upper bucks free press • february 2013 edition

How and where did you and your Sweetheart Meet?

Brian and Kristine doyle and

daughter, sierraI met my husband through personal

ads in the local newspaper. We connected and spoke on the phone for hours and decided to meet in

person. From then on, we kept dating and he proposed!

(see inside)

I met my husband on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. We went to the same high school. I didn’t think

we’d ever date, since we seemed so different from each other and

he was a few years ahead of me in school. Well, it worked out. We mar-ried 2 ½ years after that first date. We’llcelebrate our 24th wedding

anniversary in September.

Cathy gillahan Jenifer teale-Moyer & gerardo Mazzola

KiM and MiKeawCKland

We met though an online dating ser-vice. Our first date was at Bertucci’s

restaurant. We’d talked on the phone the night before for over 3 1/2 hours, until 2:40 a.m, and he asked me out. We were out the next night until late, and the next day we spent together, too...that was over 6 months ago and

it just keeps getting better!

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.

- Charles Schultz

I met my husband through the East Swamp youth group back in 1987.

One Sunday night after the “Drive In” service, a group of youth were going for pizza. Mike lent me $2 for a slice. The rest is history, however he says I never paid him back. We have been

married 22 years.

(left) Local artist Linda Stauffer takes questions from Fifth Graders at Richland Elementary about the bronze sculpture she just presented to the school. The sculpture depicts Linda’s daughter Katie, a former student at the school, reading books with her dog. Katie, an avid reader, writer, student, and athlete since childhood, passed away in 2003 in a car accident. Principal Dr. Kathleen Winters said she was “honored to accept such a beautiful and meaningful gift” on behalf of the school and its students. The sculpture will be displayed in the school’s library. photo by christopher betz (center) St. Isidore students, Brett Wyatt, William Robinson, Julian and Isabella Taylor, work and play together on Martin Luther King Day. submitted photo (right) State Rep. Paul Clymer, R-145, presents a citation from the House of Representatives to Rebecca Hinderliter, vice president of church council at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown, and Rev. Richard A. Mathisen, interim pastor, in recognition of the church’s 250th anniversary as an independent congregation. Clymer made the presentation at a recent Potluck Supper & Silent Auction at the church. More than 100 church and community members attended the event, the first in a series of year-long activities celebrating the milestone. photo by rob mcconahy

Remembrance Participation Longevity

2 • Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2013

Upper Bucks Community Events

February 1

Spring Baseball Sign-ups going on now at qyba.org or Feb. 2 at Power Alley Training Facility 12noon-3pm. [email protected]

NOVA Crisis Volunteer Training for 24 Hour Hotline registration begins Feb. 1. For 7-wk training session on Tu & Th 6pm-9pm starting March 5. FREE training by NOVA. Julie Dugery 215-343-6543 or [email protected]

February 2

Dublin Fire Co. “Soup Day” 11am-2pm, homemade soups, also hotdogs, etc. available, details at 215-249-3740, 194 N. Main St, Dublin

Basket Bingo at Christ Lutheran, 69 Main St, Hellertown, $25 at door, opens 1pm, games 2pm, food concessions. 610-758-9087

Heart Health Day 10am-2pm at Grand View Hosp., 700 Lawn Ave, Sellersville

Reading Goes to the Dogs at Quakertown Library, 2pm-3:30pm, All ages welcome to come and read to certified therapy dogs, 401 W. Mill St, Qtwn. No registration needed!

Basket Bingo 2pm (open 1pm) at Christ Lutheran, 69 Main St, Hellertown, $25 at door, 20 games, food concessions, 610-758-9087

Wine & Food Festival 7pm at Parents Hall at Perkiomen School, Pennsburg, must be 21 to attend, $50/person, call 215-679-2020

February 3

Breakfast 8am-12noon at American Legion Post 255, 75 N. Main St, Sellersville. $4.50 donation, entrance at rear parking lot, 215-257-9801 or sellersvillelegion.com

Winter Search Party Naturalist Program, 2pm, fee $3/person, please reserve at 215-357-4005. Center at 501 Churchville Ln, Churchville,www.churchvillenaturecenter.org

Breakfast Buffet 8am-12noon at Lower Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, $8/adults, $4.50/kids over 5 yrs. All You Can Eat!

Black Bears of PA, 2pm free program about nearby sightings in PA, meet at Nockamixon State Park Edu. Ctr, call about accessible parking and info at 215-529-7307

February 4

Mental Illness & Seniors, 10am program by Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville. No charge to attend, more info at 215-256-6900

February 5

BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE 5pm-7pm at Upper Bucks Free Press, 312 W. Broad St, Quakertown, Join us for an evening of networking, hors d’oeuvres, and learn more about the Free Press’s mission to restore the community’s voice. RSVP to Upper Bucks Chamber at 215-536-3211

Friendly’s Restaurant Fundraiser in Quakertown 5pm-8pm, Senior Ctr also sell-ing pies & cakes, 50/50 Raffle and Basket of Cheer Raffle.

Winter Naturalist Walk at 1:30pm-3pm at Peace Valley Nature Ctr, 170 N. Chapman Rd, Doylestown. Free! 215-345-7860 or www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org

February 7

Human Resources Roundtable, 8:45am-10:30am, begins w/continental breakfast till 9am. Non-members/$30, register by Feb. 4. Indianvalleychamber.com or 215-723-9472 for details.

Flashpoint Open House, 5pm - 7pm, Meet Friselina Locadia, owner of Flashpoint Acupuncture, at her new office in the Atrium, 127 S. 5th Street, Suite 100, Quakertown. Learn about acupuncture, acupressure, and other remedies for mind, body, and spirit. Refreshments provided.

February 9

Rummage/Bake Sale & Luncheon by Boy Scouts, 8am-3pm at Trinity Lutheran, 102 N. Hellertown Ave, Quakertown, info: Amy 215-536-7434

Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast 8am-10am, Applebee’s, Route 309, Quakertown, $6/adults, $4.50/children

Valentine Dinner/Comedy Evening to ben-efit BSA Venture Crew 185, Qtwn. Show is at Strayer Auditorium, 1200 Ronald Reagan Dr, Qtwn. Details and restaurant options at 610-346-9663 or vc185.org

4th Annual Bark & Wine at K9 Jym, 252 Bethlehem Pike, Colmar. 6:30pm-9:30pm, leashed & vaccinated dogs welcome. Fee. Details/registration at 267-587-7364 or [email protected] (S/D) Feb. 23.

