Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2018

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2018

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

December 31

New Year’s Eve

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

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

Call 215-453-7027

January 1

New Year’s Day

Wolf Moonlight Walk 4:30pm-5:30pm at Peace Valley Nature Ctr in Doylestown. Free event, but cancelled if bad conditions occur.

Donations welcome. Info: 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org

January 3 Gosling Gang Nature Program 10am11:30am at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. A story, a snack & a walk on the wild side. $55 non/mbr, $45/mbr. Info: 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org (also Jan 10, 17, 24) BC Foodshed Alliance Meeting 6pm, Plumsteadville Grange, 5901 Easton Rd, Plumsteadville. Potluck dinner w/q&a on local honey w/tasting. Bring food/drinks to share & own utensils. Free, donations accepted. Info: 215-621-8967, BucksFoodshed.org Family Epiphany Party 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Free event w/dinner & craft, please RSVP

by Jan 1 so we can plan. Call 610-346-7114 or email: trinityucc212@gmail.com. Trinity UCC, 1990 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley (next to Springfield Elem.)

January 5 Blood Drive (10am-3pm) & Drug TakeBack (10am-2pm) Event at Craig Staat’s district office, 10 S 3rd St, Quakertown. Blood donors regis. 215-536-1434. Partnering w/ Quakertown Police, unwanted or outdated legal medications will be collected.

January 6 Badge Squad: Gumshoe Mysteries 10am4pm (best for ages 8-12, siblings welcome) at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. 215-257-9718

Dublin Fire Co Soup Day 11am-2pm at 194 N Main St (Rte 313). $7/qt, eat-in meal/$5.

Hot dogs & sandwiches also available. Call between 9am & 11am day of, to order quarts.

215-249-3740 All-U-Can-Eat Roast Chicken Dinner 3:30pm-7pm or sold out. $9/adults, $5/kids 5-12, under age 5 is free. Take-out available. Zion Lutheran Fellowship Hall, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill. Info: 215-538-7911 day of All-U-Can-Eat Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-6:30pm or sold out. Meal is by donation. St. Andrew’s UCC, 615 E Walnut St, Perkasie. Info: Ken 215-257-7063

January 6 & 7

Model RR Open House 12noon-5pm both days. Free admission, donations welcome.

Coopersburg Borough Bldg, 5 N Main St, Coopersburg. 215-529-4883, casme.org

January 7

Breakfast 8am-12:30pm at Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212. Adults/$7.50, Ages 5-8/$4.50, Free under age 5.

Blood Drive 4pm-8pm at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Sign up at Welcome Ctr or giveapint.org

January 8

AARP Meeting 1pm at Upper Bucks Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown.

Speaker: Richard Moore on the Underground Railroad.

St. James Nursery School (ages 2-5) Open House 6pm-7pm at St. James Lutheran, Rte 309 & Oxford St, Coopersburg. 610-282-9562

January 9

“History of Menlo Park” 1pm w/Rick Doll of Perkasie Histor. Soc. at Pennridge Community Senior Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. Free, all welcome! 215-453-7027

January 13

Storytime on the Road 11am at Perkasie Pizza & Pasta, 615 W Market St, Perkasie.

Stories, music, & fun for all. Support our local business & stay for lunch. 215-257-9718 Badge Squad: Gumshoe Mysteries 4pm5pm (best for ages 8-12, siblings welcome) at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave,

Perkasie. 215-257-9718 LEGO Master Builders 10am-4pm at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie.

Stop by anytime to build, make friends, or browse our LEGO books. 215-257-9718 Bag Bingo (open 6pm, bingo 7pm) St. Isidore School, 603 W Broad St, Quakertown. Tkts: $30/adv, $35/door if avail. Contact Julie 215-536-6052 or jmcfadden@stisidoreschool.com

January 14 All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet 8am12:30pm at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quaketown. Info: 215-536-7226 Charity Vendor Bingo 12noon-4pm at Tylersport Firehouse, 125 W Ridge Rd, Tylersport. 215-669-2041

January 15 “Skulls & Tracks” Nature Explorers Workshop 9am-4pm. Barn Nature Ctr, 1283 Almshouse Rd, Doylestown. 267-421-4818

January 18 “Dynamic Dinosaurs” Science Program 1pm-2:15pm (for ages 3-6 w/adult) at Conservancy’s Brownstone Barn, Rte 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Pre-regis. w/ payment required. Info: perkiomenwatershed. org or 610-287-9383 New Vitae Information Session 4pm6pm (4-6 wk programs for depression) Info: 215-538-3403 x323, newvitaewellness.com

January 20 RASA registration (Richland Area Softball Assoc.) 10am-1pm for ages 5-18 yrs old at Dairy Queen. Online regis. is rasasoftball.com Antiques Appraisal Show 12noon-2pm at Quakertown Farmers Market (Dept 201), 201 Station Rd. PA Antiques Appraisers Assoc. will appraise 1 item/$6 or 2 items/$10, cash only. (2 item limit) Info: 215-536-9019

Ongoing Events & Resources Variety of morning storytime activities for infants thru age 6 at Samuel Pierce Free Library in Perkasie. Call 215-257-9718 for specific days, times & age group for your child.

Allentown Art Museum is Free every Sunday, 12noon-4pm. Located at 31 N Fifth St, Allentown Michener Art Museum Exhibits, “Dedicated, Displayed, Discovered” until Jan 7, “George Sotter:Light & Shadow” until Dec. 31, “A Time to Break Silence” until Feb 4, Located at 138 S Pine St, Doylestown. More info: MichenerArtMuseum.org or 215-340-9800 Quakertown Farmers Market Auctions 1st & 3rd Fri/month w/Les Beyer, 2nd & 4th Sat/ month w/Tom Lorah, call 215-536-4115 for info Hoagie Sales 2nd Monday of month (except July/August) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, advance orders due Wed. before. $5.50-$6.00, info/order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com All Veterans invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville.

Call Frank 215-679-7770 Veterans invited 7:30pm, fourth Monday each month at VFW Post 3405, at 211 E Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Call for details at 610-282-1840 Veterans invited 1:30pm, second Sunday each month at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, 267-3719636 (bring DD 214 for proof eligibility) PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-2pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org Support & Service Groups

Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-593-9995 or email carolonline1@verizon.netSisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month in Perkasie, info: 267-429-3196, stef@sistersu.com, AARP meets 1:30pm the second Monday of the month at Upper Bucks Senior Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. 215-5363066, upperbucksac.com Parent Support Group on Addiction meets 7pm, first & third Wed every month in Red Schoolhouse, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Bedminster. Info: batchof5@yahoo.com Family Education Program on Addiction (held at churches in Bristol, Doylestown, Dublin & New Hope) FREE 3-part series. Learn how to combat it. Call Council at 1-800-221-6333 to register for next available date.

Family Education on Addiction meets 7pm, first three Mondays every month in the Red School House, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Free, register 800-221-6333 SOS Bereavement After Suicide, Family Support Group at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital twice monthly, info/details call 215-536-5143 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 or 610-558-1326 Caregiver Support Group meets last Thurs. every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting.

Caregiver Support Group 4pm-5pm, meets last Thur. of month, Hidden Meadows, 340

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

Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4512, nkoval@phoebe.org Alzheimer’s Support Group, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, NOVA hotline 1-800-6756900. www.NOVABucks.org Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tues 7pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-2208116, www.awomansplace.org UB Kiwanis meets 1st Wed of month 7:30am at Panera Bread, 4th Wed of month 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wed each month, 7pm at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel) Business Networking International (BNI) meets every Thurs 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am-9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054

January 27

Books & Blocks Storytime 11:15am at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. (best for ages 3-8, all ages welcome) 215-257-9718

January 28

St. Isidore School Open House 10:30am12noon at 603 W Broad St, Quakertown. Bring the family, meet our teachers & students. Info (age 3 thru grade 8 programs) 215-536-6052 or stisidoreschool.com Red Cross Blood Drive 10am-3pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt (enter at #18), 201 Station Rd. Appts preferred, register online at redcrossblood.org, sponsor code: qmart or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Critical need for O Negative & B Negative.

January 29

BINGO! For Books 7pm-8pm at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie.

Play bingo, win books, make friends. All ages welcome. 215-257-9718

February 3

POQ Bowling “9 Pin No-Tap Tournament” 9:30pm-11:30pm (ck-in 9:15pm) at Earl Bowl Lanes, Quakertown. Prizes to top male & female bowler, as well as 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place teams. $125/team. prideofquakertown.org

February 10

RASA registration (Richland Area Softball Assoc.) 10am-1pm for ages 5-18 yrs old at Dairy Queen. Online regis. is rasasoftball.com

February 11

20th Annual Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance (ages 4-10yrs) 1pm-3pm at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Mbrs/$20 couple, Non-mbrs/$27 couple. Games, crafts, fun. Info: 215-536-YMCA

February 14 February 15

Valentine’s Day

“Ocean Animals” Science Program 1pm2:15pm (for ages 3-6 w/adult) at Conservancy’s Brownstone Barn, Rte 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Pre-regis. w/payment required. perkiomenwatershed.org or 610-287-9383 Community Meals Free Community Meal third Wed of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 Free Community Meal second, fourth & fifth Weds.of month, 6pm, Richland Friends Quaker Meeting. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Free Community Meal third Thurs of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447 Free Community Meal first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm, Yerger Bldg across from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave Quakertown Bingo Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Sat of month, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, details: 215-256-6900 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall every Thur, 12:15pm (first Thur. of month has $50 Jackpot), 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smoke-free), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues, open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn.

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

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

January 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

2018 Baseball Registration for ‘Baseball For Special People’

This program is for mentally and physically challenged people ages 5 through 100 years old or any one who has an IEP at their school. You can print forms from our Facebook page BFSP and mail them to the address stated on the forms. If you do not have the internet, forms can be mailed to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please call President Paul Gerhart, Jr. 267-992-4973.This program is a family oriented program that wants parents and siblings to volunteer. The teams are from ages 5-13 and 4-100.

