Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2023

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

ONGOING:

FRESH CONNECT Bucks County (free farmers mkt for eligible Bucks County residents) every Wed 11am-1pm at Quakertown Memorial Park, 600 W Mill St. Walk Through Method. FMI: 215-536-0353

FRESH CONNECT Bucks County (free farmers mkt for eligible Bucks County residents) 10am-12noon every 1st & 3rd Thursday at Palisades Middle School, 4710 Durham Rd, Kintnersville. Drive Through Method. FMI: 215-536-0353

WINTER FOOD MARKET at Perkasie Fire Hall every 2nd & 4th Sat. 10am-12noon each month thru May 13. FMI: events@ perkasieborough.org

Now thru January 8

Pearl S Buck House “Festival of Trees” at 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie. Iconic stone farmhouse comes alive w/holiday decorations.

FMI: 215-249-0100

December 30

Grand Opening Open House 5pm-7pm (ribbon cutting ceremony 12noon) at Power Parkour Ninja, 18 S 5th St, Quakertown

January 1 New Year’s DaY

January 2

Free Monday Meals at Morning Star Fellowship every Monday, 5:15pm-6:30pm. 429 S 9th St, Quakertown.

January 7

“Reading to the Dogs” 10am-11:30am at Doylestown branch of BCFL every Saturday. Children can practice reading out loud to the dogs from Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs. No registration needed.

Virtual Author Talks on Zoom with bestselling writers. Today’s author is Namina Forna at 2pm. Register: library.org/ buckslib/23496/register

Soup Day 10am-1pm at Dublin Fire Co, 194 N Main St. Homemade soups, take-out only. $9/quart. Call to order quarts on Soup Day 8am-11am at 215-249-3740.

January 11

Woman’s Club of Indian Valley meeting 1pm at Telford Community Bldg, 125 W Hamilton Ave. Program: “Fostering Hope” w/ Lindsay Moyer (helping Foster families) FMI: Woman’sClubofIV.com or call 862-251-3076.

‘Poetry Without Limits’ 6pm-8pm at Greenshire Institute, 3620 Sterner Mill Rd, Quakertown. Meets twice a month. Share your poetry, write new stuff. We gather together w/notebooks that we choose together. FMI/ register: info@greenshireinstitute.org

January 12

‘Avoiding Senior Scams Seminar’ 2pm at Independence Court, 1660 Park Ave, Quakertown.

January 14

Christ’s Community Café, 9am-11am, Free ‘to-go’ style lunches to share while supply lasts. First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown.

January 14 & 15

Pennridge HS Art Exhibit 12noon-4pm at Sellersville Museum, 120 E Church St. (photography, jewelry design, sculpture, paintings & more) Free (donations accepted). FMI: 215-257-5253.

January 17

Virtual Author Talks on Zoom with bestselling writers. Today’s author is Dana K White at 2pm. Register: library.org/ buckslib/23497/register

January 21 & 22

Pennridge HS Art Exhibit 12noon-4pm at Sellersville Museum, 120 E Church St. (photography, jewelry design, sculpture, paintings & more) Free (donations accepted). FMI: 215-257-5253.

January 26

Quakertown Business & Professional Women’s Club will meet 5:45pm at McCooles’ Arts Ctr in Quakertown. Program: Tech Skills Competition w/Rebecca Kadlecik. Meal

cost/$30. FMI: Judy at 215-536-5196.

January 28

14th Annual POQ Bowling Extravaganza! (9 Pin No-Tap Tournament) 9:30pm-11:30pm (ck-in begins 9:15) at Quakertown Earl Bowl Lanes, Rte 309. Bowling, prizes, music. $125/team of 5. Snacks/drinks sold. Register: prideofquakertown.org

January 31

Virtual Author Talks on Zoom with bestselling writers. Today’s author is Randall Munroe at 2pm. Register: library.org/ buckslib/23498/register

February 2 GrouNDhoG DaY

February 9

Virtual Author Talks on Zoom with bestselling writers. Today’s author is Lana Harper at 7pm. Register: library.org/ buckslib/23500/register

February 16

Virtual Author Talks on Zoom with bestselling writers. Today’s author is Grace M Cho at 1pm. Register: library.org/ buckslib/23501/register

February 28

Virtual Author Talks on Zoom with bestselling writers. Today’s author is Cassandra Clare at 8pm. Register: library.org/ buckslib/23502/register

BY GARY WECKSELBLATT

Congratulations to the QCHS FBLA students for their extraordinary achievement at the Regional Leadership Conference.

Nineteen Quakertown Community High School students finished in the top five of their events during the December 14 Future Business Leaders of America Regional Leadership Conference at Delaware Valley University. The students competed against schools throughout Bucks County in areas of Business and Career Skills.

Two of the students captured first place in the competition. Connor Frisch, a junior, won the Network Management event. Gage Frisch, a sophomore, was first in Insurance and Risk Management.

The senior team of Hannah Cole and Emily Tolchin took second in Graphic Design. Richa Chawla, a junior was second in business calculations. Cole Matheny, a sophomore, also captured second in Computer Problem Solving.

Third-place finishes went to the team of senior Jordan Hollister and junior Caitlyn Bader in Social Media Strategies; senior Julia Henry in Journalism; junior Riley Jarrett in Accounting; and junior Emily Parker, junior, Health Care Administration.

Five students notched fourth place: junior Brooke Alsante in Public Speaking; junior Meghan Black in Human Resource Management; junior Dylan Chauhan in Health Care Administration; sophomore Maria Dakuginow in Cybersecurity; and junior Emma Pham in Organizational Leadership.

Fifth place went to sophomore Grace Dakuginow in Agribusiness; senior Jill Fiorello in Organizational Leadership; and freshman Riley McGinty in Introduction to FBLA.

“The performances of our students were positively awesome,” Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner said. “The district very much appreciates the efforts of FBLA advisor Sandi Frisch for her continued leadership of the FBLA program.”

Happy New Year!

As John Lennon sang, “…another year over, a new one just begun…”

I don’t make New Year resolutions. Probably because they would be so ridiculous, I would never keep them…”Stop eating meat”, or “stop drinking coffee”. Stupid stuff, at least to me, but certainly not to vegetarians or those peculiar people who don’t enjoy a cup of joe every morning. (To avoid hate mail: That is not meant to disparage anyone who doesn’t eat meat or drink coffee.)

Speaking of which…hold on…I have to put down my iPad to brew a cup.

Okay, I’m back…

It takes a while to brew a good cup of coffee in our unbelievably complicated DeLonghi coffee machine, but it’s usually worth it.

My parents had one of those giant 30 cup metal coffee brewers, that they would drink from all day long. Apparently back then, they weren’t aware that coffee begins to disintegrate after 18 minutes. They got a good 18 hours out of that thing. Oy!

But now that I’ve had my first sip, I realize that I was writing about resolutions, not coffee preferences. Sorry.

I am one of those people that constantly analyzes who they are, and how they could improve. Could be my ADHD, or my OCD or just because that’s what I do. Who knows… But I find myself throughout the year trying to figure out how I could be a little bit better person, to myself and others, and how to be content.

I find contentment to be my holy grail of life.

In my business past, constantly chasing goals, to get that bonus, buy more stuff, go somewhere new, was my purpose in life. Yes, it was providing for my family, but more important, feeding my ego, filling me with temporary feelings of happiness…until I missed the next corporate goal.

That’s not to suggest that we shouldn’t strive to be the best in whatever we do, and celebrate those moments of success, but that we try as we can to keep it in proper perspective. I had difficulty with that at times.

My oldest friend, who regardless of age or circumstances, has always been completely satisfied with what he had…never needing or wanting anything more. Satisfied.

(I’ve always admired him, wishing I could be content with what I had, instead of always seeking that next thing. It’s not easy.)

So, instead of yearly, most days I make mini-resolutions. Things that are attainable… things that would help me and those around me…things that would give me that sense of fulfillment…and contentment.

I know I’ll get there one day…but never, ever, without my morning coffee…and if I’m really lucky, some scrapple!

Happy New Year…

-

Is Fido getting fluffy or fat? It’s important to use a measuring cup to ensure your dog isn’t taking in more calories than he needs. No more eyeballing meals. Try not to free feed by keeping food in the bowl all day. Older pets and those who have been neutered usually have lower energy needs than young, intact dogs. Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your dog’s life stage is a great way to keep them at optimal weight.

Yearly examinations by your veterinarian are a key component of good preventive care. Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging dogs and much easier to manage when detected in the early stages of the disease process. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask questions, for advice or to update your dog’s food intake.

Brushing your dog’s coat serves many purposes. It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture. Less vacuuming is always a plus for me. It helps distribute oils from the skin to the fur keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Daily grooming is a good way to find bumps, lumps, or boo-boos.

Any tooth brushing is better than no tooth brushing, but daily tooth brushing is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay. Be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs. Water additives or all natural dental chews designed to reduce tartar can also be a helpful in keeping teeth clean and fresh breath.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals. In other words, keeping your dog’s brain active can actually make it healthier! Teaching your dog new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons firing. Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.

Over the course of a year a lot can change: people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their dog’s tags or microchips information. Often, they only remember once the pet is lost. If any of your contact information has changed don’t wait update their tags and microchip information today! It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way safely home.

SUBmitted By marion c o’neil cPdt-ka, ctdi, owner and inStrUctor for molaSSeS creek dog training, llc, QUakertown. She www molaSSeScreekdogtraining

John Schaninger iS a lifelong reSident of PennSylvania and haS lived in UPPer Black eddy for over 13 yearS reach him at m12String@aol com

“January is the quietest month in the garden… But just because it looks quiet doesn’t mean that nothing is happening.”

