Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

Now through May 3 Used Book Sale during normal hours, Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, 350 Main St, Red Hill, 215-679-2020

Now through May 4 Wildflower Fundraiser, 9am-5pm at Churchville Nature Ctr, 501 Churchville Lane.

215-357-4005, churchvillenaturecenter.org

May 1 $50 Jackpot Bingo 12:15pm at Upper Bucks Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Qtown, 215-536-3066 (reg Thursday Bingo 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, & 5/29)

May 1, 2, & 3 50th Annual Book Sale (Thu 5pm-9pm) (Fri 9am-9pm) (Sat 9am-12noon), at Plumsteadville Fire Hall, 5064 Stump Rd, (GPS Pipersville) 215-230-8330

Elvis Show, 7pm-10pm at Souderton Fire Co, 266 N 2nd St, Souderton. $25/tkt, refreshments, call Marlene for tkts at 267-446-2938 All-U-Can-Eat Lasagna Buffet, 4:30pm-7pm at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. $10/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free 5 & under, take-out available, 215-536-1223 All-U-Can-Eat Lasagna Dinner 4pm-7pm at Zion Lutheran, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill, info at 215-538-7911 FREE Clothing (infant to adult) 9am-1pm at East Swamp Church, 2405 E Swamp Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-4532, eastswamp.org Traditional PA Dutch Dinner 4pm-7pm at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Lane. $11/adults, $6/ages 6-12, $12/take-out Big Flea Mkt/Yard Sale, 8am-2pm at St. John’s UCC, 538 E Thomas St, Coopersburg.

Snacks available

or sit in on a college class. Details/info at 215-258-7700 Cinco De Mayo 5K, 7pm at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Qtown. $20/reg., info: megan. gelsebach@ubymca.org or 215-536-9622 x120

May 8 Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out) at Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, $9/adults, $5/ages 6-12, $9.50/take-outs.

May 9 Red Cross Blood Drive 2pm-7pm at Quakertown United Methodist, 1875 Freier Rd. Info/appointment: Church Office 215-536-4992 Quakertown Chapter of Believers in Business Kickoff Meeting at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Route 309, Qtwn. Register

May 2 St. Isidore’s Coach/Michael Kors Purse Bingo, open 6pm. $30/adv. or $35/at door. Food/drinks available (or BYOB).

Table/tkts reservations: 267-733-2347 or vjvkmcfadden@msn.com (only 300 available) Basket Bingo, opens 6pm, all filled baskets, benefits Epilepsy Fdn. Perkasie Firehouse, 5th & Arch Sts, Perkasie, 215-257-0387 Autism/ADHD Open House, 2pm-7pm at CICS, 1247 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown.

Info 610-770-1800, everychildeverytime.com

May 2 & 3 Rummage/Bake Sale (Fri 10am-8pm) (Sat 9am-4pm), lunch available. Ottsville Fire Co. Social Hall, 610-847-5606 or 610-847-5013

May 3 Reading Goes to the Dogs, 2pm-3:30pm at the Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St, Qtwn. Children are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs. 215-536-3306 Kitten Shower for kitten season, 11am2pm at Bucks Co SPCA, 60 Reservoir Rd, Quakertown. Please donate canned food, kitten food, bottles, KMR, toys, beds. Lt refreshments, tour the Shelter, 267-347-4674 Bucks Wild 2014 (free music festival/ marketplace) 10am-4pm at UB Campus of BCCC in Perkasie. Info at katearmstrong25@ gmail.com or 215-258-7700 Spring 2014 Craft Fair 10am-3pm at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. 215-453-7564 or snugglebaby@ comcast.net Indoor Spring Craft/Flea Market 9am-2pm at Tylersport Fire Co, 125 Ridge Rd, Tylersport.

Info/reserve at 215-257-5900 ext 7 Beef N’ Beer, 6pm-10pm at Hilltown German Club, 1622 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown.

Live music, $25/person, call 215-605-6561 or 267-772-0423 for tickets Hoagie Sale by Qtwn Lions Club, 9am12noon at both Quakertown QNB locations, (3rd & W Broad) (Rt 309 & Mill Rd), $4.50 each.

Annual Mother’s Day Sale begins of student grown plants & vegies at Upper Bucks Tech School, 3115 Ridge Rd, Perkasie. Hours/pricing/details at ubtech.org or 215-795-2911 x233 Relay for Life Community Breakfast 7am11am at Pizza Como, Shopping Ctr, 468 Pottstown Ave, Pennsburg. Tkts/$7.50, info at 215-679-5072

May 3 & 4 Upper Bucks Relay for Life at Memorial Park, Mill St, Quakertown

May 4 Family Fun Bingo, opens 12noon, Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. $20/20 games, food, raffle prizes. Info/reserve tkts: Gretchen 484-851-3519 Annual Women’s Day Out, 12noon-4pm at Indian Valley Country Club, 650 Bergey Rd, Telford. An afternoon of shopping & pampering. Pam 215-723-3569 x113 or http:// womensdayout.yolasite.com Cinco de Mayo Zumbathon, 11am-1pm at VFW Lodge, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. Details at http://afsp.donordrive. com/campaign/zumbathon2014 Wildflower Walk Nature Program 2pm.

Reservations requested, $3/pp, at Nature Ctr, 501 Churchville Lane. 215-357-4005, churchvillenaturecenter.org Community Hymn Sing begins 6pm w/New Fellowship Trio, followed by light refreshments. All are welcome! Saucon Mennonite, 6639 N Main St, Coopersburg 27th Annual WAEB-AccuWeather benefit Softball Game, 1pm at So Lehigh Living Memorial Park, Coopersburg. Food, prizes, r/s, leashed pets welcome, info & tickets available at animalsindistress-pa.org

May 7 9th Annual Upper Bucks Forum on Aging, 9am-2pm at Benner Hall, 1260 Cherry St, Richlandtown. Complimentary lunch, door prizes, free educational event. RSVP 267-371-4566 College Exploration Night, 5pm-7pm, BCCC Upper Bucks Campus, One Hillendale Rd, Perkasie. Meet a rep, attend a workshop,

at BIBNetwork.org, info:610-762-8054

May 10 Annual Quakertown Bike Rodeo for ages 6 to 12 at Community Pool parking lot, 601 Mill St. Three age groups, registration begins at 9am. Rain date is 5/17 Jerry Blavat at Tylersport Fire Co. $25/ tkt (limited number), call Carol for tkts: 215-258-7521 or 267-374-1705 Rummage Sale 8am-1pm at Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-3689, refreshments Flea Mkt & Breakfast Buffet, 8am-2pm at Zion Lutheran, 2966 Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill. Reserve w/Charlie at 484-695-5504 Quakertown Annual Trash 2 Treasure Community Yard Sale, 8am-12noon, Memorial Park parking lot, 500 Mill St, Qtwn. Info: Ashley 215-536-5001 x113 or aoneill@quakertown.org or Borough Hall

May 10 & 11 8th Annual Schnaible-Klotz Fishing Tournament at Gristmill Pond in Hellertown.

(Sat-Children) (Sun-Adults), $10/pp, 8am-1pm, call 610-838-0722 for ticket info

May 11 Happy Mother’s Day! “Second Sunday” Breakfast at Lower Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, $8/ adults, $4/ages 3-12, free 2 & under. Military, firemen, police, EMT, ask for $1 discount Firehouse Breakfast 7:30am-12noon at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Lane. $7/adults, $3/ages 5-10, free under 5, re-orders $2 extra, 610-982-5710 Mother’s Day Dinner 12noon-5pm at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. All you can eat, buffet style. $12/adults, $8/ages 4-7, free 3 & under.

215-536-2224, haycockfire.org Open House at Hartzel-Strassburger Homestead, 1:30pm-4pm, program: Early American Tavern/Trade Signs. Free, donations welcome. Beautiful & interesting hooked rugs to view. 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville, 267-614-9174

May 12 Monday Night Bingo 7pm (opens 5:30pm) at Upper Bucks Activity Ctr Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Meal-A-Month 4pm-closing at Franconia Heritage, 508 Harleysville Pike, Telford.

Mention Keystone Opportunity Center to your server and a portion of your check will be donated to Keystone.

May 12 to 16 Scholastic Book Fair 7am-5:30pm at Children’s Developmental Program, 995 Doylestown Pike, Qtwn. Open to the public, All Books Buy One Get One. 215-536-7800

May 14 May Days Party w/Dale Sine. $12/pp, Buffet starts 11:30am, sign up by May 9.

Upper Bucks Activity Ctr Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066

May 16 & 17 Used Book Sale 10am-4pm at Quakertown Free Library, 401 W Mill St, Qtwn.

Donations accepted during regular library hours. 215-536-3306

May 17 Dedication of “The Garden of Heroes” 2pm, to honor all service animals at Animals in Distress Sanctuary in Coopersburg.

Social hour follows. RSVP (not required) at aidpa@enter.net or 610-966-9383 x8.

Free Art Exhibit of Local Artists’ paintings & other works,10am-4pm at Upstairs Art Gallery, Richland Library Co, 44 S Main St, Quakertown.

Dulcimer Performances 7:30pm at Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse, 320 W Chestnut St, Perkasie, (door opens 7pm), $12/adults, $10/seniors, $6/age 13+, free/12&under.

215-723-2010 or perkmenno.net 5K Run/1 Mile Walk, 8am at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, Tville. Special awards for Emer. Serv. Personnel. Info/preregis. at bpw5875@gmail.com, 267-718-5212 or bucks58fire.com 6th Annual Show & Shine, 9am-3pm (r/s) at Trinity UCC, 1990 Rt 212, Quakertown. (register 8am-12noon), open to most vehicles, advance register/info at 610-346-7114 The Penn Cup Cheesesteaks to benefit American Cancer Soc. 11am-5pm at Upper Perkiomen High School.

Cruisin’ For A Cure Car/Bike Show, 11am-3pm at Upper Perkiomen HS parking lot. $8/early entry, $12/day of. Rain or shine, no dogs. Fun for whole family, info at: 2smcdonnell@gmail.com 90th Anniversary of Point Pleasant Fire Co #1, (11am-3pm) at 6500 Point Pleasant Pike.

Firefighting competitions/demos, pictorial history, light lunch served. 215-297-8146 Gospel & Sacred Music Concert, 6pm at 2nd Baptist Church of Doylestown, 6055 Swamp Rd, Fountainville. Free will offering, info: habitatbucks.org Upper Perkiomen Relay for Life, Upper Perk HS football field, Pennsburg Riegelsville Library Fair 10am-4pm.

Vendors wanted, $15/space. 610-749-2357 14th Annual Arts Alive! Arts & Crafts Show, 10am-4pm. Info at Quakertownalive. com or 215-536-2273, rain date 5/18 Perkasie Olde Towne’s Annual SpringFest, info at Perkasieoldetowne.org Annual “Spring Flea Market” 9am-2pm at Independence Court of Quakertown, Park Ave. Free space, call 215-538-7050 to register. (no r/d)

May 18 Penny Party at Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Ctr, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville. Doors open Noon, fun begins 1pm, light lunch available for sale. 610-847-8178 Free Open House at Pennridge FISH Organization’s new building, 12noon-4pm.

