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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? May 1
1st Saturday in Quakertown, 10am-2pm every month in Downtown Quakertown. Eat, shop, stroll, special offerings. Springfield Twp Histor. Soc. Open House 9:30am-12noon at the Church School, 2165 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg) across from Trinity Lutheran. Free, all welcome! See a one-room school. FMI: Tom 484-308-1510 Outdoor Flea Mkt 8am-2pm (r/d May 2) at Springtown Fire Co parking lot, Rtes 212/412. Vendor spots/$20. FMI: 610-346-8383. May Day Spring Fling 10am-4pm outside at the Heritage Ctr, 105 Seminary St, Pennsburg. (items from our gift shop, rummage tables, books, décor, local craftspeople) Donations? 215-679-3103 candace@schwenkfelder.com Saturday Bird Walks (thru June 19) 8am. Naturalist-led on trails at Nature Ctr, 170 N Chapman Rd, Doylestown. Bad weather cancels walk, free ($5 donation welcome). Extra binoculars available. FMI: 215-345-7860. peacevalleynaturecenter.org Pork BBQ Take-out for Pick-up on May 22 MUST be pre-ordered by May 9 at 610346-7114 or trinityucc212@gmail.com or trinityuccpa.com/orders. Pick up 10am12noon (cash only) at Trinity UCC, 1990 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley.
May 2
Spring Craft Show by Jennifer Lynn & Co, 11am-4pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115. Low Cost Vaccine, Microchip & Heartworm Prevention Clinic, 11:30am1:30pm at Hometown Pet Ctr, 702 W State St, Coopersburg. Masks & social distancing required. Benefits Logan’s Heroes Animal Rescue. FMI: 610-282-5435 Hilltown Twp Historical Soc. Open House 1:30-4pm w/speaker @ 2pm. ‘Formation of PA w/Indians & the Walking Purchase’ (free) Strassburger Farmstead, 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pk, Sellersville. FMI: 267-614-9174 Mushroom Hike at Fuller/Pursell Nature Preserve 10am-12noon. Join Heritage Conservancy on a hike to identify wild edibles. FMI: 215-345-7020 x107.
May 2 to 8
“Guess the Planet!” Virtual Library Event (fun guessing game) FMI: email childrensservices@buckslib.org for questions. FMI: calendar.buckslib.org/event/7740659
May 3
Let’s Play School Storytime-Artist Extraordinaire for ages 3-5 on Mondays (also May 10, 17, 24, 31). ZOOM live 10:30am. 20-25 minutes long. calendar.buckslib.org/ (go to description of event)
May 4
ZOOM Storytime w/Miss Emily on Tues (also May 11, 18, 25) at 11:30am. Have camera on to participate. If full capacity, we will open a second session. Register: calendar. buckslib.org/ (go to description of event) Self-guided Garden Tour at Aldie Mansion 10:30am-1pm (timed entry confirmed at registration). Map provided, explore at your own pace. Docents available for questions along the way. FMI: 215-345-7020 x107.
Soup & Soul Drive Thru every Tues, 5pm. No registration needed. Drive thru line begins 4:45pm & continues until all meals have been distributed. RE:Vivals, 4 S Ridge Rd, Perkasie
May 10-15
May 5
May 14
ZOOM Storytime w/Miss Emily on Wed (also May 12, 19, 26) at 1pm. Have camera on to participate. If full capacity, we will open a second session. calendar.buckslib.org/ (go to description of event) ZOOM Storytime w/Miss Shannon on Wed (also May 12, 19, 26) at 10:30am. Have camera on to participate. If full capacity, we will open a second session. Register: calendar. buckslib.org/ (go to description of event) 6th Annual Sporting Clays Challenge, 8:30am-1pm for Indian Creek Foundation. Includes breakfast, lunch, cart rental, awards & souvenir! FMI: 1-267-203-1500 x120 or email: bwells@indcreek.org
May 6
ZOOM Storytime w/Miss Shannon on Thurs (also May 13, 20, 27) at 1pm. Have camera on to participate. If full capacity, we will open a second session. Register: calendar.buckslib. org/ (go to description of event) ZOOM Storytime w/Miss Michelle on Thurs (also May 13, 20, 27) at 7pm. Have camera on to participate. If full capacity, we will open a second session. Register: calendar. buckslib.org/ (go to description of event)
May 8
Plant Sale 8am-2pm at Passer, 2580 Richlandtown Pike, Coopersburg. 20+ vendors. Outdoor event, masks needed. FMI: passercommunity.org Quakertown Bike Rodeo for kids (r/d May 15) at Quakertown Pool parking lot, 601 W Mill St. Regis. begins 9am. Three age groups (6-7) (8-9) (10-12). Helmets available, must wear one. Learn bike safety! FMI: Quakertown.org/BikeRodeo Bucks Co Household Hazardous Waste Collection NO CONTACT Event 9am (registration required at BUCKSHHW. EVENTBRITE.COM) UB Vocational Tech Sch, 3115 Ridge Rd, Perkasie. Masks worn, material in trunk! buckscounty.org/recycle “Smooth Retsina Glow” 12noon2pm, FREE Concert on Outdoor Stage at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115. ZOOM Storytime w/Miss Allison on Sat (also May 22) at 10:30am. Have camera on to participate. If full capacity, we will open a second session. Register: calendar.buckslib.org/ (go to description of event)
May 8 & 9
Fun Faire/Craft Show/Flea Mkt, 9am-3pm at DCP Theatre, 795 Ridge Rd, Telford. (r/d May 15 & 16). Food, pet & baby beauty pageants, entertainment, dance marathon, much more. $5/adm. FMI or reserve a space: kimbell826@verizon.net or 267-733-2578.
May 9
Mother’s Day “Country Jades” 10am-1pm, FREE Concert on Outdoor Stage at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115
“Seek & Find: An At-Home Scavenger Hunt” VIRTUAL Library Event. FMI: calendar.buckslib.org/event/7738375 ZOOM Storytime w/Miss Allison on Fri (also May 28) at 10:30am. Have camera on to participate. If full capacity, we will open a second session. Register: calendar.buckslib.org/ (go to description of event)
May 15
Armed Forces Day “Amy’s Ride/Run/Walk 2021” (6:30am10:30am, on-site or virtual) supports Pancreatic Cancer research. FMI: 757-3036172 or email: info@pan-cure.org Arts Alive! 10am-4pm in Downtown Quakertown. Artists/crafters, live entertainment, kids activities, food court, wine/beer/ spirits tasting area. FMI: QuakertownAlive. com or 215-536-2273 “Pop Roxx” 11am-2pm, FREE Concert on Outdoor Stage at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115 Outdoor Flea Mkt 8am-3pm (r/d May 22) at Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, Rte 113 & Elephant Rd, Perkasie. Wear mask! Vendors: $15/space, bring own table. FMI: pcdrmission@gmail.com ‘Garden Party’ 2pm-5pm at Bell Gate Farm for food, cocktails, live music, live auction. Win prizes! All proceeds go to Lehigh County Humane Society. FMI: lehighcountyhumanesociety.org/events/gardenparty
May 15 & 16
Outdoor Craft Show by KCK Events, 10am4pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115.
WWWA Wrestling, 6:30pm Bell Time at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115.
May 22 to June 19 30th Annual Roll, Stroll & Run – VIRTUAL for Indian Creek Foundtion. Participate virtually & log your miles over a month to raise money for Intellectually/Developmentally Disabled people in Souderton area. FMI: 1-267-203-1500
May 23 Naturalist Foray: ‘Birds & Their Songs’ 2pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. No fee, but pre-registration needed/limited spaces. Visit bird blind, then walk the trails. 215-348-6270, peacevalleynaturecenter.org/events
May 24 “Draw Your Own Comics” w/Miss Allison 4pm ZOOM Library Event. Register before May 24 (only once for entire family) at calendar.buckslib.org/event/7628475 “Sunset Skyz Music Duo” 12noon3pm, FREE Concert on Outdoor Stage at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115
May 30 USO Style Concert by Lorri & James, 11am-1pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115. Lake Lenape Car Show at Perkasie Dog Park, 9am-3pm by Good Time Motorvators. Free to attend. $15/pre-registered, $20/day of show. Rain/shine, trophies, raffles, vendors, music by Hodge Podge. Please wear masks & social distance.
May 16
May 31
May 17-23
June 4 to 6
“Geneology of a PA German Couple from Spinnerstown” (session 2) at Trinity Lutheran, 2165 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg). Session 1 was in Oct. 2020. FMI: Tom Cline 484 308-1510. “Story Starter for Kids” VIRTUAL Library Event (requires a pair of dice from a board game) FMI: calendar.buckslib.org/ event/7733373
May 20
‘Croaks & Trills: A Frog & Toad Search’ at Peace Valley Nature Ctr in Doylestown. $10/family, $5/individual (mbrs no fee). Pre-registration needed/limited spaces. FMI: 215-348-6270, peacevalleynaturecenter.org/ events Community Dinner (3rd Thurs) 5:30pm at First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown. Curbside only. RSVP: 215-536-4447.
May 21
Free Shredding Event 10am-12noon at Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie (Silverdale) Limit 5 boxes or bags. No folders w/metal or paper clips. Donations appreciated!
May 22
K9 Mutt Strutt 9am-12noon at the Park at 4th in Quakertown. Proceeds benefit Quakertown Police Dept K9 Unit. Visit Quakertown.org/ MuttStrutt for vendor & sponsor forms. FMI: 215-536-2273.
Memorial Day American Legion Memorial Parade & Service (parade 9am, program 10am) at WWI Soldier Monument in Memorial Park, Mill St, Quakertown. Parade begins at 9th & Park Ave. Signs will be posted w/Covid-19 requirements. VIRTUAL Penn Market Antique Show & Dry Goods Market (Fri/Sat/Sun) Programs will be recorded & available until June 19 for tkt holders. schwenkfelder.com/PennMarket
June 5 Outdoor Community Flea Mkt 9am2pm at Christ’s Lutheran, 1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville. Space/$15. Reserve or FMI: 215-536-3193 or 215-536-1158. Bring own table, COVID-19 protocols apply.