Rosalie Muller Wright

Upper Bucks Chamber Presents Awards, Welcomes New President

Community Contributes Generously to ‘Quakertown Cares’

BY JANE THOMPSON-SMITH

Contributions to the 2022-23 “Quakertown Cares” campaign surged during early December, with the total collected so far $43,020! This included an incredible “angel” contribution of $15,000 from the Zeigler Family Foundation! QNB also contributed, adding $1,200. The local banking institution has been involved with ‘Cares’ since its beginning in 1995, as the collection hub for donations. In addition, the bank president has been on the “Quakertown Cares” Committee from day one, with David Freeman currently holding the post. The community-minded financial institution, based in Quakertown since 1877, also makes in-kind contributions to “Cares”. QNB was an original sponsor of the campaign when it began in 1995. The founder of “Cares” was The Free Press, based in downtown Quakertown from the 1880’s until the early 2000s. A number of local schools, businesses, churches and other organizations have shown their caring for the community. Recently, contributions ($500) have been received from the Friendship Circle of Quakertown United Methodist Church and the staff at Strayer Middle School.

For 27 years, “Quakertown Cares,” an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charity, has provided timely assistance to Quakertownarea residents in economic distress with supermarket food cards or checks. “Cares” provided Quakertown Community Outreach (QCO) with $10,000 in food cards to distribute to Quakertown Community School District families, bringing total aid to Quakertown area school and Head Start families, seniors, and veterans this fall to over $38,000, including distributions to 172 families/individuals in the annual “turkey” project at Thanksgiving. Those helped include the homeless. Would you like to help your neighbors in need in these challenging times? Contributors may use the coupon in this newspaper and mail, or drop off

monetary gifts to any QNB branch. Contributions are tax-deductible. Every dollar contributed goes directly to assistance, as “Cares” has no administrative expenses or overhead. Although “Quakertown Cares” is a holiday campaign, it receives contributions and distributes aid year-round. The following are our most recent contributors- through December 14: $15,000: Zeigler Family Foundation; $1,200: QNB Bank; $1,000: Janet Pelone; $662: David and Arden Freeman; $500: Friendship Circle of Quakertown United Methodist Church, Michael and Nancy Cygan, Strayer Middle School staff; $475: Anonymous Quakertown Borough resident; $300: Anonymous Richland Township resident; $250: Enzo Martellucci, Anonymous Quakertown Brough residents, Daniel and Margaret Stauffer; $200: Edward Swartz; $100: Patty Blair-Sabol, Kim Finnerty, Rebecca Kummery, Catherine Laguna, Karla Lucabeche, Barbara Philips, Kendra Mushrush, Eileen Bruchak, Jacqueline Clymer, Pam Fothergill, Erica Henry Kevin Kelly, Katie Rosica, Tery San Angelo, Andy Scappaticci, Jennifer Stover, Anonymous Quakertown Borough resident, Anonymous Quakertown Borough residents in Honor of Thomas and Marion Luckey, Alice Bishop and Beechwood Acres Card Club, Jason and Kathryn Anderson, Robert and Sandra Myers, Anonymous Milford Township residents; $75: Nicole Zuerblis; $50: Eileen Finlayson, Kelly Shaak, Frank Hilt, Stacey Lawler, Elizabeth Coyle, Crystal and Matthew Prine, Anonymous Milford Township resident; $40: Anonymous Richland Township resident; $30: Deborah Yard; $25: Corey Beil, Jenelle Hilton, Stephanie Rodgers, Katie Skonier, Wendy Somers; $10: Brittany Baraq Thank you to everyone who has given to help our neighbors in need!!

If you would like to join the cause and give to “Quakertown Cares,” please fill out the coupon below and send it in with your contribution.

Why You Need to Update Your Home Before Listing It

A home purchase is often the biggest investment a person will make in their life. When the time comes to sell your house, you want to get the best price possible. If you explore one of the many real estate sites online, you’ll notice that many homeowners make a point of updating their homes before sell.

Here are a few of the many reasons why people modernize their homes before listing them:

New Buyers Don’t Want to Immediately Remodel

Major remodels can create a state of chaos in a home that most new homebuyers would rather avoid. Additionally, the costs involved in buying a new home, moving and settling a family into a new space can be significant. They may not be able to do the remodeling projects that are needed for a significant period of time. Buyers will look more favorably upon and be willing to pay more for a home that already has many improvements taken care of.

Strategic Updates Attract More Buyers

Individuals who are considering putting their homes on the market should understand that real estate agents do a great deal of marketing online and through social media. A good visual impression of your home will spark interest in more buyers.

An updated kitchen or bathroom, fresh paint throughout the house and new flooring all provide good visual impact that will draw buyers to your listing. Choices for your upgrade should use the most neutral color palettes and most desirable materials, as these will appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers.

Make Your Home More Competitive in the Market

If a homebuyer’s choice comes down to one home with desirable features that has not been updated or a home that has been updated but may not be as desirable, buyers are more likely to make an offer on the one that shows signs of TLC and has recently been remodeled. When your home already looks amazing, potential buyers will be able to focus their attention on other aspects of making the home their own.

Most real estate experts will recommend updating your home before putting it on the market, but not to such an extent that you cannot recoup your costs. Some projects, such as kitchen or bathroom remodels, new flooring and exterior maintenance, have a great record of making homes more appealing to buyers, allowing sellers to see a return on their investment.

SUe deily haS Been a realtor for 35 yearS, reSideS in the UPPer BUckS coUnty area and enJoyS Serving her clientS in BUckS, lehigh, and montgomery coUntieS contact her at SUeSellShoUSeS@gmail com or 215-872-9865.

The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual meeting. At the meeting, awards were presented to local business owners: Excellence in Business: PBR Productions; New on the Scene: Giacomo’s Italian Market; and Impact Award: Dan Ross, Pride of Quakertown. The Chamber also welcomed new President, Cory Fosbenner, Your Guy For That.

Pictured: Brian Benner, Warren Weiss Agency; UBCC Past President Vickie McClatchy, Supreme Lending; Dan Ross, Pride of Quakertown; Kristin Randazzo, Giacomo’s Italian Market; Corey Armideo, PBR Productions; Danielle Bodnar, Executive Director Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce; and 2023 President Cory Fosbenner.

Photo by michele buono

Rosanne s. BlackBuRn, 80 of Richlandtown, formerly of Sellersville, died Tuesday December 13, 2022, in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center.

She was the wife of the late Dr. Earl G. Blackburn.

Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of the late Harold E. and Arlene (Fluck) Stoneback.

Rosanne was a nurse and an educator, equally valued and gifted in both. A graduate of St. Luke’s School of Nursing and Temple University, she taught Nursing and Dental Assisting at Upper Bucks County Technical School prior to her retirement.

She loved the game of golf and was a member of Indian Valley Country Club and St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Perkasie. She had a beaming smile and a zest for life… she also loved a good pretzel.

She is survived by a daughter Anne Renaldi (James J.) of Bethlehem, a sister Rev. Cheryl Stoneback of Quakertown, Sister-in-Law Denise M. Stoneback of Quakertown, nephews Jason (Bayle) Stoneback, Nathan (Tasha) Stoneback, Christopher (Paige) Stoneback, Barry Stoneback Jr. (Ashley) and Sister-inLaw Diane Stoneback of Allentown.

She was predeceased by her brothers Brian, Bruce, and Barry.

A memorial service will be held on Friday January 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at the First United Church of Christ 4th & Park Ave. Quakertown PA 18951. Call from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

Memorial contributions can be made to Phoebe Richland 108 S. Main St. Richlandtown, PA 18955, in honor of the loving care she received.

DaviD “Dave” s. BuehRle, 63, of Coopersburg, passed away on December 16th, 2022.

Dave will be dearly missed by his wife, Jill, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage; his

son, Jadd Buehrle and wife Cierra (Leister), and his daughter, Rachael Rivera (Buehrle) and husband David; his five grandchildren, Ava, Cooper, Joseph, Cayson, and Colton; and his brothers, Denny, Willard Jr. “Bubs”, Barry, Kenny, and Timmy and sister, Bonnie. He is predeceased by his parents, Willard Sr. and Joyce Buehrle and his brother, Kevin Buehrle.

Dave had began his working career as a welder but most recently enjoyed working for Penn Community Bank where he looked forward to retiring from.

In his free time, Dave enjoyed working outdoors around the house, spending time with his grandchildren, and cruising around on the 4-wheeler or in the truck with his dog. He was also known for always liking to have a project to work on and for being there to help others.

Arrangements are in the care of Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (nauglefcs.com).

Donations can be made in David’s name to the American Heart Association.

iRene M. BRunneR, 85, formerly of Lebanon County, passed away on December 17, 2022.

She was born in Myerstown on March 15, 1937 to the late Herman and Mildred Fox.

She was the loving wife of Neal Brunner for over 60 years until his passing in 2019.

Irene had a long career as a dedicated nurse in a variety of fields. She worked in labor & delivery, nursery, geriatrics, and most places in between. Her love for Jesus led her to love and service others so well. Irene enjoyed caring for children, visiting with her family, singing Gospel music, and praying for those in need.

She is survived by her children Cheryl Brunner, Steven (Nancy) Brunner, Theodore (Wanda) Brunner, Sherone (Jeremiah) BryanRyer, and Rashine Brunner; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents; husband; daughter Karen Marie Brunner; and brothers Michael and Elmer Fox.

Services will be privately held. Arrangements are in the care of Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (nauglefcs.com)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Richland Church of the Brethren, 215 S. Race St, Richland, PA 17087.

Michael ‘Mike’ FRancis GouRley, age 68, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 5, 2022 at Doylestown Hospital in Doylestown, PA.

He was the spouse of Elvira Gourley, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage; filled with daily laughter, unconditional love and endless devotion. They shared two children, Mike Gourley (son) and Jennifer Rotanz (daughter), who will forever remember their father as their lifelong hero.

Mike was born in Philadelphia, PA, the son of James Gourley and Mary Gourley, though spent much of his childhood in Glenside, PA. He built a 40+ year career at Johnson & Johnson, retiring in 2012; became an avid golfer, teaching both of his grandsons to appreciate the sport; enjoyed the Eagles and fantasy football; and traveled to Costa Rica, Hawaii, Canada, and many of his bucket list places.

Arrangements are in the care of Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (nauglefcs.com)

The family welcomes donations to The Vasculitis Foundation as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.

Janet M. haase, 84 of Quakertown died Thursday December 8, 2022, in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem PA.

She was the wife of the late Robert L. Haase. Born in West Rockhill township, Bucks County she was the daughter of the late Asher M. and Bertha (Moyer) Gehman.

She was the self employed owner-operator of Robert Haase Landscaping.

