2
• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2021
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? Now thru 2022 “Opportunities That Built A Community” Exhibit at Town Hall, 5 N Main St, Coopersburg.
donation per rider. 9am registration. Food
Community Ctr, Rtes 152 & 113, Silverdale.
avail. Free hotdogs & coffee on return. FMI:
Doors open 11:30am. ALL must have tkt.
Christ’s Community Café 9am-11am at First
215-257-9949
$25/adv, $30/door. Tkts: sfdbasketbingo@
UCC at 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown. Free
yahoo.com or 215-257-4028 x305.
“to-go” style lunches to share. Stop by & grab
December 11
Coopersburghistory@gmail.
Bush House Cookout (burgers & hot
com or Coopersburg Historical Society on
dogs) 5pm-7pm at First UCC, 151 S 4th St,
Facebook or Next Door
Quakertown. Proceeds benefit displaced Bush
Lutheran, 733 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Free
QMPO HolidayFest/Craft Fair 8am-1pm,
Now to December 5
House residents (followed by Christmas in
dramatic presentation w/live animals every 15 minutes. FMI: 215-257-9423
Quakertown HS, 600 Park Ave. Music
Quakertown free concert) FMI: 215-536-4447)
FMI:
contact
Pearl S Buck Intl Holiday Craft Show 10am4pm at 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie. $4/adm. FMI: 215-249-0100
Trumbauersville Winterfest 6-8pm, Bon Fire, $1/Hotdogs, FREE Hot Chocolate, Warm Cider, S’mores. Santa arrives by Fire Engine.
Now to December 14 Perkiomen Valley Art Ctr Show 10am-3pm at Schwenkfelder Heritage Ctr, 105 Seminary St, Pennsburg. FMI: 215-679-3103
Veterans Park Pavilion, 140 Woodview Dr (behind UCC). Donate hats/scarves/gloves for ‘Spread the Warmth Tree’ Christmas in Quakertown (FREE Concert)
November 26
w/Quakertown
Band
&
QCHS
Varsity
Hellertown Tree Lighting 5pm-9pm at
Singers, 7:30pm at First UCC, 151 S 4th St,
Dimmick Memorial Park. Lots of activities
Quakertown. Also will be live-streamed on FB
going on. Singing, dancing, Cub Scouts,
(firstucc.net) FMI: FMI: 215-536-4447
Karate,
music,
Santa
photos
&
Santa
Souderton Holiday Parade 11am, stroll along
Giveaway.
N Main St & E Broad St. Bring your family
November 27
& enjoy a day of fun and maybe meet Santa
Coopersburg Tree Lighting Ceremony 6pm-
Claus. FMI: 215-723-6627
8pm. Crafts, Food vendors, Cash tractor
Perkasie Tree Lighting Ceremony 5pm-8pm
rides, Raffles & Santa. Benefits Coopersburg
at 620 W Chestnut St. Holiday music, food
Fire Co.
trucks & fun. Santa lights the tree at 7pm.
Santa Photos, (Sat 11am-8pm) (Sun 11am-
‘Santa Paws Pet Photos’ (Sat 11am-8pm)
Rd, Quakertown. Photos: $4 each or 3 for $10
(Sun 11am-5pm) at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-4115
Quakertown Christmas Tree Lighting Festival, 6pm-8:30pm in downtown Quakertown. Santa & Mrs Claus, Food, Music, Live Nativity, Live Alpacas, more. quakertownalive.com or 215-536-2273 Souderton Tree Lighting 6pm-8pm 121 N Main St. Entertainment, shopping, photos w/Santa,
more.
soudertonconnects.com/
tree-lighting
December 3 & 4 Christmas Craft Show, Bake Sale, Raffles & more (Fri 4pm-8pm) (Sat 9am-4pm) at Historic Quakertown Train Station.
December 3 & 5 ‘Born to Die!’ drama & choir presentation (Fri 7pm) (Sun 10am) at Community Baptist, 7350 Elementary Rd, Coopersburg. FMI: 610-928-0275
December 3, 4 & 5
Santa Photos (Sat 11am-8pm) (Sun 11am5pm) at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FMI:
3pm-5pm
at
Jerusalem
December 6, 13 & 20 Family Education Program on Addiction first three Mon. of month 7pm. Understand the impact on everyone involved. Presbyterian
215-536-4115
ALSO:
12/11
&
12, and 12/18 & 19. Event Room #201 ($4/ea or $10/for three) Christmas Mkt at Schwenkfelder/Heritage
one while supplies last.
(elementary
thru
HS),
120+
vendors,
Scavenger “Holiday Hunt” w/prizes, food, raffle baskets, more. FMI: qmpo.org/craft-fair or 267-261-8461 ‘Cookies
with
Santa’
-Face
painting,
Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse
cookie baking, photos w/Santa from 1pm-
Rd, Perkasie. FMI: 215-527-3077. Register:
4pm at The Gathering Place, 351 W Broad
800-221-6333.
St,
December 7
pinkbakerusa.com/events
Quakertown.
Registration
required:
‘WinterFest’ 6:30pm-8:30pm at St. Agnes
‘Storytime Santa’ 1pm at QMart, 201 Station
Church, 445 N Main St, Sellersville. Visit
Rd, Quakertown. Sit w/Santa as he reads
Santa, trolley rides, kids’ crafts, holiday music
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ & enjoy
& refreshments. (Trolley fare: Cash or food
free sugar cookies from Mrs Claus. FMI:
item for Pennridge FISH) 215-257-5075 x101
215-536-4115
FREE ‘Holly Jolly Holiday Party’ w/Goodie
Charlie Zahm’s ‘Celtic Christmas Concert’
Bags & Santa 4pm-8pm at McDonald’s, 2 N
7pm at Solomon’s UCC, 2990 Bedminster
West End Blvd, Quakertown
Rd (Rte 113), Perkasie. Free-will donation
December 9
benefits Pennridge FISH & The Lord’s Pantry.
(Sellersville residents only) must register by
December 4 & 5
5pm) in Event Rm #201 at QMart, 201 Station
December 3
Nativity
‘House Decorating Contest for Holidays’
FMI: 215-257-5065
November 27 & 28
Live
Masks required. FMI: 215-795-2668 or solomonsucc.org
Dec 9 at Sellersville@sellersvilleboro.org
Discover Dublin Holiday Gathering 5:30pm-
with name, address, phone #. Boro Parks/
8:30pm, Dublin Firehouse, 194 N Main St.
Recreation Board will vote for 1st,2nd,3rd
Decorated trees donated to local families
prizes.
after the Event. FMI: 267-718-4838. Also
Pearl S Buck Holiday Open House, 520 Dublin
“Gingerbread House Show” w/prizes ($50
Rd, Perkasie. 6pm-9pm, entertainment, free
up to age 12) ($100 for 13+). Sign up @
tour of Festival of Trees. FMI: pearlsbuck.org/
brownsdoughnuts.com
events/holiday-events or info@pearlsbuck.org
December 12
December 10
Caleb’s Cocoa Café to benefit UB Code Blue
Second Fridays Christmas Party! 6pm-
Homeless Shelter, 2pm-5pm under yellow
10pm at The Gathering Place, 351 W Broad
tent at 207 N Ambler St, Quakertown. Hot
facebook.com/
St, Quakertown. Live music from Pop Roxx
chocolate/baked goods $1/ea. Live music by
& Food by Giacomo’s Italian Market. Shop
area students. 100% proceeds go to the Shelter.
‘Kiffels & Krafts’ Minsi Trail Flower Club
unique vendors for great holiday gifts. Benefits
Winter Slot Car Show, 8:30am-1pm at
Ctr, 105 Seminary St, Pennsburg. (Sat 9:30am4pm) (Sun 1pm-4pm) Lots of gift ideas, music performances,
etc.
FMI:
events/398824921783678/ Open House (Sat 9am-3pm) (Sun 12noon-3pm)
Toys for Tots.
QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FMI:
Crafts, baked goods, lunch available on Sat.
December 10, 11, 12
215-536-4115
Passer Community Ctr, 2580 Richlandtown
Craftery Market at Pearl S Buck House, 520
December 15
Pike, Coopersburg
Dublin Rd, Perkasie. 50+ vendors (Fri 5pm-
‘Christmas Sing Along’ 11:30am at Upper
December 5
8pm VIP tkts $20) (Sat/Sun 10am-4pm tkts $5)
Bucks Senior Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Sq
FMI: thecrafterypa.com/the-craftery-market-
Pike, Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-3066 or
2pm at Upper Bucks Senior Activity Ctr, 2183
at-pearl-s-buck (also 215-435-6416)
upbuckssr@yahoo.com
Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. 215-536-3066
December 10 to 19
December 16
Flea Mkt w/12 Raffle Baskets from 8am-
or upbuckssr@yahoo.com
‘Christmas in Doylestown Outdoor Lights
Community Dinner (3rd Thurs) 5:30pm at
“Holiday Shoppe” (Fri 10am-4pm) (Sat 9am-
Iconic Zone Toy Show, 10am-3pm in
Tour’ 5pm-9pm each day. FREE walking/
4pm) (Sun 12noon-4pm) at Good Shepherd
First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown.
Event Rm 201 at QMart, 201 Station Rd,
driving tour of exterior holiday decorations.
Church (home of the Book Sale), 1634
Maps available Dec 7. Online voting (4
FMI: 215-536-4447.
Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-4115
Hilltown Pike, Hilltown. Gifts, decorations, toys, baked goods, more. FMI: 215-795-2221 or 215-431-6462
4th Annual Holiday Basket Bingo at Pennridge
categories). StPaulsDoylestown.org/cid-2021
December 17 WWWA Wrestling, 6:30pm Bell Time, at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. FMI:
“Kringle Christmas Shoppe” (Fri 10am-7pm)
215-536-4115
(Sat 10am-6pm) (Sun 10am-4pm) at Haycock
December 19
Community Ctr, 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd,
SML Pop Art Holiday Art Show, 11am-4pm
Quakertown. Music, light lunch, more. FMI:
(event rm 201) at QMart, 201 Station Rd,
haycockhistoricalsociety.org
December 4 Toys For Tots Motorcycle Run 11am (r/d 12/5) Keelersville Club, 2522 Ridge Rd, Perkasie. Bring new unwrapped toy or $15
Quakertown. FMI: 215-536-4115
December 21 – First day of Winter December 25 – Christmas Day December 31 – New Year’s Eve
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
3
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. Small Business Saturday is November 27!
Have something to share with your community? info@ubfp.org • 215-529-8915 www.ubfp.org • fb.com/ubfreepress 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951
4
• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2021
Everyone Should Have These Four Basic Estate Planning Documents withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and Regardless of your health, age or net worth, other specific medical directions. Durable Power of Attorney everyone should have these four basic estate A durable power of attorney is a document planning documents in place: that helps protect your property and assets in Will For most people, a will is the estate plan the event you become physically or mentally center piece. A will distributes your property unable to look after your own finances. If there according to your wishes after your death. If is no one ready to look after you finances, all you die without a will (intestate), the state of your hard-earned assets could go to waste. will distribute your property according to their A durable power of attorney allows you to authorize someone else to act on your behalf. intestacy laws, and the people receiving your They will be able to do (among others) things property may not be the people you intended. like pay your bills, collect checks, monitor and A will can also be used to name a legal guardian manage your investments and file your taxes. for minor children. If you and the child’s other You can execute two types: an immediate POA biological parent die in the same incident (which is effective immediately) and a springing (i.e. car crash) or you are a single parent, this POA (which is not effective until you have been function is extremely important. Additionally, deemed incapacitated, usually by certification a will can also be used to create certain types from a medical professional). of trusts. Letter of Instruction Advance Healthcare Directive A letter of instruction (sometimes also You have the right to decide the type of referred to as a Letter of Testamentary healthcare you receive. In the event that Intent) is an informal document that typically you become unable to understand, make or accompanies your will. This letter is your way communicate decisions about medical care, of expressing your thoughts and directions an advance healthcare directive allows your (typically regarding your burial/cremation medical care wishes to be followed. An instructions and where to find other important advance healthcare directive is a written set of documents). While a letter of instruction is not instructions expressing your wishes for medical an official legal document, it is often the most treatment. It may also contain a healthcare comforting document for the family members power of attorney, where you name a person that you leave behind. called a “healthcare agent”, to make medical Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a Bucks County decisions on your behalf in the event that you attorney located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite are unable to do so yourself. An advance 101B, in Dublin, Pennsylvania. He specializes healthcare directive may also contain a living in estate planning & administration, family law, will, where you inform your healthcare agent and business law. To set up a consultation, and healthcare providers your choices regarding call his office at (267) 227-9138 or visit his the initiation, continuation, withholding or website at www.fravel-law.com
BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ.
