Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

OCTOBER is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 1, 2, & 3

Holiday Craft Show begins 8:30am daily (Thu till 5pm) (Fri till 6pm) (Sat till 12noon), at First Savings Bank, 1129 N 5th St, Perkasie Rummage/Bake Sale (Thu/Fri 10am-8pm) (Sat 9am-4pm-all day $5 bag sale) St. Luke’s UCC at old Ford dlrship bldg. Rte 611&412, Ottsville. Food available, info: 610-847-5013

October 2

Bag Bingo (Vera Bradley/Thirty-one/ Coach) 6pm doors & kitchen open, raffles, silent auction, Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, Tkts: adv/$20, door/$25, 267374-7762, bucks58fire.com

October 3

Reading Goes to the Dogs 2pm-3pm.

Kids invited to read to certified therapy dogs at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St. 215-536-3306 2015 Fall Rabies Clinic 11am-3pm at Richlandtown Firehouse, 125 South Main St, Richlandtown. Call 215-538-2510 or lastchanceranch.org for pricing Flea Mkt/Apple Dumpling Family Fun Event, quilt raffle, etc. 9am-1pm at St. John’s Lutheran, 910 Allentown Rd, West Rockhill Twp, $15/space, info: 215-257-6104 or 215-257-0177 Bark For Life Canine Fun Event 10am-2pm, Green Lane Park, 2144 Snyder Rd, Green Lane. 1-mile dog walk, games, vendors. Sign up: relayforlife.org/barkpaupperperk or Janine at u.p.barkforlife@gmail.com Flea Mkt/Craft Show 8am-3pm (r/d Oct 11) at Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park, Rte 309 & Fairmount St, Coopersburg, 1-800-4052773 or uslionsclub.com Adopt-A-Highway Fall Clean up 8am-10am, volunteers will meet at CDP’s parking lot at Rte 313 & Thatcher Rd, Quakertown. Sign up Contact: stephanie.weachter@ubymca.org Family Style Ham Dinner 4pm-7pm (or sold out), at Community Fire Co, 333 Delaware Rd, Riegelsville, info: 610-749-2737 All-U-Can-Eat Turkey Dinner 4pm-7pm or sold out at Zion Lutheran Fellowship Hall, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill. $9/ adults, $5/kids 5-12, take-out avail. FMI 215538-7911 day of dinner Fundraiser Dinner/Auction 5pm at Springtown Rod/Gun Club, Rte 212 Main St, Springtown. Bring covered dish to share, Speaker from Audubon Soc., contact Rose at atrozenjoze@verizon.net Apple Festival 10am-3pm at Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse, 4216 Countryside Lane, Hellertown. Lots of fun activities for kids, tours, apple treats for sale, music, 610-6258771, lutzfranklin.com I Love Flea Markets 9am-1pm at St. John’s Lutheran, 910 Allentown Rd, West Rockhill Twp. Apple Dumpling sale, BCSPCA, Girl Scout table, Kid Craft, Quilt Raffle, 215-257-6104 Pig Roast/Clam Bake 3pm-7pm at Quakertown K of C Home & Event Hall, 1011 Anna Lane, Sellersville. $20/adults, $10/ages 6-12, free under 6. BYOB, kofc4649.org Cooks Creek Watershed Assoc. Dinner/ Silent Auction, 5pm. Speaker Howard B Eskin at Springtown Rod & Gun Club, Rte 212/Main St, Springtown. Contact Rose: atrozenjoze@ verizon.net, cookscreekpa.org

October 3 & 4

Bevilacqua &Boardman exhibit at Stover

Mill Gallery, 852 River Rd (Rte 32), Erwinna PA ends this weekend. 1pm-5pm both days, info at HarryBoardman.com or buckscountysculptor.com Three Perkasie Area Artists display at Perkasie Historical Society Museum, 513 W Walnut St. Donations welcome, perkasiehistory.org

of Christ, 151 S 4th St, Quakertown. Speaker: Rep. Craig Staats will be here. 215-536-7712

October 4

October 8, 9, & 10

“Blessing of the Animals” 2:30pm, Animals in Distress, 5075 Limeport Pk, Coopersburg. Music, craft/gift bazaar, food 1pm-3:30pm. Pets receive a St. Francis medal, 610-966-9383, animalsindistress-pa.org Breakfast 8am-12noon at Sellersville American Legion, 75 N Main St. $5/age 5 & up, $2/age 3-5, free/age 0-2, info: 215-257-9801 Breakfast 8am-1pm at Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212. $7/adults, $4/ages 5-8, free age 4 & under Be-Bop Bolt at Bucks 5K Color Dash, regis. begins 8am, race 9am, 10:30am local musicians perform, vendors, raffles, etc. Bucks Co Commun. College, Upper Bucks Campus 33rd Annual Super Street Rod Sunday 9am-

October 8 & 9

Fall Rummage Sale 9am-5pm at Benner Hll, Cherry St, Richlandtown. Homemade lunch items & baked goods. ½ price sale after 2pm on Friday, 215-538-0875 or stjuccrichtown@ verizon.net Rummage/Soup/Cookie Sale at St. Peter’s Lutheran, 305 Delaware Rd, Riegelsville.

(Thu 9am-5pm) (Fri 9am-4pm) (Sat 9am-1pm, $4 a bag day), 610-749-0830

October 9 & 10

“Colorburst” Quilt Show at Quakertown Christian Sch., 50 E Paletown Rd, Quakertown.

(Fri 10-6) (Sat 10-5), Adm: $7/1 day, $10/2day, free 12 & under. Info: keystonequilters. org or 610-282-0651

October 10

“Wag Walk” Walk-A-Thon (with or w/o pets) at Nockamixon State Park, regis.

10:30am at Marina, walk 11:30am (2.5 mi.), contests/games, food (r/d Oct 11) Regis/info: 610-762-8553, animalsindistress-pa.org

Halloween Parade in Coopersburg 3pm-4:30pm (r/d Oct 18), more info/ sign up: John 610-282-0812 or CoopersburgHalloweenParade@gmail.com “Arrowheads & More Collection” of Bruce Bachman 1:30pm-4pm at Hartzel-Strassburger Homestead, 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pk, Sellersville. Free, donations welcome, Cindy 267-614-9174 Cruise w/the Motorvator’s 3pm-7pm at Dairy Queen, Rte 309, Quakertown. $1 per car donation goes to Children’s Hosp. of Phila.

(CHoP), details at 215-536-7490 Vera Bradley Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co, 125 Ridge Rd, Tylersport, doors open 11am, $20/adv. tkts, call 215-589-4195, $25/at door Cash Bingo 1pm at Eastern Upper Bucks Seniors, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville. $15 for 20games, doors open 12noon, light lunch available to purchase, call 610-847-8178 for info/directions Birds of Prey Nature Program, 2pm, $3/ person, reserv. requested, more info at Churchville Nature Ctr, 215-357-4005 or churchvillenaturecenter.org Explorer’s Boat Construction & Race, 1:30pm Nature Ctr in Doylestown. $6 for materials to design & build your own boat, race starts 2:30pm. Info: 215-345-7860 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org

October 12 – Columbus Day

“Washington House History” presented 7pm at Historical Society meeting, West Rockhill Twp Bldg, 1028 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Guest Speaker: Marty Steely

October 13

“Suicide Prevention...Intervention” program 8:30am for Business Women Networking Involving Charity/Educ. (BW NICE), Best Western Lehigh Vly Hotel/Conference Ctr, 300 Gateway Dr, Bethlehem.

2pm at Silver Creek AA, Rtes 412 & 212, Springtown. General admis: $5/adults, ages 12 & under free, 215-258-5719 Coach/Vera Bradley Bingo, also gift certificates from local businesses, open 12noon at Sellersville Firehouse, 2 N Main St. Tkts: adv/$25, at door/$30. Call PYSA for tkts at 267-625-6968 Seed Pkgs Naturalist Foray, 2pm, free at Nature Center, 170 N Chapman Rd, Doylestown. Check out the bounty of seeds left from earlier flowers, 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org 2015 Perkasie Borough Fall Fest 12noon5pm at Town Center & Menlo Park, pony rides, petting zoo, inflatables, music, train rides, etc. (r/d Oct 11) Info/regis. at perkasierec.com Penny Party 1:30pm at St. Luke’s Church, Easton/Raubsville Rd and Church Rd in Williams Twp

October 6

Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 1pm-6pm at Indian Valley Country Club, 650 Bergey Rd, Telford. Info: indianvalleychamber.com

October 8

Fire Prevention Open House 7pm-9pm at Chalfont Fire Co, 301 N Main St, Chalfont, 215-822-8262 “Shadows of Power” at Citizens for Constitutional Govt meeting, 7pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St, Quakertown. Info: http://ccg-pa.org AARP Meeting 1pm at First United Church

2nd Annual Hilltown Community Day, 3pm-7pm at Hilltown Civic Park, Rte 152, Entertainment, games, crafts, food, fire trucks, 7:30pm fireworks, hilltowncivic.org “Autumn Cruise” Car Show & Scarecrow Competition 11am-3pm (r/d Oct 11), all makes, models, years. Walnut Street Park, Main & Walnut Sts, Richlandtown. 267-3714506 or Richlandtownborough.org Mrs. Spider’s Tea Party, 1:30pm at Nature Ctr, 170 N Chapman Rd, Doylestown. Bring your stuffed pal, listen to creepy stories, then outside to explore more. 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org Mother’s Market 9am-2pm at Quakertown Freshman Ctr, 349 South 9th St, Quakertown, 215-529-9903 for $25/space, also food & bake sale Roast Beef Dinner (family style dining room service or drive-thru take-out service) $14/ adults, $7/ages 5-12, under 5 is free, $14/takeout. Plumsteadville Fire Co, 5064 E Stump Rd near Rte 611

October 11

Firehouse Breakfast 7:30am-12noon at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Ln. $7/adults, $3/kids 5-10, free under 5, $2/ re-orders, $8/to-go. 610-982-5710 Buffet Breakfast 8am-1pm at Silverdale Fire Co, 111 W Main St. $7/adults, $4/ages 6-12, free under 6

October 15

10th Annual Upper Bucks Foodie, 5:30pm8pm at Sands Chrysler Jeep Dodge Showroom, Rte 309, Quakertown. Food, spirits, music, benefits PA Free Enterprise Week, ubcc.org Free conference on Aging & Technology 8am-4:30pm at DeSales University Ctr, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, details/info: Trina Johnson-Brady 610-794-5150 or tbrady@phoebe.org Board Game Night at Quakertown Library 6pm-8:45pm, 401 W Mill St. Play our games or bring your own. All are welcome!

October 16

Halloween at the Y for ages 2 to 12 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Details: 215-536-YMCA or ubymca.org Monster Dash/Kids Fun Run for ages 4-10 (begins 5pm) at Strayer Middle School outdoor track, Quakertown. Contact: 215-536-YMCA x120 or megan.gelsebach@ubymca.org Spook & Splash Halloween swim party, 7pm-9pm at UBYMCA swimming pool, registration required. Free to community, 215-536-YMCA Coach/Vera Bradley Bingo, doors open 6pm, at Benner Hall, 1260 East Cherry Rd, Quakertown, 215-801-9369

October 16 & 17

Perkiomen Watershed’s 25th Halloween Night Hike, meet 5 nocturnal animal families,

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What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

followed by campfire & refreshments. Guided 90 minute hikes, Pre-regis. w/paymt required, r/d Oct 18, info/regis: 610-287-9383, perkiomenwatershed.org (for ages 3-9 & family)

October 17

1st Annual “Engines for Emma” Benefit Car Show, 1pm-5pm ($15/vehicle, regis.

12noon-2pm), Old Forge Motorcars, 1101 N Broad St, Lansdale. Questions? Call Jim at 267-718-9932 Turkey Dinner 3pm-7pm or sold out. Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Ln, 610982-5710, BYOB, $11/adults & Take-outs, $6/kids 6-12 Turkey Dinner 4pm-7pm at St. Luke’s Church, Easton/Raubsville Rd & Church Rd, Williams Twp, $10/adults, $6/kids ages 5-10, take-out available, 610-838-0897 Chicken Barbecue Dinner 3pm-6pm or sold out. Drive-thru pickup at Quakertown Fire Co, 505 W Broad St, Qtown. $10/complete meal, adv/tkts or ??? call Dawn 267-249-8834 Cheesesteak/French Fries Dinner 4pm-8pm at Richland Twp Fire/Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. $9/adults, $6/kids menu-hot dog/french fries, take-out avail., 610-7395309 or 610-960-4407 Free Recognition (Pig Roast) Dinner honoring Vietnam War Veterans, 4pm-7pm at VFW, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown. Must have registered by August 31.