Free Tooth Sealant Clinic 9am-1pm at Doylestown Hosp. Bucks Co. residents only. Make appt. by calling 1-800-347-6803

February 10

Breakfast at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 7:30am-12noon, 1716 Firehouse Lane, $7/adults, $3/kids 5-10, re-orders $2 extra. 610-982-5710

Pa. Handwriting Analysis Forum from 2pm-4:30pm, free program, bring handwriting samples for analysis. Indian Valley Public Library, 100 E. Church Ave, Telford. 215-257-3927 or [email protected]

Annual “Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance” for girls 4 to 10 years old. 1pm-3pm at YMCA, Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Register until tickets sold out. Details at 215-536-YMCA or www.ubymca.org

February 11

Women Build Open House, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Habitat for Humanity, 31 Oak Ave, Chalfont, PA. Raffle drawings, etc. More at habitatbucks.org/women_build.htm

February 12

Citizens for Constitutional Govt meets 6:30pm at Quakertown Free Library, 401 W. Mill St, Qtwn. Topic is “Where Do We Go From Here?” followed by Q & A period. 215-538-1390

February 14 Happy Valentine's Day!

“Find Your Fur-ever Love Event” 5pm-7pm at Upper Bucks SPCA, 60 Reservoir Rd, Qtwn. 267-347-4674 x108 or [email protected]

Dinner at Encore Café 5pm-6:30pm, $5.95/person, take-out available, reserve by Feb. 11. Menu & info at 215-256-6900, Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville

Thomas De Vito’s signed, original acrylic landscapes will be featured at Pippi & Peanuts Boutique, 37 S. Second St, Qtwn from 5pm-8pm. 484-951-9680

February 15-18

16th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count, check out www.BirdCount.org for more details

February 16

Valentine’s Day Party, (Frank Sinatra tribute) begins 7pm at McCoole’s Arts & Events in Quakertown. Call for reservations 215-538-1776

“Never Alone” (inspiring child book) author Lona Hill book signing from 1pm-3pm at Friendly Book Store, 300 W. Broad St, Qtwn, L. Hill taught 3rd grade in Qtwn for 34 years, she retired in 1997

February 17

Great Backyard Bird Count 2pm at Nockamixon State Park, free program, make a bird treat, short walk birdwatching, no registration, meeting place & other details at 215-529-7307

February 21 & 28

“Addictions” 6:30pm-8:30pm, Two session class presented by Gathering Pointe Commun. Ctr in Perkasie, Info at gathering-pointe.org or 215-257-2075. Registration is required.

February 22

Family Fun Night at First United Methodist, 7pm-9pm, ice cream social, dance competi-tion, Wii, and more. 501 Market St, Perkasie, call Robin 215-257-4626 to register or [email protected]

Patriotic Dinner Dance at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 E. Main St, Perkasie. 6pm buffet, 7pm-10pm dance begins. Reserve buffet by Feb. 18, $20 ($10 dance only) Call 215-453-7027, All are welcome!

February 23

Indoor Mother’s Market by QCEF, 10am-2pm, QCHS gymnasiums, $20/table, reg-ister by Feb. 15. (clothing, games, toys, videos, books, etc.) Contact Alice Bishop 215-529-2002

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser to benefit QHS Football Booster Club, 8am - 10:30am, QHS cafeteria, 600 Park Ave, Qtwn, $5.00/person

Craig Thatcher & Mike Dugan perform at 7pm & 10pm at McCoole’s, 4 S. Main St, Qtwn. Tickets $22.50/door or $20/advance John Ruby 215-536-0760

February 24

All-You-Can-Eat-Breakfast at Haycock Fire Co. 8am-12noon, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Qtwn, $6/adults, $4/age 4-7, 215-536-2224 or haycockfire.org

February 25

Keystone Quilters Guild monthly meeting, 7pm at Quakertown Christian School, 50 Paletown Rd, Qtwn, $5/guest, keystonequilters.org

Friends of Michener Quakertown Library will meet 7pm at 401 W. Mill St, Qtwn. April used booksale will also be discussed if you are interested in volunteering. 215-536-3306

February 26

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]

March 2

Maple Sugar Festival 11am-1:30pm at Peace Valley Nature Ctr, 215-345-7860 or peaceval-leynaturecenter.org

March 7

SCORE Bucks Co. seminar “Engagement Mkting in the Current Environment” 9:30am-11:30am at McCoole’s Arts & Events, 10 Main St, Qtwn, 215-943-8850 or email at [email protected]

March 8

Owl Prowl 4pm-7pm at Peace Valley, $13 (members $9), advance regis. & payment req’d. 215-345-7860 or visit them online: peacevalleynaturecenter.org

Have an event 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

February 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 3

Ongoing Community Activities and ResourcesFirst Sunday every month Community

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

Discover-E Science & Nature Club for ages 6-12. Meets Tues. 6:15pm-7:15pm Feb. 26, Mar. 26, Apr. 23, May 28 & June ?. $30 suggested donation for entire program (began in Jan.). More info at Nockamixon State Park Education Center 215-529-7307

Every 2nd Saturday, Quakertown PetSmart Pet Adoption Day! 11am-3pm [email protected]

Winter Naturalist Walks (Tues. Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, & Feb. 5) at 1:30pm-3pm at Peace Valley Nature Ctr, 170 N. Chapman Rd, Doylestown. Free! 215-345-7860 or www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org

Singles Connection (non-denominational group for single, widowed, divorced, & separated adults) meet Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-723-3415 or email [email protected]

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

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

Support Groups & Medical Resources

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

Volunteer Doctors Care at Upper Bucks Clinic offers free primary medical care to adults in Upper Bucks County with no medical insurance and meet income eligibility guide-lines. Info: 215-538-4774

Outreach Care, (supports Quakertown people in need of temp. housing and resources to return to self-sufficiency), find out more at 215-804-5869,[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, Guidance, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900. www.NOVABucks.org

Tourette Syndrome Support Group for adults over 21, 7pm-8:30pm, meets 2nd Thursday monthly, Doylestown Hospital, contact Susan 215-527-7229 or [email protected]

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, fees, and 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 Support Group meets every Tuesday 7:30pm at Deep Run West Mennonite Church, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie. Support for family & friends with loved ones struggling with addiction, [email protected]

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

Attention All Veterans, VFW (Forrest Lodge), 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville is looking to serve you and invite you to join. Call Frank Scholes at 215-679-7770

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

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 in Qtwn, 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309. 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 ev-

ery 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

One legend of St. Valentine contends that he was a priest in third century Rome. The Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage because single men made better

warriors. St. Valentine, however, continued to perform marriages in secret until the Emperor learned of his activity.