Janet was a member of the First U.C.C. in Quakertown. She was also had a love for all animals.

She is survived by her children Barbara Dempsey and her husband Andrew, Dale Haase, David Haase, Charles Haase and Sharon Haase. A granddaughter Krista Kneller and three great grandchildren Samantha, Robert, and Jennifer.

She was predeceased by a grandson Jonathan Kneller.

Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to a Veterans Organization of one’s choice.

RoBeRt lesteR haynes, age 73, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 28, 2022 at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, PA.

He was the spouse of Valerie Haynes, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Wyoming, PA he was the son of the late Irving Haynes and late Irene Kalinas Haynes.

Robert graduated from Penn State University and earned his associate’s degree in engineering and made a career as a design engineer. His achievements include two registered U.S. design patents. In his spare time, he enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting and fishing in his favorite place, Jenningsville. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and his dog.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, James Haynes and his wife, Marisol; his two granddaughters, Lauren Haynes and Vianna Vilaysane ; brothers-in-law, Bernie and Jack; and his sister, Marilyn Ridzon and her husband, Donald.

Services will be held privately.

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3433)

lois eileen (hackMan) haMilton entered into the loving embrace of the angels on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. She passed peacefully, with her beloved daughters by her side, and lifted up in prayer by so many people whose lives she touched and who loved her dearly.

She loved Fleetwood Mac, The Grateful Dead, Meat Loaf (the artist, not the food), the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, and had a lifelong crush on actor Sam Elliott. Lois was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Grace Hackman of Coopersburg, several aunts and uncles, and her former husbands, Bruce Arnold (father of Lori) and Karl Hamilton (father of Erinn).

She is survived by her daughter, Lori L. and her three sons; her daughter, Erinn Hamilton (wife of Robert Proby), sister Gail Cerniglia, and cousin Bobby Dragotta. She also leaves behind dear friends Grant and Cindy Ziegler, Linda Thomas, and Kelly Moseng, all of

whom cared for her like family and showed her endless kindness.

Arrangements are in the care of Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (nauglefcs.com)

In lieu of a service, the family requests that donations be made to: Quakertown Community Outreach quakertowncommunityoutreach.org.

kaRen BaDeR heiMBach, 74, died December 18, 2022 at her home in Richlandtown.

She was born in Richlandtown on April 25, 1948 and remained in Richlandtown her entire life in the same houses in which her parents lived. Her parents were the late Luther T. and Marian M. (Mease) Bader.

She was married to Ted M. Heimbach, with whom she celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on October 25.

Karen graduated from Quakertown High School (1966) and attended Lansdale Business School. Karen worked for Harleysville Insurance from 1966-1967 in the Keypunch department and then worked for Merck & Co., Inc. from 1967-2006 as a Technical Analyst in the Sales Research department. She retired in 2006. She was a Life Member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richlandtown and a former member of the Finance Committee. Karen was also a member of the Pennridge Community Center, where she attended and volunteered at various events. She was also a member of the Goschenhoppen Historians, Inc. since 2005.

In her free time, Karen enjoyed crocheting blankets, basket weaving, reading, doing word searches, cooking, coloring online, taking bus trips to NYC to see numerous plays and musicals with her girlfriends and daughter, and vacationing in Hawaii, Florida, and Ocean City, NJ. She also loved spending time in her pool with family.

Karen was a breast cancer survivor in 2021.

She is survived by her husband, Ted M. Heimbach; daughter Stefanie A. Heimbach of Richlandtown; stepdaughters Andrea B. Davies (Scott) of Bloomsburg and Sarah L. Heimbach of Telford; and grandchildren Tyler, Diana, Samantha, Zachary, Gabriella, Sharyf, Tianni, and Zyannah; and nephews Steven Kade and Jeffrey Kade.

She was pre-deceased by her sister Jeanette V. (Bader) Kade in 2013, brother-in-law Donald E. Kade in 2009, and parents Luther T. Bader in 1974 and Marian M. (Mease) Bader in 1996.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice, 2455 Black River Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Graveside services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com)

lesteR “Johny” hoFF, 74, of Coopersburg, passed away in his home on December 3rd, 2022.

Lester was born in Quakertown and was the son of the late Isaac and Ethel Hoff.

He was the husband of Fay Hoff (Bergstersser) with whom he shared 45 years of marriage.

worked as a machine operator at HiLine and Cemco. In his free time, he enjoyed going hunting and fishing.

In addition to his wife, he will be dearly missed by all who loved him most, including his children, Robert (Michelle) and Emily; his sister, Peggy Koffel; his grandchildren, Neil, Tommy, Timmy, and Austin; his niece, Amanda; and his great-niece, Aubree.

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3343)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lester’s name to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

John “Jack” M. koch, 73 of Quakertown, PA passed on December 16, 2022 at Lehigh Valley Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with illness.

Born in Philadelphia to the late Frederick J. and Mary A. (nee Gallagher) Koch. Jack was the 2nd eldest of 13 children and raised in Abington where he graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School and Taylor Business School as well as attended Penn State University.

Jack was the beloved and doting husband of Kathleen A. (nee Celia) for over 52 years and the father of Christina Wallitsch (Jon) and Stefanie. He was cherished Poppy of Samantha and Benjamin Wallitsch and is survived by 3 brothers and 8 sisters Fred (Joan), Paul, Mary

~Obituaries~

Anne Smith, Madelyn Dombrow (Roy), Eileen Deravedissian, Diane Lauro (Pete), Joseph (Maureen), Elizabeth Alexander (Bill), Carol Cashman (Mike), Patricia Hause (Joel) and Janet Leo (Vince) and was predeceased by his late brother Robert and is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass Friday, January 20, 2023 at 10:30 am at Saint Isidore R.C. Church, 2545 West Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951 where the family will receive visitation of guests from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Interment will follow at St. John Neumann Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (nauglefcs.com).

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated by the family to Alex’s Lemonade Stand (John Koch memorial) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (to donate enter Jack Koch memorial under find a fund).

MeReDith “MinDy” MetzGeR, 60, of Coopersburg passed away with family by her side on December 3, 2022, at Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Barbra Metzger.

In her elementary school years, Mindy moved to Doylestown and eventually graduated from Central Bucks East High School in 1980. She continued her education at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she earned her degree. After college, she pursued a career in graphic arts where she met her husband Pat, working for his family’s printing business, Royal Printing.

She had a special place in her heart for all animals and over the years, rescued many dogs and cats and gave them a loving home. Her empathy and generosity were always extended to those in need.

Mindy will be missed dearly by her husband, Pat, who together shared 33 years of marriage; her daughters, Carolyn MetzgerPugh (Harry Overly) and Lauren MetzgerMcCabe (Michael Beaudry); and her sisters Barbara Clayton and Patricia Cotts.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Meredith’s name to Last Chance Ranch in Quakertown.

Arrangements are in the care of Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (nauglefcs.com).

tiMothy t. olshevski, 67, of Pleasant Valley died December 19, 2022 in St. Luke’s Hospital Upper Bucks Campus.

He was the husband of Robin R. (Weaver) Olshevski. They were married 45 years last October.

Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late Michael J. & Melba L. (Koch) Olshevski. He was last employed as a machine operator for the former U.S. Gauge.

Timothy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a member of Ebenezer New Reformed Church, Bethlehem.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter Heather L. Duke (Josh) and a son Timothy M. both of Pleasant Valley; a brother Rev. Gerald L. (Lydia) of Erie, PA; a sister Janet E. Olshevski of Florida; two grandchildren Taylor & Bryce. He is also survived by his mother in law Rose Weaver of Coopersburg, and a sister in law Jan Olshevski of Ohio.

He was predeceased by a brother Rev. David W. Olshevski and his father in law Albert “Peter” Weaver.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 6, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Call 10:00-11:00 A.M. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Ebenezer New Reformed Church 3221 Bingen Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18015.

MaRvin k oswalD, 66, of Quakertown died December 1, 2022 in St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus.

Born in Quakertown he was the son of the

late Kermit J. & Martha J. (Shelly) Oswald.

In his younger years he attended Springfield P. H. School of Bucks County. Marvin was a 50 year member of Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. in Spinnerstown.

He is survived by a sister Hilda Oswald.

He was predeceased by a sister Linda Oswald. A Celebration of Life was celebrated on Saturday, December 17, 2022 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951.

Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. P.O. Box 494 Spinnerstown, PA 18968.

Dennis R. Rapp, 69, of Perkasie, passed away on Dec. 22, 2022. He was born on Nov. 16, 1953 in Sellersville, PA to the late William and Mary (Nace) Rapp. He was the loving husband of Robyn (Black) Rapp for 37 years. Dennis was active with the Sellersville Borough Fire Police, Perkasie Ambulance Corp., and the Volunteer Medical Corp for long portions of his life. He coached baseball, cheerleading, and tumbling. He was a huge Eagles fan and followed all the Philadelphia sports. He enjoyed riding his bike, finding interesting spots for breakfast, and nice strolls in his local hardware stores. Dennis loved to travel with his family to the Outer Banks, Disney, and the Caribbean. He worked in the Aerospace Division for Triumph Controls for 45 years.

Dennis is survived by his wife; children Jeffrey (Sarah) Rapp and Lindsey (Austen) Haines; grandchildren Novalee, Haley, Colten, Braxten, and one more baby girl on the way; brother William Rapp; and many other loving family and friends.

All are invited on Friday, Dec. 30 to a visitation from 10am-12pm and a memorial service at 12pm, both at Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorial contributions to “The Dennis Rapp Memorial Scholarship Fund”, mail to: Robyn Rapp, 422 Dorchester Ln., Perkasie, PA 18944.

viRGinia R. “Ginny” schaeFFeR, 75, of Quakertown died December 8, 2022 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center.

She was the wife of Lester C. Schaeffer, Sr. They were married 55 years last September.

Born in Philadelphia, PA she was the daughter of the late Wilbur & Margaret (Doll) Terrill.

She retired as an Administrative Assistant for R.D. Bitzer Co., Inc. Bensalem, PA.

She was a life member of the NRA. She enjoyed needlepoint, knitting, reading and enjoyed being out in nature. Virginia also loved to collect Angels. She was a former member of Quakertown United Methodist Church.

