Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017 by Upper Bucks Free Press

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? June 30 “Jungle Book” - Friday Drive-In Movie at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193. Also collecting food for Food Pantry.

July 1 Mustang Club Cruise Nights 4pm-7pm, Country Sq Shopping Ctr, 240-3 West End Blvd, Quakertown. DJ Hodge Podge, door prizes, pony corral, no alcohol. Info: 215-538-7256 or guillrandolph@aol.com

July 4

Independence Day

Quakertown Community Day 8am-9:30pm, Memorial Park along Mill St. Music, car show, games, moon bounces, vendors, etc. Pancake breakfast 8-11am or sold out. Fireworks display at 9:30pm.

July 7 First Friday “FREE to Express” at ART Z, 6pm-10pm at 241 W Broad St, Quakertown. Info: 215-262-4443 or artzonline.org Cheesesteak & French Fry Dinner 4pm7pm at Richland Twp Fire/Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. Eat-in or take-out. $9/adult, $8/senior, 215-536-7226 “Secret Life of Pets” - Friday Drive-In Movie at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193. Also collecting food for Food Pantry.

July 8 Perkasie Leo Club CARWASH 9am-1pm at Callowhill & Branch Rds, Perkasie. (community fundraiser) Info: 215-536-4291 Free Concert “Tool Shed” 12noon-2pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-4115 Bon Fire Under the Stars w/Music for the Soul, 7:30pm at St John’s Lutheran, Ridge Valley, 910 Allentown Rd, West Rockhill Twp. Campfire goodies, bring flashlight & chair if wanted. 215-257-9643

July 9 Garden Affaires Garden Tour & FREE Marketplace 10am-4pm, The Park at 4th, 401 W Mill St, Quakertown. Tkts/info: quakertownalive.com or 215-536-2273. Free Pop Up Storytime “Gardens, Gardening & Growing” for kids at the Marketplace 11am11:30am, at 401 W Mill St, Quakertown (during Garden Affaires event)

Cruise w/the Motorvator’s at Quakertown Dairy Queen, Rte 309, Qtown. $1/car donation for CHoP. 4pm-8pm, George 610-395-1558 Free Concert “Avilion Band” 1pm-3pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-4115

July 10 Summer Reading at Quakertown Library performance, “Eyes of the Wild” (starring animals) 7pm, free, info at: buckslib.org or 215-536-3306

July 11 to 15 Sellersville Fire Dept Carnival, 2 N Main St. (Tu/Th $16 wristband 6pm-close) (Wed/ Fri 6pm-close, firewks Fri) (Sat $12 wristband 3pm-6pm, reg price after 6pm), food, fun, bingo nightly. Sellersvilleboro.org

July 11 to 31 Christmas in July Food Drive at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Collecting non-perishable foods for Quakertown Food Pantry. 215-536-8841

July 12 Pennridge Commun. Ctr Picnic 12noon at Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. Big Guys Hotdog Food Truck, kielbasa/fixins. $5/pp, horseshoes, games on patio, jukebox. Reserve/pay by 7/5. Info: 215-453-7027

July 14 “Hidden Figures” - Friday Drive-In Movie at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193. Also collecting food for Food Pantry.

July 15 Summer Reading at Quakertown Library performance, “Eyes of the Wild” (starring animals) 1pm, free, info at: buckslib.org or 215-536-3306 Fire On the Hill 2pm-10pm by UBE Fire Co at Bridgeton AA. Tkts: $20/adv, $25/door. 7 bands, 50/50, raffles, food, refreshmts, call 267-252-7336 East Penn Modifiers Club Car Show, info: Quakertown Farmers Mkt 215-536-4115

July 17 to 21 Vacation Bible School ‘Sonquest Rain Forest’ ages 3-Grade 6. 6:30pm - 8:45pm. Quakertown Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Road,Quakertown. Call 215 536-7510 or visit www.quakertowncob.org.

Pennridge Chamber to Host Legislative Breakfast

The Government Affairs Committee of the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Legislative Breakfast at J.T. Bankers, 309 S. Main Street, Sellersville, on Friday, July 21st, beginning at 8:00 a.m. A breakfast buffet will be served. In an effort to serve the business community, the organization has scheduled Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick to discuss what is happening in Washington regard-

ing Health Care and Tax Reform. The cost is $30 for Pennridge Chamber members ($40 per person for non-members) Reservations for this informative event are required. Please contact the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce at 215-257-5390 or pennridgecc@pennridge.com . The deadline for reservations is Tuesday July 18, 2017.

July 17

July 26 to 31

“Library on the Go!” Special storytime w/ librarian, 2pm at Quakertown Swimming Pool, 300 West Mill St. Free, no regis. Info: buckslib.org or 215-536-3306Summer Reading at Quakertown Library performance Ran’D Shine (magical comedy) 7pm. Free, no registration, info at: buckslib.org or 215-536-3306

July 29

July 19 QNB Founders’ Day Band Concert, 7pm9pm at Memorial Park, Mill St, Quakertown. Info: Brian 215-538-5600 x5757

July 21 “Finding Dory” - Friday Drive-In Movie at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193. Also collecting food for Food Pantry. 20th Annual Golf Tournament for UBYMCA. Details: 215-536-8841 or ubymca. org

July 22 Root Beer Float Day 2pm at Pennridge Community Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale (next to Dunkin Donuts) Floats & hot dogs for sale. Tour Thrift Shop & Commun. Ctr. Info: 215-453-7027 Bucks County Household Hazardous Waste Collection r/s from 9am-3pm (info: buckscounty.org/recycling) at Central Bucks HS, 1100 Folly Rd, Warrington Twp Free Concert “A.C. Mitchell” 11am-2pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-4115

July 23 Classic Car/Motorcycle Show 4pm-7pm at Lowe’s of Quakertown, 1001 S West End Blvd. Family Fun Event, food trucks, free regis., trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places.

July 25 Blood Drive 4pm-8pm at UBYMCA. Sign up at Welcome Ctr or giveapint.org, info: 215-536-8841

July 25 to 29 Dublin Fireman’s Fair (Tue to Fri 6:30pm10:30pm) (Sat 4pm-11pm w/fireworks), music, rides, food, prizes, raffle. Info: 215-249-3740

July 26 to 29 Coopersburg Fire Company Carnival, 13 S. Main St. (Wed to Sat 6:00pm-10:00pm), rides, food and games

UBYMCA Open House (free week of membership), info: 215-536-8841July 28 “The Shack” - Friday Drive-In Movie at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193. Also collecting food for Food Pantry. Springfield Twp. Open House. Visit to view historic artifacts, photos, family histories, and more. 2165 Route 212 Pleasant Valley (GPS: Coopersburg). 9:30am to noon. Free admission.

July 30

Community Outreach Benefit 1pm-7pm, St. John’s UCC, 538 E Thomas St, Coopersburg. Raffle tkts/$10 ea. 1st prize/$10,000, 2nd/$500, 3rd/$250, 4th/$250. Tkts: 610-248-7056 or lurf812@yahoo.com. Cobcares.org

July 31

Summer Reading at Quakertown Library performance “Sciencetellers” (science made fun) & Phila. Zoo (live animals) at 7pm. Free, no registration, info: buckslib.org or 215-536-3306

August 2 to 4

“Finding Rest” Concert Experience. 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Park at 4th Amphitheater, Mill Street & 4th Streets, Quakertown. Performing every night: Wonder (Southern/Alt. Rock); performing Aug 2: Improv Express (Jazz Improv); Aug 3: Children from the Forum (Sing & Dance); Aug 4: Random Harmonics (Contemporary). Free admission. Food available.

August 4

Cheesesteak & French Fry Dinner 4pm7pm at Richland Twp Fire/Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. Eat-in or take-out. $9/adult, $8/senior, 215-536-7226 “Moana” - Friday Drive-In Movie at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Ln, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193. Also collecting food for Food Pantry. Free potluck dinner at 6:30pm, bring side dish/dessert to share

August 5

Bucks County Household Hazardous Waste Collection r/s from 9am-3pm (info: buckscounty.org/recycling) at Strayer Middle Sch., 1200 Ronald Reagan Dr, Quakertown Mustang Club Cruise Nights 4pm-7pm, Country Sq Shopping Ctr, 240-3 West End Blvd, Quakertown. DJ Hodge Podge, door prizes, pony corral, no alcohol. Info: 215-5387256 or guillrandolph@aol.com

July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Quakertown Borough to Present Concert Series of Headliners from the 60’s and 70’s

The Borough of Quakertown is looking to get residents and visitors twisting back in time with a concert series featuring popular groups from the 1960’s and 1970’s. The new concert series will take place this summer at the Quakertown Amphitheater, located in the new ‘Park at 4th’ at Mill and Fourth Streets in downtown Quakertown. The series will kick off with a concert July 20 by Blood Sweat & Tears, best known for their five gold and platinum albums in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Their charttopping hits include “You’ve Made Me so Very Happy”, “And When I Die”, and “Spinning Wheel”. Since late 2013, the group’s lead singer has been American Idol runner-up Bo Bice. QNB Bank has stepped up as the Exclusive Community Sponsor for this concert. The next concert in the series is on August 24 by Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone with Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. Herman’s Hermits is known for its dozen Top 10 hits in the late 1960’s. The group’s biggest hit is “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”, which was the fastest-selling song in history when it was released in 1965. The groups top hits include “I’m Into Something Good”, “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter”, and “Listen People.” Gary Puckett and the Union Gap were nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1969 and are known for their hits including “Lady Willpower”, “This Girl Is Now A Woman”, and “Young Girl”. Third in the series comes on September 7. Chubby Checker with Charlie Thomas’ Drifters. Chubby Checker’s hit “The Twist” is the most popular single to ever hit Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Checker is the only recording artist to place five albums in the Top 12 all at once. He is known for his hits including “The Twist”, “Lets Twist Again”, and “Knock Down the Walls.” Charlie Thomas’ Drifters , a group in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, are a popular doowop vocal group and are known for their hits including “Under the Boardwalk”, “Up on the Roof”, and “Save the Last Dance for Me.” The concerts are expected to bring up to 2,000 attendees from all over the Northeast. Tickets to the shows range from $30-$60, with the latter being prime reserved seating, and are available at quakertown.eventbrite. com. Patrons choosing reserved seating will be able to choose their seat location online. General admission patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs. There are 600 reserved allocated and the venue is capable of comfortably accommodating up to 2000 visitors. Patrons not comfortable with the process of using the internet to buy tickets can receive help at Borough Hall at 35 N. 3rd Street or by calling 215-536-5001. Gates to the concerts will open at 6:30pm and show time is 8:00pm. Concessions, libations and merchandise will be available for purchase at the concerts. Food by Chick Fil A and beer and wine by Spinnerstown Hotel will be on hand for the first concert. Dedicated parking lots will be set up near the venue to

assure easy access for concert goers. The fee for parking is $10. The concerts will go on as scheduled, rain or shine, unless the performers or their production companies decide that conditions do not permit the concert to be safely held. When asked what prompted the idea to host concerts with these legendary musicians, the parks and rec committee noted that now that Quakertown opened the “Park at 4th” with its spacious new amphitheater, it is time to use the facility to the fullest. “We’ve had a few successful concerts with the Quakertown Band, Craig Thatcher, and other groups,” remarks Ryan Sevenski, parks and rec coordinator for the borough, “maybe we can really ramp it up and put Quakertown on the map.” Sevenski noted that the Penn Community Bank Amphitheater in Bensalem has been holding very successful concert series, several per year, mainly with popular tribute bands. As Quakertown has a similar venue, why not try to do the same thing, but go a bit further and host the actual headline bands from the past. Naomi Naylor, executive director of the borough’s “Main Street” program, Quakertown Alive!, sees the concert series as a way to draw new people to the downtown. “Anytime we can get people to come into town for an event, we have a chance to introduce them to what Quakertown has to offer – our parks, our history, and of course our businesses. These concerts should bring a lot of people from well outside our area.” Ed Scholl, lifelong Quakertown resident and the borough’s economic development consultant, agrees. “This can be one part - an important part - of our revitalization effort in town.” Indeed, Sevenski says that he’s already been receiving calls from as far away as Pittsburgh as well as from neighboring states. “There are some real hardcore fans for these bands. They’ll make the trip to see them.” Jann Paulovitz, borough council and park committee member, remarks, “People have been buying tickets 10 or 20 at a pop. If you’re a fan, you’re gonna go!” Nonetheless, the committee admits that theirs is not yet an established venue and that there is a lot of work to be done to build recognition for it. “There are even a lot of people right here in town that didn’t know we have an amphitheater,” says Sevenski, “We’ve got to work on that!” These “headliner” shows will be in addition to the amphitheater’s traditional series of summer concerts at the amphitheater. These include: Brian Dean Moore Band, 6:30 pm on July 9 (Country), Dirt Cheap Band, 6:30 pm July 16 (Classic Rock); Time Why?s, 6:30 pm July 23 (60’s Rock); Where’s Pete, 6:30 pm August 6 (Classic Pop); Midnight Special Band, 6:30 pm August 20 (Country); The Quakertown Band, 7 pm Aug. 26 (Instrumental) For more information about the concerts, go to www.quakertown.org or call 215-536-5001.