Wanted: Car Storage

Seeking indoor or outdoor storage for a car in the Pennridge or Quakertown area. 267-221-8617

Looking Out my Living Room Window Years back we increased our residence size by adding a 20’ & 20’ addition to our Cape Cod home we purchased way back in 1975.

Our former living room now was our dining room with the window now opened up to a door way. Our “Step down” new living room now supported a Stone Fireplace with full raised hearth. Luckily we used stones from the fence lines bordering our 7+ acres. We also had a flagstone quarry on our 70 acres we owned as hunting land upstate; so we hauled blue flagstone home for our raised hearth. To hide the chimney that was on the side of the house where our addition was constructed we had a large closet built in covering the chimney and giving us more closet space for coats and season exchange clothing. The rear window that opened up into the new addition was taken out and a fellow worker from J.G. Furniture who was establishing himself in stain glass art built a pivotal full pane stain glass with a beautiful carousal horse. Thus we could be open the window at night by just turning it so we could have the glow of the enclosed fireplace embers radiate into our cape cod bedroom as we fell asleep.

With the advent of the computer age, we decided to put our desktop computer in the indent in the living room between the closet and the rear wall on a cherry drop leaf table that we had there. It was perfect as we had the morning light coming in that window for our computer work. I do most of my writing in the mornings, as I am doing now, because of the natural light from the window. That window over the last 20 plus years proved to be a bonus that I never imagined it would be.

I was able to enclose that field that was behind our property from the neighbor, if I would clear it of the evasive weeds that overwhelmed it. I did do that and for at least 10+ years our two horses enjoyed grazing in it either all day in the winter or overnight in the summer.

Needless to say I was able to enjoy seeing them in such a picturesque setting from my “Living Room Window.” During their long retirement (they lived to be over 30 years old), we were able to purchase that land along with additional woodland, so we made improvements and after their passing away turned the field into a large lawn area. Now we planted flowers around the lone tree by a big rock in the field. We now enjoyed seeing the deer and rabbits as they grazed in our lawn. In the rabbit’s case, they

ate the clover and what we call “Pig Ears” that grew wild in the lawn.

Not realizing that the Rhododendron that we planted would take so well to the soil surrounding the “New addition”, we now had these plants creeping up to partially obscure the view of this window. I do keep them at a certain height, but those bushes really added to my enjoyment. Because of their northern exposure and the slight indent of the addition blocking out the West Wind, during the winter these large leaf bushes offer shelter the songbirds from winter’s blast. Now I look out and see chickadees and brilliant red or buff cardinals finding refuge literally 2 feet from my chair. The leaves of the Rhododendron act as a temperature gauge for me. When the temperatures go below freezing the leaves start rolling up for protection. The leaves really roll tight if it gets below the “teens”; thus my window also is a temperature gauge for me early in the morning.

Especially in the evening, the birds feed on the seeds in our birdfeeders on the West Side of our home then find shelter before dark in the bush by me window. Next to the shed about 20 feet away centered in the back of our home, is a Lilac bush where sparrows, chickadees, and titmouse rest before heading for the evening into the brambles or thick overhanging (on the fence provided) sweet-peas that blossom all summer next to the shed. In the evening as winter approaches and throughout the cold winter months, the whitetail deer now graze in that former pasture. Usually in the spring the doe bring their fawn to the small woods we own bordering Old Woods Road, that is securely located between our home and three of our neighbors homes. We watch them grow and hope that they make it threw the long hunting season. We are hunters, but have not hunted here for many years as we enjoy seeing the few remaining deer along the Butter Creek.

Just now a male cardinal landed and was watching as I complete this article. We receive many Christmas cards with these birds on; but my window cardinals far outshine the card’s beauty. Living in the country has been a wonderful plus in our lives and I would not trade my “Living Room Window” for any Penthouse view in a city! I hope you too are fortunate in being able to view nature from your”window.”

Nature is a blessing so many are too busy to see and enjoy. Have a wonderful Holiday season and don’t forget to thank the Creator for giving us the beauty of His nature.

Dick Helm is a regular contributor.

He can be reached at dickhelm@ubfp.org

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

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2018

2018 Toyota C-HR Factors the Court Considers When Deciding Custody of a Child

BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. Few things are more confusing to litigants than trying to understand why a judge didn’t grant them full custody of their child. For parents involved in custody disputes, the matter seems cut and dry in their minds – “My child loves me more, the child should live with me.”

Or “He/she doesn’t care about the child like I do, the child should live with me.” However, in the eyes of the court, the waters are a bit muddier. Under the current child custody law, the court considers 16 explicitly listed factors when deciding a custody dispute: 1. Which parent/party is more likely to encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact between the child and the other party; 2. The present and past abuse/violence committed by a party and the continued risk of harm to the child, along with which party can provide safeguards for the child; 3. Parental duties performed by each party; 4. Stability in the child’s education, family life and community; 5. Readily available extended family for support; 6. The child’s sibling relationships; 7. The preference of the child (taking into account the child’s age and maturity); 8. Any attempts by one parent/party to turn the child against the other parent/party; 9. Which parent/party is more likely to maintain a “loving, stable, consistent and nurturing relationship with the child”; 10. Which parent/party is more likely to

attend to the various daily needs of the child (physical, emotional, developmental, educational, special, etc.); 11. Proximity of the residences of the parents/parties; 12. The ability of the parent/party to care for the child or make appropriate child care arrangements; 13. The level of conflict/hostility between the parents/parties and their ability to cooperate with one another; 14. The history of drug or alcohol abuse of a parent/party or a member of the parent/ party’s household; 15. The mental and physical condition of the parent/party or any member of the household; 16. Any other relevant factor (This is court’s catch-all category).

As you can see, a court’s custody determination takes into account much more than just “Which party loves the child more”. Hiring an experienced family law attorney to help you navigate the complex child custody legal landscape can be invaluable. Don’t make the mistake of trying to navigate these waters on your own.

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

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

Toyota has spawned another winner. Their C-HR subcompact crossover slots in under their top selling RAV4 SUV. It goes up against Honda’s HR-V, Nissan’s Juke, Kia Soul and a few others.

This front-drive crossover, that is formally called a Coupe High-Rider (C-HR) by product designation, has edgy, muscular styling lines that give a sexy exterior appearance. One might even say it forces a smile because of its eclectic looks.

In fact, with its sloping roof, tapered rear door design and horizontal rear door handles, the four-door takes on the look of a racy coupe.

Appearance aside, C-HR has a roomy interior, exceptional handling, loaded with standard safety features and is economical to run. It’s offered in two trim levels of XLE and XLE Premium, the latter of which we tested. Both come standard with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 144-hp and 139 lb/ft of torque. The inline four sends power to the wheels via a CVT transmission that garners EPA mileage estimates of 27 city, 31-highway mpg. So powered, the little four has linear acceleration from a standing stop and when merging onto rush hour freeway traffic. It could, however, be more energetic if the 2.0L was fitted with a turbo, especially when considering its 3,300-pound curb weight. Once underway though, there’s sufficient grunt for passing power and uphill jaunts.

Handing wise and with its short 171.2-inch length, C-HR is nimble and easy to park with its 17.1 foot turning diameter. Toss it in sharp turns and it exhibits European car traits. Its ride on 18-inch Dunlop tires is smooth and quiet. You’d think it’s a compact rather than a subcompact car.

Slipping into the cockpit, you’re treated to a fashionable interior sporting two-tone cloth supportive front seats and glossy plastic trim

that doesn’t look cheap or cheesy. A 7-inch touchscreen looks like an iPad as it protrudes from the top of the vertical stack. It displays

audio, aha, but nothing else. And here’s the major gripe. With a large, bright display, why did Toyota put the rearview camera display in a 2.75x2-inch portion of the rearview mirror, when the 7-inch screen would better serve the function?

HVAC controls are easy to use with flush buttons and digital temperature settings. A smaller 4.2-inch display between the gauges serves a myriad of driver information.

A low 17-inch step-in into the two rider back seat finds ample headroom and decent leg room, providing the front seats aren’t racked too well rearward.

Back in the trunk or cargo area, there’s 19.0 cubic feet of space or 34.6 when flipping the 60/40 rear seatbacks. Perhaps more meaningful, and with the rear seats upright, the trunk area measures 30 inches deep, 39 wide and 26 high. Flip the seats and depth extends to 60 inches for a full five feet. As such, cargo room is particularly spacious for a small car.

With a base price of $24,350, Toyota saw fit to load it with standard features such as

pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure with steering assist, full-speed range cruise control, automatic high beams and more. And when opting for the XLE Premium it also includes the Premium Package with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, auto fold outside mirrors, heated front seats, driver’s lumbar control and more. The only options on the test car were for special Blizzard Pearl paint ($395); Paint Protection Film ($395); carpeted floor mats ($194) and delivery ($960) that brought the bottom line to $26,294. A reasonable, competitive price for a vehicle in this class. The only way to make C-HR better is if it were offered with AWD, a beneficial feature here in the Snowbelt.

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.

January 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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6 Ways to Let Burglars Think Your Home

Blind Artist Honored For Dinosaur Sculpture

BY JACQUE HOLLIDAY Success Rehabilitation, founded in 1990, in Quakertown, PA, is “the single and largest provider of premier therapeutic programs in southeastern Pennsylvania for adults who have sustained a traumatic brain injury or other neurological impairment.” Located in the beautiful, bucolic setting of East Rockhill Township, the facility is run by a team of dedicated brain injury experts who offer the highest quality client care.

Trisha DeCassere, BS, CBIS, is a Case Manager at Success, and one of her clients is a gentleman in his fifties named Brian Walsh.

Ms. DeCassere had contacted the Upper Bucks Free Press about a special event that Success Rehab was having on Friday, December 15th to honor Brian, and I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him last week.

Brian is one of two totally blind clients at the facility. He is an outpatient client who lives in the community with two roommates.

The Outpatient Rehabilitation day treatment program runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 am and focuses on improving independent functioning

through community and recreational activities, direct instruction and supervised practice.

I asked Brian, a rather gregarious gentleman, about his life before his brain injury.

