Upper Bucks Free Press - September 2013

2 • Upper Bucks Free Press • September 2013

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?August 28 to September 1

Upper Black Eddy Fireman’s 7th Annual Car-nival. [email protected]

September 2 – LABOR DAY!

September 5

Bucks Co Covered Bridge Society Meet-ing 7:30pm at East Rockhill Twp Bldg,1622 Ridge Rd, Perkasie. All welcome, www. buckscountycbs.org

September 7

“Wild About Wildlife” 10am-5pm at Indian Valley Library, 100 Church Ave, Telford. (for list of the 12 different workshops, please call 215-723-9109 x101) Fun for the whole family.

Chicken BBQ/Bake Sale, 4pm-7pm at Quaker-town United Methodist, 1875 Freier Rd, Qtwn. Eat-in or take-out, $9/adults, $4/ages 1-8

Flea Market/Craft Fair 8am-1pm at Souder-ton Firehouse, 226 N Second St, Souderton. 215-721-1354

FleaMarket at Ottsville Volunteer Fire Co. Info at 610-847-2305

136th Oyster Picnic 12noon-6:30pm at Old Goshenhoppen Church picnic grove in Wox-all, PA. (activities & entertainment all day), bring lawn chairs, info: 610-287-9781 or ogrc.org. r/d Sept 9

Haycock One-Room Schoolhouse Reunion, 12noon covered dish meal, 1:30pm meeting. St. Paul’s Lutheran, 837 Old Bethlehem Rd, Applebachsville. Questions? 215-536-4747

Annual Firefighter Olympics, 10am-3pm, free admission. Benner Hall, 1260 Cherry Rd, Richlandtown, food, music, games, bounces, raffles, and more. Come cheer for local fire companies.

September 7 & 8

22nd Annual Doylestown Arts Festival, 150+ artisans, live music/entertainment throughout downtown area, FREE, 10am-5pm, info at 215-340-9988, doylestownartsfestival.com

Thompson Bucks Co Classic professional in-ternational bicycle race/cycling festival. LOTS going on, details at 215-489-0100 x5764 or 1800thompson.com

September 8 – GRANDPARENTS DAY!

“Packing Food for the Hungry” event at Je-rusalem Lutheran, 733 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Info, volunteer, or donate at 215-257-9423

Buffet Breakfast 8am-1pm at Silverdale Fire Co, 111 West Main St, Silverdale. $7/adults, $4/ages 6-12, free under 6

Annual Chicken BBQ 12noon-3pm (or sold out) by Perkasie Lions at Borough Park, 5th St & Park Ave. $10/adult, $7/child, ticket info at 215-453-7127 or Perkasie First Savings Banks

September 9

Annual Fall Flower Show 6pm-8pm by Minsi Trail Flower Club, at Springtown Firehouse, Rtes 212 & 412. Free Admission!

Quakertown area Cub Pack wants boys 7 to 11 for Scout Sign-up Night at 7pm, St. Isidore School, 603 W Broad St, Qtwn. Contact Dave Engelhardt at 215-407-8223

Adoptive Family Play Group @ Pearl S. Buck Intl, 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie. FREE to attend, 10am-12noon, open to all adoptive families, 215-249-0100, pearlsbuck.org

September 10

Keystone Meal-A-Month at O’Grady’s Fam-ily Restaurant, 714 Rte 113, Souderton, 7am-9pm, (a portion of your breakfast, lunch, or dinner tab will be donated to Keystone Oppor-tunity Center

September 11

Free Medicare and Open Enrollment Semi-nar at Rockhill Mennonite Community begins 10am w/light refreshments. RSVP to Heather Idell 215-257-2751 x 214.

September 12

Souderton-Telford Rotary Auction 5pm at Indian Valley Country Club (gift certif, sport tickets, trip to Disney World & more), 484-288-9866 or [email protected]

Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out) at Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, $8/adults, $4.50/ages 6-12, $8.50/take-outs

September 13

Tylersport Fire Co Penny Party, 125 Ridge Rd, Tylersport (use Telford for GPS), doors open 6pm, donation $1, food avail., info: 215-257-5900 x6

September 14

Shelly School House (Open House Celebration – 123 yrs old), 11am-3pm at 130 Richland-town Pike (212), Quakertown. Games, raffle, music, refreshments, Richland Histor. Soc. 215-536-7562

Annual Fall Flea Market at Independence Court of Quakertown, 9am-2pm, free space (bring table), call 215-538-7050 to register

Springfield Twp Community Day, 10am-4pm at Silver Creek AA in Springtown. Need car participants, vendors, sponsors. Car show, entertainment, food, much more. 610-346-6700 x12 or ST-CD.org

Towamencin Twp Community Day, 12noon-4pm at Fischer’s Park, 2225 Bustard Rd, Lansdale. Live music, food court, A+ Jump, police/fire activities, much more. Bring your pets! Towamencin.org

Hazardous Waste Collection/Recycling Event 9am-3pm (old computer systems & TVs ac-cepted), Quakertown Community High School, 600 Park Ave, Qtwn (info at buckscounty.org, Recycle in Bucks)

Free Electronic Waste Collection 9am-1pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd, Qtwn. Details: Jayne Young 610-353-1555 x222 or [email protected]

1st Annual Wine Festival 12noon-6pm, (Fire Co fund raiser), St. Peter’s Lutheran, 1530

Augsburg Dr, Hilltown, 215-453-2051 or www.hilltownfirerescue.org for tickets

Spaghetti Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out) at St. Paul’s Lutheran “Blue” Church, 5900 Applebutter Hill Rd, Coopersburg. $7/adults, $4/ages 6-12

7th Annual Barn Tour 9:30am-4pm to benefit Heller Barn Preservation Fund. Volunteers needed at sauconvalleyconservancy.org

September 15

Quakertown Hospital Reunion for all past/present employees, associates, etc. Great af-ternoon! Bear Creek Resort, Macungie. Email Mary Litvin for info & registration: [email protected]

Free Community Dinner 5:30pm-6:30pm at Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. 215-249-3689. Call before 3pm w/questions or transportation needs.

September 17

Pennridge Area Boys invited to join Cub Scout Pack #1, 7pm at St. Michael’s, 25 E Church St, Sellersville. Info: Dave 215-852-4747 or [email protected]

September 19

Haycock Historical Soc. Meeting, 7pm at

Bucks Co Latvian Church, 1142 Apple Rd, Quakertown (Applebachsville), 7:30pm lecture on Quaker Settlement of Upper Bucks by Jack Schick

September 21

2nd Annual Trash 2 Treasure Community Yard Sale, 8am-12noon, Skate Shelter Park-ing Lot, 500 Mill Rd, Quakertown, vendors pre-regis. by Sept 16 (space/$10 or $15), call 215-536-5001

Community-Wide Yard Sale, 8am-2pm all streets & Walnut Street Park in Richlandtown, 215-538-9290

Prime Rib Dinner 4pm-7pm at Trumbauers-ville Fire Co, 215-536-2518 or 215-536-1998

Coopersburg 22nd Community Day 10am-5pm, Living Memorial Park, Rte 309 & Fair-mont St. Check online at Coopersburg.org for various registration details

6th Annual Fall Festival/Open House 10am-4pm at 1840’s Hartzel-Strassburger Home-stead. Free admission, 407 Keystone Drive & Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville, Cindy: [email protected]

Annual Craft/Flea Mkt 8am-12noon at Christ UCC, 101 N Main St, Trumbauersville. Re-serve a space at 215-538-0142 or 215-536-1322

Parish Flea Market 10am-3pm, St. Lawrence Church, 345 Elmwood Ave, Riegelsville. $15/space, 610-462-9515

September 24

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! [email protected]

September 25

Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night 5pm-8pm at Route 309, Quakertown, 215-536-9622 or www.ubymca.org

September 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 3

Have something you’d like to share with your community? Send us the details!

email: [email protected] • fax: 215-839-3421 mail: 312 W. Broad Street, Quakertown PA 18951

September 26

Spaghetti Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out) at Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, $7.50/adults, $4.50/ages 6-12, $8/take-outs. Salad bar & Dessert included

So. Lehigh Public Library presents Hispanic Heritage Music w/Jesse Rivera (award win-ning guitarist) Free, but registration is re-quired: solehipl.org or 610-282-8834

September 27

Lower Milford’s 11th Annual Fall Festival, free parking & carriage/tractor rides, live mu-sic, food, vendors, etc. Info at 215-805-0522 or lowermilford.net click “Festival” link

Autumn Daze Dinner Dance at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 East Main St, Perkasie, music by The Blue Notes, call 215-453-7027 to register for dinner.

September 28

Soudertown Art Jam, food, music, art & en-tertainment, vendor/volunteer & details at st-mainst.org or Joanne at [email protected]

All-U-Can-Eat Turkey Supper, 4pm-7pm at Solomon’s United Church of Christ, 2990 Bed-minster Rd (Rt 113, Bedminster), $10/adults, $11/take-outs

Beef & Turkey Dinner 4pm-7pm at St. John’s Lutheran, Union & First Ave, Richlandtown, $10/adults, $5/age 5-12, info at 215-536-5027

Yard Sale 8am-2pm at Faith UCC, Rte 378, Center Valley. $10/space, call 610-282-3083 to reserve, r/d Oct 5, more info at www.recylelocal.com

October 5

Monster Mash/5K Dash at St. Luke’s Havest-Fest, (race 9am) St. Luke’s Upper Perk Outpatient Ctr, 2793 Geryville Pike, Penns-burg, registra. details at 1-866-STLUKES or philaymca.org/run

October 8

Pennridge CC 50th Anniv. Celebration: Fla-min’ Harry & Roadhouse Rockers at Sellers-ville Theater, 24 Temple Ave, Sellersville. 7pm door open/cash bar, 7:30pm-9pm Show. Tkt info at 215-257-5390

October 11

Vera Bradley/Thirty-One/Coach Bingo 7pm at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 215-536-2518 or 215-536-1998

October 11 & 12

Keystone Quilters Quilt Show, vendors, raffle, demos, café, prizes, etc. (Fri 10am-6pm) (Sat 10am-5pm), $7, under 12 free. Quakertown Christian Sch, 50 Paletown Rd, Qtwn. Lynn: 610-282-0651

October 12

VFW Mkt/Craft Show, 9am-3pm at Forrest Lodge, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. $15/space, food & A/C. Roselee 215-257-5648

Senior Center ActionUpper Bucks Senior Center 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, Qtwn

215-536-3066 www.upperbuckssac.comGame Day – Tues. 12:30pm $1

Line Dancing – Tues. & Fri. 10am $3Yoga – Fri. 9am $3/classPinochle – Fri. 12:30pmBingo – Thurs. 12:15pmBridge – Mon. 11:00am

Pennridge Community Center 146 E. Main St, Perkasie

215-453-7027, pennridgecenter.org Day activities include: ceramics, bil-

liards, aerobics, line dancing, card games, arts, chess, Wii bowling, tai chi, Zumba, mahjong. Contact ctr for times & days.

Evening activities:Billiards – Tues/Wed/Thurs 6:30pm-8pm

$3/non-membersTai Chi – Tues (8-wks) 7pm-8:30pm $Zumba – Thurs (6-wks) 6pm-7pm $5

Beginners Computer – Tues 7pm-8pm $30/month for age 55+

Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville

Line Dancing – Mon. 10:30amChair Yoga – Tues. 10amAdvanced Tai Chi – Wed.

10:30am-11:30amBeginner Tai Chi – Wed.

11:30am-12noonWeight Loss Group – Thurs. 10:30am

Generations of Indian Valley 259 N Second St, Souderton

215-723-5841 www.generationsofiv.org Flexercise – Mon/Fri 9am - $2

Tai Chi – Mon/Fri 10:30am - $3/class Low & Go – Tues/Thurs 8:15am - $2 Yoga – Tues/Thurs 10am - $3/class

Step Interval – Wed 9am - $3 Sit/Flex/Stretch – Tues/Thurs 9am - $2

Line Dancing – Fri 1pm - $2

The Bucks County SPCA’s Upper Bucks shelter has plenty of pets waiting for their forever homes. If you are interested in this month’s featured pet or have questions about other animals up for adoption, call the shel-ter at 267-347-4674 or visit them online at www.bcspca.org. The shelter is located at 60 Reservoir Road, just outside of Quakertown.

Kitty has been waiting at the shelter since February for someone to adopt her. She is 10 years young and would make a great addition

to your family. Kitty is a friendly girl with a quiet disposition. She’s such a sweetheart, it’s hard to imagine why no one has taken her home yet.

Tank is a fun loving guy who is eager to please. Spending time with people and running in the yard with other dogs are his two favorite things. He already knows how to sit and loves to learn. Tank is very respectful of people and wants to make them happy. He would do best in a home with kids 10-12 years and older.

Adoptable Pets of the Month


QUAKERTOWNAamco

A-Plus Mini MarketBorough Hall

Bottom Dollar FoodsBeer City

Brick’s SalesClassic Staffing

Chick Fil-A Dominick’s Pizza Downtown DogsEarl Bowl Lanes

Embers CafeFirst Niagara BankFirst Savings Bank

Frank’s Pizza The Free Press Bldg.Giant (Qtwn Plaza)The Grundy House

Hampton InnHoliday Inn

Independence CourtJames Michener Library

John’s Plain & FancyLiberty Thrift Store

McCoole’s RestaurantMcDonalds

Melody LakesMoyer’s Shoes

Pep Boys Philly Soft Pretzel Factory

Quaker CleanersQuakertown Family

RestaurantQNB Bank

Quaker CleanersRedner’s Market

Roma PizzaSal’s Pizza Randa

Seven-ElevenSine’s 5 & 10SNAP Fitness

Spinnerstown HotelSt. Luke’s Hospital

Swann’s PantryTom’s Help Desk

Upper Bucks Sr. CenterUpper Bucks SPCAUpper Bucks YMCA

Upper Bucks ChamberWells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts

TRUMBAUERSVILLEBorough Hall

Fino’s La CantinaSpor’s General Store

SELLERSVILLEA & N Diner

Grandview HospitalHidden Meadows

Roy Ann DinerSuelke’s Roadstand

Village Market

PERKASIERep. Paul Clymer’s Office

Dam Good CafeEmil’s Diner

First United MethodistGiant Food Markets

Landis Food MarketsMirage Hair Salon

Olde Towne ConveniencePennridge Chamber

Pierce LibraryQNB Bank

Revivals Restaurant

TELFORD

Grundy ManorIndian Valley LibraryLandis Supermarket

Lisa’s Pizza

SOUDERTON

Care & Share ShoppesGenerations

Main Street JavaMr. B’s at Calvary Church

QNB BankVincent’s Pizza

COOPERSBURG

Coopersburg DinerGiant Food Markets

The Inside ScoopQNB Bank

Turkey Hill Minit MarketWeis Markets

SILVERDALE

Detlan EquipmentGreen Street Barber Shop

HARLEYSVILLE

Landis Supermarket

Also available at lots of other high traffic locations between

here and there.Have a suggestion for a place

you’d like to see the Free Press? E-mail [email protected].

A Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the Fall equinox. The Harvest Moon was thus named because it rises within a half-hour of when the sun sets. In early days, when farmers had no tractors, it was essential that they work by the light of the moon to bring in the harvest. It is the fullest moon of the year and generally gives a lot of light throughout the entire night.

ObamaCare and Medicare

I often get asked the ques-tion about how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”) is going to affect Medicare. This article isn’t about de-bating the merits or lack thereof of Obama care but

rather to address the specific relationship be-tween ObamaCare and Medicare.

ObamaCare was designed to achieve two basic objectives:1. Bring down prices to a more affordable level for standard health insurance.2. Create a way that folks with pre-existing conditions will not have to pay outrageous sky- high prices or get completely denied coverage.To address #1 above: Medicare is extreme-

ly affordable for most folks. Your red white and blue Medicare card from the government consist of parts A and B. There is no cost for part A (non-medical facility services) and part B (medical services) cost $104.90/per month (2013). So in essence, 80% of your total health care costs that parts A and B provides, costs a grand total of $104.90 per month. Next, sup-plemental coverage is needed to cover the 20% gap. There are Medicare HMO plans that cost under $50 per month as well as Medigap plans that can cost between $100 - $200+ per month depending upon your age and which Medigap plan you choose. If one needs a part D drug plan, the monthly premiums range from $15 to slightly over $100 per month plus the cost of your individual prescriptions. If you juggle these numbers you see that very good compre-hensive coverage at the time of life when it’s needed most can be affordable based on the plan that you choose. Plus, there are substan-tial subsidies available that help low income citizens with all of the above costs.

To address #2 above: There are no pre-existing condition issues or medical questions asked when you enroll in Part ‘A’ and ‘B’. Everybody gets issued their Medicare plans regardless of preexisting or current health conditions. If you choose the Medicare HMO option to cover the 20% gap, you will be is-sued the Medicare HMO plans regardless of preexisting or current health conditions.

If you choose the Medigap option to cover the 20%, you get a six-month window from your Medicare effective date where you will

be guaranteed to be issued a policy without pre-existing or current health condition issues. After the six-month window, you will be asked medical questions and can be denied coverage. Also, there are many safeguards in place that allow you to buy any of the plans if you in-voluntarily lose coverage or are involuntarily terminated for various reasons that include moving from one area of the country to anoth-er. So the bottom line is, that for the most part, pre-existing or current health conditions don’t play a major role or at times a very minimal role when it comes to enrolling in Medicare and buying supplemental options.

In summary, the two points (above) that ObamaCare is trying to achieve… already ex-ists within Medicare!

When ObamaCare became law in 2011, two immediate improvements were instituted within the Medicare system. First, a full menu of FREE preventative services became avail-able without co-pays or deductibles. Second, the infamous “doughnut hole” or “coverage gap” for prescription drug plans was made less severe and is continuing be made less severe as the years go on, which is resulting in less cost to the Medicare beneficiaries for prescriptions.

“Medicare Made easy” seMinars

Senior Insurance Solutions will be holding “Medicare Made Easy” Seminars throughout the area. These seminars are a great way to relax and learn about how all the parts of Medicare fit together.

Theses 60 minute seminar are a straight-forward and clear presentation that allows attendees to know their Medicare options, and understand their choices!

An easy to follow and entertaining PowerPoint presentation is used, handouts are provided, and there is always ample time for Q & A. Everything will be covered, includ-ing Medicare Basics • MediGap • Medicare Advantage • Medicare Supplements • Part ‘D’ Drug Plans • Turning 65 • Enrollment Guidelines • Long Term Care

See our ad on this page for the current seminar schedule!

Tales of WWII

Heroism at MichenerLibrary

Area residents have the chance to hear two stories of heroism and bravery during World War II. Leigh Fraser, former officer in the Royal Navy, has quite the tales to tell. And everyone is invited to come hear them when Ms. Fraser comes to the Quakertown Branch of the Bucks County Free Library at 7pm on September 23.

Ms. Fraser will relate the harrowing tale of three young men from the heartland of America who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Lives are saved and lost in these true stories from the skies over Germany and England. The boys, from Scranton, South Bend, IN and Auroa, IL, represent the melting pot of America turned into an Allied Juggernaut embodying the best of humanity.

For more information, call the library at 215-536-3306. The library is located at 401 West Mill Street in Quakertown.


Ongoing Community Activities and Resources

All Veterans invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. Call Frank 215-679-7770

Community Hymn Sing, 6pm, first Sunday every month, Saucon Mennonite Church, 6639 N. Main St, Coopersburg, All invited, refreshments provided, 610-282-0514

Miller-Keystone Blood Center Mobile comes to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Quakertown, call 800-223-6667 for days and times.

“Empires of the Jungle” Exhibit runs through Sept 8, Museum of Indian Culture, 2825 Fish Hatchery Rd, Allentown. Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-4pm, info 610-797-2121, museumofindianculture.org

Farmers Market Nutrition Program now thru Sept 30. Produce vouchers ($20) at Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Ctr, 8040 Easton Rd, Rt 611, Ottsville. Eligibility details at 610-847-8178 or 610-847-5671

Indian Valley Farmers Mkt every Sat. thru Oct. Different theme every week, info: stmainst.org

9/7- Grandparents’ Day, 9/14 Furry Friend Festival, 9/21 Applefest, 9/28 Veggie Car Day

Perkasie Farmers Market every Saturday 9am-12noon through mid-October, 7th & Market Sts in Perkasie, all kinds of vendors, info at perkasieoldetown.org

Perkasie Carousel Schedule- Sept 8, Oct 6, Dec 7, perkasiehistory.org

Sept. 11 to Dec. 11, Open Door English (free, English as second language) Wednesdays, (5pm-7pm) at Qtwn Elem. Sch, 123 South 7th St, Qtwn. Details: [email protected] or 267-269-2777

October 28 to November 23-Thanksgiving Food Drive for Qtwn Food Pantry. Donate non-perishable food items.

PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-3pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org

“Meet the Dogs” (1st & 3rd Sat. May to Nov. 12noon-3pm), 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 [email protected]

Doylestown Singles Soc. Intermediate Bridge Club meets every Tues. 7pm at a private resi-dence in Doylestown. Info at 215-340-7604 or [email protected]

Saturday morning Bird Walks 8am-10am, 215-345-7860 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org

Support Groups & Medical Resources

Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month at Down to Earth Café, 1141 N 5th St, Perkasie, info: [email protected]

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 of Bucks County meets 11am the second Sunday every month at Hilltown German Sportsmen’s Club, 1622 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown. For info, email: [email protected]

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 in-surance & meet income eligibility guidelines. Info: 215-538-4774

Outreach Care, (supports Quakertown people in need of temp. housing and re-sources), find out more at 215-804-5869 or [email protected]

Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Group, 3:30pm-5:00pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4517

NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guid-ance, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900 www.NOVABucks.org

Tourette Syndrome Support Group for adults over 21, 7pm-8:30pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Doylestown Hospital, contact Susan 215-527-7229 or susangottshall@ gmail.com

Gamblers Anonymous meets every Saturday 11am-1pm, St. Luke’s 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 fam-ily/friends of those struggling w/addiction, [email protected]

Doylestown Nan-Anon meets at Summit Behavioral Health, 702 Hyde Park, Doylestown. Call 215-589-7111 for directions and info on permanent day and time of the week.

A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220-8116, www.awomansplace.org

Networking & Civic GroupsKiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown

Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel)

Business Networking International (BNI) meets every Thursday 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – [email protected]

Community MealsFree 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

BingoBingo 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

Bingo at UB Senior Ctr first Thurs. ev-ery month, $50 Jackpot! 12:15pm-3pm, 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, 215-536-3066

Notes from American Legion Post 242

by dick helm

In early August our Post supplied the manpower for “Presenting the Colors” at a function at the Veteran’s Facility in Spring City, Montgomery County. The occasion was an early celebration for a Federal Government approved celebration called “Keeping the Spirit of ’45 ALIVE!” We were fortunate to have help from veterans from all over the area including a trumpet player for all the military bugle presentations. The ceremony included giving special certificates to all WWII veterans present at the facility.

I estimate that they gave over 40 such cer-tificates that day. We were told that a special ceremony was to be held on Sunday August

11 in the Philadelphia area with one of the last airman to be on a mission during the war as a guest speaker. The actual holiday was August 14 -- Victory Day back in 1945. How proud I was to be participating in honor these members of “The Greatest Generation”.

Keep an eye on our outdoor sign for info on our annual September 11 service. It is held at our Post around 11AM every September 11. We honor those lost from Bucks County and those who responded (EMTs and Firemen) on that fateful day. We also will be filling you in on the services and special events for Veterans Day on November 11.

For God and CountryWallace Willard Keller Post 242Dick Helm

Public health records indicate that birthdays in America are fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, yet for some reason September 16th has more children born than any other day!


Teachers Network, Share Resources to Prep for

New School Year by erica stein

As lifelong learners, teachers can share plenty of resources and strategies they utilize in their classrooms. Before they head back to school to share with students for the 2013-14 year, nearly 300 teachers and administrators met to share with each other at the Bucks-Lehigh EduSummit, held August 13 and 14 at Southern Lehigh High School.

After Quakertown hosted the first EduSummit with partner Palisades last sum-mer, the EduSummit grew to include Project Red partners, Salisbury and Southern Lehigh this school year. The four districts invited educators from all over the region, including Bucks, Berks, Lehigh and Northampton county school districts, as well as the Carbon Lehigh and Colonial Intermediate Units. Participants arrived with every conceivable technology de-vice, including laptops, cellphones, iPads and tablets, from as far East as Jersey City, and as far West as Pottsville and Hershey.

In addition to keynote speakers from Discovery Education and Hewlett Packard, volunteer teachers and administrators taught 75 hour-long sessions over the two days. The wide variety of topics included using social media and legal considerations of it in the classroom; iTunesU; Envision Math; Digital Data Collection for Special Education; Streamlining with Evernote; Blackboard; Google Tools; Common Core in the Content Area; Flipped Classrooms; Professional Profiles with LinkedIn and Facebook; Project Based Learning; Screencasting; iPads in the classroom; Discovery; iMovies; and Edmodo; and free education resources.

“The vision of the EduSummit was to pro-vide a grassroots un-conference that breaks down traditional school district boundaries of professional development. Too often, districts go at it alone, and one goal of the EduSummit was for districts to collaborate, share resources, and network; all in an effort to become more effective for our kids,” said Tom Murray, Director of Technology and Cyber Education

for Quakertown, and one of the founders of the first EduSummit.

Some participants planned to stop in for a few sessions and leave, but were enticed to stay for the whole day because presenters offered so much useful information that teach-ers can use in their classrooms this year. As keynote speaker Hall Davidson of Discovery Education noted, students come to school as digital natives, using omnipresent technology every day. Teachers need to capture students’ attention and imaginations with technology in the classroom.

Presenter Joyce Parsons, a Southern Lehigh graduate, works for the American Councils for International Education, supported by the U.S. State Department. She shared resources to help teachers add global education to their classroom content, emphasizing the fact that technology has made the world a smaller place. Participants Skyped with Hanan Gawdat, in Egypt. She taught Arabic at Southern Lehigh High School last year. She cried when she saw two SLHS teachers in the session.

“It’s important for students to get to know the people and their culture before they learn the language,” Hanan said. “We get to know each other’s similarities when American stu-dents can connect with students in Egypt.”

During the second day keynote speech, Mike Belcher, HP Education Strategist, showed the audience some technology tools they can expect to see in the next five years. These in-cluded touch screen computers that doubled as student desk tops – as in, traditional student desks. He cautioned that when used properly, technology engages students and can serve rel-evant content.

“The Bucks-Lehigh EduSummit provided an outstanding opportunity for educators to learn, share and collaborate,” said Michael Roth, Salisbury Superintendent. “As we continue to prepare our return to classrooms, schools and districts, the tools shared and the connections developed at the EduSummit have given us all a boost to focus on the great things we can ac-complish for and with our students.”

‘Wagons, Ho! to Beam Me Up, Scotty!’

In 1987, I entered private practice as an Audiologist fresh out of the University of Virginia, one of the top five programs in the country. One of the three areas established for my

scope of practice was amplification, namely hearing aids.

At that time, the realm of hearing aids consisted of analog technology in styles of eyeglasses, body aids, behind-the-ear, full shell in-the-ear, and a brand new in-the-canal device. Specifically for the custom products, an ear impression was taken and crafted into a shell. Electronics attached to a faceplate were inserted into the newly-made shell and sealed. A chosen circuit had been closely matched to the patient’s audiogram. Trimming potentiometers were included to allow the dispensing au-diologist to alter the frequency response of sound in low pitch, high pitch, gain, and output. These changes were made to improve hearing (receptive communica-tion) and satisfy the ‘acoustic taste’ (how the hearing aid sounded) to the wearer. The changes on the trim pots were made with a jeweler’s screwdriver much like the tool utilized to tighten screws on your eyeglasses.

That conestoga wagon is distant memo-ry like Ward Bond.

On August 15th to 18th, I was honored to be selected as one of two hundred audi-ologists from across the country to be an invited participant at a technology summit in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During this very long and intensive conclave, we had the opportunity to witness firsthand where the industry is today and the ensuing af-fects upon our practice and the untold benefits to our patients.

A hearing aid is just that – an aid to help you hear better. However, that statement does not do justice to time, effort, and technology being pushed into the future.

At this particular site, several thousand highly educated and trained professional computer specialists, designers, engineers, scientists, researchers, audiologists, and many more are involved in the process from concept to end product. Materials are selected from suppliers with a stringent demand for more than perfect quality and specification. Models are produced en-casing microphones, receivers, computer

chips, wireless technological components, shells and casing. Scientific testing is performed by various departments look-ing at durability, functionality, extremes in adverse conditions over several months of exposure to heat, humidity, moisture, and cold. Once all testing in the labora-tory is completed, the product is fitted to hundreds of hearing-impaired volunteers. That data is collected, analyzed, and a de-termination is made whether the product is ready for private practice audiologists to fit to their patients or be sent back for further engineering concerns. The device must be the best or it is not released.

This model company has been awarded several hundred patents for their innovation.

The latest fitting procedure in office is wireless. The patient wears the new devices while the audiologist utilizes a computer to fit and make changes in hearing. Once the initial fit is made, the patient uses the hearing aids in everyday life. A new procedure has been developed to allow the audiologist to make changes to the wireless devices over the telephone. In addition, a wearer can now make changes to their amplification by using a touchtone phone.

Some people that demand the best and latest technology will pay $3,000 to $3,500 for each aid. An accessory can be purchased to pair your cell phone to the hearing aids. When a call comes in, press a button and the voice is transferred from the phone into the hearing aids. This mobile remote can have various memories and program for a variety of listening situations.

This technology at one time was thought of as the future. Well, the future is now and you can board the Starship Enterprise.

Do you suspect any hearing difficulty? Schedule an appointment today to get your hearing evaluated by a private prac-tice audiologist and find out what you are missing.

What are you waiting for? Mr. Murphy has had a bilateral Mild-to-Moderate sensor-ineural hearing loss all his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user. Mr. Murphy has been in practice in pennsylvania since receiving his Master of education in audiology froM university of virginia in the spring of 1987. Mr. Murphy is affiliated with a nuMber of hear-ing related national and international organizations. he can be reached at [email protected] and by phone at 215-804-1111.