Well I am sad to say I lost my dog brother Grady to the rainbow bridge. He was a Canine for Christ therapy dog who visited in Quakertown. He was the one I told you about last month when my human was having trouble getting him to eat. I don’t see that as ever being a problem for me. I am really looking forward to the Christmas season this year. Its so nice to see the humans commingling again. I think it has made them less cranky to be able to be with their own kind. Hope my human takes me to the Christmas tree lighting this year. If so I will see you then. Love Brandy
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
5
‘No Room at the Inn’ Then and Now
BY PASTOR DAVID HECKLER
It’s one of the details of the traditional Christmas story that most tugs at our heartstrings: Mary and Joseph are compelled by an impromptu census to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem while Mary’s on the brink of childbirth; but when they arrive, there’s no place available for them to stay— “no room in the inn”— and so Jesus is born into the world surrounded by livestock, with a feed trough serving as His first crib and shepherds his first “regal” visitors. As I’ve noted on several occasions, there are serious problems with this story, not the least of which is that no inns existed in Bethlehem in the first century AD. (“Inns” were for Roman or other Gentile travelers to stay in, and there were no Roman roads running through Bethlehem.) The reality is that though any of the families in Bethlehem would’ve gladly taken in Mary and Joseph and assisted Mary with her childbirth (and probably did), there was no place prepared to welcome them, no “guest room” (the better translation of kataluma) set aside for them. (I have little doubt that this played into Jesus’ classic assurance in John 14 that “I go to prepare a place for you”…) And alas, this lack of a place prepared for them afflicts far too many people in our own backyard… On November 10, the residents of the Bush House Hotel in Quakertown, which has served as the only affordable boarding house for lowincome folks in our area for decades, were rousted from their rooms, given 10-20 minutes to leave, run through decontamination showers and social-service processing at the borough hall, and relocated to motel rooms from Allentown to Montgomeryville and Kulpsville as their former home was condemned as “unsuitable for human habitation”, with flash drives full of photos of their living conditions distributed to any reporter who wanted them. Amidst the years-long struggles between the borough and the owner of the building, the residents of the Bush House were either rescued or became collateral damage, depending on your point of view— but either way, over 60 households and perhaps over 100 people were displaced from their homes and jobs and made refugees in their own land, left without a kataluma, a place prepared for them... Blessedly, they haven’t been left to fend for themselves. A small army of countywide and grassroots organizations have accompanied them from the start, setting them up in motel rooms for multi-week stays, providing them with resources for food, clothing, personal items, and transportation, bringing them meals and emotional support, and helping them to find new and affordable places to live, preferably in the community we all share. Throughout this process, we in this small army have kept in close contact with each other so that in our
zeal to help our neighbors, we aren’t tripping over each other. And yes, we’ve done all this in prayer— trust me, there’s plenty of holy work being done by folks who are sometimes dismissed as “soulless bureaucrats”… But all of this raises a question which the classic Christmas story itself begs us to consider. Our Lord Jesus came into the world through parents who through tragedy of circumstance found themselves with no place prepared for them. No doubt the townspeople scurried to make room for them and accompany Mary through her childbirth, just as our “small army” is doing with the former residents of the Bush House; and this is a blessing. But whatever plans the borough of Quakertown and others may have for the Bush House, the question remains: Those people are our neighbors, members of our community, people who bear the very image of God, people in whom Christ Jesus comes to meet us in distressing disguise, seeking a welcome. They haven’t been able to afford to live anywhere else in the borough— and given their jobs (and yes, quite a number of those folks are working full-time jobs), they’re not likely to, with an average one-bedroom apartment starting at $1200/month— which is why they were living at the Bush House. If and when the Bush House reopens, there are plenty more of our neighbors who’ll move in there because it’s all they can afford. So if the Bush House isn’t going to be “a place prepared for them”, what is? Whatever plans folks may have for that building, we as a community have a moral obligation to answer that question for these our less fortunate neighbors— to make sure every one of our neighbors hears Christ’s voice saying through us, “I go to prepare a place for you,” and not only hears Christ’s voice, but has that place. The small army of folks of which I’m a part is scrambling to make this happen for over 60 households right now; but there are plenty more folks in need behind them, and affordable housing is terribly scarce in our region. We’ll surely be celebrating this holiday season with creches and Nativity plays and heartwarming carols, delighting in the humility of Jesus’ coming into the world; but for those who are living the hard reality of that humiliation, things aren’t so heartwarming right now. The way we respond to their needs and the need of those who are right behind them, right on the edge of losing their homes, will say a lot about who we are as a community. I pray that what our response comes to say is that when Joseph and Mary and the infant Jesus seek a place among us, a place prepared for them, they’ll find that “place prepared” not only in our warm hearts, but in our community as well, in affordable, sustainable structures and supportive services that’ll affirm their inherent dignity as children of God, brothers and sisters of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Why You Should Buy a Home in Winter As we head into the coldest months of the year, many people might assume that now is a terrible time to buy a home. However, now is the best time to score a deal on that dream house! Here are a few reasons why it may be in your best interest to buy a house this winter: Motivated Sellers The colder months tend to see less activity as far as listings and sales go. This may seem like a disadvantage; however, if you’re able to find a house that meets your needs, chances are you’ll also have found a motivated seller. The majority of homes are listed in the spring/ summer, so if you’ve stumbled upon a listing that’s been on the market for a while, the seller will likely be ready to negotiate. If the home is newly listed, the seller may be eager to sign a contract before the new year. Tax implications or forced relocation are a few reasons sellers will be willing to accept lower offers. Less Competition We’ve all heard the story of the dreaded bidding war. It seems today’s market is seeing this happen more than ever. Not only can it drive the price of the home above asking; you also run the risk of emotional overspending or losing the property altogether. With the majority of buyers taking a break from house-hunting, now is an optimal time to start your search. With the likelihood of competing offers dropping significantly, buyers can regain some control during negotiations.
Lower Interest Rates This is not a guarantee, however. Loan and mortgages interest rates fluctuate throughout the year, and historically hit lows during the holiday season. With less people looking to buy and borrow right now, interest rates tend to dip, which is a bonus for borrowers. It may appear to be an insignificant rate difference; however, over the term of your mortgage, you’ll be in for some serious savings. So while you’re out and about this winter, make a call to your bank or Mortgage Professional for a mortgage preapproval! Professional Availability With fewer homes on the market, real estate agents tend to find themselves with more overall availability. If you’re ready to buy a home, you’ll benefit as your REALTOR® will have more time to dedicate to your search and negotiation once your dream home is found. Not only does the real estate market slow down during the winter, so do related professions. Mortgage brokers, home inspectors and legal professionals all may have some extra time on their hands, meaning your deal may be able to close quicker. Buying a new home during the winter can seem like a daunting task; however, if you’re able to close on a deal in December, January or February, chances are you’ll be enjoying the benefits for years to come! Lower purchase price and better interest rates are just a couple of the reasons why buying that dream house right now may be worth it!. Sue Deily has been a Realtor for 35 years, resides in the Upper Bucks County area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties. Contact her at suesellshouses@gmail.com or 215-872-9865.
6
• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2021
~Obituaries~
Leon R. Lewis, 96, passed away at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1924, he was the son of the late, Leidy and Ida (Cressman) Lewis. He was the husband of Mrs. Dorothy E. Lewis, with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage in September. Leon honorably served his country in the United States Army. After his service, Leon worked many years as an electrician, most recently with the American Olean Tile Company. He was an active member for the Quakertown American Legion, Post #242, where he served as their historian and past commander. Leon is survived by his wife, Dorothy, children, David Lewis, Elaine White (Matt), Steven Lewis (Amy), grandchildren David II, Trisha, Dama, Alex, Zachary, and Jacob, great-grandchildren Leon and Ryder. He was predeceased by siblings, Woodrow, Esther, Arlington, and Howard. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Robert Charles Pope, Sr., 97, of Quakertown, PA, died October 19, 2021, at Phoebe Richland, Richlandtown, PA. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth Randall (Zehner) Pope in 2009. They were married for 65 years. Born in Brooklyn, NY on December 24, 1923, Robert was the son of the late Robert Pope and Ruth (Edling) Pope. After graduating from Cranford High School, Robert attended Lehigh University where he earned a BA and BS in Electrical Engineering. Robert honorably served his country during WWII as a Lieutenant in the US Army Air Force from 1943-1946. Survivors: Son Robert and his wife Beverly in Quakertown, PA; Son David and his wife Suzanne in Sandy, OR; and Daughter Ruth Ann and her partner Rick Grove in Bath, PA. Grandchildren David, Donald, Kirsten, Rebecca, and Adam; Great-Grandchildren Hannah, Julia, Justin, and Daniel. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service.
Stephen W. Seeger, 70, of Red Hill, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem, PA. Born in 1951 in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Harold and Dorothy (Mason) Seeger. He was the husband of Janet (Carey) Seeger, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. Stephen honorably served his country in the United States Army, after his service, he earned an associate degree from Montgomery County Community College. He then worked as a financial advisor until his retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, and collecting classic and antique automobiles. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren. Stephen is survived by, Wife Janet, children, Hilary Moeller (Mark), Christopher Seeger (Jennifer), Scott Seeger (Nicole), grandchildren Avary, Rylee, Quinn, Katheryn, Annabelle, and Shayne. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.
George (Hank) Robert Allison, 85, of Quakertown, passed away Wednesday October 20, 2021, at St. Luke’s VNA Hospice House, Bethlehem, PA. Born in 1936, he was the son of the late Lewis and Florence (Detweiler) Allison. He was the husband of Margaret (Hillegass) Allison, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Hank most recently worked for Delbar Products, Perkasie, PA as a material handler until his retirement. In his spare time, he loved working on lawnmowers and old cars. He loved spending time with friends and family outdoors. He also took pride in his collection of milk jugs. He is survived by wife, Margaret, Son, Craig, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by sons, Jeffrey, and Scott Allison, and all his siblings. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements. Barbara Joan Steiner, 83, of Sellersville, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021, at St. Luke’s Upper Buck’s Campus.