Tours, kids’ games, food, free raffles & door prizes. 800 W Chestnut St, Perkasie, 215-257-7616, pennridgefish.org

May 18 & 25 Canning Classes at Flint Hill Farm Educ.

Ctr, 1922 Flint Hill Rd, Coopersburg. Fee $15 (15 people per class), details/regis. at deb.flinthillfarm@aol.com

May 19 Meal-A-Month, breakfast & lunch at The Local, 2 W Broad St, Souderton. Mention Keystone Opportunity Center to your server and a portion of your check will be donated to Keystone.

Keystone Quilters meeting: Lecture/ trunk show by Mary Schwarzenberger, 7pm at Quakertown Christian School, 50 East Paletown Rd, Qtwn. $5/guests, keystonequilters.org, 267-354-1491

May 24 Coopersburg 5K Run, Kids’ Fun Run & Health Expo. Visit coopersburg.org for info/ registration details

May 26 – Memorial Day

May 13

May 27

Elimination Debate on HB76 Property Tax Independence Act, 6:30pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St, Qtwn. Meeting is free & open to the public. Info at http://ccg-pa.org

Volunteer Orientation 7pm at Animals in Distress Sanctuary in Coopersburg.

Applications & guidelines are available at the Shelter or animalsindistress-pa.org

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Have something you’d like to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 • 312 W. Broad St, Quakertown • 215-529-8915

What’s Going On? May 28 Willow Grove Park: America’s Summer Music Capitol From 1896-1927, annual AAUW dinner meeting, 5:30pm at Doylestown Country Club (open to public), presentation & performance info at 215-340-7604

May 31 Qtwn Lions Club Yard Sale 8am-2pm (food avail.) at First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown. $10/adv space, $15/day of sale.

To donate, call Jim at 215-536-1983 Vera Bradley/Thirty-one/Longaberger BINGO at St. Isidore’s School, Quakertown. (opens 12noon), Tkts/adv $20, at door $25.

Call 215-536-4043 or 215-536-3193

June 1 37th Alumni Day “Pets & People Party” 12noon-4pm at AID Sanctuary, 5075 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg. Details at animalsindistress-pa.org or 610-966-9383 x8

Laps of Love Walkathon at AID in Coopersburg, 10am registration, $10/pp (100% of proceeds go to the Shelter.) Details: 610-966-9383 or animalsindistress-pa.org

June 3 to 7 Carnival at St. John The Baptist, 4040 Durham Rd, Ottsville, 215-534-1970

June 7 QSH Alumni Assoc. meeting 1:30pm in HS Cafeteria. Honorary Diploma to James Beerer, Gold Key award to Richard Mindler, plus 2-$1000 scholarships awarded. All invited, info: 215-536-5570 Flea Mkt/Craft Show 8am-3pm at Living Memorial Grounds, Rt 309 & East Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Space/$12 advance, $15/day of event. 610-282-1776 or uslionsclub.com

June 8 UBYMCA 5th Annual Average Joe or Joan Sprint Triathlon, info at 215-536-9622 x120

American Heritage Raises $2,000 for Kenyan Childrens’ Home American Heritage Federal Credit Union hosted a “Lunch with the Easter Bunny” fundraiser on Sunday, April 6, 2014. The event raised over $2,000, with all proceeds benefiting the Busia Compassionate Centre, located in Western Kenya.

Over 100 employees and their families enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun and arts and crafts. There was also a raffle to win the “Ultimate Easter Basket”, valued at $275!

As a special treat, each child got their picture taken with a very special guest – the Easter Bunny himself! Guests were also entertained

by American Heritage Mascots Pat the Patriot

and Lucy Change, as well as some “minions” from the popular Movie “Despicable Me”.

The Busia Compassionate Centre is home to 80 children, ages three to twenty-one, many of whom have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. In February 2012, American Heritage formed a committee of employees to support and sponsor fundraisers to benefit the orphanage. The committee hosts a variety of fundraisers to support the orphanage and assist in building a new facility that will provide access to clean drinking water, electricity, and space for every child to sleep.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP 2014 3 Locations: Quakertown 2460 John Fries Highway 267-424-2024 East Greenville Allentown 399 Washington Street 1651 Cedar Crest Blvd.

215-679-5940 610-435-7833

♥Field Trips ♥Weekly Theme Activities ♥Swimming ♥Sports ♥Arts & Crafts ♥Full-Time ♥Part-Time ♥Drop-In www.lifespanchildcare.org

Country Doctors

This past weekend I was talking to Nan (Smith) Krauss when we both attended the organ recital at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown to commemorate the payoff of their Walker organ. As I drove home, I thought back to the day that both Nan and I attended the Lutheran Church in Richlandtown. Nan and her brother Ned are lifelong friends and classmates of the Class of ’61. Nan’s father was the local doctor of Richlandtown. I never knew his name until later in life—he was always known as “Doc” Smith. As a matter of fact, their older brother Paul sometimes was given the moniker of “Doc” by his friends. Dr. Walter Smith, as I understand, was a doctor who served his country during the Second World War. Settling in Richlandtown, we were blessed by his being a local M.D. in what was then known as a Country Doctor.

Today as we enter the doctor’s office, we are approached by a staff of two people and later the doctor. First the clerk asking for various cards, then another person reviewing next thing to your life history and taking vital signs, then finally the rap on the door and the doctor appears. The doctor walks in with his or her laptop computer and reviews the information just taken, then (in their timed- hospital associated office visit) finally asked what is the reason for your visit. Many doctors don’t even get time to look at you away from their computer, to have that personal touch in your visit. The assistant that was with you did all the vitals so that is not done by the doctor.

Sometimes they will check your breathing or suppress your tongue to check your throat. I am fortunate to have a few doctors I visit that still were part of the old school and dig a little deeper into the symptoms and even answer questions! They then type in their analysis of the visit, suggested medications, and when they want to see you again. After that, they bid you good-bye and go on to the next patient in the next little impersonal cubicle.

Back in the day, if you were very sick, the doctors came out in their car (usually a Buick or Packard) to your home and paid you a visit so you didn’t have to go out in the nasty weather. Besides back then many mothers didn’t drive and the family car was with dad at work.

If you went to the office with your dad in the evening you waited (no appointments) with all the others to see the doctor. The doctor would examine you without an assistant, go over with

you or your parent all symptoms, explain about the symptoms to you, and tell you what to do to get better. He then would go into the back room and get either – usually - little pink pills or upset stomach or cough syrup, put their label on it with instructions, and send you out to the nurse/assistant to collect the $5.00 for the visit. That same nurse/assistant would help him if there was an injury or a patient who needed physical help to be attended to. After 1950, when we had a phone in our home, the nurse or doctor would sometimes call to see how the patient was doing if the person was severely sick.

After the advent of the departure of oneroom schools, the schools always had a school nurse. If you hurt yourself while at school, the nurse would fix you up. If you felt sick, the teacher would send you to the nurse. They were even allowed to give you over-the-counter medication. I remember “Young” Doctor Weisel (another Class of ‘61’s father), giving me a school medical exam in the basement of the Quakertown Hospital. All kids were given these periodic physicals. Can you imagine that happening today?

I miss having that relationship with a doctor when I feel ill. Have we progressed into regression of what the healing profession is all about? Sometimes it would be nice to experience that feeling that the doctor is really concerned about you and not so concerned about covering all the legal and government aspects. Back then, not many persons had medical insurance or government programs that the doctor had to answer to. Remember the charge was $5, including medicine. I remember still going to Doctor Stan Moyer for $5 even after my wife and I got married in 1974. Can you imagine the lawsuits that would occur if doctors gave out medicine? I again am lucky to have a doctor who still shows that caring as my family doctor. We have gone to him after Doc Moyer retired and I truly will miss him if he ever retires.

In closing, I wish to say that I am glad that I experienced the last of the country doctors such as Dr Walter Smith, Pappy Weisel, Young Doctor Weisel, and Doctor Stanley Moyer.

They were all doctors I went to and were a fraternity of doctors in the area that were the last of the Country Doctors. You no longer see the black Buick pull up and the doctor exit with his big black bag. I pity the doctors of today who still have that desire to help their patients and are held back by The System. They too would probably enjoy being a Country Doctor!

Technology Constantly Changes In recent years, technological advances, product development, and associated information on digital hearing aids is ever-changing.

What is true today may not be true tomorrow.

With the wide range of technology from entry level to mid-level to premium level hearing aids available and the constant changes, the subject matter can be confusing. However, it is important for the board certified audiologist to provide their patient the most complete information at the time.

Thirty years ago, analog hearing aids were the latest and greatest. Then came programmable devices. Both of those systems are extinct.

In 1998, the first digital hearing aid arrived.

Fast forward seventeen years and eighteen generations of enhancements, the future in technology continues to evolve.

Today, the computer chip in a hearing aid has undergone the same advancements as the chip within your personal computer, iphone, tablet, automobiles, and much more.

Presently, the software and programming system has been configured to: • Virtually eliminate buzzing and whistling feedback • Maintain speech understanding in noisy environments & reduce listening effort • Enhancing speech by pinpointing sounds you want to hear • Minimizing noise sounds you wish not to hear • Replicate hard-to-hear high frequency sounds in lower frequencies • Enhance & expand audibility The big six behemoth manufacturers spend tens of millions of dollars each on research and development annually. Once a product has been developed, tested, and perfected, it is release for fitting to hearing-impaired wearers.

While that device is being rolled out with fan-

fare, those same manufacturers have already begun working on the next generation.

The beneficiaries are the patient and the private practice audiologist. For the patient, all of the aforementioned features and benefits become refined and expanded to meet their demand in hearing better. For the private practice audiologist, the ease and flexibility of fitting and troubleshooting patients’ issues are simpler to address and rectify.

The information a patient receives today on a particular make and model device is true today. However, with new hearing aids being brought to market, information on the features and benefits will only get better. That is a good thing. The progression will be valid and true, not false in other facets of your life. The promise of a better product is something you can count on.

If you or someone you know is having difficulty in hearing and listening situations, asks for repetition, mistakes some words for others, turns up the television volume control, avoids conversation because they do not understand, or displays that blank look expression that tells you and others they did not understand what was said, help is only a telephone call away.

The first step to better hearing is to get your hearing checked. See a board certified and licensed private practice audiologist today for a complete evaluation. This service is approved by most insurance carriers.

What are you waiting for?

Mr. Murphy has had a bilateral mild-tomoderate sensor-ineural hearing loss all his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user. Mr. Murphy has been in practice in Pennsylvania since receiving his Master of Education in Audiology from University of Virginia in the Spring of 1987. Mr. Murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related national and international organizations. He can be reached at hearingdoc@aol.com and by phone at 215-804-1111.

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

Older Americans Benefit from ‘My Social Security’ Each May, groups and organizations around the nation join in celebrating Older Americans Month.

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month provides an opportunity for our nation to recognize seniors for their many contributions and share important information to help them stay healthy and active.

This year’s theme is “Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow.” Social Security has something to help keep you safe and healthy: a suite of online services. Rather than driving or taking public transportation to a local office, you can use our secure, free online services to handle much of your Social Security business. With the amount of time you save, you’ll have more time to spend with the grandkids or have time for a brisk walk around the neighborhood or local park.