In Latin, septem means ‘seven.’ September was the 7th month of the Roman calendar until 46 BC, when the first month of the year was changed from March to January.


Bucks County Big Brothers Big Sisters Honored

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has named Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County a 2013 Quality Award honoree. BBBSBC is one of the top achieving affiliates from the 340 agencies in the national mentor-ing network. The agency was recognized at the Big Brothers Big Sisters 2013 ReuniteNow National Conference in Denver, Colorado.

Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies that receive the Quality Award have exceeded the national average for performance for match length and retention rates. Match length is a significant factor for success in the mentoring relation-ship. The 2013 Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Survey® report revealed that after a year of being in a one-to-one mentoring re-lationship, middle-school aged mentees when compared to their unmatched counterparts out-performed their peers in every area measured.

“The only Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in the region to be recognized for the past 5 consecutive years, I am proud to work with a team that is so dedicated to our mission of helping children facing adversity beat the odds and succeed in life,” said Ursula Raczak, CEO. “The positive changes we are able to achieve are helping to ensure brighter futures

for the youth in our program.”Each Big Brother or Big Sister completes a

“Report on the Match” at the anniversary of the match. The following outcomes were re-ported during the 2012-2013 year:

• 91% of volunteers reported an in-crease in client’s self-confidence

• 85% of volunteers reported client’s ability to avoid substance abuse was not a problem

• 73% of volunteer reported clients improved in their ability to make decisions

• 72% of volunteers reported client’s ability to avoid delinquency was not a problem

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County serves as a nationwide example of how qual-ity mentoring services lead to the measurable outcomes that are unique to Big Brothers Big Sisters. We hold ourselves accountable for helping our mentees achieve educational suc-cess; have greater confidence and aspirations; and avoid of risky and delinquent behaviors,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and CEO Charles Pierson. “Our network salutes Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County for receiving this honor.”

(We Don’t Need to)See You in September

Summertime is over, and it’s time to face the fall. Hopefully, your family has enjoyed a nice vacation and you’ve had your share of fun in the sun. You may even reminisce about the popular song, “See You in

September,” which was written by Sid Wayne and Sherman Edwards and made memorable by The Happenings in 1966.

As children, teenagers, and young adults return to school, now is a good time for you to take a look at the books, too — whether that means starting your retirement planning, mak-ing sure your retirement plans are on track, or taking the plunge and applying for Social Security retirement benefits.

But, just because you have Social Security business and retirement matters to tend to does not mean you need to fight the traffic and trudge into a busy government office. We don’t need to see you (in person) in September. That’s because whether you’re working on your re-tirement planning or ready to retire, you can do everything from the comfort of your home or office computer at www.socialsecurity.gov.

If you’ve been to our website before, you’ll notice that the new homepage is even better. We’ve revised the homepage and made it clearer and easier to use. You’ll now find what you want, without the need to read through a lot of links.

If you’re starting to think about a retirement that is in the far-off future, a good place to be-gin is with Social Security’s Benefits Planners at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. You can use the planners to help you understand your

Social Security protection as you plan your financial future. In fact, you can learn about survivors and disability benefits as well as re-tirement benefits. No matter how new you may be to the working world, it’s never too early to begin planning for a sound financial future.

For those of you with more years of work under your belt, get a more precise look at what your benefits will be with Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. The Estimator makes use of your reported wages from past years and projects your current earnings into the future to give you an instant, personalized estimate of your future benefits. You can change the variables, such as date of retirement and future earnings estimates, to see what you can expect in different scenarios.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to the daily grind of working and you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, it’s exciting to know that you can apply from the comfort of your home or office in as little as 15 minutes. Once you complete the online ap-plication for benefits, in most cases, that’s all there is to it. No papers to sign or documents to provide. Give it a try when you’re ready to retire at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

You have better things to do in September than to come see us. Whether you’re just be-ginning your retirement plans, making sure your long-term plans are on track, or you’re ready to retire, we don’t need to see you in September. Take advantage of our new, easy-to-use website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

toM reiley is the social security district Manager in allentown. have a question about social security Matters? eMail toM at [email protected].

Social Security Q & AI need to get a benefit verification letter. Do

I need to come into the office? Answer: No, you can get it online. There’s

no need to fight traffic and visit a busy govern-ment office in order to obtain proof of your benefits. To get your benefit verification letter, simply visit us online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and set up a my Social Security account. After you’ve spent a few minutes to establish your account, it will be simple to get your benefit verification letter immediately and much more, at any time. For example, in addition to getting another benefit verification letter in the future, you can check your benefit and payment information, as well as your earn-ings record. You also can change your address, phone number, and direct deposit information. Get your benefit verification now at www.so-cialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Are Social Security numbers reassigned after a person dies?

Answer: No. We do not reassign Social Security numbers. In all, we have assigned more than 460 million Social Security numbers. Each year we assign about 5.5 million new numbers. There are over one billion combina-tions of the nine-digit Social Security number. As a result, the current system has enough new numbers to last for several more generations. For more information about Social Security, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Can I apply online for retirement benefits?Answer: Yes. In fact, almost half of all in-

dividuals apply for retirement benefits online. Join the millions of Americans who have saved a trip to a Social Security office and applied the quickest and easiest way—online. In as little as 15 minutes you can submit your application electronically. In most cases, once you’ve sub-mitted your application, you’re done and there are no forms to sign or documents to send in. If we do need more information to process your application, a representative will contact you. For more information about applying online, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If both my spouse and I are entitled to Social Security benefits based on our own work records, is there any reduction in our payments because we are married?

Answer: No. We independently calculate each person’s Social Security benefit amount. Each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his or her own earnings. Couples are not penalized simply because they are married. If one member of the couple earned low wages or did not earn enough Social Security credits to be eligible for retirement benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse. Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov.

I know I am eligible to apply for disability benefits based on my earnings record. But how does Social Security decide whether I am disabled?

Answer: Overall, we use a five-step evalua-tion process to decide whether you are disabled. The process considers any current work activ-ity you are doing. It also considers the severity of your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. To be found disabled: • You must be unable to do work you did be-fore you became disabled and we must decide you cannot adjust to other work because of

your medical condition; and• Your disability must last, or be expected to last, for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security pays only for total disability.

We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability. For more information, read our publication, Disability Benefits, by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs and typing the title of the publication in the search box on the left side of the page.

If I go back to work, will I automatically lose my Social Security disability benefits?

Answer: No, Social Security has several work incentive programs to help people who want to work. You may be able to receive monthly benefits and continue your health care coverage during a trial work period. For infor-mation about Social Security’s work incentives and how they can help you return to work, you should: • Visit our special work site at www.socialse-curity.gov/work; • See the Red Book on work incentives at www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook; or• Check out our publications at www.so-cialsecurity.gov/pubs and type “work” in the search box.For more information, visit our website at

www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, what is the effect on my benefits if I work?

Answer: In most cases, your return to work would reduce your benefit amount. Unlike Social Security disability, there is no “trial work period” for people who get SSI disability benefits. If your only income besides SSI is from your work, you can earn up to $1,505 in a month (in 2013) before we stop your pay-ments. We have several publications about SSI, including Reporting Your Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income, avail-able at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Simply type the title of the publication into the publica-tion search box on the left side of the page. Note that there are other work incentives that can help you return to work when you receive SSI. You can read about them in What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), also available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

I am receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Can my children receive dependent’s benefits based on my benefits?

Answer: No. SSI benefits are based on the needs of one individual and are paid only to the qualifying person. Disabled children are potentially eligible for SSI, but there are no spouse’s, dependent children’s, or survivors benefits payable as there are with Social Security benefits. For more information, see our publication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Simply type the title of the publi-cation in the publication search box on the left side of the page. You also may want to read Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI), available at www.socialsecu-rity.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm. For even more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Fox Chase Cancer Center Announces Renewed

Presence in Upper BucksFox Chase Cancer Center has just announced

the signing of a formal agreement with Grand View Hospital for the two organizations to enter into a revitalized partnership. The new partnership will offer cancer patients in Upper Bucks and Northeastern Montgomery Counties the best of both worlds—access to nationally recognized specialty cancer care with clinical trials right in their own backyard.

“By having a revitalized partnership with Grand View, I think we can better serve pa-tients from the Sellersville area that may be coming to Fox Chase for a second opinion or a specialized surgery,” says Mark Sobczak, MD, Chief Network Officer for Fox Chase Cancer Center. “We can do this by integrat-ing that process earlier on, working with their referring physicians. For example, a patient can receive an evaluation and specialized treat-ment at Fox Chase. Then to make it easier, the patient can return to the referring physician and continue with a portion of the treatment at Grand View. Meanwhile, all physicians involved work together, communicating con-stantly, to ensure the patient receives the best possible care while maximizing the patient’s comfort and convenience.”

“Grand View has always offered top-of-the-line clinical care, while also building relationships of trust with its patients—seeing them through all types of care, from the ill-nesses of a loved one to the joyfulness of a new baby,” says Jean M. Keeler, JD, President and CEO of Grand View Hospital. “Relationships of trust, like the ones that exist at Grand View, can be very comforting to patients during a cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

Currently, Grand View does an excellent job treating common types of cancer. However, a partnership with an institution like Fox Chase—a nationally recognized comprehensive cancer center—will enhance its cancer program even more by offering expertise on treating more unusual types of cancer. In addition, Fox Chase can provide Grand View patients access to clinical trials involving breakthrough medicine.

“Now that we’re affiliated with Temple University Health System, we have new and expanded programs to offer partners too,” says Sobczak.

Another element of the partnership is the addition of the Fox Chase Cancer Center Partners nurse navigator program, which will begin this fall. “It was really Grand View who challenged us to do even better than we had in the past by bringing to our attention the need for a Partners nurse navigator,” Sobczak added. The Partners nurse navigator will work with physicians and staff at both Fox Chase Cancer Center and Grand View Hospital to help schedule second opinions and coordinate patient care.

“I think that in many cases we learn as much from the hospitals in our Partners Program as we teach,” Sobczak says. “The goal of our program is to work in a cooperative man-ner with everyone at our partner hospitals to improve programs across the board, often learning ourselves.”

Fox Chase Cancer Center, part of the Temple University Health System, is one of the leading cancer research and treatment cen-ters in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet status for excellence three consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, trans-lational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, sur-vivorship, and community outreach.


Girl Scout Creates “Picnic in the Park” Project, Builds and

Donates TablesTeenagers are too often in the news for the

wrong reasons. It’s always a genuine pleasure to meet and then write stories about teenagers who care about their community and do their part to make it a better place to be.

Olivia Morano began her career as a Girl Scout eight years ago as a Brownie. She’s stayed in the organization through her child-hood and has recently been awarded the Silver Award. She had to choose a project that would benefit the community and decided that build-ing picnic tables for the Quakertown Parks and Recreation Department and community resi-dents would be an interesting and worthwhile project.

“The entire Quakertown community will benefit from my ‘Picnic in the Park’ project. Countless people will be served over the years with these tables,” said Olivia about her project.

In the end, Olivia and her team of over a dozen volunteers built five picnic tables. Four were donated to Quakertown Borough and one to her troop leader. Joe Murgia, Quakertown Public works Superintendent, acted as Olivia’s project advisor and borough contact.

“Olivia did a fabulous job on the tables,” said Murgia, “The tables will be rotated throughout the borough to Memorial Park and the Skate Park on Main Street, wherever they are needed.” The tables were recently used at the Fire Department’s Carnival on Mill Street.

Olivia was excited to know her project was already benefitting people.

She learned much about how the real world works with her “Picnic in the Park” project. Olivia had to present her proposal and revise it for the borough. There had to be a plan in place for work sessions and she had to recruit and manage her volunteers. Olivia also had to raise funds for the materials, mostly through babysitting and yard sale fundraising; she also received a very helpful donation from Tri-County Respite. In all, the project took approximately six months from beginning to end. Every step of the way needed to be docu-mented; she even created a brochure on how to build picnic tables.

Donna Devlin, who has been Olivia’s troop leader from her Brownie days has nothing but praise for her. “I’ve been Olivia’s leader since Brownies; she is sweet, funny and has great determination. Besides scouts Olivia is a great honors student & basketball player. She had the girls from the troop on her team for her project & they made a prototype which they gave to me as a gift. Possibly the best gift I have ever received!” said Devlin.

The Quakertown Community High School sophomore keeps herself busy with more than Girl Scouts; she enjoys basketball, Irish danc-ing, and is active in the local Catholic Youth Organization. Olivia hopes to be a teacher one day, possibly working in special education.

Batting for Books: QNB Bank Donates $3025 to Allentown

Public Library

At the beginning of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ baseball season, QNB Bank committed to donating $25 to the Allentown Public Library for every double hit by an IronPigs batter. The Pigs hit an amazing 121 doubles to make the total amount donated $3,025! (l-r) FeRROUS, Brian Schaffer, QNB Bank VP Marketing; Renee Haines, Library Director; FeFe; Ellen Bishop, Library Board President, and Dave Freeman, QNB Bank President & CEO.

subMitted photo

The Board of Directors of QNB Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: QNBC), parent company of QNB Bank, at a regular meeting on August 27, 2013 declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share. The cash dividend is payable on September 27, 2013 to shareholders of re-cord September 13, 2013.

QNB Corp. Declares Dividend


Age 18 - Signing Up for the DraftThis most serious and most

life changing time of my life is also part of the 60’s that has to be told to those living in our present time. This period from December 1961 through April 1967 will span over several issues and is im-

portant to be told by one whom experienced it. Every male who reached the age of 18 and

a US citizen was required to register for the Selective Service at their local post office. “No big deal” at the time. My birthday was on a Tuesday in December, 1961, and I signed up right away. President Kennedy was involved with many world situations. On TV, we heard of the Communist threats not only in divided Europe, but also in our own hemisphere (Cuba) and in areas in and around China. One of those areas was Vietnam; or Indo-China. Of course, Cuba and the Cold War getting hot were tops on the list. I knew of men who served the two years recently in what we would call Peace Times. Life went on and I continued to work at Berman Sales (Leasing) Company in Pennsburg and late on in Pottstown in the accounting department.

I traded my ’56 Plymouth in on a 1960 Ford Convertible. Sam Kile and I went out to the Indianapolis 500 in 1963. Life was as it should be. I went hunting and fishing more frequent-ly. Almost every weekend Larry Schreier and I would be doing some kind of hunting or be up at Hickory Run State Park wonder-ing around the woods and swamps—enjoying nature. More talk was taking place about the turmoil in Indo-China and the draft age was getting lower.

