet gets hold of them. Amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, poinsettias, and holly are among the common holiday plants that can be dangerous and even poisonous to pets who decide to eat them. The ASPCA offers lists of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats – this is a great resource to check out additional plants to look out for!

• Candles are attractive to pets as well as people. Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle; it could result in a fire, or burns!

Remember to give your pets a little extra love this holiday season too – Happy Holidays to all!

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 Nina!

Nina is a 2-3 year old pitty/lab mix who loves to snuggle! Nina does great with other dogs, and loves her foster family - she enjoys playing with her toys, and wrestling with her foster siblings....she would like a family of her very own, it is her Christmas wish!

Meet Peggy!

This little lady is a pint-sized bundle of love! Peggy is about 1-2 years old, and is a pocket pitty with a joyful heart! She would love a home for the holidays..and would do well with other dogs, and kids!

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

Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 • 582 S. West End Blvd• Quakertown, PA 18951

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

Colleen Murphy adds some final touches to the official Quakertown Borough Christmas Tree in Triangle Park in Downtown Quakertown. photo by michele buono

Who Has the Right to Pursue Custody of a Minor Child?

BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ.

The emotionally charged area of child custody is one of the most intense arenas for litigation in Pennsylvania. More violent acts against judges, lawyers and police officers result from Domestic Relations cases, than any other area of law. A lot of anger and frustration is directed towards family law judges because they have the less than envious job of deciding which custody arrangement will be “in the best interests of the child”. As such, over the last decade Pennsylvania has seen an onslaught of new Child Custody legislation ushering in numerous changes to the old law.

One of the subtler changes in child custody legislations addressed the issue of standing, or in other words, who has a legal right to file for or pursue court action for the custody of a minor child? The “new” Child Custody Act (23 Pa.C.S. §§5321-5341), which applies to all custody cases filed after January 22, 2011, defines three classes of individuals who have legal standing to file or pursue custody actions: 1) parents; 2) grandparents; and 3) third parties who have assumed parental duties.

Parents:

Parents have always had the ability to pursue custody of their child under Pennsylvania law. This common sense approach has not changed. Section 5324 of the law provides parents with the right to file for any form of legal or physical custody.

Grandparents:

For a long time, Pennsylvania common law dictated that grandparents had no rights when it came to custody or visitation of their grandchildren. However, this antiquated legal trend was eventually abolished through legislations.

Under the law today, specifically Sections 5324 and 5325, grandparents are treated as third parties but they are afforded special status which allows them to pursue both legal and/or physical custody but only when certain conditions exist. Similarly, great-grandparents are given standing to pursue partial physical custody or supervised physical custody when a

similar set of conditions are met.

Grandparents also have standing to pursue custody if they stand in loco parentis to the child, which is explained below.

Third Parties:

Any person who stands in loco parentis has standing to pursue any form of physical or legal custody. In loco parentis is not specifically defined by the new Child Custody Act, but it has been defined in multiple Pennsylvania family law court opinions. The most widely used definition comes from Peters v. Costello, 891 A.2d 705, 710 (Pa.2005), which states: “The phrase ‘in loco parentis’ refers to a person who puts oneself in the situation of a lawful parent by assuming the obligations incident to the parental relationship without going through the formality of a legal adoption.”

However, the status of in loco parentis does not come without its limitations. A third party is not allowed to step in and assume the parental status and duties if doing so is against the wishes of a natural parent. It is not necessary for the third party to have direct approval of the natural parent, but there must at least be an agreement regarding the placement of the minor child. Once this is accomplished, the consent or agreement by the natural parent cannot be revoked at a later date.

Under this category, biological relationships to the child are irrelevant, as long as in loco parentis status has been achieved by those wishing to pursue custody.

If you find yourself unsure of whether you have the legal right to file for custody of a minor child, regardless of the type of custody you are seeking, make sure you sit down with an experienced family law attorney first.

Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a solo practitioner located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite 208, in Dublin, Pennsylvania who specializes in estate planning & administration, family law and business law. You can reach him at (267) 227-9138.

To receive monthly newsletters, law updates and special offers, subscribe to his email list here: http://www.fravel-law.com/contact/

Neidig Elementary Students Honor Veterans

Students at Neidig Elementary School in Quakertown showed their appreciation to more than 30 veterans on November 10 with a two-hour celebration that included a walk down the Wall of Honor, a long hallway that includes student projects in honor of our military veterans.

Each of the school’s 400 students chose a family member or historical figure to thank for their service.

In attendance was Bud Fluck, an Army veteran from World War II, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

The emotional day included a pre-recorded video arranged by principal Scott Godshalk of Brandon Martin, whose son Levi is a first-grader at Neidig. Martin is stationed in Florida with the Air Force. Godshalk called Levi to the front of the room to get a better view of his dad.

(left) World War II Veteran Bud Fluck took part in the Veterans Day ceremonies at Neidig Elementary School. (right) The Neidig Elementary School Wall of Honor. photos by gary weckselblatt

4-H Toastmasters Jr. Leadership Program to Start in January Bucks County 4-H is partnering up with the Doylestown Toastmasters Club for an eight week course to introduce teens to public speaking and parliamentary procedure. This program is available for youth who are 13-18 years old (as of January 1, 2018). It’s active

“hands-on” practice for all. The class will begin the first week of January and will run on Wednesday nights. The class is $30 and is on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested please call the Bucks County 4-H Office 215-345-3283.

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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A Testament to Our Community’s Compassion

BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ The Hurricanes that tore through Florida and Puerto Rico this Fall wreaked havoc on the millions of people that live there. With estimates topping $200 billion dollars, the devastation to property and the economy as a result of the 2017 Hurricane season is all but inconceivable. The toll on the spirit of the people was just as bad as families lost loved ones and livelihoods were halted. Where could they turn for help?

The people of the United States, despite vast and often contentious differences in philosophy, politics, and values dominating the news cycle, always seem to pull together in the face of tragedy. Earthquakes, fires, tornados, and hurricanes; folks put aside that which divide them and band together to help those affected by tragedy, whomever or wherever they are.

The people of the Upper Bucks area modeled this compassion beautifully in early September following Hurricanes Irma and Maria that shattered parts of the Caribbean, Florida, and nearly all of Puerto Rico.

Elsa O’Brien, owner of You’ve Got Maids in Quakertown, is a very active participant in events and causes in the Quakertown area. She loves being involved, and it shows. So when these devastating storms hit our neighbors deep to the South, Elsa sprang into action and rallied the community to help.

As is often the case, her husband Bruce O’Brien was among the first to be enlisted.

Bruce co-owns You’ve Got Maids, but spends most of his working hours as a corporate jet pilot. Bingo!

Bruce remarks, “Elsa came up with the idea of marrying me with the private jet, along with her friends, family, colleagues, customers, and just people in the community to fill a plane with supplies.”

In just over 24 hours after Hurricane Irma, mission accomplished. The wide body corporate jet that Bruce uses to shuttle people all over the country was filled completely with supplies destined for Florida’s hurricane victims. In fact, the plane was filled and flew three times with approximately 75 cases of water, 75-100 cases of diapers, and other basic necessities each time down to Florida.

The supplies were donated by some local businesses and bought by area residents. Ryan Scholl with EAS Water donated pallet loads of bottled water, the number one need in this situation.

“It blew my mind. It was 24 hours and it was emotional. It was awesome. This was our community that did this!” says Bruce, “All kinds of people, no matter what their status helped. Everyone from the person in a new Escalade with 10 cases of water to a mother with her kid in the back of her old Cavalier with one case. They all showed up!”

The jet did not fly empty on its return

trips. Dozens of displaced Floridians, some elderly and pregnant, were flown to Northeast Philadelphia. Elsa and Bruce coordinated with the Salvation Army to connect these people with family and friends that could pick them up and take them in.

“Elsa bought a ton of Chick Fil A. These people were very hungry. They were so thankful!” remarks Bruce.

When Hurricane Maria lashed Puerto Rico only days later, the community again heeded the call. Bruce flew another 150 cases of water and 100 cases of diapers, along with such things as medications, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and ready to eat snacks twice to Puerto Rico.

“I remember there being so much devastation. The only place to land was at the Old San Juan airport that was cleared for the military and charitable uplift planes. It was tough!”

It is important to note that the owner of the corporate jet flown by Bruce, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated the use of the plane as well as the fuel to run these missions.

Bruce estimates that they logged about 25 hours of flight time. It costs on average $5000 per hour to operate the plane.

“It was very generous of him. He is very generous and was happy to be able to help,” according to Bruce.

In mid-October, another initiative was launched called “First Floor in a Container.”

It began when Matt Kriner of Rustik Rehab in Center Valley made and donated a custom kitchen table for someone who lost theirs due to flooding from the recent hurricanes. Elsa latched on to that sentiment.

“I heard about what Matt was doing and thought Why not make something bigger and get other companies and people involved?,” says Elsa.

The intense and widespread flooding from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma destroyed many homes, especially the first floors of those homes. Partnering with Calvary Church, “First Floor in a Container” was set into motion. Plastic storage tubs were filled with donated items like cleaning products, toiletries, trash bags, hand tools, school supplies, and more.

Elsa remarks “Anything first floor, and the tubs can be used to help get things back in order.”

Trucks were filled and made several trips south to affected regions in Texas and Florida.

A very important point to be made is that Elsa and Bruce O’Brien are not seeking praise for what they’ve done, rather they are sharing their story to serve as a good example of how people can get together to do great things, sometimes helping to change and save lives for people you haven’t even met. According to Bruce and Elsa, when it comes to the people of the Quakertown area… Mission accomplished.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church

First United Methodist Church

Quakertown United Methodist Church

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

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.

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 10:00amCommunion on first Sunday of the month at all services.

Christ Church United Church of Christ

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

Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Christ’s Lutheran Church

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

Church of the Incarnation

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

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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

Evangel Assembly of God

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

First United Church of Christ

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

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

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

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

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

Check website for more info.

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

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

Nursery: 6 months through age 8.

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am w/praise band.

Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available.

Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible.

All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!

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

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Pastor: Rev. John Steitz 8 am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9 am Sunday School all ages, 10:15 Worship in Sanctuary, Prayer Shawl Ministry 1st & 3rd Tuesdays from 1 to 3 pm.

Trinity Great Swamp UCC

Spinnerstown Rd & County Line Rd Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis 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 9am Traditional Service, 11am Contemporary Service. 10:15am FaithQuest, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry. Living God’s Love for All.

Victory Fellowship Church

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

To have your place of worship

included in this directory, please

Terri Roger at 215-529-8915 ext 11 or by email at terri@ubfp.org contact

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

7

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

BY REV. KATHERINE STEINLY For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believed in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

(John 3:16) This famous Bible verse is spoken by Jesus to the Pharisee, Nicodemus, who is a leader of the Jews and a secret disciple of Jesus.

Nicodemus comes to Jesus under the cover of darkness, because he is wary of others learning that he is interested in this strange man, Jesus.

Nicodemus comes with questions that he hopes Jesus will answer; however, Nicodemus is far from prepared to receive and understand the answers that Jesus gives him.

Often, we are just like Nicodemus. We come to God with questions and seldom do we get the straightforward answers we would like to hear. Perhaps, we approach God with the wrong mindset. We come to God wanting a particular thing so badly that we are rarely ready to receive what God actually has to offer, In the season of Advent, the church sets aside time to prepare believers to be ready to receive what God has to offer: the gift of his Son, Jesus. Are you ready to receive this wonderful gift? Is your heart open? Are your eyes open?