Young Birders Club in Doylestown, 10am-12noon for Jr High & High School students. Free, contact Jen at jmconway-ianacone@co.bucks.pa.us for details.

Peacevalleynaturecenter.org or 215-345-7860 St. Agnes Attic Treasures Rummage Sale, 8am-1pm at Social Hall, 445 N Main St, Sellersville. Refreshments avail, $25/table, contact Dawn 215-804-5234

October 18

Firemen’s Breakfast 8am-12noon, order by menu. Community Fire Co, 333 Delaware Rd, Riegelsville. Info: 610-749-2737 All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet 8am-11am at Christ Lutheran, 69 Main St, Hellertown, $6/adults, $3/ages 7-12, free age 6 & under “Liberty Bell Trolley Route” 2pm by Doug Peters. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran, across from “Church School” at 2165, Rte 212, Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg), Tom 484-308-1510 “The Jazz Sanctuary” will perform 2pm4pm at Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 East Main St, Perkasie, pennridgecenter.org Light refreshments, donations are accepted. All are welcome, thejazzsanctuary.com 48th Annual Quakertown Halloween Parade 2pm (r/d Oct 25), please donate $1/pp to defray costs and also a non-perishable food item for Qtown Food Pantry. ??? contact Tom Klee 215-538-5600 x5641 Bingo at Souderton Fire Co, 266 N 2nd St. (doors open 12noon) early birds 12:45pm.

Tickets $15. Info: 215-721-3167

October 23

Fall Ball Dinner Dance w/Gary Dee at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 East Main St, Perkasie, info at 215-453-7027 or pennridgecenter.org ($20 dinner/dance reservations required by Oct 19) (dance only is $10)

October 23 & 24

Quakertown Library Book Sale, 401 W 4th St, Qtown. (Fri 10am-5:30pm) (Sat 10am4:30pm, bag sale begins 2pm), hardcover/50 cents, paperback/25 cents

October 24

Fall Craft Show 9am-3pm, local handcrafts/ baked goods, lunch available, handicap accessible, at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown, info: 610-739-5309 or 610-960-4407 Craft Show/Bake Sale 9:30am-3pm at Chalfont Fire Co Aux, 301 N Main St. Refreshmts & homemade soup available, Diane 215-822-8262 or leave message @ 215-822-3434

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

“Tack Sale Blowout” 9am-2pm at Last Chance Ranch, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215538-2510, lastchanceranch.org Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Dinner (family style) 4pm-7pm, St. Paul’s UCC, 104 Green St, Sellersville. $10/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free under 6, ($8/takeout quarts ord’d by Oct 22), 215-257-7268, stpaulsucc.net Dance Night 7pm-11pm at Caitlyn & Cody’s, 1907 John Fries Hwy, Quakertown.

Prize for Best Costume (not required), door prizes, basket auction, $35/at door. Benefits Logan’s Heroes animals Harvest Fest 10am-2pm at St. Luke’s Upper Perk Ctr, 2793 Geryville Pike, Pennsburg.

Free health screenings, kids’ activities, trick or treat, music, etc. Also Monster Mash/5K Dash, call 1-866-STLUKES Halloween Dance (doors open 6:30pm) at Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212. BYOB, snacks provided, $20/single, $30/couple. Call firehouse for tkts: 610-346-8383

October 25

All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast 8am-12noon at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown, $7/adults, $5/ages 4-7, free 3 & under, 215-536-2224 or haycockfire.org “Trunk or Treat & Hayride” 1pm-4pm at Trinity Great Swamp UCC, 9150 Spinnerstown Rd, Spinnerstown. Kids can come in costume, hayride is at 2pm, treats, games, refreshments

October 29

Halloween Bash to give children w/special needs an opportunity to trick-or-treat in a safe environment. Free event in Montgomeryville, visit pbgw.com/community for info, to register, or to volunteer

October 31 - Halloween

Open House at Springfield Twp Histor.

Society’s one-room schoolhouse “Church School” at 2165 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg), Tom 484-308-1510 2nd Annual Howl-O-Ween Party 10am2pm at Last Chance Ranch, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, games, costumes, pony rides, & more, ck website for details: lastchanceranch. org Sellersville Halloween Parade, sign in 9am at Museum, 120 E Church St. If rain/snow, parade will be at Fire Hall, 2 N Main St, Sellersville

November 2

Martinis & Manicures 6pm-9pm, Pennridge Comm. Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie. $35 Spa/Shopping Pkg, $25 Shop to Drop Pkg, tkts/info: 267-664-2533 or 215-257-6464, benefits Kiwanis Scholarship Fund

November 3 – Election Day

November 4 Pastoral Wkshop w/Dr. Benjamin Mast 9am-11am at Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd, Allentown (regis. & brkfast at 8am) Free, but regis. required by Oct 26, call 610-794-5119 for details & registration

November 6

Coach Bag Bingo, doors open 6pm at St. Agnes R.C. Church, Sellersville. BYOB, tkts/$35 at mjgarges@verizon.net

November 7

“Reading Goes to the Dogs” 2pm-3:30pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St, Qtown.

Children of all ages are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs. 215-536-3306 Holiday Vendor/Craft Fair at Perkasie Firehouse, $30/booth, call 484-719-7101 or email: info@LHARinc.org for info. Benefits Logan’s Heroes Animal Rescue Craft Flea Market 9am-2pm at Green Lane Fire Co, 214 Main St, info: 215-679-7617, $10/space

November 8

Veteran’s Day Pancake Breakfast 8am12noon at Chalfont Fire Station, 301 N Main St, Chalfont. FREE for Veterans w/ID, $6/ adults, $5/ages 4-10, Free/age 3 and under, 215-822-8262

Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 312 W. Broad St, Quakertown, PA 18951

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

Moving Forward

In last months’ article about facing our fears, the concept of moving forward fits well. In order to embrace this beautiful Fall season, it is important for us to see what it is that is possibly holding us back from “facing our fears” and “moving forward”.

As I have said before I truly believe that we as individuals are the “culprits” because of own self-doubts, fears and insecurities. Wouldn’t it be nice if we would wake up every day and say today is the day that I confront this person or go to the gym or ask for help? Or whatever it is that it a thorn in our side that immobilizes us and stops us dead in our tracks. What it comes down to is identifying our wants and needs and figuring out how to do that as comfortable as process. What a concept how to be comfortable with ourselves and in our own skin. All of these concepts are intertwined on some level thus tackling any problem or situation in a positive or negative way requires us to do some introspection.

That is why Fall is the perfect time of year for us to look deep within ourselves with some grace and compassion and take a leap of faith that this road is a better one than the one we have been on. The fork in the road is symbolic for many of us. Do I choose the same road that is comfortable and safe and what I know? Or do I choose a different road that is filled with possibilities and hopes and the unknown? We make these decisions based upon what is happening in our life, what we feel we can handle what we have been taught and above all right now do I want to do it differently? Do I want to embrace my fears, take a risk and move forward in my life being possibly uncomfortable?

Being uncomfortable is not always a bad

thing; it can actually be quite empowering in the sense that we changed the rules and stepped out of our own comfort zone. This can be a liberating experience and define how the next few hours, days, weeks, months or years may be. How exciting? We sometimes never think that it could be so grand.

We think of all the “what ifs” and “what will happen”. To stay in that thinking keeps us stuck and safe and comfortable. And while this does work and it makes perfect sense.

My belief is that we always need to question, “Is this where I really want to be or do I want to add more value and purpose to my life?” I am always striving to be better and work very hard at being willing to push myself out of my own comfort zone because I feel it is necessary for me to be the best person I can be and to ultimately feel really good about myself.

Don’t get me wrong I do not always face my fears; however I am willing and often will face them in order for me to grow as a person regardless of the outcome. I understand that I am powerless over certain things and people in my life and I accept that in order for things to change I need to view my life differently and be willing to move forward in my life in order to have the happiness, peace and balance that I crave and seek on almost a daily basis. Take the opportunity to truly experience the Fall season by taking a long drive and seeing all the colors on the trees changing and how incredibly magnificent and beautiful it really is and all that it can offer you as you move towards a better you. .

My belief is that “all persons are truly greater than they think they are.” Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219.

Visit her website at www.balancelife4u.com.

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” - Emily Bronte

Ongoing Events & Resources Sept. to May – “Wed. Night Happenings” at Quakertown Church of the Brethren, 6:45pm8pm for Kindergarten thru 12th grade, info at quakertowncob.org or 215-536-7510 Oct 26 to Nov 20, Thanksgiving Food Drive at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown.

Donations of non-perishable food items to be donated to Quakertown Food Pantry for families in need, ubymca.org Hoagie Sales 2nd Monday of month (except July/August) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, advance orders due Wed. before. $5.25-$5.75, info/order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com Saturday Bird Walks 8am on trails at Peace Valley Nature Ctr.in Doylestown. Bring binoculars, suitable for adults & over age 12 w/adult. $2 donation, 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org AARP Chapter #3377 meets 2nd Thurs each month, 1pm in fellowship hall (Sept through May) at First United Church of Christ, 151 S 4th St, Quakertown, 215-536-7712 All Veterans invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville.

Call Frank 215-679-7770 Veterans invited 7:30pm, fourth Monday each month at VFW Post 3405, at 211 E Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Call for details at 610-282-1840 Veterans invited 1:30pm, second Sunday each month at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, 267-3719636 Bring DD 214 for proof eligibility.

PetSmart Adoption Day on 2nd Saturdays, 11am-3pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Qkrtwn, 215-538-2843 lastchanceranch.org Neighbors Adoption Day, 2nd Saturday each month, 10am-1pm, Neighbors Home & Garden, 38 Main St, Hellertown, 610-838-7000 Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org Meet the Dogs at LCR, 12noon-3pm, Saturdays (weather permitting), 9 Beck Rd, Qkrtwn, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org.

Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-593-9995 carolonline1@ verizon.net Doylestown Singles Soc. Intermediate Bridge Club meets every Tues. 7pm at a private residence in Doylestown. Info at 215-340-7604 or shalstrick@comcast.net

Support & Service Groups

Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month, stef@sistersu.com Bullying Prevention Support Group 6:30pm-7:30pm every Wed at UBYMCA in Quakertown. Free. advance registration required: 215-750-7220 SOS Bereavement After Suicide – Family Support Group meets at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital twice monthly, info/details call 215-536-5143 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 Caregiver Support Group meetings last Thurs. of every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting.

Caregiver Support Group 4pm-5pm, meets 4th Thur. of month, Hidden Meadows, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville, (tour & complimentary lunch), 267-429-3931 hiddenmeadows ontheridge.com Upper Bucks Clinic, free medical care Mon & Wed 5:30pm-8:30pm to uninsured low-income residents of Upper Bucks Co w/no medical insurance & meet guidelines. Info: 215-538-4774, 267-404-7100 Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets 4pm, 4th Thurs of month, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931 Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Group, 3:30pm5:00pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main

St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4517 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guidance, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900. www.NOVABucks.org Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, free babysitting, 215-538-3195 Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-923-7900 Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tuesdays 7:30pm-8:30pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster. naranon@yahoo.com Doylestown Nar-Anon meets Wednesdays 6pm at Summit Behavioral Health, 702 Hyde Park, Doylestown. Call 215-589-7111 for directions and info.

A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220w8116, www.awomansplace.org Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays each month, 7pm at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel) Business Networking International (BNI) meets every Thursday 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am-9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054

Community Meals

“Fourth Sunday” Breakfast every month, 8am-1pm, all-you-can-eat buffet, $8/adults, $4/

kids, (Easter Egg hunt in April), Lwr Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pk, Coopersburg Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 Free Community Meals 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Quakertown, 215-536-4447 Free Community Dinner first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm at the Yerger Bldg across the street from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown

Bingo

Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Saturday of month, 1pm-4pm, lunch available to buy, (lots of $$ specials), 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, details: 215-256-6900 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall every Thur, 12:15pm (first Thur. of month has $50 Jackpot), 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, doors open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smokefree), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues. doors open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn.

