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Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

Whats Going On
May 5 Ministers of Music in Concert 7pm at First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd, Quakertown. A free-will offering will be received. See advertisement next page. Family Fun Bingo at Haycock Fire Co, open 12noon, (gift cds to area attractions, restaurants, door prizes, raffles), lunch available, $20/tkt, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Qtwn, 484-851-3519 May 8 Richlandtown Historical Soc. meets 7pm at Benner Hall, Cherry St. Ron & Marty Sames will discuss History of Richland Feed Co located on Main St. 8th Upper Bucks Forum on Aging 10am1:30pm (opens 9am), free educational event for age 55+, lunch included, Benner Hall, 1260 Cherry St, Richlandtown, RSVP 267371-4566 to ensure a seat May 1 Cinco De Mayo 5K, begins 7pm at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown, register at 215-536-9622 x120 or megan.gelsebach@ ubymca.org May 3 & 4 Rummage/Bake Sale at Ottsville Fire Co Social Hall (Fri 10am-8pm) (Sat 9am-4pm), lunch avail, donated items welcome, 610-847-5606 May 4 Cyber School Fair (free) 10:30am-3pm at Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Ctr, 105 Seminary St, Pennsburg, all major schools will be in attendance 2nd Annual Bucks Wild Music Fest & Marketplace 11am-5pm rain/shine. Bucks Co Commun. College Upper Bucks Campus, 5th St, Perkasie, $25/space, info at: guerrab16446@student.bucks.edu Annual 5K Challenge/Wellness Fair starts 9am at Rohrer Stadium, Palisades HS, Kintnersville, $20/pre-regis, $25/race day, Jen Hooper 610-847-4985 or PCFnow.com Car Show 12noon-5pm at Dorman Products, 3400 E Walnut St, Colmar. All cars, trucks, motorcyles, food, entertainment, prizes, giveaways. Regis. at Dormanhelps.com Complimentary Celebration Breakfast for Cancer Survivors provided by Upper Bucks Relay for Life at Quakertown Memorial Park, pre-regis w/Joan 267-377-9024 or mompopsutt@yahoo.com Upper Bucks Relay for Life, 9am opening ceremony, Memorial Park, 600 W Mill St, Quakertown Mothers Day Flower Sale begins at Upper Bucks Tech School, 3115 Ridge Rd, Perkasie. Pricing & details at ubtech.org or 215-795-2911 x233 May 4 & 5 Wildflower Sale Fundraiser 9am-5pm at Nature Ctr, 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville, 215-357-4005 for list of plants & info, churchvillenaturecenter.org TEAM BUCKS Meet the People Behind the Resources networking event 11:45am1:30pm at Upper Bucks C of C Visitor Ctr, 21 N Main St, Qtwn. (regis. 11:45am, cost is $10, box lunch included) May 9 Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out), $8/adult, $4.50/ages 6-12, $8.50/ take-out, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike May 9 & 10 Mothers Day Geranium & Plant Sale 8am6pm at Grand View Hosp. ER driveway, Sellersville Rummage Sale (Thur 9am-6:30pm) (Fri 9am4pm) Zion Hill Lutheran, 2966 Old Bethlehem Pike, 1.5 miles south of Coopersburg. Food & plants also available, 215-536-3233 May 10 or 24 One-Hour Walking Tour w/Keystone Opportunity Ctr. 7:30am in 104 Main St facility in Souderton (free coffee/lite breakfast at Main St Java across street), reserve at 215723-5430x121 or keystoneopportunity.org May 10, 11, & 12 Mothers Day Flower Sale (Fri/Sat 8-8) (Sun 8-5), large selection, Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown, 215-5362224 or haycockfire.org May 11 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive by the Natl Assoc. of Letter Carriers, put your nonperishable donation in a bag by your mailbox. Will be delivered to a local food bank English Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show 2pm4pm at McCooles Arts & Entertainment Ctr in Quakertown, Tkts/$25 (reserve by May 6), teaforliferelay@gmail.com or 215-536-5411 Vera Bradley/Basket Bingo at St. Isidore, 603 W Broad St, Quakertown, opens 12noon, $20/adv, ($25/door), also silent auction, prizes, food available. 215-536-3193 or christselca@verizon.net Community Yard Sale (for Alzheimers) 9am. Hidden Meadows, 340 Farmers Lane, Sellersville, 215-257-6701 Community Yard Sale 8am-12noon at Souderton HS parking lot, 625 Lower Rd (r/d May 18), $15/space, alindsay@ soudertonsd.org Moms Market 9am-12noon at Franconia Mennonite Church, 613 Harleysville Pike, Telford. Free admission Rummage Sale 8am-1pm at Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie, (also lunch & baked goods), 215-249-3689 New 2 You Children/Ladies Consignment Sale 8am-12noon at Bethel Baptist Church Gym, 754 E Rockhill Rd, Sellersville Sharon Luma Memorial Ride regis. 12:30pm at Ottsville Fire Hall, 249 Durham Rd, Ottsville. A 60 mile ride to Yardley. Tkts/$25 adv, $30 day of event (includes ride, food, music, etc.) 215-536-0917 Nature in Spring 10:30am-12noon, for kids 6-12 yrs, pre-regis. required at 215-3574005, Nature Ctr, 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville, churchvillenaturecenter.org May 12 Happy Mothers Day! Mothers Day Breakfast Buffet (all-u-can-eat) 8am-1pm at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. $7/adult, $6/senior, $3/ages 6-10, rtfr.org or 215-536-7226 May 16, 17, & 18 Thoroughly Modern Millie musical at Quakertown HS, Park Ave, Qtwn. (Thur/Fri 8pm) (Sat 2pm & 8pm), Tkts/$12 on sale now at QCHS office. May 18 Last of the Boomers starring Jimmy Carroll, doors open 7pm, showtime 8pm, $20/tkt at Box Office 215-794-2331, New Hope Winery, 6123 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA Annual Rummage Sale 8am-2pm at St. Johns Lutheran, 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown, (1pm you can fill a paper bag for $1), all kinds of goods & refreshments available, 215-536-0734 for info Summer Carnival/Benefit Auction 7:30am3pm at Men-O-Lans Summerfest, 1415 Doerr Rd, Qtwn, (breakfast buffet, plant sale, bake sale, slide, live music, balloons, magic show & more), menolan.org T-ville Fire Co 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk, regis. begins 7am, race 8am at Milford Twp Trailhead, 1960 Kumry Rd, Quakertown, info or pre-reg. at bpw5875@gmail.com or 267-718-5212 The Penn Cup Cheesesteaks 11am-6pm to benefit Amer. Cancer Soc. at Upper Perkiomen HS, 2 Walt Rd, Pennsburg 4th Annual Golf Outing (Quakertown Commun. Edu. Fdn.) at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 2020 Trumbauersville Rd, Qtwn. Regis. at 7am, start at 8am, followed by lunch 12:30pm-2pm. 215-529-2002 Cruisin for a Cure Car/Bike Show 11am-3pm (r/s, no pets), Upper Perkiomen HS, 2 Walt Rd, Pennsburg, regis. info: 484-645-0206 or 2smcdonnell@gmail.com Arts Alive Festival 10am-4pm on Broad St, downtown Quakertown. Alpacas, trolley transport, food, music on 2 stages, wine tasting. Details: 215-536-2273 or quakertownalive.com 5th Annual Show & Shine 9am-3pm (regis. 8am-12noon), DJ, trophies, food, Trinity UCC, 1990 Rt 212, Quakertown, contact Marge 610-349-6985 or trinityucc@gmail.com Perkasie Olde Townes Annual SpringFest begins 12noon, (10am 5K run/1-mile fun run), lots of activities, vendors, live music, & food. Details: 215-257-4989, perkasieoldetowne.org Annual Spring Fling 9am-2pm at Independence Court, Park Ave, Quakertown, free space, bring table, call to register at 215-538-7050 Community Fundraiser Yard Sale 8am-1pm at Deep Run Mennonite East Gymnasium, 350 Kellers Church Rd, Perkasie Upper Perkioman Relay for Life, 10am opening ceremony, Upper Perkiomen H S football field, 2 Walt Rd, Pennsburg Mothers Day Dinner (roast beef & ham) 12noon-5pm at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Qtwn. $12/adults, $8/age 4-7, free under 4, haycockfire.org or 215-536-2224 May 13 Hoagie Sale at Trumbauersville Fire Co, (adv. orders due Wed before), $4.75-$5, regular, ham, turkey, roast beef, order/info: Kim 215536-1998, bucks58fire.com May 16 Senior Event w/Sen. Bob Mensch 1:30pm3:30pm at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. Reserve seats at 215-5412388 or email Sarah at sstroman@pasen.gov Chilis Give Back Night 11am to close, 550 DeKalb Pike, Montgomeryville. Get vouchers at Keystoneopportunity.org or Office, 104 Main St, Soudertown, 10% of check donated.

May 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

in Upper Bucks?
May 19 Basket Bingo/Bake Sale Fundraiser (to end childhood hunger), doors open 11:30am, Emmanuel Lutheran, 69 W Broad St, Souderton, for details/tickets, call 215-7030644 or marykoehler09@comcast.net May 21 Upper Bucks Business Expo 12noon-5pm at Quakertown Community High School, 215536-3211 or ubcc.org Artist & Author Luncheon 12noon at Indian Valley Country Club in Telford. Call Ginny 215-723-2219 for details & tkts/$25 May 25 May 28 Quakertown Neighborhood Assoc. monthly meeting, 7:30pm in Conference Rm of Off Broad St. Music Studio Annex, 334 W. Broad St. Open to the community! Quakertownna@ gmail.com June 1 Haycock Histor. Soc. Marketplace 9am2pm, Haycock Firehouse, Old Bethlehem Rd, Applebachsville. Antiques, crafts, flea mkt, classic cars, rides, live music, food. (r/s) Info/ regis: Paula 215-536-2677 Craft Show at Senior Ctr, Milford Sq. Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, Milford Square, Vendors needed, call 215-536-3066 for info. Upper Saucon Lions Club Flea Market 8am3pm, Living Memorial Grounds, Rt 309 & Fairmount St, Coopersburg. 10x20 space $12/adv or $15. Uslionsclub.com or 610-2821776 Family Safety Day 10am-3pm, free food, giveaways, etc. at St. Lukes Bone & Joint Institute, 1534 Park Ave, Quakertown Quakertown Pet Fair at Quakertown Veterinary Clinic, 2250 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Qtwn (r/d June 2) 2nd Annual Ridge Fest 9am-2pm, $10/ space, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-353-2124 or ChristCommunityBibleChurch.org June 1 & 2 Kiwanis of Upper Bucks Chicken Barbecue 11am-5pm (or sold out) in Souderton Park. Tkt prices are $10 & $7. Details/tkts: Greg 267202-1335, Glenn 267-261-9334, and Bonnie 267-664-2533 Coopersburg 5K Run, Kids Fun Run, & Health/Wellness Expo, visit coopersburg.org for race registration, race route, & info. Also jwschaninger@hotmail.com or 484-553-6340 May 26 All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast 8am-12noon at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown, $6/adult, $4/kids 4 to 7, free under 4, info at 215-536-2224 or haycockfire. org May 27 Happy Memorial Day! Public House of the 1820s by Hancock Soc. of Montgomery Co, (Sat 9-5) (Sun 10-4), talk w/local people of the day, etc. HartzelStrassburger Homestead, 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pk, Sellersville, 267-614-9174 June 2 Dublin Day & Arts Festival, 12noon-5pm, artists, crafters, food vendors, & lots of fun for all ages. DiscoverDublin.org, Questions? 267-871-9565 June 3 UBCC 29th Annual Golf Outing at Indian Valley Country Club, more at 215-536-3211 or ubcc.org June 8 Yard Sale/Flea Mkt 8am-1pm at St. Isidores parking lot, 2645 W Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown, details for tables/spaces at 215620-3553 or landscapecommittee@yahoo.com

by richard helm

American Legion Post 242 Plans Memorial Day Parade, Services

This year we are once again preparing a parade and fitting and proper Memorial Day Service in the Park. After the current happenings in Boston and still in the Mid-East it is important that we show our support to those who serve. I recently read a letter to the editor mentioning that a person was in a cemetery in early winter and noticed a lack of flags in the War Memorial flag holders throughout the cemetery. I would like to take the time to explain another service that your American Legion performs. We place flags in about 20 cemeteries in the Upper Bucks area before Memorial Day and those flags remain in the holders until Veterans Day in November. Throughout the summer months, we ask your help to remove any flags that fall to disrepair because of the elements. Many of the cemetery groundkeepers usually maintain the respect of the colors by either removing them or restapling them to the pole. Usually by November the flags are faded and are readily removed because the grounds are no longer being mowed, hence the removal and proper disposal takes place by your Legion. Over 1650 flags are placed on the graves and just a few people perform the task. A few

of the larger cemeteries have extra volunteers including Legion members, local adult volunteers, Scouts, and local church youth groups. If you have a group that would be interested in helping contact Les Walters @ 215-536-9242. It is a two-fold experience for the children as it teaches the children work ethics and a greater respect for those who served during Americas wars and conflicts. Just a reminder to check the marquee in the front of the Post on East Broad Street for special meals and programs and to remember not only Memorial Day but also or motorcycle rally, blood drives, and other special fundraisers. Once again, mark your calendar for the Memorial Day Parade and Service. The parade is set for Monday, May 27, at 9am with services to follow at the World War I Memorial in the park. The parade route follows 9th Street starting at Park Avenue going to Mill Street, then down Mill Street to the service then down to 3rd Street to Broad Street to the American Legion Post for a brief service. Show those who served and honor those who gave their all for your freedom that you care. It is the least you can do!

With SpringFest 2013 less than a month away, Perkasie Olde Towne Association is continuing to accept applications from contestants in the rib grilling and pie baking competitions, and the Big Wheel Downhill Derby. SpringFest is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from noon until 9 p.m. in downtown Perkasie. Were looking forward to another memorable event, said POTA President Cathy Weierbach. The more people who participate in these contests, the more fun everyone will have. A $300 first prize is up for grabs in the ribs-grilling competition ($150 for second place and $50 for third-place). The registration fee is $40, and includes 10 pounds of ribs to be prepared onsite. Winners of the Peoples Choice Award will walk away with a loaded gift basket. Special thanks to Hatfield Quality Meats for donating the ribs and First Savings Bank of Perkasie for the cash prizes. Pie-bakers will compete for a $200 first prize ($100 for second and $50 for third). There is no registration fee; bakers are asked to submit two of the same pie one for judging and the other to be auctioned. The Pie Baking

Perkasie SpringFest Just Around the Corner

Competition is sponsored by Be HomeCare. Adult competitors (ages 18 and up) in the A&T Chevrolet-Subaru Big Wheel Downhill Derby will be vying for a Grand Prize Caribbean destination prize donated by Packntravel of Sellersville. Youngsters (ages 6-12) will be eligible to win prize packs. POTA is also selling wristbands for its Free Will Brewing Co. Tasting Tent, which will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for sampling Perkasie-made microbrews. Wristbands are $25 in advance ($30 at the door, if there are any available). Sponsored by Perkasie Olde Towne Association and its member businesses, SpringFest promises a day fun for all a 5K run sponsored by Weber, Kracht & Chellew in the morning followed by live music, the A&T Chevrolet-Subaru Big Wheel Downhill Derby, Backyard Ribs Grilling Competition, Pie Baking Competition, beer tasting, demonstrations and displays from our local businesses, and crafters. All-day live music under the Main Tent sponsored by Secant Medical. SpringFest will be held rain or shine. For more information or to register for the events, visit perkasieoldetowne.org.