The hit band from the 1960’s and 70’s, Blood Sweat and Tears, now with lead singer Bo Bice, will be live at the Quakertown Amphitheater on July 20th as part of Quakertown’s Concert Series. Next month will feature Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone with Gary Puckett and the Union Gap on August 24th. September’s headliner will be Chubby Checker with Charlie Thomas’ Drifters on September 7. Tickets are available at quakertown.eventbrite.com. Call 215-536-5001 for info.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

Using Deeds to Reduce Inheritance Tax

BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ.

What Can Investors Learn from the ‘All Stars’?

Next week, the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held in Marlins Park in Miami. If you’re a baseball fan, you may tune in to admire the skills and grace of the players. And if you’re an investor, you can learn some valuable lessons from the All Stars, including these: • Alertness – Most of us can only dream of having the outstanding reflexes of major league ballplayers. But we can develop a similar trait: alertness. Just as a ballplayer who wants to steal a base needs to be alert to the pitcher’s delivery and the strength of the catcher’s throwing arm, you should be vigilant about investment opportunities and the potential need to make changes to your portfolio. For instance, you might realize that, over time, your portfolio has become too top-heavy with the same types of investments. Since these investments are likely to move in the same direction at the same time, you could take a big hit during a market downturn. Consequently, you may want to diversify among a wider range of vehicles, including stocks, bonds, government securities and others. While this type of diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee a profit or protect against all losses, it can help you reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio. • Patience – When you watch the best hitters – such as those appearing in the All-Star Game – you will notice that most of them are very patient, willing to wait for several pitches until they get the one they feel they can hit. As an investor, you, too, need patience. The investment world contains many myths, one of which is that it’s possible to get rich quick by finding “hot” stocks when they’re cheap and selling them after a meteoric rise.

But these events are actually pretty rare. The most successful investors are typically the ones who invest steadily, through good markets and bad ones, and who follow a long-term strategy appropriate for their needs, goals and risk tolerance. • Preparation – During the All-Star Game – or, for that matter, during any game – the ballplayers will know exactly what to do in almost any given situation. To take one example, consider what happens when a runner is on first base and the batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop. Almost without thinking – because he’s already prepared for this very scenario – the shortstop will flip the ball to the second baseman, who is already standing on the bag, because he too is ready for this play. The second basemen completes the double play by immediately throwing to the first baseman, who is also in the right place, standing on first base. When you invest, you also need to be prepared for certain situations and how you’ll respond. When your children head off to college, you should know if and how you’ll help them pay for it, maybe because you’ve prepared by saving in a 529 plan or another college-savings vehicle. When the day comes for you to retire, you should know how you’d like to tap into your retirement accounts, such as your 401(k) and IRA. By being alert, showing patience and preparing for your goals, you can put some of the All-Stars’ skills to work when you invest — and by doing so, you might improve your personal “box score.” Hopefully, you will enjoy a pleasant vacation sometime this summer. But your investment portfolio shouldn’t take time off. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones office on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or at bob.podraza@edwardjones.com

If your estate planning goal is to pass all of your property to your children and you are the sole owner of your home or property, then adjusting the way your property is titled may be something you want to look into. In Pennsylvania, the inheritance tax rate for children is .045%. That means the amount your child inherits from your estate on the PA Dep. of Rev. Inheritance Tax return, will be subject to this .045% tax. However, there are ways to significantly reduce the amount of tax they will owe. One of those ways is to add the name of your child/children to the property deed as a “joint tenant”. Under Pennsylvania law, if a property is owned between joint tenants, a right of survivorship exists. That means when one of the joint tenants passes away, the ownership interest of the deceased owner automatically passes to the surviving owner(s) without having to pass through the probate process. Furthermore, if your child is added to the deed as a joint tenant (at least 12 months prior to death), the inheritance due on that property will be significantly decreased. For exam-

ple, suppose Sue Smith owns her $300,000 house outright, and in 2015 she added her only son John Smith to the property deed as a joint tenant with a right of survivorship. In December 2017 Sue passes away. When filing and paying the PA inheritance tax, instead of having to pay inheritance tax on the full value of the house ($13,500: $300,000 x .045), John would only have to pay taxes on half of the value of the house, because he technically owned 50% of the property. That would equal a tax savings of $6,750.00. Contrary to popular belief, simply adding another person’s name to the deed as a joint tenant does not significantly change your ownership rights and will not prevent you from remaining on the property. If you think this popular estate planning tactic may benefit your situation, make sure you contact an experienced estate planning attorney who can help you with the deed changes. Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a solo practitioner in Dublin, Pennsylvania who specializes in estate planning & administration, family law and business law. You can contact him at (267) 227-9138 or ref@fravel-law.com.

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July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Ongoing Events & Resources Art Exhibition of works of Bucks Co Community College’s Arts Dept staff at Hicks Art Ctr Gallery, 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown. 9am4pm Mon-Thu (now to July 20) Info: bucks.edu/ gallery or 215-968-8425. Live at the Quakertown Amphitheater: “Blood Sweat & Tears” July 20, “Herman’s Hermits” & “Gary Puckett & Union Gap” Aug 24, “Chubby Checker” Sept 7. Tkts at Quakertown. eventbrite.com Summer Science Academy Classes at Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy in Schwenksville. Costs info/pre-regis. with paymt required, 610-287-9383. (“Summer Explorers” July 10-14 & Aug 14-1, K-3rd gr) (“Summer Afield” June 19-23 or July 24-28, 4th-6th gr) (“Exploring the East Branch Creek” June 29 or July 6, K-4th gr) perkiomenwatershed.org Quakertown Farmers Market Auctions 1st & 3rd Fri/month w/Les Beyer, 2nd & 4th Sat/month w/Tom Lorah, call 215-536-4115 for info Hoagie Sales 2nd Monday of month (except July/August) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, advance orders due Wed. before. $5.50-$6.00, info/order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com All Veterans invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. Call Frank 215-679-7770 Veterans invited 7:30pm, fourth Monday each month at VFW Post 3405, at 211 E Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Call for details at 610-282-1840 Veterans invited 1:30pm, second Sunday each month at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, 267-3719636 (bring DD 214 for proof eligibility) PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-2pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org

Support & Service Groups

Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215593-9995 or email carolonline1@verizon.net Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month in Perkasie, info: 267429-3196, stef@sistersu.com, Parent Support Group on Addiction meets 7pm, first & third Wed every month in Red Schoolhouse, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Bedminster. Info: batchof5@yahoo.com Family Education on Addiction meets 7pm, first three Mondays every month in the Red School House, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Free, register 800-221-6333 SOS Bereavement After Suicide, Family Support Group at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital twice monthly, info/details call 215-536-5143 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 or 610-558-1326 Caregiver Support Group meets last Thurs. every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-5419030 to attend a meeting. Caregiver Support Group 4pm-5pm, meets last Thur. of month, Hidden Meadows, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville, (tour & complimentary lunch), 267-429-3931, hiddenmeadowsontheridge.com Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic (for uninsured eligible residents), 595 W State St, Doylestown. Call to schedule an eligibility appointment at 215-345-2260. aschealthclinic.org

Alzheimer’s Support Group, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4512, nkoval@phoebe.org Alzheimer’s Support Group, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900. www.NOVABucks.org Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tues 7pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/ violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220-8116, www.awomansplace.org UB Kiwanis meets 1st Wed of month 7:30am at Panera Bread, 4th Wed of month 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wed each month, 7pm at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel) Business Networking International (BNI) meets every Thurs 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am-9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054

Community Meals

Free Community Meal third Wed of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318

Free Community Meal second, fourth & fifth Weds.of month, 6pm, Richland Friends Quaker Meeting. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Free Community Meal third Thurs of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447 Free Community Meal first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm, Yerger Bldg across from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave Quakertown

Bingo

Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Sat of month, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, details: 215-256-6900 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall every Thur, 12:15pm (first Thur. of month has $50 Jackpot), 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smoke-free), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues, open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. 215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open. Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. (except July) open 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. open 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Bingo at American Legion Post 397, 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, open 6pm, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church

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

Christ Church United Church of Christ

101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Christ’s Lutheran Church

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

Church of the Incarnation

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

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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

Evangel Assembly of God

401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul No Sunday evening services during summer. Where God’s Love Changes Lives

First United Church of Christ

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

BY PASTOR DAVID ELLIS My youngest daughter graduated from college recently. She has a BA and job, something that not every parent of a graduate can say. As an older parent I was going through a “remember when” moment not long ago, recalling those long ago days when she was a pre-schooler. We used to like making things out of “Play-Dough”. We were both equally skilled at making earth worms… Then Disney came out with a movie that was so popular that the “Play- Dough” company decided to make

First United Methodist Church

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

Good News Church

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

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

Grace Bible Fellowship Church

1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sundays: 9am Unified Worship Service, 9:40 Children dismissed (4yrs - 3rd grade) Children’s Church, 7pm Evening Worship. Wednesdays: Teens for Christ (7-12th grade) 6:30, Kid’s Club 7pm; Adult study 7pm.

Morning Star Fellowship

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

MorningStar Moravian Church

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

Quakertown United Methodist Church

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

Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville 215-257-7244 rvucc.pastor@verizon.net www.ridgevalleyucc.org Pastor: Rev. Steve Myren We are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith. Worship: Sundays 9:30am. Ridge Valley: Growing Together in God’s Love.

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Outdoor Summer Worship Service, except during inclement weather, June 18 through Labor Day weekend. 9:30am Sundays. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and your favorite morning beverage.

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

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

Trinity Great Swamp UCC

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

Trinity Lutheran Church

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

Victory Fellowship Church

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

910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net www.stjohnsridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am w/praise band. Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available. Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible. All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville

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

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

an accessory for their product. You would stuff a gob of “Play Dough” into the top of this contraption and press down on a plunger which pushed the “Play Dough” through a mold and when it came out, behold: a precise replica of one of the cartoon movie characters! On our own, neither my daughter nor I could have fabricated anything that looked that good! Over the years we have heard many people, including our president, describe themselves as “self made” men or women. There’s no such thing. In Genesis 1:27 the Bible says “So God created humankind in his image, in

the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” There is no such thing as a “self made” human being. God made us. Maybe I should rephrase that last statement. To read “God is still making us”. We are all works in progress whether we are three years old or 103. The Bible talks about a process called “Sanctification” which could be translated as “The process of making a saint”. God doesn’t just make the physical human being; God makes the spiritual side of us too. It’s a life time process. Maybe you’ve seen the tee shirt inscription that says “God isn’t finished with me yet.” It’s true! Through time, circumstances and our relationships, God

forms, reforms and transforms us in a process where more and more, God’s image comes into sharper focus in and through our lives in our faith, our words and our deeds. Nobody can become a godly person without the help of God. I take a lot of comfort in that. It means it isn’t all up to me. I’m one of God’s works in progress. So are you. Trust your life to the Lord. Do what you can in this process and put the rest in the Creator’s hands. God never makes mistakes. What God makes of you and me will be a better life than we could ever make on our own. David Ellis is the pastor at Trinity Great Swamp UCC in Spinnerstown. Reach him at pastor.ellis@tgsucc.org.