It’s easy for us to become hypnotized by the constant onslaught of holiday materialism that encourages us to long for specific things: electronic devices, clothing, jewelry, toys, but are we ready for the best gift of all? Are we ready to receive a gift that has the power to change us: our perspective, our habits, our very life?

God sensed what the world deeply needed, and, out of love, God answered that deep need with the gift of his Son. What is deeply needed in your community and in your family? If you were to answer this need with love, what would that look like? Would it look like a new iPad, or would it look completely different?

Could your community use the gift of understanding? When did you last truly listen to your neighbors’ stories? Does your family need the gift of presence? How could you truly show up for someone in your family that you haven’t had the opportunity to spend time with recently?

You see, this wonderful gift given to us by God shapes how we give to others. If we allow ourselves to be transformed by the gift of a vulnerable child, we find ourselves wanting to pass this gift of deeply needed love onto others.

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

Christmas Church Services

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Holiday Gift Giveaway!

This month, I am giving you all a chance to win a children’s book prize pack from Scholastic Press! The prize pack includes the two most recent picture books from Aaron Blabey, “Pig the Elf” and “Thelma the Unicorn,” a unicorn and a tree shaped cookie cutters, and a Pig the Elf Christmas ornament.

Scholastic sent me the prize pack to give away to one lucky reader within the United States.

Pig the Elf is the latest offering in Blabey’s Pig the Pug series. Pig is an ill-tempered, rude, greedy pug who is expecting a lot from Santa for Christmas. Trevor, the sweet dachshund, is just thankful that Santa is coming. When nighttime arrives, Trevor goes to bed like a good dog, but Pig decides to stay up late to catch the jolly old elf in action. Santa comes down the chimney and leaves presents for both pups. Pig is not satisfied with the amount he is given and decides to take matters into his own paws.

Parents and teachers will be able to expand upon this humor-filled story to include lessons about being greedy. The expressive and colorful illustrations contribute greatly to the story.

The book is told in a wonderful sing-song rhyme that never feels forced or off meter. I think kids will like the book even if Pig continues to be a… pig.

I absolutely loved “Thelma the Unicorn,”

the second book being given away. Thelma is a little pony who wants to be a unicorn. Her donkey friend Otis thinks she is fine as who she is, but Thelma is not satisfied. She finds a carrot and puts it on her head, to pretend she is a unicorn. But then a roadside incident leaves Thelma covered in pink paint and glitter.

People mistake her for a unicorn, and it brings her instant fame. Her fans follow her everywhere and everybody knows who Thelma is.

Yet she starts to realize that being well-known is not always the best thing, especially when they don’t really know who you are.

This book is such a sweet little story. It has a message of being who you are and how being famous isn’t always the best thing. The story is again told in rhyme, and is an excellent example of poetry. The illustrations are bright, and the cartoon look is perfect for the story. The reader gets a great feel for the story and kids will definitely enjoy reading about the pony who wants to be a unicorn.

I am offering these two picture books and the rest of the prize pack to one winner who comments on the blog post from December 1st to December 19th. The winner will be announced on December 20th. To enter, go to ThisKidReviewsBooks.com/2017/11/28/pig/ and comment on the blog post giving away the prize pack.

Best of Luck and Glad Tidings and Happy Holidays to you all!

For more on books and reading visit my site: ThisKidReviewsBooks.com.

8

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

Violet Freeh, 86, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem on Thur., Oct. 26, 2017. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Louis E. Freeh.

Born in Passer, Bucks County on Nov. 24, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Fred and Florence (Singer) Benner.

Violet was a devoted mother to her children: Teri Frandsen (Dave), Ron Freeh, Pam Mushinski (Dave) and Robin Freeh; loving grandmother to Chris Lapping (Whitney), Jim Lapping (Susannah), Brenda Rivers (Will), Barb Smith (Bob), Becky Maciorowski (Lee), Krista Freeh, Danni Huber (Mike), Brian Freeh (Candace) and Nicole Freeh; great-grandmother to Devon, Violet, Libby, Ellie and Erik; and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

When not busy with her family; Violet enjoyed playing her piano, reading, watching tv and doing puzzles. She was also very interested in her heritage, and had traced her family tree back many generations.

Interment will take place at the convenience of the family in Hellertown Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice House, 2455 Black River Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., Quakertown is handling arrangements. www. nauglefcs.com R. Lee Hinkle, 70, of Quakertown died October 26, 2017 in St. Luke’s Hospital Quakertown Campus. He was the husband of Sandra L. (Heimbach) Hinkle. They were married 51 years on October 1, 2017. Born in Richlandtown, PA he was the son of the late L. Kenneth & R. Rose (Baringer) Hinkle. After the death of his father he became the owner/ operator of L. Kenneth Hinkle & Son, LLC of Richlandtown retiring in 2013. He was a member of the Upper Bucks Rifle & Pistol Club. Lee enjoyed the mountains especially hunting in Bradford County and his time spent at Lake Wallenpaupack. He was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed reading. In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons Michael A. of Keenesburg, CO, and Matthew A.

~Obituaries~

(Judy) of Quakertown, a daughter Jennifer L. Godshall (Brian) of Pennsburg. Two brothers John Hinkle (Gloria) of Pennsburg, and Gerald Hinkle of Lansdale, a sister Joan Bilger (Donald) of Quakertown. Seven grandchildren Anna, Mary Grace, Leah, Eva, Brandon, Benjamin, and Brianna. Services will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at West Swamp Mennonite Church 2501 Allentown Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951. Call 10:00-11:00 A.M. in the church. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter 321 Norristown Rd. #260 Ambler, PA 19002 or to the church at the above address.

Ronald H. Radzai, 52, of Croyden formerly of Roslyn and Quakertown died October 27, 2017.

Born in Abington, PA he was the son of Regina M. (Roadfuss) Radzai and the late Roy Raymond Radzai.

He owned and operated “R” Cleaning Company in Quakertown. Prior to that he was a pipefitter for Worth & Company in Pipersville.

In addition to his mother he is survived by four sons Ronald, Jr. (Zara), Ryan M. (Sarah), Brandon R., and Mitchell W. His siblings Roy G. (Elizabeth), Renee R. Slattery (Thomas), Randall T., Robert M. (Kelly), and Richard R. (Selena). Two grandchildren Owen & Olivia.

Services will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 2:30 P.M. in the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Call 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity or organization in loving memory of Ron Radzai.

Michael L. Berger, 64, of Quakertown died October 29, 2017 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Jane L. (Cox) Berger. They were married 46 years last December. Born in Quakertown he was the son of Viola (Schlemmer) Berger and John Berger. He was a construction su-

perintendent for the H & K Group and was also part owner of Mountain Car Care of Blakeslee. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. In addition to his wife he is survived by 8 children Karen Sylsberry (W. Douglas), Ed (Brenda), Megan Hernandez (Jose), Joseph, Michael, Anne Franco (Ludvin), Anthony (Heather), and Mary Berger. Two brothers, and a sister. 15 grandchildren. A Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. in St. Isidore’s Catholic Church 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951.

Call Wednesday evening November 1, 2017 from 7:00-8:30 P.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951 and Thursday 1:00-2:00 P.M. in the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Annette J. Sholette, 62, of Quakertown, passed away with her family at her side on Mon., Oct. 30, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. She was the loving wife of William Sholette, with whom she would have celebrated 30 years of marriage on Nov. 25.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Edward and AnnaMay (Gill) Ratican.

Annette had an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts, and she was certified in Interior Design, which she enjoyed doing as a hobby. She was a homebody who liked crafts and going antiquing, but her biggest joy was shopping.

Surviving with Bill is their daughter, Sarah Sholette Turock, husband Alex of Lansdale; and four siblings: Edward Ratican, Terrence Ratican, MaryClaire Reeves and BethAnn Skeuse.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20006-3517. www.nauglefcs.com James Anthony Mininno, 88, of Quakertown, died peacefully Tuesday, October 31st. He was the loving husband of the late Kathleen Mininno.

Born October 16, 1929 in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph and Rafaella (Pepe) Mininno.

James enjoyed working at The Leathercraft Company for over 55 years, and continued working after that at Cabrini University for another 10 years, watching young adults achieve their dreams. He was also an active member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown.

He had a passion for World War II, general American History and attending as many events, games and performances of his grandchildren that he possibly could. He loved spending time with his family and traveling to Cape May. He will be greatly missed by his sons, Jimmy Mininno (Liane) of Bellmawr, NJ, Bryan Mininno (Lisamarie) of West Chester, daughter Lisa Carnesi (Brian) of Pennsburg; two stepsons, William Olewnik Jr. of Richmond, Va., and Edward Olewnik (Pam) of Harleysville; 8 Grandchildren: Billy and Samantha Olewnik of Bethlehem, Mattie Santiago of Bellmawr, Allie and Sarah Olewnik of Harleysville, Jon and Joe Carnesi of Pennsburg, Drew Mininno of West Chester and Great-grandson Karson Thompson of Bethlehem, as well as his sisterin-law, Anne Mininno of Glen Mills; many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, 603 West Broad Street, Quakertown, PA 18951. www.nauglefcs.com

Denise E. Shelly, 50, of Quakertown, passed away at home with her family at her side on Thur., Nov. 2, 2017. She was the loving wife of Andrew “Andy” Shelly.

Born in Columbus, GA, she was a daughter of Melvin “Mel” and Kathryn “Kay” (Fitch) Farrar of Quakertown.

This past February she was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. She fought a courageous battle through this journey and she would want us all to continue to help in finding a cure for this disease.

Denise got her certification as a medical receptionist and worked for various medical offices over the years, most recently Penn Foundation in Sellersville.

She was a member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Quakertown. She also volunteered at Cross Roads Pregnancy Care in Quakertown.

Denise was a real “people person” who cherished time spent with her family and friends. She had an affinity for the beach, Blue

Moon (with plenty of orange in it) and chicken wings. She was also an awesome cook, and had great recipes that she shared with all her friends and family.