Have an event youd like to share with your community? Send us the details!
email: events@ubfp.org fax: 215-839-3421 mail: 312 W. Broad Street, Quakertown PA 18951

Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

Ongoing Community Activities and Resources

Lottery Calendar for June 1-Aug. 31 for Trumbauersville Fire Co, $10/donation, chance to win $20-$100 per day. Info: jason.gerhart@comcast.net, 215-260-5142, or bucks58fire.com, Get yours today! Reflective Address Markers for the mailbox $15, order from Trumbauersville Fire Co (highly visible, reflects both sides), call Eric 215-538-1880 or bucks58fire.com Perkasie Carousel Schedule- May 12 & 27, June 16, July 7(r/d July 14) & 28, Aug 18, Sept 8, Oct 6, Dec 7, perkasiehistory.org ESL (English as a Second Language), Thursdays 4:30pm-6:30pm, free community program at Morningstar Fellowship, 429 South 9th St, Quakertown, contact Diane deblodgett@verizon.net or Alaina awert@qcsd. org 1-267-269-2777 (English/Spanish) PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-3pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or www.lastchanceranch.org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 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. 215-723-3415 or carolonline1@verizon.net Saturday morning Bird Walks 8am-10am, 215345-7860 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guidance, hotline 1-800-675-6900. NOVABucks.org Tourette Syndrome Support Group for adults over 21, 7pm-8:30pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Doylestown Hospital, Susan 215-527-7229 or susangottshall@gmail.com Gamblers Anonymous meets every Saturday 11am-1pm, St. Lukes Hosp. Education Ctr, Rm 111, Ostrum St, Bethlehem, 215-872-5635 Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, free babysitting. www.oa.org or Bob 610-762-3779 Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-453-4699 Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tuesdays 7:30pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com A Womans Place (support for domestic abuse/ violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220-8116, www.awomansplace.org Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominicks Pizza, Quakertown

Things Were Permanent When I was Young

Things were permanent, when I was very young. The sidewalk, with its long, diagonal crack from which ants and dandelions emerged, was always there and always would be. It was made of white concrete, and concrete was forever. Our house was made of brick. The roof could burn, they told me, but the rest would always stand. The neighbors houses were brick as well; hard, inflexible, permanent. The neighborhood would always be the same; the houses and the sidewalks and the streets. When I was young, things of stone and brick and steel did not alter, were permanent. I could not conceive of them dissolving and disappearing, because I could not yet speed up time. Time was there, when I was young. I sensed it when I waited. I watched the second hand move round. I saw the minute hand move, too--if I looked away, waited, and waited, then looked back again. Yes, it moved. Days and nights punctuated my life. Weeks were built, but slowly. A month, my God, a month; to wait a month was hard. A year was beyond all comprehension, extending out, up and around, drawn in my mind as a circle, with Christmas at the bottom, summer at the top, slowly turning, ticking off the days and nights, going around like a clock counting months instead of hours. When I was ten, I was lying on the lawn lounge chair in the front yard under the red bud tree which had the crooked branch that I could climb to get on the roof. I looked across the wooded lot next to ours--the lot where the new house, which is now an old house, was not yet built, the lot where the trees were too big to climb except the one that I needed a cinderblock to stand on to get high enough to reach the lower limb (the trees are all gone, felled and sawn to dig the hole in which they built the new house). I looked across, through the big trees, toward Ezzies garage, which I could see from there before the house was built. I said to myself, on that that warm summer day that I remember was bright and beautiful and green: I will remember this moment all my life. In the far, far future, when I am old, I will remember this day and place. I will remember lying here looking across the woods lot, and remember me the way I am. And I do remember the place and what I said to myself, but I cant remember the date or the time (except that it was day and was bright and green). It was way back then, when time was still slow but things were not quite permanent anymore. Theyd paved the road and built a new bridge up on Ambler Street, so the old, familiar one which was made of concrete and steel was gone. But, the new one was made of concrete and steel, too. The old people died. They built the new house thats old now. I went away. I sat in geology class, sleepythe night was too short, the morning came too soon. The film showed continents moving, colliding. Mountains rose then disappeared into the sea. Time speeded up and the Earth went round and round in a blur, four billion times and more in a circle with Christmas at the bottom and summer at the top. I stood outside looking up at the tall building that was made of steel and stone cut into large square blocks. The rain dissolved it and tiny fossil shells, encapsulated, fixed in time, dead for millions upon millions of years, stood out in the limestone. I touched them, the stones and the dead shells. I speeded up time and watched the building crumble. The rain washed and froze and split it into sand and the wind blew it across the desert. It piled in huge dunes that covered the land. The sun turned red and huge and the dunes melted into glass that shattered and fell into a trillion sparkling shards. I kept moving quickly along the path. The dogs died. People died and the houses were not the same, outside or within. They dug up the sidewalk and poured more concrete. The children frolicked, their clocks ran slow and I was thirty. The children grew and ran in bigger circles, then, I was forty. They tore down the old borough hall, the stones and concrete and steel were quickly hauled away. As weeks sped by, the new one rose toward the sky; and I was fifty. I kept moving along the path, because I could not yet slow down time. Time was there, when I got old. I sensed it when I breathed. I saw it as the children grew. I watched the hour hand move, round and round, faster, faster, until it was a blur. Weeks punctuated my life. Months passed by as I tore the pages from the wall. Years turned and passed along, Christmas at the bottom, summer at the top. I closed my eyes and saw the galaxy swirling, faster and faster, disappearing down a hole. All was black, but I was still there, somewhere around it, above it. Suddenly I saw a light glowing, felt its energy all around me, and inside of me, and realized it was always there. The clock stopped, as the timeless, perfect light, with its images of the billions of years engulfed me. I gasped and realized that nothing had dissolved and disappeared. Id merely lapped the circle, I closed the loop. Time would pass no more. I awakened to the truth that, everything is permanent. It alters, changes, yet all exists forever, and is as it always was, in the light in which I glow.

Community Meals
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, 215-536-0395 Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447 Free Community Dinner third Mon. of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-3689. Call before 3pm w/questions of transportation needs

Support Groups & Medical Resources

Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month at Down to Earth Caf, 1141 N 5th St, Perkasie, info: stef@ sistersu.com Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 or 610-558-1326 Bikers Against Child Abuse meets 11am the 2nd Sunday every month at Hilltown German Sportsmens Club, 1622 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown. email: Teaseofbaca@aol.com 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. 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 income eligibility guidelines. Info: 215-538-4774 Outreach Care, (supports Quakertown people in need of temp. housing and resources), 215-804-5869,qtownoutreachcare@gmail.com Alzheimers 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

Bingo
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 Plumsteadville Fire Co. every Monday, opens 5:30pm, games 6:30pm (refreshments avail.) 5064 Stump Rd, 215-766-8250 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. (except July) opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. opens 5pm, games 6:40pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900

Last month, we recognized several local volunteers who work to make our community a better place. Our readers recommended more volunteers for recognition than we could run in one edition, so weve decided to make our Volunteer Shout-out a monthly feature. Thank you to all of the people who volunteer their time and energy to the community! Holly Olsen is a dedicated volunteer at the Bucks County SPCAs Upper Bucks shelter. She works with the dogs, getting them ready for their new homes and taking care of them

Love your community? Thank a volunteer.

while they wait at the shelter. Danielle Weiss has been serving as a volunteer firefighter for 15 years, first in Haycock Township and now at Quakertowns West End firehouse. Jann Paulovitz serves as President for the volunteer-driven Quakertown Alive!. Do you know someone who should be featured here? Send their names and contact information (very important) to us at info@ubfp.org.

(left) Jann Paulovitz (center) Holly Olsen (right) Danielle Weiss

photos by michele buono

May 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

Local Races and Cars of an Earlier Time

oday we follow NASCAR, the Indy Racing League, and Formula One races live on television. Back in the 50s and 60s not even the Indy 500 was on television. I remember sitting around the radio on Memorial Day with my dad and brothers and cheering on Eddie Sachs, Al Laquasto, Johnny Thompson, Tommy Hinnershitz, and Bobby Marshman as they raced The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. All of them were local drivers from the Lehigh Valley, Berks County, and Montgomery County. Later on we saw the same drivers as well as A.J.Foyt, Roger Ward, Wild Bill Schindler, and all the other famous Indy drivers at the race around fathers day down at the Langhorne Speedway around Fathers Day and up at the half-mile race track at the Greater Allentown Fair. After I graduated from school in 61, my brother and I would take my father to Langhorne for Fathers Day. When we were young boys, my dad would take us to the Allentown Fair and we would stand at the third corner near the horse barns and would have to duck the wads of dirt coming off the racecar tires. About 1956 we were able to buy tickets for the cement paddock in front of the grandstand and back in 58 we actually sat in the grandstand and didnt have to duck the mud clods! My buddy Sam Kile and I drove out to Indianapolis in May 1963 and we spent a week watching time trials, Carburation Day, and luckily had press passes with the help of Eddie Sachs - to Gasoline Alley. Sam suggested we find out where he was staying and when we did we knocked on his motel door and waited while he finished a half-hour talk with his brother and then talked to him and he said to meet him there the next morning and so we did. He told us to follow him and he took us right in to the infield and to the press trailer. He told them we represented a local paper and they gave us the passes. It just goes to show you to always try and the answer to your childhood dreams can come true! Parnelli Jones won and the showman Eddie Sachs went passed us pushing his tire down the pits after his car wrecked. Unfortunately a few years later Mr. Sachs was killed out at Indianapolis. Our area was a race fans dream area. We had Langhorne, Hatfield Speedway (owned by Bobby Marshmans father), Reading

Fairgrounds, Allentown Fairgrounds, and the small stock car track at Dorney Park. For drag racing we had Vargo Dragway, Windgap, and many smaller venues. Vargos, located at Elephant in Bedminster Twp, was the dragstrip. George Banas from Quakertown recently told me he still has the car that he used to run at Vargos. Many of us motorheads were to be found down at the strip on Sunday afternoons. Many times if you were not participating, you could be part of someones pit crew. Other times you spent time in the stands. Many famous drivers brought their Rails, superstock hot rods, or stock hoppedup cars to the track. When I was at Fort Knox, Kentucky for advanced training I took a bus up to Indianapolis to attend the Summer Nationals. All of the above tracks are now gone. Most of the oval tracks were sold and became shopping centers. Dorney Parks small track was closed down for amusement park expansion. Vargos track can still be seen from the road as you drive past and from what I understand they have reunions every now and then. These racetracks were the start for many famous race drivers including Mario Andretti. Most important it kept us teenagers busy and we actually learned about mechanics and its still helpful to us today. Automobiles (Cars) were in a transition period from the standard straight six cylinders that were tried and true from before World War II. The advent of the V-8 in many models in 1955 sparked the innovations of backyard mechanics to Soup-Up their cars. Then in the 60s the automakers did it for us. It wasnt until the gas crises in 1974 that the era of the Big Engines ended. Cars such as Cadillacs, Buicks, and Oldsmobiles as well as the first standard V/8s (Ford) all had V/8 engines. The year 1955 brought about big changes and each year after that the V/8s grew in size and carburation. Before that some innovative motorheads put the Cadillac, Olds, or Buick V/8s in old cars dating before the war which became known as Hotrods. Quakertown teenagers and guys in their 20s were no exception. Many neat hotrods could be seen when we went cruising: around town. The terms Small Block Chevy, 396, 401, 409, 442. Three twos, quads, Race, full race, straight pipes, glass packs, fender skirts, spinners, white side walls, posi-traction, and slicks will be only understood by those that experienced racing and carsback in the day!

Senior Center Action

Upper Bucks Senior Center 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, Qtwn, 215-5363066 www.upperbuckssac.com Mahjong Fri. 12:30pm $1 Game Day Tue. 12:30pm $1 Line Dancing Tues. & Fri. 10am $3 Yoga Fri. 9am $3/class Pinochle Fri. 12:30pm Bingo Thurs. 12:15pm open to the public Bridge Mon. 11:00am Billiards Tue/Wed/Thur. $3/ non-members Tai Chi Tues (8-wk session) Zumba Thur (6-wk session) Country Line Dancing Wed $5 Encore Experiences at Harleysville 312 Alumni Ave, Harleyesville 215-256-6900 Zumba Gold every Tues. 1:30pm $1/ class Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville Line Dancing Mon. 10:30am Chair Yoga Tues. 10am Advanced Tai Chi Wed. 10:30am-11:30am Beginner Tai Chi Wed. 11:30am-12noon Weight Loss Group Thurs. 10:30am

Adopt-A-Pantry 2013 Kicks Off to Stock Food Pantries in Bucks County

Starting May 1, food collection sites will be popping up around Bucks County for the Opportunity Councils annual Adopt-A-Pantry project a collaborative, county-wide food drive to benefit the Food and Nutrition Network (FaNN), a network of 27 food pantries. Families, churches, local businesses and others are pledging to collect non-perishable food between May 1 and 17. Through a partnership with New York Life and Delaware Valley College, Adopt-A-Pantry expects to collect 15,400 meals, or the equivalent of 10 tons of food. Adopt-A-Pantry 2013 will help area pantries stock up for summertime when children dont receive breakfast and lunch from school and their shelves are the emptiest. More than 102,000 people visited FaNNs pantries last year, receiving 1,243,715 meals $2,126,504 worth of food. While the number of people visiting FaNNs pantries has increased almost 20 percent over the last three years, its funding was reduced by 40 percent this year and is not expected to increase in the future. Ten percent of Bucks County residents are food insecure; however, only six percent currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly the Food Stamp Program benefits. Donations to the Adopt-A-Pantry drive will help fill these increasing gaps in food security. Bucks County Opportunity Council invites anyone who wants to set up a food collection site to visit www.bcoc.org or call 215-345-8175 x213 for the Adopt-A-Pantry toolkit, which contains a pledge form, a food drive guide and other materials. After the drive, donations can be dropped off on Monday and Tuesday, May 20 and 22, at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown. The Opportunity Council is grateful to New York Life for providing volunteers and supplies for the effort and to Delaware Valley College for donating space on their Doylestown campus to collect and sort food donations. Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income people in Bucks County achieve and sustain economic selfsufficiency. For more information, visit www.bcoc.org.

Pennridge Community Center 146 E. Main St, Perkasie, 215-453-7027, pennridgecenter.org Day activities include: ceramics, billiards, aerobics, line dancing, card games, arts, chess, Wii bowling, tai chi, Zumba, mahjong. Contact ctr for times and days. Evenings include: (call for times & fees)

Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

Social Security Q & A

Question: My wife doesnt have enough work under Social Security to qualify for Social Security or Medicare. But I am fully insured and eligible. Can she qualify on my record? Answer: Yes. The question youve raised applies to husbands as well as wives. Even if your spouse has never worked under Social Security, she (or he) can, at full retirement age, receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount. Your wife is eligible for reduced spouses benefits as early as age 62, as long as you are already receiving benefits. If your spouse will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security such as government employment, the amount of his or her Social Security benefits on your record may be reduced. For more information, take a look at the fact sheet, Government Pension Offset, Publication No. 05-10007 at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10007.pdf. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select the Retirement tab. Question: My neighbor said he applied for Social Security retirement benefits on the computer. Can you really apply for retirement without traveling to an office? Answer: Yes you can! And whats more, its the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits. Theres no need to fight the traffic to visit an office and wait to be served. Our website makes it simple, allowing you to apply for retirement TELFORD benefits in as little as 15 minutes. You can Grundy Manor get started now at www.socialsecurity.gov/ Indian Valley Library applyonline. Landis Supermarket Question: What is the earliest age I can Lisas Pizza begin receiving retirement benefits? Answer: The earliest age you can begin SOUDERTON receiving Social Security retirement benefits Care & Share Shoppes is 62. If you decide to receive benefits before your full retirement age, which for most Generations people is age 66 or 67, you will receive a Main Street Java reduced benefit. Keep in mind you will not Mr. Bs be able to receive Medicare coverage until QNB Bank age 65, even if you decide to retire at an Vincents Pizza earlier age. For more info, go to www. socialsecurity.gov. COOPERSBURG Question: Is there a time limit on Coopersburg Diner how long I can receive Social Security Giant Food Markets disability benefits? The Inside Scoop Answer: Your disability benefits will QNB Bank continue as long as your medical condition Turkey Hill Minit Market has not improved and you cannot work. Weis Markets Social Security will periodically review your case to determine whether you continue to be SILVERDALE eligible. If you are still receiving disability Detlan Equipment benefits when you reach your full retirement age, your disability benefits will automatically Green Street Barber Shop be converted to retirement benefits. HARLEYSVILLE Learn more about disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. Hennings Market Question: Why is there a five-month Landis Supermarket waiting period for Social Security disability Also available at lots of other benefits? Answer: The law states Social Security high traffic locations between disability benefits can be paid only after you here and there. Have a suggestion for a place have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Social youd like to see the Free Press? E-mail terri@ubfp.org. Security disability benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not able to receive benefits for any month during the waiting period. Learn more at our website: www.socialsecurity. gov/disability. Question: What are the rules for getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Im thinking about applying based on my disability. Answer: To be eligible to receive SSI benefits, you must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older and have limited income and resources. Income is money you receive such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Income also includes the value of such things as food and shelter you receive from others. Resources include real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth no more than $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth no more than $3,000. Learn more by reading our publication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ 11000.pdf. Question: I have an appointment to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). What kind of information will I need to take with me? Answer: To help make the application process go quickly and smoothly, you should bring: Your Social Security number Your birth certificate or other proof of your age Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlords name Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records, and other information about your income and the things you own Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status If you are applying for SSI because you are disabled or blind, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have information related to your condition. Learn more by reading our publication, You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/11069.pdf. Question: I found out that my daughter and I submitted incorrect information about my resources when she helped me complete my Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. How can I get my application amended now to show the correct amount? Answer: You can call 1-800-772-1213 and let us know. Or you can contact your local Social Security office by using our office locator at www.socialsecurity.gov/ locator. Information on your application will be matched with data from other federal agencies. If there is a discrepancy that requires verification, we will contact you. Tom Reiley is the Social Security District Manager in Allentown. Have a question about Social Security matters? Email Tom at thomas.reiley@ssa.gov.