June 12 Yard Sale/Flea Mkt 8am-1pm at St. Isidore’s parking lot, 2545 W Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown. (r/d June 19). FMI/or reserve vendor space: 215-529-9727 or email: landscapecommittee@yahoo.com
June 13 Hilltown Twp Historical Soc. Open House 1:30-4pm w/speaker @ 2pm. ‘Life of a Civil War Soldier & Life at Home’ (free, collectors invited to share artifacts & knowledge) Strassburger Farmstead, 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pk, Sellersville. FMI: 267-614-9174
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Have something to share with your
community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • 215-529-8915 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
American Legion Post 242 Update BY DICK HELM
Parenting Essentials After Separation BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. It is not uncommon for a couple to separate after having a child, even if there was no marriage. It is also fairly common for the two parents to decide to try and “work it out outside of court” regarding the custody and care of their child. I have seen this time and time again, and it almost never works. In fact, I have yet to come across a situation where it has worked, without some degree of court intervention. A multitude of things can happen which destroy this informal arrangement. In my experience with these situations, the downfall of the informal arrangement is usually due to one parent becoming less and less involved with the child and thus leaving all the parenting duties to the other parent. This causes a ton of animosity and quite frankly is totally unfair to both the parent and the child. Additionally, custody is only one part of the parenting equation when it comes to parents who are separated. The other part of the equation is child support. When there is no court regulation, the financial obligation that comes with having a child can be thrown to the wayside by the non-custodial parent, leaving the custodial parent to bear the full financial burden of raising the child. Not only does this severely impact the finances of the custodial parent, but it also impacts the quality of life of the child. Child support is not simply a payment to a former partner, it is an investment in the child’s upbringing. In the most basic sense, child support payments provide for that child’s quality of life. If only one parent is financially contributing to the child’s upbringing, then in theory the child will not be provided the same opportunities it would if mom and dad were both providing. This stressful situation can be avoided simply by obtaining a custody order and a subsequent child support order. These documents
will clearly state each parent’s responsibilities with regard to when they will have custody of the child and their percentage of the financial responsibilities. Additionally, it will account for holidays and vacation time so both parents will know in advance and can plan accordingly. In many cases, this is done without a judge rendering an opinion. Once the paperwork is filed with the court, the parents and/or their attorneys, have an opportunity to come to an agreement regarding both custody and child support, that works for both parties and have said agreement entered as an official court order. So how does one go about obtaining a custody or child support order? Each jurisdiction has different local rules, but generally speaking, it begins with a document called a complaint (for custody or support). The best way to go about obtaining a child custody and support order is by hiring a family law attorney. An experienced family law attorney can draft and file all the required documents with the court and represent you in the following court hearings. Embarking on this process without an attorney is a risky endeavor, considering the fact that your child’s future is at stake. If you have an existing custody order or child support order that needs to be changed or adjusted for some reason, an experienced family law attorney can also help you accomplish this goal. If you think your situation requires either a custody or child support order, or calls for changes to your existing order(s), make sure you contact an experienced family law attorney. Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a Bucks County attorney located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite 101B, in Dublin, Pennsylvania. He specializes in estate planning & administration, family law, business law and real estate law. To set up a consultation, call his office at (267) 227-9138 or visit his website at www.fravel-law.com
Memorial Day (May 31. 2021) is approaching. For those living near a few of our local cemeteries, be ready to hear shots fired early on this most sincere day. Our Honor Guard and Chaplain try to visit as many cemeteries to fire three rounds and offer a word of prayer to those who served resting in their final bivouac area before hurrying back to Post for the Parade and Ceremonies. Yes, our Post has applied for the proper permits and arrangements to hold both ceremonies! Not knowing the response of organizations that previously helped in this, one of the last parades in town, we hope to offer a parade as a way of saying, “We are back!” Last year we held a Ceremony or Service at the Memorial so we can say that “We will never forget what they have done,” and this message went uninterrupted. This year we will have a Public invited Memorial Day Service at the park in the area of the World War I Memorial area. Not knowing what Covid-19 requirements will be required, as they change frequently, we will have signs posted in the area outlining the requirements necessary at that particular time period. The parade forms at 9th and Park Avenue, travels North on 9th Street to Broad Street, the east on Broad St. to 4th Street, and then north on 4th St. to Mill Street to the area where the WWI Soldier Monument is in the Park. The parade starts at 9:00AM and the Service in the Park should tentatively start at 10:00 AM. Remember the meaning of this parade and ceremony is to Honor and say Thank You to those who served or gave their ALL! This year we once again have tentatively lined up a fantastic guest speaker, Captain (Ret.) David A. Christian. David has quite a military history. A Vietnam veteran, David was wounded in action many times. He advanced from Sergeant to Lieutenant and later to Captain. David is one of the youngest persons to achieve the rank of Captain. David has pursued many impressive goals relating to his Vietnam Service, including fund
raising for the Vietnam Memorial, Writing Legislation for Agent Orange and Post Traumatic Syndrome Legislation. David has been in the company of Presidents and World Leaders throughout his career and resides here in Bucks County. Please come out to hear from this very interesting speaker on this our re-entry into a public honoring of our honored dead and those still with us who have also served so diligently from here in Upper Bucks County. We are really looking forward to hearing his message. Post news is also very good. As more adults are receiving the vaccines offered, the restrictions of gatherings is loosening up. Our president of the Home Association gave me good news when I called him on the Memorial Day Services. He mentioned that the ability to stop in and have a refreshing drink with our fellow veterans has been opened up so that one can have a drink without a food purchase at the bar. All other Covid 19 restrictions as far as occupancy apply as this too is loosening up. We adhere to all restrictions as outlined by the state. Recently the Post has had weekend specials that are very popular and tasty at a reasonable price. Once again, I remind you, they are in a Smoke Free Environment. All this adds up to a much better Post than what was last experienced before this Covid-19 disaster came upon us. Come out and join us in renewing old friendships and starting new ones with folks that previously stayed away because of the air quality. Your Post is Alive and Well. Come back and once again be able to socialize with others! Charley Wismer mentioned that the tickets for the Veteran’s Drawing to be held on June 26th at the Post have been sent out. Our post Youth drawing in the spring was a great success; let us do one better for our Veteran’s Fund. He also mentioned we are at about 90% renewal. For those members who have their renewal papers stuck in the “To be paid” stack, why not send your membership renewal along with you filled out drawing tickets? For God and Country, Dick Helm
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Trails, Parks, Active Transportation Plans Touted in Upper Bucks BY MICHELE BUONO Quakertown Alive! hosted a press conference with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to announce the release of the Nature-Based Placemaking 2.0 project including a statewide economic impact analysis: Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Economy: Exploring the Economic Development Potential of Nature-Based Placemaking and a Nature-Based Placemaking video – Connecting Nature, Commerce & Community. The Nature-Based Placemaking initiative complements Quakertown Alive!’s Keystone Communities Main Street program designation through Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) as well as their work in developing an Active Transportation Plan with a grant through Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) WalkWorks program. Quakertown Alive! recently received a $20,000 WalkWorks grant meant to develop an Active Transportation Plan for Quakertown Borough. The committee released an online survey to assess public opinion and meets regularly to discuss options. Communities that are walkable and bikeable with trails, green space, parks, and access to water not only create a richer quality of life for their residents, they also have the potential to draw visitors into their downtowns,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Lauren Imgrund said. “Nature-based placemaking provides a step by step process for communities to fully embrace their outdoor assets. “Kudos to Quakertown for exploring this concept to take advantage of visitors to DCNR’s Nockamixon State Park.” “What we’ve seen encouraging with support from the state, county, and local officials to market and improve access to all of our trails and parks and to facilitate better signage to direct trail users into Quakertown’s downtown district,” said Quakertown Alive!’s Executive Director Naomi Naylor. She continued,” We are working to accommodate an influx of cyclists to our downtown. We have installed two bike repair stations and will have five bike racks installed in strategic locations throughout our downtown in the coming weeks. Our thanks to the Borough’s Public Works Department for
working with us to get this equipment installed in a timely manner.” Richland Township Supervisor Tim Arnold also spoke at the event to extol the value of unity among localities. “Trails and parks do not and should not stop at municipal boundaries and today’s event is a great example of that belief”, said Arnold in his remarks. He went on to emphasize the importance of the PDC’s mission to “educate local community leaders and volunteers, to advance the sense of place, quality of life and economic vitality of the Commonwealth’s downtowns, traditional neighborhoods, business districts, and nearby residential areas.” Bob Swaim the area’s local “Bike Man” was also on hand for the event. Swaim bought several of his “human-powered vehicles” for attendees to take for short rides. One of the vehicles was a six-person conference bike. Swaim emphasized that he has used this bike, which is steered by one person with the option for everyone to pedal, to bring the impaired onto trails so that they can enjoy a healthy bike ride. The Upper Bucks Rail Trail opened in November of 2020, the culmination of more than a decade of work to turn the vision into a reality. The trail occupies the former Bethlehem branch of the SEPTA-owned line. Surfaced with a crushed stone aggregate, the trail also features an 800-foot boardwalk and is accessible for users on foot or on wheels (non-motorized). The trail currently stretches from Veterans Park in Richland Township, Bucks County, and follows the old railroad right-of-way north to Coopersburg in neighboring Lehigh County, where it links up with the Saucon Rail Trail. The trail leads through Quakertown’s downtown district. Quakertown Alive! has received grants to purchase and install equipment to make the Borough more friendly to cyclists. Cyclists are welcome to use two bike repair stations, one located near the amphitheater in the Park at 4th and another on East Broad Street, near the new Trolley Barn Public Market. Five bike racks will be installed in the coming weeks. The Upper Bucks Rail Trail is a part of the Circuit Trails network, a growing trail system across Greater Philadelphia with a goal of 800 miles of connected trails. It is also a part of the Highland Trail, which will stretch across 13 counties in Pennsylvania’s Highland country.
Think Local. Buy Local. Love Local.
Walking your Crazy Dog! Would you like to take your dog for a walk, but the mere mention of “Walkies” turns your dog into the Tasmanian Devil? You pick up the leash and instantly Luna turns into a lunatic: jumping, barking, howling, and screaming all while full throttle greyhound racing through your house on a pogo stick. You can’t even put the leash on her, let alone walk out the door. Here are a couple of suggestions for creating a more enjoyable and relaxed walk for you and your dog. 1. I usually get a disturbed look from my clients as soon as I say ”exercise your dog before you take your dog for a walk.” Then they say “what heck you talking about Marion, I’m taking my dog to exercise! Try playing fetch with a ball, disc or flirt pole for a good 15 to 20 minutes to take the edge off her excitement and that will reduce her energy before the walk. 2. Teach her “sit happens.” Thoroughly teach this cue so it becomes her default behavior for anything she wants. Sitting simply means “please.” Sit makes all good things happen: sit for her food dish, sit to be petted, sit before the ball gets tossed, sit to put her leash on,
and most importantly doors only open for dogs that are sitting (this can safely prevent door dashing). 3. Just because you pick up the leash doesn’t mean you’re going for a walk. Numerous times throughout the day pick up her leash but don’t clip it to her collar. Drape the leash around your neck and walk around room to room then go watch TV for a little. Leave it on the kitchen counter while you get a glass of tea. Sometimes clip it to her collar then unclip it. The leash eventually will no longer be a definite predictor of going for a walk. Of course, this will take some time. 4. When you pick up the leash, if she begins to goes bonkers (the behavior you don’t want), say “Oops!” in a cheerful tone of voice then set the leash down, and walk away. When she settles, pick up the leash. If she remains sitting (saying please!) proceed with attaching the leash to the collar. Only reward calm behavior! If she winds up again simply walk away from your dog and try a little later. Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner and instructor for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown. She www.molassescreekdogtraining.com
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
Derek A. Heller, 49, of Quakertown
passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Born in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, he was a son of Russell Heller and Cathy Heller (Brinkman). He is survived by his parents, Russell and Cathy (Brinkman) Heller; his brother: Todd and his wife Elizabeth, and their children: Morgan, Joshua and Alyssa; his maternal grandmother: Dorothy Brinkman. He resided with his parents his whole life. He attended Children’s Developmental Program in Quakertown beginning at age 4; then when he turned 6, he began Intermediate unit Classes of the Quakertown Community School District and moved on to Vocational/ Technical School until graduation at age 21. Upon graduation, Derek worked at Life Quest Nursing Center in the Laundry Department for 19 years. Derek was a great fan of the Monkees. He attended many of their concerts and personally met them a few times and had photos taken with them. He loved spending time with his family, going to the beach, amusement parks, Disney World and traveling to Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon and many other beautiful National Parks in the western states. He loved swimming and was an avid swimmer. A graveside service was held at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown, PA 18968. Donations can be made to in his memory to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg is in charge of arrangements. To offer online condolences, visit their “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.
Elizabeth A. Bauder, 86 of Coopersburg Springfield Township Bucks County died Tuesday April 2, 2021 in Phoebe Richland Health Care. She was the wife of the late Robert A. “Bob” Bauder. Born in Sellersville she was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Opat) Neubert. She is survived by a son Kenton A. Bauder (Erika) of Quakertown and a daughter Kimberly A. Wismer (Brian) of Perkasie. Six grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a sister Carrie Hull (Jim) of Sellersville.
~Obituaries~
She was predeceased by a son Keith A. Bauder and six brothers, John, Robert, Ray, Ronnie, Russ, and Tom. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA.
Steven A. Cain, 67, of Quakertown passed away on April 4, 2021. He was the son of the late John and Betty (Long) Cain. He was the husband of Irene (Hoffman) Cain with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. For the last 23 years, Steve worked as a truck driver for J.P. Mascaro & Sons. In his spare time, he loved being outside, riding his motorcycle. In addition to his wife Irene, Steve is survived by sons Justin and Jonathan, daughter Jessica Cain, wife of Shawn Leindecker, granddaughter Samantha Cain, and Sister Cathy Gillahan, wife of Craig. Contributions in memory of Steve may be made to the Bucks County SPCA, P.O. Box 277 Lahaska, PA 18931. Joyce E. Miller Morin, 89, of Quakertown died April 6, 2021 in Independence Court Quakertown. After a short marriage to Thomas Egan, she married Leo J. Morin at St. Paul’s Blue Church in Center Valley on December 22, 1962 and enjoyed three decades of marriage before his death. Born on March 6, 1932 in Allentown, PA she was the daughter of the late Jerome & Margaret (Landis) Miller. She graduated from Lankenau School of Nursing in 1953. She was a Registered Nurse before setting aside her career to raise a family. Joyce was an excellent cook and baker, exceptional with a sewing machine, enjoyed a variety of crafts, was competitive and clever at card games of all sorts and found peace in feeding and watching the variety of birds she could attract to the yard. She had four children Douglas Alderman Egan (predeceased) and his spouse Sandi Rogers Egan, Richard Egan, David Egan, Cynthia Hallock. She had eight grandchildren, Alex Alderman Egan, Ariel Alderman Egan, Arika Alderman Egan, Garth Egan (spouse Kim Egan), Laird Egan (spouse Liz Egan), Tessa Egan, Megan Petty (spouse Michael
Mich) and Lisa Hallock, and five great grandchildren Payton Armstrong Petty, Kyle Petty Mich, Carly Petty Mich, Elena Petty Mich, and Henry Egan. She was predeceased by a son Doug and three sisters Marian Miller Bilenky, Grace Miller Collier, and Evelyn Miller. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest with her husband Leo at Woodland Cemetery in Coopersburg, PA. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.
Alan C. Peak, age 67, of Quakertown, PA passed away on April 6, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospital - Anderson Campus. Born in Philadelphia, PA he was a son of the late Charles and Helen (Schwartz) Peak. He graduated from Upper Moreland High School in 1972. Alan was a skilled painter and paper hanger for his family business. Alan loved his children and grandchildren, his dogs, birds, fishing, gardening, cooking, CB radios, watching the Eagles and the Phillies, and Corvettes. Surviving is his daughter: Jennae Truelove, husband Justin, daughter-in-law, Gretchen Peak, grandchildren: Jackson, Juliet, Isla and Tristan Truelove, Aidan and Charles Peak, brother: Gregory, wife Linda Nephew Grayson Peak, wife Sharon, nephew Grant Peak, wife Carla. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by son: Brandon Peak and sister: Karen Peak. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com Joseph C. Hebbel, age 70, of Quakertown, PA passed away on April 6, 2021, He was the loving husband to Sandi (Gehr) Hebbel for 37 years. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Howard Sr., and Margaret (Donahue) Hebbel. He graduated from Pennridge High School. Joe worked at Delbar Products as a press operator for over twenty-five years. Before he worked at Oldcastle Lawn and Garden. Joe loved the outdoors and was always working on his lawn and plantings. He was a member of the Owls and the American Legion Post 242. Surviving along with his wife is daughters: Joanne Velik, fiance Charles Snyder and Dawn Scollon, sons: Daniel Hebbel, and Jay Bertles, grandchildren: Aeriel, Logan and David Velik, James and Hailey Scollon and brother: Howard Jr. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Edward Daniel Kiesel, 64, of Richlandtown died April 7, 2021 in his home. Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late Carl F., Sr. & Elsie D. (Neumann) Kiesel. Ed is survived by brothers, William A. (Ruth Ann), Carl F., Jr. (Bonnie), sister Linda E. Tarantino (William), nephews Wynn and Evan Kiesel, Jeffrey and Jason Kiesel and niece Amanda Tarantino. He was an auto body technician at various local shops having retired in 2018. He was a BIG fan of The Rolling Stones and the Dallas Cowboys! He will be sadly missed by his huge group of friends. Services will be private . Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. Linda S. Peddigree, 71, of Lehighton, formerly of Quakertown, passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021, in the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Mahoning Township. She was the wife of Albert Peddigree, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Quakertown, she was a daughter of the late Herbert and Edna (Schmell) Helverson. Surviving in addition to her husband are four children, Anthony, Albert Jr., Kerry and Sherry Peddigree; three brothers, Barry, Scott and Jeff; two sisters, Pam and Barbara; grandchildren, Corey, Alex, Stacy, Albert III, Destiny, Tamara, Anna and Timothy; and two great-granddaughters, Allison and Alexis. Service: Funeral service 11 a.m. Thursday, April 15, Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. Interment, Quakertown Union Cemetery. Call 10-11 a.m. Thursday.