Denise is survived by her husband Andy, her parents and her son, Daniel Farrar, fiancée Brittany Weil of Quakertown; granddaughter Mya Farrar of Quakertown; brother Doug Farrar, and his wife Vicky of Boulder, CO; and sister Christine Farrar of HI. Extended family members throughout the country.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 3893 Adler Place, Suite 170, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Irene Snyder, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, died November 2, 2017, at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, surrounded by her family. She was 106 years old, born June 11, 1911. She was the daughter of the late John and Clara ( Charney) Pors. Irene was the widow of LeRoy Snyder and former wife of the late Emil Davco.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Marcella (Davco) Hartman, wife of Joseph Hartman, Quakertown; daughter-in-law/stepdaughter, Dorothy (Snyder) Davco, widow of Emil Davco, Jr. (Irene’s son); and step-son James Snyder, Ashland, PA. Irene’s deceased stepchildren are Helen Morgan, Francis Heverly, Grace Mitman, Hazel Snyder, Alice Jarrett, LeRoy Snyder, Jr, Richard Snyder, and Betty Lauchner, Irene’s grandchildren are Denise Gentile, Lori Butler, Linda Seimes, Emil Davco, and Lisa Faust. Her great grandchildren are Jessica Lang, Nicole Schoch, Erin Grubb, Allison Bernstein, Matthew Davco, Lindsay Faust, and Bradley Davco. And her great great grandchildren are Corrina Banks, Jakob Banks, Collin Bernstein, Maura Grubb, Caden Grubb, Owen Bernstein, and Teagan Bernstein. In addition, Irene had numerous step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, and step great great grandchildren. She was, also, predeceased by her siblings, Margaret (Pors) Mount, Helen (Pars) Bodisch, William Pors, John Pors, and Louis Pors. Irene was employed as a seamstress for 26 years by the former Harvey Clothing Company before retiring in 1975. Previously, she worked as a waitress at the former Trainer’s Restaurant, the former General Cigar Factory, and during World War II, making bullet casings at The Bethlehem Steel. For 65 years, she was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Quakertown Senior Citizens, and a member of the Women of the Moose, at the former Quakertown Moose Lodge, joining in 1946, where she was a past Sr. Regent and member of the College of Regents. Interment was in Quakertown Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 19 S. Tenth Street, Quakertown, PA 18951. www.nauglefcs.com Rodger C. Eichner, 67, of Slatington, PA died November 5, 2017 in Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Sharon M. (Fosbenner) Eichner. They were married 40 years last January.

Born in Allentown, PA he was the son of the late Elwood & Joyce (Meckes) Eichner.

He was last employed at SMF Truck Equipment Co. in Palmerton. Prior to that he was an estimator for Fuller- F. L. Smidth Co. He enjoyed NASCAR especially the #18 of Kyle Busch. He was an excellent handyman always tinkering with projects.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Charles R. Eichner and his wife Shannon of Allentown. And a grandson Logan.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Tattered Tails Animal Rescue P.O. Box 104 Neffs, PA 18065.

Dolores B. Cressman, 92, of Quakertown, died at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital on Friday, November 10, 2017. She was the loving wife of Kenneth F. Cressman.

Born in Riegelsville, she was a daughter of the late Roy S. and Marie (Philips) Black.

After graduation, Dolores attended Temple University. She was employed as head payroll secretary for Quakertown School District for more than 40 years, retiring in 1983.

She was an active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Quakertown; where she had sung in the choir since she was 15, played in the hand bell choir and taught the Sunday School Nursery Class for many years.

She also sang with the Zion Choral Society.

Dolores was a recipient of the Presidential Award for volunteering at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital, where she also served Meals on Wheels.

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

~Obituaries~

Surviving with Kenneth are her daughters: Janet C. Stever, husband Gary S. and Carol C. Edge, husband John W., all of Quakertown; grandchildren: Michael Stever (Jessica), Christopher Stever and Thomas Edge (Amanda); a great-granddaughter Maisie Edge, and another great-granddaughter on the way. She was preceded in death by a brother, Roy W. Black and sister, Barbara Masteller.

The family of Dolores Cressman would like to thank our wonderful Quakertown Community for the kindnesses and caring shown in the weeks following Dolores’ sudden passing. We are so blessed to live in a small town where people sincerely know and care for one another.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the church. www.nauglefcs.com

Irene L. Ruediger, 87, of Quakertown, died Sat. Nov. 11 in her home. She was the widow of Friedrich Ruediger. Born in Lithuania, she was a daughter of Felix and Erna Marie (Riedel) Pempe. Surviving are her children Edward “Eddie”, Richard, wife Beth, Leonard, Anita Driscoll, husband Joseph, and Karen Jablonski, husband Joseph; grandchildren Alex, Leah, Lauren, Ellen, Chris, Dan, and Jenna; and great-grandchildren Caleb & Tristian.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. www.nauglefcs.com Brian L. Hoffman, 66, of Quakertown, died Tues. Nov. 21 in his home. Born in Quakertown, he was a son of the late Francis A. and Jeanette (Shelly) Hoffman.

He was a 1969 graduate of Quakertown High School and served with the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was a line worker for the former Landis Meat Co., Quakertown and was a volunteer at the Michener Branch of the Bucks Co. Library. Brian was an avid sports enthusiast always routing for his Cubs and watching golf whenever he could.

Surviving are a sister-in-law, Pat Hoffman,

9

Hellertown; nephews Jay Scott “JS” Hoffman, wife Alaina, Jonathan Hoffman, wife Melissa; niece Julie Williams, husband David and great-nephews Aiden, Logan, & Quinlen Hoffman and Mason Williams. He was predeceased by his brother J. Scott.

Interment was in Quakertown Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Meals on Wheels, c/o Bucks Co. Area Agency on Aging or the First United Church of Christ, Quakertown. www.nauglefcs.com

Claude A. Hillegas, Jr., 63, of Coopersburg, died after a long illness, Fri. Nov. 17 in Belle Haven Nursing Home. He was a son of the late Claude, Sr. and Betty (Huhn) Hillegas. He worked over 25 years for S.O.S. Plumbing Supply Co., E. Greenville as a supply clerk.

Surviving are his brother, Bruce; sister, Lori Paynkewicz; 3 nieces & 2 nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Barry & Cindy.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. www.nauglefcs.com Henry R. Marvill, III, 58, of Quakertown, died Sat. Nov. 25 in St. Luke’s University Hospital- Bethlehem. He was the loving husband of Caroline (Spencer) Marvill for the past 35 years. Born in Phila., he was a son of Henry R. Marvill, Jr. of Lansdale and the late Frances (Pifani) Marvill. He was a 1977 graduate of North Penn High School. For the past 15 years, he has worked for Merck & Co., West Point. Previously, he worked at the former Ford Motors plant in Lansdale. Surviving with his father & wife are his children Matthew, Katherine, Kelsey, & Timothy; grandchildren Joshua & Madilyn; brother Anthony and sisters Dorothy McLaughlin & Diana Dallas. Interment was in Whitemarsh Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s University Health Network, Development Office, ATTN: Cancer Care, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015 or developmentoffice@slhn.org. www.nauglefcs.com

Feline Friends 4-H Club Formed

Bucks County 4-H is proud to present a new club geared towards cats. The Feline Friends club is for kids, ages 8-18, who love cats and want to learn about them. Some of the meetings will be on learning about cat breeds, behavior, handling and grooming, and community service benefiting cats. Ideally, you have a

cat of your own. The club will be meeting the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Bucks County Extension Office in Doylestown. For information about the club and on how to become a part of 4-H in Bucks County, call Penn State Cooperative Extension, 215-345-3283.

Gratitude

Since Thanksgiving just passed and Christmas is coming up I am thinking the topic should be about gratitude. I often talk about gratitude and the importance of being grateful for the things that we have both physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes life can be hard and for some people they have a lot of stuff on their plate that the concept of being grateful seems so impossible. I can empathize with my clients and others when they feel that they can’t seem to catch a break that things keep happening whether or not they are directedly involved in it. So, the desire to be grateful is there but the energy to be grateful can seem impossible.

I truly believe that all of us have lessons to learn with the negative and positive in our life. Sometimes we cannot always see how a negative situation can be helpful for us. Well it all depends on what the situation is and how we look at in our life. For instance, a friend of mine is dying of cancer and while this is so sad and doesn’t make sense to me, my interaction and time with her has been quite beautiful and I couldn’t be anymore grateful than I am to have her in my life and to be sharing this experience with her. Despite the sadness I feel that we have been apart from each other for so long the reconnection with her has been inspiring and creating balance in my life.

She and I were able to pick up where we left off years ago and laugh and talk as if time had not passed by. We were so connected spiritually it was unbelievable. We couldn’t believe how we were so in sync with one another and that our belief systems were so similar despite the different lives we had been living. I saw her again recently and she was in the hospital.

We spent the whole day together talking and

sharing about our lives even though she has cancer and was not doing well. All I could think of while there with her was how blessed I was to be in her presence and sharing this experience with her.

I wound up sending her a text the following day sharing how much I loved her and how grateful I was that she and I were back in each other’s lives even if for a short while. I got a text from her the same time I sent mine that said the same thing. Gratitude is so healing even in the midst of sadness. I mean do I wish we hadn’t lost so much time of course, but where we are now is where we are supposed to be and for that I am truly grateful that I understand that. The universe works in strange ways sometimes. I am going to learn and am learning so much from this experience.

Seeing her and being with her was a validation for me of how I live my life and how I want to continue living my life. I just hope that I will have as much grace and acceptance as she does with dying. I will because she and I are alike on so many levels which is why I have so much gratitude this year!!

So, with Christmas approaching spend time with those that make you feel good and grateful. Life is too short to have regrets any time of the year. This is supposed to be the time of year when we are more giving than usual and spending time with others in need or just our loved ones is a blessing. There are blessings all around us if we are willing to see and be truly present. Merry Christmas!! Be blessed!!

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.

New Turf Field Installed at QCHS

Workers put in the new artificial turf field this week as part of the improvements to the sports complex behind Quakertown Community High School. With the need for 11 fields to house the district’s increasing number of sports teams and marching bands, the QCSD Board agreed to a $3.6 million fix for the flood-prone area. The money includes some work at Alumni Field, a separate venue

on the other side of Park Avenue from the high school.

Besides the addition of the synthetic surface, which sits behind both QCHS and the Sixth Grade Center, the grounds will be elevated 5 feet to solve the flooding issue. The current fields used for field hockey, lacrosse and soccer will remain and two practice fields will be built. photos by gary weckselblatt

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

Pronking Pacas 4-H Club Competes, Wins Ribbons

Pronking Pacas is a 4H alpaca club, home based in Bucks county at Harley Hill Farms. They came home from the PAOBA competition held on November 11th and 12th in York, Pa with multiple ribbons. The youth’s hard work and dedication is shown by their placement of 1st thru 6th place ribbons, as well as two Grand Reserved Champions. Pictured: (l-r) Layla Cotter, Logan Godshall, Jimmy Edwards, Chris Godshall and McKenzie photo by melissa cotter

Nutcracker Collectibles According to reports, an Italian bronze nutcracker dating back to the 4th century B.C. is among the earliest one known and King Henry VIII gave Anne Boleyn a nutcracker as a gift.

Nutcrackers span the globe among various cultures.

Sparked by famous examples amassed by collectors, an interest in the history of cracking the nut uncovers three basic methods to free a nut from its shell: percussion, lever, or screw.

Materials used to make nutcrackers run the gamut, including stone, wood, and metal.

For instance, nutting stones were found in North America and parts of northern Europe 5,000 to 8,000 years ago. A nut placed in the depression of a stone was smashed by another stone, called a hammer stone, to reveal a nut inside the shell.

Nutcrackers may be carved from pine, cedar, spruce or other conifer trees. Linden, beech, ash, oak or boxwood often are chosen among deciduous trees. With a wooden screw-type nutcracker, introduced in the 17th century, a nut sits in an open cavity of the cracker and a screw comes down hard enough to crack it.

Some early nutcrackers display metal hinges or levers. For instance, a lever-forced nutcracker works with a nut placed in the mouth of a cast metal figure such as a dog, alligator or wolf. A nut positioned in the belly of a carved nutcracker figure helps prevent damage to the decorated face, with a lever at the back or an elongated nose creating a lever for cracking.

Dating to the 1700s, Italy’s Groden Valley was the famous site for the creation of figural nutcrackers made of pine and paint. In northern Italy, carvers produced lever nutcrackers.