215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat. night, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open. Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. opens 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Jackpot Bingo at Red Hill Fire Co Social Hall 3rd Friday every month, opens 6pm, games 7pm, 82 E 5th St, Red Hill Bingo at American Legion Post 397 every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, opens 6pm, snacks available, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

5

Growing Up in Bucks County Growing up in a rented rural farmhouse with very few modern conveniences in Upper Bucks County in the late 40’s through the 60’s certainly didn’t seem as impressive as I later found out of the area’s reputation here in the U.S. and around the world held to the area’s name. “Bucks County,” as I later found out had and has a special flair in its name.

This all came to mind as I sat on the stage next to the young lady (Amanda Hafler), who had just gave the presentation of “Flanders Field” at the Memorial Day Service. I mentioned to her that the name “Eric Knight” just read as being killed in World War II, was the Eric Knight who wrote “Lassie Come Home.” Yes, Eric Knight lived in Upper Bucks County. On one Sunday afternoon shortly after the war, our family took a ride after visiting with our grandparents and we drove past the home where he lived.

Another story I like to tell and is part of my presentation I give to 4th graders from Pfaff School every May on the experience of attending a one room school house. I recall time we spent one day at school with Pearl Buck. Our 1st grade school teacher knew Pearl Buck and arranged for her to visit with us at the Shelly School (Just over the Tohickon Bridge going out of Quakertown towards Richlandtown). She talked about her life in China and about the orphaned children and of course, her writing. Even as a first grader who had a hard time visualizing about Chinese life when his world was contained in a 35-mile radius. That memory of her visit was forever fused in my mind. Later I read that Pulitzer Prize winning book and my wife and I were involved a few years ago with helping a young couple adopt a child from China through the Pearl Buck Foundation.

Other memories I have of seeing Jimmy Stewart drive up to a stop sign in a bright yellow Chrysler near the town of Springtown on another of our Sunday drives. I believe he was just visiting one of his friends in the “artist” communities. When my sister sang one of the leads in “Carousel” up at the Municipal Opera Company in Allentown and also participated in “Oklahoma” and “The Student Prince”, I learned that Oscar Hammerstein was also a resident of “Bucks County. Let us not forget James Michener!

He grew up in Bucks County and made it his home. When I lived up in what is known as “Little California” between Shelly Station and Richlandown, we had neighbors who lived on a farmhouse hidden by brush near our village who also were famous writers. The list would go on as we travel south and east in the Bucks County of many famous “stage artists”, T.V and movie personalities, writers, actual artists, and business and professional leaders. There is also a known school or type of artists known as the Bucks County School” including Walter Emerson Baum from nearby Sellersville.

When I was working in the Commander in Chief of the Army in Europe’s office and was in contact with different dignitaries including Federal Senators, Representatives, etc. they would ask us enlisted men where we were from and if I mentioned Quakertown, it meant nothing to them. One time I was giving a tour of Heidelberg to some of our VIP’s and when they looked puzzled and asked “where is Quakertown”, I mentioned in Bucks County.

They knew exactly where I lived. After that I always said I lived in Bucks County and never experienced a puzzled look on anybody’s face. When General Creighton Abrams visited the CINC before taking command of the forces in Vietnam, his aid, (then) Colonel John Eisenhower came up to our office and asked me to run downtown for something for the General. He asked me the same polite question of where I was from. I mentioned Bucks County and he mentioned that his civilian home was nearby in Montgomery County.

When he mentioned the name I told him my brother’s wife, Marilyn Helm was also from that area and her father had an appliance store in that town.

Small world! He bought his appliances there and knew her dad personally. After I returned from my chore, he continued our conversation and even bought me lunch in the side dining room next to the formal General’s Round Table Dining Room! So I can always say I dined with President Eisenhower’s son while serving in Heidelberg. All because I mentioned that I lived in “Bucks County!”

For those who have always lived here and for those who read this article I want you to remember the fact—As you travel here in the U.S. or on cruises such as we vacation on, or travel overseas, when asked where you are from, say “Bucks County”. That named location is known around the world!

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

“All Write!” Put that Novel on Paper at Quakertown Library Aspiring writers, and those already putting pen to paper, are invited to attend All Write!, a three-month series of writing events and workshops aimed at helping them get those short stories, memoirs, and novels out of their heads and onto the page.

All Write! will take place at the Quakertown branch of the Bucks County Free Library. A detailed listing of dates, times, and location of all events is listed below and is available on the calendar on our website (www.buckslib.org).

Writers looking for hands-on help – for ideas and ways to deal with the dreaded blank page – are invited to attend Story Spinners, a series of creative writing workshops led by author Bonnie Neubauer. These workshops will take place every other Tuesday evening in October. Open writing sessions, for those looking for a quiet place to practice what they are learning in the workshops, will be held on alternate Tuesday evenings in October.

All Write! culminates with National Novel Writing Month. Known as NaNoWriMo, this is a novel writing project that brings together professional and amateur writers from all over the world. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000word novel by 11:59 p.m. on November 30.

Activities planned for NaNoWriMo include a kick-off event, drop-in writing sessions, and a

closing celebration.

All events are free, and registration is not required. More information on our events can be found on our website: www.buckslib.org.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOLLOWS. All Write! at the Quakertown (Michener) Branch,401 West Mill Street, Quakertown, (215) 536-3306 • A visit with Kathryn Craft, author of “The Art of Falling,” a novel set in the Philadelphia dance world – Saturday, September 19 at 1 p.m.

• Story Spinners, a series of creative writing workshops with author Bonnie Neubauer Tuesday Evenings at 7 p.m.— September 29, October 13, October 27 Sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Quakertown • NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) Kick-Off Event – Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

Drop-In Writing Sessions – Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. – November 10, 17, 24; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – November 7, 14, 21, 28. A room will be available throughout the month for anyone wishing to drop in and write.

Closing Celebration – Saturday, December 5 at 1 p.m.

From Bicycle to Beyond Often times a person has a preconceived notion as to their own success. That innocent shortsightedness places an imagined barrier that seems impossible to cross. However, there are those who have pushed themselves into great achievement realized a life beyond their dreams.

Wilbur and Orville Wright were high school graduates in Dayton, Ohio and owned a bicycle shop. They became World renowned for their ability to design, craft, and build custom bicycles for racing. The Wright Brothers had a vision that men could master flight. They used their imagination, ingenuity, observation, skill in design, discipline, and determination to build and test gliders on the coast of North Carolina. From these experiments, they were able to perfect the first airplane and successfully achieve manned flight on December 17, 1903.

These two brothers got off of their bicycles and pushed themselves to explore and achieve something important that would benefit everyone for eternity. Then again, there are some who never get off of that bicycle.

Let me make this relative to you. Yes, there are some that spin their wheels, beat in time with the calendar, and can’t see beyond their own nose. How about the CPA who specializes in municipal finance and peddles his bicycle all over town with a vision that goes nowhere? Then again, Dumb & Dumber take what they can get to make themselves feel better at the expense of others all the while thinking they are making a difference but are actually standing in place and taking up space. These three schemers sort of remind you of Larry, Darryl, and Darryl from the old Newhart show. I believe the Beatles wrote a song about people like this. It is entitled Nowhere Man. Over the past three decades of private practice, I have met many, many patients who have impaired hearing. These individuals are unable to understand soft speech, require others to repeat what they said, mistake some words for other words, respond inappropriately to questions and comments, need to have the television volume control placed at a higher than normal level, choose not to participate in conversations or groups because they can’t hear, etc.

Essentially, they are going in circles repeating the same experiences and not making any improvements or changes for the better.

They are riding a proverbial bicycle and do not realize they can make a change and dis-

mount. They feel there is nothing available that can help them give them a better quality of life and make a difference.

That new avenue in life is better hearing provided by a board certified and licensed audiologist in private practice. This professional has the ability to complete an extensive case history, conduct a comprehensive audiological evaluation, review the results, and provide recommendations. This audiologist will help you down off of that bicycle in life.

Digital amplification has been available since about 1998. Technological advancements in the industry are easily in the 20th generation of development and are beyond the reader’s imagination. Amplification not only makes sound louder to hear but makes soft sound audible, normal sounds clear, and loud sounds tolerable and noninvasive. Speech is emphasized and background signal is quieted so the wearer is able to understand what is being said.

In addition, an array of wireless accessories allow the patient to make use of today’s audio technology to their advantage. A remote control may be utilized to change programs depending upon the listening situations of normal conversation, listening to music, watching television, and speaking on the telephone. A streamer can be attached to your television to transfer the signal directly from the television directly and wirelessly to the hearing aids. The television can be muted so as not to disturb others and the signal is sent directly to the wearer for easy listening.

Yes, a change is possible to better hearing. But you need to make the choice to get off that bicycle and seek what can be had to improve the quality of your life. Sure there are some that will continue to ride that bicycle to nowhere like Larry, Darryl, and Darryl.

Honestly, some will never be anything more than they already are.

Don’t let it happen to you. The Wright Brothers dared to jump off the bicycle and fly. All you have to do is pick up the telephone and schedule an appointment to see a board certified & licensed private practice audiologist today to hear better today.

Mr. Murphy has had a bilateral mild-to-moderate sensor-ineural hearing loss all his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user. Mr. Murphy has been in practice in Pennsylvania since receiving his Master of Education in Audiology from University of Virginia in the Spring of 1987. Mr. Murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related national and international organizations.

He

can be

reached at hearingdoc@aol.com and by phone at

215-230-9000.

6

• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

St. John’s Water Well Block Party a Success!

BY STEVE HAEKLER

The Upper Bucks Free Press is made possible by the businesses you see on these pages.

Remember to thank them for helping to support your community’s voice.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

St. John’s Lutheran Richlandtown, PA is one of nearly 10,000 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who participated in “God’s work. Our hands.”

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015. Across the country, thousands of ELCA members engaged in service work to make a positive change in their communities, build and deepen relationships and share God’s love.

St. John’s, together with local businesses and organizations including the Richlandtown Fire Company, hosted a Water Well Block Party for the Richlandtown and Quakertown Communities on Sunday September 13 from 12-3 at St. John’s 4 South Main St. Richlandtown PA 18955. It was a fun afternoon for families with water events, live music, food and drinks. The block party was free, but we collected donations at the event to help provide a deep-water well for a community in Malawi, Africa that has no clean water of its own.

This was the final event of our summer long “Feed the World” campaign. All proceeds from this campaign will go to the community

Allison Hubner works the donation table in Malawi to help provide an animal farm and deep water well so they can be more self-sufficient, just like we are here.

Check out more pictures from the event on Facebook!

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship

Bible Baptist Church meets at Strayer Middle School Auditorium 1200 Ronald Reagan Drive, Quakertown 267-772-0288 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Thomas Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling.

Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Christ’s Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopcke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church Church of the Incarnation (Anglican-Episcopal) 44 S. 8th Street, Quakertown 215-538-3787 Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Wednesday 10:00am Deep Run West Mennonite Church 1008 Deep Run Road, Perkasie 215-257-9643 deeprunwest@verizon.net Pastor: Rodger Schmell Service 10:30, nursery available, Sunday School 9:15, Men & Women’s Bible studies, Young Adult Bible Study & Programs, Preschool through High School age programs & events. All welcome to join us!

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

Evangel Assembly of God 401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Where God’s Love Changes Lives First United Methodist Church

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

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

Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: The Rev. Catherine Kerr 10:00am Sunday Eucharist Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Pastor: Ron Kohl, Sr. Pastor Sunday School for all ages, 10:10am Morning Worship, Evening 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:30pm, Small Group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm, Wednesday: AWANA (2yrs-6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, adult bible study 7pm Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 215-529-6422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry provided, EastWest Cafe open with free coffee.

Celebrate recovery Wednesday 7pm. Check website for more info.

MorningStar Moravian Church 610-282-1908234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Lance Fox Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.