Before going for that walk, though, visit www.socialsecurity.gov. Whether you already receive benefits or you’re just starting to think about retirement, it’s a great time to open a my Social Security account.

What’s my Social Security? It’s a secure online account that allows you immediate access to your personal Social Security information.

During your working years, you can use my Social Security to view your Social Security Statement to check your earnings record and see estimates of the future retirement, disability and survivor benefits you and your family may receive. Check it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

After you check your online Social Security

Statement, be sure to visit our Retirement Estimator. Like a my Social Security account, you can use it as many times as you’d like.

The Estimator lets you change variables, such as retirement date options and future earnings. You may discover that you’d rather wait another year or two before you retire to earn a higher benefit. To get instant, personalized estimates of your future benefits just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Deciding when to retire is a personal choice and depends on a number of factors. To help, we suggest you read our online fact sheet, When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

If you’re ready to retire, the online service you’ve been waiting for is our online application for retirement benefits, which allows you to complete and submit your application in as little as 15 minutes at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.

Once you complete and submit the electronic application, in most cases, that’s it—no papers to sign or documents to provide.

Are you already receiving benefits? You can use my Social Security to immediately get your proof of benefits letter, change your address or phone number on our records, start or change your direct deposit information and check your benefit and payment information.

We encourage you to take advantage of our online services and resources, freeing up more time for activities you really enjoy. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Tom Reiley is the Social Security District Manager in Allentown. Do you have questions about Social Security matters?

Email Tom at thomas.reiley@ssa.gov.

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The Upper Bucks Free Press is made possible by the businesses you see on these pages. Please stop in to thank them for supporting your community’s voice.

Have something you’d like to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 • 312 W. Broad St, Quakertown • 215-529-8915

NOW HIRING! Certified Nurse Aides 2nd & 3rd shift

The C.N.A. provides a sense of security and well being to the resident in addition to taking care of their activities of daily living.

C.N.A.’s must be caring, experienced, friendly, team oriented and have a passion for working w/geriatric population.

We, at the Lutheran Community at Telford, want to richen the lives of our residents by going above and beyond their greatest expectations. It is our ultimate goal to provide our staff members the resources to deliver enhanced care and service to our residents. Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply online at www.lctelford.org or in person 12 Lutheran Home Drive

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

PPL Donates $6,000 to FISH Building Fund

The Pennridge FISH Organization thank PPL Corporation for their generous capital grant donation of $6,000 received on April 4, 2014. Funds received were directed to the FISH New Building Fund. (left-right) Daryl Hackman, FISH Treasurer, and Ted von Mechow, FISH Vice President receive a check from Melinda Stumpf, PPL Regional Affairs Director.

You Are What You Eat

Former Cheerleader Discusses Future with Milford Squad

Dr. William Harner, then acting-Superintendent, addresses the Milford Middle School cheerleaders about establishing goals and reaching for them, after a performance at the Milford Talent Show on April 4. Dr. Harner was recently seated as the permanent Superintendent of Quakertown Community School District. (Fun fact: Dr. Harner says he was a cheerleader, too.) photo by christopher betz

You are what you eat. You have probably heard this a million times before but have you ever really thought about it? In a day and age where everything and anything is a matter of convenience, you can have a tendency to not think healthy. It’s not intentional, but many of us just don’t have time or energy to put thought into the foods we consume which can lead to weight gain, sleeping problems, or a slew of other health issues.

Living a healthier lifestyle isn’t something that happens right away, but with the right mind set you can be on your way to a better you. Here are a few quick tips to put you on the path to better (and healthier) eating habits.

1.

Read nutrition labels. If you can’t pronounce something there’s a good chance it may not be good for you. Be cautious of foods with high saturated fats and sodium.

Make your calories count!

2. Opt for fresh vegetables, fruits, and

meats when possible. You may be missing out on a lot of natural vitamins if you get something that’s processed, packaged, or canned in any way.

3. Make sure your meats are always cooked to the proper temperature. If you’re unsure, you can find information on the web or visit www.foodsafety.gov and visit the Keep Food Safe link.

4. If you are dining out, feel free to ask your waitress or chef where their food products come from. Fresh foods are definitely healthier and in most cases tastier as well if prepared properly.

These are just a few tips to get your brain in the habit of thinking healthy. Proper diet and exercise is always encouraged to promote a healthier lifestyle because as the saying goes, you really are what you eat!

Trish owns and operates Dishalicious Catering & Cafe at 500 W. Broad Street in Downtown Quakertown. She believes heavily in using fresh ingredients and knowing exactly what is in the food we eat.

May 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Big Bucks for Old Books I have a lovely, scholarly sister who works as an English professor. She, better than anyone else I know, certainly is acquainted with and knowledgeable about great books. This level of education and passion is what makes someone a great book collector.

My sister is not a book collector by any means but what she knows about books can help interested collectors select the best titles for both their bedside tables and their bank accounts.

Informed book collectors know which books to covet and which ones to condemn. If you want a recommendation about a great book to read, I say that your best bet is to consult with an avid reader. And if you want to know about the market for a particularly great book, ask an appraiser who is an avid reader. If you want to start your own collection of fine literary masterpieces that are as interesting as they are valuable, my advice is to start reading.

In this age of nooks, kindles, and other electronic readers, I have found over the years that the best collectors in any field are the ones who know their stuff inside and out—no matter the format. When it comes to books, knowing the field surely describes my sister. And, if I need the inside scoop on the best titles, she’s my “go to girl” on the topic.

Whether you are interested in displaying or digesting your collection of old books, the book collector is not a thing of the past. Many people are enjoying the process of seeking out and assembling enviable libraries. Here are some tips to remember when collecting old books: 1. Books were made differently in bygone days compared to the way that they are made today. The paper used in centuries past had a high acid content and wood pulp which promotes yellowing over time. These pages can easily rip, crease, tear, and discolor. Touching them repeatedly can also result in drying out

your hands as you read these cherished titles.

Be gentle.

2. If you are reading your old books solely for enjoyment, take care when turning the pages and when opening the cover. Don’t stress the binding by opening and closing the book too often. Books should be placed on their side, not upright upon a shelf.

3. Use a book stand to host an aging book whenever it is convenient. This accessory will help to keep the binding strong, the pages intact, and protect the overall structure of the book. Condition of your old book will impact value, too.

4. Books featuring imagery by important illustrators hold their value in the marketplace such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with John Tenniel illustrations or Treasure Island

by Robert Louis Stevenson with illustrations

by N. C. Wyeth. Other famous illustrators can impact a vintage book’s value like Beatrix Potter, E.B. Lewis, Rockwell Kent, etc.

5. Good condition is very important. If you can, purchase or retain original wrappers, dust jackets, and slipcases as these accessories can increase the value of a vintage book.

Great novels that masterfully chronicle a time period and place in the world such as Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind are desirable and valuable. And, books that highlight a particular genre or make an impact on the history of literature itself like J. K. Rowlings’ Harry Potter series are favorites with collectors, too.

So, before you put old books that are gathering dust into a box and bring them to the a local book barn or neighborhood yard sale, find out what your bookshelves hold in terms of historical content and cash.

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide listed at www.DrLoriV.com/Events . Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel.

Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/ DoctorLori, Lori Verderame on Google+ or (888) 431-1010.

Note Paid, Notes Played Paul Schweitzer of Schwenksville, organist at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown, showcases the church’s AeolianSkinner (voices digitally reproduced) organ by Walker Technical Co. during a recital March 15 celebrating the final payment of the instrument after 16 years of fundraising. The organ consists of 66 ranks distributed in five divisions among three manuals and pedal board. It also features MIDI (music instrument digital interface) connected tone generator and sequencer.

Schweitzer demonstrated the features and range of the organ with a variety of selections and styles, including a version of the Star Spangled Banner played entirely on the pedal board. The concert, followed by a potluck dinner, also included choral selections by the church choir and solos by Choir Director Darcy McConahy of Pennsburg; Kelly McCartney of Emmaus and Andrew McCartney of Quakertown. photo by rob mcconahy

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

District Representative Retires: A Look Back Part 1

Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

Be Prepared for the changing “Seasons” of Your Life A few days ago, we observed May Day, a celebration of spring. And, after a long and hard winter in many parts of the country, most of us are ready for sunshine, warmer temperatures and the hopefulness that spring always symbolizes. But as winter gives way to spring, we are also reminded that our lives have “seasons,” too — and it pays to be prepared for all of them. So, as you move into the “retirement season,” you’ll need to prepare for several possible challenges, including the following:

Outliving your resources — The idea of outliving one’s financial resources is certainly not one we want to face. In fact, in a poll of people ages 44 to 75 sponsored by Allianz Life Insurance, 61% said they fear depleting their assets more than they fear dying.

The best way you can overcome anxiety about running out of money is to invest and plan.

Contribute as much as you can afford to your IRA and 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan — and when your salary goes up over time, increase your contributions. As for the “plan” part, try to envision the type of lifestyle you want during retirement, and then estimate how much this lifestyle will cost.

Once you reach retirement, you will also need to do some planning — specifically, you will need to calculate how much money you can afford to withdraw from your investments each year.

Becoming disabled — One-third of all people between the ages of 30 and 64 will become disabled at some point, according to the Health Insurance Association of America.

If you became disabled, even temporarily, the loss of income could prove devastating to your financial security, and that of your family’s.

To avoid this worrisome scenario, you may

want to consider disability insurance. If your employer offers this coverage as an employee benefit, take it — but don’t assume it will be sufficient. Many times, an employer-sponsored disability policy will only cover a short-term disability and may have a long waiting period for benefits to kick in. Consequently you may need to purchase your own disability insurance policy to supplement your employer’s coverage.

Requiring long-term care — Unfortunately, many people eventually require some type of long-term care, whether that involves a stay in a nursing home or the assistance of a home health care aid. This type of care is expensive, and Medicare only covers part of it. Just how costly is long-term care? The national average for home health aide services is nearly $45,000 per year, and a private room in a nursing home is nearly $84,000 per year, according to a recent survey by Genworth, a financial security company. To meet long-term care costs, you could self-insure, but that might be prohibitively expensive. But failing to do anything about meeting long-term care costs could result in the need for your grown children or other family members to get involved in some fashion — and that is something you no doubt wish to avoid. Fortunately, you can find solutions.

To learn about appropriate protection vehicles, consult with your financial advisor.

With some thoughtful planning, constant vigilance and timely action, you can meet all these challenges — and enjoy all the seasons of life in which you find yourself. submitted by bob podraza, financial advisor at Edward Jones, Quakertown. Bob can be reached at 215-536-3635.

Bob Podraza, AAMS®

(Next to Fischer’s Tuxedo) If you would like a free review of your 401k, IRA, Mutual Funds, 215-536-3635 Stocks, Bonds, Annuities or any of your other investments to see if they are appropriate for your long-term goals, bob.podraza@edwardjones.com please call or stop by today.

BY KIMBERLY KRATZ After working for “We the People” of Upper Bucks in a political career spanning more than three decades, Pennsylvania Representative Paul Clymer announced his decision to retire at the end of this year.