Allan Handy Thomas, III, 66, of Sellersville, peacefully passed away on April 10, 2021 at his home in the company of his faithful and loving dogs - Ridley and Stogie. He was the third of seven children to the late Allan H. Jr. & Nancy K. Thomas of Morton, Pa. Allan is survived by his five caring sisters and a loving brother. Vickie Thomas Fetter, Varcy Snyder (John), Vanessa Thomas Bennett (Dale), the late Valerie Thomas Ryan, Mark Allan Thomas (Lynn) and Vonda Thomas Hommer (Sally). Allan adored his many (17) fun loving nephews and nieces. He was also survived by his children Cole and Devan Massey Thomas. Allan was proud of his hometown roots and proud to be a Ridley Green Raider. A graduate of the Ridley High School, class of 1973. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). To view his online obituary, please visit www. nauglefcs.com Driver, age 76 Township, Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Spartanburg, SC, she was the daughter of the late William Logan and Katie Ruth (Cheek) Mason. Kathy was always extremely generous with her love as demonstrated in the way she loved her husband, children, grandchildren, sister, and their extended families profoundly and unconditionally. Kathy also had many close friends who cared deeply for her and rejoiced in their time spent with her. It was Kathy’s effervescent love of life, incredible sense of humor, relentless optimism, and her ability to be kind to everyone that inspired all who knew her. Kathy married her high school sweetheart, Ed Driver (predeceased in 2009), and they enjoyed 42 wonderful years of marriage. Together, Kathy and Ed loved spending time with family and friends cooking, eating, playing poker, or simply sitting on porches catching up and telling stories. When alone, Kathy and Ed loved taking long road trips, going to the movies, and picnicking along the Delaware River. Their love was exceptional. Kathy loved the arts, especially old films, literature, poetry, and music. She would often quote from memory long passages from favorite books, poems, or songs to illustrate a point or share a meaningful message. She also loved collecting antiques and artwork from local and renowned artists. She was a passionate football fan and fiercely loyal to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Georgia Bulldogs. In high school, Kathy was captain of her basketball team, an avid tennis player, and a camp counselor during summer breaks. Along her way to earning a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Georgia, she was honored with membership in the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. In her professional life, Kathy served as a senior account executive at Bucks County Magazine where she served for 27 years, and was well-loved by her colleagues as well as her clients. Kathy also contributed her passion and expertise to the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the James A. Michener Art Museum located in Bucks County. While contributing to her profession and to society was important to Kathy, nothing was more sacred to her than being with family and friends. Kathy loved visiting her children and four grandsons and being an integral part of their lives. She also loved spending time with her sister, brother-in-law, nephew, niece, great-nieces, and great-nephew and was very much a part of their lives, too. She held close ties with and cherished the relationships she had with her relatives from Georgia, calling them regularly and visiting every opportunity that she could. Her friends would often gather for birthdays, book clubs, or for no reason at all other than the fact that they missed each other. Kathy brought her fun-loving personality to everything she did, and her biggest smiles came from playing with young children, being silly, making them laugh, and helping them dream bigger dreams. Kathy is survived by her children Jennifer Harrington (Christopher), Kerry Driver (David), and Matthew Driver (Melanie) along with four grandchildren, Ryan Harrington (Jess), Kieran Harrington, Duke Hoffman, and Kam Hoffman as well as her sister and very best friend Vicki Miller (Butch), her nephew Jonathan (Karen) and his children Aliah and Brendan, and her niece Kristen Miller and her daughter Georgia. Kathy was a very special person who brought a smile to everyone’s face. She was one-of-a-kind and will be deeply and forever missed, but always celebrated. A private family service will be held at a later date, per Kathy’s wishes. of
Kathryn
Haycock
Mason
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the James A. Michener Art Museum. tinyurl.com/yhw9bj3h A celebration of life event will be planned for the near future, and friends and family will be contacted with details.
Edith C. (Penrose) Ketterer, 94, a lifelong resident of Willow Grove died April 12, 2021 in her home. She was the wife of the late Harry L. Ketterer, Sr. with whom she celebrated 69 years of marriage before his death. Born in Abington, she was the daughter of the late Edith Wilson & Abel Burrell Penrose. Edith was an Upper Moreland High School drum majorette and later a Bell Telephone Operator. She enjoyed vacationing in Safety Harbor, FL and Ocean City, NJ, and was a member of both the Friendly Mother’s Club and the former Faith Community Church in Roslyn. She is survived by her children Harry L. Ketterer, Jr., Ron Ketterer, Alice Guminski, & Janice Storz, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Predeceased by her sister Anna Garrison and her brother Edgar Smith. Services were held on Monday, April 19, 2021 at the Schneider Funeral Home 431 North York Rd. Hatboro, PA 19040. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Delaware Valley Chapter of the NOCC - TeamGu, PO Box 631 Holicong, PA 18928 or www.events.ovarian.org/nocc/Donate. Daniel J. De Leo, 47, was the son of Theodore and Dianne (Carson) De Leo. He was the husband of Michelle (Williams) De Leo with whom he shared almost 18 years of marriage. He was recently promoted to the position of project manager for Cobham Defense. He also enjoyed playing bass guitar and was involved in a band for many years. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed playing with his three dogs, Riley, Lacey, and Sadie. In addition to his parents, he is survived by wife, Michelle, siblings, Theodore De Leo, Jr., Michael De Leo, David De Leo, Kristy Agdalane, and Steffany De Leo. He was the proud uncle to Kylie, Megan, Michael Jr., John, Leo, Salvatore, Nicholas, Victoria, Lizzy, Ashley, Nathan, Kelsie, and Owen. He was also survived by his in-laws, John and Elizabeth Williams, brother and sister in-law Jo Ann and Carl Wanamaker. Walter E. Kaszycki, age 96, of Quakertown, PA passed away on April 14, 2021. He was the loving husband to the late Aurelia M. (Chester) Kaszycki for 24 years. Born in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, PA, he was a son of the late Stanley and Anna (Regula) Kaszycki. Walter proudly served during WWII in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1943. Walter worked as a cemetery caretaker and operator for Wilbert Burial Vault, Elmore CO, Inc. in CT. Surviving is his 13 nieces, 6 nephews and many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings: Anthony, Stanley, Joseph, Estelle Retzsch, Eva Mika, Bertha Cady, Sue Cosgrove, Antoinette Schnable, Frances Sackman, Dolores Amey and infant siblings. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Roshelle Juliana Edwards, age 74, of Coopersburg, PA April 18, 2021, she was the loving spouse to Anna Maria (Capaldi) Edwards with whom she shared over 30 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late John and Gladys (Owens) Edwards. She graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia. Roshelle earned her Masters Degree in History from Temple University. She was a lifelong educator and retired from her career as a High School Administrator for Wissahickon High School. Roshelle is predeceased by her son, Byron
~Obituaries~
Edwards Gay. She is survived by Anna, her grandsons Malcolm Edwards , and Julius Edwards, brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Dorene Edwards of George and Tonye Edwards. Her sister, Ascyline Marx, predeceases her. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). To view Roshelle’s online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.
Ella May Davis Barber, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, born December 1, 1931, In Brattleboro, Vermont, went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2021, at the young age of 89. She is the first born daughter of the late Elsie Irene Reome and Morton Albert Davis, Sr. of Spofford, New Hampshire. She played basketball and graduated in 1949 from Brattleboro High School. She was a devoted military wife for 62 years; and a loving mother and grandmother right up until she died. She is survived by her three children, Philip Morton Barber and his wife Lee Ann Barber, Stephen Marshall Barber, and Luanne Marie LaRose Salsbury and her husband Leslie Wayne Salsbury of; two sisters, Sister Shirley Anne Davis of and Betty Parent of three sisters in-law: June Davis of, Mary Davis, of and Cheryl Davis of Roanoke, Virginia; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. Mildred C. Schantz, 88, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Maggie and Clarence Geissinger and was predeceased by brother, Isaac, and sisters, Ruth and Ada. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Daniel W. Schantz, her son, Thomas (wife Ann) and daughter, Connie. She was the loving grandmother of 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was an active partner with Dan in their business, Dan Schantz Farm and Greenhouse, as they farmed fruit and vegetables to sell at retail farm markets and very active in their greenhouse operations growing seasonal plants and flowers. She enjoyed cooking and hosted many dinner parties and outdoor picnics. She enjoyed gardening and took great pride in her many flowering beds. She was a very active, lifelong member of Swamp Mennonite Church serving on the church council and many other committees. Philip S. Maniscalco, 86, of Quakertown, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Stephen and Pauline (Milito) Maniscalco. He was the husband of Diane (Kacanda) Maniscalco, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. Philip proudly served his country in the United States Army, in the 11th Armed Cavalry, Ft. Knox, KY and Germany. After his service, he was an accomplished horse trainer and worked as a judge for horse shows across North America. Surviving in addition to wife Diane, son, Stephen Maniscalco, daughter, Catherine Milano. Grandchildren, Gianna Romano (Daniel), Kailey Maniscalco, Karinna Milano, Joey Milano, Paulina Milano, great-granddaughter Aria Romano. He was predeceased by son, Philip Jr., and brother Salvatore. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the East Coast Corgi Rescue, 2428 39th St., Washington D.C., 20007. Warren T. “Ted” Benner, age, 84, of Quakertown, passed away on April 17, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Bethlehem. He was the loving husband to Marguerite L. “Peggy” (Landis) Benner. Born in Quakertown, PA, he was a son of the late Warren and Catherine (Shannon) Benner. Warren proudly served in the U.S. Army. He belonged to the American Legion Post #242, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the Masonic Lodge #512 in Quakertown and he was a lifetime member of Clover Leaf Archery Club in Milford Square. Surviving along with his wife Peggy is children: Lynn M. Benner, Curtis L. Benner and David A. Benner, wife Lori, grandchildren: Brett Benner and Ryan Benner, great-grandchildren: Willa Benner. He was predeceased
by sister: Sonya Benner and brother: Donald Wenhold. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.
Wayne Harvey Reiss, 80, of Coopersburg died April 17, 2021 in Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown. He was the husband of the late Linda D. (Nace) Reiss. Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late Harvey & Mable (Clymer) Reiss. He was last employed for the former Georgia Pacific and the former Certain Teed both in Quakertown. After retirement he was an avid flea marketer and became known the leatherman. He also enjoyed picnics, playing horseshoes, and golf. He was a member of various social clubs. Wayne was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville. He is survived by his four children Todd W. (Kimberly), of Florida, Shawn J. (Devin), of Florida, Eric S. (Liane) of Pennsylvania and Tammy L. Cole (Sean) of Pennsylvania. A brother Jim A. (Joanne Meck). Seven grandchildren Sarah, Rachel, Paige, Grady, Colin, Ryan, and Justin. He is also survived by Todd & Shawn’s mother Louise Seiden of Pennsylvania and Florida. Predeceased by two sisters Margaret “Peggy”Meas, and Jean “Jeannie” Reiss. Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk. com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the funeral home to help defray funeral costs. Steven J. Bailey, 50, of Quakertown (formerly of Blue Bell), passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Born April 23, 1970, in Norristown, PA, he was the son of Mary (McCarron) Bailey and the late Steven “Dan” Bailey. Steve proudly served his country in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division, followed by 2 years reserve duty, honorably discharged in 1994. He then earned a bachelor’s degree at Drexel University. An adventurous young man, he rode motocross and loved wakeboarding. Having an affinity for the outdoors, Steve was a hiker, cyclist, and avid fishermen. If you indulged him in a game of chess, his intelligence and talent on the board was soon revealed. Steve is survived by his mother, Mary, brother, Mark C. Bailey and will be missed by extended family. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service (1800-FUNERAL), 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA, has been entrusted with Steve’s arrangements. James (Jim) Rosch, 88, of Quakertown, passed away April 20, 2021. Born October 31, 1932, he was the son of the late James and Elsie (Johnson,Fox) Rosch. He was the husband of the late Ruth (Trumbauer, Myers) Rosch, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage before she passed away last year. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954-56. He most recently worked for the Quakertown School District. Jim also worked part-time as sports columnist for the Q-Town Free Press, Allentown Morning Call, Daily Intelligencer, and WAEP and WBUX radio. Jim was also very passionate about local sports. Jim is survived by his stepchildren, Robert Druckenmiller, Joe Myers, and Matthew Meyers, brother William Rosch and wife Denise, 6 nieces and 2 nephews, 6 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). Robin J. Hubert, 65, of Hellertown passed away at Lehigh Valley Hospital- Cedar Crest Campus. Born November 22, 1955 in Perth Amboy, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Vreeland and Elizabeth Hubert. Robin was passionate about embroidery and needlepoint. She was a lifetime member of the EGA (Embroiderers Guild of America) and was a member of several chapters of the
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ANG (American Needlepoint Guild). She also was the editor for the Lehigh Valley EGA newsletter. Robin is survived by her sisters, Lisa Hubert, April Moore, and Leslie Magnola as well as her three nieces, Dana Babeu, Sara Taner and Emily Rhodes and her nephew Bryan Moore. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made in memory of Robin to any breast cancer organization.