He lived a normal life in upstate New York with his parents, his older sister, Ann and his younger sister, Jean. He loved sports including baseball, soccer, hockey, and football. But, that all ended when Brian was thirteen years old. An accident caused a brain injury that left him unable to walk or talk for some time, and he also lost his sight. Brian is just thankful that he was old enough to remember the beauty of nature including colors and shapes. He believes that there was something God wanted him to learn about life through his blindness.

So, what does this all lead to? The event that was held at Success Rehabilitation was to honor Brian, the artist. There was an unveiling of a dinosaur sculpture that he had worked on for two years with the assistance of his art instructor, Charles Reiman. This project was a rather involved process with many stages of construction. Mr. Reiman helped Brian with the mixing and filling in the wooden wire

Your home: You love it, but sometimes you have to leave it.

Whether it’s the eight hours a day or eight days on a dreamy beach, allowing your biggest investment to fend for itself can be stressful. And it’s a legitimate concern; when your home looks empty, break-ins happen.

You could deter burglars by never leaving your house again. Or you could do the next best thing, and just make it look like someone is there all the time. Here’s how. #1 Light Up a Room (From the Road) Your parents may still rely on their lighting timer — on at 8 p.m., off at 7 a.m. That old-fashioned option still works, but apps are more fun. They not only turn your lights on and off, but can do so randomly for a more realistic effect. And you can decide to flip on your porch light while sipping a mojito in Fiji.

You can Google your options, but one affordable example is the Lutron Caséta Wireless system (about $80 for the device and $55 per switch). You replace your current wall switches with these wireless ones and “talk” to your lights from afar. #2 Fake a Netflix Binge Nothing says “we are definitely home” like the colorful glare of a television dancing in the window.

Put the little FakeTV gizmo where it can project light onto a curtain, and that’s exactly what your home will say to passersby.

The device (which runs between about $20 and $40 depending on size) plugs into an adapter and can either work on a timer or with a light sensor, so it can switch on when it gets dark. #3 Change Up Your Shades Remotely Check out wireless options to throw some shade on the go. Several companies have systems — including Hunter Douglas PowerView, Pella Insynctive, and Lutron Serena — that allow shades to go up and down at your command for about $300 to $500 a window. #4 Make Some Noise Burglars can change plans in a hurry at the first sound of life inside a home — they’re a bit tetchy that way. So one option when you’re just gone for the day is a noise app, like Sleep And Noise Sounds that can play on a home-

bound phone, tablet, or computer. With noises like vacuuming and a boiling kettle, it can deter a thief who cracks open a window. #5 Make Them Ring And Run “Burglars will often ring your doorbell, and if no one answers, they’ll go around back and kick in the door,” says Deputy Michael Favata with the Monroe County Sheriff’s office in New York. Now you can answer the door with the Ring Video Doorbell ($180 for the basic model).

If someone pushes the doorbell, you can talk to them through an app on your phone.

Whether it’s your nosey neighbor or a sketchy stranger, you can say, “I’m in the basement” while you’re really on the slopes. They’ll never know. #6 Try a No-Tech Technique Not everything requires a gadget. Here are ways to up your home security without downloading a single app: Hire a house sitter. Then someone will be home.

If there’s snow, have a neighbor walk up and down the path to your door, shovel a passage up to the garage door and drive in and out of the driveway. If it’s hot out, ask them to keep your plants looking fresh with regular waterings. And don’t forget to bring them a nice gift from your getaway.

Ask friends, family, or neighbors to just be present on your property — use your patio, play in your yard, or bring in the mail.

Invite a neighbor to keep a car parked in your driveway. During the holidays, they may be happy if they need overflow for visitors.

Install a fake security camera for as low as $8. Burglars may not notice these fakes don’t have all the wiring necessary to be real. And their blinking red lights offer reasonable doubt.

Get a dog. A real dog. While you’re at work or running errands, nothing deters bad guys and gals like a barking, slobbery security guard. And when you go away, having a pet sitter stay can be as economical as some boarding facilities (especially if you have multiple dogs), and you’ll get the benefit of a human and canine sentinel.

Sue Deily has been a Realtor® for 31 years, resides in the Upper Bucks Area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties. Contact her at suesellshouses@gmail.com or 215-872-9865.

framework with cement, and then adding vermiculite to make the cement lighter when it hardened. Beyond that, the entire sculpture is accented with beautifully colored, inlaid tiles that Brian was instrumental in constructing and then applying to the cement with a construction adhesive and grout. And yes, Brian does use the caulking gun with the assistance of his art instructor.

The dinosaur is a Triceratops and is named after Brian’s former roommate and good friend, Reese, thus Reeseasaurus. He and Reese had watched the movie, Jurassic Park and some of the things Brian heard brought back visualizations of his childhood obsession with dinosaurs. This creative piece of art will grace the front area of the lawn at Success Rehab. The day was quite spectacular for Brian as his family from out of state came in for the unveiling, as well as his good friend, Reese, along with other friends.

As I prepared to leave, Brian wanted me to see another project that he had done. It was a four by eight Papier-mâché type dragon that he completed in 2013 which is on a wall in one of the hallways. Brian’s sister, Ann, told him that he has developed the ability to make people happy while generating a feeling of self-worth. I certainly enjoyed listening to and

talking with this positive, talented man who strives to be a ray of sunshine in someone’s life each day. Brian is already contemplating his next project. He would like to do Christmas sculptures of the Manger scene, plus a smaller scale statue as a surprise for one of the ladies.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2018

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church

First United Methodist Church

Quakertown United Methodist Church

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

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

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

Christ Church United Church of Christ

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

Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Christ’s Lutheran Church

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

Church of the Incarnation

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

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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

Evangel Assembly of God

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

First United Church of Christ

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

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

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

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

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

Check website for more info.

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

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

Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville 215-257-7244 rvucc.pastor@verizon.net www.ridgevalleyucc.org Pastor: Rev. Steve Myren We are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith.

Worship: Sundays 9:30am. Ridge Valley: Growing Together in God’s Love.

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

Nursery: 6 months through age 8.

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

Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available.

Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible.

All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!

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

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

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

Trinity Great Swamp UCC

Spinnerstown Rd & County Line Rd Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis Sunday School classes for all ages (preK - adult) 9:15 am. Family activities throughout the year

Trinity Lutheran Church

102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9am Traditional Service, 11am Contemporary Service. 10:15am FaithQuest, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry. Living God’s Love for All.

Victory Fellowship Church

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

To have your place of worship included in this directory, please contact Terri Roger at 215-529-8915 ext 11 or by email at terri@ubfp.org

NOVA Receives $10K Grant from Bucks County Foundation Network of Victim Assistance has received a $10,000 grant from Bucks County Foundation to assist with the expansion of its county-wide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program (SANE).

In collaboration with healthcare providers, law enforcement and the district attorney’s office, NOVA developed the centralized program to deliver specialized health care and forensic services at Bucks County emergency rooms to victims of sexual assault.

January 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

7

2018: Children’s Books to Look For!

While the Christmas season is over, that doesn’t mean that the literary world is slowing down! After all, it is a new year and that means new books, new goals, and more book events! 2018 promises to be an exciting year for book lovers!

First off, the New Year means resolutions!

Some reading goals of mine are to read Bram Stoker’s (Unabridged) Dracula. If you have an advanced reader looking for a challenge, unabridged classics are a fabulous choice! The language is a bit more difficult and they will really test your bookworm’s vocabulary skills.

I am also making it a goal to read more mysteries and historical fiction, as well as branch out, reading genres I don’t normally read. I want to read at least 1000 books this year! Anyone want to read along with me?

2018 also means tons of new books to look forward to. Here are some that caught my eye in the publisher’s 2018 catalogs.

Don’t Forget Dexter! by Lindsay Ward Ages 4+ - Published by Two Lions This picture book is about a toy dinosaur (Dexter) and his owner/best friend Jack. Jack accidentally leaves Dexter behind at the doctor’s office, and Dexter gets worried about being replaced. The book shares feelings of being afraid and/or lost. I think the book is a sweet way to talk about fears and friendship, and I am eager to see how the problem is resolved.

Release date: January 1, 2018 The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown Ages 8+ - Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers In the sequel to “The Wild Robot”, the robot Roz must learn to survive in civilization.

(Yeah, not the best summary, but the summaries online are pretty vague and I am unable to read the book to figure it out for myself.

But it does seem like an interesting novel!) The cover looks enticing, and I am really curious to see how Brown tells a story about a robot discovering civilization.

Release date: March 13, 2018

You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly Ages 9+ - Published by Greenwillow Books In this novel, middle schoolers and loners Charlotte and Ben have never met. They live in Philadelphia and Lanester, Louisiana, but they both play an online Scrabble game with each other. The book follows their parallel stories, and how they eventually intersect whilst trying to figure out how to navigate the struggles of their lives. The plot of this book intrigues me, and I already feel connected to Charlotte and Ben. Also, as an (amateur) Scrabble and Words With Friends enthusiast, I really like that aspect of the book too.

Release date: April 10, 2018 The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller Ages 9+ - Published by Random House Books for Young Readers In this novel, Natalie’s mother is suffering from depression, and Natalie wants to fix it.

With the help of a teacher, she decides to enter an egg drop competition. With the prize money, she plans on flying her botanist mother to see the Cobalt Blue Orchid – a flower that thrives against the odds. This book sounds interesting, and the summary raises a lot of questions that I want answered. It also seems like a really unique way to deal with the topics within.

Release date: March 6, 2018

There are some pretty cool festivals in the area: The Collingswood Book Festival (Collingswood, New Jersey, Fall 2018, Collingswodbookfestival.com) and the Tinicum Arts Festival (Erwinna, PA, Summer 2018, Tinicumartsfestival.org). Of course we have Quakertown Alive! events, which are always a blast and you can stop by the author’s both and say “Hi” to me! You can learn more at QuakertownAlive.com. Definitely set your calendar for the National Book Festival in September 2018. If you have never been to this HUGE event in Washington, D.C., you really should experience it (LOC.gov/bookfest).

I am really looking forward to 2018 and all of the awesome things that await! *-Please note that release dates listed may change due to publisher’s discretion.