Looking back with Clymer, we reviewed snippets of the last 34 years getting his views in retrospect, giving a nod to some of his accomplishments, and with an eye to the future—to consider what shall become of Pennsylvania’s 145th District when he leaves office. This, the first of a three-part series, targets his early political career and his thoughts on state and local government..

As a teen, Paul Clymer saw his father, Franklin Clymer, serve as a Sellersville Borough Councilman; a role which ended in 1962 when the family moved to West Rockhill.

Clymer cited many people who stoked his interest in politics including borough councilmen and managers, county commissioners, and state legislators.

“They all had an impact,” he said, “as I watched them accept responsibilities and have a willingness to become involved in the public debate on issues.”

Graduating from Pennridge High School in 1955, Clymer went on to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Muhlenberg College and to serve in the U.S. Army. He settled in Philadelphia where he lived and worked at Lankenau Hospital for 13 years. While working “downtown,” he volunteered for the campaigns of state Represntative John Hamilton and in the 1967 mayoral run of Arlen Specter.

After gaining political experience in the cut-throat politics of Philadelphia, Clymer decided to come home to run as a state legislator.

But he lost his first attempt against the 145th District’s seven term Republican incumbent Marvin D. Weidner. When Weidner became ill, the opportunity arose for Clymer to try again. Clymer was elected in 1980 and almost retired four years ago, but he stayed on.

He currently serves as Chairman of both the House Education Committee and the Capital Preservation Committee, and is a member of the House Gaming Oversight Committee.

On State Government Looking back over the terms of several former Pennsylvania governors under whom he served, Clymer said that Governor Ridge, who later served as the first Director of the Office of Homeland Security, was a “good governor for Pennsylvania.”

Admitting that some folks thought that Governor Thornburg was not a down-to-earth man, Clymer maintained that both Thornburg and his wife Ginny are good people. Thornburg later served as Attorney General of the United States, and as the Under-Secretary General for the United Nations. Parents to a disabled son, the Thornburgs’ have been jointly recognized both nationally and internationally for their work on behalf of individuals with disabilities.

Clymer also admired the former Governor Robert Casey Sr.’s tenure and the importance of his role in social issues.

“[Casey] was willing to stick to two of his very important social values,” (presumably his outspoken positions on abortion and capital punishment), although, Clymer conceded, doing so may have cost Casey later on in his political career.

On Local Government Throughout his political years, Clymer drew satisfaction from bringing dollars into the district and local communities. He pushed to get $25 million annually to support local fire companies, to obtain various grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development (which are no longer available), to get money for historical societies,

for the former area ambulance corps, and for special projects.

Among his most personally gratifying achievements, he helped to bring about the Lenape Park bank preservation project along the Perkasie-Sellersville border, he helped to obtain monies to replace the fire trucks lost in the Great Perkasie Fire of 1988, and he brought together PennDOT and local government officials for numerous on site inspections of road and bridge projects in the district to assess the needs first hand.

Clymer appeared most satisfied having worked with then Senator Heckler (now the District Attorney), the township, the county, and the Environmental Protection Agency to eradicate Gemstar’s tire dump in Springfield Township. He keeps a 1996 newspaper clipping of the aerial photo of the colossal mountains of tires in his office.

“That took a lot of time,” Clymer said.

“It was a major health problem and the neighboring people were concerned.”

Similarly, he helped Quakertown to get some of its environmentally distressed properties cleaned up. More recently, he assisted with revitalization efforts there.

Humble in his approach, Clymer is careful and quick to point out: “It’s not just me. I’m part of a team to work together to accomplish the mission.” part

2 appears in our june issue

May 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Upper Bucks Chamber Schedules Small Business Conference The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Business Expo on Thursday, June 19 at the Quakertown Freshman Center located at 349 S. Main Street in Quakertown, and we’re doing it with a twist!

This year’s expo will build on the success of the past while concentrating on an enhanced B2B experience – introducing the Upper Bucks Small Business Conference. This event combines a traditional business expo showcasing companies in Upper Bucks while presenting a series of business seminars throughout the day.

To facilitate these goals, the Conference will focus on four main topics highly relevant to small business in our area: Finance, Marketing, Technology, and Productivity.

The world in which we do business seems to change daily. We are constantly faced with new regulations, mandates, tax rules, technology, competition, economic conditions, as well as the ever changing employee and consumer.

Often it seems as if somebody has pressed the ‘fast-forward button’ on our business environment. We are suddenly caught off-guard when critical conditions in conducting business are different today than they were yesterday.

The community in which we live, work, and play continues to change, as well. Our population continues to fluctuate in size, age, geographic concentration, and even ethnicity.

Your business, as well as the businesses of your peers and neighbors, plays an important

role in the community. Whether your company sells products to local consumers or businesses, its products or services are sold abroad, or you employ members of our population to operate your company plays a crucial role in the health and vitality of the community. In fact, you and your business are an important stakeholder in your community, and the stakes are high.

On June 19, business people from across the region will get together at the Upper Bucks Small Business Conference to learn about strengthening their companies, growing their businesses, and building relationships within the community.

The Upper Bucks Small Business Conference is not just another opportunity to pass out literature and promotional items bearing your logo to passers-by. Here, we will learn about each other’s businesses, learn about making our own businesses stronger and more viable in the marketplace, and learn how to foster relationships with your fellow business people and other organizations to strengthen the health and vitality of our communities.

There are numerous opportunities to participate including: exhibiting, sponsorships, sharing expertise in your field by presenting in a seminar, and networking with other professionals in our business community. For more information or to express an interest in getting involved, please contact UBCC at 215-536-3211 or visit www.ubcc.org.

Everence Sharing Fund Distributes More Than $950,000 Everence, a financial, insurance and banking services organization rooted in faith and values, distributed $956,191 in Sharing Fund matching grants to 2,056 households in 2013.

The grants helped individuals and families with basic living expenses and special needs – and are an example of how Everence works with area congregations and Everence member chapters to assist people in need. On the local front, more than $70,315 was given through 51 churches in southeastern Pennsylvania.

According to Randy Delp, Managing Director for Everence Financial Advisors in Souderton, Pa., “Our mission is to help people integrate their finances with their faith and values. Caring for people going through difficult times is a tangible way we can show love for our neighbors.”

In 2013, grants were distributed through many churches in the southeastern Pennsylvania area, including: Blooming Glen Mennonite Church; Franconia Mennonite Church of Telford, Pa.;

Hopewell Christian Fellowship of Telford, Pa.; Indian Creek Church of the Brethren of Harleysville, Pa., Philadelphia Praise Center; and Souderton Brethren in Christ.

The Sharing Fund provides money to match what local congregations have donated to help people with basic needs. Churches from 19 denominations received grants in 2013. Sharing Fund grants are made possible by members who do business with Everence. Because of the organization’s unique tax status, money that would be paid in federal taxes is distributed instead through mutual aid – including the Sharing Fund.

The fund’s resources also come from several types of donors. “As a company, Everence sets aside a portion of our income to support the Sharing Fund,” said Delp. “People on our staff contribute. And some of our members send donations specifically for the fund. These grants are part of our commitment to doing better together.”

Everence Employees Team with MCC to Provide Meat to Needy

Enforcers Win Annual Home Run Sizzler 10U Baseball Tournament Employees from Everence Financial Advisors in Souderton teamed up with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), the relief and service agency of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches, to help with its 2014 Meat Canner efforts. For the last 65 years, the MCC Canner has produced meat that has been shared in the wake of war, extreme poverty, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, famine and other emergency situations – providing a vital source of protein for people worldwide.

Everence team members who participated in the MCC effort included (from left to right) Randy Delp, Ruth Ann Kulp, Randy Nyce, Leah Ludwig, Patti Freed and Steve Moyer. Participants not pictured here are Matt Novak and Trish Sneddon.

The Upper Bucks Enforcers Travel Baseball Club from Richlandtown swept through teams from as far away as Scranton, Downingtown, Williamsport, and Reading to win their first tournament of their inaugural season on April 6th. (left-right) front Tyler Woodman, Brandon Pierce 2nd row Aaron Mooney, Jack Qualteria, Conner Patrick, Kaden Burke, Nick Anthony, 3rd row Vinnie Pellegrini, Freddie Steinmetz, Zach Fondl, Ethan Beil, Ty Everitt. Coaches John Qualteria, Head Coach Bill Burke, Sean Woodman, Craig Fondl. missing James Kulka, Coach Eric Beil. submitted photo

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

Margaret Bender, 87, of Reading, passed away on March 31, 2014 at Season’s Hospice, Phoenixville, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Allentown; she was a daughter of the late Louis and Theresa (Yost) Globosits. She was the loving wife of the late Samuel Bender for 20 years until his passing in 1981. Margaret was a sewing machine operator and worked at Movie Star in Allentown and Quakertown for many years. She enjoyed dancing, crocheting, and the polka.

Survivors: Daughter, Gloria, wife of Robert Boettcher; Sisters, Anna Simon and Theresa Weiss; Brother, Louis Globosits; Grandchildren, Brian Boettcher and Christine, wife of Kevin Krause; Great Grandchildren, Bradley, Nicholas, and Korey. She was predeceased by a sister, Marie Terr and a brother, William Globosits.

Merle Louise (Freed) Hower, 70, of Zionsville died peacefully Thursday, April 3, 2014 at home. Merle was the wife of Dale Hower for 52 years. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of Earl & Grace (Wieand) Freed. She was employed as a woodcrafter by Knoll International in East Greenville for over 30 years, most of which was spent on the panel framing line. Merle was a member of Trinity Great Swamp UCC in Spinnerstown. She was the Matriarch of her family. Dearly loved she will always be in our memories. In addition to her husband and parents she is survived by a son Craig and wife Janet, daughters Lynne Simak, Lisa Rosenberger and husband Gary; grandchildren Crystal Simak, Sean Simak, Matthew Hower, Stephanie Rosenberger; brother Gerald Freed and wife Carol, sisters Lynette Mackey, Joan Kehler and husband Todd; brother in law Barry Hower and wife Joele; nieces, nephews and many friends Louis J. Donatucci Sr., 87, of Quakertown, died Sat. Apr. 5th at St. Luke’s Hospital – Bethlehem. He was the husband of Lola (Martin) Donatucci for 56 years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Silvino and Concetta (Masciovecchio) Donatucci.

He was a member of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, Quakertown and was a longtime active member of the Cardinal Stritch Council 4649 Knights of Columbus.

He served in the US Army during World War II. Surviving with his wife, daughter, Susan Nazzaro, husband Philip; sons, John, wife

~Obituaries~

Patricia, Louis Jr., and Joseph, wife Bonnie; 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Isidore’s Catholic Church Building Fund.

Dorothy A. Pearson, 90, of Springtown died April 6, 2014 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. She was the wife of the late Edward “Peachie” Pearson who died on March 25, 2014. Born in Nesquehoning, Carbon County she was the daughter of the late John & Elizabeth Marouchoc. She is survived by two sons Edward J. (Nadine), David (Michele), and a daughter Gloria. Six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Predeceased by a daughter Robin Kunsman and fourteen siblings.