Strayer Middle School Student Runs

Fast and FarNolan Pernia is only 12 years old, but

has already run in a national cross country meet and a 26.2-mile marathon. The Strayer Middle School seventh grader placed 174th in the Dec. 9 USA Track and Field Junior Olympic Junior National Cross Country Meet in Albuquerque, N.M. He placed 174th in the boys’ 3k race with a time of 12:14, competing with 11 and 12-year-old boys from all over the country. Nolan qualified to run at nationals by placing first at the Mid-Atlantic Association qualifying meet at Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia on Nov. 3rd and placing 10th in the Region 2 qualifier in North Chili, NY on Nov. 18th. The regional race included runners from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

Nolan has been running since he was 7 years old. He watched his mother, Heidi (McAdams Pernia), run in road races and felt compelled to join her. She said she has been running competitively for 30 years and wins many age group and master’s awards. She grew up in Western Pennsylvania and didn’t realize her talent until after high school. “No one ever really encouraged me,” she said.

Now Heidi coaches Nolan. He joined her and an uncle in running his first mara-thon when they entered the September Wineglass Marathon in Corning, N.Y. Nolan was the youngest entrant and Heidi had to get special permission for him to run it. He finished in 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Experienced runners might question whether or not it is sound for a 12-year-old to run a marathon. Heidi has a degree in Exercise Physiology and is an emergency

room nurse. She trained with famous exercise physiologist and coach Jack Daniels, so she is training Nolan with plenty of scientific research. He said his legs hurt after the marathon but he has not had any long-lasting injures. He is also a US Tennis Association tournament level tennis player.

“After he ran his first 5K at 7 years old, I realized that he not only had potential, he had the mentality and the mindset of a runner and truly enjoyed it,” Heidi said. “His running often seemed effortless and the look of enjoyment and excitement on his face was apparent. From there it just evolved to the point where he was running nearly every race I did and wanted to tackle bigger and bigger things.”

Between running gigs, Nolan is a Distinguished Honor Roll student. He plans to run track for Strayer in the spring. Brother Zach, 11, also plays tennis, so the sports are a family affair.

Merena Siblings 3rd in Youth Shot Put

Jessica Merena, 10, of Doylestown was one of the top local finishers in Saturday’s Age Group Preliminary Track and Field Meet #2 held at the Widener University Schwartz Athletic Center in Chester, PA. The meet attracted over 350 competitors ranging in age from 4-19 including many from New Jersey whose competition fa-cilities have been closed since SuperStorm Sandy.

Early on, Jessica put the Midget (11-12 year olds) Girls 6-pound shot 4.08, 3.88 and 4.05 meters, good enough for third place. She then won her heat of the 200 meter dash in 38.38, edging out Angel Rivera of Cambria Youth (38.57), and fin-ished 24th overall. Jessica capped off the day with a PR/personal best in the Midget long jump by ¾ inch with leaps of 2.92, 2.87 and finally, 3.06 meters (8th overall) from the new (to her) 8-foot board.

In the Sub-Bantam Boys (8-and-under) Division, Jessica’s younger brother Nathan, 5, put the 2- kilogram (4.4-pound) shot 1.45 meters (3rd over-all). He was timed in 46.73 for the 200 meter dash (29th overall) and was second among 5-year-olds to Zaheer Cobb of Ivy Hill (46.56). Later, Nathan first fouled then made good on leaps of 1.76 and 1.45 meters to place 5th in the long jump, but well off his PR of 2.10 meters.

The pair competes for Lickity-Split Athletics (LSA), a co-ed USA Track and Field club with satellite groups in Gilbertsville, Pennsburg, Harleysville/Lansdale and Doylestown. The team is coached by the Jim Roma of Barto. 2013’s indoor meet #3 is Saturday February 9 at 8:00 am at Widener. Sign-up with LSA is still open.


Medicare UpdateFree Preventative Services and Eye CareThe Affordable Care Act has allowed many

preventive health services completely free to Medicare beneficiaries.

Preventive services include various exams, lab tests, and screenings that help find health problems in their earliest stages when they’re easier to treat. They also include a number of vaccinations and programs for health monitor-ing, as well as counseling and education to help you take care of your own health.

Here’s a quick rundown of the different Medicare preventive services that won’t cost you a cent, along with the eligibility require-ments you’ll need to meet to get them.

Wellness visits: All Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for two types of preventive well-ness visits -- one when you’re new to Medicare and one each year after that. But don’t confuse these with full physical examinations. These are prevention-focused visits that provide only an overview of your health and medical risk factors and serve as a baseline for future care.

ColoreCtal CanCer SCreening: The fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy is available to all beneficiaries age 50 or older.

MaMMograMS: All women with Medicare aged 40 and older can get a free breast cancer screening mammogram every year.

PaP teStS and PelviC exaMS: These cervi-cal and vaginal cancer screenings are available every two years, or once a year for those at high risk.

ProState CanCer SCreeningS: Annual PSA blood tests are available to all male beneficia-ries age 50 and older.

CardiovaSCular SCreeningS: Free blood test to check cholesterol, lipid, and triglycer-ide levels are offered every five years to all Medicare recipients.

diabeteS: Screening available twice a year for those at risk.

bone MaSS MeaSureMentS: This osteoporo-sis test is available every two years to those at risk, or more often if medically necessary.

abdoMinal aortiC aneurySM SCreening: To check for bulging blood vessels, this test is available to men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.

vaCCinationS: An annual flu shot, a vacci-nation against pneumonia and the hepatitis B vaccine are all free to all beneficiaries.

