Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2020

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2020

Quakertown Borough Swimming Pool to Open by June 27 The Quakertown Borough Parks & Recreation Department is excited to announce that the Quakertown Community Pool will be opening for the 2020 season. Borough Council voted Wednesday evening in support of opening the pool while following the new health and safety guidelines set forth by the CDC and DOH in response to COVID-19. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we navigate through these

unchartered waters to find an operational plan that is safe, reasonable, and good for the community. The Parks and Recreation Department hopes to have the Pool and the Blue Water Café open to the public by Saturday, June 27, 2020.

We ask that the community continue to have patience as we finalize details of the pool opening. An announcement will be released soon outlining memberships, daily pricing, pool hours, and new health and safety guidelines.

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

While the Covid-19 situation has wreaked havoc on all of our plans and events, It would make sense to double check with the hosts of the following upcoming events to verify details. With our area finally leaving the “Stay at Home” order period, we look forward to sharing all the events that await us in the coming months, including many rescheduled from earlier dates.

June 13

Great Sunflower Project (virtual) 2pm.

Learn about pollinator identification & science project w/Bucks Co Audubon Society at Honey Hollow. FMI: dianesmith@bcas.org or rtimmons@bcas.org

June 15 to 19

Nature’s Laboratory Summer Camp 9am3pm. Bucks Co Audubon Society at Honey Hollow. FMI: dianesmith@bcas.org or rtimmons@bcas.org

June 21

“In Memory of Hailey” Blood Drive 10am-3pm in the Palace Room of The Proper Brewing Co, 117 W Broad St, Quakertown.

Appts: redcrossblood.org, sponsor code: hailey robert or call 800-RED CROSS.

June 22 to 26

Awesome Amphibians & Radical Reptiles Summer Camp 9am-3pm. Bucks Co Audubon Society at Honey Hollow. FMI: dianesmith@ bcas.org or rtimmons@bcas.org

June 25

Nature Lover’s Book Club (online at 6:15pm) w/Bucks Co Audubon Soc. at Honey Hollow. Discussion with like-minded individuals. FMI: dianesmith@bcas.org or rtimmons@ bcas.org

June 27

Earth Day Every Day Online Festival 11am w/Bucks Co Audubon Soc. at Honey Hollow.

Several video eco-activities & more. FMI: dianesmith@bcas.org or rtimmons@bcas.org

July 1

Quakertown Blood Drive 10am-3pm at The Gathering Place, 351 W Broad St. Signup online: GIVEaPINT.org, sponsor code 8566 or call 267-372-PARK

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Bucks Knocks Out Hunger Adapts to Fight Hunger During COVID-19 Bucks Knocks Out Hunger, United Way of Bucks County’s signature hunger-fighting event, has changed from a mass meal-packing event to a county-wide nonperishable food drive and fundraising campaign this year.

Adapting to allow for social distancing, organizers have arranged four, contact-free, drop-off sites for food donations on Saturday, June 20th and hope to raise $100,000.00 for hunger relief in Bucks County.

In addition to gathering 25,000 pounds of food, funds raised by BKO Hunger will support partner organizations to harvest and deliver fresh local produce to food-relief sites, to purchase dairy products and eggs, and to support Fresh Connect, the free farmer’s market for families in need. For the first time, BKO Hunger will also support delivery of food to the homes of those who are food insecure and who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Tim Philpot, United Way’s Director for Financial Stability and Health, says, “Bucks Knocks Out Hunger is more important this year than ever, with so many more people out of work and struggling because of COVID-19.

We know that many in our community want to help and supporting BKO Hunger is a perfect way for them to do that.”

United Way will be collecting non-perishable foods on Saturday, June 20th from 9:00 am to Noon at four locations in the county: YMCA of Bucks County in Doylestown, Bucks County Community College in Newtown, St Luke’s University Health Network and Hospital in Quakertown, and the Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem. To ensure the drop offs are contactless, food will be collected in the parking lots. Donors should place their food donations in boxes or bags in their trunks, drive to one of the locations, and volunteers

will retrieve the donations remotely.

Hunger and food insecurity are significant problems in Bucks County. Before the onset of COVID-19 about 8% of all Bucks County residents were considered food-insecure, including 12% of all children. Estimates are that food insecurity has more than doubled in the last two months in Bucks County because of COVID-19 related financial pressures. While some governmental resources are helping, there are still tremendous gaps.

This year’s campaign was kicked off with a generous donation of $7,500 from Penn Community Bank. It also was the beneficiary of donations collected during Visit Bucks County’s Restaurant Week in April. Other local sponsors include, Airline Hydraulics, Bucks County Community College, Charity Services, Comcast, First National Bank and Trust of Newtown, Michael Antolino Construction, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company, (NJM), Parx Casino, PECO, Solvay, Suez Water & Process Technologies, and Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church (New Hope).

Financial donations can be made online at www.uwbucks.org/bkohunger, dropped off at any Penn Community Bank, or by mailing a check to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills, PA 19030,with “BKO Hunger” in the memo line.

About United Way of Bucks County: For over 65 years, United Way of Bucks County has been improving lives by uniting donors, advocates, and volunteers around the common good. United Way focuses on the building blocks for a good life: a quality education, a stable income, and good health. For more information, call 215.949.1660 or visit www.uwbucks.org.

Economic recovery must be earned. And it will be earned by entrepreneurs and it will be earned by small businesses.”

- Jon Huntsman, Jr.

June 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Congratulations, Class of 2020 Resilient – Resourceful - Rebounding

It was thirteen years ago when you entered Kindergarten. It was thirteen years ago that one, or both of your parents walked you to the school bus stop, watched you climb up those steep steps, and then stood to wave goodbye to you until that bright yellow omnibus was out of sight. When they could no longer see the bus, they turned and walked back to their homes with tears welled up in their eyes every step of the way – or at least your mother did as your father tried to console her. For some, who were single parents, they walked back home knowing that the world as they had known it just five short years ago had ended forever.

Their baby was in school already. This was the beginning of a long, exciting time with new experiences, new challenges, and adjustments for you and your parents. As your parents reflect on those years during this graduation month, what they anticipated as being a long journey has passed rather quickly, and here both of you are today, June 2020.

Their anticipations and your goals for a traditional 2020 high school graduation have been disrupted unexpectedly. No one could have envisioned “such a time as this.” This time was not in the future when you graduated from Kindergarten and your family beamed joyfully and clapped as their pint-sized darling reached out for their diploma; or, when you were so focused on waving at Grandma in the audience that you walked right past your teacher who was trying to get your attention to accept the diploma. By fifth grade graduation, you had matured a bit and you realized that receiving diplomas was a special time for you and your parents. Eighth-grade graduation was awesome because you were entering high school in the fall. You would be among the elite upper-class scholars of Quakertown Community High School. Those four years would mold you for a future outside of school as you knew it.

During that time, you would become one of those elite scholars. You would work hard

preparing to further your education after graduation. Many of you would prepare for a type of trade while others would opt for military service. Still, some had always dreamed of getting married and starting a family. Whatever your dreams have been for Graduation 2020, there has been a brief pause. Do not allow that pause to discourage you because your dreams, and goals, and aspirations, and ambitions will come to fruition. The timetable may be modified, but the result will not change your success in life.

Life is a constant learning experience that allows us to grow. At times, life places circumstances in our paths that we do not understand, and we do not know how to handle them.

Sometimes, we ask, “Why me?” and we just want to give up. That is not an option. There is no growth until we face the challenges of life and determine how to resolve them. You have been placed in an unsolicited situation, but it is a temporary one. Use the knowledge that you have acquired during the past four years to establish where you are presently, and how you will navigate to the next level of your future. Some of you may have determined that already.

As you travel this unique journey called life, this experience will help you to become more adept at solving problems and overcoming obstacles, which in turn will develop you into stronger men and women. You are Resilient.

You are Resourceful. You are Rebounding.

Quakertown is proud to be the hometown of the Quakertown Community School District CLASS OF 2020!!! Congratulations and best wishes in all your future endeavors.

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson Jacque Holliday is a long time freelance contributor to UBFP. She always welcomes your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org

John Rivers Memorial Post 11322 Seeks Donations

Quakertown’s John Rivers Memorial VFW Post #11322 Post is not able to do their traditional poppy drive this year because of the COVID-19 restrictions placed on our area.

The poppy drive commemorates Memorial Day which honors the memory of all the men and women who served in our nation’s military and have passed away, many of whom who died while defending liberty and freedom.

The poppy drive is crucial for the Post to support local veterans, their families, and Patriotic Support Committee programs. Post #11322 Commander Paul Gerhart, Jr. realizes

that people are struggling right now through the pandemic lockdown with many not being able to work, but would like to encourage people to remember the veterans and to donate when they can and reminds us that “ As a community, as a Nation, we will get through this together.”

If you are able to donate, Commander Gerhart asks that checks be directed to John Rivers VFW and please write “poppies” in the memo line. Donations can be mailed to: John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 41 Belmont Ave. Quakertown, PA 18951

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2020

A Reflection on my Profession

BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. When I was younger, the term “lawyer” sparked an image in my mind of a fast-talking man with slicked-back hair wearing a double-breasted blue pinstripe suit and a gold pinky ring. And I believe that many people still have a similar perception of lawyers nowadays. Many people even refer to lawyers as “blood suckers” or “ambulance chasers”, and while those lovely terms of endearment may accurately portray a certain percentage of lawyers, there are plenty of lawyers who entered the profession due to a genuine desire to help individuals during their darkest hour.

For those lawyers who entered the profession because they wanted to help people, the greatest reward is not a giant settlement check (although those are nice too!), but rather a sincere “thank you” from a satisfied client.

Clients often seek the assistance of lawyers when they come across a problem they cannot solve or when they are faced with a dire situation. A lawyer’s goal should be to relieve some of that stress and fix or at least reduce the damage associated with the client’s problem.

When that goal is achieved and the client can finally breathe a sigh of relief, it is a wonderful feeling.

Recently I had a client come to me seeking my assistance in a debt collection matter. He was scared, unsure of what to do, and concerned that this situation would have long lasting consequences. Years ago, this client had co-signed on a rental-purchase agreement for a certain item, and the primary debtor (who was no longer involved in his life) had recently stopped making the payments required under the rental-purchase agreement. Shortly before coming to see me, he had received a letter from a collections law firm threatening to sue him if he did not pay a large amount of money by a certain date, and essentially threatening to destroy his credit rating. This client was well aware that he had some responsibility in this matter because he did indeed “sign on the dotted line” so to speak, but what really

worried him was being able to come up with this large sum of money relatively quickly and having his credit negatively affected for years to come.

This was not a terribly complicated matter and by no means involved any brilliant legal work. So with a relatively small amount of effort I was able to negotiate with the creditor and reduce the debt by almost 40%, (which made the payment much more manageable for my client) and get the creditor to sign a release stating that nothing related to this matter will be reported to any credit bureau. Afterwards I called my client and told him the good news.