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

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

The School Dance Debate

BY SOPHIA SHAIMAN

The addition of a dance studio to Quakertown Community High School (QCHS) inspired various opinions from people of all ages. Bill Harner, the superintendent of Quakertown Community School District, made plain that this decision was intended to enhance the arts program as well as to compete with Lehigh Valley Charter Arts (LVCA), a tuition-free, audition-based high school that many students attend instead of QCHS. Perhaps the most valuable opinions come from the students themselves. Rachel Ambrose is a junior who attends QCHS and participates in the new dance class, and Isabelle Cattie is a junior who attends LVCA and majors in dance.

First, we turn to Ambrose, a QCHS attendee.

She has been a dancer for nearly 10 years, and decided to enroll in a dance course at QCHS because it was made available this year. She noted that she recently stopped dancing outside of school due to her rigorous course-load and job, but the addition of a dance elective at the high school this year was an excellent way to make time for her passion during the day.

When asked why she did not attend LVCA, Ambrose responded, “I didn’t choose to pursue the passion I have for dance as a career. . . I wanted it to be more of a hobby.” She does not plan on transferring to LVCA, for she is able to take all of the academic courses she

pleases, while also retaining time to dance.

Cattie, on the other hand, has been attending LVCA for three years. As well as dancing for two and a half hours each day at her school school, she, along with many of her peers, commute to Philadelphia six days a week to dance at Koresh Dance School. She believes that the motivation for her academic life is driven by her desire to dance. Students who attend LVCA are responsible for maintaining a diligent focus on their school work, attitude, and work ethic, for those components ensure student performance and participation in their artistic major. Despite the addition of a dance studio to QCHS, she does not plan on transferring to QCHS. She explained that “there is no fear to look or act a certain way,” and there is a certain ‘fearlessness to be yourself’ at LVCA, which is truly unlike any other academic environment.

It is clear that both students are appreciative of the opportunities that each school has to offer to its students. While both QCHS and LVCA have incorporated the arts in their daily schedules, they have also ensured that academic rigor remains a focus. Ergo, it is evident that each high school creates an environment that fosters the academic and artistic growth of the students, but the choice of which to attend is, ultimately, still up to the individual student and their guardians.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

New dance studio at QCHS

BuckyGrams:fourleafclover, horseshoe, luckydice, ladybugs, numberseven, rabbitfoot, rainbow, luckypenny, barnstar, bamboo, dreamcatcher, wishbone Hidden Message: Wishes for a peaceful new year!

Bucky Block: I’m overcome with happiness.

8

• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2018

Barbara (Bischoff) Jamann, 82, of Telford, passed away at the Lutheran Community at Telford on Thur., Nov. 30, 2017. She was the widow of Herbert T. Jamann.

Born in Germany, she was a daughter of the late Johan and Margaret (Landmann) Bischoff.

For over 30 years Barbara drove school bus for the Palisades School District.

She was a member of Calvary Bible Fellowship in Coopersburg.

Surviving are her children: James Jaman, wife Marci of Green Lane; Michael Jaman, wife Sharon of Quakertown and Judy Grant, husband Scott of Coopersburg; grandchildren: Austin Jaman of Stowe, OH, James Grant of Coopersburg, Lauren Miller, husband Bradley of Allentown; and a sister, Gunda Hafner, husband Fritz of Waischenfeld, Germany. She was preceded in death by a son, Frank Jaman and her brother, Alfred Bischoff.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., Quakertown is handling arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com Maria (Kovacs) Sodke, 82, of Coopersburg, passed away early Fri., Dec. 1, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Bethlehem. She was the widow of Ewald Sodke.

She was born on August 5, 1935 in Jacob’s Hof, Austria.

In earlier years, Maria was employed as a seamstress for the former Phoenix Clothes in Allentown.

She is survived by her son, Edward Sodke, wife Sandra C. of Coopersburg; and grandson, Peter C. Sodke. Maria was preceded in death by two sisters.

At the request of Maria, there will be no services.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., Quakertown is handling arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com Susan M. Brown, 69, of Quakertown, previously of Hatboro, died at her home Sat., Dec. 2. She was the wife of Robert J. Brown,

~Obituaries~

Sr. for the past 51 years.

Born in Philadelphia, a daughter of the late Francis and Catherine (O’Neill) Kemmerer.

She was a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School.

For the past 15 years, she was employed by various Lehigh County departments Susan had served on the Richland Township Parks and Recreation Committee and was a past President of the Quakertown Sertoma Club.

Surviving with her husband, children: Robert J. Jr., Quakertown, Michael A., wife Janine, Richlandtown, and Cheri A. Plante, Glenside, four grandchildren: Samantha, Tyler, Amber, and Jullian, & brother: John Kemmerer, wife Margie.

Interment Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn.

Memorial contributions for the education of her grandchildren may be made c/o Robert Brown, Sr. www.nauglefcs.com

Shirley E. Mindler, 90, of Milford Twp. died Mon. Dec. 4 at her home. She was the widow of the late Robert J. Mindler.

Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Mable (Ebert) Miller. She was a member of West Swamp Mennonite Church, Quakertown. Surviving are her children, Kevin, wife Deborah of Coopersburg, Kenneth, wife Carol of Warner Robins, GA, and Kathy Karuza of Quakertown; grandchildren Adam, Tiffani, Paula, Jacob, Andrea, & Kellee; & great-grandchildren Timothy, Ashlynn, Kennedy, Evalee, Alexa, Levi, Christian, & Jayda Rae. She was predeceased by a brother Robert Miller.

Interment was in Grand View Cemetery, Allentown. www.nauglefcs.com David L. Schwenk, 73, of Coopersburg, passed away at his home in the presence of his family Tues., Dec. 5, 2017. He was the loving husband of Mary Ann E. (DeMichael) Schwenk for 48 years.

Born in East Greenville, he was a son of the late Frederick and Irene (Gehris) Schwenk.

David had a Bachelor of Science degree, and specialized in Engineering. For 15 years he was a software tester for Ascensus in

Drescher, working until July of this year.

Previously he was employed with AT&T Bell Labs in Murray Hill, NJ for many years.

He attended Calvary Bible Fellowship in Coopersburg.

David’s family was the center of his life, and more than anything he loved time spent with his grandchildren. His faith was the strength of his personhood. He was an avid gardener, planting flowers and vegetables alike. David loved Lionel trains, Christian and Christmas music, reading books (especially the Bible) and fishing. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps.

Surviving with Mary Ann are their children: Heather E. Schwenk of Coopersburg and Jason Schwenk and his wife Andrea of North Wales; 5 grandchildren; and siblings: Grace Long, wife of Richard of Red Hill; Frederick Schwenk and his wife Betty of Souderton and Barbara Bartholomew, wife of Michael of Boyertown. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Alyson Anne Schwenk.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: MITO Action, PO Box 51474, Boston, MA 02205.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., Quakertown is handling arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com

Dale R. Fosbenner, 77, died peacefully Wednesday, December 6 in his Coopersburg home. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Harvey J. and Clara (Ebert) Fosbenner.

He was a graduate of Southern Lehigh High School and served with the US Navy on submarines as an Engine Man 2nd class. Dale worked as a carpenter for the W. M Moyer Co. and Lewis Bros. both of Quakertown. Following his retirement he did independent carpentry work. Dale preferred being outdoors, whether enjoying time at his cabin working there on chores and upkeep, hunting, or fishing. He enjoyed fellowship with friends at the local diner and pub, just “catching up”. He was fond of the time he spent with his longtime companion of 23 years, Roxy Mack. Surviving are his daughters Gwynn Vega, wife of Roger Vega of Lansdale and Tracey Richardson, wife of Brandon Richardson of Quakertown and grandchildren Jessica, Leah, Zach, & Austin.

His only brother, H. Donald, predeceased him. www.nauglefcs.com James R. Wagner, 70, of Quakertown, died early Wed., Dec. 6, 2017 at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, PA. He was the loving husband of Claire A. (Phillips) Wagner for over 50 years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late James H. and Annamay J. (McKiernan) Wagner.

He was a 1964 graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia.

For most of his life Jim worked as an auto insurance appraiser.

James was a true patriot who was proud of the 6 years he served for our country in the Marine Reserves. While in the Marines he became an excellent marksman, shooting from lengths of 150, 300 & 500 yards. He had an expert medal that he would take out from time to time and admire. He flew the American flag proudly at all times.

Jim was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. While it was difficult for him to attend mass toward the end of his life, his faith was strong and got him through many challenging days.

From the time he was young, he very much enjoyed being near the ocean and its shoreline.

He enjoyed fishing there with his father as a boy, vacationing there with his own family and later spending time at the Jersey shore or Outer Banks with growing family & friends.

His quick wit, sense of humor and singing entertained everyone who knew him. Spending time with this grandkids, great grandson and many other special children in his life brought him great joy.

James will be lovingly remembered by his wife Claire; daughter Christine and her husband Scott Cole of Quakertown; son James Wagner and his wife Robin of Doylestown; as well as by his five grandchildren, Hannah, Connor, Casey, Lindsay and Luke, and his great-grandson R.J. He is also survived by his sister, Irene (Wagner) O’Donnell of Langhorne.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to the Temple Lung Center at Temple University Hospital: 3401

N Broad St # 785, Philadelphia, PA 19140. www.nauglefcs.com Merrill A. Stoudt, 83, of Quakertown, died Wed. Dec. 13 in his home. He was the husband of Anita (Zuck) Cooper-Stoudt and the late Martha J. “Marty” (Stoudt) Stoudt. Born in Souderton, he was a son of the late Jacob and Mary Ellen (Alderfer) Stoudt. He was a distribution supervisor for Rosenberger’s Dairies, Hatfield for 48 years before retiring. Following retirement, he worked 10 years for Bergey’s Truck Warehouse, Franconia. He was a member of Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Quakertown where he had served as an usher, assisted with church maintenance and for years drove the church bus. Merrill enjoyed traveling and liked trains, camping, boating, bowling, and watching any sports event. Surviving with his wife are son, Merrill Jr, wife Kathy, daughters Donna Williams, husband Daniel, and Carol Johnson, husband Ronald all of Quakertown; grandchildren Dawn, Douglas, David, Debbie, Rachel, Rebecca; great-grandchildren Kelsey, Kyle, Austin, Mason, Evan, Caroline; brother Curt, wife Ann of Souderton; and step-children Randall Cooper, fiancée Christa Clayton, of Quakertown & Troy Cooper, wife Jamee, of E. Greenville. He was predeceased by an infant son, Todd Wayne. Funeral services will be held Mon. Dec. 18, 8 PM in Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown with a calling period preceding from 6:30 – 8 PM. Interment will be in Quakertown Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Bible Fellowship – Mission Fund. www.nauglefcs.com

Dolores I. Stauffer, 87, of Quakertown, passed away at Hidden Meadows in Sellersville on Wed., Dec. 13, 2017. She was the loving wife of Ray D. Stauffer for 67 years.