In addition, Medicare also offers: free smok-

ing cessation counseling, medical nutrition therapy to help beneficiaries with diabetes or kidney disease, depression screenings, alcohol screening and counseling, obesity screening and counseling, annual cardiovascular risk reduction visits, sexually transmitted infection screening and counseling, and HIV screenings.

Medicare Parts A and B do not cover “rou-tine” vision care (eye exams, eye refractions, etc.) nor does it cover the cost of eyeglasses, or contact lenses; but “medically necessary” eye care usually is covered.

The following services are covered by Medicare:• Eye surgeries: any surgical procedure that helps repair the function of the eye like cataract removal, cornea transplant, glaucoma surgery, etc…• Eyeglasses or contacts: only if you’ve had cataract surgery.• Medical eye exams: only if you’re having vision problems that indicate a serious eye condition like macular degeneration, retinopa-thy, glaucoma, or dry eye syndrome.• Glaucoma screenings: annual screenings for those at high risk (diabetics, those with a family history of glaucoma, or those who are African-American or Hispanic).• Diabetic eye exams: if you have diabetes, yearly exams for diabetic retinopathy.• Macular degeneration: certain treatments are covered.

For the above services, Medicare pays 80 percent. However if you have a Medicare Supplement (MediGap) the 20% balance is covered. If you have Medicare Advantage, some plans provide eye care benefits but you will have some relatively small co-pays.

For folks that are under 65 and need assistance paying for eye care, here are some resources:• Lions Club: (800) 747-4448 • Mission Cataract USA: missioncataractusa.org •Vision USA: (800) 766-4466

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Grundsow Lodge Number Four on the Doheck

Holds 65th FersommlingGrundsow Lodge No. 4 on the Doheck

(Tohickon) celebrated its 65th Fersommling (Annual Meeting) at Benner Hall in Richlandtown, Pa. Over 145 members were in attendance. Each year since the local lodge has introduced more English speaking in their meeting the attendance has improved. As was stated at our meeting; many of the lodges frown upon this trend, but we feel that our goal in “Keeping the Heritage Alive” is important to our future existence.

The meeting started out with the entrance of our mascot ground hog being carried in by two top-hatted members of the board with the other board members trailing. Our mascot also wears a tuxedo and top hat! After proper ceremony, music was enjoyed as we ate our dinner of lettuce with bacon dressing, wascht (sausage), roast beef, green beans, and home-made potato filling. All this was followed up with homemade pies eaten with the knife only!

Following the “Esse” (Eating), we had

our annual door prize drawing with some funds going towards The Heritage Center in Kutztown. This year we had a live auction of Shoofly pies and the top hat of retiring board member & former Habtmann Jim Mohr from Milford Square with those net funds slated for the Quakertown Food Pantry.

After a few songs in the dialect and a sing-a-long we had the annual swearing-in with all members standing up and holding their arms in the fashion of our brother groundhogs in the wild. Then our guest speakers let us in on Pennsylvania Dutch Humor and Wisdom (Powwow Doctor) spoken in the dialect, then translated into English.

A few of our members then came forward and offered words of encouragement to con-tinue along the path we are taking. After all, preservation through change is much better than extinction. We hope that Grundsow Lodge No. 4 through our Business Sponsors and our Members enthusiasm will be around to celebrate their 100th Anniversary.

a Proud PennSylvania dutCHMan,riCHard HelM, Board MeMBer

Over 145 loyal Grundsow Lodge #4 members converged on Benner Hall in Richlandtown to celebrate the group’s 65th Annual Meeting. photo by christopher betz

Fitzpatrick Fights for San-dy Aid - Bucks Emergency

Management Officials Granted FEMA AssistanceCongressman Mike Fitzpatrick

(PA-08) announced this afternoon that after persistent lobbying from Fitzpatrick and the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, President Obama has issued a “major disaster declaration” in Pennsylvania.

“After 75 days, late last night the President signed a disaster declaration which will provide local governments and first responders here in Bucks County with the resources to which they are entitled,” said Fitzpatrick. “This comes as welcome news to the emergency management officials who performed to the highest standards in preparation for, and in response to, Hurricane Sandy.”

“While this is welcome news for Bucks County, there is still work to be done to ensure assistance is available for all the Pennsylvania counties that were impacted by Hurricane Sandy but excluded from the declaration

last night.” With this declaration, FEMA has

made available federal funds for Bucks County directed towards “assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities” and “assistance for ac-tions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.”

“We have yet to learn the level of funding support we will receive from the Administration,” continued Fitzpatrick, “I will remain vigilant to ensure first responders and munici-palities receive their fair share.”

Fitzpatrick concluded, “While I am pleased to see the President join me in securing this long-awaited re-lief, I intend to return to our nation’s capital on Monday to continue fighting to ensure that the Commonwealth re-ceives the full complement of support it deserves.”


Social Security and Tax TimeApril’s showers bring more than just May’s

flowers — they also bring the deadline day for filing taxes. Don’t wait until the showers arrive to prepare for tax season. Whether you are a small business owner, a retiree, or a new par-ent, here are some Social Security tax tips that may help you.

Are Social Security benefits taxable? They are for some people. About one third of those receiving benefits must pay taxes on some of their Social Security. If your total income, including Social Security and all of your other taxable income, is $25,000 or more and you file federal taxes as an individual, you’ll need to pay federal taxes on some of your benefits. (That amount is $32,000 for married couples filing a joint return.)

Will I get a tax form for my Social Security benefits? Yes. In fact, you should have already received it. Social Security Benefit Statements (Form SSA-1099) for tax year 2012 were mailed to beneficiaries and should have been received by January 31, 2013. If you receive Social Security and haven’t received your 1099, you can request one online at www.socialsecurity.gov/1099.

We had our first child in 2012. Does our baby need a Social Security Number? Yes. Most people apply for their baby’s Social Security number while they’re still in the hospital at the same time they apply for the birth certificate.If you didn’t, you’ll need to apply for your child’s Social Security number in order to claim the child as a dependent on your tax return. You’ll also need it if you ever apply for government benefits on behalf of the child or your family. Learn more about Social Security cards and numbers at www.socialse-curity.gov/ssnumber.