Pennridge Christian Fellowship 720 Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen 215-257-7309 kallebach@pennridgecf.org www.pennridgecf.org Pastor: Thomas Vargis Sunday worship 10:30am, Sunday School after song service (infants to age 12), Wed evenings 7pm w/ prayer, Crossroads youth & (Sep-Apr)

boys and girls clubs. All are welcome.

Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road, Quakertown 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Russell J. Atkinson Sunday morning worship - 8:00am 9:00am 11:00am Sunday School for all ages 10:00am, Communion offered first Sunday of the month Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown 215-538-7555 Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org Clerks: Kathy Redding, Jack H. Schick Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.”

Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville 215-257-7244 rvucc.pastor@verizon.net www.ridgevalleyucc.org Pastor: Rev. Steve Myren We are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith.

Worship: Sundays 9:30am. Ridge Valley: Growing Together in God’s Love.

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

St. John’s Lutheran Church 19 South 10th Street, Quakertown 215-536-3593 stjohnsquak@verizon.net www.stjohnsquak.org Pastor: Ray Miller Sunday Worship 8 and 10:30am, Sunday School 9:15am. Welcoming, Reaching Out, Serving. Elevator available St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Worship Service 9:45am, Sunday School 9 9:45am, children age 4 through 6th Grade.

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road, West RockhillTwp

215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net www.stjohns-ridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter Worship: 8:30 am – Traditional, 10:15 am Contemporary w/ Praise Band, Sunday School 9:30 am, Visitors always welcome “You are invited to share our joy!”

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

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

Trinity Great Swamp UCC Spinnerstown Rd & County Line Rd Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis / Matt Gorkos Sunday Worship Services 8am (communion 1st Sunday of month) and 10:30am. Sunday School classes for all ages (preK-Adult) and family activities 9:15am.

Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9 am traditional services, 10:15 Sunday School, 11am Contemporary service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Community Service Oriented Victory Fellowship Church 120 Ridge Road, Telford 215-257-7906 vam7@truevine.net www.victoryfellowshippa.org Pastor: Dr. Virgil A. Mobley Full Gospel.A friendly, loving, and joyful church where the presence of God is in His house.

Check out our website.

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

7

Monster at the Sewer Plant

It’s a mystery how the giant snapping turtle got into Final Clarifier #10. It certainly didn’t come down the sewer pipes. It would have gotten hung up at the bar screen. If it got into the Grit Removal Building, where there is a wheelbarrow ramp it could walk up, it would have never gotten past the Raw Sewage pumps--in one piece at least. Any place else in the Plant, it would have had to climb steps. It was big enough to do that, so I guess that’s how it got there.

The night shift operators are all young guys. They grew up with all the video games and electronic gadgets they have now-a-days.

Wading in creeks at night with a flash light, gigging eels or catching snapping turtles--like I used to do--is not an experience they’ve enjoyed. The turtle in the clarifier was the big topic of conversation when I got to work the other morning. Everyone was be-flustered over what to do about it.

I read the log books, got into my work cloths then hunted down an operator. “Let’s see this turtle of yours,” I said.

We rode a utility cart out to the tanks and, sure enough, there was a snapper floating in the gap between the scum baffle and the weir troughs. It was a big one! It was gripping the trough and cement baffle with the tips of its front claws. Turtles can’t float forever and the tank is ten feet deep so it was probably getting tired. Over the decades I’ve worked in the wastewater treatment industry I’ve encountered quite a few snapping turtles that have gotten into the system. This one was as big as any I’d seen.

I couldn’t tell if the guys were excited because they were worried about the turtle, or because the thing was so frightening looking.

At any rate, they’d all gathered around. It was only just getting light then, so I could imagine how they might have been startled when they first saw its shadowy form under the yard lights. If they had any imagination at all, I could see them mistaking it for a monster of some sort.

I climbed over the railing, got onto the foot wide cement baffle and carefully walked out to the middle of the tank. The snapper was hovering just under the surface with its nose out of the water. I bent over and tapped it gently on the back to make sure it was still live. It was.

I was happy it didn’t dive, because it was in a perfect position for me to safely get it.

I reached down, grabbed it as close to the base of its tail as I could (it was too thick to get my hand all the way around it), and quickly lifted it out of the water. Grabbing them by the tail is the only safe way to catch a snapper.

You’ve got to be careful of their head though, they can stick it out pretty far, and the ‘snap’

of one that big would certainly take a couple of fingers off. You’ve got to hold them with their belly toward you and as far away from your body as possible so they can’t reach out and get you on the leg. I learned that the hard way as a kid.

This one was heavy. I had to get hold of its tail with both hands. It was rather awkward, walking on the foot wide ‘beam’ while holding out at arms’ length a 30 pound turtle with dangerous looking jaws snapping away.

When I got to the railing I realized there was no way I could climb up over it while holding the turtle’s tail with both hands. It had found the range and was clawing at my wrists with its back feet, too.

Fortunately one of the guys was braver than he looked. I lifted the beast up over the top rail, gave him some quick instructions, advising him it was heavy and to be wary of the jaws. He had a wild-eyed look on his face, but got a good grip. I told him to take it over and put it in the back of the utility cart, which he also accomplished with minimal trouble. The excitement was a little shrill, but the even seemed to be a morale booster.

As we gathered around the back of the cart looking at the terrifying monster (the description fits), I reinforced my reputation as a hunter and pseudo-survivalist by saying, “Boy! He’d sure make a big pot of snapper soup.”

“You aren’t going to kill it, are you?” One of the guys timidly asked.

“You can eat them!?” One of the city-dwellers chimed in.

“What? You haven’t had snapper soup? It’s really good!” I belittled them both. The concerned, dejected looks on their faces made me feel a little bad about making the joke. “No, we’re not going to kill it,” I reassured him.

“Get in the cart. We’ll put him in the creek.”

At the sewer plant outfall there is a deck with a railing and a cement weir that’s reinforced by large rock rip-rap. Climbing down the bank is a tricky, potentially ankle busting task to begin with. I decided instead to just put the turtle in a grassy swale where there’s a gap under the chain-link fence. I figured I’d let it find its own way into the creek. If it had made it up the steps and into the final clarifier, it could surely do that.

I grabbed its tail again and picked up the massive turtle from in the back of the cart. It seemed to appreciate being out of water for the first time in who-knows-how-long because it thrashed, clawed and snapped ferociously.

When I set it down in the grass, it bucked and snapped once, then pulled into its shell.

When we checked back half an hour later, the turtle was long gone. It was probably in the creek, waiting patiently for a fish, duck or small child to swim close enough.

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

Farmers’ Skills Can Pay Off for Investors, Too In many parts of the country, it’s harvest season. As a consumer, you will certainly be affected by the labors of farmers — and their particular skill set can also teach you a lot in your role as investor.

Here are a few suggestions for putting farmers’ behaviors to work for you: • Keep a cool head. Farmers have to cope with all sorts of challenges – bad weather, changing crop prices, availability and cost of land, global trade policies, etc. But the most successful farmers don’t panic, follow sound agricultural practices and adapt their work habits as necessary. As an investor, you, too, need to keep a cool head, especially in the face of volatile markets, political turmoil and changes in the economy. Don’t overreact to today’s headlines; instead, constantly plan for tomorrow, and follow an investment strategy designed to help you achieve your goals.

• Keep learning. Farmers are constantly learning new techniques from agricultural extension services and other sources. When you invest, you can also benefit from educating yourself on the various factors – corporate earnings, changing interest rates, and so on – affecting the financial markets.

• Control your expenses. Farming isn’t cheap. The cost of farm equipment is daunting, land is expensive, water usage can be enormous – the list goes on and on. The most successful farmers work hard to manage their costs, and it’s an ongoing challenge. As an investor, you also can incur plenty of costs – especially if you’re constantly buying and selling securities, which can lead to heavy commissions and fees, along with higher-than-necessary capital gains

taxes. Following a long-term, “buy-and-hold” investment strategy can help you control your investment costs while also helping you build and preserve your long-term financial security.

• Be flexible. The ups and downs of growing commodity crops have become more frequent, forcing farmers to become more flexible and resourceful in their business. For example, many farmers have started producing specific products for specific markets, thus giving them an “all-weather” income stream. As an investor, you may also need to look for new opportunities as they arise, provided these moves are still within the overall context of your long-term strategy. To be able to make such moves, you’ll want to keep a reasonable amount of “cash” in your investment portfolio.

• Be patient. Farmers plant crops and nurture them carefully for months before it’s harvest time. In fact, it’s possible that no other occupation requires such a willingness to wait for results – and payouts. Similarly, when you invest, you simply can’t expect to instantly turn huge profits; no matter what you may hear, investing is not a “get rich quick” type of endeavor. The best investors work toward growth slowly, over a period of many decades, and only by diligently pursuing a strategy that’s appropriate for their individual needs, goals and risk tolerance. In short, when it comes to investing, patience isn’t just a virtue – it’s a necessity.

Farmers work long hours, but they don’t just work hard – they work smart. Emulating their work habits and patterns can help as you cultivate the investment fields. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones office on West Broad Street, Quakertown.

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

Upper Bucks YMCA’s First Food Truck and Art Show Event a Success

Proving that good food can be served on wheels, the Upper Bucks YMCA hosted its first Food Truck & Art Show Event on Friday evening, September 18. Over 2000 community members enjoyed music by UBACE and Could’ve Been Huge while dining on a variety of food truck cuisines. The Proper Brewing Company was also on hand and the adults were excited about having The Proper opening soon in downtown Quakertown! Additionally, Marian Fraticelli, broker/owner of ReMax 440, donated 89 paintings for sale with all proceeds donated to the Y. According to Pat Edwards, Upper Bucks YMCA Executive Director, “The best part of the evening for me was to see so many families enjoying their time together at the Y. That’s part of what the Y is about.” The evening would not have been possible without the support from Quakertown Borough Manager Scott McElree and Fire Police Chief Doug Wilhelm, who provided fire policemen Paul Moyer and Bill Johnson for the evening, Marian Fraticelli, Brian and Kris Wilson, The Proper Brewing Company, Bob Swain, who provided hours of pedal-power and fun facts about his Unique Human-Powered Toys, Bob Podraza and his band Could’ve Been Huge, who also set up the sound for UBACE, and of course the food

trucks that served everything from smoothies to cheese steaks and nachos to ice cream.

Edwards continues, “It was truly a coming-together for the community and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result. We are already planning another event in late spring, so stay tuned!”

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Upper Bucks YMCA serves over 10,000 people annually, including over 5000 children and offers swimming, fitness, child care, youth, teen and adult sports programs and activities. The Y is proud to offer the 7th Grade Initiative, which began in September 2014, providing free full privilege memberships to all 7th graders in Upper Bucks County. Its mission is to put Christian principles, including honesty, caring, respect and responsibility into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA has a financial assistance program, supported by the United Way of Bucks County and private contributions, which ensures that no one will have to be turned away because of his or her inability to pay.

photos by christopher betz

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

Schuhplattler Kids Perform at Peace Fair

The River Valley Schuhplattler Troupe of Bucks County performed a collection of Bavarian shoe-slapping dances at the Peace Fair in Lahaska last week. Ranging in age from 8 to 10 years, the youngsters have been dancing at fairs and celebrations in the region for the past two years. Their signature dance, the River Valley Plattler, is a lively, whimsical romp of slapping, shouting, shoving and tumbling. Their Gamsprung is punctuated by breathtaking “goat-leaps,” first by soloists and then by the whole troupe.

The 16th annual Peace Fair, organized and

funded by Bucks area Quakers, attracted some 2000 Bucks area residents with a mixture of entertainment, kids games, crafts vendors, and more than 30 non-profit organizations, spreading the word about their valuable work. Some 75 volunteers are needed each year to put on the Peace Fair, with recruitment beginning in early October.

For more about the dancers, visit the Schuhplattler Kids website or Facebook page. For information about the Peace Fair, visit the Peace Fair website or Facebook page.

Governor Rejects House Efforts to Fund Schools, Human Services

BY STATE REP CRAIG STAATS (R-145)

As schools struggle to keep their doors open and human service agencies scrape together funds to serve those most in need, we were disappointed this week when Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed legislation to provide vital emergency funding.