As the words came out of my mouth, I could literally hear the stress in his voice melt away.

It was as if a huge weight was lifted off of his shoulders. After every sentence he repeatedly thanked me and told me how appreciative he was. This case didn’t generate a lot of money for me. But being able to help a person in need and hear how much my help meant to him was all the reward I could ask for. To me, that is what it means to be a lawyer. Now more than ever, we need to come together as a community and help one another. The current political climate and health crisis is taking its toll on everyone, but instead of lashing out, I suggest we lend a hand. We all could use a little help every now and again.

And for those who were wondering: no I do not wear a pinky ring, yes I do currently have slicked-back hair (COVID-19 is partly to blame), and no I do not own a double-breasted blue pinstripe suit…although I cannot predict what my wardrobe will hold in the future.

Stay safe everyone, and let’s try to help everyone build their lives back up…not further reduce them to rubble.

Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a Bucks County attorney located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite 101B, in Dublin, Pennsylvania. He specializes in estate planning & administration, family law, business law and real estate law. To set up a consultation, call his office at (267) 2279138. To learn more, visit his website at www. fravel-law.com

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Hello Dear Friends!

I need to let you all know I am finishing my life’s journey and crossing the rainbow bridge today. Thanks to Mr. Chris and all of you for listening to me yap on and on about things.

I am over 16 yrs old with tumors on my liver, pancreatitis and a recent diabetic. I tried to hide it from my human but she could tell I was not myself and I am losing weight and not wanting to eat and I can’t stand up a lot of the time without help. When life becomes an effort for your canine friend it is time to let them go. Do it for them instead of keeping them around for you. That being said I will pass on my words of wisdom to one of my dog siblings so my column will continue. Goodbye dear friends I am going to play in the fields of heaven. ~Love MJ

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

June 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Doylestown Third Grader Donates Savings to Help Less Fortunate A generous young lady, third grader Emma Citak of Doylestown, recently donated her savings to charity.

Emma had been saving for several months, and had accumulated $76. However, instead of using this money to buy something for herself, Emma asked her parents to use the money to help people in need. After some research, she decided to donate to Bucks County Housing Group, saying simply, “No one deserves to go hungry, especially children.”

Melissa Citak, Emma’s mom, remarked, “It was everything she had. I cried. So sweet!”

Emma’s parents, on her request, rounded the donation up to a cool $100.

In a statement, BCHG said, “Thank you so much Emma, for keeping us inspired to do the work that we are doing every day in support of our community. You are clearly wise beyond your years, and your heart is in the right place.

We hope our work in turn can inspire you to reach your dreams someday too.”

Aside from her philanthropy, Emma enjoys basketball, swimming, and hanging out with friends (virtually, these days!). She aspires to be an orthodontist one day.

2020 BMW X7 position on the vertical stack. And at the base

There’s a reason BMW calls their vehicles “The Ultimate Driving Machines.”

It’s because they are. And their X7 xDrive50i is one prime example.

This three-row is the crème de la crème of SUVs, that’s if you don’t consider the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which shares the same nomenclature of the X7.

X7 is a combination of AWD SUV, ultra-luxury sedan, family hauler and sports car.

It continues the BMW design theme with its dual kidney grille and shares overall design with BMWs long-standing X5 SUV, but it’s 9.1 inches longer to accommodate the third row. It is the largest vehicle in BMWs stable.

X7 is offered with three engine choices.

There’s a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 rated at 335-hp and 330 lb/ft of torque with EPA mileage estimates of 20/25 mpg; the tested 4.4L, twin turbo V8 with 456-hp and 479 lb/ ft of torque and EPA’s of 15 city, 21-highway mpg; and a super-potent 4.4L twin turbo with a whopping 523-hp and 553 lb/ft of torque for EPA’s of 15/21 mpg.

All engines couple to a quick shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that has separate switches for Sport, Comfort and Eco modes. Sport mode provides higher shift points for more spirited driving.

With the 4.4L we tested, it was independently 0-60 tested at 5.2 seconds. Upon pressing the ignition button, the 4.4L V8 lights up and puts out a velvety hum that is Rolex watch perfection. Goose the accelerator and the ovoid tailpipes bark a sweet garble. With paddle shifters, X7 can turn this 5,285-pound SUV

into a burly sports car with shift-for-yourself shift points if you so desire. BMW makes the finest engines that beckon to be driven Autobahn style. Oh, and if walking away from the X7 with the engine running, the engine will automatically shut off.

After a 20-inch step in into the luxurious cockpit, you’re treated to a host of extraordinary extravagance for an SUV, a visual that could be in a Gulfstream 650 jet. Your eyes will quickly notice the crystal glass shifter knob then be grabbed by the dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the infotainment system, the other serving the all digital display and opulent wood trim. Rest assured, there’s so many features and functions on the displays that they require a good long study of the owners’ manual. So forgive me if I miss something as we only had the X7 for a week.

We can’t say enough about X7s heated/ cooled front seats. They’re supportive with great extended under thigh support for an exceptionally comfy ride. There’s even heated armrests.

X7s 12-3-inch display serves BMWs infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a Bowers & Wilkins audio, rearview camera, nav and a host of other apps (including a weather app) and several features like Auto Park, Adaptive Driving Control and much more. And it does so via a console mounted rotary controller.

HVAC controls are an array of buttons in the middle of the dash with selections displayed on the LCD. They are easy to use without taking the eyes off the road once acclimating to their

of the stack is a wireless phone charger, a most appreciated feature.

Optional second row bucket seats are comfy and power slide forward for easy third row access. At the rear of the console are HVAC controls for second row passengers which also sends heat and A/C to third row riders.

As for the third row, most are mainly for youngsters. Not X7s. They’re surprisingly spacious for two adults with decent leg and head room and easy ingress/egress.

Back in the cargo area and with the third row upright, it’s rated at 11.5 cubic feet that measures 18 inches deep, 43 wide and 32 high.

Flip them and capacity expands to 48.6 cubic feet for 48 inches of loading depth.

Unlike a lot of competitive SUVs who’s

second row seats fold flat, X7s just tilt forward a bit.

Beneath the aft cargo floor is a 5-inch deep storage bin for small items. And if carrying a heavy load, a switch on the console controls the air suspension system to raise (and lower) the body to level it.

Then there’s the split tailgate. It’s good for stowing small packages over the lower gate, or carrying extra long items that can hang out over the lower gate with the top portion open.

Can’t very well do that with a single liftgate.

With both sections open, there’s 15.5 inches of gate panel that must be stretched over to stow items in the cargo bay.

The ride on big 21-inch Bridgestone run-flat tires is smooth and quiet with X7s independent suspension and air springs keeping the SUV planted in sharp turns. Press the Sport mode button and the X7 gets even more lively with a tightened suspension that gives sporty handling characteristics. You can throw the X7 into curves and it stays planted and points true.

Turn the steering wheel an inch and the nose points 20 degrees either way.

Now all this luxury and fine engineering doesn’t come without a fine price. The standard feature list is exhaustive but options are pricey. For example, starting at a base price of $92,600, the following takes that number to three figures. The test car added a cold weather package ($1,200); dynamic handling package ($4,750); M Sport package ($3,550); premium package ($1,550); executive package ($2,100), display key ($300); second row captain’s chairs ($600); leather dashboard ($1,200); Bowers-Wilkins audio ($3,400) and delivery ($995) that took the bottom line to $112,245.

A premium price for a premium AWD, third row SUV. There is however, a lesser priced version in the AWD xDrive40i, albeit without some of the extras just listed.

Now this price includes an array of standard safety gear like blind spot detection, lane departure warning, park distance control, extended traffic jam assistant, active driving assistance pro and many, many more.

If you can afford the very best, X7 is one of the very best.

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.

Microchipping Saves Lives!

Every TWO seconds, a family companion is lost.

Every TWO seconds. That’s 30 pets in a minute – that’s over 43,000 pets in ONE day!! The numbers of animals who end up as strays, or go missing, even just in our country, is staggering.

One of the easiest, most cost effective, and safest ways to dramatically reduce this number and to ensure that your pet doesn’t become a statistic is by microchipping your pet!

Microchips are tiny – the size of a grain of rice, safe – they have been used for many many years now safely in our pets, and effective – since they are inserted under the skin, they can’t fall off like a tag or collar, so your pet’s name and ID is always with them, no matter what!

Nationwide, and even worldwide, it is standard practice for any found pet to be scanned for a microchip – there is also a national data-

base where this information is stored, so even if your pet is lost miles from home, having a microchip increases their chances of making their way back home! Dogs are twice as likely to be reunited if they have a microchip, and in fact in cats, it increases their chances by over 20 times!

June is national microchip awareness month – it’s a great time to consider the benefits to you and your pet with having them microchipped!

In the warmer months, more pets are outside more enjoying this warm weather, so the risks of getting lost go up too, unfortunately. But having a microchip is a great added safety feature to help ensure you and your pet never become a statistic! Give your vet a call today to discuss the benefits and get your dog or cat microchipped – you won’t regret it!

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 and run Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.

Meet Susie & Lucky!

This bonded pair is a whole lot of cute- dogs, but warm right up with some time, ness! These little ones found themselves in and are great with new people! Susie is need when their owner sadly passed away. estimated to be about 7 years old, and They are a mother and son duo, who have Lucky is 5 years old. They are both chibeen together their whole lives, and we couldn’t bear the thought of splitting them huahua/mixes of some kind, and are about up now, so we are looking for a home for 10 lbs each - a nice, small, portable size!! them together! They are both happy and Please check out their cute faces, and help oh so sweet - they are a little shy with new them find their forever place!

Looking for a furever friend? Give Harley’s Haven a call at (267) 354-5204.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2020

Viola “Murphy” Fluck loving wife and mother passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the age of 78. She was the wife of the late William T. Murphy.

Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Ralph & Dorothy Carey.

She worked for the Department of the Navy as a travel agent before retiring.

She was a member of Our Lady of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hilltown.

She is survived by two sons William Murphy and Vincent Murphy, a daughter Colleen Spadafora. Six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to any Veterans organization of one’s choice.

Edward William Mahler, age 78, died Sun. May 10, 2020, at his home in Richland Township.

Born July 28, 1941, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late James August and Eleanor (McCloy) Mahler, and the husband of Bonnie Mae (Marczesky) Mahler, to whom he was married 57 years.

A Central Bucks High School graduate, Edward served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army. He would go on to own and operate Penn Jersey Auto Store in Doylestown for 27 years. After that, for 18 years, he was employed by Stericycle in Montgomeryville as a Medical Waste Driver. He was a member of American Legion Post 210, Doylestown. Most of all, he enjoyed being with his family, who will dearly miss him.