Born in Bethlehem and raised in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late Harold J. and Esther Mauger.

She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Quakertown.

Dolores was an excellent cook and baker.

She had a “green thumb” with plants, and she loved flowers.

Surviving with Ray is their son, Lee Stauffer of Quakertown; sister, Dorothy Kuntz of Royersford; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer Association: 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., Quakertown is handling arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com William K. Wear, Jr., 79, of Quakertown, died Thurs. Dec. 14 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. He was the husband of Kay (Kantner) Wear.

Born in Phoenixville, he was a son of the late William K., Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Williams) Wear. He was a graduate of Hazelton High School. Bill served in the US Navy for 18 years including during the Vietnam War. He retired as an emission inspector for the PennDOT. Previously, he worked for the former Triangle Lumber Co., Quakertown, as a PA driver examiner, policeman in W. Rockhill Twp., and Bucks Co. deputy sheriff. Bill was a drummer playing with various groups & bands. Surviving with his wife, Son William K. III; daughter Terri Cabrera, husband Guadalupe; brothers, Thomas Hoffman & Robert Hunsberger; sister Phyllis Dillon; grandchildren Tyler, Erica, Steven, Cheryl, Devin, & Charlotte; great grandchildren Chase, Jayden, Nina, Sage, & Scott; step-sons Terry & Brian Frederick. He was predeceased by a step-son Scott Frederick.

Interment will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or support.woundedwarriorproject.org. www.nauglefcs.com Darryl M. Wolf, 67, of Coopersburg, died Thurs. Dec. 14, in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was the loving husband of Evelyn (Ritter) Wolf for the past 32 years. Born in Buffalo, NY he was a son of the late Alvin H. Wolf, Jr. and Alys (Plank) Wolf.

He worked for various companies in their shipping & receiving departments before retiring.

Surviving with his wife; son – David M. Wolf, wife Kelly Wolf of Quakertown; daughter Amy Mourabit, husband Mourad, of Berlin, CT; grandchildren Mary Ashlyn Mourabit, Sarah Mourabit, Hamza Mourabit; brothers Gordon Wolf of Newburgh, NY & Gary Wolf, wife

January 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

~Obituaries~

Tammy Wolf of Chico, CA; niece Samantha Wolf. He was predeceased by brothers Paul & Philip Wolf. Interment will be in Springtown Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct, Glenn Allen, VA 23060-9979 or donatenow.heart.org www.nauglefcs.com

Deborah “Debbie” Bast, 63, of Quakertown, passed Sat. Dec. 16 in Grand View Hospital. She was the loving wife of William L. Bast. Born in Quakertown, she was a daughter of Ramona (Hosgood) Chango and the late George Chango. A 1972 graduate of Quakertown High School, she was a Patient Coordinator for Grand View Hospital Transport Services for over 20 years. Surviving with her husband are daughter Melissa; son Derek, wife Christina; granddaughter Gianna; sisters Georgette Worley and Janice Stauffer, husband Richard; three nieces. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Upper Bucks County SPCA or the Susan G. Komen 3 Day under participant id 7857751. www.nauglefcs.com Mary E. Zayas, 86, of Quakertown, died Sat., Dec. 16 at St. Luke’s Allentown Hospital.

Born in Quakertown, she was a daughter of the late Michael D. and Eva (Derr) Valerio. She was a drum majorette while attending Quakertown High School in the mid 1940s.

Mary was a talented seamstress, working for various people and companies, and sewed many baseballs during that time.

Surviving is her son, Scott Zayas, wife Kathleen; daughter, Vickie Fletcher, husband Leo, all of Quakertown; grandchildren: Daniel, Michelle and Kimberly; great-grandchildren: Aidan, Zachary, Rylie, Tyler, Olivia and Levi; siblings: Michael D. Valerio, Jr., wife Mildred of Clayton, NC; Dorothy “Toot” Link, husband G. Arden “Skip” of Zion Hill and Norma Schmell of Quakertown; several nieces and nephews.

Services were private at the convenience of the family. Interment in Quakertown Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Critical Care Unit of St. Luke’s Allentown Campus, 1736 Hamilton St., Allentown, PA 18104.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., Quakertown assisted the family. www.nauglefcs.com Evelyn H. Auckland, 98, of Quakertown, went to be with the Lord on Sun., Dec. 17 at Souderton Mennonite Homes. She was the loving wife of the late John “Pete” Auckland, Jr. for 54 years until his passing in 1993.

Born and raised on Richlandtown Pike, in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Elwood and Katie Kramer.

She worked for many years in the family business at the former Auckland farm. Evelyn was a long-time active member of East Swamp Church. Pete and Evelyn enjoyed many winters in their Florida home.

Surviving are her children: John (Loretta) and Dale (Phyllis); Daughter-in-law, Judy Auckland Kliewer (Richard); Grandchildren: Mark Auckland (Debbie), Mary Ann Auckland, Melissa Schmell (David), Tammy Moyer (Robert), Melinda Dobbs (Michael), Candy Rice (Doug), Diana Schmell (Rodger), Jason Auckland (Amy), Bonny Landes (Scott) and Michelle Effinger (Ray); 27 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and a brother Elwood Kramer (Carol) of FL. She was predeceased by son Dean Auckland in 1991 and sister Arlene Landis in 1974.

Interment in East Swamp Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the church or Souderton Mennonite Homes.

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Quakertown assisted the family. www.nauglefcs.com Carol A. Kelly, 69, of Kintnersville, died Mon., Dec. 18 at Doylestown Hospital.

She was the loving wife of George E. Kelly for 49 years.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Howard Beaumont and Elizabeth (Longstreet) Kleppinger.

She attended Council Rock High School and graduated in 1965.

She was employed as a lunch lady at Strayer Middle School, retiring in 2005.

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Carol loved snow mobiles and traveling places with her husband and best friend, George.

Surviving with George is her brother: Howard Beaumont of NJ; several nieces and nephews; and numerous close friends. She was predeceased by her son Christopher and brother Kurt.

Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army Thrift Store: 477 N West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951.www.nauglefcs.com

Nan M. Roskow, of Quakertown, died late Wednesday, December 20 at Briarleaf Nursing Center, Doylestown. She was the widow of Charles J. Roskow, Jr. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, she was a daughter of the late James and Mary (Armour) Kerr.

Nan was employed as supervisor at the Indian Creek Foundation in Franconia Twp. and the Community Foundation in Sellersville for several years.

She was a member of St. Isidore’s Roman Catholic Church in Quakertown.

Surviving is her grandson, David Roskow, wife Vanessa; great-grandchildren: Brenden, Sabriena, Hayden and Zane; and sisters, Kathleen Roderickson and Caroline Steele, both in Scotland. She was preceded in death by her son, Alan Roskow; brother, David Armour and sister, Mary Armour. www.nauglefcs.com Photo)Richard E. Samsel, 82, of Perkasie, died Sat. Dec. 23 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. He was the loving husband of Deborah (Hance) Samsel for the past 58 years.

Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Ernest M. and Helen (Keshanech) Samsel. He graduated from Quakertown High School, Class of 1953 and served in the PA Army National Guard, Headquarters Co., Sellersville. Dick drove truck for many years for numerous companies including the former Landis Meat Co., Quakertown, former Valley Explosives, Allentown, and Former Atlas Overhead Door Co., Quakertown. A lifetime railroad enthusiast, he was a member of the local Anthracite Railway Historical Society, the National Railway Historical Society, and was instrumental in the early phases of restoring the former Quakertown train station with the Quakertown Train Station Historical Society.

He was a member of Quakertown Lodge #512 F.&A.M., the Lehigh Consistory, and the Rajah Temple, Reading. Surviving with his wife, son Jeffrey M., wife Kim of Nazareth and grandsons Daimler, Owen, & Thomas.

Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Red Hill. Memorial contributions may be made to the Quakertown Train Station Historical Society, 15 Front St., Quakertown, PA 18951. www.nauglefcs.com Robinette S. Diaz, 55, of Quakertown, passed away at her home on Saturday, December 23. She was the loving companion of Edwin Maloney for over 25 years.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of Phyllis (Reigle) Dancy of Sellersville and the late Marshall G. Dancy. She was a 1980 graduate of Pennridge High School.

Along with her companion Ed, Robin owned and operated a cleaning business in Quakertown, “Clean Freaks”, for about 20 years. Formerly she was a physical therapist for LifeQuest and other area nursing facilities.

Robin was a talented artist and author whose greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren. She was an inspirational woman who immediately began to focus on how she could help others in their journey against cancer after she was diagnosed in March of 2016. She immediately began participating in fundraisers, joined a support group at the hospital and started a website where she would communicate with and reach out to others (often complete strangers) and their families to relay what she had learned from her treatment, and offer what encouragement she could.

Surviving with Ed and her mother are her children: Roman Diaz (Jeanine) of Quakertown, Anthoney Diaz and Amanda Diaz (Dave French) all of Allentown; grandchildren: Tre, Deja, Sadie, Joey, Lyric, Jaiyana, Aidin, Gabriel, Faith, Kadin, Kai and Jayden; and siblings: Lisa Seachrist (Terry), Jody Reimel, Raymond Dancy all of Sellersville and Michael Dancy (Jen) of Pennsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation, 620 W Germantown Pike Suite 250, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

Wishes for the New Year Instead of writing about goals for the new year, I was thinking of calling them Wishes! It seems like there is always so much pressure to have to have goals for the new year. While I like goals and feel they are very important, I also realize that some people don’t achieve them because they feel like they have to. So why not have a different word for those who don’t like goals.