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July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

OP-ED:

Milford MS Should Be Saved Milford Middle School does not need to close. The building is not crumbling down, the roof is not leaking, and there is no boiler ready to explode. The school board and administration have been hiding behind their facilities report to distract us from what is really going on. The reason Milford is closing is simply to save money. The district’s website lists this savings at one million dollars a year, although I believe those savings will not be fully met. One million dollars is one-quarter of what was spent on just two change orders in the high school renovation project (the turf practice field and dance studio). One Million dollars is less than 1% of the budget, it is actually 0.92%. This is crazy. If you had a $200 grocery shopping budget this would be $1.84 of that. I’m sure you could find a way to cut $1.84 from your budget. One million dollars in a 109-million-dollar budget is not trimming the fat, it’s picking a booger, it’s pulling a tick off of dog. It’s minuscule. There are so many ways this money can be made up without cutting all of our programs, but our board refuses to acknowledge any of them. Every year the board overestimates its preliminary budget and realizes these savings when the final numbers are added up. This year the preliminary budget seems even more inflated. This one million dollar savings they say will be realized by closing Milford will be even less meaningful when the actual spending numbers come in next year. Every plan to address this “budget crisis” has started and ended with the closing of Milford. I now know why. The administration and the board members see any empty seats in Strayer Middle School as dollar signs, but these seats will be needed in the near future. The growth in this area is happening, we can all see that. There are many new housing units either approved or currently under construction in Milford and Richland Townships. The population estimates that the administration quoted to us at a past meeting didn’t take these new housing developments into account. Their

reports stated that by birth and death rates, our population is going to remain steady or decline. They also didn’t take into account the two new hospitals that are estimated to bring in over 1200 new jobs. We can’t afford to lose the few open seats we have to absorb this growth. Closing Milford will touch 1600 students, change the fabric of the community and the foundation of the school district, all for a less than a 1% annual savings? When it comes time to close the elementary schools (they are already planning for this) there will be no room. Elementary students will be forced into modular classrooms. Is this ideal for elementary aged children? They are in the same room all day. The board has been pushing the blame for these actions onto the state, saying in their letter on March 29th, that the state makes them pay too much to PSERS and the state makes them pay Philadelphia district prevailing wages. Well guess what, those are the rules that every school district in Pennsylvania has to deal with and they knew the rules when they were elected to the board. There are many school districts that are adding teachers and building buildings, and they pay the same prevailing wages and PSERS contributions. This board has voted to raise taxes every year since they have been elected, and what do they have to show for it? They are going to close multiple schools to close a budget gap that they created. The parents and the citizens of this district are now paying attention. Please check out www.qcsdwatch.org. The board makes their “official” vote on whether or not to close Milford Middle School on July 18 at a special board meeting. The meeting starts at 7 PM and will be held at the District Office at 100 Commerce Drive in Milford Township. Please come and express your thoughts on how our money and children’s educations are being managed. ~ Chris Spear Spinnerstown

The Upper Bucks Free Press welcomes Letters to the Editor and Op-Ed submissions. Materials submitted for publishing consideration must include the author’s full name and phone number for verification purposes. Publisher reserves the right to deny submissions for any reason. Submissions do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any other editorial contributor.

American Legion Post 242 July 2017 Update BY DICK HELM Memorial Day services and parade were quite interesting because of the chancy weather. Somehow we skipped through the major rainstorms of that day and were able to honor those who served. I must admit, the two rifle teams that went out shortly after 6:30 AM to our regular cemetery Honor Squad firings went get quite wet! But a hot cup of coffee back at the post helped take off the chill. The ladies “Arm” of our Legion Post did an outstanding support job for the participants from early in the morning till after noon. That must be commended! Charley Wismer, our Adjutant, does an outstanding job and must be commended for what he does. He, Our Post Commander, and the Treasurer carry most of the burden of keeping the wheels of this organization moving. As I write this article, these gentlemen and the Ladies Organization are busy working on the event of this evening (June 24th) – The Legion Veteran’s Drawing. It looks like we will have funds raised showing about $1000.00 for this important Veterans Account. Remember we help children in the “Youth Drawing” and we support the needs of veterans with funds from this account. It is a shame that out of over $5000.00 gross (We give out about $4600.00) in cash prizes we can only bring in this amount. There are quite a few members who sign the tickets given to them to sell as “Going back to the Post” raising that $1000.00 to a much better figure for this very important Post function of giving.

We send out 3 tickets ($10.00 a piece or 3 for $25) to each member. If only 80 percent of the members would send their tickets back we would have gross TWO TIMES the amount and are able to net 3 to 4 times more. This would really help our fellow veterans in their time of need or support our many youth programs to keep the kids active and award those who excel in the their showing scholastically or in the Community Spirit. Quakertown has a drug problem and these programs keep our youth busy and out of trouble. Getting back to Charley Wismer, he does hours and hours of bookkeeping, filling out Legion forms, being Secretary during the 24 meeting a year, and maintaining membership records. These duties should involve about at least 6 to 8 people if we could fill committees. But how can we fill committees when only about 10 of us attend the meetings? Literally this is a second full time job for Charley. He only asks you in the accompanying letter that is sent with the tickets to sell those three tickets and possibly talk to someone you know is an eligible veteran to join our Legion Post. Since I have become active we have lost about 300 members! As I understand, there was a time that we had over 1000 members. Lets all honor Charley by not putting the next letter with 3 tickets aside and send in your check with the 3 tickets when you first receive it. Remember it is used to help your fellow veterans and the youth of the Quakertown Community! Yours in Patriotism, Richard Helm

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

Theresa A. (McIntyre) Hooper, 78,

of Perkasie, died Sunday, June 4, 2017 at Belle Haven Nursing Home, Quakertown. She was the widow of the late Thomas J. Hooper. Born in Sellersville, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Bertha (Hilldebrandt) McIntyre. Theresa worked for many years at the Theodore Gross Processing Plant in Doylestown. She was a life member of the Plumsteadville Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary. Theresa loved animals, especially cardinals, which was her favorite bird. Surviving is her son, Gary Hooper, of Quakertown; her daughter, Wendy Hager, of Richlandtown; grandchildren: Debra L. Hager, Edward A. Eisenhard, Becky L. Eisenhard, Evan Orion Hooper, Michaela Catherine Hooper, Kolette Nicole Hooper, Aaron Austin Hooper and Jessica Grace Daniels; great-grandchildren: Tristan Lee Kutt, Devan Lynn Hager, Collin Hunter Eisenhard, Tyler James Heacock, Charlie Edward Heacock and Charlotte Day Hooper; and her siblings: William Edward McIntyre, wife Lori, of Blooming Glen; Linda Gertrude Rosenberger, husband James, of Silverdale; and James Cornelius McIntyre, wife Carol, of Hilltown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Salem Mennonite Church, 41 E. Cherry Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown in charge of arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com

Andrea M. Thorsen, 63, of Quakertown, died Thurs., June 8th at Grandview Hospital, Sellersville. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of Douglas and Loretta Thorsen of Quakertown. She worked in the office of Dr. Zemel in Sellersville. She loved spending time with her many friends and her three beloved cats. Surviving with her parents is her son, Cody Thorsen of Quakertown; aunts, Grace Freier and Helen Anderson; cousins, Claudette Anderson, Ralph Anderson, Judy Tiche, and Susan Quenoem.

~Obituaries~

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the church and Stray Cat Blues Shelter, PO Box 8, Colmar, PA 18915. Naugle Funeral and Cremation Service, Quakertown, is in charge of arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com

Gregory Allan Dimmick, 64, of Trumbauersville, died at his home on Sunday, June 11, 2017. Born in Sellersville, he was a son of the late Benjamin, Sr. and Betty (Freed) Dimmick. Greg was a 1970 graduate of Pennridge High School. He was employed 38 years as an inspector for the former Teleflex – now Triumph Controls, Inc. in North Wales. He was an active member of the Telford Volunteer Fire Company for many years. Greg was a tropical weather lover who enjoyed golfing at Myrtle Beach and his vacations in Aruba. He was an avid golfer and bowler, and loved Nascar - he was a huge fan of Jeff Gordon. Surviving are his children: Christopher Allan Dimmick, Perkasie; Nichole Thomas, husband Jeffrey, Schwenksville and Lisa Hierholzer, husband Kyle, Warminster; his grandchildren: Nicolas, Kyle, Harley, Cooper, Christopher (C.J.), Gavin and Logan; his siblings: Benjamin Dimmick, Jr., wife Debbie, Trumbauersville; Connie Dobrydnia, Tohickon; Beverly Umstead, husband Brian, Telford and Timothy Dimmick, wife Marina, Hilltown; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jeffrey; and a sister, Diana. Memorial contributions may be made to the GoFundMe set up in Gregory’s name: www. gofundme.com/gregdimmick Clara “Clair” L. Cressman, 81, a long time resident of Quakertown, PA, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2017 in Tacoma, WA. Clair was born in Marcus Hook, PA to Ethel Mae Snow and John Wesley Porter on February 29, 1936. She graduated from Ridley Park High School in 1954. After graduation she worked as a secretarial assistant for the

FBI in Philadelphia, PA for ten years. While there she received a number of accommodations for the quality of her work and awards for excellent service, several presented to her by J. Edgar Hoover. She later owned and operated All-Ways Travel in Quakertown for 22 years until her retirement. She was a member of Business and Professional Women and was active in the 145th District Democratic Committee for years. She was an avid reader, loved traveling, movies, spending summers at the beach, and family gatherings. Clair enjoyed helping her daughters excel in school and worked hard to help provide them with a good life growing up. Clair is survived by her daughters, Kelly Collins of Seattle, WA and Carrie Cressman of Raleigh, NC, a twenty-one month old Grandson, Christian Cressman-Kondas and three nieces. Clair will be deeply missed by her daughters and many friends and family. A Celebration of Life in honor of Clair will be held in Quakertown, PA on Saturday, July 15th, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00pm at the Quakertown Train Station. Condolences may be left in Clair’s online guestbook at www. yourtribute.com.