In addition to his wife, Edward is survived by: daughters Susan Landis (husband Greg), and Kristine Doyle (husband Brian); sons Kevin Mahler (wife Kris), and Michael Mahler; grandchildren Ric Landis, Renay Landis, Zachary Mahler, MacKenzie Mahler, and Sierra Doyle; step-grandchil-

~Obituaries~

dren Tommy Michels, Corey Michels, and Stephanie Michels; and sister Blanche Geist (husband Charlie).

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by: brothers Robert and James Mahler. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.NaugleFCS.com.

Edward “Ebby” Tiernan, 75, most beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 11 at 3:28 pm.

Edward was born on January 26, 1945 to Walter and Mary (King) Tiernan. He and his siblings, Walter (Buddy) Tiernan, Jr., Patricia Gallagher, and Barbara Medeiros grew up together in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He joined the Navy in 1963 and served during the Vietnam War on the aircraft carrier, USS Hornet.

In September 1973, he married Nancy (Woodruff) Tiernan and the pair were devoted to one another for their nearly 47 years of marriage. They raised two children, Amy and Edward, in their home in northeast Philadelphia.

Ebby will be deeply missed by friends and family, most especially his wife, Nancy, his daughter Amy Wheeler, her husband, James, and their three children, Kacie, James, and Megan; and his son, Edward (Eddie), and his children, Simon and Merci. If Ebby could speak to you today, quoting Billy Graham, he’d tell you, “When you hear of my death, don’t believe a word of it. I am now more alive than ever!” We love you Eb/Daddy/Pop-pop.

See you later!

Emily Mary (Levitsky) Cressman born September 9, 1942 age 78, moved on from this life to her next adventure on May 12, 2020 at Belle Haven Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center of Quakertown.

She was the wife of the late Roger Cressman who passed away in November of 2001. They had been married for 37 years at the time of his passing.

Emily was born and raised in West Hazleton, Pa And was the daughter of Emil and Sabina Levitsky. She moved to Quakertown in her

early twenties to live with her favorite Aunt, Julia Miller, to start a new life. She met her future husband Roger shortly after, married and raised two children, Wendy and Roger Jr. Though they moved to different areas around Quakertown for the first few years they finally settled into their final home just outside of Quakertown along South Old Bethlehem Pike in 1976.

Throughout her life Emily worked at various jobs in local factories and in retail but her true passion and enjoyment came from working in childcare for over forty years. When she wasn’t working with young children she was tending her vegetable garden, playing with her cats, listening to her favorite music or planning her next fishing trip to Canada which she and her husband enjoyed for 20 plus years. She was a devout Catholic and loved her church, St. Isidore’s, very much.

She is survived by her daughter Wendy Ann and her husband William W. Kling from Quakertown, Pa, and her son Roger S. Cressman Jr. and his wife Dawn (Covely) Cressman of Bethlehem, Pa. Emily has five grandchildren and four great grandchildren and also leaves behind nieces, great nieces and nephews she loved very much. She is also survived by her siblings, Harriet Billman and her late husband John Billman, Stephen Levitsky and his wife Judy Levitsky and David Levitsky.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her sister Elaine (with surviving husband Gary) and by her brother Donald (with surviving wife Judy). Emily requested to be cremated and her wishes were honored. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in her name to the local SPCA.

Judith Marie Markley, 61, a beloved mother, daughter, wife, sister, aunt, mommom, girlfriend, and friend passed away suddenly on May 13th, 2020 at Grandview Hospital in Sellersville PA due to a heart attack that was related to Covid-19.

Judy was born on May 10th, 1959 at Allentown Osteopathic Hospital, in Allentown PA. She was the daughter of Dolores M. (Rhoades) Smell, and the late Robert G. Smell. Wife of the late Patrick J. Markley for 21 years.

Graduating from Pennridge High School in 1977, where she held the position of co-captain of the majorette team her junior year, and captain and feature twirler in her senior year.

Judy worked at Delbar Inc. in Perkasie followed by Dudley’s Softball Company in Dublin after graduation. She then moved on to work for Magna Engineering for 20 plus years, and then moved on to work for Little’s (previously Detlan) John Deere Dealership in Silverdale, PA where she had been employed since 2012.

Judy was a member of the Dublin Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary and was head coordinator of their annual purse bingo to raise money for the Fire Company and Auxiliary. She enjoyed volunteering her time there too by helping out at annual carnivals, attending meetings, and participating in their flea markets every year.

Judy was a very artsy and creative soul. It made her heart happy to create, and she loved making her own crafts. Judy had her own craft business called Crafty Corners that she started in the late 1980s and operated through the early 2000s. She had many customers and fellow crafters that loved visiting her table at various craft shows and purchasing her crafts to display proudly in their homes.

Judy loved the summertime and spending it at the shore with her friends and family. She was an avid collector of roosters, Longaberger baskets, and snowmen. She loved being outside and tending to her gardens. Judy was so full of life and could always be found with a smile on her face lighting up any room she was in. She had the biggest heart and was welcoming to anyone who needed it. Judy always put others before herself and never hesitated to lend a helping hand or show some extra love and support. She kept a happy home and led a healthy life – raising two strong, kindhearted children that she was very proud of and loved endlessly.

She was preceded in death by her father: Robert G. Smell, former husband: Glenn R. Moyer, and husband: Patrick J. Markley.

Judy is survived by her mother: Lorey Smell of Dublin, brother: Jeff Schmell (wife Sherri) of Sellersville, children: son Steve Moyer (fiancée Amie Galambos), and daughter Sadie Markley of Perkasie, boyfriend: Joseph Bongart of Souderton, niece: Eliza Schmell, nephews: Tyler Schmell, Nolan Schmell, and Bryce Schmell, and one grandson, Avery Moyer.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Dublin Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary

in memory of Judy Markley at 194 Main St, Dublin, PA 18917. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date after the health crisis subsides.

Richard Mager, 81, of Richlandtown formerly of Philadelphia died May 13, 2020 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. He was the husband of the late Dolores (Landis) Mager.

He is survived by his children Joan Gianni, William Redanauer, Susan Purtle, Linda Redanauer, and Nancy Weber. Twenty grandchildren and thirty five great grandchildren.

Services will be announced at a later time.

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

William J. Wendtland, 76, of Coopersburg, formerly of Perkasie died May 13, 2020 in Valley Manor Nursing Home, Coopersburg.

Born in Bucks County, PA he was the son of the late William B. & Mary (Johnson) Wendtland.

He was a mechanic for Wilcox Auto Salvage & Geese Auto Salvage before retiring.

William enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He is survived by two daughters Brenda Goepfert (Rodney), and Charlotte Wendtland, a son Wesley Wendtland. A brother Randy Wendtland (Peachie) and a sister Carol Wendtland. 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his special and close nephew Randy Wendtland and a niece Wendy. He was predeceased by a son William.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

Virginia Lee Schmid, 92, of Kintnersville, PA died May 14th, 2020 in her home. She was the wife of the late Leroy Schmid.

Born in Lansdale PA, she was the daughter of the late William Henry and Mary Jane (McWade) Chester. Early in her life, Virginia was taught by her mother to smile at everyone she encountered. Her mother would tell her, “You never know what kind of day they are having, you could make a real difference in that person’s life by giving them your humanity.” Virginia lived by this code till the day she died and greeted her nurses with the same kindness; treating them like they were family while they cared for her. She greeted everyone with a smile and was a source of comfort for all that needed it.

Virginia had many jobs throughout her life, with Bell Telephone being her first. She was also employed at Prefco Products, Clemens Grocery, and Central Bucks High School-East throughout the years. She worked into her 80’s and loved all the hustle and bustle from the students. Her last job of handing out samples at Clemens Grocery, was her favorite. Starting out as a shy wall flower, she blossomed with this job. Everyone knew her on a first name basis. “Call me Virginia,” was always the first thing she said to put those around her at ease.

However, her main job was to take care of her family and bring joy to the world with her positive attitude.

Virginia enjoyed observing the many kinds of birds, plants, and animals in the natural world around her; even in winter, there was always something of interest to her. Crafting was another activity she loved as she made many plastic canvas decorations. She also learned to text message in her 80’s, a practice she did many times a day. Virginia loved learning new things and she was quite good at it; she was determined to touch base with family and friends through text. “You gotta move forward with the times,” she would laugh. The thing she liked the most though, was spending quality time surrounded by her family and friends.

Virginia was a member of the Eastern Star in Haddonfield, New Jersey and a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Quakertown.

Virginia always looked to God for strength and guidance throughout her lifetime. She was able to see the good in all people and did what she could to brighten their days.

Virginia is survived by three children: Eric (Meg), Davin (Mary), and Heidi (Frank), four grandchildren: Abby, Emily, Ed, and Sonya, and five great-grandchildren: Kayla, Peyton, Chase, Brooklynn and Nathan. Virginia is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their spouses and children. She was predeceased by four brothers Bill, Bob, Jack, Alex, and a sister Mary Anna.

She will be missed by all who she knew.

June 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

7

~Obituaries~

Graveside services will be held at Doylestown Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www. crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 560 S Main St, Quakertown, PA 18951 or the Disabled American Veterans.

Donna Bauer, 74, of Quakertown formerly of Bensalem died May 14, 2020 in Belle Haven Nursing Home. She was the wife of Michael Bauer.

She was born in Vineland, New Jersey.

Donna was a member of Grace Bible Fellowship Church where she was a member of the Bible Study and the Prayer Meeting Group.

In addition to her husband she is survived by two sons John Nagle & Bryon Nagle. Thirteen grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son Jesse Nagle and a brother William Robinson.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

Kenneth J. Homa, 73, of Quakertown, PA & Henderson, NV died May 17, 2020 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem.

He was the husband of Josephine “Jo” (Kowski) Homa. They were married 45 years on April 19, 2020.

Born in McKeesport, Pa he was the son of the late Joseph & Mary (Nemchick) Homa.

He was a Regional Sales Manager for Henkel before retiring. Prior to joining Henkel, Ken worked as a manager for US Steel for 20 years.

He was currently a consultant for Quaker Chemical.

He was a Pennsbury High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee for football and track.

Kenneth was a starter for Duke University Football for 4 years and a graduate of the class of 1969. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons Matt Homa (Heather) and Chris Homa (Jessi), daughter Lauren Thompson (Chris), and five granddaughters Maggie, Abby, Emma, Penelope Homa and Collins Thompson.

Services will be held at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: Penn Medicine Development (www.pennmedicine.org > Menu > Giving) or American Cancer Society 480 Norristown Rd. #150 Blue Bell, PA 19422.

Michael T. Chromiak (Mike, Timmy) of Quakertown passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020, at his home/business office in Quakertown, PA. He was 71.

He was the beloved brother of Irene Black and her husband Bill of Coopersburg, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary Chromiak and his daughter Katherine.

He is also survived by niece Jessica Kearney, husband Ernest and her daughter Ashlee, his nephew Douglas and his daughter Destiny and Katherine’s daughter Allura.