Elizabeth Kathleen Prisnock of Quakertown, formerly a long-time resident of Philadelphia, passed away in Belle Haven Nursing Center, Quakertown, on Saturday, April 5, 2014. She was 91. Born in Coplay, she was a daughter of the late Louis G. and Elizabeth (Kobli) Prisnock. Miss Prisnock was a 1947 graduate of Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing, Philadelphia. Upon receiving her R.N., Betty began employment at Jefferson Hospital. She also worked as a private duty nurse. She later was employed as an occupational health nurse at PECO, in King of Prussia, retiring in 1987.

Miss Prisnock was a member of and volunteered with the Jefferson Alumni Nurses Association.

An avid reader, Betty also enjoyed golfing and traveling. She loved music and enjoyed season tickets at the Philadelphia Orchestra. She was also a Philadelphia Phillies fan. Miss Prisnock is survived by her four nieces: Sandy Shelly, of Quakertown; Judith Frank and her husband, Allen, of Bowie, MD; Margaret Kraemer, of Massachusetts; Diane Rogers, of Island Pond, VT; a nephew, David Prisnock and his wife, Donna, of Bernville, PA; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Prisnock, of Perkasie. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Shelly and Maria Prisnock, and a brother, Louis Prisnock, Jr. All services are private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Jay Kaufman, 74, of Quakertown died April 7, 2014 in Genesis Health Care Quakertown Center. Born in Brooklyn, NY he was the son of the late Jerome & Ellen (Hydock) Kaufman.

He was a cosmetologist. He served in the Army Reserves. Jay is survived by a sister Diane Martin of Fern Park, Florida.

Marilyn L. Mease (Fox), 57, of Quakertown died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 11, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Roy H. and Lillian (Undercuffler) Fox. She worked for the former Clemens Markets and most recently as a baker for Giant Food Stores in Quakertown. Marilyn was an active member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville. She enjoyed gardening, reading, puzzles, vacationing at the beach, hosting gatherings for family and friends and her yellow labrador retriever Scout.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of thirtyfive (35) years Donald J., Quakertown and son Jason J., Coopersburg. In addition she is survived by her brothers Ted Fox, wife Rose of Quakertown, Kevin Fox of East Greenville, Lester Fox of Pennsburg, Larry Fox, wife Mary of Nesquehoning; sisters, Judy Stauffer, Sharon Fox, Phyllis Fox and Denise Heckler, husband Scott all of Trumbauersville; sister in-law Elda Fox, Haycock; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by brothers Michael, Leroy and Terry Fox. Marilyn was a devoted wife, amazing mother, loving sister, great aunt and a true friend.

Bertha B. Crouthamel, 91, of Quakertown died April 13, 2014 in LifeQuest Nursing Center, Quakertown. She was the wife of the late Paul R. Crouthamel. Born in Nazareth, PA she was the daughter of the late Clarence J. & Laura L. (Bond) Johnson. Bertha enjoyed sewing, gardening, and traveling. She was a member of Christ Independent Bible Church in Perkasie where she was a member of the Quilting Group. She is survived by two daughters Patricia A. McKnight (Neil), and Beatrice M. Buehner (Felix) a brother George Johnson ( Stella), and a sister Virginia Slotter (Neil).

Six grandchildren Barbara Kreisler, James McKnight, Donald McKnight, Bryan Moyer, Amy Tobin, and Timothy Moyer, six great grandchildren and one great great grandson.

She was predeceased by two sisters Ethel and Minnie.

Elwood (Woody) Corson Cressman Jr., 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, April 15th, 2014.

Woody was born on August 4, 1931, in Conshohocken, PA, son of the late Elwood and Ava Hall Cressman. He attended Chichester High School, PA, and left school early to work at the Peoples Drug Store in Chester, PA where he saved his money to buy his sister a leather jacket she liked. He spent his life giving to others, he was an open-hearted man who always worked hard to provide the best for his family. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, consistently there to listen and help his family with anything they needed.

A long-time resident of Quakertown, PA, Woody retired from his Director of Research and Development position at Artistic Glass in Trumbauersville in 1998. Even after a stroke caused him left-side paralysis in late 1999, he continued his favorite hobby of cooking for a number of years. Some other favorites of his were fishing, antiques, and sitting outside in the sun.

In the last year of his life, he rolled his wheelchair around all day saying “Hello! How are you? Let me know if there’s any way I can help you! Hope you have a nice day!” to everyone who passed by. He left a great impression on many people and will be remembered as a very kind and gentle soul who left a legacy of genuine altruism and amazing sweetness.

Elwood is survived by his sister, Ruth (Cressman) Zitnick of Columbia, South Carolina; three daughters, Donna Moore of Glade Valley, NC; Linda Gallagher of Linwood, PA and Carrie Cressman-Kondas of Apex, NC; three grandchildren, Patricia Dixon, Heidi Fritz and Tammi Gallagher; and two great-grandsons, Jeffrey Lafferty and Kevin Dixon.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to The Villages of Wilkes staff and friends for their support over the last year.

A celebration of Woody’s life will be held at The Villages of Wilkes, N. Wilkesboro, NC in the beginning of May. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Stroke Association via Elwoods fundraising page. Condolences may be left an online guestbook at www.yourtribute.com.

James R. Harley, 73, of Montgomeryville formerly of Hatfield, died April 16, 2014 in Manor Care-Lansdale. Born in Lansdale

he was the son of the late James M. & Edith (Fosbenner) Harley. For almost 30 years he represented Bergey’s Automotive at car auctions. Prior to that he worked for six years with the family business in Kulpsville. He was a member and the keyboard player for the Royal Duke’s Band for 13 years. James was a member of Salem Evangelical & Reformed Church in Reamstown, PA. There are no immediate survivors.

Theodore A. Mroz of Telford, entered into eternal rest at the age of 83 at his residence on Friday, April 18, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Mary A. (Hufnagle) Mroz for 56 years.

Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Leon and Mary (Cusak) Mroz. He was a 1949 graduate of Norristown High School, where he had been on the championship swim team. A corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Mroz had served during the Korean War. Ted had been employed for 35 years as a tool and die maker at the former Philco Ford, Lansdale, retiring in 1992. Mr. Mroz was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Sellersville, where he had also been a member of the Silver and Gold Club. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose No. 1539, of Sellersville. When his children were young, he had also been a Scoutmaster in Sellersville. Ted enjoyed the peace of the outdoors and liked to hunt. He also loved cars and built his own 1952 MG, which won awards at car shows. In addition to his wife, Mr. Mroz is survived by his four children: Mary Jo Drapikowski and her husband, John, of Quakertown; Theodore S. Mroz and his wife, Rosemary, of Lansdale; Thomas J. Mroz, of Telford; Kevin D. Mroz and his wife, Susan, of Florida; three grandchildren: Felicia Redmond and her husband, Josh, of Quakertown; Kevin Mroz, Jr.; and Brittany Mroz, both of Florida; a great-granddaughter, Aubrey Elizabeth Redmond; three sisters: Anna Marie Kunicki and her husband, Walter; Gloria Kreider and her husband, Barry, all of Lancaster; and Judy Marchozzi and her husband, Angelo, of Gilbertsville. Ted was preceded in death by six brothers: Leonard, Michael, Leon, Bernard, Jerome, and Peter. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Mroz’s name may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church at the address above.

Pasquale “Pat” Galluppi, 93, of Sellersville, died Sun. Apr. 20th in his home. He was the husband of the late Doris (Schoch) Galluppi.

He worked as a transfer press operator for US Gauge, Division of Ametek, Inc., Sellersville, for many years prior to his retirement in 1986.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Salvatore and Mariannina (Dinenna) Galluppi.

He served in the US Army during World War II. Surviving are sons, Gene, wife Janet, of Coopersburg, Randolph, wife Barbara, of Hellertown; daughter, Dolores Gehring, husband Samuel, of Sellersville; grandchildren, Zachary, Mark, Joshua, Jeremy, Christa, Rebecca, and Samuel; great grandchildren, Tyler and Hunter; brothers, Pepino, wife Ethel, Nicolino, wife Kathy, and Salvatore, wife Janice. He was predeceased by a brother, Gideo, and sister, Letizza Forte.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1000 Doylestown Pike, Quakertown, PA 18951.

Frank E. Mickles, 45, of Quakertown, died Wed. Apr. 23rd in his home.

Born in Bristol, he was a son of Dorwin and Lois (Maisenhelder) Mickles.

Surviving with his parents are his brother, Brad, and sisters, Linda Rule, Kim Mickles, Lisa Keys, Paula Livingston, Lois Mickles, and Kelly Mickles. He was also very loved by his Life Path family.

Elizabeth “Betty” J. O’Donnell, 73 of Perkasie formerly of the Pacific Northwest died April 19, 2014 in her home. She was the loving and dedicated wife of Joseph R. O’Donnell, Sr. They were married 54 years last June. Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late George & Elizabeth (Ashenhurst) Fritz. Over the years she was employed as a bank teller, and a home health aide. She was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown and also a member of St. Isidore’s Council #4649 Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother and is survived by a son Joseph R., Jr. of Kailua-Kona, HI, and a daughter Beth Miller and her husband Brant of Perkasie. Three grandchildren Chase, Michael, and Brendan.

Numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friends Lou & Helene Pellini of Philadelphia.

May 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

11

~Obituaries~

Darlene B. Sell, 67 of Quakertown died Monday April 21, 2014 in St. Luke’s Hospital Quakertown Campus. She was the wife of Franklin Sell, Jr. They celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary last August. Born in Sellersville she was the daughter of the late Harold and Viola (Landis) Harding. She was last employed at the Spring Valley Inn. In addition to her husband she is survived by two sons Kenneth G. Martin (Sherry) and Robert L. Martin. A brother Harold D. Harding (Patti).

Five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter Donna Kline.

David E. Andres, 92, of Coopersburg died April 23, 2014. He was the husband of Laura (Wojcik) Andres. He was the son of the late George & Sarah (Weikel) Andres. He retired from the Conrail Railroad in Bethlehem. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran of WW II. In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter Connie A. Jankoski (Steven) of New Jersey.

A brother Charles (Ann), a sister Dolores Gabel (William). One granddaughter Vickie.

Predeceased by brothers Gordon, William, Gerald, Carl, George, Jr., Donald, and Norman Ronald D. Schnable, Sr. 79, of Sellersville died April 24, 2014 in Quakertown Center.

He was the husband of Shirley A. (Roberts) Schnable. They were married 58 years last November. Born in Sellersville he was the son of the late Howard C. & Dorothea M. (Fitzgerald)

Schnable. He retired in 2001as a truck driver for Indian Valley Bulk Carriers in Tylersport.

He was a member of the Great Swamp Fish and Game. Ronald also was a former dirt track stock car racer. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving during the Korean War. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children Shyrl Rest (Charles) of Tylersport, Ronald D., Jr. (Rene) of Telford, Robin Edwards (Christopher) of Zionsville, and Lori Troxell (Alvin) of Perkasie. Eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

John T. “Johnny” Stever, 79, Trumbauersville died April 27th, at St. Luke’s Hospital -Quakertown . He was the husband of Nancy (Moskauski) Stever for 47 years.

Born in Doylestown, he was a son of the late Franklin D. and Lena (Fretz) Stever .

He was a veteran of the United States Army.

Surviving with his wife sisters, Bebe Gerhart (Wayne), Rosemary Stever (Joseph) all of Quakertown; nieces, nephew, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Services will be held 11 am Fri., May 2 at Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown.