Born in 1938, she was the daughter of the late George and Thirza Cassidy. Barbara was an avid reader and loved caring for her cat, Maggie. However, her most treasured moments were spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored. Barbara is survived by her children, Ronald Steiner, Curtiss Steiner (Lisa), Lauree Roccamo (Michele Falino), Christopher Steiner (Patricia), 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, send donations to: Animals In Distress, P.O. Box 609 5075 Limeport Pike Coopersburg, PA 18036 Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Jessica Ann Kirka, 32, passed away Thursday October 28, 2021 after a long battle with drug addiction. Born in 1989, she was the daughter of Jeanette (Slifer) Kirka, and Frank J. Kirka. Jess worked for several years as a server, most recently for Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie, PA. In addition to her parents, Jess is survived by her sisters, Stacey Kirka (Chuck), Kelly Horner (Tim), and Jamie Kirka, maternal grandmother, Evelyn Slifer, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by paternal grandparents, Joseph and Julia Kirka. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service. Madison P. Adamczyk, 24, of Quakertown died October 29, 2021, in her home. Born in Sellersville she was the daughter of Heather (Datesman) Adamczyk and the late Robert S. Adamczyk, Jr. In addition to her mother she is survived by a daughter Scarlett, two brothers Troy & Nicholas, paternal grandparents Wanda & Tony Hrycko, and maternal grandparents Sue & Will Datesman. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. Lorraine M. Giedgowd, 94, of Quakertown, died early Sunday morning, 10/31/2021. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late August C. Notter and Rosemary Braun. Lorraine attended Central Catholic High School. She worked many years as a seamstress and homemaker. Lorraine was a certified lifeguard and avid swimmer for much of her life. She loved animals and music and enjoyed Silver Sneakers classes. She was a member of Saint Isidore Catholic Church in Quakertown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael P. Giedgowd, and brothers, Richard C. Notter and William T. Notter. She is survived by daughters, Yvonne Giedgowd and Marilyn (John) Roache; son, Michael R. Giedgowd; and grandson, John J. Roache. A private mass and graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice, 2455 Black River Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015, or Bucks County SPCA, 60 Reservoir Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Peggy L. Huntley, 73, of Richlandtown, formerly of Bridgewater, NJ died November 5, 2021, in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. Born in Somerville, NJ she was the daughter of the late James & Eleanor (Everett) Huntley. She was a bus driver for Barker Bus Co. in the Bridgewater Raritan School District, and a stocker in the baby clothing department at Walmart before retiring. She enjoyed BINGO and was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Flemington where she was also a bartender. Peggy is survived by two brothers James Huntley, Jr. & Ray Huntley, nieces and nephews Bobby Dabek, Jamie Huntley, Amber Dabek, and Ashley Huntley. She was predeceased by her true love Chester, a brother William Huntley and a sister Diane Strong. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.
Sandra Rose Myers, 80, of Quakertown died November 5, 2021, in Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown. She was the wife of Robert R. Myers. They were married 63 years in May of 2021. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of the late William L. & M. Inez (Brown) Rupell. She was a member of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society and enjoyed doing crafts, scrapbooking, needlepoint, and adult coloring. She was a Certified Bowling Instructor/Coach for the Saturday Morning Junior Bowling League. She was also, a former member of three bowling leagues in Quakertown, the Tuesday Afternoon Bowling League, GEM League, and the Ball and Chain League. She was also a former Girl Scout leader. Sandra was a member of Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. in Spinnerstown where she was a member of the Garden Club. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters Paula Eggert & Wendy Stowell, six grandchildren Antonio, Ian, Alex, Noah, Ashley, & Joshua. She was predeceased by an infant daughter and three brothers William Rupell, Roland Rupell, & Gale Rupell, and a sister Carolyn Long. Services were held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 11:00 A.M in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. P.O. Box 494 Spinnerstown, PA 18968. Lora D. Goodin, 55, of East Greenville died November 6, 2021, in her home. She was the wife of Mark W. Goodin. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of Gladys A. (Kramer) Roeder and the late Merle K. Roeder. She was last employed in the Deli Department of Weiss Markets, prior to that she worked for the former Cherry Dale Farms. She played Baseball on an all-boys team through Junior High until her father made her stop playing. Lora enjoyed drawing. She was a member of the Morning Star Fellowship in Quakertown. In addition to her husband & mother, she is survived by a son Wayne K. Goodin, and a daughter Brandy L. Goodin (Brian Seeley). Three sisters Loreli Roeder, Lorraine Krauss, and Louise Clymer. She was predeceased by two brothers Russel and Randall, and two sisters Linda Cramer & Lillianna Roeder. Memorial service was held on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 2:30 P.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions Grand View Hospice 700 Lawn Ave. Sellersville, Pa 18960. Margaret E. Roll, 78 of Spinnerstown died Saturday, November 6, 2021, in St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Hospital. She was the wife of the late Arthur A. Roll. Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Harry Edgar and Alice C. (Callow) Light. She was last employed as a cashier at the Quakertown Walmart. Margaret enjoyed collecting bird figurines and doing laundry. She also enjoyed spending time gardening in her flower beds. She was a member of Trinity Great Swamp United Church of Christ in Spinnerstown. She is survived by three sons, Delbert A. of Ambler, John E. of Madison AL., and Robert N. of Spinnerstown. Seven grandchildren Jack, Phillip, Elijah, Jacob, Gideon, Maggie, and Emma. Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2021, in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown PA 18951. Memorial contributions can be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center Office of Institutional Advancement 333 Cottman Ave. Philadelphia PA 19111 or at (www.foxchase.org/giving) Mary Amanda Wieand, 94, of Richlandtown died November 7, 2021, at the Meadow Glen at Phoebe Richland. She was the wife of the late Luther K. Wieand. Born in Leesport she was the daughter of the late Elmer & Annie (Hamm) Hausman. She was a Customer Service Representative for the former Bucks County Bank and the QNB Bank before retiring.
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Mary enjoyed gardening, cooking, and sewing. She was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Quakertown. She is survived by two sons Dennis (Jan) of Coopersburg, Michael (Kathie) of Bethlehem, and a daughter Debra (Elwood) of New Tripoli. A sister Catherine Stephens of Allentown. 9 grandchildren Seth, Adam, Evan, Katherine, Cynthia, Deanna, Lindsey, Aaron, & Levi. 12 great-grandchildren Shelby, Riley, Michaela, Madison, Jillian, Kaitlyn, Addison, Benjamin, Nina, Leo, Hugh & Iver. Services were held on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First United Church of Christ 151 S. 4th St. Quakertown, PA 18951.
Robert W. Werner, 71, of Wind Gap, passed away Sunday November 7, 2021. Born in 1950, he was the son of the late Robert and Edna (Miller) Werner. He was the devoted Husband to the love of his life, Patricia M. Werner (Anderson), with whom he shared 40 years of marriage this past June. Robert is survived by wife, Patricia; sons Robert Werner, Chris Werner (Danielle), and Ricky Werner (Sarah Haunstein); sisters Donna Werner-Tissot and Sherry Buccellato; and grandson, Mason Werner. Bob filled his life with adventures, including moving to Alaska several times. In between adventures, he worked as a Construction Supervisor for his friend at Sciame Construction. He was an amazing father, a devoted husband, the perfect role model, a great friend to everyone, a loving soul, and the kindest person you’ll ever meet. He will be missed. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service. Carson Druckenmiller Schneck, M.D., Ph.D., age 88, passed peacefully from
this world to be with the Lord early Sunday morning, November 7, 2021, surrounded by immediate family from Pittsburgh and Maryland. At Temple University School of Medicine, Doctor Schneck enthusiastically shared his encyclopedic knowledge of Anatomy and Neuroanatomy to over 10,000 students during his 52 years of teaching, retiring in 2012. Remarkably, he knew all these students by name on the first day of class. He was married to Freda, the love of his life, for 65 years. Carson served his church family by singing tenor in the choir and teaching adult Sunday School. His volunteer service also included the Milford Township Planning Commission from 1972 to 2015. Here, he spearheaded the innovative concept of regional planning in the Quakertown area. Carson was an avid runner, enjoyed traveling, and lovingly cared for his 20-acre rural homestead. He is survived by his wife, Freda (Helmer) Schneck, two daughters, Deborah Schneck Lambert and Stephanie Schneck-Jacob; three grandchildren, Claire (Jacob) Batalla, Nolan Jacob, and Carson Jacob; and three sons-inlaw, David Robert Lambert, Timothy Jacob, and Benjamin Batalla. Visitation and service was held at Trinity Great Swamp United Church of Christ, 9150 Spinnerstown Road, Spinnerstown, PA 18968 on Friday, November 12th. In lieu of flowers, the Schneck family has requested gifts be made in memory of Dr. Schneck to Carson Schneck, M.D., Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund (S4321). Gifts can be made online at giving.temple.edu/schneck or mailed to Temple University Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 827651, Philadelphia, PA 19182-7651. Please note Schneck, MD, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund (S4321) on the memo line.
Susan Wright Dilts, age 74, of Quakertown, PA, passed away on November 1, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem. She was the loving wife of Thomas H. Dilts, retired New Jersey Superior Court Judge. Surviving along with her husband are children Stephen Dilts (Elizabeth), Brian Dilts (Allison) and Amy Tupper Langston (Mark), grandchildren Colin Dilts and Cecilia Dilts, sister Janet Chisholm, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and June (Tupper) Wright, and sister, Linda Streeter. Susan was an editor throughout her life. For three years in the early 1970s, she edited the
~Obituaries~
Public Papers of the President while working for the National Archives. From 1986 to 2007, she was the lead editor on many of Peterson’s Guides to Colleges and Graduate Schools. In lieu of flowers, donations were made in memory of Susan to the Children’s Hope Initiative, P.O. Box 8063, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. www.nauglefcs.com.
Karen Ann Russell, age 72, of Center Valley, PA passed away on October 28, 2021, at her home. She was the loving wife to William J. Russell with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. Karen was a devoted mother to their son Ryan who was born in 1985 and resided with them. Born in Bethlehem, PA, Karen was the daughter of the late Lynford and Margaret (Papp) Rumfield. She was predeceased by her older brother Dalton Rumfield. Karen was graduated from Southern Lehigh High School in 1967. She began her career teaching at Paul W. Kutz Elementary School in the Central Bucks School District. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Kutztown University in 1991. Karen will be forever missed by Ryan and Bill. www.nauglefcs.com Betteanne “Betsy” Freed, age 62, of Coopersburg, passed away on October 30, 2021, at St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Hospital in Quakertown. She was the loving wife to Phil Freed with whom she shared 41 years. Born in Quakertown, she was a daughter to Maryanne (Kunsman) Huhn and the late Henry Huhn, Jr. She graduated from Quakertown High School in 1977. She worked at American Olean Tile in Lansdale, Laneco’s Linen Dept, CVS, and Lowe’s. Surviving along with her loving husband are brothers Paul Huhn (Louann) Scott Huhn (Cindy) children Keith Freed (Charlotte) and Kristin Freed (fiance Jason Finch), grandchildren Chelsea, Alyssa, Kristopher, Colin, and Erik, great-granddaughter Arya. Many nieces and nephews. Betsy also had many “bonus” kids/grandkids- they weren’t related, but it didn’t matter to her because her heart was so big. www.nauglefcs.com. Shirley Ann Szymkiewicz, 88, of Red Hill, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2021. She was the beloved wife of Raymond A. Szymkiewicz. Born in Sarasota Springs, NY, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Marie “Irene” (Martell) Pike. Shirley was a Bell Telephone operator before marrying Raymond and then devoted herself to raising her three children and being a homemaker. In later years, she was employed as a switchboard operator for Phoenixville Hospital and then at an answering service for physicians and local businesses. She also volunteered her time at Birthright. She was a devout Catholic and was an active member of St. Philip Neri Church in Pennsburg. Shirley enjoyed playing bingo, baking, decorating cakes, and doing cross-stitch, but her favorite activity was watching and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Along with her husband, Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kathleen, wife of Allen Kifer of Royersford; a son Christopher Szymkiewicz of Red Hill; seven grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; and her brother, Bernard Nichols and his wife Linda of Stillwater, PA. She was preceded in death by her son, Raymond Jr., and siblings Amelia Pike, Edna (Pike) Van Horn, Frank Pike, and Joe Nichols. Margarette Elizabeth Walker, age 68, of Quakertown, passed away at her residence on November 2, 2021. She was the loving wife to the late William Earl Martin, Sr., and the late Ernest Walker. Born in Tarboro, NC, she was the daughter of the late James and Gypsy-Belle Malone. Her hobbies included crocheting and knitting, as she loved to make blankets and hats for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving are her children David Aaron Martin, and Gwendolyn L. Arn (Andrew D. Arn), grandchildren Caitlin, Miranda, Kendall, and Earl, great-grandchildren Liam, Jace, Serenity, Madisyn, Phoenix, Princeton, Trinity, Kora, and Julius, siblings Earl and Augusta and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by siblings Jimmy, Stella, and Rodnick. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate any memorial donations towards the cost of the funeral. https://tinyurl.com/yyeh7uto Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown. www.nauglefcs.com.