Michael was president of Taurus Financial, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers for the past 40 years, in Philadelphia, Langhorne and Quakertown. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving primarily in South Korea in the early 70s as a photographer. Mike also was active in the Democratic Party as a committeeman for over 45 years.

His spiritual home was Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lansdale not only as a congregant but also as a “pierogie lady”.

In lieu of flowers his family would prefer that donations in his name should be made to Presentation of Our Lord Ukranian Catholic Church, 1564 Allentown Road, Lansdale, PA. Delphine J. Spagnuolo, 85, 64 year resident of Quakertown and formerly of Plains Twp., passed away Monday afternoon, May 18, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospice, Bethlehem, PA. Born in Gary, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Jennie (Stella) Pascucci, and Josephine (Casaia) Pascucci.

Delphine was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, after graduation she worked at Gortz Frocks in Hudson, PA as a seamstress.

In 1956 she married the love of her life, Quakertown school teacher Carl P. Spagnuolo and moved to Quakertown, PA where she was a well-known Hair Stylist at Darle’s Beauty Salon for over 40 years until she retired at

age 75. She was a member of St. Isidore’s Church, Quakertown.

Delphine, affectionately known as “Del” was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was hard working, loved to stay busy, and always had a smile on her face and a kind word. She had a keen eye for detail which made her an exceptional hair stylist and seamstress. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, dancing, and the beach.

Each year she vacationed in Wildwood Crest, NJ where she is fondly remembered watching the sandpipers running at the water’s edge.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Carl P. Spagnuolo (Quakertown school teacher) on October 27, 2017, brothers Henry “Butch” Pascucci, Jr., Bruce Pascucci, Sr., and sister Lillian F. Bechetti.

Surviving are her daughter Antoinette (Spagnuolo) Lochetto and her husband Joseph, Dresher, PA, son Carl Spagnuolo and his wife Jan of North Palm Beach, FL, grandchildren Amber Spagnuolo, Gina Milner & her husband Andy, Lauren Brimhall and her husband Sean, Jake and Jaden Thrift, 5 Great-grandchildren, sisters Marie Hamilton and her husband Richard, Port St. Lucie, FL, Geraldine Rivard and her husband Andre, Glastonbury, CT, and Jennifer Collura and her husband James, Exeter, PA and several nieces and nephews.

Due to the global state of emergency, private graveside services will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains, at the convenience of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705. Memorial donations may be made in Delphine’s name to St. Luke’s Hospice House 2455 Black River Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18015.

For additional information or to leave Delphine’s family a message of condolence, please visit www.corcoranfuneralhome.com.

Raymond Wilson Ely, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2020 at his residence in Quakertown, PA. He was the loving husband of Ruthann (Wessner) Ely, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.

Born in 1936, he was the son of the late Raymond, Sr., and Marian (Black) Ely. He proudly served our country as a Marine for 3 years. After earning his Masters of Education from Lehigh University, he went on to serve as athletic director and assistant principal at Quakertown High School and then the initial principal of Milford Junior High School until his retirement in 1990.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Ronald (Elaine), Raymond III (Margo Leight), and Marlene Hunsicker (Kenneth); grandchildren Marta, Lindsay, James Mitchell, Ryan, Jared, Caitlyn, Emily, and Sara; and siblings brother Robert Ely and sister Barbara Brenner.

He is predeceased by brothers Edward and Dennis Ely. Services and inurnment are private.

Arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, of Quakertown. To view his online obituary and share condolences and remembrances, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ, 151 S. Fourth St., Quakertown, PA 18951.

James Vincent Burns, age 73, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 22, 2020 at his residence in Quakertown, PA. He was the loving spouse of Anne C. (Gartland) Burns, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, PA he was a son of the late John and Kathleen (Smith) Burns.

James proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, receiving two Purple Hearts for injuries suffered in battle. He graduated from Penn Charter H.S. and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at St. Joseph’s University. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Roman Catholic Church and the V.F.W. John Rivers Post 11322 in Quakertown.

Jim was an active member for many years in Quakertown Soccer Club and earned the award of “Coach of the Year”.

Surviving with his wife are children: Megan Menszak, husband Chris, Melissa Shack, husband Timothy, Shawn Burns, wife Meghan and Molli Hufnagle, husband Henry, grandchildren: Alec, Owen, Kylee, Annelise Timothy, Elanor, Isabella, Brianna, James, Henry, Leah, and Shaymus and sister Kathleen Skopec, husband Michael.

He is predeceased by brother: Joseph Burns and sister: Nancy Bullis.

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www.nauglefcs.com Memorial service to be announced at a later date. Arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, of Quakertown.

To view his online obituary, please visit www. nauglefcs.com.

John Edward Novak, 94 of Bethlehem formerly of Pleasant Valley died Friday May 22, 2020 in his home.

He was the husband of Helen V. (Leonard) Novak. They celebrated 73 years of marriage last November.

Born in Leithsville he was the son of the late Stephen and Mary (Krall) Novak. He was a foreman at Bethlehem Steel before his retirement in 1983. Prior to that he worked at the former Royal Pants Factory in Perkasie.

He is a member of the Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church and was a former member of the former St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Bethlehem where he served as a lector. He was also a member of the K of C #313 in Bethlehem. John enjoyed woodworking. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in the 14th Armory Replacement Battalion during WW II. In addition to his wife he is survived by 4 children Cecelia Updegrove, Nancy Ann Werner (Kevin), John, Jr. and Stephen. A brother William and two sisters Anne Surman and Gloria Grant (Nicholas). Eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at St. Isidore’s Catholic Cemetery at the convenience of the family. A memorial mass will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

John Theodore Landis, Sr. passed away on May 24, 2020.

Born of the late Harry Monroe Landis, Sr. and Lillie Belle Catherine Myers on July 7, 1934.

He is survived by his spouse of 63 years, Leah J. Landis; his children, Leah J. Vigh, of Quakertown, PA, Valerie A. Wunder (Michael), of Quakertown, PA, John T. Landis, Jr. (Lori) of Quakertown, PA and Stacy A. Moyer (Lon) of Mocksville, NC. He was the brother of the late Harry M. Landis, Jr., the late Arthur J. Landis, and Lilly E. (Landis) Schettinger (Philip) of Sarasota, FL. John had 5 granddaughters, Stephenie R.

Colmus, Michele T. Marchak (Alex), Myndi T. Wunder (Edward Servaty), Samantha A. Moyer (Christopher R. Maddox) and Loron L. Landis. John also had 3 great-grandsons, Joshua T. Colmus, Jr., Kyran M. Marchak and Landon J. Servaty.

John did not graduate from High School (he finished the 9th grade). However, he put himself through night school in order to become a master plumber. Most of his career as a plumber was spent in Philadelphia, PA. He truly enjoyed working on old cars, especially Hudson’s, and tinkering with car engines. He also loved mowing the fields with his tractor.

He spent many days outside enjoying the warm sunshine and watching the traffic go by.

He was skilled in many trades and he mastered most everything he did. He was so very proud of the home he built on his own. He was an avid reader and truly had a thirst for knowledge. He taught his children to stand on their own and be contributing members of society.

He will be greatly missed by his family as we loved him so very much!

A private service will be held with his immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in John’s honor to the MPN Research Foundation, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1870, Chicago, IL 60601.

Judith Kay “Judy” Burlingame Clark, age 76, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on Saturday May 30, 2020 at Lehigh Valley Health Network - Cedar Crest in Allentown, PA. She was the wife of John Richard Clark, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage.

Born in St. Mary’s, PA she was a daughter of the late Robert Burlingame and Elaine Wallace Burlingame.

Judy was well known as the church organist at Bethel Baptist Church for 37 years and pianist at Bible Baptist Church for 5 years. She was a music teacher at Upper Bucks Christian School for 9 years and was an Avon Lady for more than 45 years. She taught 6th grade Sunday School girls for 33 years.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

8

• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2020

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

~Obituaries~

In addition to her husband, and her beloved poodle Collette, Judy is survived by four sons, Christopher of Houston, TX, Kevin of Trumbauersville, Ryan (wife Sally) of Quakertown, and Drew (Stephanie) of Clermont, FL; 4 grand-daughters, 4 grandsons, 1 great-grand-daughter and 1 great-grandson.

Interment will be private in Quakertown Union Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Bible Baptist Church of Quakertown Building Fund, PO Box 152, Quakertown, PA 18951.

Scott D. Grant, age 62 of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 30, 2020 in his home after a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was the loving husband to Judy Ann (Jaman) Grant for 36 years.

Born in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Edna (Faustner) and the late Thomas Grant. He worked at Nestle Waters

North America for 14 years as a Maintenance Mechanic. Scott was surrounded by co-workers he loved and whom supported him through this journey. Scott lived life to the fullest and never took a day for granted. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and pinochle player but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Surviving with his wife and mother are children: James Grant and partner Kelly Morgan, Lauren Grant Miller and her husband Bradley, Brother: Thomas Grant Jr. and wife Kathleen, Nieces: Emily Burry and husband Brandon, Alicia Jantsch and husband Jon. Memorial services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Calvary Bible Fellowship Church in Coopersburg.

Employment Opportunities

American Legion Post 242 June 2020 Update

BY DICK HELM

Last month I included the sad news that we would not be able to have flags on the graves of veterans in our cemeteries in Upper Bucks.

The governor had deemed the manufacturing of flags as “NON-ESSENTIAL.” Flags are now waving in our cemeteries here in Upper Bucks!

The story on how this happened is complex; but I believe public pressure caused the reversal of the governor’s decision. We received the flags on the Thursday before Memorial Day. Now we were faced with the scramble of placing hundreds of flags without the usual support of organizations because of their restrictions about gathering. When the word got out that we had flags, we were amazed at the great response of individuals wanting to make sure the flags would add that special color we have every spring of the graves of those who served.

Special thanks goes out to all that helped perform this monumental task!

I want to now mention about a special effort put forth by a family that lives here in Milford Township. We received a call from Melinda Wolfe who was and is kept idle by Pennsylvania government rules governing her profession. She is the owner of Mirror Images in Quakertown. During the down time incurred, she and her family printed and sold T-shirts about the Covid-19 situation. Using a portion of the funds from these sales and other donations, the Wolfe family purchased U.S. Flags that were available that would be the correct size for cemetery display. Now we suddenly received flags from Bucks County. I am proud to say that we have displayed the “Wolfe Family Flags” on my home churches cemetery to not only honor those who served, but to honor a family who cared enough to supply flags when none were supposed to be sent to us. Those flags can be seen on the graveyard at St. John.s Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown, Pa. It was appropriate that they be placed there as it is near the Wolfe home. It is good to see that people do care. Not only by Southeastern Pennsylvania residents pressing the government to let flag manufacturing be essential, but also as was shown by the Wolfe family giving what they could to honor our Veterans who served!