Call 10-11:00 am.

Interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Hidden Meadows Opens New Memory Care Unit Sellersville assisted-living facility, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, debuted its new Memory Care Unit at an Open House last month. The Laurels offers dementia patients a secure environment that allows for unrestrained movement within the facility. The “neighborhood” design of The Laurels was specifically designed for dementia patients who benefit from the more personalized care and attention the Memory Care facility allows.

The building has four “neighborhoods”, each with its own kitchen, dining, and common areas. Each neighborhood can accommodate up to 12 residents comfortably housed in private and semi-private rooms.

The Laurels is different from other dementia care units in the area in that residents can have a month-to-month living agreement rather than the traditional “buy-in” plan. Co-owner Thom Bell said, “This is something unique to the community. It’s unique in that you don’t need to buy in to the facility. It definitely fills

a need.”

The restraint-free facility offers residents a secure environment with various levels of stimulation and privacy depending on individual need. The neighborhood areas are spacious and bright and clients will have access to a hair salon, an activity room, outside walled gardens in season, and life enrichment programming. On-site physical therapy is also available.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alheimer’s is most often associated with dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Many dementias are progressive, meaning symptoms start out slowly and gradually get worse. Unfortunately, many families cannot handle the special needs of relatives who are suffering from this condition. Memory care units such as The Laurels are a godsend to families looking for secure and caring residences for their loved ones.

(above)Thom Bell, Jeff Bell, and Joe Cimerola, owners of Hidden Meadows and The Laurels (above right)

An Easter Fest

They had Easter Egg Hunt last month down in Lower Bucks. There were hundreds of kids corralled behind a barrier. A helicopter swooped in and dropped a load of plastic eggs that were filled with prizes. After the bombing run, they dropped the barriers and pandemonium ensued. There must have been some injuries before it was over, but they didn’t report it.

Easter wasn’t my favorite holiday as a kid.

First, I hated having to go to church. I didn’t have to do it much, but Easter was one of those times. It was always so crowded we had to sit on folding chairs way in the back. Second, before they’d tested me for an allergy to chocolate, I got Easter baskets full of white, green, and pink (and tasteless), candy my mom had Merle, up on Juniper Street, make special for me. That was just one year, but it was one of my most memorable Easters.

I was brought up Christian, so I know the story and sort of understand what we’re celebrating.

I never quite got the connection with the Easter Bunny, though. It didn’t bother me. I eagerly ate candy till I threw up, like all my friends. I let my kids do it too. But, after reading about the helicopter drop, I decided to look it up.

There’s been a spring celebration at Eastertime, since the dawn of history. Easter is the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the vernal equinox (which means, “green time of equal day and night”). It’s related to the 23 1/2 degree tip of the Earth’s axis. Figuring out precisely when the equinox is (and consequently, Easter) is a complicated calculation. It takes 5.7 million years for the “exact moment” of the equinox to repeat itself. We say it’s sometime on March 20 to simplify things.

Ancients got excited over it. They built Stonehenge, Medicine Wheels and other ‘monuments’ trying to pin down dates and times that a computer has trouble calculating. For all of those primitive men, Easter-time celebrations have always been about coming back to life in spring.

The plants did it, and the warmer weather made animals and people ‘reproductively inclined.’

Nearly everybody celebrated at Easter-time.

Britons caught sun beams in stone rings. Greeks ‘worshiped’ the goddess Persephone, who traveled to the Otherworld and returned every spring.

Olmecs and Mayans celebrated the return of the Sun Serpent. Zoroastrians in Persia had a resurrection myth by 3000 BCE. German fertility, goddesses; Eatare/ Eostur /Eastur /Austron, were honored with a festival in the spring. The Old

German word for spring is “eastre.”

Ancient Saxons had an interesting equinox myth: The goddess of fertility, Eostre found an injured bird in the forest. She used her powers to restore the bird to life by turning it into a hare.

She was only partly successful, though. The rabbit was strange. It laid eggs. It collected its eggs each spring and decorated them as gifts for Eoestre.

The Cybele religious cult developed in the Mediterranean area and became established in Rome about 200b.c. The cult was centered on what was called Vatican Hill. They worshiped Attis, who was the god of ever-reviving vegetation. According to the legend, he was born of a virgin human woman, Nana. Attis grew up to become a sacrificial victim to save Mankind. His body was eaten by his worshipers. The festival of Attis began as a day of Blood on what they called Black Day and culminated after three days of rejoicing about resurrection. The Cybele’s celebrated Attis’ death nine months before his winter solstice birthday (close to Christmas)…at the vernal equinox.

When the early Christians began celebrating Jesus’s resurrection at the same time as the Attis festival, there were frequently bitter arguments and confrontations over whose “god” was the best. The Cybele’s are long gone, now; nearly forgotten. Jesus had more to say about the Human Condition than Attis did. He spoke of ever-reviving people, not just re-greening vegetation. That argument was settled long ago, “’cause the Bible tells me so…”

But, even knowing all of that historical stuff, I find that I don’t really care what they were celebrating 3,000 years ago or how they came up with Easter. I don’t even care what time, exactly, the sun comes up on any given day, just so it always does. I don’t care much about the vernal equinox, either. It’s sort of like ‘Pi’. A couple of decimal places are good, just like March 20th is close enough for me.

I do like our Easter story, though, however it got started. It makes this idiotic world easier to trudge through. I like watching the trees turn green. I like having spring fever. But, maybe most of all, I like to watch those Easter Egg Hunt scrums. I feel sorry for the little guys who get trampled, but there is nothing like a couple hundred, yelling, shoving kids in riot mode to make you feel good about life. I hope we can get a helicopter drop at the Q-mart Egg Hunt next year. That would make it a special Easter.

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

found at

Notes from VFW Post 11322

Since our last article this VFW has been quite busy. The men and women from John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 would like to say thank you to the Quakertown Applebee’s for letting us have our annual Flap jack fundraiser in March. The day may have been dreary but the community support was nice. In April we had our Cross of Malta Ceremony. This is were the men and women that join the Veterans of Foreign War get officially sworn in. John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 swore in 12 members. The post would like to congratulate those members to this elite VFW organization. We had the Bucks County Id program that helps Veterans get discount at the stores that participate.

In May we will be collecting donations with Poppies. Members will be collecting donations at various place. Your donations will help us distribute funds according to the National VFW

By-laws. This is very important time of the year.

The Memorial Day Parade will be Monday May 26th. This is the time of year to remember those men and women who sacrificed their lives for our FREEDOM. WE will be having our annual bingo on May31stwith Christ E. Lutheran Church .

This will be held at St. Isidores school. The doors will open @ 12p.m. and the games will start @ 1. If interested in tickets call 267-992-4973 or 215-536-3193.

If you have a loved coming home from the Military and need our support call 215-529-0500 or 267-992-4973. There may be various ways we can help to make the transition easier. We have certified Service Officers that can help with the VA paperwork. This VFW is a team so if you are interested in joining call us.

God Bless America and Peace be with You! Commander Paul Gerhart, Jr.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

My Visit to the Historic Newtown Library Company

Where Can I Get my UBFP?

QUAKERTOWN Aamco American Heritage FCU A-Plus Mini Market Borough Hall Bottom Dollar Foods Beer City Brick’s Sales Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Dominick’s Pizza Downtown Dogs Earl Bowl Lanes Embers Cafe First Niagara Bank First Savings Bank Flashpoint Acupuncture Frank’s Pizza The Free Press Bldg.

Giant (Qtwn Plaza) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Independence Court James Michener Library John’s Plain & Fancy Liberty Thrift Store McCoole’s Restaurant McDonalds Melody Lakes Moyer’s Shoes Old Bethlehem Rd Hotel Pep Boys Philly Soft Pretzel Factory Quaker Cleaners

Q’town Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Redner’s Market Roma Pizza Sal’s Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sine’s 5 & 10 St. Luke’s Hospital Swann’s Pantry Tom’s Help Desk Upper Bucks Sr. Ctr Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Fino’s La Cantina Spor’s General Store SPINNERSTOWN Spinnerstown Hotel E J’s Barber Shop PLEASANT VALLEY Country Kitchen SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner Village Market

PERKASIE Rep. Paul Clymer’s Office Dam Good Cafe Emil’s Diner Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Olde Towne Convenience Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank Revivals Restaurant TELFORD Indian Valley Library Landis Supermarket Lisa’s Pizza SOUDERTON Bottom Dollar Care & Share Shoppes Mr. B’s at Calvary Church SILVERDALE Green Street Barber Shop COOPERSBURG Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Market Weis Markets SPRINGTOWN Reflections Hair Studio Village Center Automotive

~We Get Letters~

The Upper Bucks Free Press invites Letters to the Editor from residents in our coverage area about topics of interest and/or of importance to readers in our community. Letters are published at the sole discretion of the publisher and are subject to editing. Letters are accepted by US Mail and by e-mail and must include writer’s name, phone number, and address for verification purposes. Opinions expressed by the letters’ authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher nor anyone else.

To whom it may concern: In 1969 my wife and I moved into the Borough of Quakertown. My wife was employed downtown by the law firm of Biehn & Thatcher from 1965 until the office moved to Perkasie in 2006, and she retired in 2012.

Therefore, we were longtime residents of Quakertown Borough until we downsized in 2011 and now reside in Richland Township.

We have always, and still do, shop the local downtown merchants. We enjoy downtown Quakertown and the Borough in general. I would say we even agreed with the Borough Council decisions about 95% of the time. It seemed as though things were well thought out before any action was taken.

When I started reading about the current council’s plans for downtown, I couldn’t believe it. What is not to like about the current center of town? Parking is convenient, the traffic pattern is simple and very workable and the whole layout is bright and airy (to borrow a realtor’s term). I personally never heard anyone complain about it. The triangle parking lot is frequently full. I don’t understand how double the traffic, including tractor trailers, and wide loads, on the current Eastbound lanes is supposed to be friendly for foot traffic downtown.

How is a parking garage going to handle the current parking needed plus employees and patrons of the businesses in the proposed new building? Will parking be free? With the flooding problems in Quakertown, will the parking garage flood?

Now what the current Council wants to do is sell the parking lot and throw up a three-story

pile of bricks to house a high-end restaurant and offices, requiring even more parking and closing in the bright and open feeling we now have. The only person coming out on the plus end of this deal is the developer. Almost all of the local merchants are against this plan as well as numerous residents, if the attendance at a recent crowded Council meeting is any indication.

After this meeting, Council had the audacity to turn their backs on their constituency and vote almost unanimously to accept the development and change the traffic flow. Then there is the resignation of Councilman Ed Sholl immediately after the vote because he plans to pursue an economic development consultant contract position with the Borough, which includes this project. Talk about a slap in the face! They should be ashamed of themselves!

What good does it do for citizens to get involved and go to public council meetings when this is the shabby treatment they get?

There are other buildings in the periphery of the downtown area that could be used for this project, including the former Moose building and vacant factory buildings. There are also the former Morning Call and Intelligencer buildings that could be developed. There are two fantastic festivals that bring lots of people into downtown Quakertown, and the triangle parking lot is a part of those festivals.