This legislation would have disbursed both state and federal funding to reach schools and human service agencies, keeping students in the classroom and providing critical programs and services until a final budget agreement

could be reached.

Instead, the governor continued his game of leverage, using children and those most vulnerable as a way to put pressure on the General Assembly to agree to his substantial increases to the Personal Income Tax and Sales and Use Tax. We are committed to serving the needs of Pennsylvania’s citizens while being mindful of the families who ultimately pay the bills. We remain at the negotiating table to work out a fair, reasonable compromise that Pennsylvania citizens deserve.

The Upper Bucks Free Press is made possible by the businesses you see on these pages.

Remember to thank them for supporting your community’s voice.

Serving communities by promoting hope, health and wellness.

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery provides a comprehensive continuum of residential and outpatient behavioral health services to adults over 18. Our integrated model provides continuity of care to those we serve including families and allies.

Recovery supports and services include: • Comprehensive residential treatment • Outpatient services • Brain injury services • Veterans services • Young adult services • Residential housing including personal care homes, 24/7 staffed apartments and supported independent living apartments • Specialized treatment programs

For more information or to schedule an on-site tour, please call 610-965-9021 or email info@newvitaewellness.com.

www.newvitaewellness.com

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

9

UBFP Columnists Guests in Authors Corner at Autumn Alive!

Quakertown is gearing up for its 16th annual Autumn Alive! Festival on Saturday, October 17th from 10am4pm. The events take place in downtown Quakertown.

This year 6,000 – 7,000 people are expected to attend the festival. Belly up to the Beer Garden, take a front seat along Broad Street for the pet parade or view the goodies entered in the cupcake contest. At Autumn Alive!, there is something for everyone, including book lovers! New this year for Autumn Alive! is the authors’ corner.

Lynda Ulrich, the Events Chairperson for

when they come to the daycare and then helps her friends follow them. All the dogs at the daycare have different personalities and the reader gets to see what the day is like from their perspective. You get an idea of what happens in a dog’s mind, too. The reader follows Mitzi Jo and her doggy friends as they chase invading squirrels, help dogs calm down, share toys, and much more in this fully illustrated book!

If you are looking for a far out adventure, you may want to check out my book, The Adventures of Tomato and Pea. Here is the book’s summary: For years the evil villain Wintergreen had tried to destroy super

Quakertown Alive!, explained that the authors’ corner was very successful at Arts Alive! and they planned to keep this popular attraction for their fall festival. The authors present at the event come from various backgrounds and have family friendly books and bookish swag for sale. While the full list of authors has not been released yet, there are two names on this list readers of the Upper Bucks Free Press may recognize. Mitzi Jo, author (or should I say PAWthor) of the Paws for Thought column and me, Erik Weibel of the This Kid Reviews Books column, will be guests in the author corner at the festival.

Mitzi Jo and her human LuJean Burns, wrote two books about Mitzi Jo’s adventures in Doggy Daycare. The first book, A Doggy Daycare is a cute story written from the point of view of Mitzi Jo. Mitzi Jo is a leader in her own family as well as the Doggy Daycare group. She tells all the dogs about the rules

crime-stopper, Tomato and his sidekick, Pea, and take over planet Oarg. In a plan gone wrong, Wintergreen traps himself along with his arch-nemesis in a runaway rocket ship that crashes on a strange planet called “EAR-TH”.

Now these perennial enemies must learn to work together to survive the dangers on this strange world. Hungry birds, enormous snakes and the giant inhabitants of EAR-TH stand between this brawling bunch of aliens and finding a way home.

Personally I can’t wait to see what other authors will be sharing the corner with us at Autumn Alive! So after checking out the scarecrow contest and grabbing a bite to eat at the food court, be sure to stop by and say “Hi!” We hope to see you there!

For more information on the Autumn Alive! festival, visit QuakertownAlive.com.

For more on books and reading, visit my website ThisKidReviewsBooks.com.

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

Where Can I Get my UBFP?

QUAKERTOWN Aamco American Heritage FCU A-Plus Mini Market Borough Hall Beer City Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Dairy Queen Dominick’s Pizza Earl Bowl Lanes First Savings Bank First United Church of Christ The Free Press Bldg.

Giant (Qtwn Plaza) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Independence Court James Michener Library JoAnne’s Frame Shop John’s Plain & Fancy Let’s Steep (Q-Mart) Liberty Thrift Store McCoole’s Red Lion Inn McDonalds Moyer’s Shoes Pep Boys Philly Soft Pretzel Factory Quaker Cleaners Q’town Family Restaurant

QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Redner’s Market Roma Pizza Sal’s Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sine’s 5 & 10 St. Luke’s Bone & Joint Inst.

St. Luke’s Quakertown Hosp.

Swann’s Pantry The Souper Bowl (Q-Mart) Tom’s Help Desk Top Star Express (Exxon)\ Upper Bucks Sr. Ctr Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Fino’s La Cantina Spor’s General Store RICHLANDTOWN Seven-Eleven First Savings Bank SPINNERSTOWN Spinnerstown Hotel E J’s Barber Shop PLEASANT VALLEY Country Kitchen

SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner PERKASIE Dam Good Cafe Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Olde Towne Convenience Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank TELFORD Indian Valley Library Landis Supermarket SOUDERTON Care & Share Shoppes SILVERDALE Green Street Barber Shop OTTSVILLE NAPA of Ottsville COOPERSBURG Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Market Last Chance Ranch Store SPRINGTOWN Reflections Hair Studio Village Center Automotive

Have a place in mind where you’d like to pick up your UBFP? Let us know!

We’re always adding new distribution points throughout Upper Bucks.

Call Terri at 215-529-8915 ext. 11 or send an email to terri@ubfp.org.

10

• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

The Quake luncheon w

The Quakertown Historical Society recently held its first annual Classic Car Show at Raymour & Flanigan. submitted photo QHS also celebrated the grand opening of the Upper Bucks Chamber & Visitors Center which includes a museum and research resources for the historical society. photo by christopher betz

John Rivers VFW Post 11322 was the Color Guard at the Silver Creeks Sportsmen Expo in September. submitted photo

High School students from Pennridge, Palisades, and Quakertown School Districts that participated in Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week this summer shared their experiences at an Upper Bucks Chamber breakfast October 1. Each received a scholarship from the UBCC Foundation to attend. (front row left-right) Tara KIng, UBCC Executive Director, Susan Dale, chair of Foodie Committee that raises funds for PFEW scholarships, and John Trombetta, president of Foundation for Free Enterprise Education. Learn more at pfew.org.

photo by christopher betz

Larry Quintano & Jackie Murphy show support for our men and women in blue at Richland Township’s Community Day in September. submitted photo

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

11

ertown Community High School Class of 1945 just celebrated the 75th Anniversary of their graduation. A was attended by 15 class members as well as spouses and guests. photo by christopher betz

PUZZLE ANSWERS: BuckyGrams: zombie, ghost, monster, werewolf, scarecrow, Hillary, witch, vampire, skeleton, Frankenstein, clown, Dracula Hidden Message: Happy Halloween! Box Puzzle: The check is in the mail.

Senator Pat Toomey visited Quakertown in late September to have a look at the positive changes being made in the downtown. (above) Ed Scholl, economic development coordinator for the borough, led the Senator on a tour of Broad Street. photo by christopher betz

n t , d Past president of Pennsylvania State Assocation of Boroughs, Edward Child, presents Richlandtown Mayor James Dunn, Jr. with a citation congratulating the z borough on its 125th year. Citations were also issued by State Representative Craig Staats and State Senator Bob Mensch recognizing the borough’s milestone. photo by christopher betz

(above) The Upper Bucks Pickleball Club recently

held their tournament in Richland Township. Dozens of pickleball players of all ages from all over the area competed. photo by christopher betz (below) There was plenty of art, crafts, poetry, and

music at the Souderton Art Jam September 26th. left photo by christopher betz right photo by debby high

12

• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

Rose C. Souder, nee Fetzer, 99, died peacefully on Sept. 4 at her home in Sellersville.

She was the beloved mother of Rose Marie (Joseph) LePosa of Sellersville.

Born on December 20, 1915 in Scranton, Rose was the daughter of William and Catherine (Reach) Fetzer. She moved with her parents to Quakertown in the 1940s.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Covenant Church, Hilltown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Peter’s Covenant Church, PO Box 153, Hilltown, PA 18927.

Ruth G. Vasey, 89, formerly of Pennsburg,

died Fri. Sept. 4 in Quakertown. She was the loving wife of Harry B. Vasey for 72 years and mother to Joan Esposito, John, Daniel, Patricia Landes-Dunbar, Sharon Phillips, and Tim, grandmother of 18, great-grandmother of 33, and great great-grandmother of 4. She was a member of Rocky Ridge Mennonite Church, Quakertown. Memorials in her name may be made to Crossroads Pregnancy Care Center, 256 Trumbauersville Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951. The Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Quakertown is assisting the family. www.janauglefcs.com

Helen M. Edge, 102, of Quakertown died September 8, 2015 in Sacred Heart Senior Living. She was the wife of the late John “Jack” Edge, Sr. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of the late William F., Sr. & Bertha (Gulden) Weisel.

She was an elementary school teacher before becoming a homemaker.

Helen was a member of First U.C.C. in Quakertown where she was a Sunday School Teacher for many years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Perkiomen Chapter.

~Obituaries~

She is survived by two sons Kenneth W. (Loretta Lee) of Loudon, Tennessee, John W., Jr. (Carol) of Quakertown and a daughter Barbara L. Cesareo (John) of Yorba Linda, California. Three grandchildren Christopher, Andrew, & Thomas. Predeceased by a brother William and three sisters Ruth, Mary, and Kathryn.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at First U.C.C. 151 S. 4th St. Quakertown. Following the Memorial Service the family will greet friends and family during the luncheon in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to First U.C.C. 151 S. 4th St. Quakertown, PA 18951.

Joyce Schlichter, 60, of Quakertown, died Wed. Sept. 9th in St. Luke’s Hospital in Quakertown.

Born in Fairmont, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Jr. and Eva (Hunt) Schlichter.

She was a Licensed Nurse Practitioner who worked for Rock Hill Mennonite Community, LifeQuest, and Independent Court. She was a compassionate woman who loved her work.

She also loved animals, spending her free time enjoying the outdoors with her dog. She also enjoyed time with her friends’ grandchildren.

She is survived by her son Dylan; brother Thomas III; sister Christine; and friend Joanne.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joyce’s memory to Morning Star Fellowship, 429 S. 9th St., Quakertown, PA 18951. www.janauglefcs.com Leonard J. “Len” Ramirez Sr., 65,

of Quakertown, died Sunday, Sept. 13th at his home. He was the husband of Kathryn (Twaddle) Ramirez for 23 years.

Born in Newark, NJ, he was a son of the late Larry and Olga (Benedict) Ramirez. He was a control specialist for Fromm Electric in Allentown for two and a half years. He was previously employed with Watlow Electric for nine years.

He was a bronze level bowling coach with the United States Bowing Congress and was a

retired canine handler for Valley Search and Rescue. He enjoyed cooking, reading, playing guitar and writing songs.

Surviving with his wife are his son, Logan, of Quakertown; sister, Lenita Werner, husband Louis of Bensalem, brothers, Larry Ramirez, wife Linda of Pennsburg and Leon Ramire’, wife Margaret of Westfield, NJ; brother-inlaw, William “Chip” Twaddle, wife Lorraine, of Coopersburg.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to St. Luke’s Hospice, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Leroy J. Hottle, 77, died peacefully in his sleep Sat. Sept 12th at his home in Quakertown. He was the loving husband of Eileen (Heimbach) Hottle for the past 50 years.

Born in Pleasant Valley, he was a son of the late William and Beatta (Leith) Hottle.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons James and his life partner Carol Rothrock, and Tal Bartholomew; granddaughters Nicole Zimmerman and husband Jessie, and Amanda Williams and husband Dale; great-grandchildren Olyvia, Payton, Gavyn, Dylan, and Brooke; sister Verna Troxell; and brother Harold. www.janauglefcs.com Patricia A. (Henry) Davis, 89, of Grantham, NH and formerly of Quakertown, PA, beloved wife of Richard A. Davis, passed away Saturday September 19, 2015 at the Kendal nursing facility in Hanover, NH. Pat was born September 11, 1926 and spent most of her life in Quakertown.