Ann D. Dieterly, 92 of Trumbauersville died Thursday April 22, 2021 in her home. She was the wife of the late Harold R. Dieterly. Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Caroline Swierzewski. Before becoming a full-time homemaker, she was a sewing machine operator for the former Phoenix Clothing. She was a volunteer for several nursing homes including Quakertown Center, Belle Haven, Life Quest and Phoebe Richland where she also taught the residents crocheting. Ann was a member of the First Church of the Brethren in Quakertown where she also attended bible study and a member of the church Sunshine Stitchers. She is survived by her children Barry, Keith (Tina), Debra Schepis, Barbra O’Donnell and Kathi Martin (Bill). Grandmother of 11, great grandmother of 25 and great great grandmother of 3. She was predeceased by a son Christopher, 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Services were held on Tuesday April 27 at the First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd. Quakertown PA 18951. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, (www.stjude.org) or 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105. Helen L. Makl, 95, of Richlandtown formerly of Quakertown died April 24, 2021 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. She was the wife of the late John Makl, Sr. Born in Bethlehem, PA she was the daughter of the late Freeman & Laura (Meck) Wiegner. She was retired from the former Delbar in Perkasie. She also worked with her late husband in his business M & M Polishing. She was also a well-known vendor for over 50 years at the Quakertown Q-Mart. She enjoyed flea marketing, BINGO, word searches, and going to the casinos. She is survived by her four grandchildren Jamie DeRewal (Derek), Jesse Makl Sr. (Connie Kates), Mark Ford and Michael Gehman, three great grandchildren Megan Long (Dylan), Julia Makl, and Eric Makl, five great great grandchildren Elliee and Remy Long, Porter Makl, Chole and Clara Makl. Also survived by a brother Richard Wiegner. She was predeceased by a son John, Jr., a daughter Phyllis Ford, a great grandchild Jesse Makl, Jr. and a brother F. Edward (Eddie) Wiegner. Graveside Services will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. In St. Paul’s Cemetery 837 Old Bethlehem Quakertown (Applebachsville), Pa 18951. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Last Chance Ranch 9 Beck Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951. Robert Richard Gehman, Sr., passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021, He was the son of the late W. Norman and S. Viola (Longacre) Gehman of Center Valley. He is survived by brother, Henry. He was predeceased by daughter, Susan Longacre and siblings Pauline Yoder, Grace Bertsch, David, and N. James. Robert met his wife, Adeline Wismer Rush at the ripe age of 15 when she was 13. They married on April 19, 1953 and had many adventures and exploits over their 68 year marriage. They have five children Barry (Sharon) Gehman, Susan (Horace) Longacre, Nancy (Randy) Heacock, Peggy (Jon) Ebersole and Robert Jr. (Stephanie) Gehman. He loved and enjoyed his 14 grandchildren and his 12 great grandchildren. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). To view Robert’s online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
Dog Rescue, Hair Salon Work Together on Pups For Vets Program BY MICHELE BUONO Harley’s Haven has partnered with Hair Studio 1208 in Quakertown to go a step further and help others to adopt a new furry family member. Through the Pups for Vets program, the salon covers adoption fees for veterans and active military service members. Harley’s Haven director and foster mom Alison Flanagan says that the Pups for Vets program has covered adoption fees for just about 100 adoptions. The potential adopter still goes through the Harley’s Haven adoption process, but the adoption fee is waived. To qualify for the Pups for Vets program, the potential adopter must show proof of active service or honorable discharge. Hair Studio 1208 picks up the adoption fee. Salon Owner Laura Montai credits her husband, Jon Beagle, for being the impetus for this generous initiative. He saw this program as a way to honor his father and grandfather for their military service. For military veterans, having a furry companion has several specific mental and physical health benefits besides companionship and camaraderie. Dogs need routine – regular walks and playtime, feeding, even social and veterinarian visits. This type of routine can help to ground a veteran and replace some of the structural void left after military service. Veterans have offered to sacrifice anything and everything, including their lives, in the defense of our country. It can be hard to return to or enter the civilian workforce after dedicating your life to service. Rescuing a pet from an animal shelter can help to fulfill that call to duty. Alison says that many people who have benefitted from the Pups for Vets program have given back to the rescue as a “pay it forward” gesture. During the interview, she
has two pups with her. Jasnah is a beautiful Catahoula mix puppy that is looking for her forever home. Augie, a micro pittie mix, is one of Alison’s “foster fails” and is a part of Alison’s home pack. Like many of the dogs in the Harley’s Haven rescue, these dogs were originally from Alabama. All the rescue dogs are quarantined, get their shots and have basic vetting before being adopted. Harley’s Haven has a two-week “foster to adopt” program to be sure that the adoption is a good fit for both dogs and humans.
Laura Montai, Alison Flanagan with Jasnah and Augie
Dr. Beth Mahaffey was inspired to start the Harley’s Haven dog rescue by the puppy she adopted while still in college. The real-life Harley came into Dr. Beth’s life in 2003. In 2011, Harley’s Haven was founded. The registered non-profit organization has found home for almost 1500 dogs since its founding.
Hair have had a list that said ‘No Jerks allowed.’”
Much of my life is consumed with hair. My wife Shelli has beautiful, beautiful, long, dark, curly hair. It’s one of the things that first attracted me to her. Years ago, when I found myself alone, newly single, and ready to date, I made a list of attributes and qualities that I would want in a woman. It’s not as terrible as it may seem. My parents always told me when you need to make an important life decision, write down the pros and cons, and then weigh them against each other to help you arrive at a proper conclusion. I did it when I bought my houses...things that I had to have, things that it would be great to have but not mandatory, and things that I would not accept in any event. So as I did with houses, I did with women! I know some of you are reading this and thinking, “What an ingenious idea! Why didn’t I think of that???” as you look over at your significant other sleeping on the couch with mouth wide open and drooling. And a few of you may be thinking “What a jerk! That’s not how you select a potential mate! Jerk!!!” as you look over at your significant other sleeping on the couch with mouth wide open and drooling. I mention this, not to inspire admiration or hatred, but to point out that two of the items on my list for potential dating material, were long, dark, hair, and 5’6” tall. Yes, the height was very specific...that to me is the perfect height for a woman, to be with a perfectly handsome man of 6’3”. (Me) There are many reasons, some too delicate for this paper, so I won’t elaborate. In all honesty, I would have probably relented a few inches either way, high or low, but she would have to hit most every other quality. Not all, just most. I’m very flexible! And there she was...my beautiful Shelli... exactly 5’6”, long, dark, hair, and she also hit most every one of the other important items... smart, sexy, passionate about causes, creative...the list goes on... Some of you may be thinking “Shelli should
but again, it worked for houses... I didn’t understand until we became a real couple that there is a downside to long, dark, beautiful hair...or at least my wife’s... She sheds! Everywhere I go, there is hair...on the bed, on the steps leading up to bed, in the bathroom, massive amounts in the shower drain that I have to clean every few weeks...I’ve even found a long, dark, curly hair in a newly purchased jar that I just opened! How did she do that? Nevertheless, I love her tremendously, all 5’6” of her, and her hair, so it’s not that big a deal, even though I am a clean freak and constantly follow her around with a dustbuster. She doesn’t seem to mind...nonjudgemental was on the list... But now we have Fritz, our handsome, Australian Shepherd mix, blind dog...who we learned in a few short days...sheds...non stop...it doesn’t matter where he is, how many times we brush him, or how many milk bones I give begging him to stop...apparently one cannot train a dog to stop shedding...he simply won’t stop! I now pick up Fritz hair, from each step, as I slowly walk, bent over, up to bed where the curly, dark, hair lies on the pillow next to mine. (By the way, I believe that the amount of hair product deliveries that come to our house every week have single handedly made Amazon the behemoth it is today. Good thing she bought stock in it! I knew smart was a good item for the list! Thanks Dad!) But now, having retired in March, I am no longer confined to the rules and rigors of a business person, and am free to let my freak flag fly and my hair grow back to the shoulder length style of my long ago youth...and now I see MY hair on the steps...on the bed...on the pillow...on the couch...and in the shower... Oy... I wonder if Shelli had long graying hair and 6’3” on her list? John Schaninger is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and has lived in Upper Black Eddy for 12 years. Reach him at m12string@aol.com
What Happened this Month in the History of Quakertown
BY AIMEE PATTISON 1901 Panic hits Wall Street. Sanford Saylor, local music teacher is found dead, from hanging. Hinkle and Biehn’s shoe store had a sale, ladies shoes were 97 cents to $1.00, men’s shoes went for 99 cents. Seven new summer cars were purchased by the Traction Co. 1902 Edgar Thomas purchased the tea and coffee route from Reuben Rupert. 1903 Amandus Ahlum’s barn was struck by lightning, no damage was done to the barn, but Albanus Freed was mowing the lawn next store, was knocked to the ground from the shock. 1905 Mary Strawn, wife of Charles, died from gangrine and diabetes, aged 63. Charles was the local Post Master for a time in town. The Red Lion Inn has been sold again. Mattias Stockberger sold out to a Mr. Charles Schroeder of Philadelphia. J. Levi Heacock, who has kept all the local weather records for over 30 yrs, had to retire due to failing eyesight. Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Sterner of 1405 W. Broad St. lost their son Arthur, aged 22 yrs to scarlet fever. Mary Wales of 1407 W. Broad St. died of consumption, aged 25 yrs. She was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Wales. Joel Ball and Wilson George have begun plans to build eleven houses on Juniper, between 3rd and 4th Streets, they will start selling at $1685.00. Hinkle and Biehn’s shoe store was robbed, someone broke in and stole $35.00, then broke into George and Bean store where he was confronted by night watchman, John Funk. The thief got away after a tussle with John, but he did drop most of the money he had stolen. 1906 North 9th St. has been authorized by council to be graded and macadam put down.
George Kline of N. Main St., died of typhoid, aged 71 yrs. Annie Arn, wife of William, died after an operation to remove gallstones, aged 29 yrs. A trolley driven by George Gehman, struck an automobile driven by George Weidner. William Goldsmith and his mother were also in the automobile at Main & Juniper. Another accident at 9th & Broad St., Horace Heist had just gotten off the trolley when he was hit by an automobile, he was injured but will be alright. Jesse and Mary Doll are both very sick with influenza. Jesse died and then twelve days later Mary passed away from pneumonia . The school board announced that there are 571 children enrolled in school. 141 in the first ward, 262 in the second ward and 168 in the third ward. 1909 LaMar, the “handcuff king” has thrilled audiences at the borough lock up. He is bound hand and foot and still manages to escape. The Germania Band has received their new uniforms, they are blue and black. John Arn bought the house at 3rd and Juniper from Dr. J.J. Ott. 1910 Local paper notes town’s population is 3850, in 1900 we had 3014. The women of town have raised money from all the home owners to purchase a new street sprinkler. Before this time, the homeowners that had a garden hose, would spray down the street in front of their house. Haley’s Comet made a wonderful display in the sky over town. 1911 Richland Centre Post office was broken into, the safe was opened, but nothing was taken. Later on that night, someone stole a horse and wagon from George Benson on 6th St. A new denatured alcohol factory was opened. Nathan Hedges, the towns best known colored man, passed away at the age of 104, he is buried in Richland Friends Cemetery in the “colored” section.