Edward J. Johnson, 53, of Quakertown died Thurs. June 15 in St. Luke’s University Hospital- Bethlehem. He was the loving husband of Kathy (Gregory) Johnson. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late William F., Sr. and Jeanne (Lasalle) Johnson. Ed had served with the US Navy. He worked as an electrician for the USPS in the Lehigh Valley distribution center. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. Surviving with his wife are their children Nicholas, Kelsey, Megan, Matthew; brother William; sisters Michele, Maureen (Jim) Clemens, Janice (Steve) Longo, Karen (Clyde) Kirch, & Monica Shive. www.NaugleFCS.com Jacob J. Rathjens, 78, of Haycock Township, died at his home on Friday, June 16, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Anna Mae (Sloyer) Rathjens for 57 years. Born in Haycock Township, Bucks County, he was the son of the late John and Marie (Raab) Rathjens. Jake was a self-employed truck driver for 25 years, retiring in 2013. In his spare time, Jake liked hunting and fishing, and he was a splendid cook and baker. The most precious thing in his life was his family, and he loved spending time with them whenever he could. Surviving with his wife is his daughter, Amy Shimp, husband Daniel; his son, Jay Rathjens, wife Diane; all of Quakertown; grandchildren:

Heidi Perez, husband Lark; Brandon Shimp, wife Gabby; Jayson Rathjens; Kelsey Rathjens and Lindsey Rathjens; great-grandchildren: Myla Perez, Silas Shimp, Kadyn Perez and Rosanna Shimp; and his sister, Helen Foulke, husband Ralph, of Milford Square. He was preceded in death by a son, Lee Rathjens. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown in charge of arrangements. www.nauglefcs.com

Helen R. (Gregg) Jarrett, 87, of Quakertown, died at her home on Thur., June 22, 2017. She was the widow of Roscoe S. Jarrett. Born in Trumbauersville, she was a daughter of the late Charles V. and Helen (Kujawa) Gregg. Helen was a homemaker and a loving mother to her five children. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Surviving are her children: Joan Wenyon, husband Kenneth, of Line Lexington; Dennis Jarrett, wife Carol, of Silverdale; Pamela Miller, of Orlando, Fla.; William Jarrett, of Quakertown; and Sheila Pannepacker, husband Steven, of Susquehanna; grandchildren: Christopher, Danielle, Rachael, Zack and Jessica; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Ann Emert, of Sellersville. Helen was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Gregg; and sisters: Florence Kukowski, Regina Volensky and Caroline Ogden. www.nauglefcs.com Michael Orlic, 93, of Quakertown, died Sunday, June 25 in his home. He was the loving husband of Mary (Colodonato) Orlic. Born in Bryn Mawr, he was a son of the late Michael & Josephine (Kaminsky) Orlic. He served with the US Army during WWII in the European theatre and received a silver star, a bronze star and Purple Heart. He was a lineman working for the IBEW Local 126, Norristown for 40 years before retiring in 1988. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. Surviving with his wife is his son, Michael Jr.; sisters-in-law, Julia Coladonato and Janet Hoffman; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the church. www.nauglefcs.com

Michener Art Museum Founder and Chairman Emeritus Herman Silverman

The board of trustees and staff of the James visitors each year. A. Michener Art Museum are deeply sad“Herman had remarkable vision and a deep, dened by the death of Herman Silverman, a longstanding commitment to making art publiBucks County businessman and philanthropist cally accessible,” said Louis E. Della Penna, whose passion for art and the local community chairman of the Michener board of trustees. propelled him to serve as a leading force in cre- “He changed for the better the landscape and ating what is now the Michener Art Museum. lives of so many people in Bucks County.” Mr. Silverman passed away on Wednesday, “Herman will be profoundly missed,” addMay 31 at the age of 97. ed Gregory Church, president of the Michener In the late 1980s, Mr. Silverman convinced boardof trustees. “But his generous spirit and the County Commissioners to allow him to countless contributions will resonate at the transform the Michenerfor former Bucks decades to County Prison come.” in Doylestown Michener into an arts Director and center that CEO Lisa would showT r e m p e r case regional H a n o v e r historical and agreed. “Even contemporary at 97, Herman art. He then was deeply persuaded engaged in the his close arts and the friend James Michener,” Michener, the she said. world-famous was writer who James A. Michener (left) with Herman Silverman (right) at 1988 “He proud grew up in opening of the Michener Art Museum. photo by frank pronesti very of what the Doylestown, to donate his name and major financial support to the new institution. Over the museum has become, and never missed an past thirty years, the Michener Art Museum opportunity to converse with visitors or has evolved into a thriving visual arts institu- compliment the staff. We will all feel his tion and cultural center that welcomes 135,000 absence acutely.”

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

July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Alumni Association and Education Foundation Honor 31 People in June The QCHS Alumni Association and Quakertown Community Education Foundation honored two alumni, one retired teacher, two current students and 26 deceased military members last Saturday. At its annual meeting in the Commons, the Alumni Association awarded two $1,000 scholarships to seniors Emily E. Moyer and Katelyn Tampone. Scholarship committee members were impressed with Emily’s motivation and commitment to her dental career studies at Upper Bucks County Technical School. She will attend Bucks County Community College in the fall. The committee members enjoyed their conversation with Katelyn and noted that their scholarship decisions were tough because all candidates presented themselves well. Katelyn will study psychology at Bloomsburg University and continue her involvement with music performance and theater. The Alumni Association gave community activist Judith Guise, retired QCSD teacher, an Honorary Diploma. Ms. Guise has been retired as long as she taught. She remains active with numerous causes in the Quakertown area. Rear Admiral Valerie K. Huegel, Class of 1973,was added to the QCHS Wall of Fame. She arrived in full dress blues, with plenty of ribbons and stars. She shared memories of her school years, from elementary through high school with her life-long friends in attendance, including Melea Barto Rupert and Arlene Price.

Later, Admiral Huegel piggybacked off Judge Robert Roth’s presentation of a bronze plaque hung on the Athletic Hallway wall to commemorate QCHS alumni who gave their all in wars. Judge Roth noted that he and others knew many of the alumni personally. “They were people, not just names.” The initiative to recognize QCHS’s fallen military with this plaque was spearheaded by Roth and funded with contributions from alumni and the Quakertown Education Foundation. Musician Craig Thatcher, Class of 1974, could not attend, so his friend, John Ruby, accepted his Wall of Fame award for him. The graduates killed during combat were World War I – C. Russell Leitch (Class of 1911) and Ivanhoe Metz (1913). World War II – Raymond F. Pfaff (1926); Donald Eugene Hoffman (1934); Alexander Evanko and Harry R. Maurer (1936); John Rivers and Harry Swartz (1937); Harry B. Booth (1938); Russell Allison and Richard Schaffner (1939); William T. Beck, Charles D. Benner and Alan R. Fluck (1941); Philip Ingalls (1942); Milford J. Rodgers (1944); Ralph Beck and Oswin Moll (1945). Korea – Clarence F. Rotenberger (1945). Vietnam - Paul E. Gross (1955); Atis K. Lielmanis (1957); Donald R. Kemmerer (1959); Gary D. Holland (1963); John R. Millikan (1966). Persian Gulf – Kristin E. Shemeley (1990); Tamarra J. Johnson (1997).

(left) Member of the Quakertown Education Foundation board and QCHS alumnus, Bob Roth, discusses the initiative behind the bronze plaque installed at Quakertown Community High School recognizing alumni who lost their lives while serving in the military during times of combat. (right) Former Quakertown school teacher and current active community member,Judy Guise, was presented with a QCHS Honorary Diploma. Rear Admiral Valerie K. Huegel, Class of 1973, was added to the QCHS Wall of Fame in recognition of her accomplishments photos by christopher betz

This year’s late spring, early summer weather has made it difficult to plan outdoor activities such as picnics and family reunions. However, it has been a boon to my garden! Hot sun interspersed with long periods of rain have made most of the plants very happy. The tuberous begonias I purchased at the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale as “plugs” have grown and are flourishing in their hanging baskets which grace my patio. The pollinator plants are in full bloom and my perennial garden is ablaze with color. Of course, where there are flowers, there are pollinators. What are these pollinators that we hear so much about? A pollinator is anything (insects, animals, wind, etc.) that helps carry pollen from the male parts of the flower (anthers) to the female part of the flower (stigma). Pollination is necessary for plants to become fertilized and produce fruits, seeds and young plants. Pollinators are responsible for over 75% of the world’s food sources. Although there are many plants who do not depend on insects or animals for fertilization, imagine how limited our diet would be with only 25% of our available foods! For more information here is a link to the Penn State Publication “What is a Pollinator, and why do we need them? https://goo.gl/3ZUzec I have been lucky enough to always be fascinated by insects and any other creature of nature. As a young child I spent hours by the local stream turning over rocks to find salamanders for my homemade aquarium. I collected the discarded skins of cicadas, observed what we called “wooly bears” (the larval stage of the Isabella Tiger Moth) and chased many a butterfly, I have never been afraid of bees (even though stepping on a bumble with bare feet is not desirable), wasps, or spiders, etc. I am still spellbound by the march of an ant carrying many times its weight, bees with their sacs full of pollen or the sight of a cicada

killer dragging its paralyzed dinner into a hole. If you have ever observed the intricacies of a spider web newly wet with rain it is hard to imagine a more beautiful creation. I have attempted to tell my grandchildren, my neighbors or anyone who would listen that pollinators are a valuable resource of our eco system and almost all of them have no interest in people unless provoked. Because my Father was allergic to bee stings and sprayed EVERYTHING when I was a kid I understand the avoidance when stings can be dangerous or even fatal. These decisions are best left up to you and your family Doctor. As an advocate of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) I choose to use the gentlest method possible. I don’t swat it, squash it or spray it. That being said, there are times when a home gardener will choose to treat a treasured plant or eradicate a danger to their family. I have no problem spraying insecticidal soap on my ornamentals when a good hard spray with water fails!. If necessary, local garden centers have many pesticides available. Ask for assistance and read the label carefully. Here is a Penn State Cooperative Extension Publication explaining how to interpret labeling on these products: https://goo.gl/Zyis1Q Bucks County Master Gardener Horticulture Hotline Monday through Friday, 9 am to 12 pm You can call, email, write or visit us with your home gardening questions and concerns! 215-345-3283 “Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Rd Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksHotline@ag.psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us through the Upper Bucks Free Press!

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

Employment Opportunities

You’ve Got Maids - Hiring commercial nighttime cleaners & daytime residential cleaners. (215) 529-7837 Spor’s General Store - Hiring part-time help, various positions. Stop in to inquire. 22 W. Broad Street, Trumbauersville. Edible Arrangements - Hiring Seasonal personal skills, attention to detail, must. Call (215) 536-1298 or stop by mation and to apply. 582 S. West End

Help. Good interand reliability a store for inforBlvd, Quakertown

Pool Pro - Local pool store seeks service technicians and helpers for upcoming pool season. 1619 West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-0456 Dazzle Hair & Nail Studio - Nail Technician PT / FT We’re looking for a licensed nail technician to work in our salon. To be considered please call Jennifer at 215-529-4464 or send resume to jennidazzles@gmail.com Woods’ Pools - Local pool builder seeks construction trainees. Experience a plus. technicians and helpers for upcoming pool season. 1619 West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-2323 Proper Brewing Company Full & Part time Server and Bartender. Stop in during business hours at 117 W. Broad Street, Quakertown, or email kris@theproperbrewing.com Upper Bucks YMCA - Wellness Center Attendant, Art Teacher, Member Service Associate, Kids Korner Babysitter. All include full Y membership. Call 215-536-YMCA (9622) or stop in to apply. 401 Fairview Avenue, Quakertown. Upper Bucks Free Press - Marketing & Sales Opportunities. Experience not necessary. Communication skills, reliability, and ability to work independently a must. Great fit for students, homemakers, and retirees. Email: cjbetz@ubfp.org to inquire.

Did you know?

Only two people actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4: John Hancock and Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress. Most of the others signed August 2.

Police Camp a Success The Upper Bucks YMCA partnered with the Quakertown Police Department to run the weeklong Kids Police Camp at the Y in June. Quakertown Patrolman Steve Stoneback did a fantastic job coordinating the effort. He also brought in other departments and services that took the time to be a part of this special week: Quakertown Volunteer Fire Department, EMT, PA State Police, K-9 unit, Bucks County SWAT, and Bucks County Sheriff Juvenile Probation. The week proved to provide a positive impact on our community and we are grateful for their continuing service and support of all involved. submitted photos

July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Harley’s Haven

Meet Duke!

Duke is the most handsome boy - poor Duke ended up in the shelter in Alabama with a broken leg almost 3 months ago. One of our rescue friends down there took him on and sponsored his surgery to repair his leg and sent him to recover! We couldn’t resist his handsome face, so we scooped him up! He is about 2-3 years old and is great with other dogs and loves people. He is just finishing up his recovery and is looking for love!