Gerald “Jerry” Stump, 71 of Quakertown died November 13, 2021, in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Karen (Roberts) Stump. They were married 35 years in March. Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late Herbert & Mary (Dotts) Stump. He was a supervisor for Air Liquide before retiring. He also owned his own lawn care business. He was a member of the North Penn Gun Club and enjoyed all things Philadelphia sports-related (Go Birds!). His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Camping with his wife, grandchildren, and fur babies was his favorite weekend hobby. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Kyle, a daughter Kailyn McClain and a brother Gary. Four grandchildren Audrey, Sophia, Kyle Jr., & Kirby. Sunday, November 21, 2021, a calling hour and memorial service were held in the funeral home at C.R Strunk 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gift of Life Donor Program 401 N. 3rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19123. Thelma Mae Penrose, 98, of Allentown, (formerly of Quakertown), passed away at her residence at Westminster Village, Allentown, PA, Monday, November 15, 2021. Born in 1923, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Clara (Rudy) Morder. She was the widow of the late Theodore B. Penrose, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage before his death in 2010. Thelma was a long-time member of First U.C.C., Quakertown, PA. She worked for over 20 years for the former Landis Meat Company. She is survived by her sons, Ron Penrose (wife Nancy) and Larry Penrose, sister, Kay Stake, grandchildren, Denise Meila (husband Jeff) and Jason Penrose, great-grandchild, Mackenzie Meila. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service. Barbara Lee Scheibenhofer, 74, of Quakertown, PA, passed away Tuesday November 16, 2021, at her residence. Born in 1947, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Stephanie (Drewniak) Ziegler. She was the wife of the late Karl Scheibenhofer, who passed away in 2012. Barbara worked for a short stint at US Gauge in Sellersville before embracing her role as homemaker. Barbara was a beautiful person, a second mother to our friends, and a woman who loved her family above all else. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile. Barbara is survived by children, Sherry Wolf (Dale), Karl Scheibenhofer (Kimberly), and Brenda Austin (John), grandchildren, Brandon Wolf (Amanda), Brett Wolf, Brooke Wolf, Kayla Scheibenhofer, Tyler Scheibenhofer, Bradley Austin, Alexis Austin, and Lauren Austin, great-granddaughter Autumn Wolf. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service. Franklin “Nick” Roberts, 81, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at his residence in Sellersville. Born in 1940, he was the son of the late William and Anna (Frank) Roberts. He was the husband of Mary (Dodson) for 57 years. Nick was the owner and operator of Roberts Auto Salvage for over 40 years. He is survived by wife, Mary, daughters, Mary Datesman (Dwayne), Pat Yerkes (William), Donna Freed (Timothy), Lori Towers (Curtis), Carolyn Holzerman (Kevin), siblings, William Roberts (Carol), HArold Roberts (Ruth Ann), Barbara Duna (Mike), Peggy Werley (Glenn). 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service. Keith R. Rader, 64, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at his residence in Coopersburg. Born in 1957, he was the son of the late Robert and Betty (Stephenson) Rader. He was the longtime boyfriend of Mary Neiser, with whom he resided.
7
Keith worked for many years as a carpenter. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, fishing, camping, and his vegetable garden. Keith was a longtime member of SeWyCo Social Club where he was a valued member of their pool and dart leagues. Keith is survived by loving girlfriend, Mary Neiser, siblings LuAnn Basista (John), Craig Rader, step-children Kurt Neiser (Christine), Justin Neiser (Morgan), and Kristen Neiser, nephews, Michael and Matthew Basista, grandsons Gavin Neiser and Christian Neiser.
R. Elaine Johnson, 86, of Hatfield, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 surrounded by her family. Born in 1935, she was the daughter of the late Samuel H. and Ruth (Bergey) Detweiler. She was the wife of the late James C. Johnson Sr. for 28 years. Elaine worked for many years as a nurse’s aide for the Lutheran Home in Telford, PA. Elaine also worked for the Genuardi’s grocery store before her retirement. Elaine is survived by children James C. Johnson Jr. of Hatfield, and Sherri L. Scheifele (Bruce) of Coopersburg, siblings Paul Detweiler, Robert Detweiler (Ruth), Betty Ann Tucker (Leroy), Samuel Detweiler (Cindy), James Detweiler (Joan), grandchildren Rebecca McCormick (Chris), Erika Clauss (Kerry), Melissa Johnson, and James A. Johnson and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers Dale, Merrell and David Detweiler and sister Esther Hall. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service. Irene Hunsberger, 85, of Quakertown, passed away Thursday November 18th, 2021. Born in 1936, she was the daughter of the late Paul Stapleton and Emma (Seidt) Stapelton. She was the wife of the late Carl Hunsberger, who passed away in 2018. Irene was a longtime member of Living Stone Baptist Church, Quakertown, PA 18951. She was also a member of Eastern Star for over 40 years, where she served as a past matron for her local chapter. She also enjoyed camping and spending time outdoors. However her favorite activity was loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene is survived by children Dennis Jay Hunsbeger (Joanne), Darla Fay Bennett (Lee), David Hunsberger (Nancy), and Douglas E. Hunsberger, 12 grandchildren, 16 greatgrandchildren and one on the way.She was predeceased by sister, Ruth Moyer, brothers, Ralph and Paul Stapleton. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service. Ruth K Giering, age 97, of Quakertown on November 19, 2021. Spouse of the late Willard Giering. Born in Quakertown, PA she was a daughter of the late Alan Clemmer and the late Eva Renninger Clemmer. Ruth was a 1941 graduate of Quakertown High School. She was a member of First United Church of Christ, in Quakertown, where she was an active member, the Richlandtown and Quakertown Historical society, and the Quakertown AARP. She was the Bookkeeper for John L Renninger Clothing Company for many years before her retirement in 1986. She is survived by 11 cousins and predeceased by a brother James Clemmer and his wife Dorothy and a sister-in-law Lorraine. Service were November 24, 2021 at Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service. Interment will follow at Quakertown Union Cemetery. Contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ, 151 S 4th St, Quakertown, PA 18951. www.nauglefcs.com Edward “Ed” Holahan died peacefully and in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving children on November 20, 2021. He was 68 years old. Ed is survived by his children Katie Zackon (Michael), John Holahan (Nicole), and Elizabeth Seibert (Brian). He is also survived by his brother, Ian Holahan, and his sister, Mary Gibbons. Affectionately known as Granda, Ed is also survived by grandchildren McKayla, Annie, Brian, Mary Grace, and Makenzie. Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Kathryn Holahan (Duffy), his son E. Scott Holahan (Sarah), and his parents John and Margaret (Haggarty) Holahan. Ed was born in Glasgow, Scotland on December 29, 1952. A gifted soccer player and a skilled electrician, Ed had big dreams. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service.
8
• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2021
Housebreaking Your Puppy House training is all about setting yourself and your puppy up for success. The biggest mistake I see happening is clients giving their puppies way too much freedom. Limit your puppy’s access in the house to only one room for an entire month. If he’s in the kitchen you’re in the kitchen. If he’s in the living room you’re in the living room. If you can’t watch your puppy, then he needs to be confined to a crate or an alone zone (exercise pen). It’s best to put puppies on a schedule. I find it very helpful if you write down when he’s peeing and pooping; you’ll quickly see a pattern. You should try to feed them at the same time every day. A general rule for how long a puppy can go between elimination opportunities (in hours) is 1 + the puppy’s age in months. For example, a 2-month-old puppy might be able to hold it for 3 hours at night or in the crate. Baby monitors are a helpful way to have an extra ear on your furbaby while you’re sleeping. Puppies have a tendency to hold it longer overnight then during the day. You never want to restrict their water.
Puppies should have access to water at all times. When active, puppies will have to eliminate more often. Common patterns are they will have to potty immediately after sleeping, after playing, after learning something, and soon after eating. I see this a lot in my Yappy Hour playgroup; the puppy will be playing hard then they start to wander off away from the group. So, whenever they’re kind of distracted and have their nose to the ground and circling they need to go outside again, even if it was less than the recommended time. The smaller the dog, the more frequently they have to urinate. Puppies also can get a little nippy if they have to poop. Always go out the same door every time you are pottying your puppy. If you have a fencedin yard, still take your puppy out on the leash. After the puppy has finished eliminating, you can do several things. Give a puppy party with treats with plenty of praise and petting. If you have a fenced-in backyard, take the leash off if not, put him on a longer lead then play or go for a walk. Pay your puppy for pottying! Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner and instructor for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown. She www.molassescreekdogtraining.com
~Obituaries~
David Anton Lambrecht, born on July 20, 1954, left the earth on November 20, 2021. David is now soaring with the eagles and sees with perfect vision. With him are his father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all those who left before him. He is surrounded by love. We will miss Dave’s loving nature, his affinity with animals, witty wordplay, harmonica playing, and poetry writing. He will be missed by his mother, brother, sisters, their partners, niece, and nephews as well as anyone who knew Dave and his quiet ways and the twinkle in his eye. To honor Dave’s life, take a walk in nature involving all your senses. Experiencing the beauty, the smells, the sounds, and the feelings and never take them for granted. Services are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. Karen Ann Russell, age 72, of Center Valley, PA passed away on October 28, 2021, at her home. She was the loving wife to William J. Russell with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. Karen was a devoted mother to their son Ryan who was born in 1985 and resided with them. Born in Bethlehem, PA, Karen was the daughter of the late Lynford and Margaret (Papp) Rumfield. She was predeceased by her older brother Dalton Rumfield.
Karen was graduated from Southern Lehigh High School in 1967. She began her career teaching at Paul W. Kutz Elementary School in the Central Bucks School District. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Kutztown University in 1991. Karen will be forever missed by Ryan and Bill. Phyllis Darleen Boyer, age 78, of Quakertown, PA passed away on October 13, 2021, at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center in Richlandtown, PA. She was the loving wife of the late Russell Boyer. Born in Allentown she was a daughter of the late Walter and Arlene Beary. She graduated from Cedar Crest College and went back to finish her Bachelor’s Degree in her 60s. Phyllis worked for Teva Pharmaceutical for 35 years as secretary to executives of the company. Surviving are her two grandchildren, nieces & nephew Joyce Boyer, Jacqueline DeNee, Michelle Kuder and Philip DeNee, and daughter-in-law Carrie Boyer. She was predeceased by husband Russell Boyer, son Timothy Boyer, niece Michele DeNee and nephew Doug. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Habitat For Humanity of Montgomery County, 533 Foundry Rd, Norristown, PA 19403 or Zion Lutheran Church, 2966 Old Bethlehem Pike, Zionhill, PA 18981.
Advocates for the Homeless Needs Volunteers for Upcoming Season Volunteers are needed to support the 215-536-5166, but e-mail is preferred.