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Stability Back in 2013, we purchased a new truck and it had as an option StabiliTrak. This option maintains the stable direction of the vehicle when the brakes are heavily applied is the simplest explanation. Later on we had a senior moment and bought a 1998 BMW “Z3” sports convertible for a remembrance of our younger days every now and then as we take a spin on a sunny day with the convertible top down and enjoy driving a standard shift vehicle with extra power. It also, to our surprise had a stability control system. Our new (2021) GMC truck also has this feature. Now I will get into the meaning of this vehicle feature and the desire for science to invent a means of incorporating this feature in the human body as we achieve those senior years! Last week my wife and I drove our new truck on its maiden voyage to our other home in Cameron County to “Open it up for the next 7 months” for the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Aside from having the normal assembly problems of new spigots installation in our kitchen and bathroom sink that should help it be more tolerable to surviving the winter heatless months; our opening was about normal. Next day we decided to enjoy the weekday fishing in the stream behind our place. (Weekdays are usually people free.) The rainfall that occurred during the night caused the rocks on streamside to be slippery and some of the best fast water areas where we usually catch nice trout usually are located at a slight drop off bank. This is where reality hits a 77 year old man really hard. Those banks and slippery rocks went unnoticed when I first took on the sport of trout fishing over at Cook’s Creek in Springtown in my teens. You would hustle down to the creek and sometimes go down a slippery muddy bank up to 3 feet high to get that perfect lie for your bait to entice a trout with no problem. Now I found myself gingerly stepping over about a 10” diameter fallen tree and walking over rocks (no moss on them) slowly to about an 8” bank that was next to the stream. Fourteen years ago when we first bought our home, it was nothing to step down to the slightly wet and slippery rocks next to the water, but today I failed to take that step. I looked around for a branch from the fallen tree and found a sturdy barkless branch to aid me in this extreme challenge! I found the right stick and proceeded to get myself creek side. No need for waders, I stood in about 4” of water to get away from the slippery creek side rocks. Putting my stick down I now was able to fish. After having success
in catching a few good size trout and releasing them, I latched onto a very colorful rainbow trout that was lunker size (18”-22”) and after a battle of about a half a minute lost that beauty. Casting out again after putting another minnow on, I lost my split shot and hook. Grabbing my new “Walking stick” I ventured up the 8” bank after crossing the slippery rocks and went over to my wife for her to help me re-rig my fishing outfit. Yes, because of the chance of slipping (No stability control system), I did not want to take a chance on braking my expensive BI-focal glasses, therefore not wearing them, I needed her to tie on my hook and affix my splitshot sinker! When we went to another fishing spot where I left my new found friend, (my stability control system substitute), my walking stick, because we crossed another camps lawn and were able to fish on non-slip lawn, I did catch a nice trout. It was a very colorful 19” rainbow. My wife netted the fish, and removed the hook in the net, and left the beautiful trout swim off in the fast running water. Where was I? Standing firmly in the nice lawn about one foot from the slippery stream side rocks! Saturday arrived and so did the “Working people” and their children. While fishing near am old dam on our Association property, some young fellow who was about the age I was when I first started trout fishing back in Bucks County in the 1950, splashed across the creek and scooted up a steep bank. The bank that was on an angle of about 70 degrees and covered with leaves and forest debris. I only looked on and told my wife as we witnessed one of his buddies sliding down about 6 feet of the 15foot climb, I remember when I could do that. Then is when I mentioned to her that I wished that I had a form of stability control system like our vehicles have. I guess I am just lucky that I still have the ability to be streamside and have a partner who can tend to my hook tying needs. I sure do enjoy fishing in a mountain stream, seeing nature in its finest appearance and yes, seeing our beloved Elk herd at our home in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Incidentally, I still have that wonderful walking stick I found propped against the side of our home on the front porch. I guess I will have to have my substitute stability control system, as nothing else is available. I thank the good Lord that I still can be active in the wonderful sport of trout fishing and have a place in this scenic area to enjoy it in these my “Sunset Years.” For those people going fishing that are much younger than I enjoy the steadiness of balance and footing for you too will someday need a walking stick too! Dick Helm is a long time Quakertown area resident
and
regular
contributor
here
UBFP. Reach him at rbh9@verizon.net.
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Thank you to our community for voting us BEST HOSPITAL for the 6th year in a row!
Pronking Pacas Bring Home Ribbons At the Pennsylvania Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association Showcase in April, Bucks County 4H club, Pronking Pacas, had their competitions in showmanship, obstacles and public relations. Alpaca showmanship classes are like other animal shows in that the handler is scored on how well he/she knew and showed the animal. The obstacle event demonstrates the alpaca’s ability and willingness to accept training and to work with its handler through a variety of obstacles. The
obstacle course had participants leading their alpacas through a set of challenges, including a jump, a see-saw, running to a stop, jumps and weaving through cones just to name a few. Public Relations is basically an obstacle course with people also used as part of the obstacle. A person petting the alpaca or a crowd making a noise. The club brought home an amazing amount of ribbons in the Intermediate and Junior age divisions.
at
Avoiding Heirloom Damage About a week ago, a friend called me in a panic. She realized that her sump pump failed and there was water all over her basement. After calling in the plumbers and the clean up team, she called me to ask if there was any way that she can save her beloved childhood scrapbooks. She told me, “While you had always told me not to store my scrapbooks in the basement, I had them up on shelves so I thought they were safe. Then, of course, my sump pump hose broke loose and sprayed the whole room from floor to ceiling with yucky water! Now what do I do?” I told her that this is the season when many people don’t realize that lots of new things are happening around the house—even in those less than exciting areas of the house like the basement. That’s right Spring (and her sump pump hose) has sprung! For example, bugs are back with a vengeance this time of year. Creepy crawly creatures are making their way back to those dark areas of your basement, attic, and garage. They love to eat stuff like old paper, wood pulp, cardboard boxes, and bird seed. This is right where you need one of my favorite and cheap storage solutions—the plastic tub. Store your items off the floor and in stackable plastic tubs. I suggest some of my recommended storage solutions at www.drloriv.com/shopping Stacking tubs will help to protect your belongings from water that may accumulate on the basement floor. The plastic tubs will also help keep some of the bugs out as bugs are not attracted to plastic like they are to wood and cardboard boxes.
Since art and antiques like consistent temperature and humidity levels, at the very least, take that piece of art that you think is valuable and get it out of the basement! As for my friend’s scrapbooks and all other paper (ephemera) keepsakes, I advised museum quality solander boxes for storage. They are the museum standard. Solander or acid free museum storage boxes are acid free. They are chemically inert boxes intended for the storage of flat pieces including papers, prints, photographs, magazines, newspapers, cards, comic books, unframed art. They are a great solution for those old photographs of great-grandma that you just can’t bring yourself to display or to trash. When it comes to art, antiques, or collectibles, never store anything in wooden crates or cardboard boxes as both of these containers are acidic. They will off-gas or give off damaging gases. I’ve read where some “experts” have advised people to store baseball card collections in cardboard cigarette cartons or metal license plate collections in wooden crates. Wrong! The acid in cardboard can even damage antique china and so can old newspapers. Cardboard is never the solution to the storage of your heirlooms. If you must store your keepsakes in the basement, consider investing in a dehumidifier and solander boxes and plastic tubs. Always keep an eye on your sump pump. Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s #1 show, The Curse of Oak Island. Visit www. DrLoriV.com and www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV or call (888) 431-1010.
(above) David Dutertre and Layla Cotter show the ribbons they won at the PAOBA Showcase in April. submitted photo
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
New Playground to be Bigger, Better, and More Inclusive
BY MICHELE BUONO
The Borough of Quakertown has announced that QNB Bank will serve as the title sponsor for the new playground located at Memorial Park, which will now be known as QuiNBy’s Playground. QNB Bank has partnered with the Quakertown Borough by pledging a sponsorship of $250,000 for naming rights to the new playground. Construction on QuiNBy’s Playground is expected to begin in the coming months, weather permitting, and should open to the public Fall 2021. Quakertown Parks Coordinator Courtney Boehm introduced the roster of speakers at the groundbreaking event on April 8, “I am so excited to see QuiNBy’s Playground come to life! My team and I began planning this project in 2019, so it’s very rewarding to be moving forward with construction within the upcoming months. I truly appreciate the support of our local community and sponsors that allowed for this playground to come to fruition.” Among those making remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony on April 8th was Quakertown council President Don Rosenberger who said, “This type of cooperation between private and public sectors enhances the quality of our community and brings exciting new dimension to our park systems. The Borough and QNB Bank have indicated their shared commitment to providing the community and surrounding areas with a safe, modern playground that will span future generations and provide lasting memories.” The Borough contributed $500,000 of the expected $1 million cost of the playground. In addition to the $250,000 QNB Bank sponsorship, the Borough received a $250,000 grant from the PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources. Various local businesses and corporations are also donating to the playground project. St. Luke’s University Health Network. The Parks and Recreation Department expressed their gratitude for all the businesses, organizations, and community members who have generously supported this project. The Borough invites the community to participate in their Buy a Brick program, please visit Quakertown.org/Playground to learn more about this initiative. Panther Playground was built in the summer of 1993 by a volunteer group known as “the Friends of Panther Playground”. Their goal was to create a unique wooden playground that would not only be utilized as a community
playground, but also function as a recreation space for families across the Upper Bucks region. In this way, Panther Playground became an integral component of Quakertown’s Memorial Park system. The Friends of Panther Playground had much success in creating a destination playground that holds many memories for all of Quakertown. To the dismay of many locals, the playground had past its useful lifespan by seven years and was fast becoming a safety hazard. The Borough demolished the structure last fall. The inspiration for the design of the new Panther Playground is largely based on community feedback. The Borough understood that it would be community residents and visitors utilizing the playground, so it was deemed important to design the playground from the community residents’ perspective. To collect data from the residents and visitors, the Borough created two separate surveys that addressed the issues the current state of Panther Playground faces and the types of playground equipment they would like to see in the new playground. The inspiration of Panther Playground came from community feedback on a survey that was provided last year, along with the winner of the Panther Playground drawing contest, Emily Wehr. The Panther Playground drawing contest allowed students of the Quakertown Community School District to submit their dream playground and the winner would have their dream playground come to life within the new design. Kompan Inc. designed the new playground that captures all the aspects that parents were looking for from survey results such as a designated play space for 2-5-years old and 5-12 years old, open concept to eliminate small hiding spaces, and ADA accessibility. The new design also pulls pieces directly from Emily’s drawing such as high and low levels of play with multiple slides, a main castle feature, and a zipline. Most of the new equipment for the revitalization of Panther Playground is ADA accessible, with key features being a giant play structure with a ramp, wheelchair carousel, tipi carousel with support brace, and a multitude of ground level play. To ensure that the Borough is complying with all ADA standards for the improvements of Panther Playground, there will be paved trails running from the parking lots to the playground and handicap parking spots.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” - Dr. Seuss
I’m really excited to introduce you to my new dog brother Peanut. My human took this picture of us together. Yes I am really that gray. I am 12 years old. I was the youngest in our family until this guy came along. He is only one. Now it’s my job to show him the ropes on how to be a good therapy dog. I will be bringing him along with me at Arts Alive this month in Quakertown. We are so happy to be able to get out and meet and greet our fans. Stay healthy and respect each other’s issues on the boundaries of being safe. Some are more scared then others but it’s their choice. Love Brandy … and me too, Peanut!
4 Warning Signs of Pest Property Damage If you’ve noticed unusual signs of damage around your property, pests may be to blame. Rodents, insects and other types of pests can wreak havoc on properties and cause unforeseen damage that ends up resulting in costly repairs. Here are four signs that are indicative of pests causing damage in your home: Unstable Floors The sudden feeling that the floors in your home are unstable could be a sign of a pest problem. This may be especially true if you have hardwood floors that are damaged because of termites. You might notice the boards curling on your floor as damage persists. Flaking and crumbling may also become noticeable as your floors continue to deteriorate from the damage. Crushed-looking wood at structurally significant points can be another obvious sign of a pest problem. Tap Test Failure Damage that’s impossible to see can sometimes be detected by performing a tap test on wood surfaces around your home. Wood that’s solid all the way through should produce a thudding sound when tapped, and any hollow sounds could mean that termites or other pests are wearing away at the wood. Hollow sounds also mean that significant portions of your wood have already been lost, and calling a termite treatment specialist and contractor to repair the damage can resolve the problem and protect your
home’s structure. Electrical Problems If lights, appliances or other equipment around your home that’s powered by electricity start to fail, you might have a pest problem on your hands. Lights that dim or completely go out along with appliances that don’t have as much power or fail to turn on when plugged in could mean that pests are damaging the wires. Rodents are known to chew through wires, which can also create a fire hazard in your home. Mud Tunnels Tubes that appear to be made of mud may be visible in your yard and even on the side of your home. These tunnels are often constructed by organ pipe mud dauber wasps to store their larvae. Termites are also known to build tunnels that look like mud but are made from a combination of soil and wood along with a substance consisting of their saliva and feces. You might find these lining walls and floors, acting as a sure sign of infestation if you find them in your home. Learning about the signs of pest damage will make it easier for you to act quickly to resolve the problem. Pest damage isn’t always obvious, and taking the time to perform a thorough inspection will allow you to stay on top of any situation that may arise. Sue Deily has been a Realtor for 34 years, resides in the Upper Bucks County area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties. Contact her at suesellshouses@gmail.com or 215-872-9865.
Buckygrams: Wyatt Earp, Sugarfoot, Bonanza, Roy Rogers, Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Yancy Derringer, Maverick, Rawhide, Big Valley, Rifleman, Lone Ranger Hidden Message: Giddy up Folks! Bucky Block: getting up at the break of dawn
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
BROOD X is Coming What’s all the fuss? Brood X (ten), is a 17 year Periodical Cicada (Magicicada species) that will emerge en mass in May or June depending on environmental conditions. Periodical Cicadas are native to eastern North America. There are seven species, three of which have 17 year life cycles and four which have 13 year life cycles. Three species of the 17 year cicadas occur in Pennsylvania and can emerge at the same time. Eggs laid in twigs and small branches hatch, drop to the ground and burrow into the soil where they live for 17 years at a depth of two to twenty-four inches. When the soil temperature reaches 64 degrees F the nymphs emerge. Here are a few facts about the Periodical Cicadas: • They are not Locusts which are large grasshoppers. Cicadas are in the order Hemiptera, or True Bugs. • There are also Annual Cicadas which emerge each year in late August or September but in much smaller numbers. • They do not bite humans • They are not harmful to pets if eaten. • 17 year Cicadas do not excrete honeydew • Young trees can be damaged by females laying their eggs. They make slits in small branches by using their sawlike ovipositor to lay 24-48 eggs. She will continue to make slits and lay eggs, up to 400-600 in a lifetime. • Damage to young trees can be prevented by covering them with ¼” netting before emergence and kept on for approximately 4-6 weeks. Netting is a way to avoid using costly chemical pesticides. Avoid planting new trees during this time. • Large mature healthy trees can be aesthetically damaged but normally can withstand this temporary twig dieback.