In addition to her husband she is survived by a son Terry (Deborah) of Pennsburg, a brother Wilbur Terrill (Wendy) of Oregon, two grandchildren Kyle & Joshua. She is also survived by a niece Karen Cameron (Michael) of Jenkintown.

She was predeceased by two brothers Richard Terrill & Raymond Terrill.

Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk. com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Upper Bucks SPCA 60 Reservoir Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951, The Salvation Army 560 S. Main St. Quakertown, PA 18951, or to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

alBeRt stiMMell JR., 76, of Upper Black Eddy, passed away on December 4th, 2022, in his home.

Albert is predeceased by his parents, Albert Sr. and Antoinette Stimmell and his brother, Richard Stimmell.

When Albert was younger, he worked for his father in the family excavating business, Albert went on to eventually take over the

family business. Albert enjoyed spending his free time outside, whether he was hunting or working in his flower garden. He was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a talented artist.

Albert will be dearly missed by his wife, Linda, together they shared 57 years of marriage; his children, Stephanie Stimmell (Russell Ziegeler), Barbara (Stimmell) Keebler (Matthew Keebler), Albert Stimmell III (Michelle Geisler), and Jonathan Stimmell; his grandchildren, Charles Stimmell (Jessika Stimmell), Kelly Keebler, Brian Keebler, Brielle Hornbaker, Courtney Stimmell, and Hunter Stimmell; his great grandchildren, Lukas Stimmell, Priscilla Stimmell, Miles Keebler, and Levi Keebler.

The family will be holding a private Life Celebration. Arrangements are in the care of Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (nauglefcs.com).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Albert’s name to Doylestown Hospital Cardiology Department.

JaMes stRouse, 82, of Coopersburg, passed away on December 17th, 2022, at Cedar Crest Hospital.

James was born in Quakertown, PA, and is predeceased by his parents, E. Webster and Marian Strouse.

James graduated from Quakertown High School in 1960. He was a long-time employee at American Olean Tiles. James was a car enthusiast and his whole life revolved around cars. He was also a member of the ACA.

James will be missed by his children, James W. Strouse Jr. (Wanda) and Jay S. Strouse (Brandy); his siblings, Marian VanGulik and Renee Larson; his grandchildren, Jason, Justin, Jon, Rachel, Rebecca, Jonathon, Joanale, Troy, Saralyn, and Luke; and his 9 great-grandchildren.

Interment will be held privately.

Arrangements are in the care of Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (nauglefcs.com)

Ruth e wieD, 98, of Quakertown formerly of Perkasie, died December 25, 2022 in LifeQuest Nursing Center.

She was the wife of the late Frances R. Schettig, the late Arthur T. Moyer, and the late Otto E. Wied.

Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of the late William & Sarah (Schaffer) Kernechel.

Before retiring she was a waitress and cook at Sellersville American Legion Post 255. Prior to that she was employed by the former Harvey Clothing as a machine operator. Ruth was a member of the Sellersville American Legion Post 255, enjoyed playing BINGO, and sewing. She was a member of the former St. John’s Lutheran Church in Quakertown.

She is survived by her four children Edward L. Schettig (Kim) Milwaukee, Oregon, Linda A. Harrington (Peter) of Quakertown, PA Mary R. Keller (Michael) of Quakertown, PA and Arthur T. Moyer, Jr. (Donna) of Hilltown, PA; two brothers Walter Kernechel (Anne) of Kintnersville, PA and Chester Kernechel of Denver, PA; 15 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by three sons William Schettig, Charles Moyer, Scott Moyer; four brothers Harold, Ray, Russell, Richard and three sisters Grace, Kathryn, & Dorothy.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Call 10:00-11:00 A.M. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warriors (support. woundedwarriorproject.org)

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship

Bible Baptist Church Meets at HIghland Park Dining Hall

415 Highland Park Road

Sellersville, PA 18960 484-523-3333 www.biblebaptistcares.org

Pastor: Tom Harris

Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street

Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org

Pastor: David Heckler

A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Christ’s Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane

Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-536-3193

christselca@verizon.net www.christslutheran.com 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church. Find us on Facebook! Church of the Incarnation 44 S. 8th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-3787

Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org

Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger

Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Holy Days as announced. Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org

Sunday service at 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome!

First United Church of Christ 151 S. Fourth Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4447

info@firstUCC.net Facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown

Senior Pastor: Rev. Jon C. Bauman Min. of Visitation & Pastoral Care: Elaine Ely Join us in person Sundays 9:15am Join us online at www.firstUCC.net. Community Lunch 2nd Saturday Drive through pickup 9am. Community Dinner 3rd Thursday 5:30pm (eat in).

BY PASTOR JON BAUMAN

The new year always brings with it a sense of positivity and change as we set goals to achieve. But these goals are generally so drastic that we give up on pursuing them within the first few weeks, or months.

As you set your goals for this year, try to make sure they are SMART!

Specific - Not just “lose weight”, but how much? Not just “Be more adventurous”, how so?

Measurable - How will you track your progress?

Achievable - Is this something that you can do?

Realistic - You know life gets busy...will these goals make sense when you’re busy?

Timely - What goalposts will you set? How long will this take you?

As you set your personal goals, I would like to encourage you to set spiritual goals for yourself as well. Maybe it is to go to church more regularly, maybe it is to read

Good News Church 424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4393

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

Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096

grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org

Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl

Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:45am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult prayer meeting 6:45pm

Juniper Street Bible Church 317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115

Pastor: Bob Stevenson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org

Sunday worship 10am (also watch live on our Facebook page), Tuesday 7pm Bible study and prayer. We offer an invitation to you. Come and worship with us.

Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-6422

Pastors: John & Theresa Decker www.mstarqtown.org

Sunday Services at 9 am and 11 am. Our cafe is open with free coffee. Children’s Ministries provided. Celebrate Recovery on Tuesdays at 7 pm. Student Ministries on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Weekly Connections. For updates and schedule changes, check our website.

Palisades Community Bible Church 8730 Easton Road Revere, PA 18953 610-847-2637

secretary@pcbchurch.com www.pcbchurch.com

Pastor: Rev. Corbin Seltzer, Jr. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30am, Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am, Tuesday Prayer Meeting 7:00pm, Men & Ladies’ Bible Studies - see website. “Walk by Faith.” II Cor. 5:7

Pennridge Christian Fellowship 720 Blooming Glen Rd, Blooming Glen 18911 215-257-7309

pastor@pennridgecf.org www.pennridgecf.org

Pastor: Thomas Vargis Multicultural Charismatic church worshipping God in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Our service consists of song service, testimonies, and teaching of the word. Live Spanish translation & children’s service at 10:30 Sunday worship.

Livestream: fb.com/pennridgechristianfellowship Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com

Pastor: Rev. Richard K. Brown II Sunday schedule: Worship 8:30 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, Worship 11 am Communion first Sunday of each month. Richland Friends Meeting (QuakeR) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-7555

Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org

Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.”

St. Isidore Roman Catholic Church 2545 West Pumping Station Rd Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536-4389

Pastor: Rev. Kenneth C. Brabazon izzyparoff@comcast.net www.stisidores.org

Sunday Masses - 5:00pm Saturday evenings; 7:00am, 9:00am, & 11:00am on Sunday mornings; 1:00pm in Spanish Sunday afternoons

St. John’s Lutheran Church 4 South Main Street • PO Box 458 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org www.stjohnsrpa.org

Pastor: Rev Dr. David A Genszler

In person worship service Sunday at 9:30 am, Watch our Worship Service anytime on stjohnsrpa.org/sermon or on Facebook. Activity Center Rentals Open, Capacity 125, call 215-536-5027 to book. St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 18968 (GPS Quakertown 18951) 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org

Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. Service also is live-streamed on Facebook (St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown, PA) and video available on the church website.

just what you need, and it can drive you to read more.

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643

stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com

Pastor: Rev. Lauren Bruno

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. John the Baptist Parish 4050 Durham Road, Ottsville 18942 610-847-5521

pastor@stjohnsottsville.org www.stjohnsottsville.org

Pastor: Selvaraj Lucas, MSC

St. John the Baptist, the first Catholic parish in Bucks County, has served the pastoral needs of Catholics since 1743.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Applebachsville 837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown 215-536-5789

stpaulsqtown@gmail.com www.stpaulsqtown.org

Pastor: Rev. David Heckler

We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street Sellersville, PA 18960 215-257-7268

Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net

Sunday Worship 10:15 in Sanctuary

Springfield Mennonite Church 1905 Pleasant View Road Coopersburg PA 18036 267-999-1404

Pastor: Rev. Joseph Wames pastorjoe@springfieldmennonite.org www.springfieldmennonite.org

Join us at 10:15a Sunday Mornings for a Blended Worship Service, Multi-generational, loving congregation. Biblically and Doctrinally Sound.

Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536.4345 www.trinityquakertown.org

Pastor: Dayle Malloy 9 a.m. Traditional service, 11 a.m. Contemporary Service, 10: 15 a.m. Sunday School, Handicap accessible, Family Friendly, Dynamic Music Ministry, Living God’s Love for All

from the bible more, maybe it is to do a daily devotional, to pray as a family before meals, to take more nature walks and hikes to pray. Whatever it is, I want us to commit to a year of self-improvement when it comes to engaging with our faith, and I want us all to increase our engagement with the Bible, whatever that looks like to you.

Can I be honest with you? I’ve never been able to do “The Bible in a year” plans. There are days when I read 4 chapters, 8 chapters, 10 chapters, and even 15 chapters, but there are also many days when I do not have the mental energy to read the required 4 chapters a day. Some folks love the bible in a year program, and they can stick to it! But for me, it just hasn’t ever worked. So if you are like me, and reading the bible in a year for you is not realistic, I’d like to suggest some alternatives that are SMART goals for reading the Bible: 1. Download a Bible App that has a “Verse of the day”. You’ll be able to see a verse a day, and sometimes this simple verse can be

2. Read what you can every day. It may be a chapter, it may be 2 chapters, or it may be a paragraph. But read what you can every day.

3. Read the New Testament in a year. There are fewer chapters in the New Testament than there are days of the year. If you commit to reading a chapter a day, you will finish the entire New Testament this year, with built-in skip days for when life gets busy, or built-in days to move on ahead to start reading the Old Testament!