James E. Stauffer , Quakertown, PA

The Newtown Library Company is close by in the historic community of Newtown, Bucks County.

The library, founded in 1760, is the oldest library in Bucks county and reported to be the third oldest in Pennsylvania.

It was originally housed in different people’s houses as a collection of the townspeople’s books.

The library moved from house to house with different families taking responsibility for the collection every few years. In 1813 the library moved to Newtown’s courthouse building when the Bucks county seat moved from Newtown to Doylestown. In 1912, after two more moves, the library finally ended up at its present location.

I was fortunate to be given a guided tour of the library by Anne McKernan, library volunteer, school tour guide, and leader of Story Time at the library. I learned from Mrs. McKernan that since its beginning, The Newtown Library Company has always been a “subscription library,” meaning it is not part of the public library system. To borrow books from the library, you have to be a member.

Originally, membership to the library cost $1.00 or a donated book (remember this is back in the days where most families did not have any books and if they did, it was usually the Holy Bible). To this day, the library charges a subscription fee (annually: $20.00 for an individual, $25.00 for a family, and $10.00 for a student or a senior) plus $1.00 for your first year, to keep tradition with its original rules of membership. Anyone is welcome to come in and browse through the books or use the library’s resources, but to check a book out, you have to be a member.

Today, the library offers all of the tools you’d find in modern libraries, (new releases, programs, computers, internet, reading rooms, etc.) but there at this library, there is art and history wrapped around all the books! Ms. McKernan showed me some of the great artwork in the library. They have a great collection of paintings, sketches, maps, furniture and other artifacts.

One of the interesting pieces I saw was a sign for the library company that was painted in 1825 by famed Pennsylvania artist Edward Hicks. Mrs. McKernan told me that Hicks painted the sign for the library and charged $1.00, the fee he needed

to be a member! Another great item was a dining room chair from William Penn’s estate. The library owns three of the chairs but has lent two of them out to other museums.

I was impressed with the artwork in the library and that was even before I got to see the historical book collection! The library houses a large collection of historical books from or about Bucks County and a collection of books by Benjamin Franklin Press. Mrs. McKernan pulled a book printed by Benjamin Franklin (Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives of the Province of Pennsylvania) off the shelf for me to look at. For a bookworm/history buff like me, that was a tremendous experience. I got to touch a book that Benjamin Franklin printed on his printing press. Very cool!

Don’t think that the museum is all history and artwork! It also has a fun children’s area that is packed with great books for kids to enjoy. Mrs. McKernan runs story and craft times every Wednesday for children ages 0-3 and 3-6.

In addition to its children’s programs, the library runs great events all year long. The Bards of Bucks County meet every third Friday of the month. Currently, the library is planning trips to Winterthur (Wilmington, DE) to see “The Costumes of Downtown Abbey.” Winterthur is the only place in the USA to see this exhibit.

I asked Mrs. McKernan what she thought was the most amazing thing about The Newtown Library Company. She said “I think the most amazing thing here is that since 1760, this library has been open and functioning, almost completely with volunteers. We only have one part-time paid position.”

I also think that that is amazing. It is a credit to the library and the community of Newtown.

For more information on The Newtown Library Company, visit newtownlibrary company.org To learn more about Anne McKernan’s story times, visit itsybitsymom.wordpress.com While you are visiting the library, check out all the other very cool things to do in Newtown including a self-guided heritage walk.

For more info visit, Newtownhistoric.org For more on books and reading visit ThisKidReviewsBooks.com

Do we break some eggs to make an omelette or let the stove burn itself out?

To be honest, I am surprised that Mr. Stauffer’s letter published to the left is the only one we received here at the Free Press. For sure, proposed development and revitalization efforts in the downtown have been a source of contention, especially lately.

Scott Soost of Tana Kaya has perhaps been the most vocal merchant on Broad Street in dissent with his most pressing issue being a loss of immediately available parking should the current “Triangle Project” come to fruition.

His sentiments have been echoed by other long term stakeholders on the street, not the least of whom are Ralph Moyer (Jr. & III) of Moyer’s Shoes and Doug Mohr with Lion Around Books, among others.

They are absolutely right. Building on the Triangle will most certainly eliminate those parking spaces. Will that building decrease nearby available parking? The project investor, the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, the Delta Development Group, the Bucks County Economic Development Corp, and the Borough of Quakertown all seem to agree the answer is no. According to them, the parking will, of course, be arranged differently.

If all goes according to plan, parking will indeed become more difficult to come by. A lot of people working and visiting downtown will certainly need to park somewhere. They will also need to eat and shop. Is full parking not markedly better than empty parking?

My office in the Free Press Building overlooks the present Triangle parking lot and the likely future building site for a restaurant, offices, and retail. I’ll tell you, from my window you’re not missing much. The Triangle parking lot is usually one half to one third vacant most days. The shopping center ain’t much to behold either. With the exception of Dominick’s packing them in at lunch and dinner, that parking lot is also regularly quite barren. (Ok, Beer City does a good business, too, which reminds me...)

I do see, however, people enjoying the Triangle

Park, sitting outside at the cafe next door and eating water ice from Rosemarie’s. I see students and neighbors jogging the sidewalks, dogs walking their owners, some shopping, and plenty of young folk in strollers enjoying some time outside. The proposed development across the street from my office, as well as the development happening over on Fifth Street, will surely increase the amount of traffic we see - on our streets, sidewalks, in restaurant booths, our shops, offices, and banks. Oh, and the parking spots, too.

I applaud the concern expressed by Scott, Doug, the Ralphs, James Stauffer, and a few others. There should be concern. The issues they raise are legitimate. Change is hard, the future uncertain.

I also applaud the proponents of increased development downtown, Barry at Kulp Jewelers, Craig at Downtown Dogs, Mr & Mrs. Cindy, John Schlupp with his Palace Theatre project, as well as the organizations that are working hard to jumpstart what is certainly a flatlining downtown district.

So what’s the solution? Stay involved, be a part of the process, express concerns, offer suggestions. Nothing is set in stone as far as building design, traffic flow, or parking plans.

Communication surrounding the Triangle project could certainly have been handled better, but I truly believe the best of intentions are at the forefront with our borough government, and supporting agencies and organizations.

We have a successful investor who wants to do a $6.2 million project right here. Let’s help him to make the best decisions possible with your ideas, concerns, and creativity. If we do, I believe the downtown businesses and borough residents will enjoy the benefits of renewed vitality downtown which will likely radiate outward to include the rest of the Quakertown area.

Yes, maybe even the Moose.

Christopher Betz, UBFP publisher

May 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

Adoptable Pets

Upper Bucks SPCA This is Koda! He’s a 7 year old, neutered male Pointer mix who is very sweet. He loves meeting new people and making new friends!

He enjoys hanging out with other dogs and playing with toys. He knows how to sit and shake and has been house trained for the staff and volunteers. He would do well in a home with children 6 years old and up. Koda and many more fine companions are seeking their new forever homes at the Bucks County SPCA’s Upper Bucks shelter located at 60 Reservoir Road, Quakertown. Call for more information, 267-347-4674 or visit our website at www.bcspca.org.

How do I choose a flea and tick product?

Harley’s Haven

Meet Opie!! This adorable little guy is a 4 month old pitty mix, who is special needs.

Poor Opie has seizures and is being started on medications to control them longterm. He should still be able to live a normal, happy, healthy life...he will just need to be on medications forever, and need monitoring bloodwork every 3-6 months. Even though this guy is a bit of a commitment, he is totally worth it!

He adores other dogs and kids, and absolutely loves people! He is house trained and obedient, and does great in a crate. He is also already neutered and is up to date on vaccines. Call to find out more about him today!

Meet Pita!!

Pita is an adorable Chihuahua, who was found as a stray in the East Greenville area.

He is about 3-5 years old, and is a great little guy! He is housetrained, crate trained, and does great with other dogs! He is a mellow guy who just wants love and attention. He is already neutered, microchipped, and is up to date on vaccines. Call about his today! These adorable pups are available for adoption through Harley’s Haven. Call 215-527-7432 to arrange to meet them. Thank you so much, and we look forward to working with you!!

Notes from American Legion Post 242 by dick helm

Just reminders that our parade route is changing for the Memorial Day parade and services to be held the morning of May 26. The old route took us down Ninth Street from Park Avenue across Broad to Mill Streeet then to the World War I Memorial. After the service we would then go back to Broad Street and march back to the Post Building on East Broad Street. The new route is Ninth Street and Park Avenue across Juniper Street to West Broad Street—right on Broad Street, down to Third Street, left on Third Street to Mill Street, then left on Mill Street to the World War I Memorial. The parade will end at Memorial Park and the Memorial Service.

Any plans for Refreshments will take place at the Pavilion Area new the Ball Field. There will be no continuation of the parade after the Memorial Service! We will offer limited refreshments to the participants and guests after the service in the park area. The hot dogs and beverages will be limited and will be on first come/first served basis until supplies are diminished.

WHAT IF—A hero who stormed the beaches or Normandy or fought valiantly during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam would have two Regular

Army personnel at his gravesite to fold the American Flag and present it to his survivors and have an Army Bugler play taps, but no rifle volleys would be heard? WHAT IF—a special service was held in a nursing or Veterans Home and the colors were present and no special Posting of the Colors was held for the veterans present? Many American Legion and VFW Posts in our surrounding area cannot muster up enough volunteers for these duties. Luckily our Post 242 still has a small group of persons who go out regularly spending up to 3-4 hours per mission of their time to perform these honors.

They do it in the snow, rain, wind, and cold as well as sunny warm days. Why do they do it? To honor those who faced the enemy for us to enjoy our freedoms that so many take for granted. The experience of volunteering for this duty cannot be expressed in words. We are in need of more volunteers and encourage members of our Post to help those few Honor Guard members in what is turning out to be quite a few missions a year. Call Les Walters at 215-5369242. Training and proper attire are furnished by your Post 242 Honor Guard group.

See you at the Memorial Day Parade and Service on May 26!

So many options….

Frontline, Advantix, Vectra, Revolution, Pet Armor, and so many more! How do you know which one is best for your pet? I guess the answer will depend on exactly what you are looking for and understanding about the parasites we are protecting against!

So let’s first talk about fleas. Fleas are pesky parasites that live in the environment and infest our houses by feeding on our pets and laying their eggs in areas like: our carpets, floors, dog beds, chairs, couches, etc. Fleas come out as soon as we hit 50-60 degree days outside, and are pretty resistant to the cold as eggs. So in our area, it is important to make sure we have our pets on preventatives from at least March through a couple good frosts in the fall. To be safe, especially because we can have fluctuations in temperatures and have some warm days even in winter, year round use of preventatives is the best. Fleas have a 4-6 week lifecycle, so by the time you kill off all adult fleas, eggs that they originally laid will be hatching. This makes them pretty resistant and they can be difficult to clear from the house once they have infested it. So in order to clear them, you will need to treat the house and treat ALL pets in the house for at least 2 consecutive months! Even indoor only cats can be at risk – all it takes is one flea egg coming in with your shoes, and that can get them started!

So remember to protect everyone!