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
mission of the Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks (AHUB). AHUB is a non-profit organization which serves the needs of the homeless of the Quakertown, Pennridge, and the Palisades areas. One program under AHUB is a volunteer staffed community ministry called Code Blue which provides shelter and a warm bed and meal to the homeless of Upper Bucks County on cold winter nights when the temperature is 26 degrees or below. This homeless shelter is located at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Quakertown, PA. After a very successful eight years for the program, we hope to broaden our volunteer base for this upcoming winter. Opportunities include: Shelter Admissions staff, Overnight staff, Morning Aide, and more. Season runs from November 15, 2021 to April 15, 2022. Please consider volunteering with AHUB. Contact us at ahubpa@gmail.com to learn about opportunities. You can also reach us at
AHUB will ensure COVID-19 protocols are in place at the shelter in order to provide a level of safety for both volunteers and guests. This will include regular disinfection of the shelter. Mandates for masks will be put into place as well. Partitions & sneeze guards will be used to insure social distancing. Code Blue Sheltering Ministry, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, officially opened in Quakertown on December 1, 2013 after three years of development and provides warm shelter, food, and respectful overnight care for homeless people in Upper Bucks County during times of life-threatening cold weather. We partner with churches, volunteer agencies and individuals in the Quakertown, Pennridge, and Palisades school districts to provide this ministry. AHUB’s mailing address is P.O. Box 232, Quakertown, PA 18951. The Code Blue hotline # is 267-450-5191. Like Upper Bucks Code Blue on Facebook!
American Legion Post 242 Update Thanks for your support! In these times when everything seems to be changing and prices are rising causing everyone to tighten their belt, the members have once again heard our call to support one of our two main fundraising events. Charles Wismer, our adjutant just spoke to me on the day before our Youth Drawing event and the report is good. Charley told me that we took in just a little under $9000.00 in raffle sales and after expenses and payoffs the important Youth Activity Fund will net a little of $3800.00 in proceeds. We also received about $150.00 from proceeds that named Post 242 as the winner if drawn. Great job one again and everyone attending had fun and plenty to eat. Other years we contributed $500.00 of the funds towards the community “Shop with a Cop” that not only gives a child in need a Merry Christmas, but it also helps develop a relationship between the children and our men in blue. This year we presented $1050.00 to this worthy program to a Quakertown Police officer the night of the drawing. I want to add that “The Sons of the Legion,” a separate branch of our organization also presented a check for $150.00 with a note that they would be contributing more shortly! We also give to many other youth programs from baseball teams for the youth, to school awards, to special camps and Legion Awards programs. Our youth represent one of the four pillars of the American Legion. As a side note, as a continuing annual gift from proceeds of the Veteran’s drawing we also voted on supplying $1000.00 in gift cards to the local VA facility in Montgomery County to help the veteran residents also have a Merry Christmas. This is a small example of where the funds raised in these two annual events is generously given. November 11th was a very busy day for the members on special committees and our Honor Guard. We asked you by way of this column and in special announcements in clubs and churches to take time out to honor those
who served this country to continue protect us night and day, in times of strife, and in times of peace. You once again took time out to honor those veterans in our annual Veteran’s Day School event. The local (Quakertown, Pennridge, and Palisades) schools had a specific grade attend a special program honoring those veterans present with their appreciation and patriotism on that day. It is a wonderful and vibrant feeling of all the attendees to see the children’s response to this memorable program. We wish to thank Representative Craig Staats for once again chairing this service and continuing the program that former Representative Paul Clymer started over 30 years ago. Great job everyone! This year we were kept busy helping on another committee formed by Matt Grieco of Naugle Funeral Home that was held in the afternoon at his place of business. The service was two-fold. The main theme was The 100th Anniversary of the dedication of the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Arlington Cemetery outside Washington D.C. and the second part was a special dedication of a Flag Pole centered in the drive of his facility. This initial PM ceremony was well attended and supported by private businesses. I might mention that flagpole will not only honor our American Flag, but will (in the future) fly the flag of the branches of service on special occasions. This public service held by businesspersons honoring the Veterans on our special day impressed me. Patriotism is alive and well! For the first time in literal decades I was away from the area. I asked many people to help at the PM service as part of that committee and helped on the Annual Veteran’s Day committee. As the time of both services started, my thoughts and prayers were for those participating and attending. Both were successful due to the hard work of all involved and I personally offer my sincere “Thank You.” ~ Dick Helm
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
9
Quakertown HS Students Serve Up 500 Backpacks of Blessings
Buckygrams: twinkly lights, tree trimming, build a snowman, sleigh rides, gift giving, santa visits, hang stockings, holiday movies, family fun, decorations, parties, new year’s eve Hidden Message: “Wishing all a Merry Christmas!” Bucky Block: Just in Case
BY NICOLE PASCIUTI Blessings in a Backpack is a charity aimed to give food on the weekends to school-aged children across America. Recently, our community played a role in this organization when Quakertown High School Juniors Zachary Borzio and Claudia Boyer led a food drive for the organization. After participating in a prior year, Zachary was given the opportunity to become involved again, but this time with Claudia’s help. This project not only helped them to gain hours of community service for the National Honor Society, but also gave them the chance to help a multitude of children across the world. Zach and Claudia hoped mainly to keep children fed with all the financial trouble Covid has caused many families. Their food drive began on October 8 and continued for a month with an initial goal of 150 backpacks. This goal was met and quickly surpassed as the pair filled over 500 backpacks. Each one of those backpacks contains one weekend of food to be sent home with a child across America. Both Juniors utilized their social media, such as Instagram and Facebook, to reach out and advertise this food drive. Claudia’s dance teacher heard about the food drive and encouraged her to advertise at her dance studio, Diane Medeiro’s Academy of Dance. That advertisement greatly impacted the success of this food drive causing many more people to reach out and help. Many bags of food were dropped off at Claudia’s and Zachary’s houses. People even went as far as to send Amazon deliveries of food. Among the largest contributors were the money orders people donated which added approximately $500 to the further the cause. This money bought a good portion of the food being put into these bags. Stores such as BJ’s were used to buy in bulk, allowing
them to purchase more for less. Most of the food bought was non-perishable and easily accessible for children, such as cans with pull tabs. Chef Boyardee products, for example, were purchased due to them being easy for young children to make and eat. The food drive was successful as the goal was far exceeded. Zach and Claudia hope to make their Blessings in a Backpack an annual tradition with an even bigger goals in the future. The pair stressed when given opportunities such as these to “Please donate. Anything helps. Even if it’s only five dollars.” as even a little bit can go a long way in stopping a child from going hungry. To learn more about Blessings in a Backpack, visit www.blessingsinabackpack.org.
St. Isidore School Receives Distinguished Honors
(top) Quakertown High School Juniors Zach Borzio and Claudia Boyer, along with friend Lizzie Maund,
do some heavy duty shopping to fill some of the over 500 backpacks they’re putting together for Blessings in a Backpack. (above) Claudia and Zach organize some of the many food products they’ve collected for their project. Zach’s brothers Mason (grade 10) and Cole (grade 6) pitched in to help get everything together. photos by stephanie borzio
Volunteers and a Public Works crew worked hard to deck the halls in downtown Quakertown this past month. Planters were filled, the tree was set up, the fountain was graced with greens and ornaments, and storefronts festooned with greenery in preparation for the Christmas season. Pictured (L-R): Alice Yates, Marlene Minster, Peggy Kilpatrick, Naomi Naylor, Pat Quay, Taylor Scheetz, and Sarah Fontanez standing amidst a forest of greens ready for holiday planters. r. photo by michele buono
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognized St. Isidore School, Quakertown for exceeding growth benchmarks in academic achievement, named 2021 Archdiocesan School of Distinguished Instruction. Dr. Robin Conboy, Principal at St. Isidore School says, “I am so proud of our students, teachers and staff who have worked so hard the past two school years facing the challenges of COVID-19 virtually and inperson. Without their dedication and patience,
we would not have earned such an award.” St. Isidore is a Catholic co-ed elementary school located in Quakertown, PA. Offering comprehensive programs for children in preschool through grade eight. St. Isidore School opened its doors 100 years ago to students who desired a solid education that is rooted in faith. This year, St. Isidore is celebrating their centennial throughout the entire school year with special events for the entire community.
“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.” - Louisa May Alcott
10
• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2021
The Quakertown Lions Club, with the use of screening equipment loaned by Lions District 14-A, provided almost 100 hearing and vision exams to the St. Isidore Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten and First Grade students. (above) Marty Mack and Diane Williams, Quakertown Lions Club, provides an ear exam on Mia, St. Isidore School PreSchooler. submitted photo
Students of Miss Cindy’s Sc “Twas the Night Before Ch
chool of Dance show off their costumes for their upcoming performance of hristmas” at the Forrest Lodge VFW on December 4 photo by michele buono
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
11
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Commemorated in Ceremony in Quakertown A Commemoration of the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was held November 11 on the grounds of Naugle Funeral and Cremation Service in Quakertown, one of may such services held across the country. Matt Grieco (top left), proprietor at Naugle, greeted a group of a few dozen Veterans, their families, and other community members. Richland Township Supervisor Tim Arnold (top center) dedicated a new flag pole placed at Naugle in honor of Veterans. A new American Flag was raised and lowered by members of the American Legion and a wreath was laid at the base of the flagpole in remembrance of Veterans who passed in defending our country along with a three volley rifle salute. Past Pennsylvania State Representative Paul Clymer (top right) gave a great keynote speech about the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Andrew Matzura (bottom center) then gave a riveting rendition of our National Anthem.. submitted photos
American Legion Post 242 presented a certificate of appreciation to Lowes of Quakertown for their generous support of their Post renovation. Presenting the certificate to Lowes administrative manager Jenn Rothenberger are Post Adjutant Charlie Wismer and Life Member Roy Schulenberg.
Quakertown Panthers Ice Hockey had their first game of the season at Hatfield Ice on November 3 against Central Bucks West. While CB West topped them 5 – 2, Quakertown held their own with goalie Matthew Krem (sophomore) taking 37 shot on goal and goals scored by Branden McNally (freshman) and Will Shaw. This is Quakertown’s third season in the Suburban High School Hockey League. submitted photos
12
• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2021
Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church Meets at HIghland Park Dining Hall 415 Highland Park Road Sellersville, PA 18960 484-523-3333 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah! Christ’s Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-536-3193 christselca@verizon.net www.christslutheran.com Interim Pastor: Rev. Susan Lang 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church. Find us on Facebook! Church of the Incarnation 44 S. 8th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 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!
An Invitation to Enter God’s Reality BY REV. SUSAN M. LANG
This year, I started noticing that some of my social media friends began to put up their Christmas trees and holiday decorations in the beginning of October. I was stunned when I first saw their posted pictures. I know we have all become accustomed to seeing stores begin to roll out Christmas items prior to Halloween. That alone has always been a shock to my system, but now friends began to do it, too. Growing up in my house, we never put the tree up until Christmas Eve and it typically came down on New Year’s Day. Many of these friends expressed their frustration with the continuation of the pandemic over this past year and admitted that they were decorating early as a way to
First United Church of Christ Fourth Street & Park Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net Facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Contemporary Service 11:45am, Alternative worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm Good News Church 424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 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. Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:45am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult prayer meeting 6:45pm Juniper Street Bible Church 317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115 Pastor: Bob Stevenson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org Sunday worship 10am (also watch live on our Facebook page), Tuesday 7pm Bible study and prayer. We offer an invitation to you. Come and worship with us. Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-6422 Pastors: John & Theresa Decker www.mstarqtown.org Sunday Services at 9 am and 11 am. Our cafe is open with free coffee. Children’s Ministries provided. Celebrate Recovery on Tuesdays at 7 pm. Student Ministries on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Weekly Connections. For updates and schedule changes, check our website.
escape the reality of the present. They’re sick of Covid, and even hearing about it, and just want to get on with the holidays and with the joy of celebrating with family and friends. I can understand the frustration. Serving as an interim pastor during this time has had its own struggles. Yet, I find it ironic that two seasons, Advent and Christmas, in which we celebrate the reality of God’s work among us, we humans make into something the very opposite of what they are meant to be. During Advent, which began on November 28th, we observe the work of God in our midst with a focus on the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Hope and repentance are two words that immediately come to mind when I think of Advent. We’ve never been particularly good at either one of them, especially now. There are so many things around us that can force us to feel hopeless: climate change, political battles,
Palisades Community Bible Church 8730 Easton Road Revere, PA 18953 610-847-2637 secretary@pcbchurch.com www.pcbchurch.com Pastor: Rev. Corbin Seltzer, Jr. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30am, Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am, Tuesday Prayer Meeting 7:00pm, Men & Ladies’ Bible Studies - see website. “Walk by Faith.” II Cor. 5:7 Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Richard K. Brown II Sunday schedule: Worship 8:30 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, Worship 11 am Communion first Sunday of each month. Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave Quakertown, PA 18951 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.” St. Isidore Roman Catholic Church 2545 West Pumping Station Rd Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536-4389 Pastor: Rev. Kenneth C. Brabazon izzyparoff@comcast.net www.stisidores.org Sunday Masses - 5:00pm Saturday evenings; 7:00am, 9:00am, & 11:00am on Sunday mornings; 1:00pm in Spanish Sunday afternoons St. John’s Lutheran Church 4 South Main Street • PO Box 459 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org www.stjohnsrpa.org Pastor: Rev Dr. David A Genszler In person worship service Sunday at 9:30 am, Watch our Worship Service anytime on stjohnsrpa.org/sermon or on Facebook. Activity Center Rentals Open, Capacity 125, call 215-536-5027 to book.