4. Listen to the Bible. There are apps that have audio bibles within them (like “bible.is”), and there are audiobibles on CD, or on the app audible. Sometimes listening to the bible as you get ready in the morning, or on your commute can be a better way of engagement.

5. Listen to “The Bible In A Year” Podcast. I can’t read the bible in a year, but I can listen for 15-20 minutes a day to another person reading it to me. Look up the “Bible in a year” podcast from Ascension press on your podcast app!

And if you choose options 2, 3, or 4, I recommend starting in the New Testament, on one of the Gospel accounts, depending on what piques your interest most. If you like tie-ins to the old testament, read Matthew. If you want to read/hear about the power of God over evil, read Mark. If you are drawn to messages of Jesus against corrupt powers and fighting for the oppressed, read Luke. If you’re looking for an account that focuses on who and what Jesus is, read John. Then read the rest of the Gospel accounts, or go to Acts and come back to the Gospels later.

I hope this new year is a year marked by faithfulness for me, for you, and for the churches within our community, and for our community. I pray that we continually seek to connect with the God who listens to us and guides us as we seek to be the light of the love of God to our local community. May God bless us all richly in faith as we seek wisdom for the year to come..

Jon BaUman iS the Senior PaStor at firSt United chUrch of chriSt in QUakertown he can Be reached at PaStorJon@firStUcc net

Perkasie Borough Bids Farewell to Economic Development Consultant

December 28 was Steve Barth’s last day serving as Perkasie Borough’s Economic Development consultant. In an era of online shopping and big box stores, many towns have struggled to retain local business. Steve Barth was enlisted to revitalize Perkasie’s economy and keep livelihood, jobs, and tax dollars within the borough. In his tenure, Steve served a vital role in the execution of many projects including: American House, Delbar, Perkasie Woods,

the Airport Business Park, Mystic Ways, and Van Lieus. His expertise and boundless energy has been a tremendous asset to several local small businesses.

Find That Lost Retirement Account

Do you have a long-lost retirement account left with a former employer? Maybe it’s been so long that you can’t even remember. With over 24 million “forgotten” 401(k) accounts holding roughly $1.35 trillion in assets, even the most organized professional may be surprised to learn that they have unclaimed “found” money.1

What Are “Forgotten” Retirement Accounts?

Considering that baby boomers alone have worked an average of 12 jobs in their lifetimes, it can be all too easy for retirement accounts to get lost in the shuffle.2 Think back to your first job. Can you remember what happened to your work-sponsored retirement plan? If you’re even slightly unsure, then it’s time to go looking for your potentially forgotten funds.

Starting Your Search

Oh Tannenbaum!

Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus! Santa, the Christmas Tree, Presents exchanged at home and other places, and the various business and social “Parties” are all the trappings we remember at Christmas.

My have things changed! Santa still exists in many families, but I hear talk from time to time how parents don’t want to follow up in this long standing traditions. Look across many of the new homes. They have no fireplaces or heating systems requiring a CHIMNEY! This year we purchased our first “Artificial Tree.” With the costs rising sharply for the farming industry, I can’t believe what people have to pay for a live tree. Besides, as age creeps up on us, the mess of fallen needles and difficulty in set-up along with the seemingly shorter period of time we can keep the beautifully lit tree up kind of warrants such a move.

Present shopping is another subject! When is Black Friday? A few years back it moved to Thanksgiving evening then Thanksgiving Day. This did not sit well with the public as it interfered with the store employees having Thanksgiving with their families. What did they do? I really don’t know. Some started Black Friday way early. Some had special Black Friday deals daily. Some actually had Black Friday sales on the day after Thanksgiving like in the olden days. My wife and I do a lot of Black Friday buying of items that we use in the area chapter banquet we help at for KECA (Keystone Elk Country Alliance) that are used as prizes. This year was quite a challenge to get those special Black Friday deals because it was hard to establish when Black Friday was!

The company where my wife retired from always invites retirees to a very special Christmas Party usually the Friday before Christmas. It is held at the beautiful Hotel Bethlehem in the 1731 Banquet Room. I could go on and on explaining about the trays of scallops wrapped in bacon, stuffed mushrooms, and other hors d’ouvres, offered along with Christmas “Cheer” prior to a wonderful full course guest choice

meal. This affair was held for the many years she worked there as appreciation for what the employees contributed through the year to the company. I remember the Lobster at Trainer’s, the Roast Duck at Benetz, and of course the steak at the Hotel Bethlehem. It really surprised me to hear names of employees who received company anniversary pins being “Not Present.” I feel that these get togethers are not only for the delicious hors d’ouvres and dinner in a very Christmas type setting overlooking Historic Bethlehem, they are being a part of a family away from home celebrating a great relationship. Has the younger generation lost something? I know that all that attended this yearly function are very grateful for such a wonderful company to work for.

I can remember the Christmas Turkeys from the Lehigh Valley, and the Christmas parties that JG Furniture had when they were in the Quakertown area. I miss the friends I made while employed there—especially at this Holiday Season.

Covid-19 has really changed the CHURCH seen. Now many people stay home and watch the service on their computer or TV. Was this long period of restrictions needed or intentional? Shortages of employees are everywhere and I do not understand why. The pay for medical persons, engineers, machinists, wait staff in restaurants, is far better on paying scale ratio that when I was a young adult. There is a shortage of “Supply Pastors” for the many congregations without a current pastor. The church where I am a member is handling this well and I am proud to say I am a member there. I even presented the message the 4th Sunday in Advent! We have been around for 292 years and I know with the giving to the community and the “Family” of members that we have will help us through this unusual time.

The Perkasie Towne Improvement Association would like to acknowledge Steve Barth’s contributions to our community. “He has acted as a valuable partner to our organization and he will be missed. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.” b uckygrams Sledding, build a snowman, skiing, ice skate, cozy fireplace, shop for gifts, sleigh ride, sing carols, drink hot cocoa, decorate house, toboggan, snow board h idden m essage “Only three months until Spring!” b ucky b lock : Falling temperature.

Most important over all the above mentioned from Christmas tree, to presents, to Company get togethers, the reason for the season is the gift of love given to us through the birth of the Christ Child. Merry Christmas and a more prosperous New Year from my wife and I!

dick helm iS a long time QUakertown area reSident and regUlar contriBUtor here at UBfP. reach him at rBh9@verizon net

One of the best ways to find lost retirement accounts is to contact your former employers. If you’re unsure where to direct your call, try the human resources or accounting department. They should be able to check their plan records to see if you’ve ever participated. However, you will most likely be asked to provide your full name, Social Security number, and the dates you worked, so be sure to come prepared.

If your former employer is no longer around, look for an old account statement. Often, these will have the contact information for the plan administrator. If you don’t have an old statement, consider reaching out to former coworkers who may have the information you need.

Even if these first steps don’t turn up much info, they can help you gather important information.

Websites to Check

Next, it’s time to take your search online. Make sure you have as much information as possible at hand and give the following resources a try.

National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits

This database uses employer and Department of Labor data to determine if you have any unpaid or lost retirement account money. Like most of these online tools, you’ll need to

provide your Social Security number, but no additional information is required.3

FreeERISA

If your forgotten account was worth more than $1,000 but less than $5,000, it might have been rolled into a default traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Employers create default IRAs when a former employee can’t be located or fails to respond when contacted. You can search for retirement and IRA accounts for free using this database, but registration is required.4

Once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a traditional IRA in most circumstances. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty.

The U.S. Department of Labor

Finally, the Department of Labor tracks plans that have been abandoned or are in the process of being terminated. Try searching its database to find the qualified termination administrator (QTA) responsible for directing the shutdown of the plan.5

What’s Next?

Once you’ve found your retirement account, what you do with it depends on the type of plan and where it’s held. Your location also matters. Depending on where you live, the rules and regulations may differ.

No matter what you decide to do, be sure to involve your tax and financial professionals since they’ll be informed on current regulations for your state. They can also help you identify a strategy for your newfound money: travel, investment, or maybe that vacation home you’ve always wanted. You worked hard for that money, after all, so you should get to enjoy it!

1. KIplInger Com, August 27, 2021 2. usnews Com oCtober 22, 2021 3. unClAImedretIrementbenefIts Com 2022 4. freeerIsA.benefItspro Com, 2022 5. dol gov, 2022.

thiS article waS SUBmitted By BoB Podraza of roBert JameS inveStmentS at 1313 weSt Broad Street, QUakertown he can Be reached at 215-583-5013 or at roBertJameSinveStmentS com

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

Think Local. Play Local. Be Local.

Have something to share with your community? Send it to us! UBFP • 582 S. West End Blvd, Ste 2 • Quakertown, PA 18951 info@ubfp.org • fb.com/ubfreepress • www.ubfp.org

Blanket Boots

Cozy fire Cup of tea Flannel pjs

Fleece vest Gloves

Hot chocolate Hot shower Hot toddy

Knit hat Mittens Shawl Ski mask Snowsuit

Sunshine Warm puppy Winter coat Wool scarf

A Seasonal, Yet Reasonable Winter, Please

By the time this is published we’ll have an idea of how rough 2023’s winter will be. I’ll probably be in Pioneertown, California and miss most of it. We get snow there, at 4,500 feet, but it is the Mojave Desert. I lived in Wyoming a while, too (all my kids were born there). Comparing Wyoming winters to most other places isn’t fair. I’ve spent most of my life in Quakertown--through high school (QHS class of 1970), then again, since my dad died (over 35 years ago). I’ve had more winter travails and disasters in Pennsylvania because I’ve spent more time here. I hope Upper Bucks has a ‘reasonable’, uneventful winter but, in case it’s tough and infuriating, I’ll reminisce. The two times I was coldest were, surprisingly, in Pennsylvania. in January ‘71, I screwed-up my bus ticket and had to hitchhike from Ohio U. (Athens), to Pittsburgh. {I was ‘seeing’ Laura Stevens of Upper Sandusky. We met on a post-high school trip to Europe}. It was six below zero and I was not dressed for hitch-hiking. I didn’t even have gloves?! I made it, but it got so dangerous I almost built a fire along the Interstate. Then, in early 1972, I was a married student at Pitt {Janet Lenz, Shadyside Nursing School, class of 1973—I’ve still got her}. I was busboy at the Black Angus restaurant. Once, as I walked the mile-plus from our apartment at Center and Bigelow, across campus then down 5th Avenue, to work, it was a dead-still, foggy, and blistering 27 degrees below zero!