Well-known artisan Anton Riffeser established the Anri firm in the 1920s.

Germany’s Erzgebirge percussion nutcrackers from the Ore Mountain region are popular with collectors for their tall hats and brightly colored costumes. Carvers from Norway, Denmark and Sweden produce highly recognizable nutcracker figures of fishermen, street vendors and seafarers.

German makers Otto Ulbricht and the Steinbach firm became known for nutcrackers with fanciful accessories. Holiday forms often include reindeer, Santa Claus or characters from, of course, the “Nutcracker Suite.”

Ivory was tried but could not withstand the force of repeated use. High-style china table settings included porcelain nutcrackers.

The top of a famous porcelain screw nutcracker by Meissen, with a brass wheel for crushing the nut, matched the china pattern.

Once nuts were cracked, metal picks became necessary to dislodge them. Other accessories include nut bowls, serving spoons, nut openers used to pry open cracked nuts. Fruit knives, essentially small-scale pocket knives, were used to eat fruits and nuts at the end of a meal. Ever-popular nut bowls often came in pairs – one for nuts and the other to hold loose shells.

Sets of a nutcracker and assorted pick have been popular. They were the brainchild of a 19th-century dentist, Henry Quackenbush, whose initial start in making dental tools made him famous as a nut-cracking technician.

Celebrity appraiser, Dr. Lori Verderame is an internationally syndicated columnist, author, and award-winning TV personality who stars on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island and Discovery’s Auction Kings. With a Ph.D. from Penn State Univ., Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events to worldwide audiences. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/events or 888-431-1010.

As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to review your progress toward your financial goals. But on what areas should you focus your attention?

Of course, you may immediately think about whether your investments have done well. When evaluating the performance of their investments for a given year, many people mistakenly think their portfolios should have done just as well as a common market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500. But the S&P 500 is essentially a measure of large-company, domestic stocks, and your portfolio probably doesn’t look like that – nor should it, because it’s important to own an investment mix that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and return objectives. It’s this return objective that you should evaluate over time – not the return of an arbitrary benchmark that isn’t personalized to your goals and risk tolerance.

Your return objective will likely evolve. If you are starting out in your career, you may need your portfolio to be oriented primarily toward growth, which means it may need to be more heavily weighted toward stocks. But if you are retiring in a few years, you may need a more balanced allocation between stocks and bonds, which can address your needs for growth and income.

So, assuming you have created a long-term investment strategy that has a target rate of return for each year, you can review your progress accordingly. If you matched or exceeded that rate this past year, you’re staying on track, but if your return fell short of your desired target, you may need to make some changes. Before doing so, though, you need

to understand just why your return was lower than anticipated.

For example, if you owned some stocks that underperformed due to unusual circumstances – and even events such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma can affect the stock prices of some companies – you may not need to be overly concerned, especially if the fundamentals of the stocks are still sound. On the other hand, if you own some investments that have underperformed for several years, you may need to consider selling them and using the proceeds to explore new investment opportunities.

Investment performance isn’t the only thing you should consider when looking at your financial picture over this past year. What changed in your life? Did you welcome a new child to your family? If so, you may need to respond by increasing your life insurance coverage or opening a college savings account.

Did you or your spouse change jobs? You may now have access to a new employer-sponsored retirement account, such as a 401(k), so you’ll need to decide how much money to put into the various investments within this plan. And one change certainly happened this past year: You moved one year closer to retirement. By itself, this may cause you to re-evaluate how much risk you’re willing to tolerate in your investment portfolio, especially if you are within a few years of your planned retirement.

Whether it is the performance of your portfolio or changes in your life, you will find that you always have some reasons to look back at your investment and financial strategies for one year – and to look ahead at moves you can make for the next. 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

knitcap, wishlist Hidden Message: Merry Christmas! Bucky Block: Hypertension

Time to Review Your Investment Strategy for the Year

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Downtown Quakertown Mural Officially Presented

On Friday, November 17, Quakertown Alive! was joined by local dignitaries and friends to celebrate Quakertown's first major mural project. The mural depicts several of Quakertown Borough's iconic historical buildings and honors the Borough’s first responders. (l-r): State Sen. Bob Mensch; Merry Landis, Fine Art Resources; Lynn Kraft, QA! Design Committee member; Stephanie Lesavoy, St. Luke’s Community Outreach; Dave Freeman, CEO QNB Bank; Angelika Forndran, Design Committee Chairperson; Jared Bader, artist; Naomi Naylor, QA! Executive Director; Jann Paulovitz, QA! Vice-President and Borough Council; Rep. Craig Staats; Paul Rose, QA! President; Lynda Ulrich, QA! Board; Mike Johnson, QA! Board and Borough Council; Sherrie Rotenberger, QA! Board. photo by michele buono

11

QCHS Athletes Announce College Commitments

Swimmers Kaylee Heimes and Alex Keeney plan to attend the University of Illinois at Champagne and Misericordia, respectively. Hudson Delisle will run cross country and track at Penn State. Mackenzie Hadfield is headed to Millersville University for field hockey. Justin Guidos and JJ Paul each plan to play baseball: Guidos with East Stroudsburg University, Paul will attend DeSales University. (front row, l-r) Hudson Delisle, Mackenzie Hadfield and Justin Guidos. (top row, l-r) Alex Keeney, JJ Paul and Kaylee Heimes. photo by gary weckselblatt

BuckyGrams:twinklinglights, snowman, heavycoats, warmmittens, wrappedpresents, coldweather, caroling, decoratedtrees, santaclaus, naughtylist,

‘Quakertown Cares’ Benefits Community (left) Dr. Jim Newcomer and members of Quakertown Cares distribute $100 Giant Supermarket gift cards to the 152 residents of the Grundy House on Park Avenue in Quakertown which the organization does annually. (right) Members of Quakertown Cares and the folks at Classic Staffing prepared ready-to-cook Thanksgiving Dinners to 100 deserving families in the Quakertown area. Bob Zirinsky, owner of Classic Staffing generously donates the turkeys each year, and Oldcastle Lawn and Garden came through this year providing pumpkin pies, rolls, vegetables, apple juice and sauce, potatoes, and more. QCHS Sophomore and Troop 87 Boy Scout Alex Wilson assembled the meal packages.

Read more about Quakertown Cares on page 18 in this month’s issue. photos by christopher betz

St. Isidore Students Feast with Family & Friends

3, 4, and 5 year old students at St. Isidore School in Quakertown enjoyed a Thanksgiving Feast at lunchtime with their friends and family on November 13. They performed a few songs on stage for their guests and enjoyed making crafts when they weren’t busy eating the feast. Parent volunteers prepared and served the meal. Students in grades 1 - 8 enjoyed their feast and festivities on November 15. photos by christopher betz

Woman’s Club Hosts Julia Child

The Woman’s Club of Quakertown sponsored Linda Kenyon as Julia Child in “Bon Appetit” at the Michener Library recently. Approximately 60 attended. This was one of many free special programs sponsored in the past few years by the Woman’s Club with the Michener Library that are open to the public.

Linda Kenyon is a professional actress from Solebury and previously portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt at the library this past Spring.

Visit www.buckslib.org for programming updates. photo by sandy shelly

Students at Miss Cindy’s School of Dance in Quakertown pose for the public in the store window below the studio. These kids, along with many others, are performing The Nutcracker on December 2 at Palisades High School at 1 and 6 PM. photo by janice darragh

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

Employment Opportunities

Spring Hill Suites - Hiring Front Desk Associates, Room Attendants, House Person/Bell Person. Apply at 1930 John Fries Highway (Route 663), Quakertown, PA. You’ve Got Maids - Hiring commercial nighttime cleaners & daytime residential cleaners. (215) 529-7837 Spor’s General Store - Hiring part-time help, various positions. Stop in to inquire. 22 W. Broad Street, Trumbauersville.

Indian Creek Foundation - Currently hiring for the following positions: Direct Support Professionals, Therapeutic Aides (PT) , Therapeutic Support Specialists (PT) & Maintenance Supervisor (FT). Apply online at www.indcreek.org/employment or call 267-203-1500 Edible Arrangements - Hiring Seasonal Help. Good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and reliability a must. Stop by store for info and to apply. 582 S. West End Blvd, Quakertown Pool Pro - Local pool store seeks service technicians and helpers.215-536-0456 Upper Bucks YMCA - Babysitter, Teacher’s Aide, Wellness Center Attendant, Art Teacher All include full Y membership. Call 215-536-YMCA (9622) or stop in to apply.

401 Fairview Avenue, Quakertown.

Kulp Roofing & Construction, Inc. - Laborer and skilled Carpentry Personnel with knowledge of window, siding and flooring installation. Applicants apply at Kulp Roofing and Construction Inc., 216 Apple Street Quakertown PA. Any interested person can call my cell at 610-740-4421 to schedule an interview. Resumes can be emailed to Cindy@kulpservices.com or faxed to 215-536-3425 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.

Promaster Compact Van Configures Nicely for Small Business If you have a small business be it electrician, locksmith, handyman, package delivery or florist, but still would like some passenger capability, look no further than Ram’s compact Promaster City Wagon. The van is not new, as it has been in service internationally as a Fiat Dobio.

The Promaster is available in Cargo and Wagon with the latter having a back seat that in total, can seat five. The Cargo version only has two front seats and caters to those who need cargo over passenger capability.

Promaster is also offered in trim levels Tradesman and Tradesman SLT for the Cargo version, and base and SLT for the Wagon. We tested the SLT Wagon and it’s a viable alternative to a larger minivan in that the kids can be accommodated when not in business use.

Promasters’ interior is somewhat austere but functional with comfy cloth seats and simple to use HVAC and audio controls. These are enhanced by a 5-inch touchscreen display with voice command and a 5.0 version of Chrysler’s UConnect infotainment system. A central pod houses the 9-speed automatic transmission shifter and there’s a thoughtful shelf on the ceiling above the windshield where paperwork or other small items can be stowed.

After a low 19-inch step-in (and low 22-inch load height), the 60/40 split back seat can hold three and the backs fold down to accommodate long items. Or, the entire seat can be flipped forward to access the cargo area instead of having to open the rear cargo doors if retrieving a small item.

With the rear seat up, there’s 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space or more meaningful, the area measures 49 inches deep, 48.4 wide and 47 high. Flip the entire seats and depth extends to 66 inches or 101.7 cubic feet.

standing stop is aggressively linear and not bad for a van with a curb weight of 3,635 pounds.

Of course load it with heavy equipment and performance will decline.

If you need to tow a light utility trailer, Promaster can tow up to 1,714 pounds and it carries a GVWR of 5,395 pounds.

Ride quality is surprisingly smooth on Nexen 16-inch tires and feels somewhat like a larger minivan with good forward visibility.

As a somewhat tall, boxy van, it’s affected by strong crosswinds on a highway. Around turns it exhibits some sway but that’s to be expected for a van. To its credit, Promaster is very nimble and easy to park with the aid of the rearview camera and tight 42-foot diameter turning radius.

Carrying a base price of $26,220 with a long list of safety items and features like Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Hill Start Assist and more, the price escalates somewhat after adding a Trailer Tow Group ($435); Rear Window Wiper/Defroster/Washer ($250);

As for the 60/40 rear cargo doors, they can open 90 degree’s or a full 180 after flipping two levers in the door jam. This wide opening allows for loading a pallet and being able to back-up flush to a loading ramp.