She was a graduate of Quakertown High School, Class of 1944, and of Wilson College, Class of 1948. Pat was an excellent athlete and excelled at basketball and field hockey in high school and college. She married Dick Davis in 1949 and they enjoyed 66 years of marriage together. Pat devoted herself to her family, and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. For many years she worked in her husband’s business, Richard A. Davis Accounting, Insurance & Investments.

She was an energetic, positive, cheerful and generous person.

Pat loved animals, including her two St. Bernards, her champion Newfoundland Ben,

and her daughter’s cat. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She and Dick traveled extensively with various friends, including trips to many National Parks, Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda and Europe. Pat enjoyed playing tennis, golf and skiing. She was also an avid reader. Pat was a long-time member of the First United Church of Christ in Quakertown. Following their retirement in 1990, she moved to Eastman in Grantham, NH, and spent winters at their condo in Ponce Inlet, FL. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Pat is survived by her husband, Richard A. Davis; her two sons, Christopher P. Davis and his wife Carol of Hamilton, MA, and Peter E. Davis and his wife Janet of Quakertown, PA, and daughter Jill D. Davis of Grantham NH; her brother Rodney D. Henry and his wife Janenne of Quakertown, PA; two grandchildren, Gregory C. Davis and his wife Lucy of San Francisco, CA and Colin S. Davis of Salem, MA; and six nieces and nephews.

She was the daughter of Robert B. and Olive E. Henry.

Arrangements: Her memorial service will be held at the First United Church of Christ, 4th St. and Park Avenue, Quakertown, PA on Saturday October 10th at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748 (http://www.uvhs.org) or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741 (http://bestfriends.org).

Robert B. Helverson, Sr., 70, of Haycock Township, died Sun., Sept. 27th.

Surviving are his wife, Linda; sons Robert, Jr. (Rachel), Doug, and Chris (Rhonda); daughter Malinda (Mark); four grandchildren; a large extended family; father-in-law Harold Martin. He is preceded in death by a granddaughter.

Calling hour 1-2PM at Salem Mennonite Church, 41 E. Cherry Rd., Quakertown.

Service 2PM at church. Interment 11:00 AM Sat., Oct. 3rd, at Quakertown Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Salem Mennonite Church, 41 E. Cherry Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951 www.janauglefcs.com

American Legion Post 241 Update

BY DICK HELM

On September 11th our Post held our annual 911 Service. We honor the persons that lost their lives in the Twin Towers that lived in Bucks County. We also honor those who in many cases still volunteer to be our “First Responders”. After a meaningful message by Retired Lt. Col. Lynn Rineker the more than 20 names of the fallen from Bucks were read with the bell being tolled after each name was read. Then the “First Responders” placed two wreaths honoring the police and the firefighters and medics who gave their all.

We had two firefighters place the wreaths as no police officers were able to attend this service as they did in years past. Matter of fact, we had just a few individual private residents in attendance. Paul Clymer, our former Pa, Representative and now commander of the Perkasie Legion Post stopped by and spoke a few words.

What impressed me, as I stood with the Honor Guard to fire the Rifle Salute and play Taps, was the passing traffic. For some reason the traffic was heavy on Broad Street that day. Many of the vehicles slowed down

and “Blinked the Lights” in recognition.

Truckers slowed down so the noise of the diesel engines didn’t muffle the important words being spoken. Most important many rolled down their windows and gave a “Thumbs up” to us honoring our 911 heroes. So in lieu of the local citizenry sparsely attending, these strangers to our area acknowledged the meaning we were sharing at this service. These services are for the community to observe such important events in our history; but even if not one person attends, we, the participants, will continue these services and go away from these services with a very good feeling. Remember Freedom isn’t Free and it is important for all of us to honor the fallen. (911 victims from Bucks County, Firefighters, Emergency Medical People, and Policeman.).

We thank those firefighters who did attend this service as well as our guest Legionnaires.

We will have this service again on September 11th, 2016 at 11:00 AM. It would be wonderful if some local residents could come out and join POST 242 in saying THANK YOU to our first responders! They unselfishly devote their lives to protecting us 24/7 here in the Quakertown Community area.

New Vitae to Exhibit at 2015 Harvest Full of Hope New Vitae Wellness and Recovery will exhibit at the 2015 Harvest Full of Hope conference sponsored by The Lodge, Resources for Human Development, Inc. Harvest Full of Hope is an annual event held to increase mental health awareness and decrease the stigma of mental illness in the community. The event takes place October 14 from 8 AM – 3:30 PM at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The event is free and open to the public.

Attendees will be invited to listen to a keynote speaker, network over lunch, choose between eight workshops, and visit the booths of Lehigh Valley’s mental health service providers from

Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and the surrounding area.

New Vitae’s Bill Leiner Jr., RN MS BC, will present a workshop entitled “The Integration of the Principles of Brain Wellness and the Recovery Model.” The goal of the workshop is to educate attendees on the benefits of an understanding of the principles of brain wellness and the recovery model. Increased public awareness can help create a society that exhibits greater tolerance and reduces violence.

For more information or to register, visit Harvest Full of Hope. The deadline to register is Sept. 26, 2015.

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

Why are they watering those weeds!?

COMMENTARY BY JOAN PAVLICA

While weeding one of the two new meadow habitats at the Quakertown Park Project at 4th and Mill Streets, I was approached by a gentleman who asked me, “Why are they watering those weeds?”

That question began a conversation of education and understanding. I explained that the gardens were being watered to facilitate the removal of some unwanted visitors such as crabgrass and ragweed.

We discussed that the gardens have been recently planted with carefully chosen native plants designed to become a balanced ecological habitat. Native plants are adapted to our climate and soil and once established they will be self-maintaining.

I agreed that from a distance, the fledgling plants could resemble ‘weeds’ to some. But, an up close and personal view reveals blooming asters, sundrops, penstemon, goldenrod, coneflower, black-eyed susans and lovely tassled grasses, to name a few.

After our conversation, the gentleman indicated that he understood and looked forward to tracking the progress of the wildlife gardens as he took his daily walks in the park.

On my most recent weeding trip, at least half a dozen Monarch Butterflies had emerged from their chrysalis and were spotted flitting around the fragrant nectar-rich milkweed of the mounded garden.

Take a walk and take a closer look at what’s happening in the meadow habitats. You just might be surprised!

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

Bucks Audubon Society Offers Walking Tours of Honey Hollow Bucks County Audubon Society invites the community to explore and learn about Honey Hollow Watershed beginning Wednesday, October 7 and continuing each week on Wednesday throughout the month of October at 1:00pm. Walks will be led by Bucks County Audubon Society educators versed in the captivating and colorful history of the people and places that comprise Honey Hollow Watershed located in the heart of Bucks County between Lahaska and New Hope. For people who cannot make a week day walk, there are other opportunities to learn about Honey Hollow on the third weekend in October (October 17 and 18). Visit our website for more information: www.bcas.org.

Due to a dedicated group of local farmers much of Solebury’s history is preserved in the landscape along Route 263 and along Creamery Road – part of the 700-acre Honey Hollow Watershed. The contoured farm fields, stone walls, hedgerows were part of the joint cooperative effort back in 1939 that became a national model of federal, state and local partnership for watershed management and soil conservation at Honey Hollow now managed

by Bucks County Audubon Society and its land use partners.

The Wednesday walks are free and open to all. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot located at 2877 Creamery Road, Solebury.

Participants for the walking tours should wear comfortable shoes and dress for fall temperatures. A walk will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain, high winds or thunderstorms.

Allow 1 to 1 ½ hours for the tour. Please visit www.BCAS.org for a complete calendar of events taking place as part of the Harvest

Festival in October. Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow is located at 2877 Creamery Road (upper section between Rt. 263 and Meetinghouse Road) in Solebury, two miles east of Peddler’s Village.

(left-right) Malcolm Crooks , part of a founding

family that preserved lands at Honey Hollow and a historic home dating back to 1830 occupied by one of the last Lenni Lenape Indians to live in Solebury Township. Donald Fitting, part of the founding family with a demonstration conservation area on the family’s farm. submitted photo

14

• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

Autumn is Here!

Now what?

Now that Autumn is here, you’ve probably identified the perennials that you want to divide, or the ‘volunteer’ plants that have grown where you prefer they wouldn’t. Consider sharing your extra plants with friends, neighbors, and relatives! Your extras may have a perfect spot in a friend’s garden!

Swapping plants with others is a good way to expand your garden varieties while sharing gardening tales.

Garlic Planting!

October is the month to plant Garlic! Our regional climate supports ‘stiffneck’ varieties.

Seeds or ‘bulbs’ for planting can be locally purchased. Stiffneck varieties are hardier in cold temperatures than ‘softneck’ varieties (these are the ones you see braided), so be sure your bulbs have a hard stem at the top. Plant them pointy-side up in a sunny location 1-2” deep and 3”-5” apart in well drained soil. Light mulching helps prevent bulbs from heaving in winter. With an early spring dose of fertilizer you’ll be rewarded in June with scapes.

These are the plant’s flower stems which must be removed for the bulbs to grow larger, but they’re highly prized in gourmet kitchens!

An on-line search for ‘garlic scape recipes’ provides many tantalizing results. Harvest the bulbs in July when the foliage starts to die back. Allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area. Brush off the loose soil, remove one layer of the ‘paper’ wrapping and trim the extra roots and tops. You’ll have garlic cloves to enjoy for many months, but remember to set a few aside to plant the following year.

A handy way to remember when to plant and harvest garlic: plant on Columbus Day, harvest on Independence Day! For more information about growing garlic, please refer to our Penn State vegetable gardening publication: http://goo.gl/uunNrJ

Questions & Answers

Q: My houseplants have been outside for the summer. Should I repot them before I bring them inside?

A: Generally, it’s best to repot houseplants in the Spring when you want to encourage growth. Most houseplants go into a dormant or resting phase in the autumn and winter.

Before bringing your houseplants indoors, inspect for insects or diseases. Give plants a gentle ‘shower’ with the hose to remove any webs or insects. Manicure the plants by re-

moving spent blossoms, dead leaves, limbs or branches. Ease them inside a few weeks before you need to turn on the heat. Sudden changes in light intensity or temperature can cause leaf or flower drop.

Check out our Penn State Extension Fact Sheets: ‘Caring for Houseplants, http://goo. gl/jGezBA and ‘Repotting House Plants’, http://goo.gl/w6ue0w Q: Why are the leaves of my two Weeping Japanese Red Maples turning brown? The new foliage looks healthy but soon turns brown on the edges and continues to brown until the entire leaf is affected.

A: Most likely this is a non-infectious condition known as Leaf Scorch which is caused by hot, dry weather like we’ve had this summer. Insufficient moisture in the soil, combined with dry weather and high temperatures prevents water from reaching the leaf margin cells. There is no chemical control for Leaf Scorch, so the most effective defense is good management.

Scorch is often called a disease, but it is not caused by fungus, bacteria or virus, nor is it a result of an insect attack. However, these problems may add to the seriousness of scorch. When the tree is weakened, fungi or bacteria can invade the water-conducting vessels, further cutting off the tree’s supply of moisture.

By the time Leaf Scorch is noticeable, the damage to the leaf is already done - but thorough, deep watering and mulching with a layer of composted leaves can help minimize the damage.

Check out this Penn State link for more information about preventing Leaf Scorch. http://goo.gl/GuISTa As always, copies of any Penn State Extension publication can be mailed to you – simply contact us!

Even though gardening season is winding down, you can still send us your questions by email or regular mail: “Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Rd Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksHotline@ag.psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!

October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again. - Hal Borland

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

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

ACORNS AUTUMN BROWNS CHILLY COLORFUL CORNUCOPIA EQUINOX FALLING LEAVES

FOOTBALL GOLDEN GOURD HALLOWEEN HARVEST HAYRIDE HAYSTACK HIBERNATE

JACK FROST MIGRATION OKTOBERFEST ORANGES PINE CONE PUMPKIN RAKING

REDS RIPENING SCARECROW SHORTER DAYS SQUASH TIME CHANGE YELLOWS

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

15

What’s in a Wag? The biggest myth is, a wagging tail means “happy dog.” Yes, dogs wag their tails when they are happy, but they also use them to communicate feelings. While barking can be used to broadcast feelings, dogs mostly rely on their body language to communicate.