Because this article could be submitted later, I am regretfully adding this paragraph. As mentioned above, the flags arrived “Just in Time” and the Upper Bucks and Quakertown Community cemetery groups responded enthusiastically. Mission accomplished! Sometime

Saturday evening, Quakertown’s Union Cemetery was vandalized when about 70 flags were removed from their holders and stripped off their standards and thrown on the ground!

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday nights found the same numbers (including Fire Company flags).

Viewing this destruction was devastating to visitors to the cemetery and especially to we Veterans called upon to remove them. Who would do such a thing and why? This will be dealt with in detail in a future article. We ask you to help us stop the culprit or culprits by notifying the Police from Quakertown or Richland Township of any suspicious activity or tales being told relating to these despicable act of vandalism. Enough Said! We will not dwell on these cowardly acts. Even during these acts of vandalism, our phones were busy with calls from “GOOD” people wanting to help make this vile situation right. The patriotism, positive response to a bad situation, and willingness of our local citizenry truly deserve our article attention. As is the boroughs area renewal theme, “Quakertown Cares.” Once again, the good far outweighs the bad. Just as our nation is saying about the Covid-19----“We will get through this.” Good always defeats the bad. This too will be solved and defeated!

Your Post did as we promised. Although we were not able to have the traditional Parade and Public Service with the music of School Bands and the usual stirring program, we did have a brief service at the World War I memorial with our brothers from VFW Post 11322.

The names of those who served and gave their all were read from World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Middle East War. Taps were played, and wreaths laid

by American Legion Post 242 and VFW Post 11322. Proper Invocations, Benedictions, and reading of last year’s departed from both organizations as well as short message from both organizations were given in this private service. Out Veteran’s were not forgotten and never will be!

Our drawing schedule for later on this month is still on and the response is on track and doing well. We urge you to send in your tickets for this worthy cause. The Post is still closed and we urge you to keep an eye on our lawn sign for any changes that might take place. We also will relay details about the drawing night functions. You will be surprised at what the Post has done to improve the facilities during the “Shutdown.” Look for a letter from your Post about these changes.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

“My father always used to say that when you die, if you’ve got five real friends, then you’ve had a great life.” - Lee Iacocca

Borough of Quakertown - Seasonal positions. K.I.D.S. Camp Counselor, Community Pool Lifeguard, Blue Water Café Staff. Positions are from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Applications available online. quakertown.org/employment.

Applications due by March 20. Also accepting resumes for a Parks & Rec Intern 215-536-5001 x136 Krause Home & Lawn Care - an award winning company, is looking to hire a few dependable and hard working individuals for 30-50 hours per week.

May involve weekend work.

Would prefer experience in landscaping and/or handyman fields, but not required. Pay is commiserate with experience. We offer Aflac insurance after 90 days, workman’s comp, paid vacation, company vehicles to be used during work day, competitive pay. We prefer a clean driving record to operate our company vehicles. Experience driving a truck with a trailer is a plus!

We’re looking for people that are willing to learn, able to work outside, and have a great work ethic!

Contact Kevin at 267-261-7671.

Kulp Roofing & Construction - We are currently in need of experienced individuals for our roof repair team, gutter team, and window team.

Individuals must be motivated, punctual, detail-oriented, professional and loyal. Contact us to schedule an interview. We are looking for long-term, year-round help. Roofing is not a requirement for any of these positions except “Roof Repair Technician”. Applications accepted at our office at 216 D, Apple St., Quakertown, PA, Call 215-538-0618 Spor’s General Store - Hiring PT Kitchen, dishwasher, cleaning, waitstaff, ice cream window, etc.

Contact: bspor@sporsgeneralstore. com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville New Vitae Wellness & Recovery Join our amazing staff of caring Med Techs, PCA’s, Mentors, Drivers, Housekeepers, and Kitchen Assistants who work in our personal care homes in Quakertown and Limeport/Coopersburg. If interested in immediate employment, please call (610) 965-9021 ext. #239 or an online application at www.newvitaewellness.com/careers. Look for our upcoming job fairs on March 19th at our Limeport location from 1-4 pm and March 20th at our Recovery Center in Quakertown from 12-4 pm.

You’ve Got MAIDS is looking for exceptional employees. You will be paid well and treated very well! If you love to clean, please apply.

We would be happy to meet you for an interview. Monday through Friday Full-Time and Part-Time.

Also Nights & Weekends available. FullTime: Paid commission (average $11 to $15 hr), Monthly bonus program, Paid Holidays after 6 months for Full-Time, Paid Training, Earn Paid Time Off, No experience necessary.

(215) 529-7837 Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service - Funeral home support staff needed.

Event set up, funeral processions, flower handling, extensive interaction with the bereaved. Must be a people person. Email Matt Grieco at mgrieco@janauglefcs.com Lazer Limousine is growing and starting an office in the Quakertown area. We have a diverse fleet, from sedans to bus, to handle any number of passengers. Flexible schedule.

Give us a call and let us show you what professional chauffeuring is all about. 267-371-7857

June 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

9

Drive Yields 6 Tons of Donations for Quakertown Food Pantry

BY GARY WECKSELBLATT Not your typical 17-year-old, Mason Smith has accomplished quite a bit in his young life.

He’s a black belt in karate, earned his Eagle Scout rank with Boy Scout Troop 87, and is a Junior Councilman with Quakertown Borough.

Recently, the Quakertown Community High School junior was thinking about the COVID-19 pandemic and his legacy. “What will I be able to tell my grandchildren about what I did” during these unusual times?” he said in an interview.

Seeking to contribute to the community in a significant way, Mason aspired to help feed families facing financial hardship as unemployment has skyrocketed. His idea is similar to his Eagle Scout Project: a food drive for the Quakertown Food Pantry. His efforts have been joined by several municipalities.

Local residents could bring their donations to drop-off points in municipalities: Quakertown; Trumbauersville; Richlandtown; Milford, Haycock, and Richland townships.

When he got the idea for the food drive, Mason approached Scott McElree, Quakertown’s Borough Manager and Police Chief. He suggested Mason approach Quakertown Food Pantry to find out how significant their needs are.

“He did the research and found the demand is there,” Chief McElree said. “This is really important for the Quakertown Community School District community to get behind this.”

Sally Lindemuth, the pantry’s Food Drive Coordinator, said there was a 40 percent increase in the number of new families the organization served in March. More than 2,500 individuals used the pantry during the months of March and April, she said. “The need is definitely there,” she added. “We expect the greater influx is yet to come.”

Mason, an aspiring Marine, said the neces-

sity of the food drive couldn’t be more clear with the number of first-time families flooding the pantry. “People are living paycheck to paycheck,” he said. “What if they’ve lost their job? How are people getting food? How are people eating? I just want to help.”

Ms. Lindemuth praised Mason for not only taking the initiative but following through on the plan. “Many people have great ideas, but never bring them to fruition,” she said. “Mason has the great thoughts and the follow-through to make it become a reality. A characteristic few people of any age possess.”

Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner described Mason as “a selfless young man, who has shown a commitment and urgency to help the neediest in our community. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

McElree used the words “astonishing, mature and focused” to describe Mason. “I see him in a leadership role as he forges ahead to make a difference,” he said. “One day he’ll be on the ballot running for the White House.”

The food drive was a rousing success. In the days leading up to Ma 16th, area residents started gathering donations in preparation for the big day. Several neighborhoods filled vehicles full of non-perishable food donations.

Within the first hour of the food drive, over a ton of food had been weighed on the scale at the food pantry.

By the end of the day, so much food had been gathered that not only the pantry was full, but also the bay in Quakertown’s adjacent Public Works garage. When that space was full, donations were transported to the Borough’s storage space in the pool building. So many donations were collected that weighing all of the donations took almost two weeks and donations needed to be moved into a storage pod.

The final total weight of food donations came to just over six tons, 12,056 pounds.

A Quiet Commemoration of Heroes on Memorial Day

BY MICHELE BUONO Memorial Day morning in Quakertown Borough is usually a time for the community to gather and honor the memory of fallen soldiers. The high school band, fire trucks, and veterans group proudly march through the town in a grand parade to Memorial Park where hundreds gather to hear speeches and the reading of names of those who died in service to this country. But that did not happen on Memorial Day 2020. Because of the state-mandated lockdown instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the memorial service was very different this year.

Without publicity, the local American Legion Post 242 and John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 organized themselves to gather in the morning. They held a dignified ceremony with prayers, the annual reading of the names of the fallen, taps was played, and there were patriotic readings of the Gettysburg Address and In Flanders Field. The fallen were not forgotten. photos by michele buono

(L-R) Richland Twp. Supervisor Kathie Doyle, Richland Twp. Police Chief Richard Ficco, food

drive coordinator Mason Smith, Richland Twp. Supervisors Tim Ritter and Tim Arnold, and State Representative Craig Staats. photo by michele buono

Artistic Final Send Off to QCHS Grads QCHS Graduate Casey Nyce gave a final salute to her fellow Class of 2020 students with a chalk mural at the entrance to the school where they would take their final walks, individually, across the stage to accept their diplomas. submitted photo

Dana Prashad Awarded QPOA Scholarship QCSD School Resource Officer Bob Lee presents the annual Quakertown Police Officers Association Scholarship to this year's grantee, Dana Prashad. To be eligible for the scholarship, the student must have a qualifying grade point average, enroll in a college/university, and have an interest in criminal justice or social science as a major. Dana participated in the First Responder’s Explorer Post at Quakertown Community High School and volunteered with the Quakertown Fire Department. She will be attending DeSales University. submitted photo

BuckyGrams: German Shepherd, Irish Setter, English Bulldog, French Poodle, Newfoundland, Alaskan Husky, Labrador Retriever, Scottish Terrier, Chinese Crested, Tibetan Mastiff, Italian Greyhound, Mexican Chihuahua Hidden Message: Adopt, don’t shop for your next best friend! Bucky Block: The Bermuda Triangle

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2020

In June, we gardeners are “Busy as Bees!”

Perennial Maintenance Some perennials can benefit from June pruning. Cutting back perennials now can increase the number of blooms and help manage height to prevent the “flop-over” and the need for staking. Pinching back will delay bloom but the benefits can outway the wait. Perennials that can benefit from early June pruning are Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), Speedwell (Veronica), Yarrow (Achillea sp.), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Artemisia and taller species of Goldenrod (Solidago altissima, S. sphacelata, S. rugosa) and Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium). Plants in the Asteracea family such as Chrysanthemum and Asters can be pinched back until early July.

Should I be worried about the Asian Giant Hornet?

The simple answer is No. A nest of this hornet (Vespa mandarinia) was found in Vancouver Island in late 2019 and destroyed.

A dead specimen was found in Washington State in December, 2019. There have been no sightings in any other US States. The European Hornet (Vespa crabro) and the Eastern Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus) have been mistaken for this hornet that is native to Asia. There are major differences in the size, color patterns and abdomen shape among these three insects.