Promaster has but one powertrain. A 2.4-liter Tigershark inline 4-cylinder generates 178-hp and 174-lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 21 city, 28-highway mpg with the 9-speed auto transmission. Power from a

ties. Promaster does have competition from Ford’s Transit Connect, Nissan’s NV200 and Chevy’s City Express. Of these, Promaster has the best in class cargo capacity plus other outstanding traits that make it ideal for the small business owner.

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.

Parkview Backup Camera ($565); UConnect with Nav ($860); and SiriusXM Radio ($195).

Add in delivery ($1,195) and the bottom line slips to a modest $29,720 and includes a 5/60K Powertrain and 3/36K Basic Limited warran-

QCSD Asst. Superintendent Honored Dr. Lisa Hoffman of the Quakertown Community School District has won the Outstanding Curriculum Development Award for her significant contribution in the area of curriculum development.

The honor is presented annually by the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Dr. Hoffman said. “I am fortunate to have the support of an incredibly talented team. I am proud of the work we have done over the last few years to bring high quality, rigorous, student-centered learning experiences to the students of QCSD.” Dr. Hoffman, the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, was nominated for the award by QCSD Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner.

“Dr. Hoffman is incredibly deserving of

this award and honor,” Dr. Harner said. “Her transformational leadership work in curriculum development has dramatically increased the college readiness for thousands of our students.”

Over the past three years, Dr. Hoffman redesigned and re-staffed the Office for Teaching and Learning, developed a six-year curriculum cycle, got teachers from across the district involved in curriculum development and decision-making, and advised the Superintendent as an “invaluable” member of his cabinet.

Dr. Hoffman received her award November 12 in Harrisburg at the 67th Annual PASCD Conference.

“On behalf of the PASCD Executive Board and membership, we commend your efforts in curriculum and congratulate you on this achievement,” stated Barbara E. Davis, PASCD President-Elect and Awards Chair, in her letter to Dr. Hoffman.

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

Feed the Birds

A good birdseed can attract feathered friends to your yard to brighten otherwise dreary winter days ahead. In Pennsylvania, as many as 35 different bird species could potentially show up to entertain you…and munch their lunch! But in an urban birdfeeder, you’re lucky to get 10 common birds and maybe an occasional special visitor. Do it right, and see how many stop by your location.

Certain favorite selections of bird food may make a difference. Visitors will also be attracted to certain types of feeders, the presence (or absence) of threatening cats, and nearby roosting places. If you want to create a four-star stop for winter birds, add a heated bird bath nearby; they’ll love having a place to wash up and primp before and after lunch!

The birdseed of choice will be important in determining the types of birds that will stop by. Many types of seeds are available in mills and stores. PSU Department of Agriculture suggests small black-oil sunflower seed. It is not the least expensive, but smaller birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice will be enticed because the thin seed cover is easily cracked open. The oil content is nutritionally valuable for the birds.

A close but larger alternative, striped sunflower seed, will appeal to larger birds like blue jays and cardinals. Although, these seeds may be too tough for smaller birds to crack open. A disadvantage is that the hulls that are discarded by the birds will drop to the ground around the feeder leaving a mess. Buying hulled seeds, while more expensive, eliminates this mess.

To attract a variety of birds, a variety of seeds may be selected. Millet, niger, and peanuts are often included in a variety mix.

Millet is inexpensive, but it tends to attract less desirable birds such as sparrows and cowbirds which can empty a feeder in minutes without looking cute at all! Niger or thistle is a tiny seed; several varieties of finches will fly in to eat these tiny seeds. Usually these tiny seeds work best in special feeders with appropriately smaller holes.

Peanuts attract blue jays, chickadees, titmice and woodpeckers. Whole peanuts for larger birds, or broken pieces are aromatic and good to attract birds to a new feeding location.

Seed mixes provide variety and great ranges of price. Don’t be hasty in picking the least expensive mix—they’re not all the same and the birds will be quick to notice the differences. The less expensive mixes may contain wheat, milo, oats, rice and rye seed, all of which are not favorites! If your mix includes

these less tasty treats, birds may sort them out and throw them aside (where they may sprout in undesirable ‘weed’ crops below the feeder).

You can plan a fun family activity by making homemade treats for your feathered friends.

Penn State offers this recipe for Recipe for Marvel Meal 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup vegetable shortening 4 cups cornmeal 1 cup flour 1 handful of sunflower seeds (optional) Freeze cakes of Marvel Meal and serve in suet feeders or on feeder platforms. Or take fresh Marvel Meal and smear it right on tree bark.

Keep the bird feeder clean and free of moldy old food or debris. Ideally you should only place 1 day’s treats out at a time and the feeder should be cleaned of any old food or mold with soap and water weekly. Store your supply of seed in a cold dry area to ensure it does not become moldy in storage. Discard any seed that is not fresh and fragrant to be sure you are offering seed that is healthy and attractive.

If you’re planning a location for a new feeder, select one within viewing distance of your window so you get to enjoy the show! Birds want to eat close to their comfort zone of tree branches, have weather protection, and be out of reach of the neighbor’s cat! Don’t locate the feeder too close to shrubs in which predators can hide to make a sneak attack. Another very important consideration is keeping the feeder away from your vegetable garden. The “remnants” left behind can harbor disease and bacteria which could contaminate your edibles!

Properly done, feeding the birds becomes a delightful activity for winter days when most of your garden has become less than exciting! Keep the birds happy and healthy this winter, they may stick around and treat you to additional color and movement in your spring flower garden!

Bucks County Master Gardener Horticulture Hotline is closed until March 2018.

You can still call, email, write or visit us with your home gardening questions and concerns!

“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!

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

Ongoing Events & Resources Christmas Tree Sale at Trumbauersville Fire Co. Variety of trees, $5/foot starting at $15 ea.

More info: Tom 267-372-2976, 215-538-1889 or bucks58fire.com Dec 2, 3, 9, 10 – Model RR Open House.

C.A.S.M.E. open to public 12noon-5pm operating H.O. model trains. Basement of Coopersburg Boro Bldg, 5 N Main St. 215-5294883 or casme.org “Festival of Trees” Tours thru Dec 30 at Pearl S Buck Intl, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie (reserve if group of 10 or more) Info/costs: pearlsbuck.org/ festival Dec 10, 16, 17, 30 – Keystone N Trak RR Club Holiday Open House 11am-4pm all four days at Dublin TEC Ctr, Suite 216, 123 N Main St (Rte 313), Dublin. Free admission/parking.

Dec 1-17- “Annie the Musical” (shows on Fri, Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm) Tkts: $18/adults, $15/ seniors, $12/students. More detailed info: staroftheday.org/2017-season.html “The Forgotten Americans” exhibit open daily thru Dec 15 at Pearl S Buck Intl Gallery, 520 Dublin Rd, Hilltown. Info: pearlsbuck.org/ exhibits Michener Art Museum Exhibits, “Dedicated, Displayed, Discovered” until Jan 7, “George Sotter:Light & Shadow” until Dec. 31, “A Time to Break Silence” until Feb 4, Located at 138 S Pine St, Doylestown. More info: MichenerArtMuseum.org or 215-340-9800 Quakertown Farmers Market Auctions 1st & 3rd Fri/month w/Les Beyer, 2nd & 4th Sat/ month w/Tom Lorah, call 215-536-4115 for info Hoagie Sales 2nd Monday of month (except July/August) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, advance orders due Wed. before. $5.50-$6.00, info/order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com

All Veterans invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville.

Call Frank 215-679-7770 Veterans invited 7:30pm, fourth Monday each month at VFW Post 3405, at 211 E Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Call for details at 610-282-1840 Veterans invited 1:30pm, second Sunday each month at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, 267-3719636 (bring DD 214 for proof eligibility) PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-2pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org Support & Service Groups Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-593-9995 or email carolonline1@verizon.netSisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month in Perkasie, info: 267-429-3196, stef@sistersu.com, AARP meets 1:30pm the second Monday of the month at Upper Bucks Senior Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. 215-5363066, upperbucksac.com Parent Support Group on Addiction meets 7pm, first & third Wed every month in Red Schoolhouse, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Bedminster. Info: batchof5@yahoo.com Family Education on Addiction meets 7pm, first three Mondays every month in the Red School House, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Free, register 800-221-6333 SOS Bereavement After Suicide, Family Support Group at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital twice monthly, info/details call 215-536-5143

Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 or 610-558-1326 Caregiver Support Group meets last Thurs. every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting.

Caregiver Support Group 4pm-5pm, meets last Thur. of month, Hidden Meadows, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville, 267-429-3931 Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic (for uninsured eligible residents), 595 W State St, Doylestown. Call to schedule an eligibility appt. at 215-345-2260. aschealthclinic.org Alzheimer’s Support Group, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown.

Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4512, nkoval@phoebe.org Alzheimer’s Support Group, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, NOVA hotline 1-800-6756900. www.NOVABucks.org Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tues 7pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-2208116, www.awomansplace.org UB Kiwanis meets 1st Wed of month 7:30am at Panera Bread, 4th Wed of month 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wed each month, 7pm at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel) Business Networking International (BNI) meets every Thurs 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com

Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am-9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054 Community Meals Free Community Meal third Wed of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 Free Community Meal second, fourth & fifth Weds.of month, 6pm, Richland Friends Quaker Meeting. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Free Community Meal third Thurs of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447 Free Community Meal first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm, Yerger Bldg across from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave Quakertown Bingo Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Sat of month, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, details: 215-256-6900 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall every Thur, 12:15pm (first Thur. of month has $50 Jackpot), 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smoke-free), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues, open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn.

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

Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. (except July) open 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. open 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Bingo at American Legion Post 397, 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, open 6pm, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624

14

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

American Legion Post 242 December 2017 Update

VFW Post 11322 December 2017 Update

BY PAUL GERHART

The post would like to thank the community for suporting our food/ Hygiene drive.

This helped us support Veterans and their families over Thanskgiving. If interested in supporting Toys for Tots drive please contact 267-992-4973 or 215-529-0500 before December 8th.

With the support of the community the posts

November Poppy collection was a success.

In November the post donations to Toys for Tots, HAB Readiness group, Wreaths Across America and Victory House.

The post will be having its annual Christmas Gathering. The students that won the Voice of Deomcracu and Patriots Pen Essay contested will get their awards then.

America - Home of the Free because of the Brave.

BY THOMAS MOORE In time the Mel-O-Dee Aces worked most of their jobs north, in the Lehigh Valley--more venues and a larger population to entertain.

Eventually Sine moved up to Emmaus and later Nazareth, towns that had a similar feel to the old Quakertown. By the late 60s the group was often booked one-to-two years in advance.

Landgreen left the group after high school, drumming just the five years. He then won a football scholarship to Cushing Academy (Massachusetts) and then two and a half years at Kutztown (then) State Teacher’s College.

He played running back and defensive halfback through those years and was inducted into the Pennridge-Quakertown Sports Hall Of Fame in 2010.

After leaving Kutztown, Landgreen went into the Navy and then was involved with his family’s General Store which had a major fire, eventually overseeing a major transition of the property into The Lake House Inn Restaurant & Hotel on Old Bethlehem Road outside of Perkasie. He managed and owned that for years, selling it in the mid-70s. He then managed bars and restaurants, sold real estate and also did restoration work, returning older real estate into representations of their original state, owning some apartments along the way also.