QUAKERTOWN Aamco A-Plus Mini Market Bottom Dollar Foods Beer City Bricks Sales Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Downtown Dogs Earl Bowl Lanes First Niagara Bank First Savings Bank Franks Pizza The Free Press Bldg. Giant (Qtwn Plaza) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Independence Court James Michener Library Johns Plain & Fancy Liberty Thrift Store McDonalds Melody Lakes Philly Soft Pretzel Factory Quaker Cleaners Quakertown Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Redners Market Roma Pizza Sals Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sines 5 & 10 SNAP Fitness

Spinnerstown Hotel St. Lukes Hospital Swanns Pantry Toms Help Desk Upper Bucks Sr. Center Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Finos La Cantina Spors General Store SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner Suelkes Roadstand Village Market PERKASIE Dam Good Cafe Emils Diner First United Methodist Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Mirage Hair Salon Olde Towne Convenience Store Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank Revivals Restaurant

May Musings
Hello again, fans! The cold has moved out and spring is here! I would like to invite you all to come meet me at the Quakertown Pet Fair on June 1. I will be at the Camp Jeans table. My Canines for Christ Group table will be next to me so I can work both areas. I have fans everywhere. I would like to give a special Shout out to a big fan named Ruth. She was in a panic looking for an April Free Press so she could read my column. Naturally, I took one to her. I wanted to let all my dog owner fans know that if your dog eats something that they shouldnt eat, a small rodent, pills, a remote control, part of their toys that may get stuck in the intestines, you can get it out of your dog without a vet visit. If you know the dog ate something bad in the past 20 minutes or so you can give the dog a couple tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and wait about 15 minutes. The offending article should come back up. If nothing comes up then it is already digested or they didnt eat anything bad in the first place. This is worth trying before a visit to the vet. My human uses a syringe with no needle to get the hydrogen peroxide down the throat. Well enough of that subject. This article is short because I want to get out and enjoy the weather. Im hoping that Kathys Country Kitchen has her patio open today! Remember in Quakertown you may eat on the patio with your humans at McCooles, Sundays, Karlton Caf and Kathys Country Kitchen. Im sure looking forward to the outings. Remember to behave and have your human clean up after you. Love M.J.

May 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

Medicare Cuts, Drugs from Canada, Seminars

Medicare Cuts like Congressman Paul Ryan and I think hes very bright and astute when it comes to complex things like trillion dollar budgets. But, what I have all over Paul Ryan is the wisdom and experience that comes from sitting almost every day of the week at kitchen tables of folks that I help navigate through the maze of Medicare. I know Congressman Ryan meant well and he attempted to think out of the box in proposing a new structure to Medicare that would provide savings. But from my perch, his voucher or premium support that would have folks go shopping for medical needs would add another layer of complexity and decision making resulting in even more stress and aggravation. Plus, his measure offered no substantial proof that it would work. With a voucher good for a certain value, it would decrease the amount of money available to a Medicare enrollee, and thereby decrease the amount of money used to fund Medicare. Ryan called it saving money through competitive shopping. I suppose that for a percentage of the Medicare population (that segment who uses less benefits) this might be a workable scenario, but for the chronically ill who use 50% of Medicares services, and ultimately over 50% of its costs, this wont work. There is no magic bullet in saying, Well, heres the amount you get, now work it out with your doctors and hospitals--theyll be more than happy to deliver medicine in a competitive market. Whos to say that doctors and hospitals are excited about getting into a competitive medicine market? Medicare has big problems and big solutions are needed. But solutions that decrease the easy utilization and easy availability of Medicare is not a smart solution! Perhaps Congress should consult with us

who sit at the kitchen tables, theres a lot of wisdom outside the beltway that they are missing out on! Drugs from Canada Several of our clients buy their prescription drugs from Canada. The reason is that they are less expensive. Same drugs. Less money. Sometimes considerably less! If you have an interest into exploring this option, first check out www.CIPA.com. This is the website of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. From the CIPA website: CIPA certification assures you that the pharmacy provider is licensed, reputable and adheres to stringent safety protocols. CIPA pharmacies follow the same prescription process as U.S. mailorder companies, requiring a valid and signed prescription from the patients doctor or health care provider. We provide the same quality controls and convenience of U.S. mail-order services, allowing consumers to maintain their health with name-brand pharmaceuticals delivered right to their home Medicare Part D plans cannot be used when buying drugs from Canada. However, even with a Part D drug plan, especially when in the donut hole (coverage gap) buying drugs from Canada can be much less expensive. Medicare Made Easy Seminars We are holding a series of Medicare Seminars in Pennsburg, East Greenville, Southampton, Feasterville, Richboro and Langhorne. These free 60 minute seminars will explain all of your Medicare options in a clear and straightforward manner. Whether you are turning 65 or over 65 and still working with retirement in sight, you will find these seminars extremely informative and entertaining. These seminars are for educational purposes only and the selling of Medicare Supplement Plans will not be offered. For all the details, please call my office at 267-923-5281 or check our website at SRinsurancesolutions.com.

by erica stein

Wunderbar! QCHS German Students Score Well on National Exam

Two QCHS students attended an awards ceremony at the Canstatter Volksfest Verein in Philadelphia on April 27 because they scored well on the National German Exam. They were also invited to meet with a panel of German teachers and professors for the possibility of winning a trip to Germany this summer, awarded by the National American Association of Teachers of German. Sydney Dickson, a junior, placed for the second year in a row. Now a German Honors 3 student, she scored 94 out of 100. Magdalena Dammer, a second year German Honors student, also scored 94. They earned Gold Level status. Sydney hopes to win a trip to Germany but even if she doesnt, she wants to figure out a way to go so she can visit relatives. She will host a German exchange student through the Friendship Connection program from March 13-April 10. Maggie said she is not interviewing for the trip because she is already going to Germany this summer with a scout troupe. A total of 14 QCHS students took the test, paying for their own entry fees. Frau Jodi Alderfer said their scores were higher than any previous local test takers. I dont prepare them for the test, Frau Alderfer said. They do it on their own. Its a lot of vocabulary and grammar. Students who are pretty good with those two things are the ones who want to take the test. Like most World Language teachers, I choose to focus on broader aspects of the language, like culture and writing to or blogging with e-partners, rather than focus so much on grammar to teach to the test. Erica Schmidlechner, an Honors Level 2 student, and Alyssa Clymer, Honors 3, also scored well. They finished at the Silver and Bronze levels, respectively.

QCHS students who earned Certificates of Achievement were Meranda Weathers (Honors 3); Kate Robeson-Grubb (Honors 2); Hosanna Mullen (Honors 2); Frederick Dickson (Level 2); Lydia Stepanoff (Honors 2); Emily Hamrick (Honors 2); and Julia Henke (Honors 2). Certificates of Participation went to Alexis Griffith (Level 2); Heather Oeltjen-Bruns (Honors 2); and Ava Haekler (Honors 4). Their scores are reported as SAT equivalent as well so that college administrators can understand them, Frau Alderfer said. It looks good on their resumes for college entry. At the award ceremony, they can win cash prizes and one student will be awarded the 3-week trip to Germany. The Philadelphia panel of German teachers and professors will interview them but ultimately the national association decides who goes on the trip. Sydney explained that the test had 40 listening questions and 60 written questions. She scored a 98 last year and said the test increased in difficulty this year. She took the level 3 exam this year and the level 2 exam last year. When her German exchange student arrives, she plans to take her to New York City and Washington, D.C. She will also compete at the Delaware Valley Deutschfest while her visitor is here. Sydney wants to show her guest some typical American activities. Alyssa said her experience in German language class has afforded her opportunities to speak to German-speaking students online, as e-pals. She plans a career in biomedical science and believes the German will help her.

Solutions for Seniors, Real Estate Firm Team Up for Sandy Victims
After Hurricane Sandy many homeowners who had damage claims were faced with rising insurance costs, but for senior citizens, the effect can be devastating. Already on fixed incomes, this additional expense can put them over the edge. William Glover, a senior citizen who resides in Lower Bucks, was told by his new insurance carrier that he had to do some expensive yard work to cut back and remove some trees or risk losing his homeowners insurance. Not having the funds to do what was required and having no family members to turn to, his situation was brought to the attention of Cheryl Campbell, Founder & President of Solutions for Seniors, a non-profit organization serving Bucks County. Cheryl sprang into action, and as a result, she has arranged for a group of volunteers to meet at his home to do what is necessary on Thursday, May 9, 2013. Solutions for Seniors has help coming from two businesses. As part of their Red Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) initiative held on the second Thursday of May, associates from Keller Williams Real Estate of Langhorne are partnering with Solutions for Seniors to help out. Red Day (Renew, Energize, and Donate) is an initiative dedicated to celebrating Keller Williams Real Estates year-round commitment to improving their local communities. Each year, on the second Thursday in May, tens of thousands of associates from across the United States & Canada participate in a wide range of projects, devoting their time to renewing & energizing aspects of the neighborhoods in which they serve. Red Day initiatives run the gamut: from rebuilding homes, refurbishing local parks, giving to local food shelters, hosting blood drives, beautifying beaches and much more. Projects are chosen by each individual market center based on a need they see within the community. Between these groups and the help of others, they hope to get Williams yard spruced up so that it meets the requirements of his insurance company. For more information about this event or about Solutions for Seniors, please contact Cheryl Campbell at 267-549-7602 or check out their website at thechristmasgala.com.

Upper Bucks Free Press April 2013

Your Property Tax Bill

Q. I received my property tax bill and I think it is too high. How can I lower my property taxes? A. Its that time of year again. The grass becomes greener, flowers bloom, and if you own real estate, you will receive a special piece of mail from your local tax collector for municipal and county real estate taxes. Now is the time to examine your tax bill to determine if your property is over-assessed, in which case you are paying too much in taxes. Granted, no one likes to pay taxes, but unlike income taxes, there is something that you can do in an effort to lower your property taxes if you believe that you are paying too much: You can file a tax assessment appeal. Many clients believe that if you can find out what your neighbors are paying for real estate taxes, you can argue to the Board of Assessment that you should be paying that same amount. However, the only issue the Board of Assessment will decide is the current value of your property. The first step to take if you feel your property is over-assessed is to determine if an appeal should be filed in the first place. A good starting point is to locate the assessment of your property on your tax bill. Once you find out what the assessment is, you divide that number by the Common Level Ratio (CLR) of your county to determine the current Fair Market Value (FMV) of your property as assessed by the county. The CLR is a figure that determines how your countys assessments compare with current real estate market valuations. For example, if your assessment is $10,000, and the CLR is 10.82% (which is the most recent published CLR for Bucks County) your FMV is $92,241. Next, you need to determine your propertys actual FMV. There are many ways to calculate what your property is worth, including: an appraisal by a licensed PA Real Estate Appraiser; a comparative market analysis of other real estate comparable to your own; or, the agreement of sale if your property was recently purchased. Assuming that you have determined your FMV as assessed by the County is higher than your actual FMV, you may wish to consider filing an assessment appeal. Appeal deadlines are STRICT. In Bucks County and Montgomery County, the last day to file a tax assessment appeal is August 1, 2013. After the appeal is filed, your hearing will be scheduled for the late summer/early fall. Your hearing will be attended by a member of the Board of Assessment, an appraiser for the county, and possibly an attorney for the school district, municipality, or county. The property owner must appear or send an attorney in his/her place, and is permitted to bring an appraiser to present evidence in support of the appeal. The decision will usually be received by the property owner in November or December. If your appeal is successful, you will receive notice of your new assessment and your property taxes will be decreased in the following year. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas within thirty (30) days. I have represented property owners and taxing authorities at assessment appeals in Bucks and Montgomery Counties and am available to answer any of your legal questions. If you have any questions, or wish to further discuss filing a tax assessment appeal on your property, please contact my office. If you have a legal question or problem for Mr. Williams to answer in this column, email info@peterwilliamslaw.com. Please be advised that Mr. Williams does not know all the details of your particular situation and therefore you should view his responses as information of a general nature and not as legal advice. We encourage you to consult with a lawyer before taking any action based on the answers you receive through this feature.

Kiwanians Near and Far Invade Jersey Shore to Help Sandy Victims
by iris jewell

On Friday the 12th about 50 plus Kiwanians from all over PA and the LBI Kiwanis Club came together to hold a two State Weekend Service Project. One member of the Levittown Bristol Club who has a house on LBI saw a need for some help for families who are still are having a tough time after the storm Sandy. She contacted the local Club who were excited to help with the project. Rather than just sending money, it seemed like a much better idea to have a hands-on type event. She contacted ALO (Alliance for Living Oceans) who are in charge of the restoration of the beaches; they assigned us a few beaches to basically pick up trash. 8AM Saturday morning program approximately 40 Kiwanian, including a bus load of Key Club students from Stroudsburg (yes they left home around 5:30AM) came to help, arriving on their yellow school bus, and what a job they did. By noon the pile of filled trash bags was something to behold, quite a little mountain. The Saturday afternoon project starting at 2PM was Operation Cupcake this is a little foundation started by Emma & Nina two fifth grade girls from Bordentown NJ who on October 29th a few days after Sandy found out there was a Red Cross shelter for displaced families just about 5 miles from their homes. Their love of baking gave them the thought to give folks something to smile about so they baked cupcakes that first batch was 400. (please go on line and check out their WEB

site http://www.operationcupcakenj.com.) It is an amazing story . For this project the two families arrived with 800 cupcakes for all of the first responded on LBI including some for the Sunday Childrens event. LBI Kiwanian took cupcakes to every police, fire company EMT squad and the Coast Guard Station. The local food bank had given us the sex & ages of 50 children who have a great need. Though the food bank we invited all those families to a morale booster party on Sunday. Families arrived about 11 AM in time to have some lunch, hot-dogs, chips, soda and of course cupcakes. We had crafts for them to make, including a kids building kit from Home Depot, games to play, and a packed full goodie bag for each child as they left along with a gift card for $100.00 each for summer clothes. Yes these are the families who lost everything, but for a few hours we hope we made their lives seem a little better. None of this super weekend would have been possible without the tremendous support from Kiwanis Clubs from all over the Commonwealth. From near Erie, near Pittsburg, Harrisburg, Dillsburg, Hershey, Glenside, Lansdale, Levittown-Bristol, Pottstown, Pennridge, Upper Bucks and other towns I cant remember they came out to help, they sent items to over fill the goodie bags they donated cash and of course candy. A weekend that we certainly lived up to our motto An organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child & one community at a time.