This Penn State’s Publication has photos and useful information to help allay your concerns: https://extension.psu.edu/asian-giant-hornets Pests & Diseases to look out for in June: Rose Sawfly adults emerge in early spring and lay their eggs on the undersides of rose leaves. The larvae hatch and begin to feed leaving a “skeletonized” appearance.

Although unsightly small infestations rarely kill the plant. Larger infestations can stress a plant making it more susceptible to other pests and diseases. A strong early morning spray with the hose can dislodge most of the larvae.

Resisting the use of pesticides will encourage natural predators such as parasitic wasps, insectivorous birds, and predaceous beetles to do some work for you. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis is not effective on the larvae because they are not true caterpillars. If damage level warrants, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils and other chemical controls are available. Read labels to ensure the chemical is effective on Sawfly larvae and use with caution.

Boxwood leafminer arrived in late May. This destructive pest of Boxwood (Buxus) is also a tiny fly that emerges in spring to lay eggs in boxwood leaves. The insect gets its name from the blotchy, blistering pattern show on the leaves by the “mining” larvae which continue to feed all

summer. Leaves will eventually brown and fall causing defoliation of the plant. Treatment is best timed when the adults are present early in spring. Symptoms can often be mistaken for Boxwood blight which is a fungal disease.

Tearing open an infected leaf will reveal the larvae to differentiate. More on Boxwood Blight in the July article.

Four-Lined Plant Bugs are common to over 250 species of plants. Nymphs are reddish-orange and adults are greenish yellow with 4 black stripes. This bug has piercing-sucking mouthparts which feed on the upper sides of leaves leaving a brown sunken spot which eventually drops out to a one-sixteenth to oneeighth hole in the leaf. Damage is unsightly but rarely fatal to the plant. Insecticidal soap is effective on nymphs but not on adults.

Aphids – Who hasn’t dealt with these pesky piercing-sucking plant nemeses? Aphid infestation can be rapid as these soft-bodied insects reproduce quickly. Winged aphids fly to a susceptible host and deposit wingless nymphs.

Nymphs mature in 7-10 days capable of producing 40 to 60 live offspring. As aphids feed they produce a sugary substance called “honeydew”. This sticky substance attracts a fungal pathogen called “sooty mold” causing the lower leaves to become black and unsightly. The honeydew also attracts ants and other insects.

Inspect your plants regularly. Insecticidal soap is very effective if the infestation is too severe for the hose technique. Since there is only one generation per year the Four-Lined Plant Bug will not persist all summer.

Spotted Lanternfly-Egg Hatch is Here!

First instar (stage) nymphs have been spotted East of Pottstown and near Lancaster City.

You still may have time to Scrape and Destroy those eggs.

Our home gardening hotline is open!

Emails are being answered by our trained Master Gardeners/Master Watershed Stewards remotely from 9 am to 4 pm Monday thru Friday (closed noon-1pm). For fastest service use email.

You can still call if you prefer. Leave a message and we will return your call.

Phone: 267-483-2020 “Ask a Master Gardener or Master Watershed Steward” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Road Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksMG@psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!

Milford Township Fish, Game, & Forestry Association: Part 2 Last month I started to tell of the formation of Milford Twp, Fish Game & Forestry Association – 60 years ago next year. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of this organization since its inception. Part 2 of my historical account of its growth appears below: I left off on my article with our meeting at the Milford Twp. Fire Hall and wanting to expand further and someday owning a parcel of land to build a place to meet. That opportunity came to us. We heard that a gentleman in our area was considering selling his “Garden Plot” on Canary Road that contained acreage for sale at present with the possibility of purchasing additional acreage later. Dan Meas and William “Bill” Phifer approached the board of directors at a local bank they dealt with and worked out a deal (that was available back then) that they would hold their funds in a special account that would be “Locked In” until the club mortgage was paid. (I do not remember the purchase price at this time.) It was a GO! Now we had land-what about a meeting place?

The only building on the parcel was a sad looking equipment shed. From funds we received from 50-50’s, shoots we ran out of that shed, and donations for our building we were far short of building a “Clubhouse” after fulfilling our mortgage payments. So we continued to pay rent and meet at the Firehouse.

Luck would have it that Insaco, Inc. at the far end of Canary Road made an exchange with Camp Men-O-Lan and Insaco’s parcel contained a pavilion that was used by the Camp for outdoor instruction in the past.

A Board Member, Bob Wisler, worked at Insaco, Inc. and offered to remove the Pavilion so they could return the parcel to its natural state. My wife, Nina, also worked at Insaco in the office and an agreement was made to do this as long as only the Wistler’s and the Helm’s would do the salvage and others could haul it away to our club grounds. Bob and I dismantled the Pavilion piece by piece over about a two-month period in the evenings and our wives helped us along the way. They became wonderful “De-nailers.” All the club had to purchase or have donated was the plywood for the roofing, the inside sheet rock and the flooring material along with the Utility Poles for the Pole Building Construction we had permission from the Township to build. A well was drilled and by special permission we

built outhouses for bathroom use. The spirit of teamwork and under the leadership of persons such as Jake Wimmer; our clubhouse was nearing a reality.

Meanwhile up on the upper part of our then existing acreage, Phil Fachet and his group of volunteers was laying out a proposed range with the backstop angling back towards the open area to the rear of the proposed clubhouse.

This area was the former owner’s garden and is now our “Short” range and where we hold our two annual shoots.

We now had a range that conformed to NRA rules for various purposes and uses. Not only could the members use it to sight in their rifles for deer season and target shooting, other important functions were scheduled. Phil and Lee Hinkle became NRA sanctioned instructors and formed a separate Youth Rifle and Pistol Group. As was our first initial goal with the Youth Fishing Contest, we now were increasing our youth involvement of proper handling and safety of firearms with our area youth through this endeavor. About this time (The 70’s) Flintlock Rifles, both antique and modern, were becoming popular with the advent of a Pennsylvania Special Flintlock season after the New Year. Again Phil Fachet and I enlisted the help of Warren (Bud) Wisler to help us organize Flintlock Shoots similar to the competition shoots that were held in 1976 at Daniel Boone Homestead with Kentucky and Pennsylvania shooters involved. During the Bicentennial this competition took place in the decades old dispute about the Flintlock Rifle.

Was it the Pa. Long Rifle or the Kentucky Rifle? Bud Wisler who is known for his beautiful handcrafted rifles was one of the Pennsylvania Shooters and was helpful to us in organizing this unique shoot. My wife and I treasurer the medals such as the Buffalo Cross stick ribbons we won in these few years of competition. I feel fortunate that I now own the rifle that Mr. Wisler used in that competition.

My last part in this important article will outline more activities that this club sponsors and makes a point of youth involvement that helps open up the outdoors for all the family to enjoy together, will appear next month. In this time of national crisis it brings to mind the importance of families sharing family time away from the normal crowds. That is why I decided to open this important part of my life into three parts.

Dick Helm is a long time Quakertown area resident

and

regular

contributor

here

UBFP. Reach him at rbh9@verizon.net.

at

QNB Declares Dividend The Board of Directors of QNB Corp.

(OTC Bulletin Board: QNBC), parent company of QNB Bank, at a regular meeting on May 26, 2020 declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share. The cash dividend is payable on June 26, 2020 to shareholders of record June 12, 2020.

QNB Corp. offers commercial and retail banking services through the twelve banking offices of its subsidiary, QNB Bank. QNB Corp.’s stock is traded in the over-the-counter market under the symbol “QNBC.” For more information, visit QNB’s web site at QNBbank.com.

What Should I Feed my Dog? I always say how about I tell you what not to buy and why. Buying dog food can be very overwhelming and confusing. The biggest question you need to ask yourself is, what can you afford? I know a Rolls Royce is a better ride, but I can’t afford one. The best food to feed your dog probably isn’t going to be seen on a TV commercial or found in a grocery store. Lots of dog food companies spend a small fortune on cool packaging and making commercials. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

While they promise you their food is the best now, try reading the ingredient list.

Reading the label is the best place to start.

That being said, reading a label can be pretty tricky. Cracked corn and corn gluten is still corn, so by breaking it down into different names it doesn’t have to be listed as the first ingredient listed according to weight. Did you ever hear garbage in garbage out? Just because your dog loves his food doesn’t mean it’s really the best food for him. If you feed your child candy bars at every meal your child would be happy. However, they would eventually have some sort of behavioral and or health problems

creep up because of bad nutrition.

I always suggest an all-natural food to start, no artificial dyes, flavor or preservatives. For dry kibble, look at the first ingredient, it should be an identifiable meat like chicken, salmon, or lamb - not poultry, fish, or meat. There is more of whatever is listed first on the ingredients list than anything else on the label; so, the first ingredient on a dog food label should be an identifiable meat. By-products are basically anything but the “oink”, so steer clear.

Highest protein isn’t always best. If you have a working or very athletic dog, you’ll want a high protein. Remember to check the fat percentage. Couch potatoes don’t need that much fat. Always check the manufacturing date and Best by Date to get the freshest product. Grainfree doesn’t mean your dog’s food has more meat. Grain-free has recently been linked to heart disease in dogs. Always ask your veterinarian! You’ll have to take your dog’s age, breed, size, weight, and activity level into account when choosing a food. This information should help you get started in your search.

Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner and instructor for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown. She www.molassescreekdogtraining.com

June 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

QCHS Seniors Get Special Deliveries of Caps & Gowns, Congratulation Signs

BY GARY WECKSELBLATT More than 400 caps, gowns and “Panther Proud” lawn signs have been delivered to Quakertown Community High School seniors in what has been described as “an entire community rallying behind our students.”

The words belong to Principal Mattias van’t Hoenderdaal, who thanked his administrative team, teachers, counselors, support staff, fire companies and the Levy School Bus Co. for an effort that has left everyone with positive memories.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenging time as all schools in Pennsylvania have been shut down by orders of the governor, administrators held several meetings with students and parents seeking ways to bring some Pomp and Circumstance to those who have missed out on senior year activities.

“This could not have been done without everyone involved,” Mr. V said. “The whole

community came out and has been so supportive and so patient as this amazing event was planned.”

He said as fire trucks entered neighborhoods, families came out of their homes and stood on their lawns to cheer for the seniors.

“It was really a big to-do,” Mr. V said. “There were so many happy faces.”

Assistant Principal Jennifer Carolla said the two days of deliveries “was such an awesome thing to be a part of! Loved it!”

On Facebook, where several hundred people liked the post of the QCHS effort, former Principal Mario Galante wrote: “Great job!

Giving the students a celebration of their success is very important! Kudos to the administrative team!!!”

Special education teacher Rachelle Quinter said that participating in the delivery “was one of the highlights of my career. It was so moving to see everyone come together as a community for the seniors.”