• Immature Cicadas living under ground feed on the roots of trees, but are not a major concern. • Emergence usually occurs over one or two nights with the exception of some stragglers. • Only the males “sing” to attract the females. This din can be annoyingly loud but only lasts about 10 days until the females mate.
• After emergence the nymphs will crawl a foot or more up tree trunks, weeds or other vertical objects to prepare to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. • After shedding their exoskeletons the cicadas are soft and white and unable to fly. The exoskeleton will harden in a few hours. Although now able to fly, they are rather clumsy and easy prey for birds and other insect-eating predators which take advantage of the buffet. If proper preventative measures are taken to preserve vulnerable young trees the emergence of Brood X can be an exciting lifetime experience, especially for young children. I can remember collecting the dried castoff nymphal exoskeletons as a child. It was fun to see how many I could find. Education can allay our fears about the unknown. Nature is a wondrous thing when we understand how it works. To learn more about Brood X and other Cicadas read the following Publication by Michael Skvarla, Penn State Dept. Of Entomology Periodical Cicada (psu.edu) “Cicada Mania” is a fun resource and includes the “songs” of different species of Cicadas. www.cicadamania.com/ Spotted Lanternfly Update – Spotted Lanternfly nymphs will be emerging soon. This is your last chance to search your property for egg masses. Check all surfaces including fences, lawn furniture, wood piles, campers, tires as well as trees. Spotted Lanternfly females are not picky. They will lay their eggs on any available surface. For more information about destroying egg masses and what to do after hatch here is the Penn State website: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly Our Home Garden/Watershed hotline is currently open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 12-4! Calls and emails are being answered by trained Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards. Phone: 267-483-2020 Penn State Extension Bucks County Email: BucksMG@psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!
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What to Expect from a Financial Review The COVID-19 pandemic may have unsettled many aspects of your life – including your financial situation. Even if your employment and earnings were not directly affected, you might have concerns about whether you’ve been making the right investment moves in such a stressful environment. The pandemic is, hopefully, just a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, but different events can rattle financial markets. And changes in your own life also can affect your plans. To prepare yourself for whatever tomorrow may hold, you may want to get some professional help – but what, really, can you expect from a financial advisor? A financial advisor will look holistically at your life – your family composition, your career, your hopes and dreams, your instincts about saving and spending money, your risk tolerance and other factors. So, during your initial meeting, and at subsequent reviews afterward, here are some of the key areas you’ll discuss: • Feelings about your financial situation – Numbers are important to financial advisors, but what’s most meaningful to them is understanding what’s important to their clients. Are you confident about your overall financial outlook? Are you worried about your cash flow? Are you distressed over volatility in the financial markets? Do you have concerns about your career? By getting at the answers to these and similar questions, a financial advisor can gain a clear sense of who you are and what matters to you. You can then follow an established process to build your personalized strategies and take the specific actions needed to achieve your goals. • Progress toward your goals – It takes patience and discipline to achieve long-term goals, such as helping send your kids to college or enjoying the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned for yourself. As you save and invest for these goals over the years, you’ll want to ….measure your progress regularly. If you seem to be falling behind, your
financial advisor can suggest moves such as increasing your investments or adjusting your investment mix. • Changes in your family situation – Marriage or remarriage, the arrival of new children, the departure of children for college, caregiving responsibilities for older parents – any and all of these events can make a big difference in your goals and, as a result, your investment plans. During your reviews, your financial advisor will consider these changes when making suggestions or recommendations. (Changes in your family’s status may affect your estate plans, so you’ll also need to work with your legal advisor or other estate-planning professional.) • Changes in your retirement plans – As you near retirement, you might decide that your original plans for this time of your life no longer suit you. For example, you might have once thought that, when you retired, you would stay close to home, volunteering and pursuing your hobbies. But now you’ve been thinking how much you would enjoy traveling, or perhaps even living abroad for a while. To accommodate your change in plans, a financial professional may recommend certain moves, such as working a couple of years longer or adjusting the amount you eventually withdraw from your 401(k), IRA and other retirement accounts. As you work toward your goals, you may find it challenging to navigate the financial markets and respond to the changes in your life – but you don’t have to go it alone. And knowing what to expect from a financial advisor can help smooth your journey. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Bob Podraza on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or at bob.podraza@edwardjones.com
Women’s & Children’s New & Gently Used Clothing Handbags • Shoes • Jewelry • Accessories
GREAT SELECTION OF SPRING ITEMS
www.lovethisboutique.com • 246 W. Broad Street, Quakertown • 267~490~7401
NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENT BY APPOINTMENT
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church
First United Church of Christ
Meets at HIghland Park Dining Hall 415 Highland Park Road Sellersville, PA 18960 484-523-3333 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf
Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!
Christ’s Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-536-3193 christselca@verizon.net www.christslutheran.com Interim Pastor: Rev. Susan Lang 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church. Find us on Facebook!
Church of the Incarnation 44 S. 8th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-3787 Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Holy Days as announced.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday service at 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome!
On God’ Vineyard
BY REV. DR. LORI WAGNER
The metaphor of the vineyard is prominent in scripture. We hear a lot about the vine and branches, about sweet and sour grapes. But seldom do we talk about the “vineyard we did not plant.” But that’s exactly the metaphor Joshua uses before having people agree to the covenant with God at Shechem. He wants to make sure they understand what that covenant truly means in terms of God’s expectations and mission. At Shechem, we see God bringing His people into a place inhabited by idol worshipers, people who are not people of YHWH. God brings Israel repeatedly throughout scripture in fact into new places in which to put down roots and make new homes. The “Promised Land” is not the land of promise only for its fertility, but because it will become the “land of people who worship YHWH!” But part of that depends upon them (and us) keeping their (our) end of the contract –or the covenant. The covenant is probably the most prominent metaphor in all of scripture and one that ties many other metaphors to it. When we agree to contract with God, we take on responsibilities for working on God’s
Fourth Street & Park Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net Facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Contemporary Service 11:45am, Alternative worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm
Good News Church
424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. An alternative to the ultra-contemporary Sunday Worship and Children’s Church 10:30 am, Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm, World Evangelism Fellowship affiliate.
Grace Bible Fellowship Church
1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:45am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult prayer meeting 6:45pm
Juniper Street Bible Church
317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115 Pastor: Bob Stevenson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org Sunday worship 10am (also watch live on our Facebook page), Tuesday 7pm Bible study and prayer, Sunday 6pm Bible study and sharing. We offer an invitation to you. Come and worship with us.
Palisades Community Bible Church
St. John’s Lutheran Church
8730 Easton Road Revere, PA 18953 610-847-2637 secretary@pcbchurch.com www.pcbchurch.com Pastor: Rev. Corbin Seltzer, Jr. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30am, Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am, Tuesday Prayer Meeting 7:00pm, Men & Ladies’ Bible Studies - see website. “Walk by Faith.” II Cor. 5:7
4 South Main Street • PO Box 459 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org Pastor: Rev Dr. David A Genszler Parish Musician: Zack von Menchhofen www.stjohnsrpa.org/sermon facebook.com/stjohnsrpa.org In person worship service Sunday at 9:30 am, Watch our virtual Sunday church services 9:30 am live on Facebook or anytime at stjohnsrpa.org/sermon/sermons/ Virtual services continue until our area turns Green.
Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Lori Wagner 8 AM In-Person Worship; 9 AM Parking Lot Worship; 11 AM In-Person & Livestream Worship. No Sunday School for the time being.Communion first Sunday of each month.
Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-7555 Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org Clerk: Jack H. Schick Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.”
St. Isidore Roman Catholic Church
429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-6422 Pastors: John & Theresa Decker www.mstarqtown.org Sunday service at 10 am, Children’s Ministries provided, Student Ministries on Tuesdays, Weekly Connection through small groups, Cafe open with free coffee. Check the website for updated information.
2545 West Pumping Station Rd Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536-4389 Pastor: Rev. Kenneth C. Brabazon izzyparoff@comcast.net www.stisidores.org Sunday Masses - 5:00pm Saturday evenings; 7:00am, 9:00am, & 11:00am on Sunday mornings; 1:00pm in Spanish Sunday afternoons
Vineyard, on God’s terms, and for God’s benefit. Read the small print! Our job is caring for God’s vineyard. It’s not ours! We are the caretakers. We “till and keep” the covenant there! We live out the covenant there! We image the covenant there for others! The issue of ownership in our culture and in our churches has in some sense warped our understanding of what it means to “go to God’s mission fields” wherever God determines on God’s Vineyard to a field that needs restoring! A mission field is seldom “our field” at the outset. It’s a foreign one. It’s a pagan one. It may be an atheist one. It is a field we did not plant! Of course, it is easier to “plant” a new church in our own way or enter into a new and unoccupied field rather than to nurture back to life an unfamiliar vineyard we did not plant or to reimagine a field that is already built to someone else’s design! Of course, it is easier to care for the little vineyard we have invested in, the vineyard we know, rather than to go out into the larger vineyards we are not familiar with and to create something from them. But God calls us most often to those very vineyards! Caring for God’s vineyard means caring for
the ones that are overgrown, dying, or strangled with weeds. And it may mean too caring for vineyards that have roots in other places, systems, gods, or agendas –and growing love of God amidst it, so that our long roots begin to yield a different kind of fruit. In the scripture in Joshua, Joshua challenges God’s people: “Choose whom you will serve!” The issue of serving is a given! If we are not serving God’s mission, then we are serving our own, or someone else’s. Being in mission in God’s Vineyard means we are not in control. It also means that we work beside some who have been in the Church many years, and others who are new disciples of Jesus. Some are seasoned. Some are newbies. Some are just learning about Him. Together, we make a team of builders, carpenters, dreamers, lovers of God’s people. In a sense, we are story-builders and identity remodelers for God. Re-telling God’s Story of the Vineyard means we remember that we do not earn, do not deserve, do not control, do not negotiate for God’s extravagant grace and favor. This is God’s gift for being part of a covenant with God. And that covenant reminds us of our place in God’s world. It’s easy to turn from God toward idols. They may not be the ones from the pagan traditions of old. But when we put our greatest value on a rug, or a building, or traditions, or even on ourselves, then even the church can
Morning Star Fellowship
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown
1565 Sleepy Hollow Road, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Worship services online, available through church website: stjohnsofspinnerstown. org. Call or check website for updates on resumption of on-site services.
St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley
910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am w/praise band. Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available. Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible. All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville
837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown 215-536-5789 stpaulsqtown@gmail.com www.stpaulsqtown.org Pastor: Rev. David Heckler We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome.
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street Sellersville, PA 18960 215-257-7268 Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Sunday Worship 10:15 in Sanctuary
become an idol instead of the saving vehicle of God’s mercy. Gratitude steers us to our rightful position as “servant” to God’s position of owner and master. When it comes to the vineyard or its renewal, it’s not about what we build, it’s about what God gives. God is always the Master Designer. What is your church’s true mission? True mission statement? It is where you put your time, money, and thoughts, the purpose of your heart. At Shechem, the valley between the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim, a stone was set up as an altar under the oak of Moreh to witness to the agreement between God and God’s people. Our altar too must be placed not just in our “own” church, but we must build an altar in the world with our ministry and our mission to witness to our commitment to God’s covenant and mission. To be a follower of Jesus, to pledge to that relationship, that covenant, that binding contract, is to accept God’s mission to serve in the Vineyard, to reimagine the world in God’s image, and to live Jesus’ Way, Truth, and Life in the midst of a foreign people, so that they too may be drawn to the Light of the Savior of All. Lori is the current pastor at Quakertown United Methodist Church in Quakertown. She can be reached at loribethwagner@gmail.com
Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • 215-529-8915 • 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951
NEED LAB WORK? St. Luke’s Laboratory Services are growing!
We are bringing walk-in lab services to St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus! 3000 St. Luke’s Drive (Rt. 663 & Portzer Road) Quakertown, PA 18951 sluhn.org/lab • 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537), option 4
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue.
Think Local. Play Local. Be Local. “Horticulturally, the month of May is opening night, homecoming and graduation day all rolled into one.”
- Tam Mossman
Have something to share with your community? Send it to us!
UBFP • 582 S. West End Blvd, Ste 2 • Quakertown, PA 18951 info@ubfp.org • fb.com/ubfreepress • www.ubfp.org
Calf Chick Cub Cygnet Duckling Fawn Foal
Gosling Joey Keet Kid Kitten Lamb Nestling
Owlet Peachick Piglet Polliwog Porcupette Poult Puffling
Puggle Pup Snakelet Squab Squeaker Tadpole Whelp
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
Employment Opportunities Maintain inventory, load/unload equipment, perform mechanical repairs, assist shop supervisor/ field coordinator with scheduling & various other duties. Be able to drive a truck/trailer (DOT medical card required). Maintain property with yard work, snow removal, etc. Full time, benefits. Must pass drug test, be mechanically inclined, able to lift up to 100 lbs. Contact McCarthy Masonry & Concrete, Inc. at 215-538-1874 or HR@mccarthymasonry.com.