Peter M. Williams, Esquire has offices in Levittown and Quakertown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. To schedule a free initial consultation, call: 267-583-3690 or email at info@peterwilliamslaw.com. 24-hour emergency service is available. Please visit us at www.peterwilliamslaw.com and find us on Facebook.

Generous Matching Grants Boost Pennridge FISH Capital Campaign

Pennridge FISH Organization recently received two challenge grants to bolster its capital campaign fund. During the month of March, First Savings Bank in Perkasie made a generous challenge grant to the local food pantrys building fund, pledging up to $25,000 in matching funds. At the close of the month, the Becky Felton Memorial Fund promised to match up to $100,000 in donations to the capital campaign. Mrs. Felton was a faithful FISH volunteer. The FISH organization is purchasing a new building and is hoping to raise at least $300,000 to complete the purchase. Please visit the FISH website to make a tax-deductible donation @ www.pennridgefish.org. For more information, you may contact the Pennridge FISH organization at 215-257-7616.

photo by bonnie s houpt

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April 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

The Board of Directors of the PennridgeQuakertown Area Sports Hall of Fame would like to remind everyone that the 24th Annual Spring Dinner for 2013 Inductees will be held on Friday, May 10, 2013 at Indian Valley Country Club, in Telford, PA. This years inductees include four athletes/coaches from the Pennridge Area and the Quakertown Area. The 2013 Pennridge Area Inductees are: Jeff Lockett (78), Robert (Bob) Shoudt (58), Ben Weidemoyer (58), and Jack Wuerstle (80). The 2013 Quakertown Area Inductees are: James Bevan (69), Robert Coach Coleman, Mary Gerhart Dietz (28), and Ruth Ann

Pennridge-Quakertown Sports Hall of Fame Announces Inductees

by erica stein

Diane Bracalente attended Quakertown Community High School from 1978 - 1981 and was a multisport athlete. In 1980, during the fall of her senior year, she helped lead the Panthers field hockey team to the schools first state tournament appearance. (Since then, QCHS has fielded only one other field hockey team at the PIAA State Final, in 1986.) It was during the state tournament when Diane realized she could play field hockey while attending college. She was recruited by several universities and decided to play field hockey at Old Dominion University in Virginia. While at ODU, Diane and her teammates won three consecutive Division I National Championships; she became a two-time All American, and was selected to the All-Tournament Team. Along the way, she secured a spot on the USA National Field Hockey Under-21 Team, moving up to the USA National Team and eventually played in the 1988 Olympics, in Seoul, South Korea! In April, Diane (Bracalente) Molinaro was inducted in the Bucks County Sports Hall of Fame. When she first got the call, she was very honored to be considered for such an award. To be part of such a prestigious group is quite humbling. On a lighter note, she thought the honor made her sound very old, or otherwise. I laughed, the 49-year-old said. I thought I was too young. I thought most of the people were honored posthumously. I have great respect for the people who have been inducted before me and I appreciate the people before me who helped the growth of the sport. Its an honor. They paved the way. Diane is now happy to pass along her experiences to motivate others to follow in her footsteps. Invited to speak to current QCHS field hockey players, she arrived recently with daughter Mayv, an eighth-grade student at Moravian Academy and a skilled field hockey player in her own right. They coached the girls through some stick skills in the gym and gave advice on sound field hockey techniques. Diane is still active with the United States Olympic Committee as a Team Ambassador. She handed out Team USA hats at the conclusion of the clinic. I hope Ive inherited her athletic ability, Mayv said before displaying some amazing stick skills on the gym floor. I dont feel pres-

Inaugural Five-Mile QCSD Olympian Inducted NO BULLying Run to be into Bucks County Sports Held in Doylestown Hall of Fame Central Park
sure. I just find her inspiring. Diane encouraged the QCHS players to get involved with club teams, and the USA Futures Program in addition to high school play, in order to increase their chances of playing in college and beyond. Many of the current players, coached by Peach Draper, Melinda Lepko and Jim Maiorino, are already playing for a club team. Diane told the girls to make sure they are all-around athletes and in good shape before going to camps and clubs. The fitter you are, the better you can develop your skill and learn new techniques. And, she emphasized, make sure you keep a balance in your life. Besides athletics, you need to do well in Network of Victim Assistance has announced its first 5-mile run scheduled for Saturday, June 15, at Doylestown Townships Central Park. The event, for serious runners as well as families, includes a 1-mile fun run, other kid-friendly activities and live entertainment. NOVAs goal is to grab attention and raise awareness of the effects and consequences of bullying on our young people and our communities. Bullying is not a harmless action that is just part of the growing-up process, says Mandy Mundy, director of education and training at NOVA. We want to come together to make a statement that every person deserves to feel safe and happy, and that bullying will not be tolerated. Occurring simultaneously with the 5-mile race and fun run will be a host of family-inclusive activities that promote respect and healthy self-esteem. Doylestowns School of Rock will provide live entertainment. Proceeds from the run benefit NOVAs Prevention Education initiatives, which deliver school-age programs on bullying prevention and intervention in local schools. For more than two decades, NOVA has focused a large part of its violence prevention education, workshops, assertiveness training, counseling, advocacy, referrals and support toward putting a halt to bullying and helping bullying victims

Stump Kiesel (71). The dinner is open to the public and will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday night. Tickets cost $34.00 per person. To reserve a seat or table, please call Hall Of Fame President Ray Fox at (215)-536-6649. Please come out to honor these outstanding former athletes and coaches from the past and enjoy a fun night as they are inducted into the Pennridge-Quakertown Hall of Fame, The Halls 24th year. This year the Hall of Fame is lead by (15) volunteers/board members, which includes (12) former Pennridge-Quakertown Hall of Fame inductees.

heal. In order to end bullying, we believe an entire community must work together to develop a solution, says Mundy. By uniting, engaging and educating teachers, parents, students and professionals in the community to prevent bullying, we are making an impact. The National Education Association reports that about 160,000 children miss school every day because they are afraid of being bullied, 71 percent of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school, and 43 percent of youth report that they have experienced some form of cyber bullying in the last year. We must work together to change those statistics now, says Mundy. You can register for either run at http://www. active.com/running/doylestown-pa/nova-nobullying-5-mile-race-1-mile-fun-run-2013. Registration, which continues through June 9, is $25 for the 5-mile race and $10 for the 1-mile fun run. The fun run sets off at 8:00am; the 5-mile race begins at 8:30am. Following the race, there will be an awards ceremony and raffle drawings. For more information: NoBullRun@NOVABucks.org or 215.343.4563

school and other activities because you need to be well rounded as a person. Whether you play Division 1, 2 or 3, you need to be able to move on with your life if you get injured and cant play anymore. Diane took a break from the sport for about 20 years and spent a lot of time traveling around the world and rock climbing. But shes back now, staying very fit, coaching hockey for various club teams. Overall, she is a great ambassador for the sport and for athletic, successful young women.

2013 marks the 275th anniversary of Sellersvilles founding in 1738, and the local Sellersville Museum has been hard at work showcasing many facets of life from the towns long history. So far this year, they have exhibited the churches and residences of the area. This past month, the exhibit room featured photography of Sellersville. Art from local photographers and Pennridge High School students were displayed, along with antique photos and aerial snapshots. Future events include Tribute to the Troops (May 11-12), Sellersville Fire Department 125th anniversary(June 8-9), and the National Bell Ringing Ceremony(July 4). For more Featured Exhibits and information on The Sellersville Museum, visit SellersvilleMuseum.com or call at (215)-257-5253.

Sellersville Museum Celebrates 275th Year

Brian Rox, Sellersville Museum volunteer and organizer of the exhibit. photo by dan suardi

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Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

Although Downtown Dogs opened in January, the official Grand Opening took place on April 12, when the new Quakertown eatery was welcomed to the community by Quakertown Alive, the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and local dignitaries. The restaurant serves American staple menu items such as hand-made burgers, hand-cut boardwalk style fries, cheese steaks, smoked pulled pork, and of course, 18 varieties of all-beef hot dogs, and even 8 great salad choices. Downtown Dogs also offers an in-house/off site catering service known as DishALicious Catering, specializing in various menu items for business luncheons as well as private events. The owner of Downtown Dogs, Craig Farmer, was born and raised in Quakertown, spending most of his days in the area. His upbringing is one of the reasons he opened the restaurant in downtown Quakertown. It was always in the back of his mind to open a local

Downtown Dogs Brings New Casual Dining Option to Quakertown

eatery such as this one, focusing on creating reasonably priced meals with the working-class budget in mind. Downtown Dogs is not to be considered fine dining. It was established as a familyfriendly restaurant where folks can come eat a great meal, share some smiles with each other, leave full, and with your pocket book intact. One of our primary concerns is Customer Satisfaction at a very reasonable price! said Craig Farmer. State Representative Paul Clymer was on hand for the grand opening celebration and commented on the occasion. Small businesses are so important to the community. They contribute to a healthy local economy. We should give them our support and our business. Downtown Dogs is located at 241 West Broad Street in Quakertown. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am - 8pm. The Dogs rest on Sunday.

Thoroughly Modern Millie Promises to Be Thoroughly Delightful

by karen quinn

Quakertown Community High School is proud to present a production of the musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Based on the 1967 movie, the Broadway version of Thoroughly Modern Millie premiered in 2002. An instant box office smash, the Broadway production won six Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards, including the win for Best Musical at both award ceremonies. Set in the 1920s with sets and costumes to match the period, this funny, adorable and thoroughly-modern musical is sure to please. Our show will be conducted by QCSHS Vocal Music Director, Jonathan Lechner. Assistant Director, and QCHS alum, Andrew McCartney joins the team this year to bring his talents to bear on the production. Our choreographer is Cindy Johnston of Miss Cindys School of Dance. QCHS emeritus art and drama teacher, Lynn

Kraft, is designing the sets. The award-winning score, will be played by a live orchestra, and sung by a cast of nearly 80 of Quakertowns own talented students. The show is sure to be a Quakertown blockbuster, and we hope you will join the kids as they perform, live, for the community. There will be four performances: May 16th at 8 pm, May 17th at 8 pm, and May 18th at 2 and 8 pm. Rehearsals continue every week with the full cast spending almost every available moment in practices so that they can sing, dance and act their way into your hearts! Please join them and show them that hard work pays off and effort counts! Tickets go on sale April 29 in the Quakertown Senior High School Office. Tickets will also be available at the doors before the shows, but advance purchase is recommended as all seats are reserved, and the best seats will go quickly!

by michele buono

Medieval Melee in the Park

You never know what you may see while driving through Quakertown. On this particular day, I was driving down Mill Street on my way to an assignment when I noticed what looked to be knights battling in Memorial Park. Of course, I had to pull over to see what was what. It turned out that this was a practice session for two members of House Black Moon, the local chapter of the Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia. Markland is a non-profit historical educational organization that re-enacts different aspects of medieval life. You can see House Black Moon participating in local parades and Renaissance fairs. The most popular aspect of the groups activities is the combat. And this is what David Lindsay and Andrew Girton were practicing in Memorial Park. Lindsay is the leader and founder of House Black Moon. Hes been with the Markland organization since 2001, when a former acquaintance needed him to help at a Renaissance fair. Since then, he has earned the rank of knight. His medieval moniker is Sir Gunther Neiman. Sparring with Lindsay was Andrew Girton (Draco Athene). Girton has been in House Black Moon for the past three years. He acts as the groups treasurer and webmaster. And while he admits to not doing so great in his first combat, he was hooked from the start. Its like a family, says Girton. Almost twenty people are members of House Black Moon. Each person has his or her own specialty within the group. Lindsays own forte is of cordial making. And everyone is responsible for his or her own armor and weaponry. Most of it is homemade, but it is fully functional and individual to each person. Does medieval re-enactment tickle your fancy? You can find out more about House Black Moon online at houseblackmoon.webs.com. Both Sir Gunter and Draco Athene were very patient with me and my questions. Chivalry is not dead in Quakertown.

May 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

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Stories from Appraisal Shows Across America

I have been serving as Americas Appraiser for many years now. I talk about the objects owned by everyman (and woman), not just high-brow objects only owned by the ultra- wealthy. Many people attend my appraisal events with family heirlooms or flea market finds because they know I will tell them the truth about their value. While my appraisal style is unlike anything youve seen in the antiques world or on TV, my audience likes to hear about history of their objects and partake in my rapid fire, funny, educational, and totally unscripted events. Here are some of the stories that I recall from my latest round of touring the country presenting Dr. Loris Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show. People bring me their objects to appraise and I dont make them an offer to purchase the objects since that is an unethical practice for an appraiser. If you are appraising an object, you shouldnt also want to buy it to make money off of it because if an appraiser is trying to get an object cheaply, that appraiser may not reveal the objects true value to the owner. Some objects are worth big bucks and other objects have big stories to tell. I present about 150 events every year across the country. Yes, I have loads of frequent flyer miles and friends. These are Americas stories about their old stuff... Denver, CO: Jeff said hed rather eat mud than go to a yard sale. Despite the aversion to yard sales, he bought a quilt at a sale recently for $20. I told him that it was an Amish-made Rose of Sharon patterned textile dating from the 1860s was worth $8,500. Tulsa, OK: I was rendered speechless--a first for me--when I saw an amazing Albrecht Durer print from the 1550s among the objects on my stage for me to appraise. It was a magnificent piece of Renaissance art produced by the artist best known as the German Leonardo. The lovely owner told me that it was a gift from her deceased friend who collected old master prints. And, a masterpiece it was--worth $75,000. Houston, TX: A lawyer named Ray and his wife Robin were having a heated discussion over a beat-up upholstered chair that Ray bought at a yard sale. He wanted to try a new hobby-- furniture re-upholstery--so he stored the chair in their garage in anticipation of starting the project. Robin, fed up with the situation that left her car outside, told him to start the re-upholstery project or trash the chair. So, Ray started ripping off the old upholstery only to find two pieces of cardboard inside the back of the chair with a work of art sandwiched in between them. The work of art was brought to me for evaluation in Houston, TX. It was a French Impressionist pastel drawing by Edgar Degas depicting ballet dancers worth $100,000. Seattle, WA: Mai Lin brought me a French Impressionist watercolor by the artist, Eugene Boudin that her father got in payment of a debt. He ran a dry goods shop in Hong Kong during World War II. The watercolor was left to him in exchange for a payment. The piece was valued at $17,500there arent enough dry goods on earth to make that a fair deal. Roanoke, VA: I told a nice guy who just wanted to keep an old crock that sat at the top of his grandmothers staircase that some sentimental objects are worth cash. While he acquired the oversized crock from his late grandmother for sentimental reasons, he thought it was the perfect size for putting his beer on ice. The early 1900s crock featured a cobalt blue flower on the side. The owner nearly fell off my stage when I told him that it was worth $5,000. He said that he was heading home to break the news to his football buddies that they need to chip in for a new beer cooler. Lancaster, PA: Five-year old Carlie brought me a Lewis and Clark peace medal like those that the Jefferson administration gave to the Native Americans as Lewis and Clark explored the western territories. It was discovered when she was sifting through her grandfathers button jar. It was worth $5,000. Louisville, KY: A 30-something year old guy named Paul who could have passed for an NFL linebacker was supporting his grandmother and extended family after grandmas farm went into foreclosure. He took the weathervane off of the barn and brought it to me to see if it had any value. Paul started to cry when I told him that the 19th Century copper weathervane was worth $15,000 and would help get the family back on their feet again. Ft. Myers, FL: A woman paid $1 at a yard sale for a drawing of an angel. Little did she know that drawing was sketched by the court artist to King Louis XV in the mid 1750s. Betty brought it to my appraisal event and I told her it was authentic, signed, dated, and worth $40,000. Lubbock, TX: A collection of rare autographs from the 1930s-50s owned by a man named William that were collected by a policeman who worked near the Polo Grounds in New York city. The officer would just leave a blank autograph book near the locker room exit and when the New York Yankee players and members of the opposing baseball team left the ball field, they would be asked to sign the book. Value of the hundreds of autographs by the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, and others was $5,000. I can safely say that I have been appraising peoples stuff at a rate of approximately 20,000 objects a year for nearly two decades. I have seen it all across America and beyond. And, once a guy from Wisconsin recognized me for TV and came running towards me in the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia holding up his cell phone with a photo of a vase on it for me to appraise. When it comes to art and antiques, the stories are just as fabulous as the people and the objects that accompany them.
Ph.D. TV Dr. Lori presents appraisal events to audiences worldwide. Dr. Lori is the expert appraiser on the hit TV show, Auction Kings on Discovery channel. Check out the event schedule at www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/ DoctorLori or call (888) 431-1010.
personality, antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning

Unique Event Raises Money for Relay for Life

by michele buono

It was standing-room-only at the first annual Art-irondack Auction in Quakertown. The event, sponsored by the Mill Street Solution team, raised money for the Upper Bucks Relay for Life. The unique fundraiser was the brainchild of team leader Eric Hellmann who built 15 Adirondack chairs and invited local artists to make them one-of-a-kind masterpieces. And the artists were enthusiastic to participate for such a worthwhile cause. As artist Christine McHugh expressed it, Who hasnt been affected in one way or another by cancer? Other local artists who painted and embellished chairs for the auction were Jim Lukens, Steve Tobin, Janet Stever, Dan Stauffer, Kim Nentwig, Marian Fraticelli, Eric Fausnacht, Mara Imms-Donnelly, Janet Bishop, Lorenzo Branca, David Hahn, Matt Prusack, Linda Stauffer, and the childrens art class from the Upper Bucks YMCA. Its for the community, was the common answer when some of the artists were asked why they wanted to be a part of this endeavor. The chairs reflected diverse styles of creativity and inspiration. Several artists were inspired by nature and others by whimsy, like Tobins Swiss Cheese chair. Others included accessories; Janet Stevers Sunflower chair included a seat cushion and other embellishmentsand Marian Fraticellis Silver Lace Chair included an accessory table and pillows. The Hellmann family has participated in the Upper Bucks Relay for Life event for a number of years. Hellmanns daughter, Erica Watson, is team captain for the Mill Street Solution, but she calls her dad the heart of the team. Watson credits her parents with instilling in her and her sister the desire to give back to the community, to do charity work. She emphasizes that she gets just as much out of this as she puts into it. The Relay for Life community contains such amazing people. You get such warmth and comfort from them. We all have too many sad reasons that we feel we need to be here, but there are so many good stories as well, she said. Members of the Mill Street Solution have visited Hope Lodge, a home away from home for cancer patients receiving treatment, to make dinner for the residents and to see where the money raised from the Relay is used. It was a great feeling to be able to put a smile on the faces of people who are directly impacted by what we do at the Relay. We cant wait to go again, said Watson.

The Art-irondack auction also featured several raffles. Watson said that local businesses were eager to donate items or services as door prizes. As soon as they knew it was to raise money for the Relay, they offered stuff to us, she said. Auctioneer Kevin Smith kept bidders and spectators alike on their toes and entertained once the bidding began. At the end of the night, the auction raised over $6,000 to help fund cancer research. Its what I hoped for, but more than I expected, said Hellmann when asked about the success of the night. The Upper Bucks Relay for Life gets bigger

and better each year. As of this writing, the 44 Fred Potter with Cheryl Fetz (left) was the determined bidder who won the Back Yard Pond chair painted by Christine McHugh (right).
photo by michele buono

participating teams have raised almost $75,000. The event kicks off on May 4 in Quakertowns Memorial Park with opening ceremonies at 9am and the survivors lap at 9:30. A new event this year will be the Superhero Pageant at 3pm. The Luminaria Ceremony is scheduled for 9:30pm. The closing ceremony is at 8:30am on May 5. Throughout all of that time, members from all of the registered teams will be walking laps around the park. Many of the laps are themed, including the Sunglasses Lap, the Crazy Hat Lap, and the Funky Shoe Lap.

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Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

JASON WETHERHOLD, 42, of Coral Springs, FL, formerly of Quakertown, PA, passed away on March 10th. Jason lived, loved, and left this world doing what his passion was...riding bicycles. He began his career at Pedal Visions in Quakertown and later moved to Florida to work for Custom Cycle Supply in Coral Springs as its warehouse manager, while running his own BMX business, Roadkill Bicycles. Many people were a part of the Roadkill racing team and will continue to ride on in his memory. A memorial gathering was held on March 15th at the Okeeheelee BMX Racetrack in West Palm Beach. Jasons life will continue to be celebrated through laughter and tears shared by his family, friends, and many people whose lives he touched. His motto was, If you dont like what youre doing, then dont do it...find something you do like and do it well. DALE L. FURNESS, 84 of Coopersburg died March 30 in his home. He was the husband of the late Frances A. (Smola) Furness. He is survived by sons, Frederick, wife Dorie, Quakertown and Steven, wife Susan, Susquehanna; daughters, Joan Zeh, Azle, TX, Patricia Lewis, husband Jeffrey, Coopersburg, and Kathleen Pagel, Springtown; sister, Virgie King, husband William, Hershey; grandchildren, Jeff, Jon, Travis, Felicia, Dale, Jack, Willie, Gannon, Kevin, Josh, Nick, Sean, and Dorothy; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Lucas, Matthew, and Grayson. He was preceded in death his daughter Susan Louise and brother, William. JOHN E. JACK YOST, 86 of Allentown, formerly of Quakertown, died on March 30 in Phoebe Home Allentown. He was the husband of the late Berta J. (Schneider) Yost. He is survived by daughter, Kathryn A. Mitman, Quakertown; grandchildren,

~Obituaries~

Jared and Kara Mitman and dear friend, Carolyn Potser. CHARLES W. WHALAND III, 72, of Quakertown died March 31 in Grand View Hospital. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Charles W. II and Catherine (Moyer) Whaland. He owned and operated Whaland Photography of Quakertown for the past 30 years. Charles was the bass guitarist in the former John L. Sullivans and the Roof Toppers. He is survived by three sons: Daniel (Carol) of Perkasie, Seth of Philadelphia, and Aaron Darland (Jasmine) of Falls Church; a sister, Carol Shelly (Herbert) of Souderton; three grandchildren: Daniel Jr., Connor, and Ellie. GERALD MILLER, 71, Coopersburg on March 31 at home. Husband of Janet (Zavocki) Miller for more than 31 years. He was a maintenance worker for the Upper Bucks Vo- Tech School. Born in Abington, son of the late Kenneth S. and Beatrice (Buzby) Miller. He was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Applebachsville. Survivors: wife, daughter: Tammy, sons: David & Keith. HARRY R. GRIM, JR., 81, of Quakertown, died April 1, in Grand View Hospital. He was the loving husband of Grace (Mitman) Grim for the past 58 years. Born in W. Rockhill Twp., he was a son of the late Harry Sr., and Hazel (Angstadt) Grim. Surviving with wife, are a sons, Harry R. III, wife Brenda of Quakertown, Gary R., wife Lisa, Coopersburg, daughter Susan Barnes, husband Claude of Quakertown, brothers Barry, wife Ann, and Larry, wife Janet,

both of Quakertown, grandchildren, Madeline, Nathaniel, Harry IV, Emily, Taylor, Sarah and Colton. He was predeceased by grandson, Jeremiah. KENNEDY LYN WEAVERDeFRANCESCO, infant daughter of Lisa Defrancesco and James E. Weaver, was physically presented to her parents and family while resting safely in the arms of Jesus on April 3 at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville. She was the maternal granddaughter of David & Bonnie DeFrancesco and the paternal granddaughter of Edward and MaryAnn Weaver. DIANE C. RHEAM, 74, of Quakertown died April 3. She is survived by two sons, Richard Miller and Christopher Rheam, and seven grandchildren. WALTER STRAUME, 89, of Quakertown died April 4 in St. Lukes Hospice House, Bethlehem. He was the husband of the late Maria Straume for 66 years. He is survived by two sons, Aivars Straume, Martin Straume and his wife, Anne; his brother Janis Straume and his wife, Tamara; three grandchildren,Kristin Crouthamel and her husband, Todd; Erika Straume and her fiance, Marc Schaffer, and Alex Straume. ELAINE KELLY, 87, of Quakertown died April 5 in St. Lukes Hospice House, Bethlehem. She was the wife of the late Charles Kelly. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late late Joseph and Clara (Meara) Tongue. She is survived bby a son, John Kelly, and two daughters, April Vandergrift and Patricia Kelly; a sister, Helen Del Negro; five grandsons and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Charles William Kelly. MARY HALLMAN, 94, of Telford, formerly of Quakertown, died April 10 in the Lutheran Community at Telford. She was the wife of the late Pershing H. (Jack) Hallman. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late J. Russell & Marian (Krauss) Weikel. She is survived by her children David , Judith Leister and her husband Jack, Donald and his wife Patricia, and Dennis and his wife Eleanor. Eleven grandchildren and sixteen greatgrandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her sister Marjorie Wetzel. JEANNE E. WINGATE, 75, of Quakertown died April 12 in her home. Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Karl and Adelaide (Zweizig) Uhlig. She was the bloved mother of Donna Freund (Pete), Sharon Wingate, Philip Wingate, Melissa Morrison (Raymond) and the late Douglas and Scott. Beloved grandmother of Philip and Logan Freund, Carley Wingate, and Bradley Lay. Sister pf Paul Uhlig (Marilyn) and the late Faye Stringer. MARY JANE FRESCATORE died April 13, 2013. ANN E. SEACHRIST, 73, of Sellersville died April 16 in Belle Haven Nursing Home, Quakertown. She was the companion and Linford Hartenstine and the wife of the late Willard Seachrist. She is survived by her son Willard and daugh-

ter Donna Swartley. Two brothers, David and Kenneth, two sisters Irene Martin and Debra Crumbach. Four grandchildren Joey Swartley, Melissa Linn, Jason Swartley, and Jacob Swartley. Three great-grandchildren Hayley Swartley, Taylor Linn, and Toby Linn. She was predeceased by two brothers Joseph and Robert. GARY H. OZZIE REITNAUER, 59, of Quakertown died April 16 along with his family in their home. He was the husband of the late Michele (Smaldone) Reitnauer. Born in Pottstown, he was the son of Annabelle (Schuler) Reitnauer and the late Harold A. Reitnauer. He was the father of the late Kimberly and Jamie. In addition to his mother, he is surivived by his brother Marvin and his wife Barbara, and his sister, Patricia Zern; three nephews, Rob Zern and his wife Angie, Ronald Reitnauer and is wife Susan, and Mark Reitnauer and his wife Chris; a niece Michelle Neiman and her husband Mark; several great-nieces and great-nephews. MICHELE REITNAUER, 58, of Quakertown died April 16 along with her family in her home. She was the wife of the late Gary Reinauer. Born in Queens, NY, she was the daughter of the late Carlo and Rosalie (Riscica) Smaldone. She was the mother of the late Kimberly and Jamie. Michele Is surprised by her brother Michael Smaldone; two sisters Monica Scheur and Rita Clements; Nieces and nephews Tracey Scheur, Deb Arnone and her husband Kyle, Ron Scheur, Tina Clements-Gruver and her husband Scott, and Dan Clements; several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. KIMBERLY YUN JIAO REITNAUER, 16, of Quakertown died April 16 along with her family in their home. Born in China, she was the daughter of the late Gary And Michele (Smaldone) Reitnauer. She was a Junior at Quakertown Community Senior High School where she excelled in her school work and was an honor student. Kimberly was in the band and sang in the chorus. She aspired to become a surgeon. She is survived by her grandmother Annabelle (Schuler) Reitnauer, two uncles Marvin Reitnauer and his wife Barbara, and Michael Smaldone; three aunts Patricia Zern, Monica Scheur, and Rita Clements; numerous cousins. JAMIE HONGFAN REITNAUER, 10, of Quakertown died April 16 along with her family in their home. Bornn in China, she was the daughter of the late Gary and Michele (Smaldone) Reitnauer. She was a 5th grade student at Trumbauersville Elementary School where she excelled in her schoolwork, especially enjoying reading and art. She also enjoyed music and aspired to be a veterinarian. She is survived by her grandmother Annabelle (Schuler) Reitnauer, two uncles Marvin Reitnauer and his wife Barbara, and Michael Smaldone; three aunts Patricia Zern, Monica Scheur, and Rita Clements; numerous cousins.

May 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

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Quakertowns Lost Music and the Passing of Charlie Whaland

by tom moore

Quakertowns Charlie Whaland passed away late Easter eve, March 31, at Grand View Hospital after years of battling emphysema and then leukemia. Actually, his given name was Charles Whaland, III, a formal name for an informal guy. An ex-professional musician, an award-winning photographer, and a medal-winning body-builder, who so appreciated the forests bounty--the birds, snakes and many other wildlife animals. All the while, back in the 1960s, making his mark in those 10pm to 2am four sets of rock and roll music in big-time quartets, staffed by many local Quakertown musicians. With that big smile on his face, a stage name of Danny Charles and called Dapper Dan by the drummer, he calmly helped fill those many discerning ears and dance floors. Till the end, he listened to a lot of rocknroll but mostly blues recordings, the ones that brought him back into those early days when he was a full-time professional bass and harmonica-playing, sometimes vocalist, in highly respected east coast rocknroll cover bands. Their names were The EchoLites, The Vistas, The Rooftoppers, John L. Soulivan and Elmers Kids, strong combos that we danced to, listened to intently and wondered why their (The Rooftoppers) four recorded songs at Jamie Records never received the results of a committed push from the studio. He kept abreast of more contemporary blues, R&B, and rocknroll artists, also. I was in the audience when they played The Peppermint Lounge in 1962. That joint was a smallish New York City (West 45th Street) joint, an internationally-acclaimed rocknroll house for the elite in that time period. Its where The Twist and go-go dancing became the in things. Where Sinatra, Garland, Jackie Kennedy and other celebrities came to check out the scene, the jumping joint where The Beatles visited (to listen and scope out) on their first visit to American in 1964. Charlie played there. It couldve been the water, it might have been that national-level country-based music that came out of The Sleepy Hollow Ranch in Spinnerstown (burned down in 63), or it may have been fate--but whatever caused the many musical talents to be born, raised and hone themselves in the Quakertown area in those 50s, 60s and early 70s decades is mind-boggling. The names like Danny and Charley Newman, Paul Mann and Dale Sine (founder of The Melody Aces in the early 50s) come to mind along with occasional drummer-singer Jim Schacht, all the products of mid-late 1950s QHS graduations. I called Charlie Blues Boy, because thats the genre he preferred. At least half the songs that Charlie sang with the above bands were

blues chartsJimmy Reed, Buster Brown, John Lee Hooker stuff. One of the strengths of those Whaland bands was the soul-based musical connection between Whalands bass and Ron Seltmann (RB)s drumming. RB, out of Pottstown, was at the memorial service for Charlie on Saturday, April 6. So were Danny and Charley (Chucky) Newman, whose family was half-owner of Sleepy Hollow, each of who played the strings and sang with some of the bands mentioned above. In fact, Chucky spent two years in Nashville in the 60s, playing guitar and singing on studio demos while being fortunate to jam a bit with Roy Orbison and other Nashville recording friends. He played with Little Richie & The Upsetters, touring with Jerry Lee Lewis. But the Sleepy Hollow Ranch performers in that time period? How bout Eddy Arnold, Patsy Cline, Gene Vincent, Bob Wills, George Jones, The Everly Brothers, Carl Perkins, Roy Rogers, The Mills Brothers, The Ink Spots, Tex Ritter, Minnie Pearl, The Delmore Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Ray Price, etc. I caught Bill Haley & The Comets there in 59, a final rehearsal show prior to a European tour. A typical Friday or Saturday attendance figure in the 23 years it was open was 7,500 a day. Whaland also played with one of the guitarists who made Rolling Stone Magazines Top 100 Guitarists Of All Times, Link Wray (#45) in the early 60s. Charlie played with House of Blues Hall of Famer Roy Buchanan who had a gold blues album in 1973. Chucky Newman, still teaching guitar nearby, also played with the late Buchanan, a stringbending, piercing force who is enshrined in The Blues HOF. Quakertown keyboardist Mann played with Johnny Rivers while in the National Guards in the early 60s. Rivers charted 17 Top 40 songs in the 60s and 70s. Paul, unfortunately passed away in his mid40s. Most of the members of Whalands groups in the 60s have also had their microphones and amps hushed. As time passed, Whaland had always said that he wanted the successful Jamie recording group The Kit Kats to play at his funeral. But most of that recording group has also left its music behind. And about 100 of us were at that memorial gathering, family, friends, neighbors and music aficionados. A CD of songs covered by those 60s bands of renown played softly on the far table. I was very fortunate to hear those groups, and get maybe behind the scenes a bit, to jam on a few occasions, to be with them upstairs at Somers Points Tony Marts nightclub all those decades ago, back in the day the Quakertown Post Office delivered zip codeless mail to some hip addresses. Theres one undeliverable now. Dapper Dan, The Blues Boy has been silenced. Its almost deafening.