The coldest I’ve witnessed was in Casper, Wyoming. While working a night shift at Amoco Refinery I saw 38.8 below. Huge frost flakes rained out of the sky and accumulated like snow. Spit froze as it hit the ground. By then I was somewhat adapted and prepared. Between Christmas and New Year, that year, the daily high never got above 17 below. We had windchills of 70 below several times each winter.

Last year, when I left for Florida, enroute to the West Coast, I had trouble starting my old diesel RV. In Quakertown, it was nine degrees and the ground was frozen white. At our place in Rimrock, we did burn a half a cord of firewood (a valuable commodity in the desert), and used the electric hearers almost every night, but it was a pretty nice February with just a couple of snow squalls. I’ve seen the least winter precipitation, expectedly, in California. We’re up in the foothills on the leeward side of the San Bernardino Mountains (in which is Big Bear ski area). Flurries or a ground covering are not unusual. An inch or two snow totally disrupts life in nearby Yucca Valley. I was ‘back east’ when the 32-inch storm buried everybody. But, that’s actually good. It melts quickly and replenishes our wells. Again, Wyoming wins(?), for snowfall. Besides seeing ice-crusted snow covering

the whole landscape for six weeks straight (and sadly watching antelope die on the prairie), I saw some tremendous, winddriven blizzards there. The year we moved west, Rawlins (6,400ft), had 6 inches of snow on June 17th and seven inches on September 7th. There was snow on the hill behind town 11 times by November 1st.

Near Casper one Thanksgiving, we had 33 inches in 18 hours with 45 mph winds. A drift reached my roof on the downwind side. Roads re-drifted shut for a week. We stayed at a motel in Casper to get to work.

Pennsylvania has offered plenty of winter woe. Big snows were fun as kids--until we had driver’s licenses. In adulthood, I remember some tough storms. Recently (that means sometime in the last 20yrs to someone my age), I traveled S.E. PA for the Quakers a lot. There was an aggravating snowstorm every weekend one year. I was commuting to Willow Grove for work, too (26 miles, 42 traffic lights!). Do that in snow! And infuriatingly, a few years back my ‘bucket-list’ flight to Scotland was postponed when JFK got snowed in.

The biggest snow I’ve seen here was in the winter of ’94-’95 {It drove my buddy Harry Evans (QHS class of ’70), to South Carolina and inspired one neighbor to ( thankfully ever since), get a huge snow-blower}. We got 30+ inches. I park at a dead-end where they pile snow from streets. The Borough was kind, and didn’t pack me under until I’d moved one car. By hand, I shoveled a path through 2 ½ft deep snow, eight feet wide and 120ft long, out to Forest Avenue. It took most of the day. {That’s over 16,000 pounds worth--I didn’t have my heart attack till 15 years later}. With me dug out, they plowed up a gigantic heap. Some was still there to remind me, a cindery chunk of ice, come Memorial Day.

To highlight my PA winter experience, I’ll only mention my spinning, hit-the-abutmenttwice, accident in fresh snow on the I-380 Susquehanna bridge, and my 25 years of white-knuckled driving to work on the Route 313 or 309 then down 611. Once, I stayed at a motel near Five Points, unable to get home during a rush-hour snowstorm. Another time, me and the dog were stranded for two hours on I-80 while they cleaned up car wrecks and plowed. Once, coming back from my daughter’s dorm in D.C. I saw cops recovering a body from a vehicle buried days earlier by plows on I-95. Pa winters can be rough.

When I reminisce about the worst days, today usually isn’t so bad. I hope Quakertown had a reasonable, yet seasonable winter. I hope there was skiing and ice-skating fun. But, I also hope nobody’s pipes froze, nobody went broke buying fuel, and I certainly hope the power lines stayed up and everyone’s sump pump handled the snowmelts. I’ll hear all about it when I get back . . . soon after the crocuses start to bloom..

Jack Schick iS a long time QUakertown area reSident and regUlar contriBUtor here at UBfP. reach him at SJckSchc@aol com

New Year – New Estate Plan!

BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ.

With 2022 coming to an end (thankfully), it is time to once again revisit a prominent topic: estate planning. If you already have your estate plan in place (Will, POA, Trust, Healthcare Directive/Living Will – or any combination thereof), you are ahead of the game. But just because you had these documents prepared on your behalf, does not mean that you can sit back and forget about them.

Each year it is a good idea to go back through your documents and review them. Make sure they still reflect your intentions and desires. Are the beneficiaries in your Will/trust still alive and/or in your good graces? If not, who do you want to replace them? If your children were minors at the time your Will was drafted but have since reached the age of majority, you may want to have a new Will drafted and eliminate any testamentary trust created for minor children. Also, if your children have since grown up, you may be inclined to name they as the personal representative of your estate.

Are all of your agents and successor agents in your Power of Attorney still alive and/or residing in the same general area as you are?

If not, you may want to revisit the topic. And don’t forget about your Healthcare Directive/ Living Will. Take some time to review this and just make sure that your end of life wishes and medical POA declarations are still accurate. If not, have a new document prepared and placed on file with your hospital and treating physician.

And lastly, are there any charitable donations you wish to make at your death that are not mentioned in your estate plan?

It is very likely that your estate plan doesn’t need any changes, but it is always a wise practice to review your documents at least once a year. And if you have some changes that need to be made or simply have some questions, schedule an appointment to sit down with an experienced estate planning attorney.

Happy new year everyone, and here’s to hoping that 2023 will be an improvement from 2022.

roBert e fravel, eSQ iS a BUckS coUnty attorney located at 123 n main Street, SUite 101B, in dUBlin, PennSylvania he SPecializeS in eState Planning & adminiStration, family law, and BUSineSS law to Set UP a conSUltation, call hiS office at (267) 227-9138 or viSit hiS weBSite at www fravel-law com

Kutt Legacy Fund Donates $10,000

The Jason Kutt Legacy Fund thanks all who participated or attended one or multiple of their many events. They were able to donate $10,000 back to help build healthier communities. The organization’s outreach includes: Network Of Victims Assistance (NOVA); Palisades, Pennridge School Districts, Quakertown Outreach; Brain Child Fund for families with children with Traumatic Brain Injuries; Music Lessons with Jon Aaron Martin Music Studios; Assisted with funeral expenses for a family affected by teen suicide; Assisted family who lost everything in a fire. The Jason Kutt Legacy Fund looks forward to even more community outreach in 2023 in memory of Jason and his very generous and uplifting spirit.

Quakertown Wrestling Raises $3,200 for Zebert Family

BY ROCCO PELLEGRINO

Throughout the month of November, the Quakertown high school and middle school wrestling teams participated in a push-up challenge to help raise money for Ava Zebert, a sophomore at Quakertown who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia, and the rest of her family.

Each wrestler was asked to do 3,000 pushups through the 30-day period while seeking donations from others who sponsored them throughout the process.

The teams raised $3,200 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Zebert family.

Stephanie Borzio, organizer of the challenge, and the rest of the high school team presented their donation to Ava’s dad and brothers on December 14th before the team’s varsity match versus Council Rock South in front of an orange-filled crowd showing their support.

The team also gave away orange Quakertown wrestling shirts to those in attendance as the team wrestled in Ava’s honor.

“The event was a great success,” Andrew Zebert, Ava’s brother, said. “My family and I are very grateful for the support of the wrestlers who participated in the push-up challenge. We would like to thank all who contributed to the

On October 3rd, the high school girls’ soccer team held an orange night in which all money raised from their game went to the Zebert family. The football team held their annual childhood cancer night and invited the Zebert family out for the coin toss before their game against Souderton on September 30th. The girls volleyball team wore orange uniforms on October 4th in support of Ava. 545 Ava’s Army t-shirts were sold with $18,585 in donations as well as via GoFundMe at www.quakertown.net/helpava

It has been great to see tremendous support for a great cause all throughout the community.

As for the match itself, Council Rock South bested the Panthers 32-26 in front of an electric atmosphere in the Quakertown lower gym. Isaac Williams (decision), Kyler Roesener (decision), Colin Gaj (fall), Mason Ziegler (tech-fall), Zach Borzio (decision), and Calvin Lachman (fall) picked up victories for the Panthers.

The match was the first and only regular season meeting between the two schools, both of which ranked top 8 in the state at the time of the match. Quakertown and Council Rock South met twice last season by virtue of a matchup in the district tournament. The schools

“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” - William E. Vaughan

Cole Anderson Named December UBCTS Student of the Month

Cole Anderson is a third-year student in our Mechatronics program and a junior at Pennridge School District. From a young age, he has been mechanically minded, fascinated with building Legos and piecing together projects. Cole’s father taught him about tools, and he would help around the house as soon as he could hold a screwdriver.

A well-rounded student, Cole plays on two ice hockey teams. He serves as co-captain at Pennridge Junior Varsity and is a valued team member on his club team. He’s also served as a SkillsUSA representative for the past two years.

Mrs. Walck regrets that she cannot attend tonight but would like to share some words about Cole. It has been a pleasure getting to know Cole, his family, and the team at Polysciences. Since working with him in May, Mrs. Walck has found Cole’s demeanor to be professional and cooperative. He expresses a desire to continue to learn.

Polysciences employ Cole in Warrington as part of his Cooperative Education Program. He has been working at Polysciences since the end of his sophomore year, mid-June 2022, as an entry-level employee. His primary job responsibilities as a maintenance mechanic

keep the facility running smoothly. Mark tries to instill the importance of critical thinking in Cole by allowing him to brainstorm ideas, procedures, and rationale with another coworker. Lisa Fenton, who works in HR, is here tonight to say a few words about Cole.

For fun, Cole goes four-wheeling with his father and friends. It certainly helps that he could put on all extensions on the fourwheelers himself.

After graduation, Cole plans to enter the workforce.

BY RAY FOX

Who is the QCHS Alumni Association?