They use many parts of their body: eyes, ears, lips, stance, and tails to convey information.

If you observe dogs closely for a period of time, you will quickly notice that there is no such thing as a uniform tail wag. Instead, dogs use different wagging speeds and different tail positions to communicate. Generally speaking, the position (or height) of the tail can be used as an emotional thermometer while the speed of the wag indicates how excited or aroused the dog is.

Tucked tail- when the tail is tightly tucked under the dog’s body this is a sign of intense fear or can also be a submissive display. Low Tail- usually associated with worry or being submissive. Middle or Neutral- how a dog carries his tail most of the time and is a sign of a relaxation. Some dogs naturally carry their tails high (basenjis) and others carry it low

(greyhounds). Horizontal and Tense (straight out at the back) - means that the dog is alert and attentive. High Tail- usually used to show assertiveness or to challenge others. Vertical tail- is a clear challenge and is used by dogs to say they are confident and in control.

In general, the faster the wag, the more excited the dog. Intensity- slight barely noticeable wag of small breadth (often seen during greetings) means the dog is hesitant. Broad wag- a sign of friendliness or contentment.

This is the “happy dog wag.” If the dog is very excited, you may also see his hips wiggling from side to side. Tiny, high speed wags- if the tail is wagging in such a way that it looks like the tail is vibrating it means the dog is ready for action, usually to run or fight. When looking at your dog for clues about how he is feeling, remember to look at his entire body.

Does the body look relaxed or are all the muscles tense? Is the dog staring hard at you (another person or dog) or is he giving you soft eyes? Observe your dog regularly and take note of his postures to better understand him.

Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, Owner and Trainer for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC Quakertown, PA

I am saddened to tell you all that our good friend and protector, Officer Kito of the Quakertown Police Department, has continued his life journey due to illness. It is hard to lose your work companion and friend and in Kito’s case a work partner that protects you. Many of you may not be aware that our K-9 officers are in Quakertown strictly by donations. Any amount helps these fine officers. Besides food and their vehicles which are by donation there are many other things a dog needs AND wants. A new collar, treats, toys, did I mention treats? Keeping the vehicle maintained and air conditioning working is also needed and don’t forget treats.

On a lighter note I am being hounded (‘hounded,’ get it?) by my human to mention that the Valley Choral Society will be singing at the Autumn Alive stage on Oct 17th at 1PM so stop by and give a listen. Autumn Alive also has an Author Booth which I will be in with my two books.

Stop by and say hi. I will have pawtagraphed books for you. When you get them on Amazon they don’t have my signature. Hope to see you then. Love, M.J.

October is Adopt a Shelter Pet Month

Though not everyone is able to adopt a shelter animal, there are lots of ways that you can still help! And when you are looking for your next pet – please consider adopting one! There are hundreds of awesome dogs and cats waiting for you at our local shelters and in rescues, right here in eastern Pennsylvania! If you can’t adopt though, here are some other ways that you can help: 1.

Volunteer – both shelters and rescues are always looking for more volunteers! You can go once a week, once a month, or just when you have some time – but every time you go, you can enrich the life of an animal waiting for their forever home…so even small amounts of time can make a big difference in their life!

2.

Donate – whether it be old blankets or towels, medical supplies, or other goodies!

All shelters and rescues are always in need, so check with them to see what you can unload!

3.

Spay and neuter your pets – many animals that end up in shelters are from unwanted litters, and people not spaying/neutering their

pets is the root of this evil! Thousands of dogs are put to sleep every week because of our pet overpopulation problem…so every pet who is altered is one less to decrease this number!

4.

Educate others – many people don’t realize the importance of spaying/neutering, and also how many great pets are out there waiting to be adopted! I can’t tell you how many people think that all shelter pets are damaged – behaviorally or medically, but it’s just not true! There are SO many happy, healthy dogs and cats just waiting for you….puppies and kittens too!

5.

DON’T SHOP, ADOPT – of course this has to be on the list if you CAN adopt, give rescue a try…I think that you won’t regret it!

Thank you for reading and keep it in mind!

There are so many animals out there waiting for someone just like you to give them a chance!

Happy October!

Dr. Mehaffey and partner Dr. Jen Heller own and operate the new Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be reached at 267-272-9996.

They also founded and curate Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.

Adoptable Pets Harley’s Haven

Jade

Meet Mandy!

Mandy is so adorable - we can’t understand how she is still available! She is a 3ish year old pitty/mix who is a doll! She does great with other dogs and LOVES all people! She does have a high prey drive though, so would do best in a home without cats or small critters.

But otherwise she is wonderful...she would make an awesome family pet - call us for more info!

Meet Jade!

Oh Jade...this older lady is STILL looking for her forever home! Are you lonely and looking for a companion? Do you enjoy easy walks and snuggling? Jade is the girl for you....all she wants is to love and be loved! She is older - so she is mellow and sweet, she just wants to be with you!

She needs someone to give her a home....could it be you?

Learn more about Mandy and Jade by calling 215-527-7432 or by visiting us at HarleysHavenRescue.com

Did you know?

Cats have 32 muscles in each ear and have 230 bones in their bodies.

(A human only has 206 bones.)

16

• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

YMCAs across Pennsylvania to Offer Reciprocal Memberships Y members can now access facilities across Pennsylvania for free The Y stands for healthy living and to make sure all members continue to be involved wherever they may travel or work, YMCAs across Pennsylvania have joined together to offer reciprocal membership through their “My Y is Every Y” program.

The program, which will launch this month, allows Pennsylvania YMCA members to access any YMCA in the state, at no charge when they present a valid YMCA membership ID card.

“Our members count on their local Ys for their health and wellness needs. Now they’ll be able to take advantage of what Ys across Pennsylvania have to offer. We’re very excited to be able to bring this added benefit

to members,” said David John, Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Alliance of YMCAs. “We look forward to welcoming members from other Ys as we all stand together to strengthen our communities.”

Through the “My Y is Every Y” program, full facility/full privilege members will have access rights to all YMCAs in Pennsylvania.

Members should bring their YMCA ID card and a photo ID card to access a partner Y. Some restrictions may apply depending on the YMCA, so members are encouraged to check with the Y they plan to visit ahead of time to learn the specifics.

YMCAs in New England began the “My Y is Every Y” program in 2010 and with its successes the program has expanded to other states.

A Patch of Town in the Country Living in the country provided a great opportunity to farm land. There was a farm down the road from us called Blue Bell Farm. Mr. Brecht not only had fields of vegetables, but he also had cows. Once a week, he would bring a container of milk right to our front door, and it was my job to skim off the cream so that we could make butter. At that time, milk went directly from the cow to the table. There was no homogenizing and pasteurizing. We called it “raw” milk. We drank it, and we are still alive – different times.

Blue Bell Farm aptly received its name.

There were fields of Blue Bell flowers which were an absolutely beautiful sight in the springtime. With the permission of Mrs. Brecht, I would pick bunches of the dainty little blue flowers, and sell them to the neighbors around us for ten cents a bunch. I would make a whole fifty cents. That was my first business venture, and probably the beginning of my sales career.

The neighbors who were not farmers, always had gardens somewhere on their property. My mother was among those who utilized the land to feed the family. As long as I can remember, we had a garden. One plot was just corn, and then there was every vegetable from A to Z on another plot. It was great being able to go to the garden and pick fresh vegetables for supper. There was no fear of pesticides on our green beans and tomatoes, and no artificial wax on our cucumbers.

My mother planted her garden the old fashioned way. She used a hand spade to dig up every inch of that rich, beautiful East Rockhill soil. She made the straightest rows, and planted the seeds by hand, one by one.

She did not use seeds from a packet. Oh, no.

She purchased her seeds from “Uptown” at

what became my favorite Quakertown store – Klein’s House Furnishings Store, which we just called Klein’s Hardware Store. I loved that store, located on East Broad Street before the railroad tracks.

In my young mind, it was comparable to Macy’s in New York City. There were just so many things for a little girl to comprehend.

Stacked on shelves, and piled on tables were dolls, toys, and games; there were dishes, pots, pans, and silverware; there were decorations, knick-knacks, stoneware crocks, and kerosene lamps. And then, there was what my mother went to buy – vegetable seeds. The seeds were in aluminum-type bins on a long table, with the name of the vegetable on the back of each bin.

Mrs. Ethel Lippman used a scoop to put the seeds on the scale and weight them, and then poured them into a small, brown paper bag, and wrote the name of the vegetable on the outside of the bag. I was a bit fascinated with all those little brown paper bags. You see, it didn’t take much to charm a pint-sized country girl.

Whenever we went to Klein’s, my mother always bought a toy for me. There was one toy I will always remember. It was a red and yellow station wagon with open windows, a tiny steering wheel, and a back door that pulled open to the side. I played with that car for many years, and much later, my son enjoyed playing with it.

Jacque Holliday, a lifelong resident of Quakertown, spends her retired time writing and volunteering. She enjoys taking photographs of nature. Additionally, she writes a blog, Jacque’s Patchwork Journal, at: jacquespatchworkjournal.weebly.com

Think Local. Buy Local.

Be Local.

Vintage Halloween Decorations

There are many types of Halloween decorations that are collectible and crafty.

For the purists among us, you can decorate a pumpkin using everything from acrylic paint to glitter glue featuring themes ranging from the scary Frankenstein monster to Casper the Friendly Ghost.

While carving jack-o-lanterns requires some skill and expertise, you can use your favorite Halloween antiques and collectibles to make some fun and seasonal home decorations. If you want some quick Halloween decorating ideas, try these simple displays. Some of the easiest Halloween holiday displays can be developed from digging in your crammed closets, dusty attics, or jam packed basements.

Find some vintage costumes, black and orange metal noisemakers, autumn themed ceramics and pumpkin candles and put them together to make a fancy kitchen island or family room shelf display. In no time, you’ve got a great display that ushers in the season’s scariest night with memories and objects from days gone by.

Halloween Noisemakers Clickers, horns, lithographed tin noisemakers, and even musical instruments with Halloween themes are not just objects that help children stay safe as they walk the streets in search of silly tricks or candy treats. These collectible noisemakers speak to the crux of the Halloween holiday. These vintage noisemakers—featuring owls, ghosts, witches, goblins, black cats--were introduced in order to ward off evil spirits, plain and simple. The idea behind vintage collectible noisemakers is making noise and a lot of it. It was thought that evil spirits could be frightened away by loud noises.

If you want to make your own Halloween noisemaker, fill a clean orange juice con-

centrate or lemonade concentrate can with uncooked beans, decorate the outside of the can with Halloween themed drawings using markers, crayons, or stickers, add a pop sickle stick or wooden dowel as a handle and you are ready to go. Most of the original, vintage Halloween noisemakers are very valuable on the collectibles market now so don’t let your children or grandchildren take the vintage collectibles outside with them when they tour the neighborhood hunting for candy.

Mask Basket Remember those hot masks that you wore as a kid with your favorite Halloween costume.

Reuse them to make a fun Halloween centerpiece. In the same way that many people will prominently display their beloved Christmas tree ornaments in a bowl on the dining room buffet, select a group of three or four vintage plastic costume masks from yours or your children’s bygone Halloween costumes. Keep these costume masks at home since the market for these collectibles is strong at this time of the year and collectors pay a pretty penny for them online, at flea markets, swap meets, and antique stores. Gather the plastic masks—masks of politicians, witches, astronauts, cartoon characters--and place them together in an oversized bowl or basket to make a bright and colorful Halloween centerpiece. Forget the candy bowl, you’ve got a scary bowl!

Have some fun sharing the memories of Halloween’s past and decorate the season in style.

Happy Halloween!

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide.

Dr. Lori is the expert appraiser on the international hit TV show, Auction Kings on the Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com , www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

17

Moose & Donuts: Revitalization in Q’town

BY LISA GAIER It is an exciting time in Quakertown as we continue to experience the progress of economic development throughout the Borough.