My brother Bob was drafted in the Army in March of 1963 and went to Fort Dix for Basic Training. Later, he went to a small base near New Orleans. During this time, he mar-ried and later on was sent to Germany. I was helping his wife paint the apartment in prepa-ration for his return, listening to the radio as we worked. President Johnson was on the radio speaking of the increased activity of US troops who were sent to train and support the Vietnamese. She was worried about Bob not coming home if it got worse. Both she and my parents were happy when Bob returned in

February of 1965. The Draft loomed heavy on guys my age. If

you were involved in higher education or were married you stood a better chance of not get-ting drafted (receiving a deferment). The class of ‘61 had many who went right into college after graduation and were now in there final years. Others were in serious relationships and chose to get married at this time. Two of my classmates were attending the Naval Academy and would soon be Naval Officers for six years. Others had entered the service right after graduation. Because I was only 17 years old when I graduated, some of my classmates were going off monthly as the draft increased. Some chose to enlist for extra years, so they could get into the branch of service they would like to be in. As I related earlier, I came home from fishing the first day of trout season in 1965 and showed my mom the 15-inch trout I caught. She in turn was waiting with an un-opened envelope then known as the “Notice of Your Friends and Neighbors Welcoming You to the Army”. I was to report on May 7, 1965 to Doylestown to go to Philadelphia for the final physical and Induction into the Service.

For the next few weeks as I gave notice at work, took a fishing trip to New Hampshire with Stan Boorse, and set my personal af-fairs in order, I listened a lot more closer to what was happening in Vietnam for now it involved me!

Early on the morning of May 7, 1965 I got into my car and drove the long ride to Doylestown. Two people I grew up with Ken Scheetz, my former next-door neighbor and Jim Refsnider, a guy who I went to Sunday school and was in confirmation class with in Richandtown, also took the ride. As it hap-pened, we all wound up in the same Basic Training Company (E-10-2). Later on that day we took that important step forward and were marched down to the train and were on our way to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. We rode through the night and I can imagine that not only I, but also the others did not have a sound sleep that night. My experiences in the Army will continue in next month’s column.

Pete and Patty Peer with Marty and Shirley Selgrath claim that they walked over to the Brew Fest in order to be able to fully enjoy themselves and wouldn’t have to be concerned about driving home. photos by Michele buono

Raising a Glass and Funds Toward Revitalization of

DowntownHundreds of people enjoyed Quakertown

Alive’s Upper Bucks Brewfest at the his-toric Quakertown Train Station on August 17. Serious “beer geeks” and those wanting to try something a little different than mass-produced beer who attended the event were treated to samples from approximately 30 craft brewer-ies and local wineries. Live music from local bands, including the Craig Thatcher Band, kept the festive mood going throughout the after-noon. Restaurants from throughout the Upper Bucks area provided tasty treats for purchase as people enjoyed the afternoon.

Event Chairman Zack Irick was very happy with the success of the day and grateful to the sponsors. Says Irick, “The Upper Bucks Brewfest would not have been as successful without its event sponsor, Paul Rose-Wells Fargo Advisors; his contributions were key in getting the event on the ground. Other key event sponsors were Lewis Brothers Builders, World Class Dealers, All Steel Supply, Rittenhouse Plumbing & Heating, and Classic Staffing.”

Locals were glad to have the Brewfest in Quakertown. “It’s a nice addition to commu-nity events,” said Shirley Segrath of Richland Township. Kenn Kerper of the Bucks County

Home Brewers said that it is important that peo-ple could come to a local venue and experience the micro-breweries’ products. “And everyone is having a good time,” added Kerper.

Praise for a job well done came from Quakertown Alive president Jann Paulovitz. “The volunteers and Zack (Irick) have done such a great job of making this happen,” said Paulovitz, “and I’m so glad that we have per-fect weather for today.” Paulovitz estimated that approximately 400 people attended the event.

Fine cigars were also relished by many while cruising the booths. Link Beverage’s JJ Bromwell had a wide selection available for purchase at his booth. “If you don’t like cigars, it means that you haven’t had the right one for you yet,” said Bromwell, clearly a ci-gar aficionado.

Money raised from the Brewfest will aid Quakertown Alive’s revitalization efforts in the downtown Quakertown area.

The Brewfest was a great success and plans are in the works for next year’s event according to Irick. He advises that people keep updated on information through the Upper Bucks Brewfest Facebook page and Quakertown Alive website, quakertownalive.com.

Hidden Meadows on the Ridge raised over $125 and collected $50 worth of canned goods for the Pennridge FISH Organization and their new building campaign in Perkasie. The local food bank helps serve over 2,000 low-income families. Many residents, family, and staff donated cash or food to the “Pennies for Pennridge FISH” campaign. In late August, the residents delivered the food and the check to FISH at their new location, 800 W. Chestnut St. The photo shows resident Marilyn, Marge, Linda and Peggy surveying the canned goods prior to delivery. subMitted photo

Hidden Meadows Donates Cash & Cans to Pennridge Food Bank


Mackenzie Reynolds of Gilbertsville is shown with the hand-crafted bears she made and donated to the Grand View Hospital Pediatric Department. The hospital gave Mackenzie and her brother each a bear during her brother’s hospital stay. Mackenzie wanted to do something for the hospital so, as a summer project, she made the bears with her grandmother. subMitted photo

Anticipation Marks Homecoming of Local

Veteranby kimberly kratz The evenT: Homecoming of Army SPc Kyle melnicK-HoffmAnThe Crowd: QuAKertown HigH ScHool’S 2013-2014 Soccer teAm, A QuAKertown Police officer, memberS of tHe QuAKertown fire DePArtment AnD emergency mAnAgement, frienDS, fAmily, AnD A fiAncée.The daTe: AuguSt 17, 2013The PlaCe: QuAKertown Soccer fielD PAvilionThe weaTher: Perfect

With infinitely more anticipation than a plate of fries waiting on a new bottle of ketchup, Army specialist Kyle Melnick-Hoffman ar-rived at Quakertown’s soccer fields in a white convertible amidst flashing lights, siren blasts, whoops, and cheers accompanied by his fian-cée and her mother.

Kyle left his high school JV coaching position nearly a year ago when he was called up to serve in Kuwait. Quakertown senior and midfielder Bobby Hertensteiner said, “Kyle said he wanted to play soccer and eat pizza, that’s the first thing he said he wanted to do.” So the team, including four incoming freshman players, planned to serve up both.

The army specialist said he is most looking forward to catch-ing up on some sleep, and that he wants to “get back on the field, help these guys a lot, play some soccer, and just settle down, start my life, and get

back with my family.” Among others, his fam-ily includes fiancée Leea Hertensteiner, and a two-year-old daughter Jaycee.

Leea said she is looking forward to showing Kyle the new place. “We’re looking forward to seeing his new apartment. He hasn’t seen it yet, so we’re going to go right home.” There they planned to spend time hanging out with his daughter. “He said he wants to make pizza, watch a movie,” she said.

On behalf of the Upper Bucks community, thank you Spc. Kyle Melnick-Hoffman for your service.

Melnick-Hoffman’s next mission: Coach Quakertown’s JV soccer team to victory this season.

Kindness Shown,Kindness Shared

Abby de LaTour, Victoria Caldwell, Hannah Parylak, Emily Hamrick and Destiny Devlin from Ambassador Troop 2781 from Quakertown recently spent 10 days in London. They saw all the historic sites and castles and took a ride on the London Eye. They stayed in hostels, and part of the time was spent at the Girl Scout Headquarters “Pax Lodge.” They went to the Roman Baths and Stonehenge and enjoyed the Harry Potter and Beatles walking tours. A highlight was being there for the birth of the Royal Baby. They joined the revelry of thousands at Buckingham Palace that night and Emily was interviewed by the United Kingdom’s SKY news. photo by donna devlin

Local Girl Scouts Tour London

There was a time in America that at least one 5 & 10 store could be found in every downtown across the country; today “Big Box” stores are more the norm and many people haven’t experienced the charm and service of the smaller family-owned five and dime store. Thankfully for Quakertown, Bill Harr, Sr. has no plans to retire any time soon. Bill celebrates his 80th birthday on September 15, stop in and wish him many happy returns of the day. (l-r) Joel Harr, Bill Harr, Sr., Marlene Harr, Linda Fox, Jim Fo, Gail Harr and Bill Harr, Jr. subMitted photo by Michele buono

Sines 5 & 10 Turns 101

Each year, the children in the extended school year program of the Bucks Intermediate Unit choose a way to help their community. This summer they collected money and supplies for the Bucks County SPCA and one afternoon in August, they delivered their donations to the Upper Bucks shelter. “The kids collected money and supplies for the SPCA. We try to emphasize giving back to the community to the kids,” said Kimberly Bender, a teacher for the program, “It’s good for them to be able to do this and it’s great that the SPCA has opened their doors to us.” The children were being treated to a tour of the shelter, to see the animals that would benefit from the donations. photo by Michele buono

BCIU Students Donate Funds, Supplies to Bucks

County SPCA


By all these lovely tokens September days are here, with Summer’s best of weather

and Autumn’s best of cheer.

In August, 42 dancers from Miss Cindy’s School of Dance in Quakertown made one of their dreams come true and danced on the stage in Disney World. Congratulations! subMitted photo

The students and teachers at Shine Yoga Center, 601 Market Street, Perkasie, made sure children in the community are ready for the start of the school year through their annual Back to School Donation Class. The backpacks full of school supplies were donated to Pennridge FISH. Pictured here is Jessica D’Angelo, Shine Yoga Center owner, with some of the Back to School Class donations. subMitted photo

Yoga Students Donate School Supplies for

Area Children

Local Dance Students Hit Disney Stage

The Woman’s Club of Quakertown recently donated $1000 to the Michener Branch of the Bucks County Free Library. The club has a long history of supporting organizations that are integral parts of the community, like the library. Library Branch manager Eric Asaris says that the money will be used to purchase vital materials and help fund programs for local residents. photo by Michele buono

Woman’s Club Donates $1000 to Michener Library

Small Garden, Big Corn

Matthew Mumbauer of East Broad Street, Quakertown shows off his nearly ten foot high corn stalks growing in his small backyard garden. He could offer no explanation for the extraordinary growth this season, but did say it was the tallest corn he’s grown in all his years... all 97 of them. While I found the corn to be interesting, I find the guy who grew it to be more so. 97...really? photo by christopher betz

Quakertown Contractor Restores Some of the Past While Building Toward the Future

John Schlupp of Classic Renovations has been hard at work on Quakertown’s East Broad Street. The former Palace Theatre (built in 1922) turned appliance store (1971) is regaining some of its original lustre while becoming something completely new. Undergoing a total interior and exterior rehabilitation, the building will now house a “brew pub” restaurant and some new retail space. Borough officials, Main Street revitalization organization Quakertown Alive, and the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce champion John’s efforts as a major step forward in breathing new life into Quakertown’s downtown business district. The project could be complete within the next few months. John welcomes anyone interested in what he’s doing to come have a look. (Just don’t get in the way.) photos by christopher betz


Great Stories from America’s Appraiser

I have been serving as America’s Appraiser for many years now. Many people attend my appraisal events with family heirlooms or flea market finds. My appraisal style is unlike anything you’ve seen in the

antiques world or on TV. My audiences par-take in my rapid fire, funny, educational, and totally unscripted events.

Here are some of the stories that I recall from my latest round of presenting Dr. Lori’s Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show Tour. Some objects are worth big bucks and other objects have big stories to tell. I present about 150 events every year and I am in my 15th year of touring. Yes, I have loads of frequent flyer miles and friends.

Here are America’s stories about their old stuff...

Seattle, WA: Kelly worked as a waiter. On night, he served a big table of diners and did not receive a tip. Instead, the diners left a small bag on the table with a Native American tur-quoise and silver squash blossom necklace in it. After a month of waiting for the owners to return to the restaurant to pick up the necklace, the owner told Kelly that the necklace was his tip. It was worth $5,000.

State College, PA: A gentleman in his 90s whose family had links to the Plimoth MA colony brought a teapot that came over on the Mayflower. With significant information and the documentation to prove it, the silver teapot was worth $150,000.

Portland, OR: While cleaning out her aunt’s house, Cathy discovered a Walt Disney anima-tion cel from Dumbo, dating to the 1940s. I told her to be sure to keep it somewhere out of direct sunlight as these early animation cels can fade. Appraised value: $9,000.

Mt. Carmel, PA: A woman showed me a 1920s platinum, diamond, and sapphire ring that was an anniversary gift from her husband. Her Art Deco ring was worth $25,000. She said that her husband got it from “A guy at the pool hall.” I did not ask any more questions! Would you?

Akron, OH: A woman named Ginger pur-chased a very old sock monkey at an estate sale. She wasn’t happy with my evaluation. I told her, “If you can smell it, you can’t sell it.” Value: Smelly!

Bloomsburg, PA: I will never forget the man who yelled at me when I told him that his glass Ball jar was not rare. It was marked 1858 on the side (they all are!). He believed it was the first one ever made—it wasn’t! Value: $8.

Lynchburg, VA: At a corporate appraisal dinner event, a man brought me one of the old-est objects that I have appraised. It wasn’t the oldest, but it was old—really old. The object was a portrait bust from ancient Rome. It was purchased by the man’s mother in the 1950s. Today’s value: $25,000. Note: The oldest ob-ject that I appraised at an event was a mascara jar from ancient Egypt that dated back to the time of Cleopatra, circa 50-30 BC.

Hazelton, PA: A couple in their 80s brought an American Impressionist landscape painting to my event. While waiting for the event to begin holding their painting, they were ap-proached by two young men who offered to buy the painting on the spot. They offered the couple $8,000 for the painting and urged them not to have me appraise it. The elderly couple rejected the offer stating that the painting had been in the wife’s family for decades and they wanted me to appraise it. I told them it was worth $100,000.

Lewes, DE: A former NASA engineer brought the boot mold that was used to make Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise’s moon boot to my appraisal event. Now that’s what I call a rare object. Unfortunately, he only had the left boot mold. The right one had already sold online. Left moon boot value $10,000.

Kansas City, MO: A woman named Joan purchased an ugly drawing of an eagle with a Picasso signature on it that she and the estate sale organizer thought was a print. Joan bought the print at the estate sale for $2.50. It wasn’t a print but actually an original, signed Picasso drawing worth $50,000.

Virginia Beach, VA: A few strong members of a military family struggled to bring their object to my appraisal event. It took three big guys to lift it. Why? Because the object they asked me to appraise was a giant piece of re-inforced concrete covered in graffiti. It was a piece of the Berlin Wall… Priceless!

I have been appraising people’s stuff at a rate of approximately 20,000 objects a year for years. And, once a guy from Wisconsin rec-ognized 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. Everybody’s got something.

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques aPPraiser, author, anD awarD-winning tV Personality, Dr. lori Presents antique aPPraisal eVents nationwiDe. Dr. lori is the star aPPraiser on the DisCoVery Channel’s hit tV show, auCtion Kings. Visit www.DrloriV.Com, www.FaCebooK.Com/DoCtorlori, @DrloriV on twitter, or Call (888) 431-1010.

Bucks First-Grader Takes 6th Place in

National Long Jump Competition

by peter merena

More than 8500 athletes from across the country converged on the Hershey-Harrisburg area from July 31 to August 4 as the region played host to the biennial State Games of America National Championships. More than 26 sports were contested, and within them multiple events, including youth swimming, figure skating, gymnastics and track and field (youth, open, masters).