I am very glad that I lost my extra pounds 2 years ago on the Hill’s Metabolic Food. Brandy never did. Brandy is my dog sister that visits nursing homes with me as a Therapy dog. Brandy wasn’t listening completely when Momma Jean told her to get in the car to go to Physical Therapy. Brandy thought it was a Pet Therapy visit and I was being left behind. I didn’t have the heart to correct her. The word physical was all I needed to hear to know there was going to be exercise involved. Brandy was going

Meet Jet!

Poor Jet was adopted from our rescue almost 2 years ago when he was just a puppy. He was recently returned as they felt they couldn’t give him the time and attention he deserves. He is in a foster home with us and is doing awesome! He is great with other dogs, cats, and kids! He is a happy and outgoing guy who needs a second chance!If you are looking for a furever friend, give Harley’s Haven a call today at (267) 354-5204.

to what they call “ Fat Camp” at Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital. BOL (Bark Out Loud) I heard Momma Jean say it is 8 weeks of controlled exercise. She will be walking on a treadmill in water so she doesn’t hurt her joints as she walks and swimming with a vest on so she doesn’t sink. (BOL again) Of course there will be no treats for a job well done only belly rubs. I hope it works for her but in the mean time I am going to have fun teasing her about Fat Camp. That’s what sisters do. Love M.J.

Did you know?

Three US presidents have died on July 4 — John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe. In a bizarre twist of fate, Adams and Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the country they helped found.

Confusing Lumps & Bumps Lumps and bumps are incredibly common in both dogs and cats, and are something we see in pets of all ages! Many of them are completely benign, like cysts and lipomas (fatty deposits), but there are other ones that can be concerning and should be removed! This month I want to tell you about the case of ‘Sky’, the golden retriever. Sky is a spayed female who is 6 years old and is overall very healthy. She was in the office 2 months ago with a hotspot on her right thigh that responded nicely to a course of antibiotics and steroids, and didn’t seem to be a concern. Fast forward to about 2 weeks ago when the area seemed to come back, but this time the skin was thickened and all the fur had fallen out over the same area that the hot spot was previously. It had a similar appearance, but not quite a normal hot spot, so we decided to investigate further. We took an aspirate sample and sent it to the lab and guess what?? It came back as a mast cell tumor!!

Mast cell tumors are a cancerous mass that grow in the skin and can be more benign and easily removed, or can be more aggressive and can even spread to other areas of the body! We decided to remove it, so that we could avoid it causing issues in the future for her. At the time of surgery we did some bloodwork, which was normal, and took xrays of her chest to ensure everything else was normal, which it was! We removed the mass and sent it in for biopsy to ensure it was fully removed, and to get more information on the mass. Luckily, it was completely removed and was a low grade mass, meaning very unlikely to spread! Whew!! Sky is a great example of the importance of getting recurrent issues checked out, and a reminder that not all skin growths are benign! When in doubt, get it checked out!! Happy summer everyone! Dr. Mehaffey and partner Dr. Jen Heller own and operate the Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be reached at 267-272-9996. They also founded Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.

Alderfer Receives United Way Kelton Service Award

Each year, a member of the United Way of Bucks County Board of Directors is awarded the Dr. Stanton Kelton Award. This long-standing award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution over the past year to the goals of the United Way of Bucks County and its mission in the community. This award honors the memory of Dr. Kelton, a compassionate and generous board member from 1966 to 1993, who was dedicated to advancing this community. This year, Todd Alderfer is being honored with this prestigious award. Mr. Alderfer is Senior Vice President/Commercial Lending Team Leader at QNB. He is a member of United Way of Bucks County’s Board of Directors and is being honored for exceptional contributions over the past year, which includes helping staff with fundraising and leadership giving. He is kind, wise, and generous with his knowledge—traits valued by both United Way’s staff and his fellow board members.

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

What is that Tone?

NO BULLying Run Draws Record Number

Network of Victim Assistance’s 5th Annual NO BULLying 1-mile Fun Run and 5-mile Run, sponsored for the fourth year by Penn Community Bank, drew 380 registrants, the highest number since the fundraiser’s inception. Held Sunday, June 11, at Doylestown Township’s Central Park, the event raises awareness for the effects and consequences of bullying on our young people and our communities, as well as funds that support NOVA’s efforts to combat bullying through its community prevention education initiatives. The event is a project of NOVA’s Young Professional Advisory Board, a comprehensive board preparation training initiative for young professionals who are interested in serving on nonprofit boards. The program teaches participants how to leverage their leadership skills to become effective board members. Matthew Brown, Chalfont, and Stephanie Savastano, Perkasie, were the first-place male and female runners for the five-mile main event, taking home coveted crystal bull trophies. Jake Anton, 13, Furlong, and Lauren Murphy, 10, Perkasie, won first-place male

and female honors and pewter bull trophies for the one-mileFun Run. Janet Esler, Chalfont, and Chuck Thompson, New Hope, were the top female master and top male master in the five-mile race, receiving pewter bull trophies. The morning event, held in the sunshine and increasing heat, offered activities for runners as well as their families: kid-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, face painting and moon bounce, a photo booth, live entertainment by the School of Rock in Doylestown and demonstrations by Action Karate and East West Karate schools, silent auction and raffles. This year Nat’s Pizza scooped free water ice. Team “Malik’s Journey” took part in this year’s Fun Run in support of bullying awareness and NOVA’s prevention programs. The 33 friends and family members participated in memory of Malik Kelly, a 10-year-old bullying victim whose recent suicide was just one month ago on May 11. Son of Tynisha Kelly and grandson of Annette and Dennis Brabham, Malik was a student at Samuel W. Pennypacker School in the West Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Mandy Mundy (left), director of education at NOVA and the race coordinator, presents the crystal bull trophy to Stephanie Savastano of Perkasie, first-place female runner in NOVA’s annual NOBULLying Run 5-mile event Sunday, June 11 at Doylestown Township’s Central Park. photo by anne biggs

Measure Introduced to Keep Teachers on Merit vs. Seniority Legislation designed to keep the best teachers in the classroom was endorsed by the House Education Committee this week. House Bill 1495, co-sponsored by State Representative Craig Staats, would end the practice of furloughing teachers based on seniority and allow those decisions to be based on performance evaluations. Likewise, reinstatement would

also be based on work performance. Under current law, school boards must eliminate entire education programs and associated educators during times of economic challenges, which could force better teachers out of the classroom. The measure now moves to the full House for consideration.

What I mean by this is sometimes our feelings can feel so mixed-up in that we are experiencing several feelings at one time. When this happens, it can make us feel overwhelmed and confused about what it is we are supposed to be doing. Which then can cause us to feel angry and frustrated. Which then can create us reacting to others in not such a nice way or just being “short” in our voice towards others. Hence the topic what is that tone? A fair amount of people aren’t even aware of when they have a tone in their voice. There are times when I feel out of sorts and don’t realize that I am not responding to others in my usual manner. I know that I can be hard on myself which is a blessing and a curse for me. Being hard on myself pushes me out of my comfort zone and allows me to take risks in all areas of my life. The flip side is that it becomes “not enough” which is what I talked about last month. So, I must also work hard at allowing myself to be human and that feelings are just feelings sometimes. I usually understand what is going on in my life that would be stirring up these mixed-up emotions. I just wish sometimes that I didn’t have to feel these uncomfortable feelings and that I could control them. However, this is unrealistic when you are dealing with life and your feelings. Life is going to keep on happening whether we like it or not, so we have to go with the punches, right??? Yes right. Life doesn’t have to be any harder than it needs to be which is why dealing with our feelings is the best thing to do. As uncomfortable as they may be at times, what I have learned is to just feel them for as long as you need to and then let them go. It is also so important to talk to someone you feel close to about your feelings. The more you talk about them the sooner the discomfort will go away. Let me clarify talking about your feelings is not the same as complaining about your life. The latter often relates to you feeling sorry for yourself and being victimized by the things happening in your life. What I am talking about is feeling upset that your mother is getting older, that time just keeps moving at a faster pace then you want, that you feel lost in your life, that you miss your children because they are

going away to college, etc. It is my belief that when we are feeling this level of mixed-up it is usually on a deeper level and it is about our need to grieve or quite simply it is because we have a lot of life stressors that are influencing our ability to manage and express our feelings appropriately. Grieving is never easy. What a lot of people don’t realize is that you can grieve almost anything in your life. For instance, you can grieve the present in that it is not what you thought it was going to be and that this upset you or that you thought you were going to have a future with someone in your life and now you are grieving what could have been. Which is why it can be so hard to let go of things in your life. When you can identify where these uncomfortable feelings are coming from then you can grieve whatever it is that you feel is missing in your life or that you are just sad about. When your emotions are all over the place you just feel unsettled and not yourself you may tend to act out these feelings in a negative way. This would be considered a “red flag”. If someone says something to you like “Are you okay? You seem kind of short with me? Or you have a tone in your voice?” You may want to take a look at it. It may be a clue that something else more internally is going on with your emotions that you are not aware of. The most important thing to do is to ask yourself is something going on in my life that could cause me to be upset and being short with others? If you are unsure ask someone close to you that question. Good people in your life will be honest with you. Then it is up to you to decide about examining your feelings and behaviors and dealing with them so that others do not get the pinch of your pain and suffering because you don’t want to deal with it or are unaware that you do in fact have feelings and may be dissatisfied with what is happening in your life. So, be aware of your tone, it may be a signal that you are not okay! My belief is “that all persons are truly greater than they think they are.” Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219. Visit her website at www.balancelife4u.com.

Where Can I Get my UBFP?

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

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

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

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Quakertown Alive! Receives 2017 Main Street Accreditation

Quakertown Alive! has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its Coordinating Program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach®. “It is a great honor to recognize this year’s 828 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs for their outstanding work to transform downtown and neighborhood commercial districts,” says Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “Main Streets are the heart of our communities, and the work they do to create quality public spaces, catalyze local entrepreneurship, and support downtown housing is more important than ever. Across the county, Main Street America programs truly strengthen the economic, social, and cultural fabric of their entire communities.” Quakertown Alive!’s performance is annually evaluated by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, which works in partnership with the

National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings. Paul Rose, QA!’s president, commented, “Quakertown Alive!’s renewed accreditation is the result of over 8,000 volunteer hours spent in 2016, the support from our Borough, sponsors, the citizens of our community, and other numerous other stakeholders. With all of our combined efforts we acknowledge and improve the quality of life in our downtown area. At Quakertown Alive! we are excited to expand upon these efforts and will make our community even better in the future”. Quakertown Alive! seeks to enhance life in the Quakertown community through continuing development of a thriving downtown center. Dedicated volunteers and strong broad-based partnerships serve as a catalyst for our non-profit organization to lead Quakertown forward.

Wilhelm Recognized for 30 Years at NOVA

Eleanor Wilhelm came to NOVA in 1985 as a Crisis Hotline volunteer for the thenyoung victim support agency that was founded as Women Organized Against Rape just 11 years earlier. A year later, she moved to a volunteer position in the Prevention Education Department. Then, in 1987, she was hired to oversee the organization’s vibrant corps of volunteers of which she had so recently been a member. She is now the force behind the marketing and delivery of NOVA’s Personal Empowerment Programs (PEP) for people with physical and developmental disabilities, a program that has earned awards and professionals’ praise far beyond Bucks County’s borders. “Eleanor’s dedication to the NOVA mission is unmatched,” says Penny Ettinger, NOVA executive director. “She has recruited, interviewed and trained hundreds of crisis hotline and community outreach volunteers during her tenure at NOVA. The relationships she’s cultivated within the community through the years continue to endow our programs with strong roots. An invaluable member of the team currently focusing on PEP, who knows what initiative she’ll bless next with her energy and passion!” Wilhelm lives in Doylestown.