Mac vs. PC
With tax return checks slowly rolling in, many of our customers, family, and friends are getting ready to purchase a new computer. The growing popularity of Apple computers and subpar reviews of Microsofts new Windows 8 operating system have led many of them to ask us whether they should buy a Mac. Unfortunately, inflammatory battles between Apple and Microsoft diehards litter the internet, making it difficult to separate fact from opinion and reality from hyperbole. For this reason, we have put together the following analysis based on our experiences with both Apple and Windows computers. While our analysis is by no means comprehensive, we hope it will provide insight into some of the major points in the Mac vs. PC debate. Ease of Use: Ease of use is one of the main selling points for Apple computers. Many Apple advocates argue that Apple machines just work. For the most part, they are right. The Mac operating system is fast and stable, and for most tasks it is easy to learn and operate. Basic software packages for music management, photo viewing, and other common tasks are built in and intuitive to use. In contrast, Windows computers have historically been denounced as buggy and difficult to use. In our experience, this is no longer the case. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8 are high-performance modern operating systems that are stable and mature. Like Mac-based computers, Windows machines also come preloaded with welldesigned software to complete most common computing tasks. The new interface design of Windows 8 is the one caveat to Windows ease of use. Windows 8 features a redesigned interface that, in our experience, makes some tasks on laptop or desktop pcs awkward to complete. Windows 8 does have many performance and design improvements that we like, but it takes some time to get used to. Design: Apple is a design company, and one look at an Apple computer makes this fact obvious. From the MacBook Air to the iMac, Apple computers have a sleek, impressive look. Not only does Apples design prowess lead to good looking machines but the design considerations in Apple computers also mean that they perform well when it comes to important performance tests like heat dissipation and overall durability. Because Windows computers are manufactured by many different companies, design quality of Windows machines varies widely. While an abundance of poorly designed Windows machines sit on the shelves of big retailers, there are plenty of Windows PCs available that feature exceptional design. In fact, we have worked on several middle and high-end Windows computers with designs as good as or better than comparable Apple computers. Cost: When it comes to computers, the idiom you get what you pay for rings true. Apple machines tend to cost more than Windows machines, but in many cases they are also better designed and feature higher quality hardware. While most of the Windows machines we work on cost significantly less than Apple computers, they also do not have the same level of quality as Apple machines. On the other hand, like all name brand companies, Apple sells its products at a premium. This means that a Windows machine with similar hardware and design to an Apple computer will usually cost less than the Apple alternative. In our experience, Windows machines that have quality comparable to Apple computers are more expensive than the average Windows machine, but they are still less expensive than their Apple counterparts. Conclusion: All-in-all, Apple and Windows computers stack up evenly against one another when comparing apples to apples (pun intended). Perhaps this is the reason that debates about the two continue to rage on. In our opinion, familiarity with Apple or Windows should be one of the main deciding factors between the two. Individuals with experience using Apple computers at work or home may want to stick with Apple for their next machine. Likewise, those familiar with Windows will probably be happy with a new Windows machine. In the end, choosing which to buy is an individual decision that should be based on familiarity, needs, preference, and budget. Tom owns and operates Toms Help Desk in Milford Square, PA. He and his associates repair hardware and software issues, set up new computer systems, and have helped over 2000 home and business users. He can be reached at tom@tomshelpdesk.net and by phone at 215-536-0831.

Circa 1960: Kerm Black (guitar), Paul Mann (piano), Jim Schacht (drums), Charlie Whaland (bass) Kerm was from Perkasie while the rest of the crew were from Quakertown. photo from tom moore

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Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

QCHS Junior Becomes Eagle Scout Making Music

by nick brulliea

Make the Time!

I dont like hearing I dont have time to work out. Heres why. If you have time to update your status on your social network and you have time to sit and watch the evening news and you have time to go to the bar for happy hour and you have time to sit again to watch your favorite television show and go to a movie and going out to eat and going for ice cream and . . . See where Im going with this? If you have time to do all these extra things, then there is absolutely no reason or Excuse for not spending a half hour a day to increase your health! It really comes down to you dont make time for yourself. So here are ten random health challenges and mind changes for you this month: 1. Spend less time in front of the television. 2. Skip Happy Hour. 3. Sit less (go for a walk in the park) 4. Make time to increase your activity level everyday! 5. Spend less time in front of your computer. 6. Dont say, I cant. 7. Make it a goal to do more pushups and pull-ups. (ten or more) If you can, then do more. 8. Quit drinking soda - regular or diet! 9. Exercise your brain by reading and learning something new (about your health). 10. Play more (if you have kids, be a kid too run around with them). These things will help you overcome the thought of having no time. You do have time, just make time. If your schedule it too packed then you have too much on your plate. You life is worth more than your schedule. Your priority should start with you! So lets not say I dont have time any more. Get Real and make time to start on your way to a healthier you. Corbin graduated from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI), is a certified strength and conditioning coach and a certified nutrition coach. He is the owner of GetReal Training, LLC in Sellersville, PA. Contact him at 215-416-5757 or visit his web site at getrealtraining.net for more information.

Colin Fowler, a QCHS junior, excels in academics and music. His extra-curricular activities include Boy Scouts. To obtain the Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America, Colin created a choir of several classmates from the high school. The group traveled to several nursing homes in the area, such as Independence Court of Quakertown, Life Quest, Belle Haven and Pennsburg Manor. He borrowed music from Milford music teacher Marcia Vanderslice to get the group started. Other students have performed similar ventures for their high school graduation projects. Colin probably could have utilized his efforts for both requirements. But then, Colin is a high achiever! He completed his grad project a year earlier by spending quite a bit of time teaching himself how to play tenor saxophone. He can

also play the euphonium and the trombone. He plays in the QCHS jazz, marching bands and Mens Ensemble. He will play in the orchestra for the upcoming musical. And, he sings with the Varsity Singers. Looking ahead, Colin is considering Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as numerous other Ivy League schools. He may major in chemical engineering because he said he is interested in finding and synthesizing natural compounds for medicines. The well-rounded student embarks on all challenges with a modest attitude. His peers respect him. Recently, a student said, I only won this speaking contest because Colin didnt enter. Hes a really great speaker. You can watch and listen to Colin talk about his Eagle Scout project by going to www.qcsd.org. Scroll down to QCSD TV Videos-on-Demand.

The Lawn Ranger

With the arrival of Spring, each one of us will take the opportunity to venture outside our home and enjoy the fresh air, trees, birds, grass, and a variety of activities. Some of these things may even be harmful to your hearing health and you dont even know it. During the working lifetime of your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, early onset hearing loss was prevalent due to work. Occupational noise exposure was, and still is, attributed to a production-related work environment. Some places were steel mills, automotive assembly, lumber yards, paper mills, factories, textile industry, ship building, foundries, machine shops, mining, and the like. There was a time in the United States when the majority of our gross domestic product was based upon industry and the things we made, sold, and exported. The textile industry was the first to go in the early 1950s. Other manufacturing businesses followed suit. A byproduct of those places of work was noise, high intensity noise. Your older relatives did not use hearing protection devices like ear plugs or ear muffs. Either they were not invented, available, or mandated. In 1970, Federal legislation was passed establishing OSHA. In 1983, The Final Rule went into effect establishing standards for hearing protection and monitoring in the workplace. At your place of employment, you are actively protected against high intensity noise that can damage your hearing. Walk out the door of your employer and the games begin. Today, our everyday activities pose a potential threat to your hearing health. Two categories of high intensity noise exposure are Non-occupational and Recreational. Non-occupational noise exposure would include the things you do that is considered to be work done in and around the home. The loudness of sound or noise is measured in decibels (dB). A decibel is a unit of loudness. The higher the number on the scale, the louder the sound will be. There are many tasks performed having associated noise, but you do not realize just how loud that noise is. Exposure to noise or sound at or below does not damage your hearing. However, at 85dB or higher permanent damage to your hearing may be evident over time. The use of hearing protection devices is mandatory. Ear plugs and/or ear muffs are available at your local lawn & garden center, hardware store, or gun shop. Buy them, use them, and keep a supply on hand. One of the first things we do each Spring is clean and service our lawn mower so we can enjoy the American pastime of cutting our grass. The Lawn Ranger will be exposed to upwards of 90 to 100dB. Using that grass/ leaf blower is easily 100dB. You woodworking men and ladies, that wood saw hits 100dB. Chainsaws do wonders for those inner hair cells in the cochlea rattling them with 120dB. Using a lawn tractor? How about 100dB for your efforts? The next thing you do is pick up a chainsaw to cut down some dead trees or bushes. There is 120dB of noise exposure for your efforts. Once the work is completed and you get cleaned up for an evening of rest and relaxation, the next culprit is recreational noise exposure. Jump into your automobile to travel for a night on the town. That traffic noise can reach 85 to 100+dB. Your car is dirty and need to run it through the car wash. That will cost you $5 for the cheap express wash and 89dB. You dont have a car, but are driving a motorcycle. That will raise the bar to 100dB. Your destination is that KISS concert you have been waiting to see for the past thirty-five years. Please enjoy it. They were clocked in 2009 in Ottawa, Canada at 136dB. Maybe you arent into the night life. You were fortunate enough to see the Space Shuttle launch from three miles away when they were still running while you vacationed in Florida a few years back. That will be 120dB please. Maybe you are too tired and dont want to venture out. After a long day of working in and around the house, you just want to listen to your iPod at its 103dB output. Isnt it just terrible you are bombarded at every turn you make? Have you had enough of the auditory assault? Enjoy your accomplishment and flush that toilet as many times as you wish. Dont you love that soothing 75db at the end of the day? If you suspect any hearing difficulty or have not had your hearing checked since who knows when, its time you picked up your telephone and called an audiologist to schedule an appointment today. What are you waiting for?
Mr. Murphy
has hada bilateral mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss all his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user.

Strayer Student Wins Essay Contest

should participate in a Martin Luther King Day of Service? Sara said she was inspired by a television show she had watched, so she wrote a five-page fictitious story. McCauley submitted the essays to the United Way of Bucks County, which let Strayer Principal Cindy Lapinski know that Sara had won. Sara created a story about a homeless veteran who goes on to college and becomes the valedictorian of his class. According to the contest rules, One $100 prize will be awarded to the best essay in each of the elementary, middle, and high school levels (three prizes total). The three winners will be recognized at our Annual Breakfast in the spring. The United Way of Bucks County is very passionate about volunteerism. At the same breakfast, Strayer Middle School will be recognized for being such a huge contributing partner with the Helping Hands Food Drive. For three years in a row, not counting this year, Strayer has contributed well over 1,000 pounds of food each year to the local food bank. This is certainly a remarkable accomplishment, especially given our own school population is comprised of nearly 30% free and reduced lunch students! said Principal Cindy Lapinski

Strayer Middle School 8th grader Sara Galloway won an essay contest for a fiction story she wrote. RELA teacher Jill McCauley said she assigns her students to write for every contest she finds, especially if a student can win money. Sara won $100 and will pick it up at the Annual United Way Breakfast, May 3. Sara said most students wrote a paragraph to answer the question, Why is Volunteerism Important to you or Why do you feel you

The month of May is named for the Greek goddess Maia, who was identified with the Roman goddess of fertility, Bona Dea, whose festival was held in May.

Mr. Murphy has been in practice in PennMaster of Education in Audiology from University of Virginia in the Spring of 1987. Mr. Murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related national and international organizations. He can be reached at hearingdoc@aol.com and by phone at 215-804-1111.
sylvania since receiving his

May 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

15

Loosed from Time and Place, Jesus is Everywhere with Us

I would guess that most of us know that there are two major festivals in the church focusing on the life of Jesus. The first is Christmas, which focuses on the birth of Jesus, and the second is Easter, which focuses on the resurrection from the dead of Jesus. But I wonder how many of us know that there is also a third major festival focusing on the life of Jesus, and that, as far as the church is concerned, it is equally as important as Christmas and Easter? That third major festival is the Ascension of Our Lord, and it falls 40 days after Easter Sunday, which means that this year it falls on May 9. Do you have big plans to celebrate the Ascension that day? Big family dinner? The singing of all the traditional Ascension Day songs? Some other family tradition that makes the day so extra special? Truth is, we dont. The Ascension just hasnt caught on the way that Christmas and Easter have. Honestly, many churches dont even celebrate The Ascension on Thursday, they transfer it to the following Sunday (thats what well do here at St. Lukes, too). I wonder why that is? One reason for this might be that there are no cute characters associated with Ascension. Theres no Rudolph, theres no Bunny, theres nothing. And theres no special food associated with it, either. Maybe we dont pay enough attention to Ascension because no secular holiday has become attached to it. But maybe a better reason is that its kind of a hard event to understand. Christmas is easy: Jesus is born, and we can all relate to a baby. Easter, too: Jesus is raised from the dead, and we can all relate to an empty tomb. But Ascension: Jesusreturns to the Father, and, what does that mean? That Jesus is now gone? Christmas is about God becoming human, like me. Easter is about resurrection, which is directly promised to me in my baptism. But what does The Ascension have to do with me? A lot, really. But to see that, we need to look briefly at the story in the Bible. The ascension appears only at the end of the gospel of Luke and at the beginning of the book of Acts (which was also written by Luke). And for Luke, the ascension of Jesus is a moment of transition in the story of Jesus and the church. At the ascension, Jesus time on earth ends, he returns to the Father, and so is now free to be everywhere at all times. He is no longer bound by time or place, he is everywhere, including here, with me, and there, with you. All the time. But now, because Jesus is ascended, that means that the Holy Spirit is free to be loosed into the world. The Ascension of Our Lord is the transition between the Time of Jesus on Earth and the Time of the Holy Spirit Loose on Earth. It is the beginning of the time of the church, even though the church in Acts has to yet wait for the Holy Spirit to first come to them at Pentecost. And here is how this relates to us: we are the church. This is our time. The Holy Spirit is in us, and among us, and around us, and everywhere, filling us with power and grace and love and a sense of mission and purpose in the world. This is the time for the church to live out its calling to be the people of God, and to live out its calling to bring the good news of Jesus to the whole world. This is our time to live out our lives of faith, to work for justice and peace for all people, to end hunger and poverty wherever they occur, to bring hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, forgiveness to the guilty, and joy to the sorrowful. This is our time to make a positive difference in the lives of hurting people, to change the world one person at a time, one community at a time, to be messengers of grace and love, and to be witnesses to the awesome things God is doing in the world, and in each one of us. So celebrate the Ascension, on May 9, or May 12, because this is a joyous festival, as well.