Wishes sounds more pleasant and appealing.

It feels kinda magical! It has more promise to it because there is more of a desire to want to feel good and accomplished. It is all about the context of how we see things our life that we want to change.

What I have come to realize is that not all of us have the same personalities, coping skills, belief systems, childhood and social and family relationships. So we are naturally going to look at life differently and how we go about making ourselves happy.

So words can be interchangeable if we want the same results. The reality is we set goals or

have a wish list for ourselves is because we want to improve the quality of our lives, right?

We want to feel better about our physical appearance, how we carry ourselves in concert with others, our physical health, our emotional wellbeing, our professional career, our personal relationships, and on and on.

While there are many theories and thoughts on what is right or wrong, I am of the belief system that it is about you and what is best for you when it comes to improving your life. I tell my clients all the time you know yourself better than anyone. You just need to get out of your own way and learn to accept yourself for who you are with your strengths and weaknesses and embrace your life with that knowledge so you can achieve whatever it is that you want!

So Happy Wishes for the New Year!

My belief is “that all persons are truly greater than they think they are.”

Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219.

Visit her website at www.balancelife4u.com.

Milestones & Memories

How many of you remember Y2K, or the Millennial Bug as it was referred to? Y2K occurred at the turn of the century, the 21st Century, the year 2000. According to National Geographic, this Y2K bug was a computer flaw that many predicted would cause catastrophic problems with banks, airlines, power plants, and more. Some countries did little to prepare for this bug, while others, like the United States, spent millions preparing for a “no show.” Now, that you have that limited information, do you realize that Y2K was almost twenty years ago. Yes, readers, my reference to Y2K is simply that the 21st Century is eighteen years old.

Just as I reflect on my childhood growing up in the country, in the 20th Century, many of you can reflect on your lives in the 21st Century. The year 2000 may have been the year that you started kindergarten or graduated from high school or college; or possibly, you married the love of your life, started your family, bought a new home or a new car.

Whatever the milestone was in your life, you are probably asking yourself, “How did that time pass so quickly?” You may have noticed that this is my constant question. But, there is one thing that I cherish as I reflect on times gone by and how quickly they have vanished – they were the best times of my life. Whether they were good or bad situations, they are lasting memories, and most importantly, they were learning memories.

The first significant milestone in my life was renting my own apartment in the early 1970s, and moving from the country to “Uptown” Quakertown. I will always remember purchasing three rooms of furniture from a store in Coplay for $299.99, which I paid in monthly installments. It was a taste of real life paying rent, utilities, bills, putting .39 cent a gallon gas in my car, and buying food. I had done most of that while living at home, but there was a different feeling when I was on my own – a feeling of total responsibility as an adult.

I had to cut back on my material weaknesses – buying shoes, jewelry, and vinyl records. It was certainly a learning experience on many

levels.

I would say that the most momentous milestone for me was raising two children as a single mother. Raising children is a scary challenge with two parents, but that challenge escalates when you are doing it alone. As unqualified as I felt at times, I can look back at the struggles I survived, the tears that cleansed my soul, and the two wonderful adult children that are a product of my efforts. Although not an ideal situation for any child, the lessons for parent and child are abundant. The main lesson is to believe in yourself and to never give up, give in, or give out.

There should never be a time in one’s life when they think a dream cannot be accomplished. There are very few good excuses for abandoning your visions. If you can dream it, you can make it come to fruition. I did just that, many years after high school graduation.

Taking random college courses and accumulating credits throughout the decades, I returned to college after retirement and received a degree. It is never too late to educate. That is the milestone I am most proud of accomplishing in the 21st Century. This upcoming September 2018, will be ten years that have passed very quickly, but I will hold the memory forever.

So, do not allow yourself or others to dissuade you from completing an educational dream.

Whether it is a high school G.E.D. or a college degree, go forward and accomplish the dream.

And so, as you enter this new year of 2018, and as you fulfill dreams and create milestones, let the memories be a legacy for those who will come after you. Allow your dreams and your accomplishments to encourage family members, close friends, and others who you will encounter in life. During my lifetime, I have walked on the shoulders of role models and mentors to reach my destination. In turn, I continue to pay it forward. I wish the same for you, along with a Happy and Blessed New Year. Thank you for reading The World as I See It during 2017.

Jacque Holliday is a freelance contributor to UBFP. She always welcomes your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2018

When Do You Need a Financial Advisor?

American Legion Post 242 Update

BY DICK HELM Well another year is gone by and your local American Legion Post is proud of the programs we offered and most importantly the amount of Public participation that has taken place.

As I mentioned before we will have our three “Observation” programs even if no one attends as it is our duty to honor those who serve, who have served, and who have given their all. Our three programs are Memorial Day in May, Patriots’ Day (Sept.11th), and Veterans’ Day in November.

The attendance by our friends and neighbors, emergency responders (Police, Firefighters, and EMT’s) and past veterans is ever increasing each year and we appreciate your attendance. This year we plan to have the same “Observations” and once again ask you to take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to share with us our Honoring those who have served and our serving to protect us.

I have noticed a lot more veterans wearing hats that tell of their serving. I can’t imagine wearing a hat back in 1970 announcing that I served! I still remember the reception I received when I returned home from overseas back in 1967. Since then my fellow civilian neighbors have lessened the hurt we received back then by saying many words of thanks.

Since the Vietnam era any conflict that our Armed Services common soldiers took part in have been honored by all and we Veterans thank you for doing that.

As far as our drawings, once again I wish to note that either the members of our Post are reading my articles asking for their response or are realizing the great odds of winning the many prizes, because the response is certainly improving. At this time I would like to add that we were slated to donate up to $500.00 to the “Shop with a Cop” program. I will never forget my conversation I had with a Richland Twp. police officer that mentioned that he took a boy on one such excursion. After telling him he could pick any toy he wanted and other gifts for loved ones, the boy replied that his first pick he was going to make was to buy another pair of pants as he only had one pair of “Good” pants!

How many kids do you know would make this a priority? Is this program a good one—You Betchya! Not only does it build a trust in the police; it certainly helps those in need.

We at Post 242 wish all of you a Happy New Year and we once again urge you to support the Veterans programs offered by the Legion and by the local VFW’s. Remember while you were enjoying Christmas and New Years with your family, they were at posts throughout the U.S.A., other places around the world and in harms way in the sands of the Middle East, or near the DMZ of the hot bed of North Korea protecting you. ~ Dick Helm, Post 242

Making the Old Stuff New Again There are many DIY projects and repurposing options when it comes to antiques, but right off the bat, I want to warn you know the value of your keepsakes, heirlooms, and treasures before your start repurposing anything.

Get a quick and easy online appraisal from me so you know if your piece is too valuable to repurpose at www.drloriv.com.

Once you know the true value of your antique and you are comfortable with your plan to repurpose it, consider these tips to make something old feel and look new again.

Tip 1: Repurpose something that is a multiple for greater impact. If you have many dissimilar items, you can always make them seem like a group by uniting them with a uniform paint or stain color. You can also unite related objects by putting them together in a re-purposing project. For instance, if you have a bunch of old doorknobs or door handles, repurpose this group of similar objects. Take the group of mix-matched glass, porcelain, or metal doorknobs and install them in your guest bathroom to create useful, vintage towel hooks. Arrange the group of doorknobs on a wall near the tub or shower as handy hooks.

Tip 2: Go all the way! Don’t be afraid to really change an antique. For instance, if you love your grandmother’s high chair but you would really like to put it to good use in your home instead of just having it sit in a corner as

a display piece, remove the arms and tray and re-purpose the high chair as a child’s chair. It will look cute in a child’s playroom, a grandparent’s den, or a dining room. Be sure you know what you are doing when repairing and refinishing wood pieces and search online for helpful hints.

Tip 3: Re-think the scraps. Do you have a cedar chest filled with old textile pieces like parts of crocheted afghans? Needlepoint pictures that will never see the light of day?

Quilted squares that were never made into a full quilt? If you know that you will never complete these projects, don’t despair. Frame them up and enjoy a great graphic picture of your crochet, quilt square of needlepoint picture. Remember to use acid free materials whenever you frame textiles or any antique piece. Install the framed textiles on an interior wall away from direct sunlight to prevent the item from fading and sun damage.

Repurposing is a fun way to integrate antique pieces into a contemporary home and to enjoy the process of sprucing up something old.

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

If you could accomplish all your financial goals just by putting your paycheck into the bank every couple of weeks, you wouldn’t need the services of a financial advisor. But life isn’t that simple – and so, at some point, you may realize you need some professional assistance. But when?

Actually, you might benefit from the services of a financial advisor during many life events, including the following: • Starting your career – When you’re starting out in your career, you may encounter several questions related to your benefits package. Should you contribute to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan? If so, how much, and where should you invest your money? Are the life and disability insurance policies offered by your employer sufficient for your needs? A financial advisor can help you answer these and other questions you may have.

• Getting married – When you get married, you’ll have to decide if, and how, you want to combine your finances. Also, you and your spouse may have different attitudes about investing and different tolerances for risk. A financial professional can help you find common ground.

• Changing jobs – When you switch jobs, what should you do with your old employer’s retirement plan? And how should you invest in the plan offered by your new employer? As was the case when you first began your career, you may find that a financial professional can help you make the right choices.

• Facing a layoff or buyout – You may never go through a layoff, or take a buyout offer from an employer – but if either of these events happen, you will face some financial decisions.

And during such a potentially stressful period, you may be tempted to make some financial moves that won’t be beneficial. A financial advisor can suggest some strategies that may help you keep your investment situation relatively intact until you land your next job.

• Saving for college – If you have children whom you’d like to send to college someday, you’ll probably want to start putting money away as early as possible. A financial professional can show you the various college-savings vehicles, and help you choose the ones that are most appropriate for your needs.

• Getting divorced – If you are fortunate, you won’t ever experience a divorce, but, if it does happen, you’ll want to get the professional assistance necessary to ensure fair outcomes for everyone. You’ll obviously need to work with an attorney, but you may find that, in the area of investments, a financial advisor also can be useful.