Yard Sale Tips

Quakertown Alive!’s Executive Committee: Scott Orzehoski, Sherrie Rotenberger, Paul Rose (president), and Jann Paulovitz. Not pictured: Cheri Freeh. photo by michele buono

Park at 4th Gets Info Signs

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign. The Park at 4th now features a new informational sign showcasing some of the history of Quakertown and the connection to the Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Network. The sign was purchased with funds from Quakertown Alive! and the PA Highlands Trail Network. (left-right) Paul Rose, Sara Friedman, Naomi Naylor, Jann Paulovitz, Ashton Rosenberger, Tom Klee, Tricia McCloskey, and Ryan Sevenski. photo by michele buono

I have been advising people about at yard sales for decades. Here are my top tips for those of you who love yard sales, both buyers and sellers. Many of us have spent a weekend driving around your favorite neighborhoods to shop on other people’s lawns. Typically, you end up buying a few things that you really don’t need but you just can’t leave on a neighbor’s lawn like a watering can, vintage poster, and bunch of silk napkins. You spend $12 and call it a day. As an expert appraiser, there are many things that people don’t know about yard sales. The first thing that most people don’t know about yard sales is that it is big business. You think it is just small time stuff with neighbors cleaning out the basement of old junk, but in reality, yard sales are the source of objects that command six figure price tags in other markets far from someone’s freshly mowed front yard. That’s right, the elite auction houses and internet markets for art, antiques, and collectibles use yard sales as a major source for their inventory. And, many of the major auction houses and smaller estate auction houses regularly send people known as pickers or runners out to yard sales to get some of their auction inventory from yard sales. These people are sent to neighborhoods where the homes have reached the 50-year old mark assuming that their original owners are

ready to move on to assisted living facilities, in with family members, or on to smaller, downsized residences. Most unknowing yard sale hosts just think that they are just selling their stuff to naive shoppers. Well, be warned if you are a yard sale seller or shopper. Yard sale buyers and sellers are competing with the pros out there. These big time buyers know what you’ve got, know what it is really worth, know where to sell it for top dollar, and they are not in the game to tell you that you just made a big mistake putting out that Eastlake table or vintage Guerlain perfume bottle on the front lawn for $25 dollars or 50 cents respectively. And your asking price is all wrong too! These guys are going to get you down on the asking price and take away something very valuable that was once in your house as a treasured family heirloom. Know what you’ve got before you schlep it out to the front lawn. At my mobile website www. DrLoriV.com, you can send a photo of an object from a yard sale and I will tell you its value before you buy it. This is how technology will help you cash in. Celebrity appraiser, Dr. Lori Verderame is an internationally syndicated columnist, author, and award-winning TV personality who stars on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island and Discovery’s Auction Kings. With a Ph.D. from Penn State Univ., Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events to worldwide audiences. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/events or 888-431-1010.

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

Mazda CX-3

Students Compete in Solar Car Race

Middle school students from United Friends School in Quakertown participated in the annual Junior Solar Sprint car race at the Philadelphia Naval Yard on June 3rd. UFS students designed and built solar cars as part of their studies of sustainable energy. UFS has been participating in the Junior Solar Sprint car race in Philadelphia since 2004. Several hundred students from the region enter the race every year. UFS students received Technical Merit for their innovative car design.

Students Develop IT Security Device

Bucks County Community College Professor Christine Delahanty (front) and computer science students (left to right) Alexander White of Doylestown, Roshan Thomas of Philadelphia, and Nikolaus Bertino of Croydon show off a sample of FringeHead, a low-cost security device that would enable you to connect your smartphone or tablet securely over a public wireless network. The idea has landed the team in the finals of the National Science Foundation’s Community College Innovation Challenge, the second year in a row that a Bucks team has made the top ten in the highly competitive contest.

Mazda’s CX-3 is one sporty, handsome and affordable subcompact SUV. It goes up primarily against Subaru’s Impreza and Forester, which are essentially two models favored by over- 65 folks who use them and their AWD capability for grocery shopping and doctor visits. The CX-3 on the other hand is focused on the rest of the population who want fashionable styling, AWD, sporty handling, fun to drive quotient, some utility and good fuel economy. In this its second model year, the CX-3 and slightly larger CX-5 are Mazda’s top sellers. For families of four and larger, Mazda’s much larger CX-9 offers a spacious interior and enlarged cargo capacity. But for the young at heart, the CX-3 has it all. Offered in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, we tested the latter. With it comes adaptive LED headlights/taillights, LED fog lights, head-up display, synthetic sueded seat inserts, nav system, paddle shifters, sunroof, 7-speaker Bose audio, Aha/Pandora/Stitcher internet radio and much more. Although a myriad of safety features come standard including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, Mazda’s optional i-Activesense package that was on the test car features such niceties as automatic highbeam control, automatic rain sensing wipers, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise and forward collision mitigation system with auto braking. Mazda left nothing out of the CX-3. Slip into the eclectic tri-colored interior and you’re treated to perforated leather seats with sueded seat inserts. For a dash of color, red piping lines the seats’ edges. Mazda went the extra mile to thoughtfully pad the vertical stack sides, a much appreciated touch for knee resters like me. And there are inlays of faux carbon fiber trim on the door handles and console and a nicely padded dash, a rare feature on cars today. Once in the cockpit you’ll notice a single, centered gauge that employs a large analog tachometer with digital speedometer within it. To make speedometer viewing quicker, a heads-up-display projects the speed on the windshield. A 7-inch iPad type touchscreen extends out

of the dash and serves apps, rearview camera, nav and audio systems. A console mounted dial acts like a mouse for selecting the various functions. The only complaint in the cockpit is the lack of a console box. Instead, there’s a folding armrest with a tissue pack holder in the front end. While the CX-3 is rated for five occupants

(tweens or youngsters), the comfy back seat can only accommodate two adults. Leg room is adequate provided the front seats aren’t racked too far rearward. But ingress/egress is easy thanks to wide opening doors. Since the CX-3 is offered in FWD and AWD, both get the same 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 146-hp and 146 lb/ft of torque. Power is routed to the wheels through a standard 6-speed automatic transmission that in concert, garners EPA mileage ratings of an impressive 27 city, 32-highway mpg. In independent testing of a FWD version, the CX-3 was timed at 8.5 seconds for 0-60. The AWD would undoubtedly be a tad slower, but still spirited. At idle, the engine is especially quiet and throttle response is immediate with quick shift points. Back in the cargo area, there’s 12.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seatbacks upright and 44.5 with them folded. There’s also a shallow, 3-inch deep underfloor bin to stow small items out of sight.

Shod with 18-inch Yokohama tires, CX-3’s ride is on the firm, sporty side that is due in part because of the low profile tires. A taller tire would better absorb road irregularities. The driver selectable “Sport” mode tightens things up and adjusts shift trans shift points for better road feel and lively handling characteristics, especially when tossed in the turns at speed. Because of its size, the CX-3 is easy to park and is very nimble making it a fun to drive SUV. And since we had the SUV during our last deep snow storm, CX-3s’ AWD system dug in and provided sure traction with no wheel spin. With a base price of $26,240, adding iActivesense package ($1,170), rear bumper guard ($100), door sill trim plates ($100) and a delivery of $900, the bottom line reflected a reasonable $28,510. In addition, the CX-3 comes with exceptional government safety ratings. It received a full five stars for an overall vehicle score; five each for driver/passenger frontal crash; five each for front/rear seat side crash; and four for rollover. Combine these with all the content plus fuel economy and low price, and the CX-3 is compelling subcompact SUV. Nick Hromiak is an automotive enthusiast and freelance writer. We look forward to bringing you his new column each month. He can be reached at nhromiak@verizon.net.

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

July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Ant-man Aquaman Batman Batwoman Captain America Captain Marvel Catwoman

Daredevil Elektra Flash Ghost Rider Green Arrow Green Lantern Hellboy

Hulk Inferno Iron Man Magma Mystique

Professor X Silver Surfer

Spiderman Storm Supergirl Superman Thor Wolverine Wonder Woman

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

Summer Selling Makes Sense Here are five reasons listing your home for sale this summer makes sense. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing and able to purchase… and are in the market right now! More often than not, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy a home. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market. 2. There Is Less Competition Now Housing inventory is currently at a 4.2-month supply, well under the 6-months needed for a normal housing market. This means, in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices. However, additional inventory could be coming to the market soon. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move, as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity as real estate values have increased over the last two years. Many of these homes will be coming to the market this summer. Also, builder’s confidence in the market has hit its highest mark in over 11 years. Experts are predicting that new construction of single-family homes will ramp up this summer. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell. 3. The Process Will Be Quicker Fannie Mae anticipates an acceleration in home sales that will surpass 2007’s pace. As the market continues to strengthen, banks will be inundated with loan inquiries causing

closing-time lines to lengthen. Selling now will make the process quicker & simpler. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insights Report, the time to close a loan has dropped to a new low of 42 days, after seeing a 12-month high of 48 days in January. 4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by 4.9% over the next year, according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate around 4% right now. Rates are projected to increase in the next 12 months. 5. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should? Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important. Contact Me For A Free No Obligation Market Analysis! Sue Deily has been a Realtor® for 31 years, resides in the Upper Bucks Area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties. Sue has been featured in Bucks County Real Estate Trendsetters. Sue is happy

Naylor Recognized for Achievement at QA!

Pennsylvania’s governor Tom Wolf in a written statement lauded the achievements of Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s (PDC) Executive Director at the organization’s 30th anniversary gala held in Harrisburg, PA on June 13. Referring to William S. Fontana who has led PDC for seventeen years, Governor Wolf wrote: “Under your guidance, PDC has expanded the services offered, grown stronger as an organization, and fortified connections with intra and interstate governments.” “We appreciate Governor Wolf’s recognition of Bill Fontana’s achievements at PDC,” said Larry Newman PDC Chairman and Executive Director of Wilkes-Barre-based Diamond City Partnership. “Bill’s interaction with Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, Main Street managers across the commonwealth, and select communities in nearby states has made PDC a leader in successful downtown revitalization,” Newman continued. As an indication of downtown vibrancy, nine communities, including Quakertown, during the PDC 30th anniversary gala, received Townie Awards wherein communities from across the commonwealth are recognized for noteworthy revitalization projects or events

from the previous year. Quakertown Alive! was recognized at the gala as one of just four nationally-accredited Main Street® programs in Southeast Pennsylvania. Naomi Naylor, Quakertown Alive!’s Executive Director and Main Street Manager was honored with the award acknowledging Outstanding Achievement by a Program Manager. Over the past ten years of Naomi’s tenure at Quakertown Alive!, the non-profit organization has applied for and received several substantial grants that have brought hundreds of thousands of dollars to Quakertown Borough.; QA!’s community events have expanded, bringing tens of thousands of people each year to Quakertown, raising awareness of the Borough as a destination for shopping, dining, and recreating; and worked with numerous small businesses in Quakertown. An affiliate of National Main Street Center, PDC is a nonprofit statewide organization that counsels Pennsylvania communities on ways to reinvigorate traditional downtowns, upgrade local business districts, and refresh neighborhoods through strategic analysis and pinpointing untapped government and private funding sources.

to answer your real estate questions and can be reached at suesellshouses@gmail.com and at

215-872-9865.

Westwood Named to PA Bankers Association Board Dale Westwood, Executive Vice President/ Chief Retail Officer of QNB Bank, has been elected to the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s (PA Bankers) Board of Directors. Westwood is an At-Large Representative on the Board. The Board of Directors, which includes PA Bankers’ officers, will meet at least quarterly to determine the policies and administration of the Association. Members of the board are senior-level officers of PA Bankers’ member banks. Westwood was elected to the Board during the Association’s annual meeting on May 11 and will start her 3-year term on July 1, 2017. In her role at QNB, Westwood is responsible for the coordination and development of retail banking activities and functions. She has also implemented the Bank’s “Casual for a Cause” charity campaign, which has consistently raised over $10,000 per year for charities. Westwood has been in banking for over 40 years and has been with QNB since 2008. BuckyGrams: Umbrella, blanket, towels, bathing suit, sand bucket, shovel, cooler, sunglasses, sandals, sunscreen, beach ball, book Hidden Message: Have a great Summer! Box Puzzle: Temperatures rising.