I changed my name when I got married last year. Do I need to report it to Social Security? Yes. If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, court order, or for any other reason, make sure you change your name with Social Security, as well as with your employer. If you change with one source but not the other, it could cause your earnings to be improperly recorded. That could result in you not getting all the benefits you earned when you become eligible for Social Security in the future. You can learn more about your Social Security number and how to change your name at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

I own a small business. Can I report the W-2s of my employees online to Social Security? Yes, and we encourage you to do so at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso. Filing your W-2s electronically is free, fast, and secure! Plus there’s an added bonus: when you file electronically, you receive an extra month to file because electronically filed W-2s aren’t due until March 31st. You’ll also receive an electronic acknowledgement receipt. And when you file electronically, you can print out your W-2s for your employees.

Does Social Security have any advice to make tax filing and future benefit applica-tions go smoothly? We encourage you to carefully check your name, Social Security number and all of the data on your W-2s, your online Social Security Statement, and Social Security card to make sure they all match. If you don’t have access to your card or Statement

but know your Social Security number, make sure the number and information is correct on your W-2s. A mismatch could delay your tax refund and cause problems with your Social Security benefits in the future. Such errors are much easier to fix now. If you do notice an error, you should contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or if the information on the W-2 is incorrect, notify your employer. For more information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Tom answers your other Social Security questions…

What are the benefits of using direct de-posit or electronic payments?

It’s safe. It’s secure. It’s convenient. Your checks will not get lost in the mail. You choose the account where your payment is deposited. You will get your benefits on time, even if you’re out of town or unable to get to the bank.

With few exceptions, nowadays, if you sign up for benefits, you must get your pay-ments electronically. If you are getting paper checks, you must switch to electronic pay-ments by March 1, 2013. If you don’t have a bank account, you can use the Direct Express prepaid debit card to get Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments deposited directly into your account. Go to www.godirect.org.

What’s the easiest way to apply for retire-ment benefits?

The easiest way to apply for retirement benefits is online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. It’s easy and secure. You can complete it in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, once your application is submit-ted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if we need more information. You also can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our representatives will make an appointment to take your appli-cation over the telephone or at a local Social Security office.

How can I get an estimate of my retirement benefits?

Use our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. There, you can enter certain identifying information about yourself, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, place of birth, and mother’s maiden name. If the personal information you provide matches our records, you can enter your expected retirement age and future wages. The online application will com-bine your earnings data Social Security has and provide you a quick and reliable online benefit estimate. You can even enter different “what if” scenarios to find out what your benefits will be in different situations. A Spanish-language Retirement Estimator is available at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador. In addition, you can obtain your online Social Security Statement, which provides estimates of future benefits as well as a record of your earnings to make sure your past earnings are reported correctly. Find the online Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/statement.

Celebrating Murmeltiertag: a Pagan Hangover

I had a fantastic gun dog. Riley was an orange and white American Brittany. He’s been gone for a while, now. I can’t avoid thinking about him at this time of year; when Punxsutawney Phil is dragged out of his luxurious burrow in front of thousands of people and video cameras and given the choice of doing something or crawling back into bed. Riley was a vehement groundhog killer. He wasn’t big; around 50 pounds during most of his career. Some of the groundhogs he tangled with were nearly half his size, and most of them only ‘gave up the ghost’ after a furious, noisy fight. Even so, Riley, with only a couple of minor injuries, ‘bagged’ forty-one of them before he got too old for that kind of ‘fun.’

Nearly everybody around here has seen a groundhog. They’re a game species in Pennsylvania. They’re also a pest. They ruin a huge amount of commercial crops and ravish home gardens. They do structural damage to buildings, fences and innumerable porches, and backyard decks. They dig big, deep holes that can break and ankle or a tractor’s wheel. They’re a little like coyotes, in that the more you try to eliminate them, the more there seems to be. You need a hunting license to ‘harvest’ groundhogs, and you aren’t supposed to kill them with a dog. There wasn’t much I could do to stop Riley, though. Besides, I like groundhog. It tastes like dark turkey meat.

The groundhog (Marmota monax), is also known as a woodchuck or whistle-pig. It’s a rodent of the family Sciuridae. It’s the largest member of a sub-group of ground squirrels known as marmots. Groundhogs are lowland creatures that are widely distributed in North America. Very common in the northeastern and central U.S., they are found as far north as Alaska and south into Georgia.

In the wild, groundhogs can live up to six years, though they average only two or three. Captive ones have lived as long as 14 years. Whistle-pigs are usually from 16 to 26 inches long and weight 4 to 9 pounds, but in areas where there are fewer predators and a good food supply (like Bucks County), they can grow to 30 inches and 30 pounds. Natural predators include snakes (babies in borrows), coyotes, foxes, hawks and dogs. Riley dragged back a couple that approached that local, overstuffed size.

Woodchucks are well adapted for digging. They have short, powerful limbs and curved thick claws. Unlike other members of their family, they have a curved spine, like a mole’s, and their tail is comparably short—about ¼ their body length. Well-suited to their temperate environment, groundhogs have two coats of fur: a dense grey undercoat and a coat of longer, ‘guard hairs’ that make them look ‘frosted.’

Groundhogs are primarily herbivores, eating wild grasses, vegetation, and almost any agricultural crop. Just a few of them can severely damage a soybean field or destroy a vegetable patch. The also eat grubs, snails, grasshoppers, and other insects. They hydrate through eating leafy plants rather than by drinking water.

Groundhogs are excellent burrowers.

They move an estimated 35 cubic feet of dirt creating a large den with as much as 46 feet of tunnels extending up to five feet underground. They have between two and five entrances providing escape routes. Though solitary creatures, a burrow may be occupied by several individuals. Groundhogs are one of the few species that enter true hibernation. They often have a separate ‘winter borrow,’ that is dug to below the frost line They reach their maximum body weight by the autumn hunting season—when they were most likely to encounter Riley.

A ‘daytime,’ territorial animal, ground hogs are very alert. They can often be seen standing motionless, erect on their hind feet looking for danger. Though inclined to escape to their den, they will stand and fight ferociously. They may look too fat and slow, but they are good swimmers and tree climbers if escaping predators (I saw Riley inspire them to do both).

February 2nd is a national holiday: Groundhog Day. With its beginning in the 1700’s as a Pennsylvania German custom, Murmeltiertag has its origins in ancient European ‘weather lore’ in which a badger is the prognosticator. It’s also similar to the Pagan festival of Imbolc, which celebrates the turning of the Celtic calendar, and occurs on February 1st. It involves weather forecasting, as well.