On Friday August 2, Nathan Merena, 6, of Doylestown, Bucks County, placed 6th overall in the boys (8-and-under) long jump competition. His spectacular leap of 2.89 meters (9-05.75) was four inches shy of a medal. His previous best in the long jump, in competition, was achieved on July 15-16 during one of his weekly summer youth meets, a mark of 2.23 m (7-04). Nathan bested the next highest 6-year-old finisher, Quinn Winslow (2.62 m), by almost a foot. The gold medal went to Quinn’s 8-year-old brother, Mason, 3.45 m (11-04).

Merena is an upcoming first-grader at Gayman Elementary School. He competes for Lickity-Split (Youth) Athletics/LSA. LSA is the only USA Track and Field (USATF) club for youth (4-18) located in the quad-county (Berks, Montgomery, Lehigh, Bucks) area. Nathan is team coached by his father, Peter, a level one USATF coach for

hire, and Jim Roma of Barto.In 2011, the State Games of America

(SGA) were held in San Diego, CA. On Friday August 2, the 2015 State Games of America were awarded to Lincoln, Nebraska. As the youngest finisher in the 2013 long jump competition, Nathan has since been personally invited to Nebraska to take part in the long jump.

by lori oraschin On August 14, the 4-H alpaca show was

a huge hit at the Middletown Grange Fair. There were two alpaca clubs with 19 young-sters and alpacas participating. The two clubs participating were the Paca Pals hosted by Buck’s County Alpacas, a suri alpaca farm lo-cated outside of Perkasie, and Pronking Pacas, hosted by Harley Hill Farm, a huacaya alpaca farm located outside of Quakertown. The judg-es were Tom and Rose Sutkins of Deerwood Alpacas, also located near Quakertown.

The children participated in three different classes with their alpacas. The first class was an obstacle class where the alpacas were taken through cones, went over a teeter-totter, under a limbo, jumped over both a high and low jump to name a few of the obstacles encountered.

The second class is called Gamblers Choice, where the alpacas and their handlers had one minute to maneuver as many obstacles as they could.

The third class was Showmanship.This class determines how well the 4-H handlers can show their alpacas to the judges, as well as keeping the alpaca under control and even answering questions about alpacas. Two sisters from Bethlehem, both members of the Pronking

Pacas won top honors in showmanship. Emma Telatovich won the Grand Champion Showman award, and her sister Paige Telatovich won the Reserve Champion Showman award.

The Middletown Grange Fair is the highlight and end of the 4-H year. The new 4-H club season will begin in September and October. Children wanting to learn more about alpacas are welcome to join. The host farms provide the alpacas for the children to work with as their project, so each child does not need to own their own alpaca to join. If interested in joining one of the Bucks County 4-H Alpaca & Llama Clubs, contact the Penn State Extension office in Bucks County at (215) 345-3283.

If you missed seeing the alpacas at the Middletown Grange Fair, there is a wonder-ful opportunity this month to visit them. On September 28 and 29, alpaca breeders from across the United States and Canada will invite the public to come to their farm or ranch to meet their alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce, and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious indi-viduals! From 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, September 29 and from noon until 5 pm on Sunday, September 30, Harley Hill Farm

will welcome guests to join them for many activities including farm tours, feeding the al-pacas treats, and an alpaca obstacle and agility demonstration by the Pronking Pacas 4-H club, all free!

As a fund raiser, children can make a bird nesting ball from alpaca fiber to take home and hang in a tree ($5 4-H donation) Visitors can also visit the pumpkin patch to choose the per-fect jack-o-lantern and purchase colorful hardy mums from a local nursery. Each visitor will be given a free apple to enjoy while at the farm from a local orchard (while supplies last).

The wonderland barn will be open for early holiday shopping for unique items all made from alpacas including yarn for knitters from our own alpacas. Also available is everything from hats to the best “extreme” socks for your toes. At 1 pm each day there will be a short seminar for anyone who is interested in learn-ing more about the tax advantages of raising alpacas as well as the requirements for pasture, shelter, fence etc. The beauty of raising al-pacas is that it takes very little land and how easy they are to work with.

Harley Hill farm is located at 451 Kellers Rd, Quakertown.www.harleyhillfarm.com for more information and directions.

Alpacas Steal the Show at the Middletown Grange Fair

The first celebrated U.S. Labor Day was on Tuesday September 5, 1882 in NYC. It was planned by the Central Labor Union. 10,000 workers took unpaid leave and marched from City Hall to 42nd Street ending in Wendel’s Elm Park for a concert, picnic, and speeches.


Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day. It would have been called Independence Day,

but that name was already taken.- Bill Dodds

Back to My Old SchoolTo my teachers who are

still around, forgive my name spelling. You are clearly etched into my memory, and that, really, is what is impor-tant and made your lives and careers worthwhile.

A while back, I attended the shareholders’ meeting at the Richland Library Company up on Main Street in Quakertown. Some of you might know that Richland Library is one of the oldest libraries in Bucks County, established in the 1790’s. The library doesn’t lend books any more. It’s exclusively a research center with a fantastic collection of unique, and sometimes esoteric, historical material.

The Library Company is incorporated so the shareholders’ meeting covers business--treasurer’s report, activities and inventory reports, etc, etc. There is always an historic presentation, though. This year the topic was Quakertown Schools. Tom Moll, the librar-ian who is working on a book with Dr. Leight about the school district, gave the presentation. Since most of the couple dozen sharehold-ers who attended are alumni of Quakertown schools, the conversations and comments were as intensely nostalgic as any I’ve ever enjoyed

Every time an old faculty photograph went up on the screen, the audience rattled off the names of the teachers. It was a group effort to fill out the roster and many side conversa-tions broke out with anecdotes about the old people and the old ‘school years.’ I’m a little younger than a lot of the library members (graduated QCHS in 1970), so it wasn’t until half way through the presentation that I started to recognize my teachers. I was overwhelmed by ghosts from by-gone days. It’s amazing how those half dozen years we spent in high school have such a big impact on our lives and memories. Of course, we were young then, just starting on this adventure called life, and everything seemed more important.

I attended kindergarten at a big building on Broad Street near Fifth that I’m not even sure is still there. I started first grade at the Franklin Street School. It’s still there, but it’s an apartment building now. About half way through that year, we moved to the new Neidig Elementry School on Penrose Street. I lived across the street so it really felt like my school. I can still name (and see in my mind) every teacher I had at the Neidig: Mrs. Cooker, Mrs. Unangst, Mrs. Phaff, Miss Johnson, Mrs. Hilty, and Mr. Heresko.

My dad didn’t act like going into seventh grade was a big deal, but my mom had me in a panic. She kept warning me about stuff and telling me about goof-ups I was likely to make. Consequently, for the first few weeks at the Junior High School on Seventh Street, I was terrified. Not only did I have to change class-rooms and carry a ton of books, I had to keep track of a bunch of assignments and reams of

papers. “Grammar, Math, History, Science, Geography,” I said that morning class schedule enough times my first week there that I still remember it.

I had classes in the big building that used to be my mom’s senior high school, and in the old Lincoln and Central Buildings that sat behind it on Sixth Street. So, besides worrying about my schedule and my big stack of books, I had to cover what seemed like miles each day. Grammar with Mr. Lynn in the Lincoln build-ing; Math with Mr. Olgenbruns in the main building; History with Mr. McWorter back in the Lincoln; Science in the Central building with Mr. Poorbaugh, and just before lunch, Geography with Mr. Coleman back over in the main building again. The cafeteria was in the basement of the Central buillding. I had to run all afternoon, too, with three classes in three different buildings again.

Seventh, eighth and ninth grades were all to-gether back then. Being one of the ‘little kids’ was not much fun. Eighth grade was better and we were looking forward to our turn as ninth grade big shots, but got cheated out of it. They added the Annex onto the Senior High School across Park Avenue and moved us there. They weren’t finished with it though, and we had our first month of classes in the gym. So, instead of being top dogs in the Junior High, the Class of ’70 had to suffer as the ‘little kids,’ again. Seniors are as rough on ninth graders, as ninth graders are on seventh graders, so that was no fun either.

It seemed like forever (you remember how years dragged on when each one of them was more than a twentieth of your life), but we made it. By the end, some kids were gone, new ones had joined us. Some of us thought we were big deals; some of us were quite wall-flowers. We had our prom; we took our trip to Washington (the traditional Senior Class Trip back then); we pulled our Senior Prank. Then, just like the thousands of student before us and the thousands that followed, we were gone.

I hardly recognized the high school when my kids graduated from Quakertown twenty-five and more years later. By then a generation had passed through its renovated doors. It doesn’t matter, though. A school is the people, not the building. The problem is, at our 40th Reunion a few years back, I didn’t recognize a lot of the faces, and when I did, half the time, I couldn’t remember the names. I felt uncomfortable around some of them, remembering what they were like back in those Glory Days. Others were long lost friends.

My school years are an important part of my life, but I’m beginning to realize that the memories I have are distorted and faded. I re-member the good as being better than it was, and the bad was not nearly as bad as I thought. We all wax nostalgic for our youth, and the biggest part of our youth and our growing up was our experience at school.

Perkasie Car Show Draws a Crowd

by kimberly kratz

A few thousand car enthusiasts turned out for the fifteenth annual Under the Stars Car Show. Hosted by Perkasie’s Olde Towne Association and The Good Time Motorvators, the perfect summer weather and the flurry of activity at-tracted 400+ competitors. In addition to Best of Show, organizers awarded trophies in 17 categories including: antiques, classics, street rods, pro-street, imports, and trucks.

Central downtown streets expanding out-ward from Shelly’s Seventh and Market Street parking lot barely contained the full turnout of entrants. The August show kicked off early with many competitors still arriving even as the event opened. The show’s MC led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” to start off the event’s musical accompaniment.

Vietnam Veteran Charlie Baker, of Chambersburg, PA, arrived to the show early in his 1951 Studebaker. “I saved her from the crusher,” he said of the now peach-colored beauty. While Baker has owned the car for 16 years, he said it took collectively about 13 of them to get her up to snuff, at times having to put the restoration on the back burner to care for family members. Ultimately, he did all the restoration work to the car himself, “one piece at a time,” except for the upholstery work. “I can’t run a sewing machine,” he said.

The car is an eye-catcher. Baker jokingly quipped, “Unfortunately, I never lost interest; it’s all done now.” Though his car did not cap-ture a trophy at the Perkasie show this year, Baker is no stranger to competition, having won the 2011 Host’s Choice in Waynesboro.

Car owners gathered in clusters on lawn chairs, chatting it up and answering questions for passersby. A handful of Farmer’s Market and event vendors did brisk business under tents at the town hub, while C&C Café of-fered outdoor dining and grilled faire on the patio, and most local businesses remained open and busy.

President of Perkasie Olde Towne Association and the event’s organizer, Cathy Weierbach said, “I think it was one of the better car shows we have ever had. Feedback from residents and businesses has been posi-tive. It was a great day for local businesses, and I think we accomplished what we needed to do,” she said. Through marketing and community events, the Association’s mission “fosters, encourages, and maintains a thriving community.” This year’s car show was evi-dence of that aim.

More information about the car show can be found at perkasieoldetowne.org/POTA.

This Year’s Winners: A&T CHEVROLET/SUBARU BEST IN SHOW

Owner: Russell Thomas1958 Chevy Corvette

GOOD-TIME MOTORVATORS BEST IN SHOW

Owner: Stan Noll1959 Cadillac Fleetwood

PERKASIE OLDE TOWNE ASSOCIATION BEST IN SHOW

Owner: Anthony Palumbo1935 Packard Roadster

PERKASIE MAYOR’S CHOICEOwner: Rod Sassman

1970 Ford Mustang FastbackANTIQUE

Owner: Skeeter Musselman1931 Ford RoadsterCLASSIC (1950-1972)

Owner: Dennis Williams1970 Chevy Nova

CLASSIC (1973-1995)Owner: Lance Schnider1976 Cadillac DeVille

STREET RODOwner: Howard Hackleton

1937 Ford SedanPRO STREET

Owner: Lanny and Tina Hamilton1942 Ford Business Coupe

IMPORTOwner: Al Foster

1964 Mercedes 230 SLTRUCK

Owner: Bob Brower1955 Chevy Pick-UpANTIQUE TRUCKOwner: Ed Ford

1949 Chevy Stake BodyCLASSIC (1950-1972)

Owner: Ken Hendricks1955 Chevy BelAir

CLASSIC (1973-1995)Owner: Steven Mebs

1984 Buick Grand NationalSTREET ROD

Owner: Chris Pheil1932 Ford Sedan Delivery

PRO STREETOwner: Dale Renner

1970 Plymouth DusterIMPORT

Owner: Herb Schwab1957 VW Beetle

TRUCKOwner: Don and Liz Wimmer

1955 Chevy Pick-Up


~We Get Letters~

It’s time for a new school year! Our teachers, administrators and support staff are excited to welcome back QCSD students. Our overarch-ing goal for the year is to insure barriers to student learning are addressed collaboratively in order to increase student achievement, grad-uation rates, and college/career readiness.

We will accomplish this utilizing and enhancing our work in professional learning communities.

We have been fortunate over the past few years to enjoy many successes. All were ac-complished with hard work and dedication. This year will bring new challenges, thanks to state regulations and construction work at the high school.

Based on student and teacher feedback, we will implement new homework and remediation regulations at the secondary level. Secondary

teachers will work with course fact sheets, pe-titions for extended learning, and grade book changes to improve communications about student responsibility and expectations.

Students will be able to enjoy new food preparation, care of Chartwell’s, in the QCSD cafes. The company, whose motto is Eat-Learn-Live, prepares fresh food and purchases produce locally for farm-to-table nutrition. The managers and service line employees that stu-dents know are all back to serve them breakfast and lunch!

QCSD has much to offer its students. You can keep up with classroom, school and extra-curricular events in several ways. We post new stories weekly on our website (www.qcsd.org), under Get Your News Here. Look for Kudos, QCHS Construction Update, QCommunique Newsletter, Who’s Who and What They Do.

You can also watch student-produced videos (on the same webpage) or watch them on Comcast (968) and Verizon (34). Our high school students will also produce videos for Quakertown Borough, which you can watch at Comcast 22 and 852 and Fios 37.

If you would like to receive our QConnect Friday email blasts, send an email to [email protected] to be added to the distribution list.

As always, we are moving forward. Parent and community support will help our students succeed. Community is our middle name for good reason.

Sincerely,Lisa Andrejko, Ed.D.Quakertown Community School DistrictSuperintendent of Schools

Challenges, Changes, and Opportunity to Greet QCSD Students this Year

Join me in Supporting the Q’town

Park ProjectAs a community bank, QNB is keenly aware

that our success is tied directly to the success of the communities we serve. We have been proud to make our home in Quakertown since 1877, and work hard to support our hometown in every way possible.

You’re invited to join us in supporting the “Grow Our Community Park Campaign.” This important fundraising effort will support the construction of a new park and amphitheater on the former Krupp Foundry site in Quakertown adjacent to the Quakertown Michener Branch of the Bucks County Free Library. In addition to the amphitheater, the new park will feature: walking and biking trails, a concession stand and gazebo, picnic areas and flower meadows, a fountain and restrooms and other amenities.