There are a couple of new improvements on the horizon that I want to share with you that will add to the vibrancy of the downtown area. In addition to John Schlupp’s hard work remodeling the former Dimmig building into a micro brewery, just around the corner we will also be seeing a new Dunkin Donuts where the previous bank sat at 2nd and Broad Street. Since the inception of the Borough’s efforts to revitalize the downtown, we have received many comments from our residents, merchants, developers, consultants, and visitors that restaurants and specialty shops are needed to increase pedestrian activity and form downtown into a destination. In the areas off of Route 309 we have a few excellent eateries such as the Karlton Café, Dominick’s Pizzeria, and McCoole’s at the Red Lion Inn. However having more restaurants will only increase the number of people wanting to spend time eating and shopping within the downtown area.

Quakertown is being viewed by developers more and more as a destination. Recently one developer brought plans to Borough Council for the consideration of placing a Dunkin Donuts within the town center section. Dunkin Donuts has had several metamorphoses throughout the years and has developed a niche for not only coffee and donuts, but also specialty breakfast and lunch dining. The plan at 2nd & Broad Street is desirable because it will offer the convenience of take out, drive-thru, along with both indoor and outdoor dining areas. Without creating any traffic concerns,

the property design permits cars to enter the drive-thru off of Broad Street. The building materials and colors have been customized to create a pleasant look that will fit the aesthetics of the area. The project has received all of the required approvals and will hopefully begin in the near future.

As previously mentioned, more and more developers are expressing interest in Quakertown, and several have inquired about the previous Moose Lodge located at 113 East Broad Street. The Borough acquired the property to protect and control the use of the building, and we are currently preparing to sell the property through the closed bid process.

Borough Council adopted the PedestrianOriented Mixed Use Ordinance (POMU) several years ago as part of our revitalization efforts - as the POMU regulates the type of uses within the Town Center (TC) zoning district. The former Moose Lodge property is expected be redeveloped into another favorable use that draws people downtown and add to the excitement of our revitalization efforts.

Council will be discussing the bid specifications and it is expected that the bidding process will begin later this fall.

More good news may be on the way in the next newsletter, as there are other exciting potential property opportunities that the Borough is discussing with developers. The Borough’s efforts are continuing to result in favorable outcomes as more and more projects are planned and completed. We continue to add jobs, increase vibrancy, sustain growth, and experience greater excitement in our community.

Lisa Gaier is a member of Quakertown Borough Council.

Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale. - Lauren DeStefano

AN EVENING OF HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES HALLOWEEN AT THE Y FRIDAY,OCTOBER 16, 2015 5:00 - 9:30 pm Monster Dash (Kids Fun Run) - 5:00 pm Family Fun - Games, Crafts, Obstacle Course - 5:30-7:30 pm Spook and Splash (Halloween Pool Party) - 7:30-9:30 pm

Visit ubymca.org for more information on ages, event locations, costs, etc.

UPPER BUCKS YMCA 401 Fairview Avenue 215-536-YMCA (9622) ubymca.org

Downtown 301 Broad Project Moving Forward

BY MICHELE BUONO After praising Quakertown Borough Council’s determination to move forward on the revitalization recommendations from the Delta Development Group report released in 2010, developer Dave Halliday announced the 301 Broad project in downtown Quakertown has a new partner, Vince Randazzo, local entrepreneur and businessman. Randazzo will not just be partnering on the project, but will also be the owner/ operator of the American cuisine restaurant that will occupy the first floor of the new building.

Naomi Naylor, Executive Director of Quakertown Alive!, extolled the positive impact of the development to the downtown business climate. “The 301 Broad project is the catalyst that our business district needs in our downtown. Mixed-use projects such as this attract more retail and complementary businesses while assisting our current downtown merchants who benefit from the increased foot traffic generated by this project,” she said. Naylor continues, “One of Quakertown Alive!’s goals as a National Main Street® program is to have a walkable business district with a vibrant night life where people can live, work, and play and feel they have a sense of ownership as well as being connected in their community. Therefore, the 301 Broad project has strategic impact and value to our downtown economy.”

Construction on 301 Broad, formerly known as the Gateway Project, is slated to begin next year on the site of the parking lot in the center of Quakertown’s downtown business district.

Halliday estimates that the $5.4 million project will take 18 months to complete. Now that Vince Randazzo has signed on as a partner, Halliday said that they will be revisiting the design of the building. The design will “pay tribute to the history and beautiful architecture of Quakertown”, according to Halliday.

Born and bred in Quakertown, local businessman Vince Randazzo says that he is committed to his hometown. “This new project will help the community and other businesses. It will bring more foot traffic and night life to the downtown,” said Randazzo. He remarked that besides partnering with Dave Halliday on this new development project, he is busy renovating

existing buildings in town, such as the newly-renovated Karlton Building, also on West Broad Street.

The planned restaurant has been described as a family-friendly full service restaurant featuring craft beers, wine, and spirits. The restaurant will anchor the 301 Broad project and include al fresco dining. The proposed 30,000 square-foot building is set for mixed-use retail and executive office space. Randazzo’s other businesses include Dominick’s Pizzeria and Italian restaurant and the Karlton Building in downtown Quakertown, as well as The Wooden Match and The Artisan Wine and Cheese Cellar in Bethlehem.

“We are so excited for Vince,” remarked Borough Councilwoman Jann Paulovitz. “He is actively engaged and connected with his fellow

Developer Dave Halliday and Vince Randazzo announce their partnership to develop the ‘301 Broad’ property in downtown Quakertown.

The mixed-use project is planned to have a new restaurant, office space, and retail.space.

Construction is planned to begin in early 2017. photo by christopher betz

business owners in our downtown business district. This is a good fit for our community and revitalization efforts.”

Senator Pat Toomey, who was visiting Quakertown to tour the revitalization in the downtown business district, also praised the new partnership and 301 Broad project as a “new chapter in Quakertown” and noted the importance of continuing revitalization. He mentioned that his family’s residence is fairly close to Quakertown and that he is looking forward to watching the town progress.

• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

Worst Excuse Ever!

When it comes to diet and exercise people make all sorts of excuses as to why they “can’t”. Things such as “I’m too old” or “I’m too out of shape” or “I don’t like the gym” or……..the list goes on.

But, I think one of the worst excuses I hear way too often is “I DON’T HAVE TIME”! No!! You have time, but your thinking is wrong. If you are stretched so thin with your schedule that you have no free time for yourself then its way PAST time to reexamine this schedule.

There are 168 hours in a week. If you dedicate 56 to sleeping 40 to working 35 to eating, showering/bathroom, traveling, etc. You are left with 37 hours a week to pursue your dreams.

That is a little more than 5 hours a DAY!! What are you doing that causes you to have “no time”?

By the time you are done reading this column I hope to change the way you use the phrase “I don’t have time” Here is your first assignment. Take a notebook and write down every half hour of your entire day. Do this for a week for a typical week.

Then go back through the notebook and group everything into categories and tally the time.

See how close you come to the numbers above.

You may not be exact but close. Now looking at the stuff you do in the “my time” category, how much of it is more important than your health and wellbeing? You can use this method for maximizing your work day as well. In doing so you might just notice how much extra time you have during your workday too. Here is what I want you to do next. Be honest with your-

self and PRIORITIZE everything on your list greatest to least. Make sure to include amount of time spent on each per week next to them.

Shocking isn’t it!

Now when you say “I don’t have time” STOP and think about this. Is it that you don’t have time OR is it just not that big of a priority to you? If you say “I don’t have time to mow the lawn” it sounds like a good excuse right? But when you rephrase it as “Mowing the lawn is not a priority” you can see that the excuse is invalid. Same with “I don’t have time to work out, eat right and be healthy” Say it this way and hear how it sounds. “Exercise, diet and health are not a priority”. You know that our health is a very important part of your existence. To say I don’t have TIME for it is CRAZY!! To say it is NOT a Priority is even more crazy.

If you really want something you will ALWAYS find a way to fit it in to your busy schedule. It’s all in how much of a priority it is.

In this busy world today no one has time for vacation but we can always find time for it. Why? Cause its fun and we really want to. It becomes a priority. So next time you go to say “I don’t have time” remember, you DO have time, it’s just not YOUR priority! Be completely honest with yourself!! Change your priorities and it’ll open new doors for you. Get Results, GetReal Training!

Corbin Williams is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach and Certified Nutrition Coach. He graduated from Wexford University with a Bachelors Degree in Exercise and Nutrition and from National Personal Training Institute. He owns GetReal Training fitness studio in Hatfield. www.getrealtraining.net

McCoole’s Arts & Events Place to be Haunted

The 10th Annual

IE ER

ILL T DIS TS & N S RA RIE U E N TA S WI E ES I R R E AL C W E LO BR T AF R C THURSDAY

18

Oct.

15

Order your tickets today!

Visit UBCC.ORG Call 215.536.3211

Proceeds benefit :

5:30-8PM Sands Chrysler Jeep Dodge Showroom Rt. 309, Quakertown

$40

general admission

Proudly sponsored by:

S

or

$45 at the door

Hosted by: Partial proceeds benefit The UBCC Foundation Educational Programs

In the fall of 2014, McCoole’s Owner Jan Hench and her employees were looking for a new fall venue and thought Halloween would provide the perfect backdrop. They went to work transforming the upstairs of McCoole’s Arts & Events Place into a haunted house, with ghosts and goblins galore. Put together relatively quickly and held only on Halloween night, the haunted house still drew an audience who were thrilled by their experience.

Encouraged by this, a year later Hench has teamed up with Beer Fest partner, Jeff Martin of Jeff Martin builders to bring back the Haunted House for an extended stay. It will be open Thursday through Saturday, October 22, 23 and 24, and Wednesday through Friday, October 28, 29 and 30, from 6 to 10 pm. It is rated for PG 13 audiences. Admission is $10/person. The Haunted House will feature several room experiences each designed around a ghostly theme with lots of built-in surprises sure to thrill those attending.

In addition to the Haunted House, McCooles Arts & Events Place will hold a Halloween Bash on October 24 from 7-11 pm. Admission to this event is $40/person and includes a buf-

fet dinner, live band and complimentary wine and beer. Attendees can also access a cash bar.

Costumes are not required. McCoole’s is offering their complimentary Mane Street Shuttle Service to guests at the Bash but is requesting advance notice. Those interested in the shuttle should contact Jan Hench at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place at 215-538-1779.

On Halloween n i g h t , McCoole’s Restaurant will host their annual costume contest from 7 – 11 pm.

Patrons of the restaurant and bar appearing in costume can enter to win prizes in several best costume categories.

McCoole’s is located in Quakertown at the intersection of Route 313 and Main Street.

Parking is available behind the restaurant and overflow parking is available at the 14th street parking lots of Warehouse Battery Outlet and West End Styles immediately behind the McCoole’s complex as well as the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce lot down the street. For more details on parking visit www.mccoolesredlioninn.com

Mensch and Toepel to Host New Child Protection Legislation Seminar Senator Bob Mensch (R-Berks, Bucks, Montgomery) and Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery) will be hosting a child protection background check seminar to provide constituents the opportunity to learn more about the new child protection legislation and who it will affect. The seminar will be heldThursday, Oct. 8, from 6-8 p.m. at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Avenue in Harleysville.

Pennsylvania now has laws in place that require many employees and volunteers who work with children to obtain background checks. This has generated many questions regarding who it will affect and how it works.

“These child protection laws represent comprehensive, real world improvements,” said Mensch. “Representative Toepel and I value the safety of the children in our communities and we recognize the need to inform the community of these new changes and how

they may affect their profession or volunteer activities.”

“It is our hope that this seminar will help to better defend children from harm and empower everyone who works with them to fully follow the law by providing them with all of the information they need,” said Toepel.

This event will feature special guest speaker Mark Davis, human service representative supervisor from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Philadelphia office.

Due to limited seating, anyone who would like to attend is asked to RSVP to Senator Mensch’s office at (215) 541-2388

by Wednesday, Oct. 7. RSVPs may also be submitted to Representative Toepel’s office at (610) 323-3299.

More information is available on Senator Mensch’s website, www.SenatorMensch.com.

October 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • October 2015

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