As everyone in this state knows, on Groundhog Day, when a drowsy, wooly marmot (named Phil) emerges from his burrow (prodded by the Mayor of Punxsutawney and a bunch of inanely clad potentates), if it’s a cloudy day; spring will come early. If it’s sunny, and the sleepy whistle-pig sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.

One of the earliest American references to the ‘holiday’ can be found in a diary entry made by James Morris, a storekeeper from Berks County. On February 4, 1841, he wrote: “Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six week nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.”

Since groundhogs usually don’t emerge from hibernation until March, regardless of the prediction, Phil is likely to crawl back down his hole and zonk out again. The spring equinox will occur about six weeks later, regardless of what Phil (or his many imitators) might ‘say.’

You know, I don’t mind a good holiday once in a while, but Groundhog Day seems kind of silly. Back when he was still alive, I seriously thought about taking Riley out to Punxsutawney and having an ‘accidental’ leash slip at the appropriate moment. It would have livened up the festivities. Some those dog/groundhog fights I witnessed would have more than satisfied any evening news producer’s quest for a thrilling, live action video.

Read more by Jack H. Schick at: www.jack-h-schick.wrytestuff.com


Effects of Hearing Loss Upon Communication

Several years ago, a television news report-er and crew responded to the site of an ac-cident somewhere in the Midwestern portion of the United States. A tractor trailer loaded with various supplies destined for a hardware store, lost control, narrowly missed several vehicles, and overturned. The cargo was strewn across the highway. The reporter was interviewing an old farmer who was shaken up but unscathed. As the interview progress, the farmer had picked up a box containing small metals objects. The female reporter asked the old farmer, “Do you think this is an omen?” The old farmer said, “No.” He pick some nuts and bolts out of the box and said, “They look pretty new to me.” The reporter said the word OMEN and the farmer thought she said OLD ONE.

Sound familiar? It happens every day and you probably know of a family member or friend that does this all the time.

Poor communication between spouses or family members is one the main topics ex-pressed during the initial case history. Inabil-ity to understand what another person says or poor receptive communication takes its toll upon the relationship. As with the reporter and farmer in the aforementioned story, a husband and wife experiencing this type of difficulty places a strain on their relationship.

For the recipient of the miscommunica-tion, there are a lot of feelings that may arise. They are disgusted the hearing impaired per-son they spoke to did not understand what was stated initially. The speaker must now correct and repeat themselves. Their voice is loud, more stern, and forceful. The spouse may even call into question the hearing im-paired cognition, mental health and well-be-ing, and even signs of old age afflictions such as dementia.

The hearing impaired person making the mistake of responding inappropriately feels bad. The person realizes even more that they have a hearing problem. Sometimes they do not. In those instances, the hearing impaired person may get angry and say the spouse ac-tually made the statement or ask the question that they thought they heard than what was

actually spoken by the spouse. The hearing impaired person now hearing the correction senses projected negativity being broadcast by their partner.

Furthermore, the spouse or family or friends may seek to avoid speaking to their hearing impaired person due to the inability of that person to connect with simple conver-sation. The hearing impaired person usually becomes withdrawn from people and activi-ties because of poor hearing and lack of en-joyment in every day social interaction. This new introvert retreats to a secluded and safe environment away from others so as not to in-cur the wrath and embarrassment from others associated with their hearing difficulty.

Some of the signs include, but are not limit-ed to: mistaking some words for other words, asking the speaker to repeat what they said, requiring the volume control be placed at a higher than normal level, blaming others for mumbling, arguments or disagreements aris-ing out of miscommunication, either party withdrawing from social interaction, not being able to understand the complete mes-sage and its importance (i.e. consultation, re-sults, and recommendations from a medical professional, etc.).

The effects of hearing loss upon communi-cation is a downward spiral.

However, the two-way street of suffering due to poor hearing can be averted. With encouragement from the spouse, family, and friends, the person with the suspected hearing loss can get help. A complete audiological evaluation with a private practice audiologist will provide answers to the actual problem and recommendations to pursue in alleviating the difficulty. The road to better hearing is a phone call away. What are you waiting for?mr. murphy knows first hand about hearing loss. he has had a bilaeral mild-to-moderate sensor- ineural hearing loss all of 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 the university of virginia in the spring of 1987. mr. murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related nationaland international organizations and can be reached at [email protected] and by phone at 215-804-1111.

Hidden Meadows Breaks Ground for New Memory

Care ResidenceOn January 8, Hidden Meadows on the

Ridge held a groundbreaking for its new 30,000 square foot dementia/ memory care unit. The new living space will be a secure, single-story building with four separate “neighborhoods” designed to give a friendlier, more familiar feel for residents with dementia and other cog-nitive impairment issues.

This will be the second building for Hidden Meadows on the Ridge. The first building opened five years ago with 54 rooms on three floors. The new building is expected to open by the end of the summer, according to Thom Bell, who owns Hidden Meadows along with

his brother, Jeff, and partner, Joe Cimerola.“This is something that will be good for the

community,” said Jeff, “We want to keep care affordable for the people whose family mem-bers are suffering from Alzheimer’s and other issues.” Brother Thom points out that that the facility is independent from other facilities and open for all of the community.

Hidden Meadows Marketing Director Connie Renn is excited about the design of the new building. “While the building is quite large, it’ll be comfortable and familiar to the residents because of the design.” The building has a “pod” design with four defined areas, each with their own staff, facilities, and activi-ties. Joe Cimerola pointed out that there will be areas for joint activities as well.

Jeff Bell, Joe Cimerola, and Thom Bell, Hidden Meadows owners; general contractor Kris Kirkpatrick; and Hidden Meadows marketing director Connie Renn get to work on the new memory care residence. The building is expected to be completed by late summer. photo by michele buono


First-time cookie sellers from DaisyTroop 280 (left to right) Isabella Supper, Lacey Keyser, and Katelyn Eberhardt - busy selling cookies at the Perkasie Giant. submitted photo

Brick Tavern Inn Donates $1250 to Milford Shelter

Brick Tavern Inn donates $1,250 from November’s Tuesdays for Charity proceeds to the Bucks County Housing Group’s Milford Square Shelter. Pictured: John Kunes, BCHG and Marcia Short, Brick Tavern General Manager photo by kimberly kratz

No one’s ever achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that’s abandoned by February.