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 18968 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. Service also will be live-streamed on Facebook (St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown, PA) and video will be available on church website. Check website for updated COVID guidelines. St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com 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 stpaulsqtown@gmail.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, PA 18960 215-257-7268 Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Sunday Worship 10:15 in Sanctuary Springfield Mennonite Church 1905 Pleasant View Road Coopersburg PA 18036 267-999-1404 Pastor: Joseph Wames pastorjoe@springfieldmennonite.org www.springfieldmennonite.org Join us at 10:15a Sunday Mornings for a Blended Worship Service, Multi-generational, loving congregation. Biblically and Doctrinally Sound. Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536.4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Dayle Malloy 9 a.m. Traditional service, 11 a.m. Contemporary Service, 10: 15 a.m. Sunday School, Handicap accessible, Family Friendly, Dynamic Music Ministry, Living God’s Love for All
those who suffer from poverty in our midst, the increasing crime rate during the pandemic. What’s there to feel hopeful about? Yet, the hope which we are promised is the hope that God is ultimately in control and will indeed fulfill the coming of his Kingdom. That all these things that steal our hope and joy ultimately have no power over us even when things feel pressing and overwhelming. We only need to pay attention and be ready for the arrival of God’s time. That readiness includes repenting of being tied to our human desire to be the masters of our own destiny and instead to make room for the acceptance of God’s reality. That reality is centered during the Christmas season on the coming of Jesus through his birth in the manger. It was then that God became man and walked among us
for our sake. As the shepherds heard the angels proclaim in the Gospel of Luke: “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 NRSV) This child ushered in God’s promise that he would never leave us. We are always surrounded by the love of God. During the seasons of Advent and Christmas we are invited into God’s reality. We are invited to hope in him. Susan Lang is Interim Pastor of Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trumbauersville. sue@revwriter.com
“Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away.” - Norman Wesley Brooks
Women’s & Children’s New & Gently Used Clothing Handbags • Shoes • Jewelry • Accessories 246 W. Broad Street, Quakertown • 267~490~7401 www.lovethisboutique.com
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
13
The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue.
Think Local. Play Local. Be Local.
Have something to share with your community? Send it to us!
UBFP • 582 S. West End Blvd, Ste 2 • Quakertown, PA 18951 info@ubfp.org • fb.com/ubfreepress • www.ubfp.org
Aggravation Battleship Boggle Candyland Checkers Chess Clue
Connect Four Guess Who Life Monopoly Operation Othello Password
Pictionary Risk Rummikub Scrabble Sequence Sorry Stratego
Taboo Trivial Pursuit Trouble Uno Yahtzee
14
• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2021
Employment Opportunities
Biagioli Construction - Laborer/ Helper Wanted For Remodeling Looking for a self motivated person. Experience not necessary, willing to train the right individual. Must have reliable transportation. Jbiagioli5775@gmail.com Spor’s General Store - Hiring various positions, ages 15 & up. bspor@sporsgeneralstore.com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville New Vitae Wellness & Recovery Happy Holidays! Welcome to your New Life at New Vitae Wellness & Recovery! Seeking PCA/MT, Cooks, Drivers, Maintenance Asst at our Quakertown locations. Sign-on bonus
My Holiday People I spend a month or two at my place in California each autumn to see the grandkids and enjoy the desert. I rush back for Thanksgiving, then head up for Deer Camp. I already feel rushed and then it’s Christmas. We drive a Sprinter RV from Joshua Tree and this year, after stopping for an airboat in the Sabine River swamps and in Ft. Walton Beach, Fl, to see my brother Dan (QCHS Class of ’71), I got home to a mountain of ‘must-act-now’, catchup work. The Quakertown Blazers had already had
the league meeting but the Historical Society Board meeting was that night. Medicare was due and the insurance agent appointment was Tuesday at 2pm. The Quakers had meeting for business that week, I had a two day boar hunt scheduled in Tioga on Thursday and the Free Press needed an article. On top of that, my brother was due in town for Thanksgiving and we headed for the Allegheny Forest deer hunting Black Friday. Then, it’s Christmas and New Year! Holidays are about heroes, events, religion, countries. What we do about it about makes it the holiday. Our celebrations are about people, and mostly our own people, family and friends. Though I’m a senior and immured or numbed
xxxx
by all those holidays and ghosts, this year was the most ‘my-people’ oriented holiday season ever. [Some of this hasn’t happened yet, but it will] I saw my grand-kids in California, of course, and my daughter, Becky (QCHS Class of ’98). At almost 13 and 8 years old they were fun. I saw my brother in Florida the he came ‘home’ to PA to hunt and see old sites and people. We visited my son, Geoff (QCHS Class of ’94), who recently relocated to VA and my federal agent daughter, Jen (QCHS Class of ’95), returned from assignment in Kenya for a Christmas vacation. As 2022 dawns, I do walks around Quakertown with my oldest friend (I was 4, he was 3 when we met), Ed Zapp (QCHS Class of ’72). We’ve been doing it for a year. The ‘thens’ and ‘nows’ of our endless conversations flesh out the nearly three-quarters of a century we’ve shared. On the Tioga boar hunt, my
up to $1,000! Call 610-928-5277 or www.NewVitaeWellness.com/careers. Classic Hair Designs - Salon and spa seeking experienced massage therapist. Flexible hours and pleasant working environment. Please send resume to classichairdesigns1@ gmail.com Professional Tree Care & Landscaping - Full time ground worker’s position available. Must have current license and reliable transportation to our location in Quakertown PA. Must have chainsaw experience, able to use a chipper and drive a full size pick up. Start right away. Call 215-804-8208
next oldest friend, Dennis (Boogie) Badman (QCHS Class of ’71), joined my cousin Curt and me. Boog attended his 50th class reunion in September so nostalgia dripped from the rafters. A non-resident license in pocket and toting my extra rifle, Dan came up from Florida to hunt deer. He’d not hunted in 50 years! The trip was more to see his old home town and to visit the remaining relatives in Pennsylvania. If cousins from Erie, Kane and Pipersville join us as expected, the gray-haired troop will talk past midnight and only maybe get a deer. Whatever the holiday is about, it is about people and especially about our own people. At any rate, if I made the deadline on this short article I hope your holiday is as good as mine and I’ll see you next year. Jack Schick is a long time Quakertown area resident and regular contributor here at
UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Through a partnership with the Borough of Quakertown and Penn State Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards progress has been made at the Pollinator Garden at the Park at 4th. The October 30th cleanup day was postponed due to inclement weather and rescheduled for November 2nd. However a hearty crew of 6 came out on the 30th to clear out the large debris. On November 2nd, a second group of Borough employees, Master Gardeners, and Borough residents removed invasive weeds and shrubs and covered bare areas with woodchips supplied by the the Borough Mantenance Department. The crew will convene again in March 2022 to complete the renovation. Look for information from the Borough via social media in the Spring to sign up as a volunteer for this project. Penn State University is taking a Hiatus For the first time, Penn State is taking a hiatus from December 17th thru January 3rd. All offices of the Cooperative Extension and Penn State’s Campuses will be closed. Even though the Bucks County Hotline will be closed, Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards will be periodically monitoring the email. You can still contact us by email during this shutdown but you will experience a delay in our response. The Hotline will be back daily beginning January 4th. Protect vulnerable shrubs and trees from harsh winter winds. Newly planted or delicate shrubs and trees can be protected by surrounding them with burlap attached to garden stakes. It is not practical to wrap large shrubs and trees to protect them from snow and ice. The weight of a heavy snowfall can break branches. Do not shake the shrub or tree to remove the snow. You can use a broom with an upright motion under the branch to dislodge much of the snow. Ice is a different matter. It is best not to remove ice as this can cause considerable damage. https://tinyurl.com/yyw2zyhj
Can I prune my American Holly (Ilex now to enjoy the branches in my outdoor decorations? Absolutely, December is a perfect time to trim branches of the American Holly. Male hollies (no berries) or female hollies (striking red or yellow berries-Ilex cornuta “D’Or”) can be lovely in a container mixed with other softeer greens. If you choose to use holly for inside décor or a tablescape cut the branches right before use. Holly leaves tend to fall when brought into our warm home atmosphere. https://tinyurl.com/y4cp6myk Spotted Lanternfly Update: Since Bucks County has experienced several hard frosts and temperatures below 30°F, the adult SLF have perished. However, not before laying their egg masses . Now is the time to start looking for the egg masses, scraping them off into a plastic bag with alcohol and disposing them in the trash. Don’t scrape them onto the ground as the eggs can stay viable over the winter. Remember that SLF will lay eggs on fences, lawn furniture, tires, deck boards, tree trunks or any other surface available to them. For the most up to date information log onto Penn State’s Spotted Lanternfly website. https://tinyurl.com/y5825yqa Our home Garden/Watershed hotline is still available! Emails are being answered by our trained Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards remotely Monday thru Friday. Although our phone lines are not in use for the winter months, our volunteers will still be monitoring your emails.(see paragraph 2 for Penn State Extension shutdown dates) “Ask a Master Gardener/Master Watershed Steward” Penn State Extension Bucks County Email: BucksMG@psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press! opaca)
(above left) Joan Pavlica (MG) and Alan Pavlica (above right) Mike (Finance Dept.), Koby Gilgore (MG),
Courtney Burns (Parks and Rec) and Mike Burns
submitted photos
“You know you’re getting old when Santa starts looking younger.” - Robert Paul The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Christmas was always my favorite holiday of the year. Today, the holiday season for me, is a difficult reminder of how things change, usually for the best, but not always better… From my first memory of a piece of Santa’s ripped suit dangling in the fireplace, until the last Christmas together in the same house as my son Mike… Always my favorite holiday. Jackson Browne, in “My Problem is You,” wrote: “I have no problem with this crooked world. I play the cards I drew. No problem with the changes life has hurled.” For me, as for many others, the “changes that life has hurled” surface most strongly around Christmas, and have been challenging… and agonizing…to accept, or put in their proper place. I still so enjoy December’s magic…cutting a tree…previously with Mike, now with Shelli… searching for that special gift…decorating the house…cookies…my sister making mom’s wonderful potato stuffing…Christmas movies… endless Christmas songs playing…the feeling of camaraderie among strangers…small signs of kindness that so quickly fade away…but are here to relish for a few short weeks, or days… Shelli is Jewish, and had no previous understanding or appreciation of this best of all holidays…but admittedly has fully embraced it, and perhaps now out-christmasses my Christmas spirit…(christmasses - new verb).