Naomi Naylor (center) accepted the Outstanding Achievement By a Program Manager award at this year’s Townie awards celebration in Harrisburg. She is joined by QA! president Paul Rose and Vice-President Jann Paulovitz photo by michele buono

Upper Bucks YMCA Hosts Successful Food Truck Fest

The Upper Bucks YMCA hosted its annual Food Truck Fest on Friday, June 9. The weather cooperated and kids, adults and families turned out for a night of food, music and fun. Quakertown’s own UBACE (Upper Bucks Alliance for Creative Expression) started the evening with tunes that had the crowd singing along. Zodiac Jack, an acoustic duo from Wilmington, DE, performed covers of country, rock and pop and Philadelphia power trio Skeleton Keys, entertained the crowd with their rock, folk, blues, funk and jazz selections. Ten food trucks, plus The Proper Brewing Company, served up their specialties at this much anticipated community event. Also, Lehigh Valley Drone provided a bird’s eye view of what was happening. According to Pat Edwards, Upper Bucks YMCA Executive Director, “We are so excited to continue to offer this fun event to the

community. We appreciate the support from our many volunteers, our sponsors, Aldi and Jiffy Lube, Quakertown Borough, Brian and Kris Wilson of The Proper Brewing Company, and of course the food trucks that provide the great food for us to feast on!”

July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Westgates Celebrate 70 Years of Marriage

EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL

Chester and Mildred (Guennel) Westgate will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on July 19, 2017. They were married at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls, New York on July 19, 1947. Chester served in the army during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge. Mildred worked for the Red Cross during wartime. Chester and Mildred worked for Moore Business Forms before retiring. They are the parents of 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. submitted photo

The Magic in Clouds Joan Scala, a Bucks County photographer, has created a picture book that celebrates finding wonder in the skies. Scala’s book, “The Magic in Clouds”, is full of photographs of clouds that caught her eye as she gazed skyward. The photos are accompanied by verse she wrote and photo enhancements by Max Hergenrother. The rhyme is simple, and nice for a read-aloud. It captures the sense of marvel everyone experiences when casting your eyes skyward to see what shape the clouds above take. The reader can tell Scala enjoys writing the verse, and it shows if the playful story that unfold in the book. One part I especially liked was that Hergenrother put in illustrations of children in the foreground of the photographs. It was remarkable how he could create the pictures so that the children look like an altered photograph. That was fun to marvel at. They look very realistic, and at first glance, do look like a photograph. It is amazing, really. The pages are a neat combination of actual photos that Scala took – with little to no visual editing, along with Hergenrother’s fanciful artwork along with the text. It’s a fabulous combination, and one kids will appreciate looking at

while reading the book. But of course, Scala’s photos take center stage. They encourage imagination and creativity by fostering a curiosity for looking at something hidden to the eyes. There is a whimsy to the photographs, which will undoubtedly effect both children and adults so they want to look at the sky and find their own images in the clouds. It is truly fascinating what can be found in the photos of the clouds, some of which stretch the mind as you try to find them in the picture. The book has a spirit of creativity in it, with the goal of spreading it in encouraging people to look up. If there is one thing we need, it is to able to take the time to see something as fleeting as a cloud formation and think imaginatively. This is Scala’s first picture book, and I really hope she will make another picture book that encourages children to put down their noise makers and spend quiet time looking at nature. “The Magic in Clouds” was given a Mom’s Choice Award, and I believe that was a well-deserved win. Scala is onto something, encouraging kids to take a break from their screens and see the natural world around and above them. To learn more about this book, please visit TheMagicInClouds.com For more on books and reading visit my site: ThisKidReviewsBooks.com.

QCHS Senior Receives Scholarship, Award

Senior Madeleine Neiman won the Community Foundations Partnership Scholarship this year when director Ron Bernstein arrived at QCHS for his annual visit. He explained to Maddie that she can work with one of many organizations in the summer after her freshman year at Gettysburg College. Foundations gives a scholarship to students all over Bucks County and QCHS students capitalize most often on the opportunities afforded by the paid internships. The award is based on academics, community volunteer work and personal characteristics. Maddie said she plans to become a history teacher, so Gettysburg College and a possible internship at the Mercer Museum or Pearl Buck Society in Doylestown suit her interests.

Gettysburg is giving her its highest academic, Lincoln Scholarship of $25,000. Maddie also recently won the Big Sister Big Brother Award of the year for all her volunteer work at Quakertown Elementary since ninth grade. Her “little” graduates from fifth grade to middle school while Maddie graduates from high school. Maddie was also the vice president of the QCHS German Club and traveled to Germany in 2016. She was a member of National Honor Society for two years and Student Council for three years. She was a mentor to freshmen this year during PRIDE. She also participated in Model UN her sophomore year and Key Club as a freshman and sophomore. She teaches piano to 16 students at Grand Staff Piano Studios in Quakertown.

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QNB Bank Promotes Thomas, McDowell

QNB is pleased to announce the promotion of Jackie Thomas to the position of Assistant Branch Manager I at the Bank’s Coopersburg Office. Her previous position was Universal Banker Supervisor at QNB’s Perkasie Office. Jackie has been with QNB for over 8 years. She is a graduate of Pennridge High School and has completed several banking courses including Consumer Lending, Principles of Banking and Supervisor Certification. Jackie is active in her community, lending a helping hand at various local events as needed. Jackie currently resides in Quakertown.

QNB is also pleased to announce the promotion of William (Bill) McDowell, Jr. to the position of Vice President/Branch Manager II at the Bank’s Pennsburg Office. His previous position was Assistant Vice President/ Business Development Officer at QNB’s Warminster Office. Bill has been with QNB for over 7 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Science from Penn State University. Bill is active in his community, serving as a member of the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Upper Perk. Bill currently resides in Barto with his family.

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

Sticks & Stones

FOUNDERS’ DAY Band Concert / Community Party • • • • • •

July

7-9pm at the Live performance by The Quakertown Band Park at 4th Quakertown Fire Co. #1 ladder truck appearance on 4th & Mill St. Hot dogs & soda benefitting Quakertown Lions Club in Quakertown Kona Ice food truck serving up flavored shaved ice Face painting and balloon sculptures by Wackadoodle & Friends Plus appearance by QuiNBy, QNB’s “Savings Squirrel” mascot

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Then & Now: 1957 vs. 2017 Recently, I had a conversation with a friend, and we were comparing the times when we grew up in the 20th Century to times in the 21st Century. I can imagine our parents had these same thoughts about our generation. Life reminds me of the words in Ecclesiastes that say, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” Every generation recollects things of the past, and we note that as much as some things have changed, the basics remain the same. Consider the following school and home examples and compare how things occurring in 1957 are the same things occurring in 2017, but with much different end results. GUNS 1957: It is the first day of wild game hunting, and Joey woke up early to go hunting with his dad and uncles. He was back in time for school. When he pulled his truck into the high school parking lot, one of the teachers goes over to his truck and looks at his shotgun in the gun rack. He takes Joey to his car, opens the trunk, and shows him his 12 gauge Remington that he uses for hunting. 2017: Someone notices Joey’s gun in the gun rack, and they go to the principal’s office. Before Joey can even get inside the school it goes into lock down. The police are called, the FBI is called, and Joey is hauled off to jail never to see his shotgun or truck again. Counselors are called in to calm the traumatized students and teachers. FIGHTS 1957: George and José get into a fight as they wait for the bus after school is dismissed. Students gather around to watch. José wins, and the two of them shake hands and end up as friends. 2017: The local police are alerted, they notify a SWAT team, George and José are both arrested and charged with assault. The school expels both of them even though George started the fight CLASS DISTRACTION 1957: Jordan will not sit still in class. He constantly distracts the other students. The teacher sends him to the principal’s office, he gets a good paddling, returns to class, and

never disrupts the class again. 2017: The teacher, principal, school psychologist, school nurse, and the parents are summoned for a joint meeting. It is suggested that Jordan sees a doctor, who prescribes huge doses of Ritalin for him. Jordan is now a zombie, and it has been decided that he has ADHD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jordan has a disability. CLASS FAILURE 1957: Paloma fails high school English in her sophomore year because she could never read English well from the time she came to America in Junior High. She attends summer school, passes English, goes to college after graduation and becomes a nurse. 2017: The American Civils Liberties Union is contacted, and a class action law suit is filed against the state school system, the actual school, and the English teacher because teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. English is no longer a part of the core curriculum. Paloma still gets a diploma, but spends years as a domestic worker because she still cannot read. BOMB SCARE 1957: Ralph dismantles leftover firecrackers from the 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, and blows up a red ant bed. The ants die. 2017: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Homeland Security, and the FBI are called. They charge Ralph with domestic terrorism; they investigate his parents, remove his siblings from the home, impound all computers, and put his father on a terrorist watch list, and he can never fly again. So, you see, Baby Boomers did the same things in 1957 that Millennials are doing in 2017. The question is, what has changed in our society that makes the results of handling such situations so different, and are the actions reasonable? Incidentally, I am not advocating actions taken sixty years ago, nor today. These are just thoughts to ponder about change. “Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” Benjamin Disraeli “Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli you can contact Jacque at: jacque@ubfp.org

Sunday morning I was posed some questions: “Do people have the right to offend others? Should we censor people to prevent them ‘causing offense’? Should those people exercise more control? Or, does free intellectual discussion trump peoples’ sensitivity?” It was a tough one. To be absolutely sure I understood, I consulted a dictionary: “Offend: v. affront, insult, outrage; slight, snub, slur, shock, jar; antagonize, displease, horrify; sin, transgress, trespass. ” I spent the next half hour exploring synonyms because English is a subtle but complex language. Contemplation of other concepts was provoked: free intellectual discussion, censorship, individual rights, freedom of speech. I naturally had ideas about those, too, but I needed to closely consider them before I felt competent enough to offer answers. Fortunately, I had a to Quaker Meeting to go to. A Friends’ Sunday meeting is the perfect place to think about those kind of questions, and during my pensive meditation, I had a revelation: an ‘offence’ is not something that is ‘given’. It is something that must be ‘taken’. An ‘offence’ doesn’t originate in the person who says or does something; it can arise only from the recipient. I wrestled with that idea. If I don’t hear or see an ‘offensive’, if somebody says or does something behind my back and I don’t learn of it, how can I be offended? The ‘offence’ is just a voice, an opinion, an action that’s doesn’t actually ‘touch’ me. For an ‘offence’ to really be one, the object of those words or deeds must receive, accept and react to them. For example, I can shout at a brick wall, “You’re a no good pike of worthless, red clay!” If I do, I can hardly be accused of ‘offending’ the wall since it did not receive, accept or react to it. Using a wall as my example seemed idiotic. I tried to think of an example involving a person, me specifically. If somebody says to me “You stink,” I might react; take offence and consider it an insult. As the object of the ‘offence,’ I must accept and react to the statement for it to meet the definition of an offence. I’m the only one who can decide if I’m offended. Before I ‘accept’ and ‘react’, though, I must consider some things. Exactly why did the person say, “You stink”? If I actually stink, the individual is simply stating the truth. Do I deny truth? Do I or ask that the person’s right to speak truth be inhibited? That would be contrary to my personal morals. In that case (if I stink), and reacted--took offence--the inappropriate behavior is actually mine. I should appreciate the candor. My response should be: “Thanks for pointing that out. I’ll go take a shower and use some deodorant. Sorry I offended you.” If someone says I stink, when I really don’t (it’s often hard to smell oneself, though), I’d have to assume the person is either lying, or that they have a different opinion of what ‘stink’ is. If they’re lying, I can’t really be offended at what they say. It would be giving validity to an un-truth. As an honest person, I

might be offended by liars, but how can I ‘take offence’ at something they say if it isn’t true?