All the previous QCHS Alumni Spotlight stories have focused on the accomplishments of QCHS Alumni. As we begin 2023, I felt it was important to share a little of the history of the Alumni Association including our plans and goals for the future. For the rest of 2023, the articles will go back to focusing on former Alumni.

It is important to note that every QCHS graduate is automatically considered to be part of the QCHS Alumni Association. The current Board of Directors includes President Melea Barto Rupert (’73), Vice President Ray Fox (’66), Secretary Denise Loux Fox (’80), Treasurer Lori Horne Kertesz (’79) and Larry Benner (’65), Evelyn Roth Gerhart (’68), Peter Jarrett (’71), Greta Hilker Krause (’89), Shannon Smith Miller (’92), Christopher Betz (’90), and Jane Price (’75).

The Alumni Association has a history that goes back to the 1940’s when it was a very active organization. Unfortunately, it disbanded in the 1990’s. In 2008, Dr. Robert Leight (’50) sent out a communique asking if any alumni would be interested in a meeting to discuss reactivating the Alumni Association. That meeting was held at the James Michener branch of the Bucks County Library in Quakertown where about thirty people attended and all were in favor of reactivating the Alumni Association. After that meeting, a set of bylaws were written and a board of directors was installed. Three of our current board members have been serving since that reactivation meeting.

In June of 2009, we held the first annual Alumni Meeting and Awards Ceremony of the Reactivated Alumni Association and established our primary goal of raising money to award scholarships to graduating seniors, to continue the tradition of awarding an Honorary Diploma each year, and to honor outstanding graduates with the Gold Key Award. The Alumni Association’s last Gold Key Award was given in 2015. After that, the school district established and oversees the Wall of Fame awards. Nomination forms for this award can be found on the School District web site at www.qcsd.org. The Alumni Association has one representative on the 5-member Wall of Fame Selection Committee which also includes school district staff and community members. Both our Alumni Association and the Quakertown Education Foundation share the costs of providing the Wall of Fame Award plaques. The annual Alumni Association Meeting is held at the High School on the first Saturday of June each year. Nominations for Board members and officers are open at that meeting.

Since June 2009, the Alumni Association has awarded 14 Honorary Diplomas. Since 2010, we have awarded 44 Scholarships totaling $44,000. The Sr. High School Guidance Office helps by advertising the scholarships each year. Members of the Senior Class are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Their written application is reviewed and then every applicant is interviewed by members of the QCHS Alumni Association for consideration for the scholarships. The scholarships include both full time QCHS students as well as Quakertown students who attend the Upper Buck Vocational Technical School. Awards are given in June of each year. The Association makes a sincere effort to give as many scholarships as possible.

Scholarship funding has been generously donated by individual alumni, existing class treasuries, faculty, and retirees. Additional funds have been received from donations in memory of deceased alumni and faculty, and from fundraisers such as the sale of apple dumplings and our highly successful designer bag bingo events. This year, the Bingo fund raiser will be on Sunday, March 26, 2023 and will be held at Benner Hall in Richlandtown.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door if available beginning in late January by contacting Qchsalumniboard@gmail.com.

For several years now, the Association has been a visible presence at both the Arts Alive and Autumn Alive Street festivals in downtown Quakertown. We feel that this is an important way to interact with the community and alumni and to get the word out about our organization.

The Quakertown Community High School Alumni Association encourages alumni to participate in the Association activities. Its mission includes fundraising to provide scholarship opportunities each year for graduating seniors. Please check out our Facebook Pages “Quakertown High School Alumni Association” and the Alumni pages of the QCSD.org website for more information. We are a 501C3 organization and always welcome any contributions toward our scholarship endeavors. If you are interested in donating, please email Qchsalumniboard@gmail.com and you will receive instructions on how to do so. Comments and ideas for future articles can be sent to Ray Fox at rdefox@msn.com.

The Alumni board is a group of dedicated people who strive to support the students and alumni as much as we can. You could say that we “bleed blue” but more importantly, that we embody two commonly known Quakertown mottos:

“Enter to Learn; Leave to Serve” and “Once a Panther, Always a Panther”!

Memories from a Career in Nursing

BY PALMA MOYER, RN

I recently came across an old letter from Temple University hospital addressed to my father. It was an invitation to my capping ceremony at the Baptist Church, near campus. Enclosed with the invitation was a copy of my grades: Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Bandaging, Massage, and Pharmacology.

Back in the day, we were required to wear our caps at all times when on duty, our uniforms were starched aprons over a plain starched dress, shoes were oxford with one inch heel. Tuition at that time was $375 a year; it included books, uniforms, room and board.

Even 65 years ago nurses were in demand. We were encouraged to work our days off. We were offered $1.00 an hour as an incentive. Nursing in those days was a more hands-on approach. For example, patients were given backrubs at bedtime to help them relax and have a restful sleep. Today they are given a pill. Today’s Nurse needs to do so much more than pass medications. Nurses today need to have computer skills and deal with social issues and family interventions.

I had taken early retirement and bought a home in South Philadelphia. It was a diverse neighborhood, but everyone got to know and look out for each other. Being a retired nurse, I could share my skills with my neighbors.I also taught English as a Second Language.

Just driving in the city could be an adventure. I frequently got lost. One day as I was driving through a South Philly neighborhood, I saw a house that looked just like mine. Turns out, it was mine! Another time, I decided to take a shortcut to work and drove right past what I believe to be a gang-type shooting. I took a different way home from work that night!

I remember one time while driving on Broad Street near City Hall I could hear police sirens coming up behind me. The sirens were so loud, I was flustered and ended up speeding up before thinking to pull over to let the police cars pass by my car. Unfortunately, I had run a red light. A young police officer pulled behind me, got out of his car, and approached me. I confessed that I was aware that I had run the light and received a $96 ticket.

~ Palma Moyer,RN Class of 1957 Temple University Hospital

Palma will Be Sharing more of her exPerienceS and PerSPectiveS on nUrSing. She can Be reached at donthelPmemoyer@aol com

apprentice include charting records, making and inspecting all cold units, helping with pump repairs, and assisting in general maintenance to

“What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.” - Vern McLellan

Trust is the foundation of all relationships. It is the type of relationship you should have with your doctor. At our Quakertown office and our St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus, you can trust our team of specialists in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine to recommend the right approach to care, including joint-sparing treatments and therapies. And when surgery is the only choice, we offer options to help you heal faster.

The orthopedic care you trust. Now more than ever.

For more information, call 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537) or visit sluhn.org/findadoctor.

Trust Quakertown’s leaders in orthopedics and sports medicine.

James Lachman, MD Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery

Wei-Shen Lin, MD Orthopedic Surgery

Gregory Gilson, DO Orthopedic Surgery/ Joint Replacement

Tyler Smith, DO Orthopedic Surgery/ Sports Medicine

William McCafferty, DO Primary Care Sports Medicine

Kristofer Matullo, MD Hand and Wrist Surgery

St. Luke’s Vascular Surgeon Repairs Aneurysm, Saving Man’s Life

BY MARY DEHAVEN

Frank Franco experienced sudden and unbearable pain in his abdomen last June. His daughter April called 911, and an ambulance rushed him to the emergency room at St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Hospital. He was immediately transferred to St. Luke’s Bethlehem Campus, where vascular surgeon Calogero DiMaggio, DO, performed life-saving surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm on the verge of fully rupturing.

“The pain was excruciating,” said Franco, who lives in Quakertown. “I never felt pain like that before.” Had he waited even a few minutes, he might not be here today to tell his story.

“Aortic aneurysms can expand and rupture,” explained Dr. DiMaggio of St. Luke’s Vascular Center in Allentown. “When they rupture, most folks don’t make it to the hospital alive, and about 50% of those who do, don’t achieve their pre-rupture baseline lifestyle.” An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery. While they can occur anywhere in the body, they are most dangerous in the aorta. The body’s largest artery, the aorta, carries blood from the heart to the pelvis.

Dr. DiMaggio performed an open procedure, repairing Franco’s 5.5-cm aneurysm with a tube graph. Franco returned home in time for the birth of his third grandchild. He continues to see Dr. DiMaggio for surveillance.

“We love Dr. DiMaggio,” Franco said. “He has a great bedside manner and is a competent surgeon.” Franco’s daughter added, “My brother and I were like two deer in headlights, but Dr. DiMaggio handled everything.”

When intact, aneurysms have no symptoms. Often, they are found by imaging for another

condition. For example, a recent patient had belly pain and saw a gastroenterologist who ordered a CAT scan.

“The scan showed a rather large aneurysm,” he said. “We urgently scheduled a repair, and she is now fine.”

Dr. DiMaggio performed a minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedure to mend her 5-cm aneurysm. He inserted a thin, flexible catheter through an incision in her groin. On the tip was a metal mesh tube (graft) that he placed at the aneurysm site to strengthen it and prevent rupture. She was discharged the next day.

The Society of Vascular Surgery recommends surgical repair for aneurysms larger than 5 cm in women and 5.5 cm in men, and routine screening for smaller aneurysms, ranging from every six months to three years, depending on the size and growth rate.

Atherosclerosis, a condition that develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries, causes vascular disease, including aneurysms, strokes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Fortunately, St. Luke’s offers vascular disease screening.

“The link between the three types of vascular disease are risk factors classically associated with atherosclerosis – increased age, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and smoking being a big component of that,” he said. “Current smokers have a seven times greater likelihood of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and 90% of people with AAA have smoked or are current smokers.”

The vascular screening also looks for carotid artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). CAD restricts blood flow to the brain, increasing stroke risk. PAD reduces circulation to the arms or legs, causing pain and other symptoms.

Well I went to the tree lighting in Quakertown and was happy to see all of you. I ended up missing the actual lighting of the tree though because we were waiting to hear the fire engine bring Santa and they didn’t have Santa come in on the fire engine. That was disappointing. We expected to HEAR him show up instead we were told he just walked out of the Santa house and lit the tree. The fire engine coming always notified the crowd that Santa was on his way. It was also more exciting.This is a picture of me with my super hero friend from S.H.I.E.L..D. They are an organization that helps underserved veterans in our area. My eyes are glowing just being next to his superhuman strength.