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship

Christ Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane PO Box 569 Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Pastor: Ron Kohl, Sr. Pastor Hours Sept - May are 9:00am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10 Morning Worship Service, 6:30pm 2nd & 4th Sundays are small groups, 6:30pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays: Evening Worship hour Good News Church 424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4393 www.gnciv.org Pastor: David Mackey, Jr. Sunday service & childrens church 10:30am, Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm. Friendly, Bible-based, Christ-centered, Spirit-led Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 2966 Old Bethlehem Pike Zionhill, PA 18981 215-536-7288 pastor@zion-zionhill.org Pastor: James Saboe Sunday School all ages 9:00am, Worship services 10:15am, We at Zion invite all to worship and fellowship with us. Evangel Assembly of God 401 Arch Street Perkasie, PA 18944 215-453-1565 www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Where Gods Love Changes Lives MorningStar Moravian Church 234 S. Main Street Coopersburg, PA 18036 610-282-1908 coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Lance Fox Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information. Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike Hilltown, PA 18927 215-536-3193 Pastor: Harper Turney 10:00am Sunday Eucharist St. Johns Lutheran Church 4 South Main Street Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 secretary@sjrpa.org www. sjrpa.org Pastor: Susan Sosnin Sunday morning worship at 9:30am with holy communion first and third Sundays of the month. Sunday school 8:30am Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road Sellersville, PA 18960 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 Gods Love.

St. Matthews Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Road Perkasie, PA 18944 215-795-2965 office@kellerschurch.org www.kellerschurch.org Pastor: Robert E. Mitman Worship 7:45 & 10:15am, Sunday School 9:00am, Koinonia Cafe 8:30am, Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Childrens Church 2nd & 4th Sunday Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sept-June: Sunday services at 8am and 10am; July-August: 9:00am Visitors and new members always welcome! Church of the Incarnation (Anglican-Episcopal) 44 S. 8th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-3787 Andores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Wednesday 10:00am First United Methodist Church 501 Market Street Perkasie, PA 18944 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie@verizon.net Pastor: Steward Warner Our mission: Share Gods love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, Have a positive impact on our community and world. Trinity Great Swamp Church 9150 Spinnerstown Road Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis / Matt Gorkos Sunday worship services 8am (communion first Sunday of the month) and 10:30am, 9:15 Sunday School (Pre-K - Adult) and family activities. Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynnette R. Chapman 8:00 & 10:30am traditional services, 9:15am Sunday School, 9:15am Contempory Service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Kidspiration Services Holy Spirit Anglican Church 1133 W. Orvilla Road Hatfield, PA 19440 215-453-7452 rtutton@verizon.net www.holyspiritanglicanhatfield.org Pastor: Rev. Robert Tutton We are a traditional conservative Evangelical Christian church. Pennridge Christian Fellowship 720 Blooming Glen Road Blooming Glen, PA 18911 215-257-7309 kallebach@pennridgecf.org www.pennridgecf.org Pastor: Thomas Vargis Sunday worship 10:30am, Sunday School after song service for infants to age 12. Wed evenings 7pm with prayer, crossroads youth and (Sept-April) boys and girls clubs. Everyone is welcome. Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main Street at Mill Rd & Park Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-7555 Clerks: Kathy Redding, Jack Schick

Ministers of Music to Present Concert at Church of the Brethren

The Ministers of Music from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will present a concert at Quakertown First Church of the Brethren on Sunday, May 5 at 7:00 pm. The Ministers of Music is comprised of five men who offer a variety of musical styles, including spirituals, hymns, gospel songs, and praise and worship choruses. The group sings many familiar traditional songs in modem arrangements. Selections feature a mellow blend of close harmonies accompanied by piano or sung a cappella. Two of the men in the group are Church of the Brethren pastors. One member of the group is a social worker with Hospice, one is a sales representative for a home improvement company, also serving as worship leader in a Presbyterian Church, and the other is a Pastor of Worship. Each member of the group, at some time, has served in music ministry of a local church. The sound engineer is also a Church of the Brethren pastor. The group, now in its 34th year, was organized in 1979 to sing for a community worship service. The group has ministered in music to churches, retirement homes and at camps in Pennsylvania, New England, Indiana, Florida and Arizona. They have sung on cruise ships and have been featured on the Gospel Tide Hour radio broadcast. Members of the group include Lamar Dourte, Steve Fikkert, John Frye, Bob Kettering and Ron Ludwick and Dennis Garrison.

Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice over 300 years in Quakertown. Join us 10:30am Sundays

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Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

from the archives...

circa 1922
Quakertown resident, Francis Licopoli, continues to find interesting relics he aims preserve as long forgotten historical materials are removed from depths of the soon-to-be-remodeled Quakertown High School. Below we meet Mildred from the QHS Class of 1922. Young adults havent changed much in all that time, except for the fact that some graduating seniors now must share their Ukeleles. image courtesy of qcsd archives

QCSD Website Wins Award of Excellence

The Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association bestowed upon the QCSD Website the Award of Excellence for the 2011-2012 school year. QCSD was one of only four districts across Pennsylvania that won an Award of Excellence in the category. Nine districts received Award of Honor for their websites. Districts could enter the education communications contest in 10 categories. Ricki Stein, Community Relations Coordinator, said she entered the website because it best represented a wide team effort. While she, Todd Silvius and Alice Bishop maintain most of the content on the district home page, a huge percentage of staff members pitch in to maintain the building, curriculum, department and teacher subsites. Dr. Lisa Andrejko said, Congratulations Ricki Stein, Todd Silvius and all principals, teachers, and secretaries who keep our presence on the web current, informative, and effective as recognized by professionals in the communications business.

QUAKERTOWN Aamco A-Plus Mini Market Bottom Dollar Foods Beer City Bricks Sales Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Downtown Dogs Earl Bowl Lanes First Niagara Bank First Savings Bank Franks Pizza The Free Press Bldg. Giant (Qtwn Plaza) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Independence Court James Michener Library Johns Plain & Fancy Liberty Thrift Store McDonalds Melody Lakes Philly Soft Pretzel Factory Quaker Cleaners Quakertown Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Redners Market Roma Pizza Sals Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sines 5 & 10 SNAP Fitness

Spinnerstown Hotel St. Lukes Hospital Swanns Pantry Toms Help Desk Upper Bucks Sr. Center Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Finos La Cantina Spors General Store SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner Suelkes Roadstand Village Market PERKASIE Dam Good Cafe Emils Diner First United Methodist Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Mirage Hair Salon Olde Towne Convenience Store Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank Revivals Restaurant

TELFORD Grundy Manor Indian Valley Library Landis Supermarket Lisas Pizza SOUDERTON Care & Share Shoppes Generations Main Street Java Mr. Bs QNB Bank Vincents Pizza COOPERSBURG Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Minit Market Weis Markets SILVERDALE Detlan Equipment Green Street Barber Shop HARLEYSVILLE Hennings Market Landis Supermarket Also available at lots of other high traffic locations between here and there. Have a suggestion for a place youd like to see the Free Press? E-mail terri@ubfp.org.

Many of us who watched news reports and witnessed the horror in Boston were emotionally shaken. Photos and video coverage of plumes of smoke, explosions and terror stricken marathon enthusiasts running for their lives, resulted in a visceral reactions from people across the nation. he impact of these horrific bombings is greatest for those participants, race officials, and crowds of cheering fans near the Boston Marathons finish line. As victims and eyewitnesses, they absorbed the terror through their five senses of sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. When a person suffers a trauma, the information taken in by their senses can be the catalyst for crisis reactions in the days, weeks, and even years following the event. This can result in a re-experiencing of the physical and emotional reactions when an eyewitness

Trauma Affects the Whole Person, Counseling Available

hears, sees, tastes, touches, or smells anything that they experienced on that day. For them, it could be hearing a loud noise, seeing or smelling smoke, or watching media coverage of the event. While the reoccurrence of crisis reactions are frightening when they occur, it is not uncommon for those who have experienced a trauma. Learning about common crisis reactions will not alleviate the symptoms but can help victims cope and make sense of these reactions. Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) has trained counselors who can talk with anyone who is experiencing crisis reactions and can assist trauma victims with coping skills to regain equilibrium. Counselors are available via NOVAs confidential 24-Hour Victim Support Hotline at 1.800.675.6900. For more information visit: www.novabucks.org.

Self-Improvement: Part 2
Our self-esteem is something that we can control and change at any time. It is based upon the beliefs and attitudes that we have about ourselves. Improving our self-esteem comes from identifying our feelings and knowing how to express them appropriately. We need to know that we have choices when we deal with our feelings and problems. When faced with a stressful situation, it is important to develop a plan of action for our actions, which will yield a more positive response. It is important to act, not react. Instead of verbally attacking, physically hitting walls or cursing/yelling at someone, which are reactions, we can take a walk, call a friend, pray, meditate, write in a journal, draw/paint or work on a favorite hobby, which are actions, or choices. By choosing a positive action, we immediately improve our self-worth. When we react in a negative way, we never feel good about ourselves. We usually feel worse about ourselves and wished that we had handled things differently. If we put ourselves down for making a mistake or reacting in a negative way, it is important to forgive ourselves for how we handled the situation and identify changes we can make next time. This is how we learn and grow and improve our self-esteem. Another way to address negative thinking is by saying affirmations. An affirmation is something good we say about ourselves over and over again until we believe it to be true. Say it with feeling in the present tense because you really believe it. One way to make our affirmations come true is to think about how we will look, feel and act when we are what we want to be. For example, if our affirmation is I am smart, we can imagine how confident we will feel when we are studying, answering questions in class, or taking tests. Once we start believing our new, positive thoughts, we will automatically make small changes to make those positive thoughts come true. In order to improve our self-esteem, we must build confidence in ourselves. Self-confidence comes from self-knowledge, which means who you are and what you capable of doing. It is the belief in our own talents and abilities. It is seeing a new situation as an opportunity for learning and growth. When our self-esteem is strengthened, we no longer have to live life so carefully as to avoid rejection because our basic sense of approval comes from within. So the goal is to be courageous, face our fears, trust our instincts and make daily changes to improve our self-worth. My belief is that All persons are truly greater than they think they are.
Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219. Visit her website at www.balancelife4u.com.

May 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

17

2013 Pennsylvania One Book Author:

Have you ever heard of Pennsylvanias One Book? I didnt until I went to a book signing, where I met Suzanne Bloom, author of The Bus for Us, the Pennsylvania One Book for this year. I learned that the Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child programs mission is to promote reading skills in younger children. The website describes the program like this: For the eighth consecutive year, Pennsylvanias One Book, Every Young Child program will lead the way and highlight the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers ages 3 to 6. The collaborating agencies involved with the program all believe strongly in supporting early literacy efforts. They are working together to develop a multifaceted program accessible to all areas and populations of the state. There are more than 595,000 children in the target age group, many of which are in the states childcare facilities, Head Start programs, licensed preschools, or kindergartens. The book for this year, 2013, The Bus for Us, is described in a press release from the PA One Book program: Pennsylvanias One Book, Every Young Child 2013 selection is The Bus for Us, a delightful book written and illustrated by Suzanne Bloom for children ages 3 to 6. Published in 2001 by Boyds Mills Press, this story follows Tess on her first day of school as she waits with her friend Gus for the bus. Shes very excited and wonders what the bus will look like. As they wait, Tess sees many different vehicles drive by, including a taxi, a fire engine and a tow truck. And as each one passes she asks, Is this the bus for us, Gus? Pennsylvania One Book authors go on a book tour around Pennsylvania, visiting schools and libraries. I got to go to one of the stops. When I was at the book signing, Ms. Bloom was very kind and let me ask her a few questions. Erik - What does it mean to you to have been chosen as the Pennsylvania One Book author for 2013? Ms. Bloom - I am tickled pink to be the

Suzanne Bloom

BLOSSOM CAMELIA DAISY DAHLIA FERN FLORA GINGER

HEATHER HOLLY IRIS IVY JASMINE LILY MYRTLE

OLIVE PETUNIA ROSEMARY SAGE VIOLET WILLOW

Pennsylvania One Book author/illustrator for a second time. When I toured the state several years ago with Goose and Bear, I loved cruising over the roller coaster hills, seeing new towns and cities, watching out for wolves in The Wilds just kidding. I visited grand libraries and tiny libraries all working hard as community hubs to creating programs for all ages and interests. Erik Your book tour does seem like a lot of fun! What is the best thing about being the Pennsylvania One Book author? Ms. Bloom - Its always about the people I get to meet and the ideas we get to share. From babies to bus drivers everybody has a story. Erik I like meeting new people, too! The Bus For Us is written for younger kids, but there is a lot of humor in the illustrations you drew that older kids and adults will love. Did you do that on purpose? Ms. Bloom - Absolutely! Details, nuance, attitude! With a story of very few words, lots more information can be conveyed in the illustrations. In fact, additional story lines can be suggested. Conversations might arise based on characters body language or facial expression. Of course, I want kids to say, Read it again, to their parents, but I also want to create a story that parents will gladly repeat. Erik I know I really liked reading your book! How do Pennsylvania One Book and your book The Bus For Us help with early childhood literacy? Ms. Bloom - Visual literacy begins before reading. Even the tiniest tot is acquiring information by observing and listening. Having a grown-up guide, who takes the time to read with a child, creates a safe and positive learning time. A book is a gateway to a bigger world, for every reader! Erik - You are so right! We are always learning by listening and seeing - and books are great for that! To learn more about the Pennsylvania One Book, visit their website at paonebook.org To learn more about Suzanne Bloom, visit her website at suzannebloom.com For more on reading and book reviews, visit my website thiskidreviewsbooks.com!

May Musings
Hello again, fans! The cold has moved out and spring is here! I would like to invite you all to come meet me at the Quakertown Pet Fair on June 1. I will be at the Camp Jeans table. My Canines for Christ Group table will be next to me so I can work both areas. I have fans everywhere. I would like to give a special Shout out to a big fan named Ruth. She was in a panic looking for an April Free Press so she could read my column. Naturally, I took one to her. I wanted to let all my dog owner fans know that if your dog eats something that they shouldnt eat, a small rodent, pills, a remote control, part of their toys that may get stuck in the intestines, you can get it out of your dog without a vet visit. If you know the dog ate something bad in the past 20 minutes or so you can give the dog a couple tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and wait about 15 minutes. The offending article should come back up. If nothing comes up then it is already digested or they didnt eat anything bad in the first place. This is worth trying before a visit to the vet. My human uses a syringe with no needle to get the hydrogen peroxide down the throat. Well enough of that subject. This article is short because I want to get out and enjoy the weather. Im hoping that Kathys Country Kitchen has her patio open today! Remember in Quakertown you may eat on the patio with your humans at McCooles, Sundays, Karlton Caf and Kathys Country Kitchen. Im sure looking forward to the outings. Remember to behave and have your human clean up after you. Love M.J.

Upper Bucks Relay for Life: A Celebration of Survivors

In a nation where more than one million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, participants in the Upper Bucks Relay for Life will celebrate on Saturday, May 4 at Quakertowns Memorial Park. The reason for their celebration? Those who have survived a cancer diagnosis! Relay for Life is as much a unique fundraising event for the American Cancer Society as it is a celebration of survivors. With the atmosphere at Relay being one of camaraderie and celebration, it is the perfect time for us to honor cancer survivors. No one better sends the message of hope than someone who has conquered cancer, says Lisa Morgan, Staff Partner of the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. At the Upper Bucks Relay, cancer survivors pass the torch of hope on to those still battling or those that might be touched by cancer in the future, adds Morgan. Under the leadership of The Care Bears for Cancer, a local Relay team, the Upper Bucks Relay For Life will honor cancer survivors with a complimentary continental breakfast at 8am on Saturday, May 4. Registered survivors will receive a t-shirt and will be eligible to participate in special raffles. Following breakfast and a time of fellowship, survivors will be invited to join in for the ceremonial survivor lap of the Relay for Life, which kicks off the days events. If you are a cancer survivor and would like to take part in the Survivor Breakfast please be sure to pre-register. This can be done by contacting Joan Sutton (267-377-9024) or lisa. morgan@cancer.org. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800ACS-2345, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.cancer.org.