He never worked the skins after high school.

Ironically he just had a “Sinatra” party at his farm-residence in Richlandtown Township this summer.

Bozarth worked his way through college with the help of band income through the five year co-op program at Drexel, earning an Electrical Engineering degree. Ironically, in high school he took the Vocational Agriculture Course which forced him to play catch-up to be accepted at Drexel. “I would not have been able to go to college if it wasn’t for the band,” Bozarth said.

One of his time problems then was that his Drexel co-op program included two six month work periods through the college years with General Electric in Trenton, an hour or more away from the band’s bookings each night.

Married in ’57, a daughter born in ’60, he stayed with the band until his college degree (Electrical Engineering) in May of ’65 and put his D’Angelico aside. He was hired by Honeywell and ended up with four (engineering) patents and a successful career with the conglomerate’s Process & Controls Group.

His guitar? He traveled to Manhattan and bought it in the mid-50s. About three years ago he caught a Saturday afternoon 30-minute show on Philly television where the topic that day was the D’Angelico guitar, some of which were now valued at over $100,000.00. “After the show, I called the guy on t.v. and discussed my guitar. I then refurbished it and eventually had it appraised at between $35,000 and $47,000 dollars,” Bozarth said.

The D’Angelico’s were hand-made and available in limited quantities. The three-per-

BY DICK HELM I wish to thank all members and concerned residents of the area for a very successful November at our Post. The successes were the tri-school Veteran’s Day Service at the Pennridge Central Middle School near Silverdale and the drawing held at our Post a week later.

Once again we had a very moving service including music by guest vocalists and musicians as well as the student choirs. We had several speakers who gave us inspiring messages. I wish to convey a conversation that I had with one of the guest performers.

It was the persons first time to help the committee out and as we waited for the students to be seated, that person heard the normal noises of students entering a facility and being seated. When the person questioned me if the noise was usually continuos during the service, I mentioned that I marvel how the students are usually so quite you could hear a pin drop. I mentioned that this service not only is to honor the Veterans but is also a very good exposure of “Patriotism” to the many students attending. Indeed when the service began, the students proved my statements were right. I always admire the attentiveness of the students and the frequent applause and enthusiastic flag waving of the young audience.

After the service the school had a wonderful presentation given to us by the students of the school as we enjoyed a wonderful luncheon in their library area. As we exited the students were exchanging classes and lunch periods and once again thanked the veterans as we walked towards the exit. If you have never attended a Veteran’s Day service at our schools you are missing out on an experience that really cannot

The Mel-O-Dee Aces (continued from page 14 of November issue)

son company back then typically manufactured 35 units a year until John D’Angelico died in 1964. In ’55 Bozarth paid $600.00 for the guitar, half price because Bozarth’s guitar teacher was familiar with D’Angelico and played his brand of guitar.

As the 60s wore on, the band was a mainstay at Lehigh Valley’s Mountainside Inn, actually starting there in 1962 one night a week (Thursday). A few years later they were

hundreds of torsos physically interpreting the music, smiling along with the beat. Sine stated, “I listened to music back in the day, primarily to hear songs that we could use for our playing dates. Through time I have not kept up with contemporary stuff. We play mostly songs from the 40s through the 70s. I remember playing at Musikfest as Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) finished their performance with a very large crowd a bit away.

A recent photo of The Quaker-tones band members (l-r) Bill Tirjan, Bob Landgreen, Ted Bozarth, Dale Sine

the house band playing Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Other places where they filled the dance floor were the American Citizens Club, the Fearless Fire Company Hall, the Ukrainian American (anyone for a polka) Citizens Club all in Allentown and the Pilot’s Club at the Lehigh Valley Airport next door. In general they played ballroom dancing at clubs in the Lehigh Valley, Lancaster, Lebanon, the Poconos and Bucks County areas as their main jobs (“...they weren’t really jobs, they were pleasures”-Sine).

The Mel-O-Dee-Aces’s (their original name was The Mel-O-De Aces—with one ‘e’ missing, but that was changed a few years later) first booking was a Milford Square Fire Company wedding reception on September 10th 1955, over 62 years ago. On May 15th, 2005 they played their 50th Anniversary special performance at Jolly Joe Timmer’s Grove in Point Phillips, near Allentown. Six hundred people attended and they could not all fit inside the hall. The now deceased property owner loved the polka and one of the group’s specialty areas of dance music was strongly on display at that filmed and recorded performance.

Through it all, the group was never asked to lower their salary as the dance floors absorbed

Lots of those listeners came over to hear us and we did ‘Proud Mary’ right away. It really went over well. We could have played at other venues out of state, but we wanted to stay where the band was located—Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley.”

The group’s more recent drummer (for more than 30 years), Allentown’s Tim Fehr had an upper register voice that could do ballads like “Sea Of Love” but he also did a real good job with uptempo selections including Michael Jackson songs. Before Fehr’s drumming there were many others. Starting with Landgreen, Bill Cooney, Steve Bullock and Keith Kemmerer played into the 70s when, Fehr took over the skins. It’s the only instrument that changed to any degree through the 53 years of the band.

While most people do not understand the off-playing time of musicians, preparation can begin two-plus hours before the booking in loading your equipment, driving to the site, setting up, a sound check and then play for about four hours and then reverse the timetable. In many cases it projected to a 10 hour cycle.

“I never had any desire to do anything else,” the 78 year-old Sine said. “It was music, it

be explained in words. As a veteran I wish to thank the students for showing their appreciation and sincere wishes of thanks to us. Those services over the years are always an occasion I look forward too! Next year we ask you to keep the weekday morning close to November 11th open to also witness this experience. I guarantee you will return year after year as I do.

We hold two drawings a year, one for Veteran’s Benefits and one for Youth Activities. In the past our gross was holding steady at about $6000.00 with a payout and expenses about $5000.00. I often wrote for members help to send in more tickets to bring that total up.

Some of the winners generously donated their winnings back to the Post or really the amount received verses the expenses would not have been worth the effort. Once again Charley Wismer offered a new approach of offering a different ticket-buying program and you, the members, answered the call! Wow! I just got off the phone with Charley and he told me he took in over $9000.00 with the same amount as normal for the wonderful payout and usual expenses. So far he was told to keep about $120.00 of the winnings for the Post. I imagine there will be a lot more donations back.

You had a spectacular response to this drawing. Even though the percentage of members sending funds in remains about the same, the new program was received well and I hope you were one of the “Lucky Ones.” Just imagine that if every member responded how great a job we could do for our Veterans and Youth!

Thanks to all ~ Dick Helm, Post 242 was the dance floor, we had fun. We joked around with the customers, took requests and tried to satisfy the paying customers. If they wanted us to play overtime, we would do it in 15 minute segments at a pre-arranged fee if the managers or club owners wanted us to continue playing. We wouldn’t say no unless the house did not want the added (expense of) playing time.” The band played many (free) benefits, through the years and once was booked for a four-hour contractual agreement and ended up playing eight hours, until 1 a.m. without repeating a song.

The Sines (Dale and Mary Ann) and the Bozarths (Ted and Bev) get together socially every few months. “We drive through the area,” said Bozarth “and I realize...we played there, and over there, and that place too.”

Mientus comes north to the Quakertown area maybe once a year and the group gets together and shares some great memories.

While Sine founded and continued to be the mainstay in the three-four-piece band, he started working Lehigh Valley Nursing Homes, Senior Centers and other elderly care places in the mid-80s. He started out as a part of a duo with a mandolin player and then as a single, at the mostly afternoon performances, using the accordion. In time he changed to a multi-instrumental keyboard and is now 33 years-in getting toe-tapping and feet-shuffling returns on his one-man band, full sound offerings.

While the Mel-O-Dee-Aces used rock and roll songs as a segment of their dancing music, lest we not forget a Quakertown musician who clerked at Sine’s Q-town Music Store.

Name is Craig Thatcher, rock and roll and blues artist, vocalist, songwriter and a 1974 Quakertown HS grad, who has his own band since 1993. He can frequently be seen locally at the Sellersville Theater with his band doing a Tribute to the Jimi Hendrix Experience, most recently this August. In 2009, Thatcher was invited by Nazareth guitar-maker C.F. Martin & Co. to become a Martin Guitar International Artist/Clinician and Ambassador, a prestigious position in which he travels worldwide to present guitar clinics and demonstrate new Martin guitar models. He continues doing that today, recently playing with Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) and G.E. Smith (Bob Dylan Band, SNL Music Director) out of state.

“Dale was a role model for me,” Thatcher said. The tie-in other than his working in sales at Sine’s Music Store back in the day and buying all of his equipment from the store?

The Mel-O-Dee-Aces played his wedding in 1980 at Allentown’s Fearless Fire Company.

In retrospection, the band started playing in the first Eisenhower Presidential term and locked their instrument cases as a group, for the last time, in 2009, during Obama’s first term. All-told, Sine played and sang through 54 years, performing at least 10,000 bookings and-through 11 Presidents that is.

Sine: “We worked hard to make listeners happy and to fill the dance floor.”

Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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

Think Local.

Buy Local.

Be Local.

Amistad BFG Color Purple Duel Firelight Goonies Hook (the)

Indiana Jones Jaws Jurassic Park Lincoln Minority Report Munich Poltergeist

(the) Post Raiders (of the) Lost Ark Schindler's List Sugarland Express (the) Terminal

(adventures

of)

Tintin

Transformers Twister War Horse War of the Worlds

15

16

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

Seems the mystery of the building on the corner of 309 and John Fries Highway has been solved.

It’s a sign! It looks like that space transporter in the movie CONTACT. WOW that is a lot of work and money for a sign. I bet you could buy dog treats for all the dogs in Bucks County for the rest of their lives with the amount they spent on that sign. It will probably cause some traffic accidents with distracted drivers.

I asked my human if I could advertise Camp Jeans on that sign.

She said I don’t understand the value of a dollar. She’s right!

I’m a dog! I just ask/beg with my eyes and pretty much get what I want. This time it didn’t work. Hope my begging works for the gifts on my Christmas list. Love to All and remember the reason for the season. ~ M.J.

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Church of the Holy Spirit Donates to Baseball for Special People

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Harleysville recently donated $1010, the proceeds from their Pulled Pork and Apple Bake fundraiser, to Baseball for Special People. photo by rick berry

PA State Police

Last week my wife and I went to the Local State Police Barracks in Emporium, Pa. to retrieve the last items stolen from our Summer Home last year. After receiving a call from them earlier this fall, we arranged to retrieve our items when we went up for our final close-up for the year. We have nothing but the very best comments for the compassion, understanding of feelings of violation by the thieves, and the utmost courtesy displayed by the officers of that Police Unit from the beginning of their investigation until this our last meeting with them.

How does this relate to memories of my youth? My parents always instilled in us kids respect for the law. Remember that my early youth was during WWII into the Korean War era. I believe many of the former M.P.’s of these returning soldiers went to the Pa. State Police to serve in the occupation they grew to respect and want to follow-up as a career.

My first contacts with the State Police were as instructors who worked with AAA in their Safety Patrol programs at the school. As a grade school student the impression of these uniformed policemen in their familiar gray uniforms with the DI type hat certainly left a lasting picture of authority.