• Entering retirement – As you near retirement, your key questions will switch – but not entirely – from putting money in to taking money out. How much can you withdraw each year from your 401(k) and IRA without running the risk of outliving your resources?

When should you start taking Social Security?

If you were to work a couple of years longer than you had originally intended, how would it affect your withdrawal strategies? Again, a financial advisor can help you with these issues.

As you can see, most important life events will carry some financial concerns. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone – and by getting the help you need, when you need it, you can ease the transition from one stage of life to another. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones office on West Broad Street, Quakertown.

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

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness” – John Steinbeck, Travels with Charlie

x intermedia crosses (available in oranges and reds) produce beautiful and striking blooms in late January to March.

Create a list of all perennials, shrubs and trees in your garden, including their location.

List bloom and pruning times, fertilization needs, etc. Having this information in one place is helpful and makes garden work more efficient. Make sure to record when you fertilize or prune.

What’s the latest on the Spotted Lanternfly?

The adult spotted lanternfly has now laid its eggs and died.

Egg masses can be spotted on trees and many smooth surfaces in your garden. Newly laid egg masses have a grey mud-like covering which can take on a dry cracked appearance over time. Old egg masses appear as rows of 30-50 brownish seed-like deposits in 4-7 columns on the trunk, roughly an inch long (fig.). If you find egg masses in areas that are already quarantined, scrape them from the tree or structure, double bag them and discard them in the trash. You can also drop them in alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. The lanternfly is spreading quickly and is a serious threat to grapes, stone fruits and timber trees.

For the most up to date information, consult this web page: https://goo.gl/dzTzAR. Bucks County Master Gardener Horticulture Hotline is closed until March 2018.

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

“Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Rd Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksHotline@ag.psu.edu FYI: From the opening of the Garden Hotline in March, Bucks County Master Gardeners have served over 700 home gardeners with their gardening questions!

Please mention that you heard about us through the Upper Bucks Free Press!

How often have you heard the statement, “I hate winter!”? January in the Northeast garden is bleak, snowy and cold. I have been guilty of making this statement myself. But, nature knows best.

There are many positives of cold temperatures and snowfall: It transforms the drab brown garden landscape into a sparkling winter wonderland.

It blankets the garden soil and protects it from being warmed by winter sun which causes thawing and heaving, damaging the delicate root structures of shrubs and trees.

It protects spring blooming bulbs, keeping them dormant.

Beside the inconvenience to our travel plans, there are negatives: The weight of heavy snowfall can damage branches of shrubs and trees . Remove it whenever possible. However, removing ice on low hanging branches stuck to the soil is not advisable. This could cause breakage, making the plant vulnerable to disease.

Products such as rock salt or calcium chloride used for snow and ice removal can be harmful to plants and pets. Whenever possible use more environmentally friendly sand or kitty litter. If you have shrubs near a public roadway and you can’t control the use of harmful products consider surrounding them with a burlap “cocoon”.

What can we do as we wait for seed and plant catalogs to arrive?

Check stored summer blooming bulbs frequently for signs of rot. Remove any affected bulbs and discard.

If you have not already done so, clean and sharpen your gardening tools. Store them in a low humidity area to prevent rust. Trowels and other hand digging tools can be stored in a bucket of sand with a small amount of oil added to provide lubricant.

Plan any changes you want to make to your garden in the spring.

Some excellent native plant choices are winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and American holly (Ilex Opaca) to bring more color to your garden. As in all hollies, only a female will produce berries, so make sure that one of your neighbors has a male plant, or plan to plant both male and female shrubs or trees. Japanese or Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis) , or the

January 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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The youth of First United Church of Christ in Quakertown put on their annual Live Nativity on the church’s lawn before the in December.

It was a full house at this year’s Christmas Party at the John Rivers VFW Children’s Candlelight Christmas Servicephoto by christopher betz Post 11322 in Quakertown. submitted photo

Stacey, Dillon, and Jayden Thomas with Sarina, Sam, and Tyler Skriletz ready for holiday fun at the Quakertown Christmas Tree Lighting in December. photo by michele buono

Students in grades 1 through 8 at St. Isidore School, Quakertown recently performed “Miracle at Midnight” a mini musical about the day the little town of Bethlehem bustled with activity in preparation for a miracle at midnight. submitted photo

Happy Retirement! After 45 years in downtown Quakertown, Reta Rupell is retiring and Reta’s Ceramics closed its doors on December 23. Family and friends gathered to wish her well and let her know that she will missed. photo by michele buono

UFS Students Respond with Supplies for Hurricane Victims Students at United Friends School in Quakertown immediately jumped into action for relief efforts in response to the devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico. With many wonderful ideas for ways in which our school community could help, a collection drive was chosen. First grade students in the Penn Class transformed their room into the collection sta-

tion for the school. As the items were donated, students organized and sorted donations into appropriate categories and kept a tallied inventory of the goods. Next, students prepared packages to be shipped. Throughout October and November, the entire school participated in pretzel sales and a breakfast to raise funds to ship the items that were donated.

Quakertown Business Networking Group is proud to have provided financial support to local charities again this year: Quakertown Community Center, Quakertown Action Park, Quakertown Cares, and Outreach Care.. photo by bruce p. kinsey

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2018

Employment Opportunities

You’ve Got Maids - Hiring commercial nighttime cleaners & daytime residential cleaners. (215) 529-7837 Spor’s General Store - Hiring part-time help, various positions. Stop in to inquire. 22 W. Broad Street, Trumbauersville.

Edible Arrangements - Hiring Seasonal Help. Good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and reliability a must. Stop by store for info and to apply. 582 S. West End Blvd, Quakertown Upper Bucks YMCA - Part Time Sports Attendant, Full Time Janitorial /Maintenance, Part Time Teacher’s Aid (Childcare Center), Part Time Art Teacher All include full Y membership. Call 215-536-YMCA (9622) or stop in to apply. 401 Fairview Avenue, Quakertown.

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

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

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

The Quakertown River Otters

I was out of state and missed most of Pennsylvania’s small game hunting season this year. I’ve hunted small game each autumn for half a century; and, I provide most of the entrees at the Game Feed at Deer Camp, up in the Allegheny National Forest. Fortunately, I did have some deer burger, a pheasant or two and a rabbit left in the freezer, so I figured we’d be okay. But, squirrel is just about everybody’s favorite eating small game, and I didn’t have any. When we got home I still had a week before going up-state so, the next day, I took ‘the boys’ (my dogs), to the game lands in the Quakertown Swamp to see if we could get us a couple of ‘tree rats’ to round out the menu.

I’ve already told you about a strange experience I had in The Swamp. I saw something I couldn’t explain. Well, it almost happened again! As ‘the boys’ hunted the brushy woods I followed a trail down toward a pond. As I approached it, I saw movement in the water; then, more movement and splashes. Animals of some kind were breaking the surface. “Not another swamp mystery,” I moaned.

As I got closer I realized it was not some monster; not fish or turtles, not ducks. They were furry animals. Five or six of them dove and frolicked and jabbered at each other.

“Beavers?” I wondered. But, as I watched them arch their backs and dive, their bodies were sleek and their tails were narrow and pointed. “River otters!” I had to guess, because I’d never seen one in the wild. In fact, I’d never heard of otters in the Quakertown area. Yet, there they were, lots of them. I noticed two more a few yards further up the pond, diving and splashing, too.

I’d approached the pond stealthily so the otters weren’t concerned until ‘the boys’ joined me. Several yhen ‘stood up’ in the water, their head and chest out of it, watching the dogs (who didn’t notice them). Another otter I hadn’t seen darted out from the brush, slid down the far bank on his belly and disappeared into the water. In a few moments, they all were gone and the pond was still. There was no hint that, at that very moment, there were half a dozen river otters somewhere nearby, under the water.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the river otter (Lontra canadensis), a member of the weasel family, is the most elusive aquatic mammal in the state.

Even biologists rarely see otters in the wild, deducing their population by examining their communal latrines and counting the evidence (poop piles).

A male otter can weigh 25 pounds and be 40 inches long, not including his foot-plus long tail. Females are 25% smaller. Adults stand about 10 inches tall and are muscular and streamlined. Otters’ faces are broad with eyes that slightly protrude. Their two layered fur (short dense under-fur and longer guard hairs), is dark brown on the back and lighter on the under-parts. All four feet are wide and webbed. As do all ‘weasels,’ otters have anal musk glands that excrete a pungent odor when they’re frightened. They live less than fifteen years in the wild but up to twenty-five in captivity.

Otters are graceful and fast swimmers (up to seven miles per hour). They’re the most adept in water of all land mammals. They can travel a quarter-mile submerged, dive up to fifty feet deep and can hold their breath for over four minutes. While under water, physiological structures seal an otter’s ears and nose and their pulse rate drops, slowing circulation to conserve oxygen. They swim mostly by up

BY PAUL GERHART

and down body motion (not a side to side, fish motion). Their tail and feet are used mostly for steering.

They get most of their food from the water: fish, frogs, turtles, snails, mussels, crayfish, and snakes. They’re omnivores, though, enjoying worms, insects, aquatic plants and roots as well. They occasionally feed on birds, small mammals and eggs. Otters have acute hearing and a keen sense of smell. Their eyesight, which is adequate on land, is superb underwater. They have stiff, long whiskers that serve as sense organs while searching for food in murky water.

Otters are mainly nocturnal, but do venture out during the day. Both adults and juveniles are extremely curious and playful. They romp and wrestle with each other or intently play by themselves. They love sliding on their bellies on snow or ice, or down a muddy creek bank.

While playing, they make a variety of noises: chirps, ‘chitterings’, and low chucks and grumblings. Their danger call is a startling ‘scream.’

River otters have few predators because they’re too quick and agile to be caught, especially in water. They have sturdy teeth, tremendous strength, quick reflexes and phenomenal endurance. They are able fighters if cornered on land. Females will protect their young to the death.

Otters range throughout North America, north of Mexico. Their dens are on the edges of lakes and streams, on islands or on high ground in marshes. They are not opposed to occupying abandoned beaver lodges or muskrat and groundhog burrows. Their dens have an underwater entrance, living space above the waterline and several air/escape holes to dry ground.