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Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

Bucks SPCA Seizes 121 from Bedminster Home

by michele buono

Members of the Bucks County SPCAs Hoarding Task recently seized 121 animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and small animals, from a home on the 1600 block of Deep Run Road, Bedminster. Both of the Lahaska and the Upper Bucks shelters pushed their limits to house the animals, most of which were surrendered to the SPCA. Executive Director Anne Irwin said, Were so blessed to have the two shelters. Humane Officer Maria Rupp said that this was one of the worst hoarding cases that she has worked in seven years of the job. Its definitely in the top five of the worst Ive seen, she said. According to Rupp, the house was a mess with most of the animals living inside the home and the smell was overwhelming. Many of the birds and small animals were kept in small cages that were inadequate to the animals needs. Several domestic rats were without food or water in their cage. On April 18, Humane Officer Kathy Myron visited the home after receiving an anonymous complaint that there were many animals living in filthy conditions at the residence. The officer observed a number of chickens living in very small and filthy crates at the front of the home. There was a strong stench of feces and urine when the door was opened and Myron heard various animal noises from inside of the house. When asked how many other animals were in the house, homeowner Bill Cameron told the officer that there were about five, but I really dont know. All of the chickens, domestic birds, rab-

bits, rats, guinea pigs, snakes, and a bearded dragon were transported to the Bucks County SPCAs Upper Bucks shelter just outside of Quakertown. Staff veterinarian Doctor Jesse Collins evaluated the animals. Conditions range from very good, the parrot and the cockatoo were very well taken care of, to poor, said Dr. Collins. The small animals and chicks were kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions and will need a bit of time to recuperate. Nine dogs and 18 cats were taken to the Bucks County SPCAs Lahaska shelter. Shelter Manager Melissa Frank is asking the community for its help. We need supplies for small animals and birds. Volunteer Coordinator Meghan Garber agreed that with such a large influx of animals added to the regular burden of care to the animals up for adoption, the shelter is asking for aid. Gift cards to the farm supply store up the road would really help. We are in need of small animal food, parrot food, and bedding. As of this writing, most of the seized animals were legally surrendered to the Bucks County SPCA and are up for adoption. The five animals that were not surrendered will remain safely with the shelter until their situations can be resolved in court, according to Humane Officer Maria Rupp. The Bucks County SPCAs Upper Bucks shelter could use your help. They need small animal supplies, food and bedding, and especially good quality parrot food. For more information, you can contact the shelter at 267-347-4674.

Lets Play Outside!

Shelter manager Melissa Frank and Dr. Jesse Collins examine a silky chicken seized in the hoarding case. Several chickens were in filthy condition and this bird had multiple abscesses on its feet.
photo by michele buono

Angus is a big beefy love muffin. He is a middle-aged boy of five who enjoys playing ball and being outside. This hunk craves attention, loves belly rubs and quiet nights snuggled on the sofa. The ideal home for Angus will be with adults and older children. He will be best as only pet. Tyler is a three-year-old Rottweiler Mix who came to us as a stray in very poor condition. We have been nursing him back to health with some TLC and lots of love! He loves spending time with people and loves the extra attention. Tyler is an active dog and will need more than a walk around the block to tire him out. He likes to play and will bring toys back to people to fetch nicely. He likes tennis balls and squeaky toys. Tyler knows how to sit, shake, stay and lie down. If you are interested in Tyler, Angus, or other pets from the Bucks County SPCA, visit them at bcspca.org or call 267-347-4674.

Anna Neamand Award Winner Delivers World Class Speech to Students

by erica stein

Ian Fisher assured QCHS students that Quakertown is a nice place and they are receiving a good education. He spoke to students before and after receiving the Quakertown Community Education Foundations Anna Neamand Award on Monday. The 1983 QCHS graduate said it was only the second award he has ever received since he became a journalist. The first was a pretzel-shaped ashtray from Penn State Berks. The Assistant Managing Editor of the New York Times online news credited long-retired English teacher Carolyn Potser for encouraging him to write. He recommended a book she told him to read, George Orwells Politics in the English Language. Its a great lesson in the fact that simple language creates simple, clear thinking. Whenever my writing gets sloppy, my thinking gets sloppy, he said. Fisher said he didnt want to bore students with the war stories he collected as a reporter in several Middle Eastern countries. However, several students in four separate audiences asked specific questions, so Fisher responded with enough stories to give students something to think about regarding the safety of their own world. He cautioned students to trust no one with their personal lives, to wear seat belts and to avoid drunk drivers. A dozen students joined Fisher for lunch in

the library. They kept the discussion lively, displaying an impressive command of history and current events. The group included Matt Basile, Chris Chookagian, Mark Doman, Erinne Finlayson, Adrianna Goodin, Austin Henry, Leah Kaighn,

Heidi Kern, Robin Kramme, Sarah Post, Rob Samalonis, Connor Hunt, and Fishers nephew, Colin French, a QCHS junior. He was very interesting, Leah said. Hes gone to a lot of cool places at important times. He inspired me to do a better job of understanding world events.

May 2013 Upper Bucks Free Press

19

Third Annual Garden Affaires Tour Set to Bloom

Quakertown Alive! is proud to present their Third Annual Garden Affaires Garden Tour, sponsored by Penn Stainless Products Inc. on Sunday, June 30, from 10 am to 4 pm. The garden tour gives visitors a chance to stroll through six private gardens and outdoor living spaces in and around Quakertown. Get inspired by viewing beautiful blooms, flowing waterfalls, serene ponds, whimsical ornaments, pristine pools and inviting hardscaping. This years gardens include the Paulovitz property, at 1014 Park Avenue, the Fulmer property, at 316 Park Avenue, the Montoney property at 709 Lafayette Drive, the Hellman property at 811 Mill Street, the Quay property at 1040 Brookfield Circle, and the Hinderliter property at 2175 Weiss Road. Your weekends festivities can begin with the Art of the Garden Evening Reception in the stunning Paulovitz garden. Enjoy a relaxing evening with friends at this beautiful backyard oasis, giving visitors a preview of the beautiful gardens that await them on Sunday. The reception will include complimentary beer, wine, hors doeuvres, and music sponsored by Jann and Tom Paulovitz and Barbara Knauss. Begin your tour day on Sunday at the Burgess Foulke House on N. Main Street. The Keystone Quilters will be demonstrating the art of quilting. There will be an exhibit of floral inspired quilts as well as garden inspired photography and artwork by local artisans. Dont miss this opportunity to see one of Quakertowns historic treasures open to the public through the generosity of the Quakertown Historical Society. The Garden Marketplace, on the grounds of the Burgess Foulke house, will fulfill the novice and experienced gardeners thirst for knowledge. Stop by the Quakertown Alive! Booth for a chance to win one of the many raffle prizes donated by local businesses. Visitors can feel free to shop and the Marketplace will hold their purchases until they finish the tour. The Garden Marketplace is free to the public (no tour ticket necessary). While at the Marketplace, visitors can tour the beautiful new Upper Bucks Visitors Center at the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Building (formerly the Quakertown Historical Society Barn). Parking for the Garden Marketplace is in the UBCC parking lot. Tickets for The Garden Tour can be purchased at Quakertown Alive!, Quakertown Borough Hall, Tana Kaya Boutique, Lion Around Books, Sines 5 & Dime, and Richland Feed. Advanced ticket for Adults is $15.00/$12.00 for Seniors (65+). Tickets can be purchased on the day of the Tour at the Quakertown Alive! Booth at the Garden Marketplace or any featured garden for $18.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Seniors. Tickets for the Evening Reception (includes the Tour) are $40.00 per person and can only be purchased at the Quakertown Alive! office at 312 W. Broad Street. For more information visit quakertownalive.com or call 215-536-2273.

by erica stein

Quakertown Junior Overcomes Cancer, Resumes Sports

QCHS junior Brad Davco has come a long way. He overcame many struggles most of us never have to experience. At the age of nine he was diagnosed with Leukemia, just as he was transitioning from private school to fourth grade at Tohickon Valley Elementary School. Doctors first discovered the cancer after he was injured while playing with a cousin and his dog jumped on his back and knocked the air out of him. Brads mother, Tohickon Valley kindergarten teacher Beth Davco, took him to the doctor because his lower back pain and headaches were taking a long time to go away. After two rounds of antibiotics, doctors tested him for leukemia. The family received the phone call with the diagnosis when they were at the beach in the summer. We were shocked, scared and numb, Beth said. Now, Brad acts as though he took the news in stride. His mother remembers differently. When Brad got his first transfusion, he was worried about the guy who gave the blood to him. But she admitted he has always remained positive. He has the gift of joy and that was evident through the whole experience. We prayed a lot and had wonderful support from our family and friends, she said. The family, including Dad, Emil, and brother Matt, now 20, investigated ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) as much as they could and asked many questions. They posted all the cards Brad received on the wall in the hospital room, where Brad spent three weeks. Patients stay until all the leukemia cells are out of their bodies and then the chemotherapy medication begins. Brad underwent frequent spinal taps, which indicated whether or not bad cells were hiding. Bradley was a trooper with the needle situation, Beth said. We considered ourselves lucky with that! Laughing, Brad remembered, I loved the spinal taps! They gave me morphine. I watched Little Mermaid movies. Beth said, When he was on medication, his eating habits would change and we would accommodate him whenever possible. When he realized his hair was falling out and pulled it out in clumps, we were crying on the inside and saying how cool he looked. His teenage cousins all shaved their heads for him. The nurses loved working with Bradley because of his humor! Matt supported Brad throughout the ex-

perience, even while dealing with his own situation. He has a rare brain disease that does not allow him to eat protein. He gets treatment once a year, which does not interfere with his time at Elizabethtown College, where he is a sophomore creative writing major. Brad and Matt are truly special young men, Beth said. We saw many situations in the hospital and prayed our way through ours! Now 16 and four years post-chemo, Brad was finally able to begin playing sports this year. He said he turned to Xbox as his halftime sports. His father gave him jobs to do to keep him occupied while his mother took him to his doctor appointments and to his chemotherapy treatments. Brad and Beth remember watching a lot of SpongeBob SquarePants. Officially cancer free, Brad joined the Quakertown Lacrosse club this year and is playing goalie. He figured no one else wanted to play the position, so he would get to start every game. Said Beth, I cant believe those lacrosse boys keep throwing the ball at my Bradley! I am amazed at how much he keeps improving! While he must stay on his toes and move quickly as a goalie, Brad speaks in a much more casual fashion. He seems to downplay the eight-year ordeal. He likes to help others

Professional Support Person of the Year for 2013, Kelsey Carney, McCormick Brothers, was honored at the Chambers annual luncheon held Wednesday, April 24, at the Indian Valley Country Club in Telford. Themed Providing Strong Roots, the luncheon was a wonderful way for both large and small businesses to celebrate Professional Support Day and enjoy a beautiful day out of the office. Following a delicious lunch and dessert, Chamber President Dave Nyman introduced Jamie McCormick of McCormick Brothers Professional Dry Cleaning, who, along with his two brothers, Mike and Tom, nominated Kelsey. Jamie described why Kelsey was the perfect choice to receive the honor, stating, Her kind and gentle demeanor have earned her the respect of other employees and customers alike. She has been a mentor to those under her, training competent leaders for the evening team, and now managing that team through those leaders. Beginning as a part time evening employee while attending business school in 2007, Kelsey has worked her way up to become a leader in McCormick Brothers. Kelsey is the voice of McCormick Brothers. To many store customers, she is also the face of the company. Exceeding customers expectations is her goal. A trusted employee who

Pennridge Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Professional Support Staff

cares about her fellow employees, customers, and the owners, Kelsey has made McCormick Brothers a better place to work each day. Kelsey received a plaque from the Chamber, flowers compliments of Claires Flower Shop, and a Perkiomen Tour Certificate from QNB.

who need it, including the Life Skills students, when he attends Best Buddies activities. Brad said, Never give up. There is always a brighter side. Shrugging, he added, It goes away eventually. Youll be fine.

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Upper Bucks Free Press May 2013

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Embers Caf Restaurant to Flare Up in Quakertown

Come early June there will be a new place to eat in town. We are sure you will find Embers Caf to be a unique place to have a quiet meal, hook up your laptop to the WIFI, or have a lunch meeting in a quiet comfortable setting. On a warm summer day you may want to have your breakfast or lunch out on our patio. Bob & Terry Tosh are the owners of Embers Cafe and have a lot of plans for the new restaurant. Terry has already begun making a name for herself with her freshly baked cinnamon buns, cleverly named Emberbuns. The Toshes have enlisted the help of area Chef Jack Lopez who has been instrumental in setting up the restaurant. Chef Jack has accumulated 20 years of experience in the culinary field and has worked in several settings from Hospitals to Casinos. He is therefore well versed in many styles of cooking from Institutional to Fine Dining. The group is planning to offer fresh produce and meats which will be obtained from local sources. Bob and Terry have lived in and around Quakertown for over 25 years and operate Quakertown Family Chiropractic and the Pennsylvania Institute of Massage Therapy behind the site of their new restaurant. Embers Caf will initially open for breakfast and lunch with plans to expand to a dinner menu in the future. The restaurants name makes reference to the wood burning brick oven on the premises which will be used to create some of the lunch entrees. The menu will include several dishes prepared by Chef Jack consisting of American home-style cooking with a unique twist. The folks at Embers are sure you will find a pleasant dining experience at their new place and a welcome alternative to fast food restaurants. Embers Caf is located on Route 309 in Quakertown across from Raymour & Flanigan. Be sure to check for their new web site at www. EmbersCafe.com and take a moment to like

Bob & Terry Tosh with Chef Jack Lopez outside the future site of Embers Cafe on Route 309 in Quakertown. The restaurant is slated to open in early June. photo by christopher betz

QNB Reports First Quarter Results

QNB Corporation, the parent company of QNB Bank, reported net income for the first quarter of 2013 of $2,408,000, or $0.74 per share on a diluted basis. This represents a slight decrease compared to net income of $2,471,000, or $0.77 per share on a diluted basis, for the same period in 2012. Net income expressed as an annualized rate of return on average assets and average shareholders equity was 1.08% and 13.10%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 compared with 1.15% and 14.71%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. Total assets as of March 31, 2013 were $918,780,000, compared with $919,874,000 at December 31, 2012. Total loans at March 31, 2013 were $477,402,000, compared with $477,733,000 at December 31, 2012, and total deposits at March 31, 2013 were $799,814,000, compared with $801,638,000 at December 31, 2012. David W. Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, We are pleased with our performance for the first quarter of 2013, especially considering the negative effects of this extended period of low interest rates and the continued sluggish economic recovery. We continue to focus on asset quality and to work with our troubled borrowers toward resolution. Mr. Freeman further noted, During the first quarter we opened two new locations, a full-service branch in Colmar, PA and a business office in Warminster, PA. In addition, QNB Financial Services, which provides securities and advisory services, is off to an excellent beginning with over $14 million in assets under management during its first quarter. We also rewarded our shareholders with a 3.8% increase in the cash dividend. The Company maintained capital ratios in the first quarter of 2013 that were in excess of regulatory standards for well-capitalized institutions.

QCHS Senior Involved in Borough Government

Katie Heft is a 17 year old senior at Quakertown Community Senior High School. Katie has 3 younger siblings: Cari, Dylan, and Leah. A dancer at a local studio, she dances more than 7 hours a week and is also a member of the Qua Sen chapter of the National Honor Society. Even though she works as a bus girl at a restaurant and was a counselor for the 2012 Quakertowns K.I.D.S. Program, Katie finds time to volunteer at a local church, babysitting children while their parents learn English. After graduation next year, she plans to attend college, hopefully the University of Miami, to major in Early Childhood Education and minor in Dance. Katies future plans are to own her own daycare which she would like to manage out of her own home.