Early films were produced in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia—not in Hollywood. A familiar topic of silent movies was the Keystone Kops. Yes, the Pa. State Police impressed even the movie producers.

As youth we referred to the State Police as the “Stateys” or “Troopers” when talking about seeing them. Quakertown had two locations for the “Stateys” when I was in my youth.

They first were in a large home near the current Ford garage. That building is now part of a Seniors Living Center. They then had a new “Barracks” built along Route 309 behind a lake near the shopping center where Bon-Ton and Redner’s Market is located. They then located to their more central Bucks area in Dublin where they introduced a driving course. We motor heads were always impressed with those familiar Black and white State Police Fords with their Interceptor V-8 engines. Now they have unmarked cars and gray vans with Police written across the side. Their yellow and black cross-hatched rear bumper is the cause of many drivers on the interstate to slow down from 75 to 70 mphs.

I will never forget the time my buddy and his wife invited my wife and I to go Snowmobiling after a heavy snow. He had just purchased a tow behind 2-passenger unit. We suited up and went down a rural road. My buddy saw a car coming and tried to turn into a farmer’s field, but because of the tag along unit got hung up in the ditch. Yes that car was a “Statey” and he turned on his lights and stopped. My buddy was still trying to get out of the ditch and the policemen indicated to turn off the machine. He mentioned that we should not be on the road. My buddy mentioned we had just left his parent’s home and we were using the road for less than ¼ mile to get to the farmer’s former cornfields. The trooper then stressed that we should have permission and my buddy confirmed he knew the neighboring farmer.

The trooper left us with a stern warning instead

of a fine and with that warning of not driving on the road except for limited access to those fields, to my knowledge, my friend followed his advice at least when I was along. Deep down I believe he knew that our plans for the evening were thwarted. We went around the field a few times and returned to his parent’s place for a nice warm cup of Hot Chocolate.

That understanding and stern warning was one example of how the State Police certainly got their point across and left a lasting impression on proper behavior on otherwise law abiding people.

I would like to mention the many State Troopers names for a thank you from Quakertown and Cameron County that I did admire and admire today. I always try to contact any person I name in my articles before including them so I will not mention the many names. The one name I choose to mention is a fellow church member and close friend whom has since passed away. He was a former Sergeant of the local barracks. His name was Warren Cooper. Warren was a wonderful conversationalist and I would spend many hours with him at coffee time after church or at his home talking about the war, his time as a State Policeman, and about his love of mountain upbringing. Warren was from the Coudersport area of Pennsylvania and served in the Marines during WWII. He once told me he was one of many who guarded “The Enola Gay” on Tinian Island prior to their taking off with the A-bomb over Japan. He often talked that he had a burial lot along Route 6 on the western side of Coudersport on a hillside so he could sit up there after passing with his radar gun to catch speeders. After Warren passed away a few years ago we attended his funeral here in Quakertown and it just happened we were going to Cameron County right after the service.

This enabled us to be at that Cemetery the next day for the graveside services at Eulalia Cemetery. It was an impressive service involving State Troopers and Masonic Persons from that area. I stood there silently and could not help to have a smile on my face as I remembered his words about the speeders on Route 6 as I observed clearly the automobiles clearly visible from Betty and his gravesite!

In closing I want to mention my wife and I have great respect for all police officers especially in our current times. We came home to our area from our camp and in the news was a killing of a police officer and recent wounding of other police officers. The respect and courtesy shown to us in the 2 break-ins over the past 12 years in our camp and many memorable professional encounters my wife had with officers during the many years she volunteered as an Emergency Medical Tech (EMT) have given us many reasons to respect the “Stateys”. Tragically the terrible rise in the shootings of police officers brings to mind how under appreciated the Pa. State Police and other police are today. The State Police and Active Military are persons to be admired for their being there so we can remain safe in our homes, on our streets, and enjoy the freedoms this great country has to offer. My wife and I will always admire their service and as we have had the opportunity to say in person.

THANK YOU for Your Service!!! .Dick Helm is a regular contributor.

He can be reached at dickhelm@ubfp.org

17

Seven Reasons to List Your Home This Holiday Season Every year at this time, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to put their homes on the market for the first time, while others who already have their homes on the market decide to take them off until after the holidays.

Here are seven great reasons not to wait: 1. Relocation buyers are out there. Many companies are still hiring throughout the holidays and need their employees in their new positions as soon as possible.

2. Purchasers who are looking for homes during the holidays are serious buyers and are ready to buy now.

3. You can restrict the showings on your home to the times you want it shown. You will remain in control.

4. Homes show better when decorated for the holidays.

5. There is less competition for you as a seller right now.

6. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop when the holidays come. Buyers who were unable to find their dream home during the busy spring and summer months are still searching!

7. The supply of listings increases substantially after the holidays. Also, in many parts of the country, new construction will continue to surge reaching new heights in 2018, which will lessen the demand for your house.

Bottom Line Waiting until after the holidays to sell your home probably doesn’t make sense. Call me for a Consultation and Happy Holidays!

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. Contact her at suesellshouses@gmail.com or 215-872-9865.

Trees and reliability.

Reliability and trees. It’s a balancing act we’re constantly thinking about at PPL Electric Utilities, and one we take very seriously.

We take a variety of steps to keep your service reliable.

One of the most important – and visible -- actions we take throughout our system is tree trimming and removal.

It’s been proven that tree contact with power lines is the leading cause of storm-related outages.

You might remember the prolonged outages in this area after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and a heavy snowstorm in October 2011. Trees were a major cause of those outages, leading us to step up our tree clearing and trimming work. Contact between a tree and a transmission line in Ohio also caused the Northeast Blackout of 2003, which left 55 million people without power.

We trim and remove trees in the rights of way along all our electric lines on a rotating basis. We also remove “hazard trees” or “danger trees” – trees near the right of way that are in poor condition and at risk of falling into the right of way, causing outages or damage to our facilities.

We understand that not everyone likes tree trimming and removal. We understand that some trees are planted as part of a landscaping plan. We recognize the beauty of trees, and we’re sensitive to the attachments people form with them.

At the same time, about 3 million people in 29 counties rely on us for safe, affordable,

reliable power. More than ever, we’ve all built our lives around reliable electric service. We count on it to power the devices that make our daily lifestyles possible.

To meet that expectation of strong reliability, PPL needs to actively trim or remove trees and other vegetation along its lines.

While we work to responsibly maintain trees along our lines, we’ve also recently launched a program to responsibly plant trees.

The new program, called Community Roots, will provide free trees to local parks, environmental groups and fourth-grade classes. The intent is to help beautify the areas where we all live, work and play. More info is available online at www.pplcommunityroots.com.

As part of Community Roots, we’re reminding everyone that trees should always be planted away from overhead power lines or underground utility lines. Plus, tree recipients – or anybody with a digging project – should call 811 at least three business days before they dig, so any underground utility lines can be marked.

We’ve also posted info about safely planting and trimming trees on our website. Just visit www.pplelectric.com, and choose Reliability in the menu at the top of the page.

We know that tree trimming and removal will probably always be a cause of concern among some property owners.

But when your lights stay on during storms and bad weather, chances are that smart tree management is working for you.

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

18

• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2017

Quakertown Cares in Action

BY JANE THOMPSON SMITH

Every dollar contributed to Quakertown Cares goes to neighbors in need, as there are no administrative expenses. Who receives this assistance?

Quakertown Cares annually provides each of the 152 senior residents of Grundy House with a $100 food card. Several Cares volunteers distributed the Giant cards on November 14. On November 20, Cares distributed 100 turkey meals through the generosity of Classic Staffing Services (turkeys) and Oldcastle Lawn and Garden (fixings). (see photos on pg 11) Cares has also provided $15,000 in Target gift cards to be distributed to Quakertown Community School District families, including homeless students, through social worker and guidance counselor recommendations. Quakertown Cares also supports students in the Shop with a Cop Program.

In recent weeks Quakertown Cares aided twenty-one veterans/widows referred by local veterans coordinators and seven Head Start families.

Cares also provided $1,000 to social workers with the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging to assist seniors in need who live in the Quakertown community. Referrals are also received from the social worker at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Quakertown Cares is in its third decade of providing direct assistance to our neighbors in economic distress, having been founded in 1995 by a local newspaper, local school district, local bank, local clergy, local veterans groups, local business group, local senior citizens group, and local accounting firm.

“The Squid, Smooth and Green, Blues and Light Band” Plays at the “Black Orchid” I heard loud music. I was Downtown; where West Broad Street’s one-way, going east. The noise was coming from down by the Train Station. There was still regular train service in Quakertown back in the Sixties. They apparently had some ‘event’ going on. I trotted down to see what was happening. A four-man rock-group was playing in the parking lot. Out in front of them stood a six foot tall, silver monstrosity.

It was plugged into an extension cord and sporadically flashed colored lights. The band was called: The Squid, Smooth and Green, Blues and Light Band.

My Boy Scout buddies and I, with help from local design-artist and assistant scoutmaster, Jon Roberts, built and operated the Black Orchid, a dance-hall/younger kids’ hangout. It was on the third floor of the Hinkel Building, across from Sines 5& 10. We had ‘dances’ there every weekend--$2 a head. The Banks of Doom and Days End, were great local bands, but we were always on the lookout for new ones. For contact numbers, we’d check at King Arthur’s Court—the big disco up on 309—and some clubs in Allentown. I’d never heard of The Squid, Smooth and Green, Blues and Light Band.

I listened to them for a while, while staring into the The Squid’s mesmerizing “face.”

It was two car bumpers welded together and standing on end. Inside were wires, electrical gadgets and lights that strobed and sent out colored beams. The Squid had a frosty Plexiglas front cover and a wooden back with plug-wires hanging out. The flashing didn’t really follow the music but, sort of, had a pattern. They were pretty good, so I tried to book them for the Black Orchid.

The band was from down in Bucks County near Newtown and a couple years older, in college. They smirked at my ‘Boy Scout budget’ offer but finally said they’d play and scheduled for a couple of weeks later. We ran out of weekly-flier space with: “Introducing: The Squid, Smooth and Green, Blues and Light Band: This Saturday at the “Black Orchid.” (as seen at Train Station). Fantastic Light Show!

THE SQUID!” The entry to the Black Orchid was at the breezeway between the Hinkel Building and the ‘yellow’ building on 3rd Street between Broad and Branch. On Broad, under the “HWH 1909” keystone, there’s a doorway to a story-and-a-half stairway. A 2nd floor hall passes an apartment and offices and leads to another stair to the top floor. There, passed some cloak rooms, you crossed a hall and entered the Lounge.

The Lounge had a high-ceiling and tall windows that looked out onto Branch St. The walls were a weirdly lit shade of purple with wide strips of mirror-like foil wallpaper. The room was scattered with sofas, lamp tables and stuffed chairs. The soda and candy stand was in the front corner, to the left. The stage and dance-hall was through doors to the right.

It was tough getting The Squid upstairs, but we managed without damage or injury.

Insurance had insisted on electrical upgrades.

The stage was no longer powered through an extension cord plugged into a brass light socket

dangling by a frayed, cloth-covered wire from the crumbly plaster ceiling. We had plenty of outlets, now. The Squid lit up the whole place, sending colored lights bouncing around the room. We noticed, if you stared right into it for a while, you felt woozy.