The Quakertown Park Project is something that will be enjoyed by the community for generations to come. It will also add to our community’s reputation for its outstanding park system, as well as enhance the already successful revitalization efforts in downtown Quakertown.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve as the Honorary Chair for the fundrais-ing effort for the Quakertown Park Project. Your support will help ensure that this exciting community project becomes a reality.

David FreemanPresident/CEO QNB BankHonorary Chair, Quakertown Park Project

A Wild Man in Haycock

To the Editor:Before Bigfoot, a supposedly hairy, ape-

like, bipedal creature was reported to be roaming our land. There were countless 19th and early 20th century stories about American feral wild men, allegedly hairy, man-like be-ings, in newspapers across the country. It was once believed that the environment could actually change the species of individuals dur-ing their lifetimes such that people living in the wilderness could revert to an animalistic state and grow a coat of fur over their bod-ies. Though hunted, none of them were ever verifiably caught. And some of these wild men stories came from Upper Bucks County.

A May 22, 1908 article in The Bucks County Gazette, Bristol, Pennsylvania, noted that “James Miller, a dyed-in-the-wool hobo” was “known as the ‘Wild Man of Haycock.’” He “had been in jail a week or so, and upon promising to get out of Bucks county the Court allowed him to go.” However, the March 1, 1911 issue of The Philadelphia Inquirer indicated that “James Miller, the ‘wild man of Haycock Mountain,’” had returned to said mountain for which he was sentenced to “twelve months in the county jail” at break-ing stones. Haycock Mountain is about nine miles east of Quakertown.

And an item in the March 26, 1922 edition of The News-Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, stated that the “‘wild man’ of Quakertown has been identified” as “Adam Weaver, the Haycock mountain outlaw” who was wanted for “killing one deputy and wounding two others” 24 years ago. But a March 30, 1922 piece entitled Wild Man of Quakertown Is Roy Hecox, of Illinois, which appeared in the Lebanon Semi-Weekly News, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, reported that the prisoner was not really Adam Weaver but Roy Hecox and therefore would “be allowed to leave prison” after his “twenty day sentence on the charge of vagrancy will have expired.”

Belief in American feral wild men died out because during the early decades of the 20th century Americans could no longer believe that people could be so bizarrely trans-formed by their environment, not because no such wild men were ever really captured. Likewise, belief in Bigfoot will persist even if we remain without any actual live or dead specimens, not even a roadkill.

Don NigroniGlenolden, PA

VFW Thanks You for Support, Encourages Participation

To: Our Upper Bucks Community,The members of Quakertown’s John Rivers

Memorial VFW Post 11322 would like to thank you for your continued support. Over the years your help has allowed us to achieve our mission of serving and supporting our com-munity’s military veterans and their families. Again, thank you.

The VFW has programs that support the community. There is the Patriots Pen which is a written essay for the grades 6 to 8. We also have a program for grades 9 to12 which is called the Voice of Democracy. Both programs offer scholarship money for the winners.Other programs offered are for the Police, EMS, Firefighters, Nurses and a Teacher award program. If interested in participating in any of the programs please leave a message at our post 215-529-0500 or call the Commander at 267-992-4973.

We are always looking for new members to help us meet our mission of serving our fel-low veterans. If you are a veteran who served in a combat or hostile area or received hazard duty pay you may be eligible to join the VFW. Please give us a call if you are interested.

Perkasie Pizza & Pasta will host a fundraiser for the post on Tuesday, September 24. The restaurant will donate a portion of their pro-ceeds from that day to the post. Please support this event if you are able to do so. As always, we will be holding our Buddy Poppy (the red poppy flower) program November 8 & 9 at

various locations throughout the area. This is one of our largest and most important fundrais-ers of the year and the community’s support is critical to our success.

On October 26, we will partner with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds who will be holding a veterans ID card program at Tractor and Supply Co. on Route 309 in Quakertown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is open to Bucks County residents only. You must pres-ent your DD-214 in order to get an ID card. This ID card entitles you to discounts from local business.

During the Christmas holiday time, we will be visiting veteran’s in local nursing homes bringing them holiday cheer and goodwill. One of the items each veteran receives is a lap blanket crocheted by people in our area. If you are interested in making blankets or helping with this program, please visit our website at http://www.johnriversveteranscenter.com or contact Commander Gerhart for more informa-tion. Financial donations are always welcome as well.

Again, thank you for your continued generous support. Without you it would be im-possible for us to meet our mission – “Veterans Serving Veterans”.

Commander Paul Gerhart, Jr.John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 1132241 Belmont Ave.Quakertown, PA 18951

US BioDesign, LLC, a global leader in the production of biomedical textile structure components, has relocated to a brand new facility on East Mill Street in Quakertown. The company previously was headquartered in Perkasie, PA. At its new location, the com-pany will develop and manufacture biomedical textile components for medical device manu-facturers. The new facility encompasses clean room technology, state-of-the-art proprietary manufacturing equipment, increased capacity, dedicated product develop-ment support and expanded office space.

According to US BioDesign President and Founder Tom Molz of Warrington, the com-pany’s relocation supports essential, short-term busi-ness goals and is key to advancing longer-term growth strategies. “This is an exciting time for US BioDesign. With mul-tiple developmental projects nearing commercialization, this is the right time for us to expand. Our business is growing rapidly and we’ve got a lot of momentum mov-ing forward. We’re excited about the future,” he said.

Comprised of surgical, cardiovascular, neurovascu-

lar, neurological, orthopedic, general medical and other devices, the global medical device industry has experienced significant growth over the last five years and is expected to continue. Neurology devices are predicted to post the fastest growth, expected to expand by 6.1% per year.

“Our decision to relocate was made in re-sponse to listening to our customers and our evaluation of where we see the industry mov-ing, based on current and emerging industry

trends. This move gives us the technological bandwidth and expanded manufacturing capa-bilities and capacity that we need to respond with agility and flexibility as the needs of our customers evolve,” commented Mr. Molz.

Tom Molz has driven discovery and inno-vation within the medical/biomedical textiles and implantable fabrics for medical devices industry for more than 20 years, and has been involved with biomedical textile devel-opments in virtually all areas of the medical device industry. US BioDesign is the second biomedical manufacturing company founded by Mr. Molz.

An open house was held at the company’s new facility on August 28th to introduce US BioDesign to members of the Upper Bucks business community and government leaders. Danielle Bodnar, district director for State Senator Bob Mensch, and US Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick were on hand to get an up close look at the high tech equipment the com-pany uses as well as some of the specialized products US BioDesign is developing. Among the equipment in operation is the world’s larg-est medical braiding machine which is used to make superfine fabrics for use in surgical and other medical applications, according to Business Development director, Keith Smith.

The company is also developing some specialized non-woven Teflon and polyester fabrics using technology and methods devel-oped by members of the firm.

US BioDesign is a global leader in the development and manufacture of biomedical

High Tech Biomedical Firm Sets up Shop in Upper Bucks US BioDesign Relocates to Quakertown, Expands Manufacturing

US BioDesign engineer Robert Kiefer explains the process of medical braiding to Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. The equipment pictured is the largest of its kind and is located at the firm’s Quakertown manufacturing facility.

textile structure components for medical de-vices across the cardiovascular, neurological and general surgery medical device segments of the health care industry. US BioDesign draws upon deep biomedical engineering ex-pertise and an unparalleled understanding of medical device construct development involv-ing polymeric and/or metallic raw materials to deliver elegant and efficient engineering solu-tions and commercial development support.

Danielle Bodnar, with State Senator Mench’s office, presents company founder and president Tom Molz with a certificate of recognition.


Codependency Part 4

Believe it or not, there is a lot to say about codepen-dency. Most people do not even realize that they are codependent. They assume that some of their attitudes and behaviors are just who they are as people. They do

not understand that codependency can derive from their childhood and the relationships they have as adolescents and adults. One of the most informative and insightful books written about codependency is “Codependent No More” by Melody Beattie. It has shaped many men’s and women’s lives for the better and worse. The realization that one is codependent may seem very daunting and upsetting. It means that you have to make changes in how you interact and react in your relationships with others. It requires an ability to look within ourselves and do what I would call a personal inventory. It is about asking ourselves What is my role and responsibility in this relationship? Is this rela-tionship meeting my needs? Am I willing to set boundaries and limits? Am I willing to take a risk and lose someone so that I am happy? So many people with codependency issues normally put other’s feelings and needs before their own. They do not like or want conflict.

It can also be very exciting to finally have an answer to “Oh, so that is why I do that?” and “There is hope for me”. There can be many

layers to codependency. The commitment to explore this issue is necessary for short term and long-term change. It is important to be re-alistic about what you want to change and what you can change. First, it is about identifying what are your codependent traits and to what degree are they harmful to you and interfering with your life. Second is to make a decision about what trait or traits needs immediate at-tention. Third is to develop a plan about how to address these issues.

For example, if you are someone who can’t say “No”, it is helpful to say “Let me get back to you.” This allows you time to ask yourself if you want to do whatever it is that is being asked of you. You can list the pros and cons and the should’s and ought too’s. If you ask yourself the question again “yes or no”, it will more than likely be “no”. You will be able to call whomever and say I am sorry but I can’t help you out and feel good about it. It is important for codependents to put their needs first. It is very empowering.

My goal is to support my clients in under-standing their codependent behaviors and when they are harmful for them and to assist them in setting healthy appropriate boundaries.

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.

(l-r) Bryon Keller, Jay Link, Ralph Rauch, Richard :Loudenslager, William Rupper, Leo Wolf, Harry Hartman, and Harold Hevener. photo subMitted by frank licopoli froM recently found relics at qchs.

Shop Class Circa 1949 Quakertown High School

Keri Cook, BSN, has joined the staff of Penn Foundation as a Registered Nurse with the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) program. In this role, Cook will conduct mobile nursing and psychiatric assess-ments, assess physical health needs, provide management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist, and provide general treatment, rehabilitation, care manage-ment, and support services to FACT clients.

Cook has worked in nursing for 16 years, most recently as the Nursing Supervisor of the dementia unit and personal care facility at the Birches at Arbor Square in Harleysville. Previously, she worked in the behavioral health unit at Chestnut Hill Hospital. Cook earned her BSN from Queen’s University in Canada. She has special interest in working with the older adult population.

Founded in 1955 and located on a 30-acre campus in Sellersville, Pa., Penn Foundation is a not-for-profit organization providing inno-vative services that address the mental health, substance use, and intellectual disability needs of our community. Through a broad range of diverse programs that can be tailored to meet individual needs, Penn Foundation provides compassionate, responsive care to more than 10,000 children, adolescents, and adults each

year. Approximately 25% of these individuals receive on-going support at some level. Our tradition of compassionate care combined with a strong belief in the healing power of hope and the possibility of recovery enables us to help individuals and families grow, develop, and recover to their fullest mental, emotional, and spiritual health. For more information, visit www.PennFoundation.org.

Keri Cook, BSN, Joins Penn Foundation Staff

The public is invited to the Souderton-Telford Rotary Auction held at the Indian Valley Country Club on Thursday, September 12 at 5PM. A cash bar and appetizers will be available during the auction. The theme for this year’s auction is “Rally to the Finish”. The Souderton-Telford Rotary Club is attempting to raise $17,000 at this event to finish the $125,000 commitment made to the Souderton pool renovation in 2011. A sampling of items up for auction: restaurant gift certificates, tickets to sporting events, fur-

niture, food items, a trip to Disney World and a round of golf with Souderton Police Chief James P. Leary.

Robert Vail, Souderton-Telford Rotary Presidents shares, “It is with great excitement that the club approaches the auction this year. We are ahead of schedule on paying off our commitment to the pool and we warmly invite the public to join us.” Businesses interested in donating an item should contact Robert Vail at 484-288-9866.

Rotary Auction to Benefit Souderton Community Pool

Throughout this year Quakertown United Methodist Church has been commemorating 25 years of ministry from its present location at 1875 Freier Road in Milford Township.

Two Quakertown churches, First United Methodist and Bethel United Methodist, lo-cated just two blocks apart, merged to form Quakertown United Methodist in 1984. Since neither of the former locations was conducive to future growth, the decision was made to build a new church. The sanctuary was dedicated on March 27, 1988. One of the narthex walls contains the cornerstones of the for-mer churches as reminders that the roots of QUMC go back almost 150 years. A Christian Education wing was added in 1999.

QUMC, presently under the pastoral leader-ship of the Reverend Russell Atkinson, along with assistant pastor Hilary Ann Golden, is ac-tive in mission and ministry locally, nationally, and globally. These include participating in local food pantries and Habitat for Humanity, repairing homes damaged by hurricanes, sup-port of an inner-city Allentown ministry, helping local families needing assistance, sup-port of missionaries abroad.

The culmina-tion of the silver anniversary com-memoration will be a celebratory service of worship Sunday, September 15, followed by a picnic. All are welcome.

Quakertown United Methodist Church

Celebrates 25 Years


Book vs. Movie Which One is Better?

Bicycle BuBBles

cat’s cradle dodge Ball

duck duck goose Hide and seek

HopscotcH

Hula HoopJacks

Jump ropekite

leap FrogmarBles red ligHt

red rover seven up

simon says skates

tag yoyo

“The book was so much better than the movie” is a statement I hear a lot. It got me wondering, is the book always better? To me, the answer is an obvious yes, but I’m a book person.

For example, I loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books (Jeff Kinney), but I hated the movie. I think that Gregory’s self-centered character is much better as car-toon in a book than in the movie. In the movie Rowley wasn’t nearly as goofy as he should have been.

They also took one of my all-time favorite books, The Lightning Thief from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (Rick Riordan), and made it into an okay movie. I mean, they took out Clarisse, one of my fa-vorite characters, and they even took out Ares, the god of war (how do you take out the god of war from a story about Greek mythology with fighting in it?!?). The fight between Percy and Ares has got to be my all-time favorite fight scenes from any book and it wasn’t in the movie. Of course, the movie wasn’t horrible. It was pretty good and, I think, for someone who hadn’t read the book, it was probably great. There is lots of action, great special ef-fects, and cool monsters.

But still I wondered what other people think. So, I took matters into my own hands. I decided to post a poll on my blog (ThisKidReviewsBooks.com), where I asked my followers which they thought was normally better – the book or the movie.

96 out of the 117 people who responded said that the book was either always better or mostly better than the movie. This didn’t surprise me. I run a book blog after all, so they probably think a lot like me. What I really liked about the poll was reading why they chose the answer

they did. Most people said that in a movie, you don’t really connect with the characters as well as in a book, making it hard to sympathize with the character in the movie or really know what they are thinking. I think that’s true. If a book is well written, you know exactly who the character is and what they are thinking.

Another interesting response from the poll was that 15 people said that which you pre-fer more depends on what you saw/read first; movie or book. They said that the version of the story you experience first is usually the one you really like. Personally, I think this is true, too. If you read the book first, and love it, the movie won’t really come close to matching it and differences in the stories (if there are any) will bother you. I think the same thing goes for seeing the movie first.

I learned a lot from the comments people left on the poll. Some people felt that the movie is just one person’s interpretation of the book and they’re completely different art forms. Because of this, you can’t really compare them, but you can enjoy both as long as you keep this in mind.