At two years old, otters breed between January and May, but they have “delayed implantation,” meaning the fertilized eggs remains dormant until the following winter before they start to develop. Gestation is about two months and one to five, five ounce pups are born. They’re blind and toothless and remain in the den for two to three months. Pups are nearly adult size by autumn, but usually stay with the ‘family’ until they’re over a year old.

Though much less active in cold weather, otters don’t hibernate and they don’t store food for winter. They swim under the ice to find food, breathing from air pockets or quick retreats to their den. They spend much of their time in the water, which is often warmer than the winter air.

Otters live in every major river system in Pennsylvania where the water quality is good, the largest populations being in the northwest and northeast counties. In the early 1900’s, degradation of waterways, habitat destruction, human encroachment and unrestricted harvesting led to a 75% decline in the otter population. However, since the Clean Water Act of 1972, Pennsylvania river otters are one of the greatest success stories of wildlife conservation. Their numbers across the state have rebounded to the point regulated harvest has been reinstituted (In the 2017-18 season, anyone with a trapping license and a special permit may harvest one river otter).

I didn’t get any squirrels that day in the Quakertown Swamp, but, as a Game Commission spokesperson said: “Seeing an otter in the wild is a rare event and anyone who does so will never forget the experience.”

I saw more than half a dozen of them, all at the same time; not in the remote wilderness, but within a few of miles of Quakertown Borough Hall.

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

VFW Post 11322 January 2018

This VFW has been quite active since its last article. In the month of December members of this post visited over 100 Veterans in the nursing homes. This was done before Christmas to deliver some Christmas cheer. We delivered Christmas bags with various items.

Each Veteran received a special form of a lap blanket. Thank you to various people or organizations that donated their time and talent to make them. The community support was just amazing this year. Some organizations also made handmade hats, gloves and scarves. With the time and talent of those that made them we will be going to other nursing homes in the next couple of months and deliver lap blankets to Veterans in other surrounding nursing homes.

The post held its annual Christmas luncheon.

A surprise visit by Santa Claus put smiles on over 20 children’s faces. At the luncheon there were some awards handed out. The post handed out scholarship donations to its 2017 Patriots Pen essay winners and its Voice of

Democracy award winner. The winners of the Patriots Pen essay were 1st place Cody Stank, 2nd place Luise J. John and 3rd place Olivia H. Diliberto. The winner of the Voice of Democracy winner was Samantha Norton. The posts second place winner was Leo Bernabei. Leo Bernabei won first place on the District Level. This advances Leo to be judged on the state level at the Mid-Winter Convention at Gettysburg.

John Rivers Veterans Center would like to thank those that supported our annual Christmas Ornament fundraiser. There was over 85 ornaments made.

The John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 would like to thank the places that supported its newsletter called the Rivers Sound in 2017. We are always looking for organizations or people to sponsor this newsletter. To make a donation to this VFW please send it to 41 Belmont Ave. Quakertown, Pa. 18951.Thank you to the community for your continued support. ~ Commander Paul Gerhart, Jr.

January 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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

Think Local.

Buy Local.

Be Local.

Border Collie Chess Pieces Cookie Crossword Puzzle Dalmatian Dice

Dominoes Holstein Cow Keyboard Newspaper Night Sky Nun Habit

Old Movies Orca Panda Penguin Puffin Skunk

Snoopy Soccer Ball Tuxedo UPC Code Yin-Yang Zebra

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2018

Hope you all had a great Christmas season. Now let’s carry that sharing and caring throughout the year. I overheard my human friend, Bill make an observation that seems true. He prefers cats over dogs because he said cats are like teenagers and dogs are like 2 year olds. Teenagers and cats take care of their own potty chores, cats feed themselves if you leave the food out for them, (dogs would eat it all at once), and teenagers and cats both ignore you unless

they want something. Dogs, however, must be taught to potty outside and be taken out, (unless you have a dog door), and dogs will eat everything in site if left out for them so you need to make them meals. Dogs, like 2 year olds, want your attention and love you all the time. They always want to be with you. I am glad I am a cuddly dog. Which would you prefer? Love M.J.

Getting the Most from Your Dog Training Classes

Over 100 Kids Shop with a Cop at 7th Annual Event The 7th Annual Shop With A Cop held on December 14, 2017 was an enormous success. Officers from Quakertown, Richland Township, Pennridge Regional, Springfield, Newtown and Dublin Police Departments volunteered their time to shop with over 100 children on this one special night.

Shop with a Cop is a national program pairing police officers with children to afford them a better Christmas. The program allows children to view police officers in a different atmosphere to promote positive relationships.

The children are faced with life challenges such as a parent losing a job, homelessness, military deployment, economic shortcomings, and other hardships. Shop With A Cop was developed to help make the holidays brighter for disadvantaged families in the Quakertown School District.

photo by michele buono

Shop With A Cop is funded through generous donations in our own community from private sponsors to our local businesses.

Volunteers from the community help with gift wrapping, hosting, and registration. Each child is allotted a monetary gift card to purchase gifts for themselves and family members to allow for an enjoyable holiday.

The first Shop With A Cop program in the Quakertown area was started in December 2011

by Officer Bob Lee of Quakertown Borough and Officer Ryan Naugle – Richland Township Police Department, now with Quakertown.

The first year program hosted just 15 children, but participation has increased through the years as the program became more wellknown and funded by generous local sponsors.

The 2017 program helped over 100 children.

To start, finding the right trainer can make a huge difference. Hiring a reputable and well-educated dog trainer can be a challenge. If a dog trainer says they’re certified by a particular organization, remember that you don’t have to take their word for it. You can go to that organization’s website and verify certifications. Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers has a website verifying the list of certified trainers.

Interview your potential trainer, they’re working for you. What methods of training do they use? What is their educational background?

What recent continuing education have they attended recently? What kind of equipment do they use? Can they provide references?

What actually happens when my dog gets it right or wrong? What kind of motivation do they recommend? A couple of things should raise red flags in your assessment. Don’t use trainers who say they’re not cookie-pushers.

This is the easiest and quickest way to motivate and train a dog. If the trainer uses language like” balanced”, “dominant”, and alpha” or uses primarily punishment-based methods, be aware that trainer doesn’t meet the standards of science-based training.

Your behavior is just as important as your dog’s. The following tips will help you and your dog get the most out of your training experience:

1. Do your best to come prepared. If the instructor sends pre-class information, be sure to read through it so you know what to bring.

2. Communicate with the instructor. If you’re struggling with something between classes, speak up! The instructor can’t help you if she doesn’t know you have a problem.

3. Be patient. Your “bad habits” don’t go away overnight. Your dog’s won’t either!

Avoid being too quick to label a training technique as “not working” just because you haven’t seen results in a week. Keep at it.

Think in terms of progress, not perfection.

Persistence is key.

4. Practice! Training your dog is like joining a gym. You have to spend time working out to see results. Be sure to do your homework between class sessions.

5. Focus your attention on your dog during training. Try to set the kids up with an activity to keep them safely occupied and turn off mobile phones and other distractions.

6. Come to class with an open mind. Be willing to experiment with techniques that might be different from what you’re used to like clicker training. At the same time, remember that you are your dog’s best advocate. Never let a trainer talk you into doing something to your dog that makes you uncomfortable.

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

January 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Harley’s Haven

Meet Lancelot!

Lancelot - the knight in shining armor still waits for his forever family! This handsome 6 month old neutered male pitty/mix, has been waiting oh so patiently for love! He is the snuggliest little guy, and LOVES attention! He does awesome with kids and would make a wonderful family addition! He likes other dogs, but is very exuberant with them, so would do best with an outgoing, playful friend! He is too push to do well with cats, but he loves everyone else! Please contact us today for more info!!

Meet Boggart!

Handsome devil alert!!! This little tank of a creature is Boggart!! He is a compact, neutered male pitty/mix who is about 1-2 years old. Boggart has an awesome personality, and does great with people, kids, cats, you name it!!! He is a mellow guy, and was even previously fostered in a home with kids with special needs, and he was very in tune with them, and has a kind and gentle personality. Won’t you open your heart to this handsome guy?If you are looking for a furever friend, give Harley’s Haven a call today at (267) 354-5204.

New Year Resolutions for Your Pets

Happy 2018!! A new year always feels like a fresh start – and this can go for your pets too!! As we all start 2018, here are a few suggestions on ways to incorporate your pets into a new year’s resolution or two!

Get Fit! – is one of your resolutions to get healthier? Things like exercising more and eating healthy are very common goals for so many of us! Well our pets can easily participate in this one! Get up and get moving – taking your dog for a walk is a great way to get exercise for both of you! There have been many studies were walking regularly does wonders for your weight, cholesterol, and so much more! This carries over to our pets as well – regular exercise is just as good for them! Though it won’t be as helpful for you, cats can also get exercise through things like laser pointers and toys that they can chase!

Eat Healthy – hand-in-hand with more exercise, comes eating right! This one is also easy for our pets – we control what they eat, so their weight is 100% in our hands. Make sure your pet is not only eating a good quality food, but also one the appropriate volume – so often people are overfeeding their pets, leading to obesity as the #1 medical concern in our pet population! When in doubt for how much you

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should be feeding, ask your veterinarian! Often the dog food bags over estimate how much they need, so be warned! And for cats, a reminder – they do NOT need to graze. Cats can be taught to eat a measured amount in meals, just as dogs do. So often they are grazers and are eating way more than they need!

Spend more quality time with your pets – you remember why you got a pet in the first place, right? The joy and excitement they brought to your life when you first brought them home should not diminish over the years!

They spend each day waiting for you to spend time with them – so this year, don’t disappoint!

You may be tired at the end of the day, but your dog has been waiting all day to play with you… don’t let him/her down! And your cat feels the same way – take a few minutes to brush, pet, and love your dog or cat every day. It has a calming effect on you, as much as it does wonders for them!

Don’t forget – new year, new start! Every day is a fresh chance to make a difference for yourself, and to make better choices for your pets too! Happy 2018 everyone!

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

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.