Kulp Roofing & Construction - We are currently in need of experienced individuals for our roof repair team, gutter team, and window team. Individuals must be motivated, punctual, detail-oriented, professional and loyal. We are looking for long-term, year-round help. Applications accepted at our office at 216 D, Apple St., Quakertown, PA, Call 215-538-0618 Biagioli Construction - Laborer/ Helper Wanted For Remodeling Looking for a self motivated person. Experience not necessary, willing to train the right individual. Must have reliable transportation. Jbiagioli5775@gmail.com Spor’s General Store - Hiring various positions, ages 15 & up. Contact: bspor@sporsgeneralstore. com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville The Proper Brewing Co - Hiring Cook, Host, Runners, and Servers Contact: kris@theproperbrewing.com or stop in at 117 W. Broad Street,Quakertown New Vitae Wellness & Recovery seeking 2nd and 3rd shift nights and weekends Medication Technicians and Personal Care Aides. No experience necessary. We will train successful applicants. If interested please call 610 965-9021 Independence Court Seeking CNA, Driver, LPN, Dietary Aide, Medication Aide, and House Keeper. 215-538-7050, 1660 Park Avenue, Quakertown.
Always Beautiful - Part Time Floral Designer. Experienced only. As needed for weddings, holidays and events. Must have worked in a flower shop and be able to work independently. Musts are how to design bridal bouquets, corsages and everyday designs. Located in Quakertown. Please email info to ali5821@AOL.com Levy School Bus Co. - Dispatch Manager, Full-time supervisory position involving daily assignment of substitute drivers, aides and vehicles to scheduled routes and coordinating trip requests with school district personnel and PUC customers. Benefits: 401k, dental insurance, health insurance, vision insurance, paid time off (after 1st yr), and bonuses. Required knowledge: ability to train and supervise people, 1-2 years supervisory experience preferred. Knowledge of the operation and mechanical functioning of school buses and knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the operation of school buses and driving experience is a plus! Send resume to Levy School Bus Co., PO Box 580, 112 E. Broad St, Trumbauersville, PA 18970; Attn: Len Earl’s Pub & Grill - Hiring Dishwasher, Host, and Servers. Call 215-538-2121 or stop in at 254 N. Main St, Trumbauersville. Yard Attendant - Responsible for consistently maintaining yard in a safe, clean & organized manner.
Think Local. Work Local. Be Local.
Shop Mechanic - Specialize in maintenance, repairs and overall management of the company’s shop, yard, light/heavy duty equipment, company vehicles, and large equipment. Must be highly motivated, organized, and able to take directions and/or work independently. Must be mechanically inclined to work on vehicles and equipment. Will be responsible for handling related purchases, computer transactions, and communicating with vendors.Clean driving record required and CDL/state inspection license a plus. DOT medical card required. OSHA 10/30 will be highly considered or must complete within 90 days. Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol test, lift up to 80 lb. May work off-site at job locations at times. Great communication skills, and should have computer experience. Benefits after 90 days (health, dental, vision, 401K), paid holidays Apply online at www.mccarthymasonry.com, or send resume to HR@mccarthymasonry. com, or call 215-538-1874. CDL Driver CLASS A - Accepting applications for a full-time licensed CDL Class A Driver who is a highly motivated, organized individual with the ability to lift 80 lbs to load trucks and transfer equipment/materials from one
location to another. Forklift experience, mechanical repairs/service a plus. Includes health & dental benefits, 401K with a competitive salary. Contact McCarthy Masonry & Concrete, Inc. at 215-538-1874 or HR@mccarthymasonry.com. Case Manager/ Legal Assistant – PT (10-15 hrs/wk) Duties: Enhances attorney effectiveness by developing case information, client contact, finalization of documents and maintain client files. Keeps cases organized by establishing and organizing files, monitoring calendars, meeting deadlines, documenting actions, inputting information into file database and case management software, and confirming case status with attorney. Helps develop cases by maintaining client contact, scheduling execution of documents, preparing and forwarding drafts of documents, preparing and filing deeds, generating action plan reports. Keeps clients informed by maintaining contact communicating case progress. Maintains case costs by verifying outstanding balances with attorney, clients, and providers. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications. Accomplishes organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests, exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. Some experience working in a law office preferred. Must be motivated, organized and detail oriented. Experience with Rocket Matter, Word & Excel preferred. Solid research skills, and basic understanding of legal terminology. May be flexible with some remote work. Pay: $20-$30/hour, depending on experience. Contact Robert Fravel at ref@fravel-law.com with your interest.
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Ritton Celebrates 25 Years with New Vitae Wellness & Recovery
Heather Ritton (center) recently celebrated 25 years of working at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery’s Quakertown House. She loves the residents with whom she works, saying “They make the place special.” She has also “made some very good friends with coworkers along the years.” She is shown with Katie Pintabone, administrator of Quakertown House and her supervisor, director of operations Brian Considine. submitted photo
Haasis Gluten Free Bakery Opens
Haasis Gluten Free Bakery held its Grand Opening last month in Perkasie. Friends, local legislators, and members of the Perkasie Towne Improvement Association gathered to welcome bakery owner Kristy Thomas. The bakery is located at 316 Walnut Street. photo by michele buono
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A Tribute to Mothers It is May and flowers are in full bloom, trees are clothed in fresh green leaves once again, and the days are becoming longer. May is a special time of the year for me as I reflect on my mother’s birthday on May 1st. My mother passed away forty-eight years ago, but she is still very much a part of my life. There is a bond between a mother and her child that is not broken, even in death. After the grieving process, we can return to the “new” normal in life, but memories will remain a lifetime. As Mother’s Day approaches, I want to pay tribute to that incredibly special group of women called mothers. Whether our mothers are with us, or whether they have passed on, they will always hold a cherished place in our hearts. If your mother is still in your life, keep her close to your heart, show her how much you love her, and cherish every moment that you get to spend with her. The days after May 9th are the days that are especially meaningful in her life. A visit, a telephone call, a card, an email, a text, are all forms of communication that she will cherish, and that will show her that she is still a special woman in your life. We only have one mother. No one can take her place when she is gone. Whether near or far, show your mother love every day. If you have been given the honored title of Mother, stop and focus on who YOU are as a Mother, the journey you have taken, or are taking presently, and the blessings you have received. Newborn babies know and recognize their mothers. One of the greatest pleasures a mother experiences is when her baby lovingly stares at her as they smile and kick their chubby legs and tiny feet. It is an unspoken, “I love you so much, Mommy.” Motherhood is a responsibility that we strive to accomplish to the best of our ability. We want to be the best mothers possible; sometimes, we even want to be the perfect mother. Mothers are strong, persevering, loving, nurturing, and gentle women that God created, with full knowledge of the special role they would play in the lives of the children to whom He entrusted them. As much as we may try, our role was never meant to be a perfect mother. Likewise, our role was never intended to be
an enabler, a best friend, nor an irresponsible Mother. Our role is not to give our children certificates of entitlement, nor to teach them that they are in any way superior to the next person. Our specific role as a Mother is to give unconditional love, encouragement, support, and discipline. Our role is to train our children while they are young, and to guide them by setting examples as we live our lives in their presence. Sometimes, we grow tired and weary. Sometimes we feel that no one appreciates who we are or what we do. Occasionally, we feel that we are doing it all alone, even though the father is present. From time to time, we need a break, but we just do not get one. Motherhood can be complex, but it is also rewarding. Motherhood is rewarding when your children become adults and thank you for the discipline that they received as a child and tell you that they want to incorporate your parenting skills into raising their children. Mother’s Day is a time for you to reflect on your journey through motherhood, to give yourself recognition for a task well done, and to thank God for guidance and strength. If you are a first-time, younger mother who may be feeling inadequate, frustrated, tired, and alone, that is an OK Mommy feeling because as your babies grow through each stage, you become more confident in your role of motherhood. Mother’s Day is a time for you to reflect on how far you have come, and to realize that your God-given motherly instincts, along with your daily experience is molding you into a woman who will be proud to say, “I am a Mother.” The second Sunday of May has been designated as Mother’s Day – YOUR Day! No matter what stage of motherhood you are in, celebrate who you are currently in your life, and thank God for giving you such an important role to fulfill. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Jacque Holliday is a long time freelance contributor to UBFP. She always welcomes your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
QCHS Alumni Spotlight Jennifer Kunes Driscoll ’01
BY MICHELE BUONO
This is the fourth is a series of articles highlighting notable graduates from Quakertown Community High School. Featured individuals are selected by the QCHS Alumni Association. This month we highlight Jennifer Driscoll, Class of 2001. Jen Driscoll is probably one of the busiest women that you will meet. She is a working mother, loving wife, and is President of the Lily’s Hope Foundation, a successful non-profit organization. Jennifer followed her graduation from QCHS by continuing her education at Moravian College. She double majored in business management and psychology. She also met her future husband, Justin Driscoll, while attending college. Sergeant Justin Driscoll is a member of the Upper Saucon Police Department and the Vice President of the Lily’s Hope Foundation. During her time at QCHS, Jennifer remembers her Spanish teacher, Elena Wert, as her big inspiration. Jennifer was in Ms. Wert’s Spanish class but says that her more important role was as the student adviser for the high school’s chapter of Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD). Jen served as the President of the group. “I remember her warm and outgoing personality,” said Jen, speaking about Ms. Wert. “I know I had her for Spanish classes, probably in the 10th grade, but it was in the SADD group where she really inspired me.” Another inspiration for Jennifer is her father, John Kunes. “My dad and Bill from Trinity Great Swamp worked together to organize the CROP Walks. He showed me that it is important to be involved with the community.” Jennifer’s children also inspired her to give back to the community. Jennifer’s and Justin’s two children, Lilian Hope and Aidan Patrick, were both born prematurely. After these two NICU experiences
with their children, they were inspired to create Lily’s Hope Foundation to help other parents of premature babies during this challenging time in their lives. Founded in 2013, Lily’s Hope Foundation is an all-volunteer, non-profit that has provides resources, aid and hope to families not just in Pennsylvania, but across the country. The families of the Foundation are supported through their customized Packages of Hope program that answer the urgent and unexpected needs of premature babies. As well as being co-founder and Executive Director of Lily’s Hope Foundation, Jennifer works full time as an Office Manager for Cryo Technologies, an engineering firm in Allentown. Jennifer graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in 2005 and her Master’s in Business Administration in 2011, both from Moravian College, in Bethlehem, PA. Jennifer and her daughter, Lilian Hope, co-wrote Lily’s Hope, A Preemie’s Journey of Hope, a children’s book that was published in November 2017 that follows the experiences of Lily and her brother Aidan in the NICU. Jennifer also published a second book in October 2018 titled Preemie Parents’ Tips to Get You Thru the NICU. Jennifer received the 40 under 40 award for the Lehigh Valley Business Journal in 2019, The Spirit of the NICU Parent Network Award Recipient in 2019, 2018 Health Care Hero by the LV Journal and winner of the Women’s Day Community Member Award for the Emmaus Rotary in 2018. The Quakertown Community High School Alumni Association encourages alumni to participate in the association’s activities and its mission which includes fundraising and providing scholarship opportunities for QCHS grads. For information about the association, contact Melea Rupert at mrupert55@hotmail.com or visit www.quakertown.net/alumni.
QCHS Junior Interviews Senator Mensch BY NICOLE PASCIUTI On Wednesday, April 21, I had the opportunity to interview State Senator Bob Mensch via Zoom. Bob Mensch represents the 24th district of Pennsylvania, which includes parts of Montgomery, Berks, and Bucks Counties. He has over 35 years of past business and management experience. Senator Mensch, in the 14 years he has served as a politician, two of which as a State Representative, has accomplished a lot in that time. We discussed one of his favorite accomplishments, the Performance-Based Budgeting Bill. This bill will reveal “if we are doing good things or are we just spending money,” and Senator Mensch states, “I thought why shouldn’t the government prove its performance as well?” Performance-Based Budgeting was made to show working programs from the ineffective ones. The application of this program is getting better each year since it is still relatively new. Senator Mensch held a hearing on April 15th concerning the economic impact of energy infrastructures. During this hearing, Senator Mensch said, “We have an entire world relying on energy and we need to figure out the best ways to use the available resources that we have.” Given the chance to discuss this topic, Senator Mensch had some very interesting thoughts. He stated, “ The effective use of the resources is not a government answer but a scientific answer.” The government can encourage behaviors and the use of alternative energy, but they cannot create these behaviors. Science instead has to be the one to create better utilization of these available resources for effective use. The use of these fossil fuels are everywhere since it is included in plastic, fertilizer, waxes, and even certain skin treatments. It will be a long and hard process to switch from fossil fuels to alternative energy. This process is made harder when the market for alternative energy is still relatively small compared to the markets for natural resourc-
es and fossil fuels. This creates a problem as these companies cannot apply their research to learn how to better use their products. There are still effective products concerning alternative energy as Senator Mensch has a bill for electric vehicles that is currently circulating. This bill would modify and extend tax credits to individuals purchasing electric cars and alternative motor vehicles.
Another topic we discussed was the Crime Victims Rights Week from April 18th to April 24th which Senator Mensch co-sponsored. He talked about the different support systems for these victims throughout the year such as The Office of Victims’ Services or (OVS). This organization has local programs that offer direct services to crime victims through the Federal Victims of Crime Act fund. Information on Senator Mensch’s background and political career can be found at senatormensch.com. Nicole is a Junior at Quakertown Community High School with an interest in journalism and will begin an internship with UBFP in the Fall. She can be reached at nicole@ubfp.org
Gluck Named Student of the Month
Jaclyn Gluck, a senior from the Carpentry Program, has been named the Student of the Month for April at the Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS). Jaclyn is the daughter of Robert and Patricia Gluck. She attends Quakertown Community High School. Jaclyn is a Cooperative Education student trainee employed by Happ Contractors Inc., Doylestown, Pa. PA. She is an entry-level carpenter and has received all excellent evaluations from her employer. She has also excelled in the Carpentry Program and was elected president of this class by her peers. She has earned the OSHA 10-hour safety certification for the construction industry. Jaclyn is also an active member of the UBCTS SkillsUSA Chapter and has served as vice president of this organization. She has attended the SkillsUSA Professional Development Conference, Ambassador Leadership Training, and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Let’s Build
Jaclyn contributes to the community by serving as the chairperson for the UBCTS Holiday Gift Card Project. This event benefits teen foster children. After graduation, Jaclyn plans to seek opportunities and an apprenticeship in the
Camp for Girls.
carpentry field.