Now to briefly discuss ticks! Ticks are really common in this area too…we live in a rural, wooded region rich with wildlife (especially deer), so ticks are very common, and also annoying! The deer tick is the one that transmits lyme disease, and other ticks can also transmit diseases like anaplasma and ehrlichia! This is why it’s important to protect our pets against them as well. Ticks prefer to live outside, but will use our pets as a blood meal when they can. All of the above listed diseases are transmitted when a tick is attached for greater than 12-24 hours, so that makes our preventatives

important to either repel entirely, or kill them quickly enough that they are not able to transmit any diseases.

Now back to the original question! There are so many products out there that it can be overwhelming! In our clinic, we recommend Vectra. We like this product because it has a really quick onset of action (less than an hour), has repellent properties, and has great coverage for both fleas and ticks. It kills adults and also sterilizes them so any eggs they lay won’t be able to hatch. If you are interested in a combination product that also protects against heartworm, then Revolution is a good product!

It covers for all of the above! A product like Advantage might be a good choice for indoor only cats, as it only protects against fleas, but that is more what you are concerned about with indoor only cats. The benefit of using products from your veterinarian is that they are proven to be effective and incredibly safe. All products from your vet have had significant testing to ensure they are safe, and do exactly what the label says they will do! The companies that make these products also back them up – so if you ever find a parasite on a protected pet, or your pet has a reaction, they will typically reimburse you, or even cover the cost of their care! The over the counter products are often cheaper, but I caution you to really read the label and do your homework to ensure they have done the appropriate testing and safety trials to ensure the product is all that it claims to be!

Those products do not have a governing body overseeing them – so there are no laws requiring them to perform safety trials, or efficacy trials, so some products are much less effective than others! Having a discussion with your vet about what product is good for your situation is a good place to start! Whatever product you go with, now is the time of year to get them protected!

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

Just when you think you have tried on every silly headpiece there is to wear, another one seems to show up. I must admit the ears make me look cute. At least I didn’t have to wear a complete costume like this cow person. I thought it would be nice to get a picture with the cow from Chick-Fil-A. We were at the Quakertown Easter egg hunt where we met up with the cow. The cow told me that when a person goes through the drive-through window and there is a dog in the car the humans at the store will give the dog a biscuit. I am going to be bugging my human to take me to the drive-through of Chick-Fil-A. I must mention it now even though it is a month away. Don’t forget to come visit me at the Quakertown Vet’s Pet Fair on June 7. If you

come by my booth and mention that you read my column I will have a special gift for you.

Oh, I don’t want to forget to tell you that I am declaring the month of May, “Take Your Dog to Lunch Month”. The weather is great now and we dogs would love to go along and help you socialize. There are two new places with patio areas that said dogs with manners can come. Both of these places are on 309 in Quakertown: The Embers and Panera Bread.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

Trust the Process

Trust is defined as “a belief that something is reliable, good, honest, effective, an assured reliance of character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something and/or to expect with confidence”.

This concept can be so powerful when we are working on ourselves because it is like a promise that we make that everything will work itself out and we will eventually feel better about ourselves and our life. Trust also greatly impacts how we handle and manage our daily interactions and life stressors. It provides a sense of balance when we may want to be impulsive and reactionary in our personal and professional relationships.

So what about trust? The journey we are on in our lives, the choices and decisions that we are making everyday single day. We make choices and decisions in hopes that we have made the “right” ones and in our best interest and for those around us. The problem arises when our logic and emotion become intertwined. Logically we tell ourselves that this is what we need to do but our emotions might tell us otherwise; i.e. we are going “Is this right?” It is important to ask what is my goal? What do I wish to accomplish?

What are the pros and cons of this situation or task that I am in conflict? And than trust your instincts to the best of your ability. Even if you were to make a mistake you can turn it around and say I trust that this happened for a reason for me. Trusting ourselves and how we interact with others is not an easy task by any means.

The more we work on ourselves the greater the ability it is to know what to do because you will trust that you know yourself better than anyone and know what it is right for you in that moment.

Tomorrow may bring about new thoughts and ideas but stay in today for whatever decision that needs to be made and trust just for this day it is right for me.

This is why counseling or being able to talk to someone who knows you can be really helpful.

They can help you to clarify your thoughts and feelings and help you to understand as much of the whole picture as possible in order for us to feel that we can “trust” the situation or decision that are creating a dilemma for us. The grey area for some of us comes in is when things are out of our control that is when having faith or some form or spirituality will support you in the concept of trust . So believe in yourself, your journey, your feelings, your choices and your decisions. If for some reason it turns out differently than you had “hoped” for or expected “trust” that there is a lesson to be learned and it will be revealed in its own time. Trust that you have the answers and that whatever it is that you are searching for or want to happen in your life will when it is supposed to!

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.

May 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Christ Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Pastor: Ron Kohl, Sr. Pastor September - May: 9am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10am Morning Worship Service, 6:30pm 2nd & 4th Sundays are small group meetings, 6:30pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays Evening Worship Good News Church 424 Juniper Street, Quakertown 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. Sunday service & childrens church 10:30am Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm. Friendly, Biblebased, Christ-centered, Spirit-led Evangel Assembly of God 401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Where God’s Love Changes Lives MorningStar Moravian Church 234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg 610-282-1908 coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Lance Fox Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.

Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: The Rev. Catherine Kerr 10:00am Sunday Eucharist St. John’s Lutheran Church 4 South Main Street, Richlandtown 215-536-5027 secretary@sjrpa.org www. sjrpa.org Pastor: Susan Sosnin Sunday morning worship at 9:30am with holy communion first and third Sundays of the month. Sunday school 8:30am Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville 215-257-7244 rvucc.pastor@verizon.net www.ridgevalleyucc.org Pastor: Rev. Steve Myren We are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith. Worship: Sundays 9:30am. Ridge Valley: Growing Together in God’s Love.

The Gathering (at the Barn) 24 Greentop Road, Sellersville (215) 407-9816 www.thegatheringchristianfellowship.com St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville 837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown 215-536-5789 stpauls@netcarrier.com www.quakertown.net/stpauls Pastor: Rev. David Heckler We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie 215-795-2965 office@kellerschurch.org www.kellerschurch.org Pastor: Robert E. Mitman Worship 7:45 & 10:15am, Sunday School 9am, Koinonia Cafe 8:30pm, Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Children’s Church 2nd & 4th Sunday

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday services at 8am and 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome!

Church of the Incarnation (Anglican-Episcopal) 44 S. 8th Street, Quakertown 215-538-3787 Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Wednesday 10:00am First United Methodist Church 501 Market Street, Perkasie 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie@verizon.net Pastor: Steward Warner Mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, positively impact our community and world.

St. John’s Lutheran Church 19 South 10th Street, Quakertown 215-536-3593 stjohnsquak@verizon.net www.stjohnsquak.org Pastor: Ray Miller Sunday Worship 8 and 10:30am, Sunday School 9:15am. Welcoming, Reaching Out, Serving. Elevator available Trinity Great Swamp UCC 9150 Spinnerstown Road, Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis / Matt Gorkos Sunday worship services 8am (Communion 1st Sunday of month) and 10:30am, 9:15 Sunday School classes for all ages (PreKAdult) & family activities Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9 am traditional services, 10:15am Sunday School, 11am contemporary service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Kidspiration Services.

Holy Spirit Anglican Church 1133 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield 215-453-7452 rtufton@verizon.net www.holyspiritanglicanhatfield.org Pastor: Rev. Robert Tufton We are a traditional conservative Evangelical Christian church.

Pennridge Christian Fellowship 720 Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen 215-257-7309 kallebach@pennridgecf.org www.pennridgecf.org Pastor: Thomas Vargis Sunday worship 10:30am, Sunday School after song service for infants to age 12.

Wed evenings 7pm with prayer, crossroads youth and (Sept-April) boys and girls clubs.

Everyone is welcome.

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

Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 215-529-5422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry during all services, Student ministry 6pm, Celebrate Recovery Weds 7pm, Divorce Care Thurs 7pm, EastWest Cafe open before & after services. Free coffee.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Pastor: Rev. Patti Thomas 8am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9am Sunday School (all ages), 10:15am Worship in Sanctuary, Crossroads 1st Sunday of month 9am in Fellowship Hall

Upper Bucks Set to Race, Fight, Win Against Cancer The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life changing event that brings more than 3.5 million people across the country each year to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has taken too much.

From 9 am May 3 to 9 am May 4, teams of passionate and devoted individuals from the Upper Bucks area will camp out at Quakertown Memorial Park located on Mill St. Teammates will take turns walking around a path that is lined with raffles, games, food and information.

Surrounding communities are invited to visit the park for a day to help the American Cancer Society raise awareness and much needed funds that enable the ACS to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well and get well, by

finding cures and by fighting back. These are just a few examples of how those funds make a difference everyday: develop guidelines for recommended cancer screenings, provide tips, tools and online resources to help people set goals and stay motivated to eat healthy and maintain an active lifestyle, assist patients with transportation and other support both physical and emotional. Patients and caregivers can also get help with free lodging close to the hospital during treatments.

Please check out the 24/7 phone line 1-800227-2345. For more information about the Relay for Life event at Quakertown Memorial Park on May 3-4 please checkout: www.relayforlife.org/paub.

Submitted by Michelle Rober of Team Ladybugs, “Relayers” for 8 years

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2014

Upper Bucks Y Holds 11th Chocolatta Event by sherri werner

The Upper Bucks YMCA’s Chocolotta was held on Friday, March 21 at DeSales University. Two hundred fifty people enjoyed an evening of good food, desserts and fellowship. Of course, the dollars raised for the Y is the most important outcome of the evening. According to Pat Edwards, Upper Bucks YMCA Executive Director, “109 weeks of camp, totaling over $19,000, was raised during our Send A Kid to Camp appeal alone.

Additionally, over $26,000 was raised through the live and silent auctions. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and guests who help make this event such a success year after year.”

The fundraiser, in its 11th year, is the Y’s most successful annual fundraiser. Funds are used to provide financial assistance to children attending summer camp as well as providing memberships and programs to qualifying youth, adults and families in the community. Edwards adds, “We rely heavily on our dedicated group of volunteers who

each year work to make this event better and better.” Community members, serving on the committee, include Barbara Azarik, Pam Brown, Dee Fesmire, Marian Fraticelli, Arden Freeman, Dee Hutchinson, Loretta McGill, Erin Stauffer, and Dale Wentz. Additionally, KD Smith Auctions provided the auctioneering for the evening.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Upper Bucks YMCA serves over 10,000 people annually, including over 5000 children and offers swimming, fitness, child care, youth, teen and adult sports programs and activities. Its mission is to put Christian principles, including honesty, caring, respect and responsibility into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA has a financial assistance program, supported by the United Way of Bucks County and private contributions, which ensures that no one will have to be turned away because of his or her inability to pay.

The YMCA’s 11th Annual Chocolotta Event, held on March 21, raised funds for summer day camp and Y memberships and programs. The evening includes dinner, desserts and silent and live auctions.

Angel Wings Aspirin Bone Chef Hat Cloud Cotton Daisy Dove

Egg Egret Glue Golf Ball Marshmallow Milk Moon Paper

Picket Fence Polar Bear Popcorn Powder Rice Salt Seagull

Snow Star Styrofoam Sugar Swan Teeth Wedding Dress