- Suze orman

Radio Station Salutes Quakertown Teacher

Quakertown Elementary teacher Steve Wysocki heard on the radio that he had been named a teacher of the month before he re-ceived an email from DJ Mike Kelly of B104, a local radio station.

“I heard it while I was getting ready for school!” said Mr. Wysocki. “I said, ‘WHAT?!’”

Student Megan Bloss and her mother, Rhonda, submitted Wysocki’s name to the B104 Teacher Salute Program. The Lehigh Valley radio station’s website asks, “Do you have a teacher that has touched your life or the life of your child? Why not nominate them below for the B104 Teacher Salute!”

One teacher is selected on the first Friday of every month, from October to May. Last year, now retired Milford math teacher Bruce Knauss was honored.

“Why not honor teachers?” Kelly asked af-ter serving Little Caesar’s pizza to Wysocki’s students last week in the school library. “They are everyday heroes.”

Wysocki received a $250 gift certificate to

Meera Salon & Day Spa. Students suggested he get a mud pack and cucumbers on his eyes.

In the nomination, Megan and Rhonda wrote, “Mr. Wysocki makes learning fun and rewarding for the kids. He encourages them to be in charge of their own learning. He plays the piano for them and sings with them and they love it! My daughter has so much excite-ment about learning and loves to go to school. Mr. Wysocki has a definite talent for working with young kids. It’s easy to see how much he enjoys his job.”

Acupuncture Practice to Host Open House in Quakertown

Flashpoint Acupuncture has moved to Quakertown and they’re hosting an Open House on Thursday, February 7 from 5pm - 7pm. Meet Friselina Locadia, owner and practitioner of Flashpoint at her new office in the Atrium, 127 S. 5th Street, Suite 100, Quakertown. Learn about acupuncture, acupressure, massage and other remedies for mind, body, and spirit. Refreshments provided. Fris and her staff are eager to meet their new neighbors here in Upper Bucks!


SBA Launches Affordable Care Act Web Page

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a new web page and blog dedicated to educating small business owners about the Affordable Care Act. The new tools will serve as a gateway for small business owners connecting them with infor-mation provided by SBA’s federal partners responsible for implementing the law, in-cluding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“The Affordable Care Act provides small business owners with access and opportunity to provide affordable health care options for their employees,” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “SBA’s new Affordable Care Act web page and blog will serve as a resource for small business owners who want learn more about how to take advan-tage of these benefits.”

“The Affordable Care Act has many beneficial measures specifically for small businesses, including slowing premium cost growth and increased access to quality, af-fordable health insurance,” said Regional Administrator Natalia Olson-Urtecho. “SBA’s new web page can help small busi-nesses in the Mid-Atlantic region and even

breaks down the key provisions of the Act based on business size.”

The www.sba.gov/healthcare web page is organized into the following categories: self-employed, fewer than 25 employees, fewer than 50 employees, and more than 50 employees.

The web page also provides links to other useful information for small businesses, in-cluding a glossary of key health care reform terms, an interactive timeline with dates for when certain reforms will be implemented, a state-by-state breakdown of health care op-tions, and how to learn more about specific tax provisions and regulations. Additional resources will be added as they become available.

The blog, entitled Health Care Business Pulse (www.sba.gov/blog), will provide small business owners with continuous up-dates about the implementation of the Act. The blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or tax ad-vice. Readers should consult their legal or tax professionals to discuss how specific matters relate to their individual business circumstances.

Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Relocates,

Opens New Visitor CenterThe Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce

has relocated to 21 North Main Street in the Borough of Quakertown where it is now put-ting the finishing touches on a new Upper Bucks Visitor’s Center. Nestled among Quakertown’s historic sites of the Burgess Foulke House, Liberty Hall and the Red Lion Inn, the new chamber offices and visi-tor’s center is strategically located within the Borough’s Historic and Cultural District. The new location is very accessible, easy to find, and has plenty of parking available.

The full-service visitor’s center is staffed by the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce and volunteer members of the Quakertown Historical Society and operates as a satel-lite office of Visit Bucks – Bucks County’s Conference and Visitors Bureau. In addition to providing the usual visitor services – bro-chures, itineraries, maps, and an interactive visitor kiosk, the Upper Bucks Visitors Center will display many of the Quakertown Historical Society’s artifacts and relics of Upper Bucks’ industrial and rural heritage. The new site provides the unique setting of a building once known as the Marketplace, a late 1800’s barn, renovated in the 1970’s to be used for meetings, gatherings and dinners, as well as a repository for the Historical Society’s treasures. The building provides a unique historic picture of the ear-ly settlers, industrialists and visionaries that once inhabited the area, further promoting the region’s assets for tourists and residents alike. In addition, the new center is able to provide resources to our local business com-munity and business referrals for residents and visitors to the area – a one stop shop of who’s who and what’s what for the greater Upper Bucks County area.

The move also brings the chamber back to Downtown Quakertown to a more central location within the Upper Bucks region pro-viding easier access to market Quakertown’s downtown revitalization and work closely

with Quakertown Alive!, the Borough of Quakertown, and the Quakertown Historical Society. Each of the organizations within this alliance share the same mission of en-hancing the quality of life in Upper Bucks County. This alliance not only builds strong partnerships within the business community, but also assists in creating and retaining high quality business and employment oppor-tunities in our area, advocates for existing industry retention and expansion, and de-velop innovative programs that will lead to stronger business growth and greater eco-nomic stability for our communities.

The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce and Quakertown Historical Society strive to provide a warm, personal welcome for those who choose to explore the many features of the northern part of the county that helps to make Bucks County an unforgettable getaway. UBCC Executive Director, Tara King stated, “We look forward to the op-portunity to work collaboratively with the Quakertown Historical Society, nonprofit economic development agencies, and area municipalities to strengthen the Upper Bucks business community. Our vision for the new location incorporates a rich sense of tradi-tion and local tapestry of the area to provide a welcoming experience for visitors to the Upper Bucks County region.” Indeed, long term and new residents to our area are also likely to learn more about the amenities, resources, and culture our area has to offer!