Quakertown Rotary Announces Four-Way Test Recognition Event The Quakertown Rotary Club is proud to announce our inaugural Four-Way Test Award Breakfast. The 4 Way test’s four brief questions are a simple checklist for ethical behavior. We are proud to award local business leaders and students who exemplify these qualities in their daily interactions within our community. On May 11, 2021 at a breakfast at McCoole’s Red Lion Inn, Quakertown, we would like to recognize the following individuals from the Quakertown area:
Business Award - Danielle Bodnar Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Education Award – Dr. Robert Leight Community Award - Scott McElree, Quakertown Borough Please join us that morning to honor those individuals and celebrate their commitment to our community. You can find details on registration and sponsorship on our website: www.quakertownrotary.org The Rotary 4-Way Test • Is It the truth? • Is it fair to all concerned? •Will it build goodwill and better friendships? •Is it beneficial to all concerned?
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
2021 Mazda CX-5 AWD Crossover It’s been on Car & Driver Magazine’s 10 Best cars again in 2020, and has been for the fourth year in a row. It also had its best sales month in December with almost 18,000 sold. What we’re talking about is Mazda’s CX-5 AWD compact crossover. The CX-5 is midway in Mazda’s line of fine crossovers that includes the smallest CX-30, CX-3 then CX-5 followed by the larger CX-7 and largest CX-9. All attractive five doors. Mazda’s CX-5 combines spirited performance, sporty handling with the utility of an SUV. It’s offered in base Sport, CX-5 Touring, Touring Preferred SV, Grand Touring, Signature (that we tested) and new for ’21, Carbon Edition that has special color schemes inside and out. As the top-shelf model, our Signature came standard with Nappa leather trimmed heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, moonroof, 10.25-inch display plus a very long list of safety features that includes blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert and Smart City Brake Support that senses an imminent accident and sounds an alarm. If the driver doesn’t react, the system will automatically apply the brakes and will do so up to 50 mph. And it includes pedestrian detection as well. As for the display, it gets most of its commands from a console mounted rotary controller. Offered as well is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto plus Travel Link with embedded weather map/forecast, sports scores and fuel prices, navigation, rearview camera with 360 birds’ eye, frontal, close-up, wide angle and side views, plus, Bose audio with satellite ra-
dio. All-encompassing amenities. CX-5’s interior is classy and comfy. All operating controls, including HVAC, are easy to view and simple to use. Surprised though that Mazda didn’t use the large bin on the forward portion of the console for a wireless phone charger. But they did include hardwire phone receptacles. A toggle switch on the console selects Normal and Sport modes, with the latter increasing rpm shift points on the 6-speed automatic transmission for more spirited acceleration and overall performance. Mazda is to be applauded here for not using a CVT trans in this dandy compact crossover. The gauge cluster features a large speedometer with embedded driver information display for alerts and various operating functions. Included too is a Head-Up-Display on the windshield showing vehicle speed, posted speed limits and stop signs/signals. After a mere 18.5-inch step-in into the cockpit, you’re treated to heated/cooled perforated leather seats that are comfy soft with sensible lateral support. Back seats are equally as comfy however leg room is adequate for two adults and that’s provided the fronts aren’t racked
well rearward. Head room is ample with assist handles over all four doors. CX-5’s cargo area has a low 25-inch lift over for easy loading and is rated at 30.9 cubic feet that measures 37.5 inches deep, 44 wide and 31 high. Pull two tabs on the cargo wall and the 40/20/40 split seats flip forward to expand cargo capacity to 59.6 cubic feet for 66 inches of cargo loading depth. Beneath the cargo floor is a space spare tire, car jack and tools, but little room to stow small items.
CX-5 gets its spunk from a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that generates 227-hp and an impressive 310 lb/ft of torque. Coupled to the quick shifting 6-speed automatic trans, the combination garnered EPA mileage ratings of 22 city, 27-highway mpg. As said, Sport mode livens performance even more. With Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus, the system performs torque reductions along with brake pressure that maintains enhanced cornering ability similar to a sports car. Unlike many competitive crossovers, the CX-5 can he tossed in the turns and remains planted. And with its responsive electric power steering, CX-5 parks easily within a small footprint. Mazda’s i-Activ AWD combined with offroad assist, provides added traction in nominal snow depths. Because of a low undercarriage clearance, CX-5 is suited mainly for mild off-roads. Shod with Toyo 19-inch tires, CX-5 rides like a much larger crossover. It’s smooth and exceptionally quiet. CX-5 comes with all of the aforementioned safety features plus tire pressure monitoring and stop-go radar cruise control. With an extremely long list of standard features, CX-5 Signature carried a base photothe by christopher betz price of $37,408 with the only options being metallic gray paint ($495) and bumper guard ($125) plus delivery, that took the bottom line to $39,125. To its credit, CX-5 was awarded a full fivestar government overall safety rating; five for driver/passenger frontal crash; five for front/ rear seat side crash; and four for rollover. All impressive safety scores for an exceptional crossover. Like all Mazda crossovers, CX-5 comes with a 60 month/60K mileage powertrain and 36/36K bumper-bumper warranties plus 24hour roadside assistance. With the exception of not having a wireless phone charger, our only gripe is with the keyfob that has door and hatch switches on it edge, not on the face. It requires some finger manipulating to find the correct side, especially in the dark. Most new cars have the switches on the face of the fob. Otherwise, CX-5 is one compelling crossover. Nick Hromiak is an automotive enthusiast and freelance writer. We look forward to bringing you his new column each month. He can be reached at nhromiak@verizon.net.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2021
Slifer Attains Presidential Scholars Program CTE Designation BY GARY WECKSELBLATT Raymond Slifer, a senior at Quakertown Community High School and Upper Bucks County Technical School, has been named a Career and Technical Education semifinalist candidate in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. He is the only student in Pennsylvania to achieve the program’s CTE designation and one of only 56 nationwide. “I couldn’t be more proud for Raymond to achieve this very rare and extraordinary honor,” QCHS Principal Mattias van’t Hoenderdaal said. “This accomplishment didn’t happen by accident. He has worked very hard and this is a testament to his effort. He is a fine example for our students to follow and he is certain to have wonderful opportunities in the future.” Raymond said “it’s just an amazing feeling” to be in such select company. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Their Chief State School Officers nominated the Career and Technical Education candidates based on their career and technical education accomplishments. The Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. That’s where Raymond excels. He is the first UBCTS Presidential Scholar candidate. A Machining Technologies student, Raymond is a Cooperative Education student trainee employed by Bracalente Manufacturing Group in Trumbauersville. He is a tool room technician and has received all excellent evaluations from his employer He has also excelled in the Machining Technologies Program, earning the OSHA 10 Safety Certification and several National Institute of Metal Working
Skills Certifications. He was named a member of the National Technical Honor Society and has competed and placed at SkillsUSA machining competitions at the district and state levels. Raymond, an Eagle Scout, is a junior firefighter with the Richlandtown Fire Co. He is enrolled in the UBCTS/Bucks County Community College Technical Entrepreneurship Program and will seek his associate’s degree upon graduation. He
will then transfer to Pennsylvania College of Technology and major in Manufacturing Engineering. “We are very proud of Raymond’s accomplishments,” said Michael Herrera, Assistant Director at UBCTS. “His academic success, community service, technical abilities, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence are without peer. Raymond embodies the value of receiving a Career and Technical Education.” Raymond is the son of Rachel and Ronald Slifer of Quakertown. Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or gweckselblatt@qcsd.org.
Quakertown Small Businesses Shine at Annual Bridal Stroll
Dozens of Bride Tribes visited downtown Quakertown on April 17th to see how local vendors could make their Big Day perfect. The 4th annual Quakertown Bridal Stroll was a great success, according to organizer Alice Yates. According to the numbers, this year’s event was the biggest yet with over two dozen vendors and 159 brides pre-registered. Alice, who owns and operates Always Beautiful Floral Design Studio, was very happy with the success of this year’s stroll. “The brides are happy to be able to talk in person with the business owners in a more immediate setting,” she said. “People wanted to be out and talk about their upcoming weddings. This is a way for the brides, their friends, and families, to see what Quakertown’s small business community offers.” One lucky bride-to-be won a $500 gift card to use at one the participating vendors.
Rachel Carson debuted her small business, Joy Boutique, in September 2020. She opened her doors to the brides and their friends and family. She said that the experience was good exposure for her new business and was happy for the chance to introduce her women’s fashion and accessory boutique to new customers. “It was nicely organized and a great experience,” said Rachel. “It was nice to see the brides-to-be excited especially since some of them had canceled their special days two or three times already (due to COVID). Hope was in the air!” remarked Elsa O’Brien, whose event venue, The Gathering Place, was the starting point of the stroll. The brides stopped at The Gathering Place to sign in and collect their “passports” to guide them through the stroll to various vendors throughout the downtown.
Owner Alice Yates (center) with her team of Doreen Hoyer and Mindi Fegley in the design room of Always Beautiful Floral Design Studio. photo by michele buono
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
May 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Lorrianne DeLeo Named 2020 Pennsylvania 4-H Volunteer of the Year Lorrianne DeLeo has been a Bucks County 4-H volunteer for eight years. Over those years she has had a tremendous effect on our 4-H program. Not only does Lorrianne runs two of our clubs: Scales N Tails and Horsin Around, she also chairs the Southeast Regional Horse Bowl competition, sits on many regional equine committees, and is the nurse at 4-H Camp Abenaqua. Youth members have stated that they look up to her as someone to emulate. I have had the pleasure of working with Lorrianne for the last four years which has allowed me to observe her abilities in regard to work ethic, intellect, leadership, time management, and sensitivity. As seen in the letters of recommendation from both youth members and fellow volunteers she has made a positive impact on their 4-H experience by empowering youth, providing hands-on learning experiences, and being a role model. She teaches not only about equine and reptiles, but the more important life skills of dealing with competition, making oneself better, building self-esteem, character, and teen leadership development. She pushes her members to get the most out of their 4-H experience. Not just through her clubs but by also getting involved in other county clubs, and county, regional, state, and national events. She encourages members to try something new each year and even offers to be the coach if they need one. She has coached junior and senior hippology, horse bowl, and equine communications over the past couple of years and has had teams compete on the county, regional, and state level. For the last two years, she has been our nurse at 4-H Camp Abenaqua. 4-H Camp offers a unique experience to observe Lorrianne’s abil-
ities in regard to work ethic, communication, time management, and sensitivity as part of our staff. She has gone above and beyond as our nurse and has become a favorite at camp. She always has a few cabins that try to visit her as much as possible since she is a fantastic listener. Lorrianne is well-organized, provides great programming and most importantly, the kids have fun and enjoy being around her. She is never too busy to do more, or volunteer to do educational programming. She is a determined individual, who puts her all into her programming. She makes the activities fun for the youth while maintaining the integrity of the lesson. In her clubs’ Lorrianne makes sure meetings are youth lead. She has her members choose the topics and experiences that they want to focus on. Members lead the discussion about what areas they want for the club meetings for the year. Once they come up with a game plan, she does her best to make that happen. If the club decided to partner with or visit a local business/organization she helps the youth make contact with them to set up a program.
She promotes mentor-learner relationships between teen leaders and first-year members. She has older members help guide the younger members, along with, giving the teen members ownership over running meetings. Scales N Tails and Horsin Around club meetings are held on a consistent day of the month however the meeting locations rotate around the country so that members from certain parts of the country do not always have to travel far. Lorrianne was one of the first organizational leaders to reach out about providing virtual programming during the COVID-19 crisis. Her clubs meet virtually every month and continued to provide youth with programming over the summer months. She makes her members feel comfortable approaching her about difficult topics. Her members have expressed concerns about mental health, and she has helped normalizing asking for help when you are depressed and encouraged members to support each other. She also does this when she is working as the camp nurse. She runs the nurse’s office as a safe space for youth to come and talk about concerns.
She encourages members to step out of their comfort zone and try out new things like taking on a club position, leading a meeting, come up with ideas for club outings, and participating in competitive events. One of Lorrianne’s greatest attributes is her personality and her ability to work with others. She has been on many committees over the last year and has worked well with fellow members to put out successful programs. In the Southeast region, Hippology, Horse Bowl, and Equine Communications have grown over the past few years due to good management and organization. Lorrianne keeps up good communication with parents, youth, and extension staff so that members do not miss out on any opportunities. Her club members are some of the most active participants and they claim that is due to always knowing what is going on around the county/state. As a 4-H volunteer, many of our youth members look up to her as someone to emulate. Lorrianne has demonstrated her willingness to teach younger members skills and is never too busy to help out. Lorrianne has never hesitated to lead or to take it upon herself to do what is necessary. She has been an active and dynamic force in our 4-H program and a true pleasure to work with. Lorrianne is a self-starter, self-motivated, and consistently prepared. She brings enthusiasm and energy to the 4-H program. She has intelligently worked through challenges and is never satisfied knowing she can always do better. She wants the best for her 4-H members and provides them with as many experiences as possible.
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