Another group of people said that movies provide a visual experience that books just cannot provide. I can definitely see this point. From the book, I would have never imagined Medusa as completely frightening as she ap-peared in The Lightning Thief movie. Some people also said that movies give life to the set-ting of the story by being able to actually see it.

I don’t know about you, but I think I will al-ways prefer the book. Then again, I will never give up on experiencing the movie.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to grab my popcorn and mosey on down to the movie theatre to see the newest Percy Jackson movie, The Sea of Monsters. I am hoping to see Clarisse in this one!

For more booK reViews, Please Visit my website at www.thisKiDreViewsbooKs.Com

Recall Days of “Readin’, Writin’, ‘Rithmetic” at

Shelly School Open HouseThe Richland Historical Society invites the

community to a September 14, 2013 Open House from 11AM -3PM.

As you may know, the Shelly (one-room) School has the honor of being on the Bucks County Register for Historic Places and is one of 226 Bucks County properties accepted on the National Register in Washington, DC.

The Preamble of the Society’s Constitution has been the guide to preserving and maintain-ing the integrity of the Shelly School. The school’s interior recreates a classroom of by-gone days, complete with desks, blackboard, old school books, and coal stove to keep the children warm in the winter.

A Federal Community Development Grant, Pennsylvania Grants, local business contributions and community support has made it possible to maintain and improve the building’s integrity.

The following list of improvements to the

site will help the Shelly School stand tall and open to the public for the next hundred years.

New porch installedHandicapped ramp installed

Sidewalks installedDeteriorated brick replaced

Mortar joints replacedExterior woodwork paintedWindows and trim repainted

Shutters repaintedSpouting and gutters replaced

Landscaping underwayAlso on site is the Barn Museum. Built in

1935, it is also a project to be proud of. The Barn museum is now handicapped accessible, heated, air-conditioned, includes a library and many items from the past that visitors enjoy.

The Richland Historical Society at the Shelly School is located at 130 Richlandtown Pike (Route 212), just outside of Quakertown. For more information, please call 215-536-7562.


Local students won gold and silver medals at the SkillsUSA Championships in Kansas City, Missouri on June 28 during the National Leadership & Skills Conference. Three stu-dents brought home medals from the Lehigh Valley.

Chris Frantz a student from Monroe Career & Technical Institute and East Stroudsburg High School South received a Gold Medal in the Internetworking Competiton.

Madison Jacob a student from Lehigh Career & Technical Institute and Whitehall High School received a Gold Medal in the Photography Competition.

Jonathon Killaly a student from Upper Bucks County Technical School and Quakertown High School received a Bronze Medal in the Employment Application Process Competition.

Other students from the area who competed at the national level include:

Architectural Drafting – 40th PlaceMason Silfee (Monroe Career & Technical Institute / Pleasant Valley)

Career Pathways - Natural Resources/Agricultural/Food – 6th Place

Benjamin Currie, Ny’Jawon Dailey, Amin Jaawani (Career Institute of Technology / Easton)

Computer Maintenance Technology 26th Place

Mehmet Yasdiman (Monroe Career & Technical Institute / East Stroudsburg)

Exemporaneous Speaking – 7th PlaceNamansa Marah (Monroe Career & Technical Institute / East Stroudsburg)

Industrial Motor Control – 4th Place Kim Phung (Lehigh Career & Technical Institute / Whitehall)

Job Skill Demonstration A – 7th Place Andrew Acevedo (Bethlehem Area Vo-Technical School / Northampton)

Medical Math – 7th Place Genelle Davenport (Lehigh Career & Technical Institute / Whitehall)

Nurse Assisting – 8th Place Brandy O’Brien (Lehigh Career & Technical Institute / Emmaus)

Residential Plumbing – 8th Place Brandon Kutos (Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School / Freedom)

Prepared Speech – 9th Place Jericho Grimm (Lehigh Career & Technical Institute / William Allen)

Quiz Bowl – 12th Place Robert Bogardo, James Piscotta, John Silver, Zachary Ward (Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School / Freedom)

National Courtesy Corps volunteers (SkillsUSA alumni who assist in setting up the event) were Cristian Gonzalez, Amy Silvoy and Shawn Silvoy.

The SkillsUSA Championships is considered the largest single day of corporate volunteerism in America and valued at over $36 million in industry support of donated time, equipment, cash and material. All contests are run by and judged by industry using industry standards for employment. Over 1,700 Industry judges participated this year.

All winners receive medallions and fre-quently receive tools of their trade and/or scholarships to further their careers and edu-cation. The SkillsUSA Championships is for high school and college-level students who are members of SkillsUSA. More than 6,000 students from every state and three territories competed in 98 contests in technical, skilled, and service occupations. In order to qualify for the national competition, the students com-peted in local, district, and state contests. The state gold medal winners advanced to the na-tional SkillsUSA Championships.

Local Students Win National

Championships

How Would You Answer Business’ Toughest

Question?by jim donovan

“How can I increase my income without increasing my workload or overhead?”

At first glance, most business people would say there’s no way they could do that, how-ever, the reason has more to do with their perception of the situation than actual reality.

The typical response to this question is that, in order to increase business, one has to either hire more people, work longer hours, or in some other way, add to the costs of operating the business.

This is simply not true.Over the course of two decades, I have

helped hundreds of businesses increase their revenue without adding to their work load or increasing the cost of running the business.

This, by the way, is why I have made the statement that, “If you’re in business or sales and are not working with a coach you’re leav-ing money on the table.”

Almost any business can add revenue by becoming more creative in their thinking, learning to use a technique known as “power-ful questions” and changing their focus.

One of the best techniques I’ve used with my business coaching clients is inquiry. Simply put, this is a process of using laser focused questions to elicit responses that are radically different from your usual line of thinking.

For example, I was recently sitting in a medical office waiting for a friend to complete his follow up visit from a recent surgery. If this doctor wanted to increase her income, the obvious response would be to attract more patients, however, this would also mean per-forming more surgery. Not the result we’re looking for.

By changing the question to something like, “What can do to I increase my income without having to work more hours?” we are giving our creative, right brain hemisphere a new challenge, one which it will happily ac-cept. With her creative brain fully engaged in providing a solution, as a result of the more focused question, she will begin to see other possibilities.

In this case, since there was a lot of unused office space, adding complementary services performed by someone else, would accomplish the same thing.

An author wanting to add more revenue without having to work longer hours would use a similar question which may result in discov-ering new foreign markets where they could license the translation rights, explore alterna-tive distribution channels, offer the material in different formats, and so on, increasing their revenue potential without adding to their workload.

A former client of mine had created a series of training videos. During one of our coaching sessions we were brainstorming possible sales and distribution channels. The result from this one session was an idea that was to generate an additional six figures in income annually from the core product.

To help you get started, here are two of my favorite business questions:

What new markets are there for my existing products and services?

For example, Arm and Hammer Baking Soda went from something only bakers used, to a product that most people are using as a deodorant in their refrigerator.

What new products can I market to my existing customers?

Once again we can look to Arm and Hammer who took their sleepy little baking soda and created an entire line of products from it, in-cluding the cat litter we use.

Using the questions above, what new in-come producing ideas can you come up with?

Get your team together and brainstorm these questions. Breakthrough ideas come from simple inquiry.

And, as I suggested above, if you are not working with a coach for your business you are leaving money on the table.

Jim DonoVan sPeCializes in helPing small busi-nesses exPanD their oFFerings anD grow their reVenue. he is also the author oF seVeral interna-tional best-selling selF-helP booKs anD an insPiring sPeaKer. For a Free giFt anD subsCriPtion to his newsletter, Visit: www.JimDonoVan.Com.

Take a Minute to Review the Pennsylvania School

Bus Stopping LawSchools are in session once again and

that means school buses will be out in full force ferrying students to and from school. It’s important to remember the basics of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law. When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm ex-tended, you must stop.

When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red lights flash-ing and stop arm extended, you must stop.

You must stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus.

You must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.

Do not move until all children have reached a place of safety.

Drivers may proceed on a highway with clearly defined dividing sections or physical barriers providing separate roadways. This only applies when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road.

Pennsylvania takes the safety of our schoolchildren very seriously. If you are convicted of breaking PA’s school bus stopping law, you will receive all of the

following penalties: 60-day driver’s license suspension, five points on your driving re-cord, and a $250 fine.

Also, take extra care in the mornings and afternoons as students walk to and from school. Obey the crossing guards at inter-sections as they work to keep our kids safe.


~Obituaries~RICHARD E. HOHL, 89, of Quakertown, PA, entered into the presence of his Heaven Father on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at his daughter’s home in Clifton Park, NY, sur-rounded by his loving family. For the past two and half years, he and his wife resided with his granddaughter, Kim Awckland, her husband, Mike and their children in Milford Township with the caring support of the staff from Grandview Hospice. Richard was born on April 23, 1924 in Allentown and was the son of the late Walter and Helen (McCracken) Hohl. He was also predeceased by his broth-er, Harold. Richard served in the US Army during WWII and was the recipient of two bronze stars. Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eileen, his two daughters, Karin Buddock of Maryland and Kathleen Bibighaus of New York. He was known as “Pop” to his 7 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren

SHIRLEY SWIERZEWSKI, 79 of Quakertown died, July 30 in Weston Nursing & Rehab Center, Hellertown. She was the wife of the late Thaddeus Swierzewski. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and word search books. Shirley was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, Quakertown. Surviving is a daughter, Peg Eure, Bethlehem; granddaugh-ter Jennifer Ewaniuk and grandson Zachary Ewaniuk Jr and wife Lauren, sister Doris Hangey, Perkasie. She was preceded in death by daughter, Mary Swierzewski, sister, June Detweiler.

RICHARD S. RENNINGER, 77, of Quakertown, died Wednesday, July 31 at his home. He was the husband of JoAnn (Krause) Renninger. Richard was a commercial carpen-ter for many years before retiring in 1995. He is survived by his wife; Son, David Renninger, Pennsburg; Daughters, Jodi Landes and Margi Renninger, both of Quakertown; Grandchildren, David C. O’Donnell and Richard B. Landes; Great-Grandchildren, Kaleigh and Colin; Brother James Renninger of Perkasie.

ETHEL H. SCHAFFER, 90 of Quakertown died, July 31 in the Hospice House of the VNA- St. Luke’s. She was the wife of the late Edgar S. Schaffer. She worked for FW Woolworth & Co, Quakertown for over 30 years as a sales clerk. Ethel was a former member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Richlandtown. She was a member and volunteered as a crafts

instructor, at Quakertown Senior Citizens Center. Surviving sons, Lester, Lowell, and David Yothers, wife, Amy, and Donald Yothers; daughters, Annette Shannon, husband Kevin, and Jude Ede; eleven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister Jean Howe. She was preceded in death by son Dennis Yothers, daughter Karen Schaffer and an infant son.

FORREST A.F. PETERS, 77, of Richlandtown died July 31 in his home. He re-tired in 1997 from the Quakertown Veterinary Clinic where he worked as a groomer. He en-joyed playing guitar and dancing. Forrest is survived by two sons, Thomas Maddock and Forrest Peters, II (Jennifer); three daughters, Carol Hill (Tim), Kathleen Cieri (Anthony), and Andrea Klotz; two sisters, helen Millard and Bernice Gibson; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by four sisters: Dottie, Virginia, Ruth, and Valeria.

DOROTHY F. FINKBEINER, 94, died August 1. She was the wife of the late John H. Finkbeiner. Survivors: Daughters, Dorothy Fuess, of Quakertown and Barbara Seachrist, DeLand, FL; John C. Finkbeiner (Linda) of Hellertown; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren.

VIOLET M. WEIERBACH, 96, of Hellertown, formerly of Springfield Twp., Aug. 3 in the Hospice House of the VNA – St. Luke’s. Wife of the late Lloyd J. Weierbach. Born in Springfield Twp., Bucks Co., she was the daughter of the late Tilden and Ida (Stickler) Bleam. Surviving are sons, William, wife Sharon, Quakertown, Harry, wife Judith, Perkasie, daughter, Marie Abromitis, Elkton, MD, 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchil-dren, 17 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren.

BARBARA A. LAUBE, 66, wife of Ronald C. Laube, passed away Saturday, August 3, at her home in Coopersburg. She is survived by her children: Sharon, Andrew, Philip, and Rachel; grandchildren: Caleb, Anna, Josiah, Esther and Priscilla; and a brother, David.

FRANCES (BLANCHE) R. BENDER, 86, of Milford Square died on August 4. She was the wife of the late Harold H. Bender. She retired from J.G. Furniture of Quakertown

in 1992. Frances is survived by three sons, Anthony Braccia, Kyle Bender (Pam), and Brian Bender (Judy); her siblings, Joan, Mary, Harry, and Charles; five grandchildren, Stacy, Bren, Rebecca (J.T.), Christopher, and Jonathan 9Veronica); three great-grandchil-dren, Asia, Titus, and hunter. Predeceased by her siblings: Frances, Lena, Lucy, Joseph, and Steve.

ELSIE SCHLOSSER, 99, of Quakertown died August 10 in Quakertown Center. She was the wife of the late Gustav Schlosser. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Emerich and Amelia Koschak. Survived by her nephew Carl.

PHILIP JOSEPH BARGIONE, of Hilltown Twp., PA, died suddenly while vacationing with family in Cape Cod, MA, on Saturday, August 10, 2013. He was 57.

He was the husband of Deborah L. (Weikel) Bargione. The couple had celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary last May.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Rose (Bonomo) Bargione, of Franklin Square, NY, and the late Joseph Bargione. A gradu-ate of H. Frank Carey High School, Franklin Square, he attained his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY.

He served in the U. S. Army for 22 years, 8 ½ years of which were active duty. He was stationed in Germany for three years, where he met his wife while she was on vacation. Later, he served with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Phil was a self-employed independent insur-ance broker, operating the Family Financial Services Group in Hilltown Twp. for 30 years. He was a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) as well as a Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC).

He was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Perkasie, where he previ-ously served on the Church Consistory as a Church Treasurer.

Phil was a licensed sports official for soc-cer, basketball and volleyball. He officiated for the Deep Run Valley Sports Association, the Central Bucks Basketball League as well as area high school sports. An avid reader and history buff, he also loved traveling and play-ing with his “grand-dogs.”

Surviving with his wife and mother are his two daughters, Melissa Lynn Wilson and her husband Ross, of South Glastonbury, CT, and LTJG Jessica Leigh Bargione, stationed with the U. S. Navy at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL; two brothers, Christopher Bargione and his wife Nickie, of Niles, IL, and Joseph L. Bargione and his wife Holly, of Louisville, KY; and a sister, Maryann Babyer and her husband Mohamed, of Franklin Square.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or online at www.ubfp.org/wwp.

BARBARA A. LEWANDOWSKI, 76, of Quakertown died August 11 in St. Luke’s Hospital,Quakertown Campus. She was the wife of Alfonso Lewandowski. They were married 56 years on May 11, 2013. Barbara enjoyed gardening. In addition to her husband,

she is survived by her son, Glen (Barbara), and her daughter, Lois Shelly; her brother, John; five grandchildren, Jeremiah, Samantha, nicole, and Annalyse; one great-grandson, Trevor.