15
This sometimes requires stopping at every yard sale or flea market we pass to search for that vintage Christmas decoration treasure… When on trips, regardless the time of year, we look for the perfect tree ornament to serve as a reminder of a special time…sometimes expensive reminders, true…but always perfect in design, meaning, and memory. This year, for only the second time ever, I will be vacationing out of the country at Christmas. The first was my honeymoon with Shelli…this year, an anniversary gift to ourselves. Mike asked his love to marry him yesterday, and she accepted, so he and his now fiancé Brooke will be celebrating Christmas with us a few weeks early, as will our daughter Dina and fiancé Kelly. Another change, but a good one…the most people I have been with to celebrate in many years. That in itself is a good feeling, and while I always get tremendously stressed when company visits, I look forward to a piece of our small, joined family together as one. One family. It’s been a long time since I said, or thought that…a welcome reconstruct…perhaps I am finally accepting this small change that was hurled…I hope so. Christmas was always my favorite holiday of the year. Perhaps it can be again. John Schaninger is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and has lived in Upper Black Eddy for 12 years. Reach him at m12string@aol.com
Caring for Others Continuing of my theme of how it used to be and how things have changed in our hurried life against the rule of history (History lets us learn and move forward from studying the actions we took in the Past.), I wish to talk about caring for others. This thought of a subject for this month came to me yesterday after a terrific act of kindness. After returning from a hunting trip to South Carolina, I was clearing up things that had to be attended to on Wednesday November 17th. My wife asked me to stop by Aldi’s to pickup Orange Juice, Coffee Creamer, and a few bananas. I did so and stepped in line and the person in front of me told me to go ahead with my few items. (An act of kindness). I put my three items on the belt after placing the divider bars to the front and back of the items. The person checking out heard me put the bar down and looked back, seeing my Army Veteran cap. To my surprise this wonderful person told the cashier to include my items on her bill. I mentioned it was not necessary; but she insisted on doing this. These items totaled about $4.00. But the gesture of this appreciation was worth a million! She did not know that I was spat at after being discharged back in 1967 at Philadelphia Airport while in uniform for the last time, coming home from oversees. She did not know I lost a good friend over in Vietnam that I took training with. Yes, since the Vietnam period of service, our countrymen, when they came to their senses, realized the wrong in the way they treated citizen soldiers and now thank us for our service. This woman in her paying $4.00 for those goods, finally washed away the spit that was deposited on the floor in front of me back in 1967. She cared! Today we have food banks, code blue for the homeless in our area, backpacks for Pumas at our schools for the hungry, and Free Church meals given by church groups. Back in the day, I don’t remember such community outreach. What we had was neighbor caring for neighbor or family caring for family. Remember the times when the Daily Free Press would list hospital admissions and discharges. Privacy rules set up by the GOVERNMENT have since forbade such listings. I remember when my mother made up a plate and had
my older brother take it to our neighbor up the long farm lane when she read that his wife was in the hospital. We had no phone back then in Richland Twp. (Can you believe that!) My parents told how their families would feed hobos during the depression years and let them sleep in the outbuildings after they gave up the “Smokes” until morning. At harvest home, the Lutheran Church in Richlandtown, Pa. had the steps on both sides of the front of the church stacked high on shelves with canned goods for the facility in Allentown that helped people suffering from crippling disorders. They also helped “The Children’s Home.” The GOVERNMENT no longer allowed homed canned foods (Because a seal might not be properly sealed,). Now Harvest home has cereal boxes, boxed dry food, and cans not in the portions given by these folks doing “Home Canning” back in the day. Most folks acted as I did the other day saying it is not necessary. They were probably hungry but pride kept them from wanting to accept. In many cases those in need had their own backup of “Canned Goods” to get along. Neighbor cared for neighbor. Today many people are so hurried in life they don’t even know their neighbor to talk to. That is why my neighbors and my wife and I hold a rural annual picnic of neighbors so our neighborhood is aware of our fellow neighbors and even know their names. Food Banks are necessary in our now Suburban Upper Bucks, sending food home with children for hungry families is a wonderful program, even Milford Twp. Fish & Game gathers Thanksgiving dinners for a number of needy families. Everything has to have special control for privacy as set forth by the government privacy rules. These programs still could use the help of a neighbor caring for a neighbor. So let us learn from history to know our neighbors. Not be overbearing by all means but if we see that they need help to offer help. It might not be food, it could be mowing lawn or shoveling snow. But learn from history as outlined above. Show someone YOU CARE. I do not know that lady’s name that paid for my bananas, coffee creamer, and orange juice, but this column is dedicated to her “Act of Kindness to a Veteran.” You gave me more than $4.00 worth of food. Thank You! Dick Helm is a long time Quakertown area resident
and
regular
contributor
here
at
UBFP. Reach him at rbh9@verizon.net.
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. Small Business Saturday is November 27!
Be Local. 16
• Upper Bucks Free Press • December 2021
Squishmallows: Collectible Toy of the Future Don’t know which contemporary toy is the best one to buy for everybody on your list this holiday season? While many toys make great gifts, some toys will be collectibles of the future. So, as an expert who reviews and researches the patterns of collecting in the art, antiques, and collectibles markets, I have my picks of the toys to buy and keep for the long run. What is my pick for the holiday toy of choice in 2021? Squishmallows. I think the soft plush toys that second for cuddly pillows with cutesy and culturally significant names, complex backstories, and strong designs called Squishmallows are highly collectible and will hold their value with collectors for the long term. Squishmallows are to the 2020s what Beanie Babies were to the 1990s. And, as an expert in such things, I should know. Squishmallows are not only the next big toy craze, they are the current big toy craze. Only a few years since their introduction in the autumn of 2017, the collectible Squishmallows toys in their many versions have achieved the type of widespread interest that was enjoyed by Boyd’s Bears, Cabbage Patch Kids, and Ty Inc. Beanie Babies. Squishmallows are organized and marketed differently than most plush toys. For example, Squishmallows debuted in thematic squads like the Fantasy squad, Prehistoric squad, Buddy squad, etc. with certain items included within a category or squad. Each Squishmallow has its own character name, squishdate which is likened to a birthdate, collector number, character backstory, and of course, the all-important --and God forbid you remove it-- printed tag. The fun plush toys are available in four sizes: 5 inches tall, 8 inches tall, 12 inches tall and
16 inches tall ranging in price from approximately $5 to $20 each. The cost is attractive to all ages. Kids can afford their low price in order to make additions to their Squishmallows collections. Adults collect them too. In fact, I was interviewed about appraising collectible Squishmallows recently and the 20-something reporter admitted that she and her friends are wild about collecting the cuddly creature toys, too. That didn’t surprise me as young adults are enthusiastic plush toy collectors for many reasons. One reason is that the age group grew up with the 1990s collectible toy crazes. Kellytoy, the California plush toy manufacturer that makes and markets Squishmallows, introduced the brand in 2017 and enjoys widespread interest and sales – more than 55 million in sales to date. The complete Squishmallows Squad includes more than 800 plush characters in various sizes. The plush toys are simple in their design and feature colorful and textural attributes that make the toys attract to the collecting public. Squishmallows are made from super soft spandex EF and polyester stuffing. Each toy is washable. Collectors look for some of the same elements in a Squishmallow as Ty Inc. Beanies Babies. Tags are important to authentication and value since there are fakes out there trying to imitate the toys. To an appraiser and market analyst like me, Squishmallows have all the stuff that will make them a mainstay in the collectible toy market for many years to come. Get yours now while you can. All the kids and adults on your holiday shopping list will thank you for it. Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s #1 show, The Curse of Oak Island. Visit www. DrLoriV.com and www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV or call (888) 431-1010.
Quakertown Takes Action Against Unsafe Living Conditions at Bush House Hotel
BY MICHELE BUONO
Quakertown residents and residents of the Bush House woke up on Wednesday, November 10, to the news that the local landmark had been condemned by the Borough. Social media was quickly alight with mostly supportive comments. Many people expressed that they believed this action was long past due. Others expressed concern about the sixty-four displaced residents who had little notice that they could not live in the boarding hotel any longer. Several were more cynical about the future of the once-proud landmark and suggested ulterior motives behind the action to condemn. But most were sympathetic to the residents and hopeful that this move, while difficult, would result in better living conditions for them. A local business owner, who requested anonymity, remarked “I was so sorry to hear of the terrible living conditions. For everyone who needed to move, I am looking forward to them being helped with finding better homes than they had.” Local advocacy groups have stepped up to help the displaced residents with hot meals and necessities. The Borough has a fund drive set up as well. All of the evacuated residents have been successfully placed in new housing. Borough and Bucks County officials were able to connect those vulnerable residents, including the elderly and those afflicted with mental illness and drug dependence, with the proper agencies for assistance and treatment. The Bucks County Commissioners and various county organizations such as Area on Aging and the Bucks County Opportunity Council have worked together with the Borough to coordinate the effects of closing the Bush House. Representatives from these agencies were on site to “help to take care of the people”, according to Borough officials. The Bush House Hotel has long been the subject of concern to residents, business owners, neighbors, and first responders because of the conditions within the structure. Doug Wilhelm, the Borough’s Code Enforcement Officer, spoke to the press on the afternoon of the Bush House condemnation to update the operation. Wilhelm explained that a few weeks previous the Borough had obtained an administrative
warrant for inspections that resulted in the immediate condemnation of the building due to heavy bedbug and German roach infestations throughout the building as well as unsafe and dangerous structures that rendered the Bush House unsafe for human habitation. The roach population had become so overwhelming that the insects had infiltrated the fire alarm system, electrical outlets, and conduit, causing numerous false alarms. Some rooms in the Bush House contained large amounts of debris, food waste, and clutter that contributed to the insect problem. A professional exterminator who accompanied Borough personnel on inspections of the Bush House, recommended that the structure be treated with courses of chemicals and heat after “being taken down to the bare studs”. The building will need to be de-cluttered, cleaned, and un-occupied for this program to be fully and properly performed. The owner of the builder, Tom Skiffington, has indicated to other news sources that the code violations were false and he intends to sue. It was also reported that he believes the condemnation is a part of a plot against low-income housing within the Borough of Quakertown. The Bush House Hotel had been listed for sale in the days before the Borough’s action to condemn. The asking price was $5.6million. The listing has since been removed. In April 2018, the building suffered a fire that resulted in the death of a Bush House resident. Wilhelm said since that time, “that section of the building has not been renovated and minimally brought up to codes and standards.” At the press conference, Wilhelm explained now that everyone has been evacuated from the building, it must be brought completely up to code. “We can’t let anybody live like this anymore”. Wilhelm then described the sad case of a Bush House resident who had a stomach infection that was necrosed. Numerous bug bites were observed on the woman. “We’ve gotten to a point where this is just not safe for anybody,” said Wilhelm. Notices have been sent even to first responders to not enter the building as it was deemed unsafe for them, residents would have to come meet them.