We averaged a hundred-ten kids at the Black Orchid. With a new band (and a ‘Fantastic Light Show’), we got 200 that week. We ran out of soda and ice, which was a real bummer.

It was depressingly muggy and hot. Everybody seemed to like the music, though.

Then, during a slow song, I gazed out across the dark dance floor. The Squid was pulsing away, glancing colored light beams off the heads and faces in the full-house. Oddly, few dancers were paired-up. All were oriented toward The Squid. People in front were staring into the machine. They were bobbing their heads and pumping their arms like it was a strange, teen/rock line dance.

We never had real trouble at the Black Orchid. But, that night, one of the ‘regular’ guys fainted. It was the heat, probably, or his energetic ‘dancing’, or the fact we had no ice or soda. Soon after, the two girls who everyone said ‘got high’ all the time, half-fainted, too. A lot of people didn’t come back after intermission.

Watching a half-full dance floor with The Squid blinking away--especially during romantic songs when the hugging, necking couples had colored lights dancing over them—made me as woozy as staring right into it. I found a chair and sat; watching shadows of clutching dancers and the patterns of colored lights swirl over the huge black orchids that were painted on the walls.

I realized: the band never actually saw The Squid’s lights. They were behind it. The next song was a real rocker, perked everyone up, but soon the crowd had herded up again. Some people were back to staring into The Squid.

When I found one buddy standing in the back corner staring up at the lights moving on the walls and was waving his arm like Lawrence Welk, I developed an uneasy appreciation for The Squid.

It wasn’t as hard getting the equipment (and The Squid) back downstairs to their van. It was the last time I saw The Squid, Smooth and Green Blues and Light Band. They each went to different colleges—had formed the band and built The Squid back in high school. I couldn’t get them to perform at the Black Orchid again, or in the “Battle of the Bands” we tried organizing at Quakertown High School.

I’ll never forget them, though . . . The Squid, anyway. It was a discomforting but fascinating apparatus. I can still feel that wooziness from looking directly into it, sometimes; and, I remember the one, younger kid who freaked out.

He yelled at The Squid, shook his fist at the frosted glass and stormed out. I won’t forget the look on the faces of the dancers that night, ‘twisting’ and bopping while staring into the lights. I still wonder about the fainter. He was pumping his arms with sweat running down his flushed face one minute and the next, he swooned. His eyes were glassy as he lay there, collapsed onto a couch in the Lounge, a pack of girls hovering around him.

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

“Local” is an important part of the mission of Quakertown Cares.

We are a community in which many individuals and businesses are prospering. We are also a community in which there are surprisingly large numbers of families and individuals living in poverty, including those who are homeless. Quakertown Cares recipients are school and preschool families, veterans, and senior citizens all of whom live within the local school district.

The Quakertown Cares 2017-2018 campaign is off to an impressive start with $33,108 having been contributed from the end of the last campaign in April through November 10.

Contributors are Morning Star Fellowship ($3,976), Quakertown United Methodist Church ($707), Zeigler Family Foundation ($15,000), anonymous Quakertown business ($10,000), anonymous Milford Township couple ($500), anonymous Milford Square resident with matching employer contribution ($300/$600), QNB Bank ($1,100) David and Arden Freeman ($250), David and Ginger Woodbury ($100), Alan Shughart ($50), Steven and Linda Cardell ($100), Darlene Hardy ($50), anonymous Quakertown Borough residents ($200, $150, and $20), anonymous Richland Township residents ($50 and $25), Truist for anonymous donor ($80), and Merck Foundation matching gift from previous campaign ($100).

Please consider joining these neighbors to assist our neighbors in need with a tax-deductible contribution, which may be mailed to: Quakertown Cares, c/o QNB, P.O. Box 9005, Quakertown, PA 18951.

Pennridge FISH, Chamber Hold 24th Annual Toy Drive

Pennridge F.I.S.H. (Fellowship in Serving Humanity) and the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce, are sponsoring their 24th Annual Holiday Toy Drive. They are collecting unwrapped new toys/gifts and/or gift cards, wrapping material and new mittens, gloves,

scarves, hats, etc. for infants to teenagers through Tuesday, December 12. . If you have any questions regarding the Toy Drive, please contact the Pennridge Chamber office at pennridgecc@pennridge. com or 215-257-5390.

I have always remembered December as the time of the year when everyone was in a festive mood. Whether you had a little or a lot, it was a time of family gatherings, lots of tasty food, gifts under a tree, and maybe even a senseless argument during the day about who should have won the World Series months before, or whether it was the best idea for Nephew Mason to move down south with wild Uncle Buddy.

December was a month of activities leading up to the big day of celebration – Christmas.

There was the third thorough housecleaning of the year which included washing windows, wiping down walls, scrubbing floors, changing curtains, and rearranging furniture before the decorations went up. In the beginning of the month, the women would order whatever meat they were having from the butcher, and the men would order a turkey from the turkey farm. Cookie baking had already begun right after Thanksgiving, and large tins of cookies had been hidden so the children (and some adults) would not eat all of them before Christmas Eve. That was the Christmas Eve treat after the tree was up and decorated – cookies and hot cocoa. It was a tradition at our house to put up the tree on Christmas Eve day or evening using decorations that my mother had purchased at Kline’s Hardware Store in downtown Quakertown. I still have some of the decorative balls she purchased from Mrs. Kline and Mrs. Littman. It was also tradition to leave our tree up until well after mid-January.

As I reflect on Christmases past, so much has changed. I still have bundles of Christmas cards that I received over the years. During the past five years, the mail box no longer overflows with cards. Even I have begun to write an annual Christmas letter, and I am guilty of emailing half and snail-mailing the other half.

I always appreciated a card in the mail as it

was a personal gesture from a friend or family member. Electronic mail is convenient, but then, this is the age of convenience. Christmas trees and decorations are put up the day after Thanksgiving, and taken down the day after Christmas. The second week of December you can hear people saying, “I can’t wait until this holiday is over.” Christmas has become so commercialized that the true meaning has been lost and, it has become a stress-filled month.

My greatest memories of Christmas in the country were the family gatherings that we had at our home, the decorations, the cards that were displayed throughout the house, the cookies that we could finally eat, the aroma of the turkey in the oven, the Christmas carols playing on the radio, and the moment that we could sit down at the table enjoy the feast that my Mother had prepared. The focus at our home was on the reason that we celebrated Christmas. It was a time to remember the birth of the Christ Child, and for that reason, our Christmas extended well beyond December 25th. My mother said that Jesus was one of the greatest gifts we could ever receive, and 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: “O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”

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

Collection Locations: A&T Chevrolet-Subaru, 801 Bethlehem Ave., Sellersville; Modern Male Barber Pike, Sellersville; Bolton Farm Market, Route Shop, 514 W. Walnut St., Perkasie; Penn 113, Silverdale; Bucks County Community Community Bank, Market Street, Perkasie; College, 1 Hillendale Dr., Perkasie; Bucks Penn Community Bank, Glenwood Branch, County Soapstone Company, 515 W. Walnut Perkasie Penn Community Bank, 219 S. 9th St., Perkasie; Bux-Mont Awards, 225 N. Main Street, Perkasie; Penn Community Bank, Street, Sellersville; Chimayo Gallery, 21 N. Route 313, Dublin ; Pennridge Chamber of 7th St. Perkasie; Dr. Gallagher & Associates, Commerce, 538 W. Market Street, Perkasie; 920 Lawn Ave., Sellersville ; Draper DBS, Pennridge Community Center, 146 E. Main Inc., 1803 N. Fifth Street, Perkasie; Family Street, Perkasie; Pennridge Wellness Center, Dentistry, 1316 N. Fifth Street, Perkasie; 1281 PA-113, Blooming Glen; QNB Bank, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, 4036 Route 313, Dublin; QNB Bank, Chestnut Bethlehem Pike, Telford; Landis Supermarket, Street, Perkasie; R&S Keystone Diner, Inc. Perkasie Square Shopping Center; McCormick 4714 Bethlehem Pike, Telford; RE/MAX Brothers Professional Dry Cleaning, 601 440, 701 W. Market St., Perkasie; Sellersville N. Main Street, Sellersville; Gary Nace Borough, E. Church Street; Senator Charles Insurance Agency, Inc., 101 Diamond Street, McIlhinney, 22 South Main Street, Suite 220, Sellersville ; Main Street Salon & Spa, 148 Doylestown; Stella’s House Blend Cafe, 200 W. Main Street, Silverdale; Miller Express North Main Street, Sellersville; Univest, 545 Lube, 1260 Route 113, Blooming Glen; Constitution Ave, Perkasie; Univest, Route Modern Male Barber Shop, 7 E. Temple 113 & Bethlehem Pike, Souderton

O, Come All Ye Faithful: attributed to John Francis Wade

The World as I See It is not written in a professional capacity. I always welcome your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org

December 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

19

Teach your Dog to Love the Veterinarian

In a typical exam, a veterinarian will look in your puppy’s eyes, ears, and mouth; listen to her heart and lungs; touch and probe her belly; manipulate her joints; and - nobody’s favorite - take her temperature. Puppies that are regularly handled and touched all over are less fearful and more likely to regard touching as affection.

A great way to help your puppy tolerate handling is to play a game called Touch. Grab a handful of pea-sized yummy treats. Find a quiet comfy spot. Now say “touch” to your puppy then touch the dog’s ear for a second; release and give her a treat. Say “touch” then touch the other ear for a second and give her a treat. I progress from there to actually lifting and looking into the ear canal for a second, but be sure to say “touch” before and offer the treat right after the exam. The puppy usually starts to gets happy when she hears the word “touch” because she knows a treat is coming next.

From there, work on a simple lip lift on the left side of her mouth and then right side.

You can make it more fun by smearing a little

peanut butter or yogurt on the gums instead of a treat. Always say “touch” followed by the reward after the exam. Now progress by lifting one side of the puppy’s mouth to expose the teeth. Remember it’s a game. If the puppy isn’t having fun, stop.

Lots of puppies are sensitive about having their paws handled. Say “touch” then gently and quickly stroke your puppy’s paw then hand her a treat. Once your puppy is happy about the brief touch you can leave your hand on her paw just a little bit longer before giving her the treat. Gradually work up to holding the paw, then giving gentle squeezes, and eventually touching the toe nails.

Remember to add the tail, belly and back with this game. You may not want to do a full session of touch in one sitting. Break it up into short fun sessions. In addition, when you regularly spend time touching your puppy, you will be more likely to notice changes such as lumps, swelling, or tenderness that may indicate health problems. Remember to bring yummy treats like canned cheese, pieces of real meat, or peanut butter with you to the vet!

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

QNB Declares Dividend

The Board of Directors of QNB Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: QNBC), parent company of QNB Bank, at a regular meeting on November 28, 2017 declared a quarterly cash dividend of 31¢ per share. The cash dividend is payable on December 29, 2017 to shareholders of record December 15, 2017.

QNB Corp. offers commercial and retail banking services through the 11 banking offices of its subsidiary, QNB Bank. In addition,

QNB Bank provides securities and advisory services under the name of QNB Financial Services through Investment Professionals, Inc., a registered Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor, and title insurance as a member of Laurel Abstract Company LLC. QNB Corp.’s stock is traded in the over-thecounter market under the symbol “QNBC.” For more information, visit QNB’s web site at QNBbank.com.