Shout Outs to QCHS Senior Athletes Playing in College

Makenzie Adamson - Widener University (field hockey) Hallie Frederick – University of New Haven (softball) Brianna Lefkoski - Moravian College (softball) Meghan Woods – Misericordia University (swimming) Julianne Redmond – Cedar Crest College (swimming) Olivia Williams – Manhattan College (lacrosse) Ashlyn Hickey - Millersville University (track) Matt Tuley - Ursinus College (baseball) Cody Barberio - West Chester University (baseball) Cole Mehrman - Penn State - Harrisburg (baseball) Samantha Barkholtz – Thomas Jefferson University (soccer) Melina Jagiello – Dickinson University (soccer) Madilyn Siuta - West Chester University (golf) Abby Schwart - Millersville University (softball) Zach Pernia - Millersville University (tennis) Ryan DiCandilo - Kean University (volleyball) Tim Garlick - Moravian College (football) Gavin Croissette - Ursinus College (football) Ben Kave - Bloomsburg University (football) Alec Menszak - Lebanon Valley College (football) Moses Allie - University of the Sciences (track) Jeremy McGuigan - Keystone College (wrestling) Zach Lewis - East Stroudsburg University (wrestling)

11

12

• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2020

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church

Evangel Assembly of God

Juniper Street Bible Church

Meets in Strayer Middle School Cafeteria

401 Arch Street

1200 Ronald Reagan Drive

Perkasie, PA 18944

Quakertown, PA 18951

484-860-8269

317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115 Pastor: Bob Stevenson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org Contemporary Worship Service: Sunday 10 am, Prayer meeting for Quakertown Service Wednesday 7pm, Other services as announced. Watch us live on Facebook Sunday mornings at “Juniper Street Bible Church”

Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul

484-523-3333

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am, Adult

www.biblebaptistcares.org

Sunday School 9:30am, Wednesday Evening

Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf

Christ Church United Church of Christ

Prayer & Bible Study 6:00pm, Where God’s Love Changes Lives

First United Church of Christ Fourth Street & Park Avenue

Morning Star Fellowship

101 N. Main Street

Quakertown, PA 18951

Trumbauersville, PA 18970

215-536-4447

215-538-0142

info@firstUCC.net

christchurch10@verizon.net

www.firstUCC.net

www.christchurchisalive.org

Facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown

Pastor: David Heckler

Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian

A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling.

Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Contemporary

Service

11:45am,

Alternative

worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners

Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm

Christ’s Lutheran Church

First United Methodist Church

1 Luther Lane

501 Market Street

Trumbauersville, PA 18970

Perkasie, PA 18944

215-536-3193

215-257-4626

christselca@verizon.net

fumcperkasie@verizon.net

www.christslutheran.com

www.fumcperkasie.com

Pastor: Carolann Hopcke

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Suzanne Wenonah Duchesne

9:00am School

Worship, Free

Drive-in

10:15

Sunday

Sunday Worship Schedule: 10 AM weekly.

Movies

1st

We invite you and your loved ones to join us.

&

429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 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.

Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Lori Wagner Sunday morning worship: 8:00, 9:00, 11:00am Sunday School for all ages 10:00am Communion first Sunday of each month.

Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker)

Quakertown, PA 18951

day Worship and Children’s Church 10:30 am,

215-538-3787

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm, World Evan-

Ardores@verizon.net

gelism Fellowship affiliate.

Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-7555 Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org Clerk: Jack H. Schick Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.”

www.IncarnationQuakertown.org

Grace Bible Fellowship Church

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger

1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N.

Traditional worship, Biblical faith

Quakertown, PA 18951

4 South Main Street • PO Box 459 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org Pastor: Rev. Katherine Steinly www.stjohnsrpa.org/sermons facebook.com/stjohnsrpa.org Watch our Virtual Sunday Church Services 9:30 am on Live on Facebook or any time on Facebook or on our website. Music by our talented Pastor Kat and Choir Master, Zack von Menchhofen, cago. Virtual services continue until our area turns Green.

3rd Friday evenings June through August,

Handicapped

accessible,

Family

Friendly Church. Find us on Facebook!

Church of the Incarnation 44 S. 8th Street

Good News Church 424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. An alternative to the ultra-contemporary Sun-

Sunday 10:30am, Holy Days as announced.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com

215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Evening 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:30pm; Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays

www.emmanuelquakertown.org

6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:30am;

Sunday service at 10am, Visitors and new

Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens

members always welcome!

for Christ 6:30pm, Adult Bible Study 7pm.

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown

1565 Sleepy Hollow Road, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Outdoor Summer Worship Service 9:30am Sundays, Services in the tree lined grove across the road from the church. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and your favorite morning beverage. Check website for date when outdoor gatherings will be permitted. Until then, access online service through website.

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley

910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am w/praise band.

Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available.

Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible.

All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville

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

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

104 Green Street Sellersville, PA 18960 215-257-7268 Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net 9am Fellowship Hall, Prayer Shawl Ministry is held 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 1 to 3pm.

(June 14 - Sept 13)

Trinity Lutheran Church

102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9am Traditional Service, 11am; Contemporary Service, 10:30am; FaithQuest, 10:15am; Handicapped accessible, Family friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Living God’s Love for All.

Victory Fellowship Church

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

To have your place of worship included in this directory, please contact Denise Bentz at 215-529-8915 ext 23 or email at denise@ubfp.org

Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • 215-529-8915 • 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951 The New Normal

BY REV. DR. LORI WAGNER This is the season of Pentecost! In the church, it’s the time when we pay special attention to our anointing by the Holy Spirit, the spirit-soaked baptism that compels us to proclaim Jesus Lord and God victorious to all who will hear. And it’s the claiming and confirming of a new kind of life, a commitment to moving forward into a new way of being, a new way of praising, a new way of living.

The mission of Jesus’ disciples during his lifetime was to sit at his feet, follow him everywhere he went, watch him as he lived out the faith, learn from him what it meant to serve God in the way that God intended.

During his lifetime, Jesus chose apostles, those who would lead the way in evangelism both during his ministry and after his death, who would carry on the faith as Jesus taught it and teach other disciples what it means to be a loyal citizen of God’s kingdom. After Jesus’ resurrection when it came time for him

to ascend and leave them, he promised them that the Holy Spirit would come to empower them, change them, move them, appoint, and anoint them, so that they could carry on God’s mission in his stead.

This past week, we celebrated the event of Pentecost, the touching down of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem in a way that motivated and marinated people in God’s missional intention for all of the cultures of the world. After that time, the apostles would go out to love, heal, encourage, teach, preach, build relationships, and baptize anyone who would hear the message of God’s salvation.

That message and mission has not changed.

Jesus’ apostles left their old life behind that day, and they embarked on a lifelong adventure based on the knowledge their hearts received directly from God about Jesus’ death and resurrection, his gift of salvation and grace. They did not mourn the past any longer, but they embraced a “new normal” –a life of excitement, danger, proclamation, and change.

When they left the house that day, they had no preconceived plan, they had no blueprint for success, they had no list of directives, they had no clue what would happen next. They only knew that the Holy Spirit had anointed them to preach salvation to all people. And that’s where they would begin.

This week, we our county moves into phase yellow, as designated by Governor Wolf, we will come out of our homes and back into our culture for the first time after months of careful hiding. We will venture into the world humbled by things bigger than we are and out of our control, and we will learn to be a community again in this new reality that is COVID-19.

But one thing we know: things will not be as they used to be. The norm of yesterday is gone. The new normal of a still-present viral threat looms around us. And yet, with the strength and hope of God, with the anointing of the Holy Spirit around and within us, we emerge joyful, free, optimistic, and ready to serve those in our communities who are weak and suffering, downtrodden, and in need of hope and a helping hand.

Now more than ever, the Church’s mission is clear –to proclaim Jesus risen and God victorious, and to put on a mantle of service to those

around us. Now is the time for the Church to re-create itself, to remember its primal mission, to listen for the voice of the Spirit, and to be willing to follow Jesus into the trenches of the real world.

God’s Church has always in every time and place been the world’s “new normal.”

Christians everywhere have always been called

by God to be different, more innovative, more daring, more courageous, more undaunted by trouble and roadblocks than anyone else.

The Church is God’s message to the world that says, “This is MY new normal. This is what it looks like to be a truly loving community, a place of healing, a non-judgmental safe place for every person, a place of forgiveness, a place of mercy, a place filled with those anointing by the Holy Spirit to be lovers of people and servants to the world.”

The Spirit-Anointed Church is God’s ever constant new normal in an ever-changing world. The question therefore today in these unusual times is not “What do I want my Church to do?” But “Will you dare to be part of God’s New Normal?”

Lori Wagner is the pastor at Quakertown United Methodist Church. She can be reached at loribethwagner@gmail.com

June 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

Talk of Fathers

I don’t really celebrate Fathers’ Day, or even think much about it. My kids have been on their own for much longer than they lived with me. They do call me on Fathers’ Day, usually, and one daughter always sends a card. The fact that my own father’s been gone for a long time also smudges some luster off the holiday. But then, I can’t remember thinking much about Fathers’ Day back then either; back when my dad was here, or when I was a father with kids around.

My mom always organized any celebration we had for my dad, and my wife planned anything special the kids did for me.

Actually, on Father’s Day I do think more about being a father, about my own father, and about other people’s fathers I knew, but, I only think about them more in June because it is Fathers’ Day. I’m reminded constantly by ads, sales and promotions. Everybody’s supposed to be nice to Dad for at least one day…and spend some money on him.

Almost everyone has memories they like to share about their fathers. It seems hackneyed to write about mine for June. Most of the stories we tell about our fathers are interesting or entertaining…to us. But, if they didn’t know the guy it’s usually a bore to others. They’re thinking about their own dad while you’re talking about yours. They can’t really get what you’re saying.

There’re still some people around Quakertown who remember my father, (Clarence) Jack Schick, so I’ll tell a story about him, anyway. He worked at Hinkel and Biehn Shoes, Sears and Fields Shoes in Quakertown. He was a large man who was big in the Boy Scouts; earned a Silver Beaver. He died in 1983, at only sixty-three. [A quick bio: born 1919 in Erie, lived there till age 12; the Great Depression; a farm near Williamsport through high school; Philly tech school; WWII; Married (Ellen) Virginia Hinkel of Quakertown; became my father in 1952.]

Because this is an age of high speed and distance with a decreased interest in face-toface socialization in the electronic era, one persistent memory I have of my father would be rare if it happened today. We were driving to my grandparent’s farm near Montoursville.

It was before Interstate 80 was built. The way to Williamsport--Loyalsock Township, actually--was up Rte 309 to Hamburg, Hazelton, Berwick, then miles through farmland and small towns like Millville and Muncy. It took forever!

My mom wasn’t along that trip, just my dad, me and my brother, Dan. We were about nine or ten. We left a little early so we’d get to the farm in time to play outside before dark. Hours later, when the sun was already getting lower, we were on a two lane road somewhere east of Danville. We came to a church in a small grove of trees in the rolling cornfields and pastures of central Pennsylvania. Dozens of cars and a bunch of people were there. Tables and chairs

were set up under the trees. There were lights strung, booths and a small stage and band. It was a Lawn Fete, a Peach Festival!