(left) Firefighters respond to a multi-alarm fire at the Bush House Hotel in April 2018 where a woman perished in the blaze. Officials say repairs to return that part of the building to a livable condition still have not been made. (right) Quakertown Borough officials, first responders, county agencies, and local organizations act to evacuate and relocate residents from the Bush House Hotel on November 10 due to extreme health hazards and unsafe living conditions. The borough condemned the property until the building is remediated and brought up to current building code standards. photos by michele buono
“If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, give something to someone who can offer nothing in return.” - Toni Sorenson
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
17
2021 Toyota Prius Prime Who knows hybrids better than Toyota? Their Prius took the hybrid market by storm when it was introduced. But not wanting to rest on Prius’ success, Toyota introduced the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid. It offers the best of both worlds of electric battery power for up to 25 miles of driving range, and when the battery depletes, the gas engine takes over for 640 total driving miles. In my humble opinion, this is the way to go as opposed to a fully electric car and all its charging inconveniences. Speaking of charging, and according to Toyota, Prius Prime’s battery can be fully charged in 5 hours, 30 minutes with a 120v outlet. On a 240v line, charging time decreases to about two hours. And since my late father was an electrician, I remember he would say that for a 120v receptacle, its’ best to use a 10-gauge extension cord especially if any extended length is involved. Prime’s powertrain includes a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine for a total net output of 121hp and 105 lb/ft of torque. Two electric motors contribute 71-hp to the total. The system couples to a CVT automatic transmission for EPA mileage estimates of 54 gasoline city/ highway mpg, or 133 MPGe combined. So powered, acceleration is quick from a standing stop and lacks nothing during highway passing maneuvers. Prius Prime is offered in base LE, XLE and top-shelf Limited that we tested. That trim level offers Sof-Tex heated front seats, a large, 11.6-inch touchscreen that serves the JBL audio system, navigation, climate
selections, apps suite, energy monitor, Apple CarPlay, weather forecast/radar and more. Atop the dash and not in front of the steering wheel, is the 16x2.5-inch digital gauge cluster that displays a driver information screen, gear selections, power updates and much more. It’s an unusual placement but gets the job done and is easy to read at a glance. Below the touchscreen, there’s a pod of sorts housing a stubby CVT gear shift handle with Reverse, Neutral, Drive and B selections, the latter increases regenerative braking that helps charge the battery. But to place the CVT in park, there’s a separate switch a couple inches to the left of the shift handle marked “P” for park. Puzzles me why Toyota couldn’t have incorporated it on the shift handle. Interestingly, in Reverse, the car makes a vacuum cleaner sound and produces a constant beep to warn pedestrians the quiet car is backing up.
Also on the pod is a driving mode switch for Normal, Eco and Power. Next to Drive Mode are switches for HV/EV and a separate EV Auto mode. In EV, the car can be driven on electric power only. In HV, it uses the combination of gasoline and battery power and automatically switches to HV when the battery is depleted. Prius Prime Limited came with Intelligent Parking Assist, wireless phone charger, Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure with steering assist, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, radar cruise control and much more.
Prime’s rear seat is comfy and spacious for two adults or three youngsters. Leg and headroom are both generous while wide open doors allow easy ingress/egress. Back in the trunk area, that’s rated at 19.5 cubic feet, it measures 29 inches deep, 41 wide and 21 high. Flip the 60/40 rear seatbacks and cargo depth extends to 65 inches. There is no small item storage beneath the trunk floor as the electric battery is housed there. Prius Prime rode smoothly and quietly on 15-inch Bridgestone tires that in combination with the suspension system, absorbed road imperfections with ease. It also parked easily with its tight 33.4 foot turning radius that made it a pleasurable car to drive and ride in. Prius Prime Limited was base priced at $34,000, but after adding special optional color paint ($425), carpeted cargo and floor mats ($259) and delivery ($995), Prime bottomlined at $35,679. photo by christopher betz It comes with a 3 year/36K comprehensive; 5/60K powertrain warranty plus the hybrid battery is warranted for 10 years or 150K miles; hybrid components including the battery/hybrid control modules are covered for 8/100K miles; basic coverage is 36/36K miles (all components); and Toyota Care complimentary maintenance plan is covered for 2/25K miles and includes 24/7 roadside assistance for 2/unlimited miles. We really liked the Prius Prime and as said, the plug-in hybrid system appears the way to go over a pure electric car. With Toyota’s inherent quality and hybrid experience, Prime is a compelling, comfortable, highly economical sedan. 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.
Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle? Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual’s investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own a well-diversified portfolio, appropriately positioned to pursue their long-term goals.1 However, as a retiree, how you choose to live in retirement may be an additional factor to consider when building your portfolio. Starting a Business? Using retirement funds to start a business entails significant risk. If you choose this path, you may want to consider reducing the risk level of your investment portfolio to help compensate for the risk you’re assuming with a new business venture. Since a new business is unlikely to generate income right away, you may want to construct your portfolio with an income orientation in order to provide you with current income until the business can begin turning a profit. Traveling for Extended Periods of Time? There are a number of good reasons to consider using a professional money manager for your retirement savings. Add a new one. If you are considering extended travel that may keep you disconnected from current events (even modern communication), investing in a portfolio of individual securities that requires constant attention may not be an ideal approach. For this lifestyle, professional management may suit your retirement best.2 Rethink Retirement Income? Market volatility can undermine your retirement-income strategy. While it may come at the expense of some opportunity cost,
there are products and strategies that may protect you from drawing down on savings when your portfolio’s value is falling—a major cause of failed income approaches. 1. Diversification and portfolio optimization calculations are approaches to help manage investment risk. They do not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline. 2. Keep in mind that the return and principal value of security prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And securities, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2021 FMG Suite. This article was submitted by Bob Podraza of Robert James Investments on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-583-5013 or at robertjamesinvestments.com
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. Quakertown Rotary Club Names Outstanding Students
Members of the Upper Bucks and Upper Perkiomen Valley Chambers of Commerce met for their annual mixer in November. Approximately 80 people gathered at the Spinnerstown Hotel to exchange ideas and network. (L-R) Michele DiFillipo, PerkUp Project Coordinator; Tracy Kline, Upper Bucks Chamber Operations Manager; Allision Louis, Upper Perkiomen Chamber Executive Director; Danielle Bodnar, Upper Bucks Chamber Executive Director photo by michele buono
September - Yerin Yun is a senior at Quakertown Community High School and was nominated by Mr. Pallon. She is the student of the month as well as the outstanding student of the month and is being recognized by the rotary club. She is a highly involved student who loves watching movies and spending her free time outside. Currently, Yerin is taking a variety of advanced courses such as Political Science Honors, AP Physics, Mandarin Honors, Computer Science, and English Honors. Not only is Yerin an intelligent student, but she also thrives in our school community. Yerin is a part of the Girls’ Tennis Team and will be joining the bowling team this winter. She is a member of FBLA, Qrock, Key Club, National Honors Society, Social Justice Alliance, Psychology, and Mandarin club. In the future, Yerin plans on attending a four-year university to study informatics and engineering. Yerin would like to thank several teachers for helping her this month: Ms. Liebel, Mrs. Wart, Mrs. Shanley, Ms. Li, Mrs. Sabol, and Mrs. Leatherman.
October - The sophomore student of the month is Julia Witte. Julia has also been recognized this month as the outstanding student of the month. She believes she was chosen as the outstanding student of the month because of the support and encouragement from her friends, family, and teachers this year. The classes she takes are English honors, precalc honors, spanish 4 honors, choir, chemistry honors, and AP world history. Within school, she is involved in the class of 2024 student council team and outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and horseback riding. Mrs.Ramirez and Mrs. Liebel were two teachers she especially wanted to thank because they are supportive, encouraging, and are hard workers dedicated to engaging and aiding their students. While she isn’t quite sure what she wants to do yet with her future, thus far she’s considering equine therapy.
The Quakertown High School Advanced Digital Design class collaboratively designed the two different graphics featured on the front of this year’s Sea of Blue shirts. (front) Jordan Hollister, Joey Diaz, Ms.Amy Migliore, Diana Chookagian, Sierra Reinford (back) Doug Vargo, Caleb Einolf submitted photo
December 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
‘Quakertown Cares’ off to Robust Start!
BY JANE THOMPSON-SMITH
Year 26 could be a special one for “Quakertown Cares” and the people that it helps.The need seems to grow every year. As we begin to arise from the ashes left by Covid 19, we sure need Christmas! We need Covid the Grinch outa here! Last Christmas was painful for many- physically, mentally, financially, emotionally. People were afraid, stressed, grieving, and many were lost. Christmas was wounded, but not lost. Hope remained. And as we lick our wounds, we search for good this holiday season. We look for ways to make things better. In the Quakertown area, “Quakertown Cares” is a bright and shining symbol of the love and caring that Covid The Grinch could never take away. It’s a symbol of the power of community. Grinch Covid couldn’t get “Quakertown Cares.” It is alive and well! Three weeks into the campaign, it has already collected $34,500 to help people in need from the Quakertown area. Amazing! Thank you, neighbors, for loving, caring and helping in these challenging times! Thanks to you, “Cares” has already provided support to over 400 Quakertown area seniors, school families (including Head Start), and veterans in need by providing immediate individual small gifts (food cards or cash) of $100 - $150 to those in desperate need for help. The campaign has also given $2,000 to social workers from the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging to address urgent needs for area seniors. “Cares” has also provided a gift card to 150 local seniors in subsidized housing, something that it does every year. In addition, “Quakertown Cares” has been able to support four Quakertown students ($600) in the Quakertown Borough’s Shop with a Cop Program. The following are our contributors so far: Angel contributors: (have contributed for many years) Zeigler Family Foundation ($15,000),
Anonymous Quakertown business ($10,000) Other contributors: Quakertown United Methodist Church ($620 from three special collections to address compelling needs in the community), Oldcastle Lawn and Garden ($2,000), and Classic Staffing ($1,000) have again sponsored the Thanksgiving Turkey Project, which this year provided a $50 food card (in lieu of turkeys and fixings) for 125 families/individuals. $2,000: Anonymous Quakertown area business owner, $500: Christopher and Brenda Roth, Michael and Nancy Cygan, Janice and James Newcomer, Anonymous Milford Township resident. $450: Hutchinson, Gillahan & Freeh. $300: Anonymous Milford Township residents. $250: Daniel and Maggie Stauffer. $200: David and Ginger Woodbury. $150: Reverend Cheryl Stoneback. $125: Jason and Kathryn Anderson. $100: Carol Hauff, Joan and Richard De Tuccio, Steven and Linda Cardell Jeffrey and Lynn Geesaman, Anonymous Richland Township residents, (2) Anonymous Quakertown Borough residents, (3) Anonymous Haycock Township residents. $50: Anonymous Quakertown Borough residents (2). $35: Anonymous Richland Township residents. $30: Anonymous Milford Township resident. Over the last six years “Cares” has received contributions from local residents totaling over $270,000 and distributed individualized assistance in over 2,000 instances of need. “Quakertown Cares” is led by an all-volunteer committee and has no administrative expenses. Every dollar goes to neighbors in need. QNB, Quakertown Community School District, Upper Bucks Free Press, and Hutchinson, Gillahan & Freeh provide in-kind support. Won’t you consider giving to this very special campaign and helping your neighbors? If you wish to contribute, you can use the form on this page and mail it or drop off at any QNB Bank branch.
UBCTS Names Student of the Month
Joanna Veneziale, a Pennridge High School senior in the Dental Career Program, has been named Student of the Month for November at the Upper Bucks County Technical School. Joanna works at Sellersville Family Dental as a dental/sterilization assistant through our Cooperative Education program, which began during her junior year. Joanna’s accomplishments include First Honors and induction into the National Technical Honor Society. She is also a member of HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and Rotary Club of Pennridge. This past July, she sat for the Dental Assisting National Boards Radiation Health and Safety Exam and is now Radiology Certified. Joanna has also earned the OSHA 10-hour certification and is first aid/CPR certified. She also participated in the Bucks
County Community College In-School Youth program and earned certificates in Narcam, AED, Diversity, and Leadership. Upon graduation, Joanna plans to attend Montgomery County Community College for their Dental Hygiene program and pursue a career as an Orthodontist.
19
Be first to get your roof done in spring … schedule now.
ROOFING
DOORS & WINDOWS
SIDING
GUTTERS
REPAIRS
KULPROOFING.COM CASH
CREDIT
FINANCING AVAILABLE
Locally owned & operated for more than 20 years. DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.
FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL 215.538.0618