MELVA GRAZELLA, 92, died August 12. Wife of the late Edwrd. Survived by son Gary and daughter Nancy Carpenter.

ROBERT M. NYE, 86, of Quakertown, died Mon. Aug. 12, in Hospice House of the VNA-St. Luke’s. He was the husband of Dorothy (Todorov) Nye for 62 years. He served in the US Army Air Corp during WWII.

He was employed over 25 years by General Motors Corp., starting as a mechanic and serving as an instructor at the GM Training Center in Morristown, NJ following retire-ment. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Perkasie, Steelton American Legion, Post 420 for 65 years, Steelton VFW, Robert Burns Lodge F&AM 0464, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Zembo Shriners, and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, all of Harrisburg. Surviving with his wife, son Robert Jr, wife Carol, Sellersville; grandchildren, Jennifer, Cheri, Lori, Robert III, and Richard, great-grandchildren, John Jr., Andrew, Ryan, Alexandra, Zachary, Cole, Adam and Maxwell.

JOHN J. O’DONNELL, IV, 43 of Lansdale died, August 13 in his home. He was an independent contractor for many years as a computer programmer. He will be remembered for his love of music, his talent for guitar play-ing, writing music and his band, “Raspberry Tea”.He will always be remembered for his love and kindness, and will be missed by his many friends and extended family. Surviving with his parents, step-mother Judy, sister, Heather O’Donnell, Abu Dhabi, UAE, step-sister, Lisa Gleason, Spring Mount; step-brother David Harris, Mechanicsburg; step niece and nephew; aunt, Helen Howe, uncle, Frank O’Donnell and many cousins.

GLADYS JONES, 84, of Quakertown died August 15. Wife of the late Richard. Born in Sellersville she was the daughter of the late Howard & Gertrude Wenhold. Sons Richard, Bruce, Howard, Dennis, Barry, sisters Harriet and Barbara, ten grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren.

JERRY STOLTZFUS, 63, of Quakertown, August 15 in Grand View Hospital. Husband of Kathleen (Myers) Stoltzfus of 37 years. Memorial, September 28, 11am, Swamp Mennonite Church, 2125 Rosedale Rd, Quakertown, PA. Memorials: Charity of ones choice in Jerry’s name.

DOUGLAS ‘MARK’ GRUVER, 59, of Quakertown passed away August 16. Mark graduated from Amarillo High School in 1972. He was a welder for 33 years. Mark is survived by his wife, Emily (Powell) Gruver, and four children: Mindy Fisher , of Tulsa, OK; Tyson Mercer, of Wake Forrest, NC; Molly Ingersoll , of Amarillo, TX; and Austin Gruver of Quakertown. He is also survived by four grandkids: Kannon, Megan, Makenzie, and Caleb : one great-grandkid: Ava; and two brothers: Davis and Kurt Gruver.

D. EMMETT SHORT, 83, Quaker-town, died August 16, in LifeQuest Nursing Center. Husband of 57 years to Lorena (Fretz) Short.

BRENDA L. WILLIAMS, 50, of Pennsburg, died August 18 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Daniel Williams for 18 years. She was a mem-ber of Springfield Church of Brethren. She was an avid bingo player and assisted running bingo for Milford Twp. Fire Co. Surviving with husband, brothers Brian, Dean and Tab; sisters; Sally Green, Bonnie Schwenger and Barbara Kruse.

JOHN GORCHINSKY, 89, of Quakertown, died in LifeQuest Nursing Center, Quakertown on August 23. He was the husband of Grace (Mease) Gorchinsky for 66 years. John worked for International Local #5 Brick Layers in vari-ous contractors with the greater Philadelphia and Lehigh County areas for over 50 years. He served in the US Marine Corps during WWII. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Zion Hill. Surviving with his wife, son Fred, wife Linda; daughter, Patricia Yurechko, husband Lou; grandsons, Eric, Mark and Douglas; great-grandchildren, Holly, Daniel, Aaron and Ryan

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community’s voice. Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.


Christ Lutheran Church1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville215-536-3193Pastor: Carolann Hopke9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church

Grace Bible Fellowship Church1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown215-536-6096 [email protected]: Ron Kohl, Sr. PastorSeptember - May: 9am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10am Morning Worship Service, 6:30pm 2nd & 4th Sundays are small groups, 6:30pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays Evening Worship hour

Good News Church424 Juniper Street, Quakertown215-536-4393 www.gnciv.orgPastor: David Mackey, Jr.Sunday service & childrens church 10:30am Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm. Friendly, Bible-based, Christ-centered, Spirit-led

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church2966 Old Bethlehem Pike, Zionhill215-536-7288 [email protected]: James SaboeSunday School all ages 9:00am, Worship services 10:15am, We at Zion invite all to worship and fellowship with us.

Evangel Assembly of God401 Arch Street, Perkasie215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.orgPastor: Rev. Gary SaulWhere God’s Love Changes Lives

MorningStar Moravian Church234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg610-282-1908 [email protected]: Lance FoxSunday 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, Hilltown215-822-3930 Pastor: Harper Turney10:00am Sunday Eucharist

St. John’s Lutheran Church4 South Main Street, [email protected] www. sjrpa.orgPastor: Susan SosninSunday morning worship at 9:30am with holy communion first and third Sundays of the month. Sunday school 8:30am

Ridge Valley United Church of Christ905 Allentown Road, [email protected] www.ridgevalleyucc.orgPastor: Rev. Steve MyrenWe are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith. Worship: Sundays 9:30am. Ridge Val-ley: Growing Together in God’s Love.

The Gathering (at the Barn)24 Greentop Road, [email protected] www.thegatheringchristianfellowship.comPastor: Tom Daugherty

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown215-536-5789 [email protected] www.quakertown.net/stpaulsPastor: Rev. David HecklerWe believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church3668 Ridge Road, [email protected] www.kellerschurch.orgPastor: Robert E. Mitman Worship 7:45 & 10:15am, Sunday School 9am, Koinonia Cafe 8:30pm, Holy Commu-nion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Children’s Church 2nd & 4th Sunday

Emmanuel Episcopal Church560 S. Main StreetQuakertown, PA [email protected] www.emmanuelquakertown.orgSunday services at 8am and 11am, Visitors and new members always welcome!

Church of the Incarnation(Anglican-Episcopal)44 S. 8th Street, [email protected] www.IncarnationQuakertown.orgPastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. KleppingerTraditional worship, Biblical faithSunday 10:30am, Wednesday 10:00am

First United Methodist Church501 Market Street, [email protected] [email protected]: Steward WarnerMission: Share God’s love, Make and nur-ture disciples of Jesus Christ, Have a posi-tive impact on our community and world.

Trinity Great Swamp UCC 9150 Spinnerstown Road, Spinnerstown215-679-7710 [email protected] www.tgsucc.orgPastor: David R. Ellis / Matt GorkosSunday worship services 8am (Communion 1st Sunday of month) and 10:30am, 9:15 Sunday School classes for all ages (PreK-Adult) & family activities

Trinity Lutheran Church102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.orgPastor: Lynnette R. Chapman 8am &10:30am traditional services, 9:15am Sunday School, 9:15am Contemporary service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Kidspiration Services.

Holy Spirit Anglican Church1133 W. Orvilla Road, [email protected] www.holyspiritanglicanhatfield.orgPastor: Rev. Robert TuttonWe are a traditional conservative Evangelical Christian church.

Pennridge Christian Fellowship720 Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen 215-257-7309 [email protected]: Thomas VargisSunday worship 10:30am, Sunday School after song service for infants to age 12. Wed evenings 7pm with prayer, crossroads youth and (Sept-April) boys and girls clubs. Everyone is welcome.

Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker)Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown215-538-7555 Clerks: Kathy Redding, Jack SchickAbsolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice over 300 years in Quakertown. Join us 10:30am Sundays

Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown215-529-5422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.orgServices at 9am & 11am, Children’s Min-istry during all services, Student ministry 6pm, Celebrate Recovery Weds 7pm, Divorce Care Thurs 7pm, EastWest Cafe open before & after services. Free coffee.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street, Sellersville [email protected] www.stpaulsucc.netPastor: Rev. Patti Thomas8am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9am Sunday School (all ages), 10:15am Worship in Sanctuary, Crossroads 1st Sun-day of month 9am in Fellowship Hall

Are You a Functional Atheist?

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship

For information on listing your place of worship in this directory, pleasecontact Terri at 215-529-8915 ext. 11 or by email at [email protected]

As something of a bookahol-ic, I do a lot of reading every week, especially in terms of sermon preparation. I men-tion that because, a couple of times now as I studied texts for preaching, I’ve encountered a new phrase (new to me, any-

way) – “functional atheist”.Apparently, this phrase refers to people who go

to church on Sunday, maybe even attend Sunday School or Bible Study, but the rest of the week behave as if God didn’t exist at all. Functional atheist, which strikes me as a fancier way of say-ing something I’ve said often – if someone saw you on Wednesday, would they know you had been in church on Sunday?

Do you know anybody like this? I’m sure the answer to that is an easy “yes”. People who don’t pray daily, or at least regularly. People who never crack open their Bibles during the week, who think the Bible consists of nothing more than inserts in the bulletin on Sunday. People who seem to be unaware of Jesus’ command to love one another as he has first loved us. People who think the Ten Commandments are more like the Ten Suggestions. People who seem clueless to the blessings God pours out upon us every day. People who never thank God, praise God, or ac-knowledge God at all.

Of more concern perhaps, however, is how much are we also like that? Probably more than we might want to admit. I know I sometimes slip into that kind of behavior. What to do about it, though? How can we take the faith we express on Sunday out with us into the rest of our week?

One idea I find very helpful is the idea of “vocation”. This is the idea, first put forward by Martin Luther, that in our daily activities, in the area of family, job, community, and church, God is present with us, and all that we do should be done in faith, as an expression of God’s love and as a witness to God’s grace. I like to think of vocation as how we make our whole life an offering to God, and I like to think that vocation is how we live out Paul’s thought that we should pray without ceasing.

I love how Luther talked about vocation in the most down home, earthy way in his 1522 essay “The Estate of Marriage”. Here is he talking about family, and particularly the changing of diapers: “But what does the Christian faith say? The father opens his eyes, looks at the lowly, dis-tasteful, and despised things and knows that they are adorned with divine approval as with the most precious gold and silver. God, with his angels and creatures will smile – not because diapers are washed, but because it is done in faith.”

We can avoid the pitfall of becoming a “func-tional atheist” when we see that God is meeting us where we are, in the midst of all that we do, and blessing us and what we are doing with his presence. When we see that God is beside us as we work, as we are with family and friends, as we participate in the life of our community, as well as when we are in church, then we see that God makes all things holy, even the most mundane, challenging things we might have to do.

There is nothing we do, nowhere we go, but that God is there with us. There is no moment in our lives when we are separated from God. And because God is always present with us, all of our lives become holy, and in that holiness, we are able to feel our connection to God. And because we are now aware of our connection with God at all times, we are free, we are eager, to put our faith into action, by taking time to pray, by taking time to read some portion of scripture, by acting with Christ-like love for all people and by seeing all people as someone loved by God, someone Jesus died for.

We are free to see the Ten Commandments as a guide to faithful living, with God and one an-other. We are profoundly free to see the blessing God gives us and be continually thankful for all the daily blessings we receive from God. And in that freedom, we move from “functional atheist” to a living, active faith in all the moments of our life.


by christopher betzPenn Stainless Products of Quakertown has

presented Regina Gill of Hellertown with a $4,000 scholarship, its fifth such annual award to a child of one its employees.

According to company president Jim Seward, the award is bestowed upon a student based on such things as his or her academic record, community service, work ethic, and future educational plans in a two or four year program. A committee of seven people at the company make the determination each year from a pool of several hopefuls, this year be-

ing four.Regina is the daughter of Anita Soltysiak,

a 10-year employee of Penn Stainless, who describes the company as extremely generous with a tremendous sense of family. Regina says that when she learned that she’d won the award, she was “speechless and very excited!”

Seward remarks that he is very happy and proud to present this scholarship each year.

Regina is a 2013 graduate of Saucon Valley High School and an avid lacrosse player. She is beginning her freshman year at Cedar Crest College where she will study Nursing.

Penn Stainless Products Awards Scholarship

(l-r) Marina Dimmick; Jim Seward; proud mother, Anita Soltysiak; scholarship recipient, Regina Gill; Chris Schubert; and Jim Sulger. Scholarship committee members absent from photo are company vice president Tom Paulovitz, Marie Seward, and Jason Martineau. photo by christopher betz

Wendy L. Awckland was recently named As-sistant Branch Manager of QNB Bank’s Quak-ertown Commons Office located inside the GIANT food store. Wendy is responsible for directing the work flow of the customer ser-vice area, including supervising, coaching and scheduling of staff in order to ensure the effi-cient and effective operation of the office. Formerly the Head Teller at QNB’s Souderton Office, she was also employed by Univest for a total of 21 years. Wendy graduated from Upper Perkiomen High School and attended Western Montgomery VoTech. She studied Finance and Accounting and has AIB Certifi-cations in Principles of Banking, Accounting, Consumer Lending, and Law and Banking. Wendy lives in Quakertown with her family. She is active in Upper Bucks Relay for Life and is a member of East Swamp Church where she serves Wednesday night dinners and par-ticipates in Vocal and Bell Choirs.

New Assistant Branch Manager at QNB’s

Quakertown Commons Office

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Limited Time Offer Ends 10/31/2013

Business leaders from Bucks County are trad-ing in suits, computers and cell phones for hammers and tool belts as they gather to help build the second cluster of townhomes in the Penn Villa development in Sellersville. Execu-tives from First Savings, Precision Solutions, Advertising Specialty Institute, LEM Products, Inc., Citizens Bank, Boucher & James, Lo-max Real Estate Partners, Grandview Hospi-tal, and Univest will be framing units as they learn more about the mission of Habitat Bucks. Members of the Habitat Board will be on hand as well to welcome these business leaders and answer questions about ways that businesses can partner with Habitat Bucks. Co-chair of this event, and Habitat Bucks Ad-visory Board member Fred Schea, President & CEO of First Savings said “Habitat Bucks is a proven community leader in affordable housing and we welcome these business leaders to our

build site to learn more about what we are do-ing.” Florence Kawoczka, Executive Director of Habitat Bucks added “this opportunity for business leaders to network and help us build is fantastic. We are delighted to have Congress-man Fitzpatrick and Rep. Clymer join us as to-gether we make affordable housing a reality in Bucks County.” The Penn Villa development will be a total of 10 townhomes. The first cluster is nearing completion and will be dedicated later this fall. Work on the second cluster of five townhomes began with a groundbreaking ceremony on August 6, 2012. The two end units are 1600 square feet with four bedrooms, the three mid-units are 1400 square feet with three bedrooms. All units have a one car garage and patio, and will be built to Energy Star Rating standards. Work is expected to be completed by late sum-mer of 2014.

Business Leaders Get ‘Hands On’ at New

Habitat Project

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Upper Bucks Free Press - September 2013