New Vitae Cuts Ribbon on New Cottage to Support Brain Injury Care

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Browne Cottage, a new living space for individuals at New Vitae’s Mount Trexler Manor/Action Recovery site in Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County. The cottage is part of a new project to provide more housing options for veterans and others looking for progressive brain injury care in home-like settings.

Senator Pat Browne and state legislators helped New Vitae to secure $1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding for the project to make this vision a reality. The state’s RACP grant program supports economic, cultural, and civic improvement projects that have widespread impact and generate or sustain jobs and economic activity.

“The value of the important work New Vitae Wellness and Recovery does day-in and dayout to help those with brain injuries cannot be overstated,” Senator Pat Browne said. “I have been proud to support their mission and I want to thank their leadership and dedicated staff for all of their efforts in helping this vulnerable community.”

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, New Vitae presented Senator Browne and his wife Heather Browne with a dedication plaque. Tours of the new facility were also offered to all attendees.

“We are excited to open Browne Cottage and offer individuals a comforting environment where they can focus on healing and wellness,” said Judith O. Yanacek, president and CEO of New Vitae Wellness and Recovery. “These cottages will provide a safe space in which individuals can continue along the road to recovery through integrated brain injury rehabilitation and mental health care. We look forward to providing them with the support they deserve, and we thank Senator Pat Browne for organizing generous state support of this cottage.”

The eight-bed cottages at Mount Trexler Manor will offer the safety and structure provided by 24/7 staffing while encouraging and supporting each individual’s progress toward their self-defined life goals. Each cottage will be self-sufficient and ADA accessible, with bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry facilities, a medication room, kitchen, community area, learning lab and smart technology.

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery celebrated last month with the ribbon cutting on their new expanded outdoor space at their Quakertown House facility on East Broad Street. The new area boasts a patio with a firepit, new gazebo, and picnic tables. Pictured (left-right): Donna Devlin, Katie Brown, Judith Yanacek, Tim G., Brian Considine, and Adam Devlin. Photo by michele buono

“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.”

- Paul Theroux

Employment Opportunities

Think Local. Work Local. Be Local.

New Vitae Wellness & Recovery SHIRING at our Coopersburg and Quakertown locations. We have positions starting at $16/ hr. and we can offer a $1.00 shift differential for any 2nd or 3rd shift. We offer medical, dental, vision, 401K, tuition reimbursements, biweekly pay, paid holiday, vacation, sick and personal time off, with accruals beginning the first day of employment; we even celebrate you with a paid day off for your birthday! Contact Stephanie at 610 483 1311 or skalb@newvitaewellness.com

Krause Home and Lawn CareSeeking 2 or 3 individuals to expand business. Construction experience is helpful. Also hiring for snow removal. Hourly wage will be determined based on experience. References requested. Clean driving record and driver’s license required. 267-261-7671

The Proper Brewing Company Currently seeking cooks, servers, runners, hosts, and bartenders to join the Proper family. Email kris@ theproperbrewing.com or stop in during business hours at 117 W. Broad Street, Quakertown.

Biagioli ConstructionLaborer/Helper Wanted For Remodeling Looking for a self motivated person. Experience not necessary, willing to train the right individual. Must have reliable transportation. Contact us at Jbiagioli5775@gmail.com

Spor’s General Store - Hiring various positions, ages 15 & up. bspor@sporsgeneralstore. com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville

American Legion Post 242 Update

BY DICK HELM

As you get older the years seem to go by as fast as the months would pass by when you were a teenager. Here it is 2023! Things are opening up after all the Covid 19 cautions of the past few years. We are looking forward to the Memorial Day Parade and services ending at the newly refurbished Soldiers Memorial at Memorial Park on Mill Street.

We wish to thank all the veterans and those community persons who honored the veterans of all the conflicts for their attendance at the 2022 special services we were active in. They were May’s Memorial Day Service, Patriot’s Day on September 11th, Veterans’ Day Services at Palisades Middle School, Ribbon Cutting for the refurbished Memorial, various Community Church and Organization Flag Presentation services, and most important “Honors” offered graveside for Veteran’s who answered their final taps.

The year 2023 will find us holding or attending the annual functions and requests for presentations of our beloved flag.

In order to support the many youth functions such as contributions for various baseball teams, tuition as requested for special approved instructional camps, scholarships, and annual contributions for needs such as “Shop with a Cop;” we hold an annual raffle. We also hold a second raffle for funds to help our veterans who have personal needs or are

housed in Veteran’s facilities. Remember ticket holders are invited to our post for some food as we draw the tickets. Speaking of food, our Home Association offers Friday Night “Specials” that are usually open to the public. The second Friday usually will find us offering Cheese Steak night also open to the public. The separate body of our Post, the Sons of the Legion, serves a great Sunday morning breakfast on the second Sunday of each month. We urge you to support these functions as this aids us to help the area in our service to the community. Keep an eye out for our new electronic sign in the next few months that will better post these events in advance so you can “Come on Down” to East Broad Street to support our Post. Our facilities are SMOKE FREE!

Yes, 2023 is upon us and Charles Wismer informed me that we are 78% towards full membership. I ask all veterans who are members to get those dues in so we can reach 100% renewal as we have accomplished the past two years. I also urge Legion members to attend our meetings to support our new officers so we can not only continue these functions but also improve on them. Keep reading this article also for notifications of these functions.

Remember “All gave some, Some gave all.” Thank a veteran when you see one that is identified by a hat or garment. They really appreciate this positive welcome. I know I am one of them.

~ For God & Country, Dick Helm

Annual Shop with a Cop Event Benefits over 300 Local Kids

The Quakertown Walmart was filled with dozens of children, law enforcement officers, volunteers, and costumed characters. The Elf did indeed take a seat on the shelf, the Grinch was doling out high-fives, and Santa and Mrs. Claus were visiting with the children. It was the 12th annual Shop with a Cop program in Quakertown.

This now-beloved annual event continues to grow year after year. Quakertown Police Officer Bob Lee was responsible for bringing SWAC to Quakertown and he confesses that the growth of SWAC came as a bit of a happy surprise. “If you asked me 12 years ago if this event would have included over 300 children, I probably would have laughed at you. The first Shop with a Cop was about 10 children with a $100 budget per child from local businesses”. The Quakertown program began in 2011 with just 14 children shopping with police officers. Last month, three hundred and twenty children were able to participate due to the generosity of the community.

Office, Dublin Borough, Hilltown Township, Marlborough Township, Newtown Township, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA Game Commission, PA State Police, Perkasie Borough, Pennridge Regional, Plumstead Township, Richland Township, Springfield Township, Telford Borough, Upper Saucon Township, and Warwick Township. Multiple Departments have also partnered with the Quakertown Shop with a Cop Program by sponsoring families in their own communities.

As Officer Lee explains, “The program is designed to outreach our younger children who suffer from a hardship within their family by pairing them with officers to take them shopping for Christmas. Police officers should be role models and if we can break the barrier to show that we are humans too, we did our job.”

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

school bag full of essential items and school supplies. Parents were also given $100 to shop

QMFA Junior Pee Wee Cheer Team Places 2nd at National Competition Quakertown

for gifts and/or home items, while their children were shopping with officers.

Lee serves as a School Resource Officer in the Quakertown Community School District. He continues, “I have students at the high school that remember me from Shop with a Cop. This past Shop with a Cop we have multiple law enforcement agencies who gladly volunteer their time to make the event successful. We must thank the community and businesses who donate their finances to fund the program and allow no child left behind. The Quakertown Parks and Recreation Department spearhead the program to allow it to be a success. A couple nice memories from this year are the children who buy their very first bicycle and the boy who purchased a fishing rod for the summer.”

Shop with a Cop is funded through the generous donations from the community, private sponsors and local businesses. Volunteers help with gift wrapping, hosting, and registration. Each child is allotted a monetary gift card to purchase gifts for themselves and family members, allowing for a more enjoyable holiday. All participating police officers volunteer their own time to support the program. Over $70,000 was raised for Shop With a Cop in 2022.

QCHS Best Buddies Club Enjoys Afternoon Cookie Party

Hope-A-Thon Raises over $171,000 for Mental Health and Addiction Programs

The 2022 St. Luke’s Penn Foundation Autumn Hope-A-Thon surpassed its goal by raising more than $171,000 through the generosity of event sponsors. The money raised will provide key support for Penn Foundation's 25 mental health and addiction treatment programs that serve more than 15,000 individuals annually through its main Sellersville campus and satellite locations throughout Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties.

“We are incredibly grateful to the many individuals and businesses who generously supported our Autumn Hope-A-Thon this year,” says Wayne Mugrauer, President, St. Luke’s Penn Foundation. “This support is more important than ever as the demand for mental health and substance use treatment services continues to rise. Thanks to our caring community, St. Luke’s and Penn Foundation can make significant investments to expand mental health services, open new facilities and launch leading-edge programs throughout the region to more effectively and efficiently meet the community’s needs.”

The Autumn Hope-A-Thon was held on November 3 at Immanuel Leidy’s Church in Souderton. This year’s theme was “Healing, Recovery, and Family.”

After shifting to a completely virtual event in 2020 and 2021, St. Luke’s Penn Foundation was excited to offer a hybrid event this year, which brought together its caring community for an in-person dinner.

The event was also livestreamed on WFMZ.com. The Foundation welcomed Miss Pennsylvania, Alysa Bainbridge, as a special guest.

Attendees of the 2022 Autumn Hope-AThon heard the moving stories of individuals and families who found hope through St. Luke's Penn Foundation’s care and shared information about the innovative services available through the Foundation.

In addition to the Hope-A-Thon being livestreamed, an online auction was held, which raised more than $7,000. The public bid on items such as Eagles tickets, Iron Pigs tickets, weekend getaways, handcrafted items, gift baskets and more.

The amount raised during the 2022 event surpassed St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s goal to raise $150,000 through this year’s Autumn Hope-A-Thon and online auction.

The QFMA Junior Pee Wee Cheer Team has done it again taking Second Place in their division for the second year in a row at the Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance competition in Orlando, FL on December 9. submitted Photo

Quakertown Community High School's Best Buddies club had a great time this afternoon decorating - and eating - cookies baked by chef and teacher Chris Polk. The club, advised

by Jennifer Honrado and Megan McGinty, is dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.