As I said, my dad was a big guy who loved ice cream so it didn’t take much to get him to stop. We could play on the farm tomorrow.

This was something special. Yellow-orange, late afternoon sunbeams cast lengthening shadows and added magical ambience to the already enticing scene. A crowd of smiling strangers meandering, talking and eating, tossing horseshoes and bean bags, barking bake sale goods over the band’s playing, bedazzled and excited Dan and me.

We went for peach sundaes while my dad found people to talk to. He was real friendly.

He looked like a mean Sumo, but acted more like Santa. He would talk to anyone, anytime.

That’s why he did well at Sears, selling refrigerators, carpet, roto-tillers and chain link fence. Many times, after he’d been chatting with someone for a long time, we’d ask, “Who was that?” We assumed it was an old friend.

My dad would say, “I don’t know. I never met him before.”

We still had money so we had another sundae. Then, we watched them play horseshoes and toss bean bags, talked to a couple of kids our age and listened to the band for a while.

By then, we were ready to go, but my dad was still busy talking. He gave us more money; told us to get pretzels and drinks, for him, too, and to get a Pennsylvania Dutch Pineapple Upside-down Cake for Grammy Schick. She loved them but could never get them to come out quite right, herself.

When we got back with the stuff, my dad was talking with someone else, now! They’d worked their way half way down the parking lot by then. My dad always stepped toward you when talking--they say farmers do it, get in your face, sort of. At least my dad wasn’t as aggressive about it as Uncle George. We’d slowly stagger backwards the whole time he was talking to us. The other guy was doing most of the talking. My dad just nodded and said ‘yep’, or something, to keep the conversation going. When it was already almost dark and they’d turned on the bandstand stand lights, we finally got him to leave.

I took that Old Road once, recently—had to use GPS--but couldn’t find the church grove.

A lot of the old farms have housing, now.

The only reason I have to go to Montoursville anymore is to visit my father and his father in the cemetery, and several other generations of our fathers. There’s a spot for me, too. I can drive up there and back on I-80 in a few hours. The odds of me encountering a peach festival, in route, are slim. I can get ice cream and a pretzel at the mini-mart when I stop for gas. Any ‘farmer-talking’, nose to nose with a local, is definitely out, even with my mask and alcohol wipes handy. If I need a ‘face to face’, I can set up a video-conference and sit here at the computer.

Jack Schick is a long time Quakertown

area resident and regular contributor here at

UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com

Why Should You See a Financial Advisor?

The social distancing and stay-at-home orders necessitated by the coronavirus have led many of us to feel isolated. Still, we’ve fought back through social media, “virtual” gatherings and walks in the neighborhood, where we could greet friends and neighbors (from 6 feet away). But when you’re dealing with the financial effects of the virus and you’re investing alone, you could encounter some problems that may prove costly.

Of course, with so much investment-related information available online, on television and in any number of periodicals, it’s not surprising that some people feel they can invest without any assistance. But the volatility of the financial markets over the past few months has also pointed to the dangers of going solo in the investment world. And you might find that a professional financial advisor can help you in several ways, including the following: Taking emotions out of investing. During this period of market turbulence, many self-guided investors are letting their emotions drive their investment decisions. As a result, they sell investments when their price is down, “locking in” their losses. Furthermore, if they then stay out of the financial markets, they will miss out on the eventual recovery – and some of the biggest gains in market rallies usually occur right at the beginning. But if you work with a financial advisor who has helped you develop a personalized investment strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, you will be far less likely to react to extreme market conditions by making ill-advised decisions.

Maintaining perspective. When you’re putting away money for the future and you suddenly have a lot less of it, you might start to wonder if that future is somehow in jeopardy.

But if you’ve been working with a financial ad-

visor and following your investment strategy, you’ll know that you don’t have to immediately cash out those investments that have lost value, and you may not need to liquidate them for decades if they were designed for a longterm goal, such as retirement. By the time you do need to sell them, their value may well have appreciated significantly. And if you’ve got a well-constructed portfolio, you’ll also own shorter-term, less volatile investments to help meet your current cash flow needs.

Understanding the history of investing.

The recent market instability is unique in the sense that its cause – a worldwide pandemic – is so highly unusual, and it hopefully will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Typically, prolonged market downturns are triggered by explainable financial or economic factors, such as the bursting of the “dot-com” bubble in 2000. However, market drops of 20 percent or more – generally referred to as bear markets – are not at all unusual and have happened every few years over the past several decades.

Financial advisors are well aware of this history and share it with their clients. And for many people, the knowledge that “we’ve been here before” is reassuring and makes it easier for them to continue following their investment strategies.

The road to your financial goals is a long one, with many twists and turns. So you might like to have some experienced company along the way.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Bob Podraza on West Broad Street, Quakertown.

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

Your favorite businesses are reopening!

Support your friends and neighbors.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • June 2020

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

Think Local.

Play Local.

Be Local.

“You can tell what was the best year of your father’s life, because they seem to freeze that clothing style and ride it out.”

- Jerry Seinfeld

Transformations

Where do I begin? It has been almost three months since we have all been home and most of us have been quarantined which almost seems like an eternity. It seems as though there are similarities and differences with what some of us are experiencing in our lives.

A fair amount of us are having a very difficult time staying home and some of us are enjoying being at home. It all depends on what our work situations, our finances, our family and our responsibilities are that are determining how well we are doing.

What I do know is that anxiety and depression have gotten worse for a lot of people. The uncertainty of the pandemic and what is or may happen is creating a whole new level of anxiety/depression which some people have never experienced before.

There is the unknown of what is and what may be that is creating a sense of despair.

Some of us if not most of don’t even know what day of the week it is. Time has just kept moving and creating discomfort.

When I have been talking to my clients and my friends one of the topics that has been coming up amidst all of this uncertainty is looking at how this time can be an opportunity to change.

A possibility for a transformation. The time home is allowing us to look at our lives and to make a decision as to whether or not we are happy with our current life and/or situation.

Which road to be take? Or not to take? I have seen some take risks right now that they never thought were possible. And because they have they feel good about themselves and feel hopeful for their present and future.

Some people don’t want to take a look at

their lives and make the necessary lifestyle changes to be happy or even content. Their choice will be to continue to avoid and hope that everything will go away in time. I get that philosophy; however, it usually only works for a short amount of time.

I do know that life can be very hard for some people and that they may not have certain choices in their life depending upon the cards they have been dealt. So, what do they do?

They figure out a way to adapt and change and possibly achieve what they did not know was possible.

As those of you know who read my articles, I am an optimist. I truly believe that with hope and determination and an internal commitment all of us are capable of having the life we want to have.

Yet it takes dedication to oneself to be able to forego fears and worries to reach the other side.

My hope is that all of us can find a way to experience some love and joy during this time.

To set aside time to be there for others who may be struggling personally or financially.

To receive gratitude for our ability to give to others in need. To be polite and courteous to others. To find a way to be better.

These last few months have not been that easy for myself however; because of my belief systems and how much I work on myself I have been able to work through times of discomfort and to breathe again. TRUST, TRUST, TRUST has been my motto. 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.

Aurora Borealis

Colors

National Parks

Stars

Baby Animals

Flowers

Parents

Sunrise

Birds

Freedom

Peace

Sunset

Butterflies

Grandparents

Pets

Trees

Children

Laughter

Rainbow

Volunteers

Clouds

Love

Snowflakes

Waterfalls

June 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

The Collectibles of Coronavirus

Over the last month or two amid Coronavirus, I have been busy with interviews about the value of stuff found in attics and basements prompted by the nationwide stay at home orders and home cleaning projects.

I have been talking to folks nationwide who have emptied out closets and garages via video call appraisals using Zoom, Facetime, Skype, Facebook, etc. Recently, during a barrage of interviews by major media outlets—big city TV networks, the Washington Post, various online magazines -- I’ve been asked “What are the global pandemic collectibles that will be valuable?” As I told many reporters, the list may surprise you.

I have been known to say on my YouTube.com/DrLoriV channel that art and antiques reflect society.

With that in mind, the most impactful cultural event, worldwide, of 2020 is the spread of Coronavirus.

Associated objects are many. Here are my picks for the most valuable Collectibles of Coronavirus… so, if you have them or if you can acquire them, save them in your favorite storage or display case as they will be the valuables of the future.

2020 Tokyo Olympic Collectibles I was lecturing in Tokyo in Fall 2019. I experienced many exhibits, events, and promotions there relating to the forthcoming Olympic games. As a result of Coronavirus, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games have been cancelled, thus, all of the original 2020 souvenir items will be valuable as early as 2024 when the Olympics resume competition. Everything from t-shirts to Olympic pins, Tokyo 2020 Olympic paraphernalia will become valuable, rare, and sought after. Pay particular attention to the blue and white Anime-inspired mascot named Miraitowa and the newly introduced sports to the games. Do your best to collect 2020 Tokyo Olympic items and save them for a good return on investment.

Thank you Heroes Action Figures Mattel introduced the #ThankyouHeroes line of 16 new action figures representing the people who are working on the front lines during

the Coronavirus global pandemic. These new action figures represent EMTs, first responders, doctors, nurses, medical techs, essential workers, delivery drivers, grocery clerks, etc. These toys will definitely be the collectibles of the future. Buy an action figure… for instance, I bought the brunette nurse with the white face mask… and a portion of the purchase price will be given as a donation to help first responders. When you get your action figure(s) in a few months, you will have one of the most desirable Coronavirus collectibles.

Check out https://www.mattel.com/en-us/ playroom-thankyouheroes Fisher Price introduced a set of Little People heroes called Little People Community Champions Special Edition Figure set in a pack of five (5) toys. The 5 pack includes a Little People figure of a Doctor, Nnurse, EMT, Delivery driver and Grocery store worker.

A $15 donation from each online purchase will be donated to support FirstRespondersFirst, a charity. For more info, use hashtags #ThankyouHeroes and #FirstRespondersFirst There will be more Corona-collectibles that emerge as time goes on. With the onset of summer wedding season, we will see Coronavirus-inspired items like lacy white bride and groom face masks and individual table settings for guests. I took an unexpected trip to the hospital in April and secured a real hospital issue face mask which I kept for posterity’s sake.

In addition, there will be rare paper stimulus checks with President Donald J. Trump’s signature on them in this age of direct deposit for collectors. In years to come, they will be of interest with Presidential memorabilia collectors and others. Oh, and a favorite collectible of the Coronavirus is probably the tower of cardboard take-out pizza boxes. Be well.

Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s #1 hit show, The Curse of Oak Island and weekdays on the Doctor and the Diva. Dr. Lori presents her Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show to audiences nationwide. Visit DrLoriV.com/ events. Call (888) 431-1010.

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