But, is it a lie or a topic for ‘intellectual discussion’? I’m reminded of a statement made by my friend, Jesika Von Rabbit, who was on tour with her band Gram Rabbit. She said, “The motel we stayed in last night smelled like truckers’ sweat. Todd [her musical partner], thought it smelled like maple syrup, but I know the difference.” I think maple syrup smells good, but trucker’s sweat. . . probably not. So, did the motel smell good or bad? Is it legitimate for me to be offended because someone’s idea of what ‘stink’ is, is different from mine? Trying to convert someone to my side in the ‘stink’ debate could infringe on their individual rights and beliefs. It would also be against my morals. In that case, the problem would, again, be with me. So, back to the question: “Do people have the right to offend others?” In my opinion, people have the right to believe and say whatever they want (except the famous “Fire!” in a crowded theater example; or, maybe, “I’m going to shoot the president!”). If what they say is true, they deserve a “Thanks!” We should always seek truth. If what they say is a lie, they should be scorned and ignored for what they are, liars. If someone has opinions, tastes, likes and dislikes (or a sense of smell), that is different than mine (or anyone else’s), “Huzzah for the difference!” “Should we censor people to prevent them from causing offence to others?” Who is the WE? Who picks or designates the WE? If somebody whose opinions are different than (or even the same as), mine is permitted to decide what I (or anybody else), can say; if they try to censor me, I would, in that case, ‘accept and react’. I’d be offended. As I’ve come to understand it, it is not what is said or done, but an individual’s acceptance of and reaction to it that creates an ‘offence.’ “Should ‘offensive’ people exercise more control?” Define control, please. Do you mean stifle opinions? Do you mean ‘do not speak truth’? Do you mean ‘keep your ideas and opinions to yourself, I’m not interested in hearing anything contrary’? It is recommended by my faith that I treat other people the way I want to be treated. I can only suggest that others practice the same. As soon as I try to impose my standards on another I am violating my own ‘rules.’ I am being offensive and intolerant. I have no right to enforce, or even suggest how others should behave if they are within the law. If I do, I am the problem. “Does free intellectual discussion trump peoples’ sensitivities?” Absolutely! What makes your/my opinions or feelings more important than anyone else’s? My right to express them is guaranteed (in this country). If someone’s sensitive feelings are hurt by me expressing myself, it is much less of a concern than if I was silenced. If someone is shocked and displeased by someone else exercising their rights, it sounds like they are the problem. I must always remember, it’s “stick and stones [that] can break my bones.” More articles by Jack H. Schick can be found at Searchwarp.com or Soulofwit.com

July 2017 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

It’s a simple equation: The less you spend on energy during the heat of summer, the more you have to spend on lemonade, pool passes, ice cream, and road trips to the beach. So how do you make that

happen? We’re glad to share the following tips for a cool but cost-effective summer. (Many of these will work for businesses too.) If you have air conditioning, don’t set it lower than normal when you first turn it on. That won’t cool your home or business any faster, and it could cost you more. Make sure nothing is blocking your ventilation ducts, so you get all the cool air you’re paying for. And use a programmable thermostat that’s set to cool things down when people are at your home or business – not when they aren’t. Make sure ceiling fans are set to turn counterclockwise (as you are looking up at them), which will push a cool flow of air downward. Also, make sure to turn off fans – ceiling or floor – when you leave a room, because fans cool people, not rooms. In the kitchen, use your microwave to cook. Make cool seasonal dishes like salads that require little or no cooking. Or, get out of the house entirely and fire up the grill. All these options will save energy and keep your kitchen cool, compared to using the oven. Plug devices like printers, DVD players and computers into smart power strips. These devices continue to use electricity even when they’re not actively operating. A smart power strip shuts down the power at those times, saving you money. Switch to long-lasting, efficient LED bulbs that use 75 percent less energy than standard

incandescent light bulbs. (PPL offers discounts on LED bulbs at participating retailers – no coupon is needed. Visit pplelectric.com/savings for a list of retailers.) Also, don’t forget you can shop for your energy supply, and may be able to get a lower rate than PPL’s price to compare. (That’s the rate we charge to supply energy to customers who don’t buy it from a competitive supplier.) Visit pplelectric.com/shopping for useful tips to get you started. Those tips all cost relatively little to put in place. There are also bigger steps you can take toward efficiency that carry a cost in the short term, but should make it up over the long term. If it’s been a while since your HVAC system was tuned up, schedule a professional maintenance visit. That will make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible. Got a pool with an older pool pump? Today’s models can be significantly more efficient. Consider investing in a replacement, so you can save money while staying cool. PPL Electric Utilities has many energy efficiency programs to reward customers for buying more efficient equipment through rebates on ENERGY STAR® central AC units, lighting, central heat pumps, ductless heat pumps, pool pumps, smart thermostats, refrigerators, and other equipment. Visit www. pplelectric.com/savings for more info on available rebates. PPL also offers a variety of business-focused rebates on lighting, HVAC and other systems; check out www.pplelectricbusinesssavings.com for more. Whether your efficiency steps are large, small, or in between, we wish you a cool, enjoyable, energy-smart summer. Carol is the Regional Affairs Director for PPL Electric Utilities in Allentown, PA. Reach her at CObando-Derstine@pplweb.com

The Barber Shop The Barbershop was an institution back in the day. When I was a grade school boy there were still quite a few boys that had their hair cut at home. I remember my mother bought a “Hand Squeeze” barber cutters from the Grand Union truck that would go from house to house, with the idea that she and my dad would save on haircuts by doing the barbering at home. This tool was worth exactly what the she paid for it! With each squeeze of the handle it cut a token amount of hair and pulled on the scalp of the one who was getting the haircut. The local barber that lived near the Lutheran Church on Hellertown Avenue salvaged my brother’s chop job. Later that clipper was used on one of our dogs to remove the burrs he picked up while we went pheasant hunting! We went to the barber on Hellertown Ave for many years until my dad took on the part time job (on a Saturday morning) of cleaning the Pants factory where he worked full time. My dad would take my two brothers and myself with him from our home in Brick Tavern to not only help him clean but also to get our hair cut about every three weeks. Our barber was Mr. Musselman. That barbershop was a step into the past. When you entered the hallway door into the shop you did not know who was getting a haircut or who was in their “Just to “Chew the Fat” (Gossip or talk of current events). Haircuts were usually a nickel more on a Saturday than during the week; but that was OK as it not only saved a separate trip for my dad but he also did not have to sit at the barber with us. He could be cleaning the factory as we spent the time at the barber. Mr. Musselman still had individual shaving cups with names on. When those customers came in for a shave he would get their cup down to mix the shaving cream in. If I remember right he was a little shaky of hand and I was amazed he never cut anyone whom he was shaving. After clipping your hair he would shave the customers neck with an old Straight Razor. As a boy of under the age of 10, I was glad to survive that part without a cut. Matter of fact he never cut my brothers or myself in all the years we went there. We as young rural boys were amazed when we regularly saw a WOMAN come in and have her hair cut similar to the way we had our hair cut! After Mr. Musselman retired we would go to a barber over in Steinsburg that practiced his trade in the small rear annex of the Steinsburg Hotel. After he retired we went to the barber who had his place of business in the “Liberty Bell” building on Broad Street in Quakertown. Later

that was sold to make way for the preservation of that historic site as we see it today. Ron Heller on Juniper Street, Charley Brader who had a shop at the Palace Theater as well as Pete and John Kandel of Richlandtown, and newcomer Alan Rummel of Springtown were also local legends. A new barbershop opened in the Plaza Shopping Center that recently became Quakertown’s first major shopping center. Thus I met Tony and Angelo Palmisano, who I patronized as my barbers to cut my hair before I left for the service and for many years after I returned home. Matter of fact I was their first customer after they moved to their new location in the small strip center a little further down Broad Street. I remember quite a few interesting discussions on Politics, Investments, Sports, Masonic events, and the latest National News items over the years. This was my barbershop of record because of the over 40 years of going there. After they retired and sold their business, I yearned for the same type of atmosphere. I then went over to Spinnerstown to the shop of fellow member of Milford Fish & Game member Jim Erb. Obviously the subject of hunting and fishing reigned supreme. Jim after having some corrective surgery done and was on an extended leave and went into semi-retirement so I went Cliff Wenhold, a member of our church for my hair cutting needs. Cliff had a barbershop in Milford Square and was on the verge of retirement and had an appointment only system. You guessed it; our topics were church and how it used to be. He sold the building including the barber shop and thus my last bastion of the “The Barbershop” was gone. I now go to a commercial “walk-in” hair salon that cuts both men and women’s hair. Depending of the time of day, you will get a different hair stylist. Believe it or not, I have been able to meet three of these stylists since my major life altering change. I still can say that I have conversations with all three about family, politics, and our Pa. Elk herd and what my wife and I are doing to preserve it. Because I need the convenience of being able to pop in for a haircut even on a Monday, I will probably continue to patronize this facility. Yes, changes have occurred over all these years in the facilities, the technique of cutting the hair and the clientele in the shop. Still the Barber or as I know it today the hair-stylist still must have been given the same course at Hair Cutting School, that they must have the “gift of gab.” Believe it or not I still see some guys my age in at the Hair-stylist” Yes, the shops have changed but a barbershop still has that special mystique whether it is a barbershop or a hair-salon! .Dick Helm is a regular contributor. He can be reached at dickhelm@ubfp.org

“TIn the summer, the days were long, stretching into each other. Out of school, everything was on pause and yet happening at the same time, this collection of weeks when anything was possible.” - Sarah Dessen, Along for the Ride

Palisades Class of ’67 Celebrates 50th, Honors Fallen Classmate

Approximately 60 former classmates gathered at the Springtown Rod & Gun Club on June 24 for the 50th anniversary of the Palisades High School Class of 1967. The barbecue began with a memorial honoring the class president, US Army 2nd Lieutenant William James Erkes, Jr., who was killed in action in

the Vietnam War in 1970. The class presented Palisades School Board President James Hallowell with a Battlefield Cross sculpture in memory of their former class president. The piece will be on display in Palisades High School.

(top left) Class of 1967 graduate Joan Pavlica finds her photo in the yearbook. (top right) The Hoffner family, relatives of US Army 2nd Lt. William Erkes, were on hand to represent the family and accept remembrances from the Class. (bottom) The 50th Reunion of the Class of ‘67 was well attended. photos by michele buono

• Upper Bucks Free Press • July 2017

Jarrett Holbrook Achieves Eagle Scout

Jarrett Holbrook of Washington Crossing Council Troop 55, on achieving the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award – Eagle Scout. Jarrett, shown here with his parents, Todd and Andrea Holbrook, was honored at a ceremony recently at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Quakertown.

Animal Abuse Law Has Teeth

Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation passed by the House this spring that strengthens existing animal cruelty laws and makes it easier to prosecute anyone who knowingly mistreats, abuses or neglects an animal. Act 10 of 2017, which was co-sponsored by Representative Craig Staats, outlines three tiers of cruelty and neglect, with charges ranging from a summary offense for denying an animal food or shelter to a third-degree felony for intentionally torturing an animal or causing serious bodily injury or death. “Libre’s Law,” named for a severely neglected Boston terrier rescued from a Lancaster County farm last summer, requires convicted animal abusers to forfeit their animals, sets limits on how long an animal can be tethered outdoors and clarifies penalties for abusing a horse. The new law takes effect in 60 days.

Reminder: Do not leave your pets or children in your car unattended.

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