The new visitors center is currently open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. As the finishing touches are completed and plans are made, additional hours may become available, as well as events at the center are expected.

King sums up her enthusiasm, “This is a very big deal for our area. It’s hard to express just how very important and stimu-lating these new alliances, our new location, and these new opportunities are for the resi-dents and businesses here in Upper Bucks. These are very exciting times. We’re going to make the very most of them!”

More Tales of How Sweethearts Have MetI met my husband my senior year of college

at Bloomsburg University in January of 1974. I was at a planning meeting for a weekend “non-violent lifestyle” event sponsored by the campus ministry. My friend Dave and I signed up to preview and select movies for the event. Dave’s new friend Bob signed up to help us. For several weeks, the three of us spent hours together previewing movies, laughing and joking around. Our campus ministry group planned to go to a campus concert as a group on Valentine’s Day. Bob and I were the only ones who showed up, so we went together. After the concert, we got strawberry milkshakes. That was our start. Five weeks after we met, Bob proposed. I finally accept the fourth proposal in April, partly because I was afraid by the time I was ready, he would have given up asking. We have now been happily married since 1975, and still get strawberry milkshakes every Valentine’s Day. – Alice Breon

My boyfriend at the time and I had been dating for three years; We were both in col-lege/grad school and had several years to go before we could consider marriage, though there were many times we talked about it and agreed it was in our future. We took many walks back then and did our talking and dreaming during those walks. One night while we were walking, talking about the fu-ture he said, “So do you think you still want to get married?” and I said, “Sure, nothing’s changed.” We continued our walking and talking. He asked if I wanted to go over to his parents’ place and I agreed. We were all sitting in the kitchen having a snack when Jonathan says, “We wanted you to be the first to know - We are going to get married!” Well, they were the first to know because I didn’t even know a proposal had happened!. Talk about a non-event! But it worked - we will be celebrating our 35th anniversary this year. – Name Withheld by Request

(photo) Eileen Mann and Richard Horl

knew each other from the time they were young children. She was a country girl from Quakertown, while he was a city boy from Allentown. Their mothers were friends and Richard spent a lot of his summers out at the Eileen’s family farm. Although he liked an-other girl, Eileen told her mother that one day she’d marry Richard. Along came World War II and Richard joined the army, while Eileen was off to Bible college. While he was away with the war, a friend sent Richard a photo of the “country girl” all grown up. In 1946, Eileen received a letter from Richard. In the letter, Richard told her that he was going to marry her. Eileen came home that summer, Richard kissed her and “pinned” her (which meant they were planning to be engaged) in an apple tree. Two months later, they were married and have been now for 66 years. They have two children, seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.– submitted by their daughter, Kim Awckland

My husband and I both placed personal ads in one of the local newspapers and with their service not only did we both call each other’s ads, but they also matched us up as possible dates! We both called and left messages that we were interested in getting to know more about each other! Both not knowing how long ago it was that we had left a message on our Individual numbers given to us by the paper, we both called and left messages anyway both thinking oh he/she will never call! On September 19, 2000, we were finally able to speak with one another! We talked for three hours that afternoon and for another three hours that night! We decided we wanted to get to meet each other and planned our first date to meet at a mutual restaurant two days later! We were both nervous; not knowing what each other looked like except by descrip-tion only by one of our conversations and describing our vehicles so we would know what to look for when we arrived. During one of our conversations, he asked me what my favorite animal was (bears) and he brought me a bear to add to my collection! My thought was, “Wow, he was listening to me talk about me and my favorite things! So far, he is a keeper!” So, we continue to our table at the restaurant and he asked me if I would like anything to eat. I said no because I was nervous to begin with and food no way not in front of him! I ordered a drink! I

was so nervous that I ripped my straw into the most tiny pieces I have ever seen which was an icebreaker at that point! We talked for several hours at the restaurant and then went to our respective homes. He called me that night to make sure I got home okay and since neither of us could sleep, we talked some more! I think we knew so much about each other we kept saying we had to go and just couldn’t. It was like a match made in Heaven. From that point on, we continued to date and then he proposed! My husband had a boat in Long Beach Island so we would go there on the weekends. One weekend at the end of June, 2001, he told me were going for my birthday! When we got there, I decided to relax and fell asleep. When I woke up a cou-ple hours later, there were a lot of people on the dock and they were dressed up for some reason! I still did not get it so I went about my normal day and went to watch the kids crabbing and picking up little fish etc. My then-boyfriend met me at the end of the dock where he had one of the boats that went from Long Beach Island over to Atlantic City with a banner hanging off of it “Kristine, will you marry me?” It was awesome! I said “yes” and in the excitement, I almost knocked the ring off his leg and into the water, I was cry-ing and had to ask which finger the ring went on. We laughed and cried tears of enjoyment and then friends and family had a little party with a toast and then went to dinner. We got married in March of 2002 and will be cel-ebrating our 11 year Anniversary this March! We have a beautiful daughter! Our lives are now complete! I love him more and more ev-ery day. He is the most thoughtful husband a girl could ask for in her life! – Kristine Doyle

The met on South Street, their first date was on South Street, so it was only appropriate that he ask her to marry her on South Street. Brian Garber asked Meghan Fitzgerald, his girlfriend of 4 years, to marry him at O’Neals via Quizzo answers! He and Johnny (from O’Neals) arranged beforehand the answers to the questions in round 1 to form THE QUESTION. They were as follows:

1. During the opening number in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington is often referred to as this type of king.

2. Your left one of these is located in front of your mid cerebral artery.

3. Though she performs with it as her last name, this former member of the group Hole was born with it as a first name?

4. Of the five vowels, which one is repre-sented by the fewest tiles in Scrabble?

5. A kids museum in Philadelphia has a title that begins with an adverb. What is the adverb?

6. In the Greek alphabet, it’s BETA. What is it in English?

7. What were nine men trapped inside of in Somerset, PA in 2002?

8. In the movie Dogma, angels Bartleby and Loki are banished from Heaven to live in Wisconsin. How long is their time on earth supposed to last?

9. This musician, whose first name is Matthew, put out a popular rock album in 1991 called Girlfriend.

10. The Detroit Pistons have a player named Tayshaun who regularly destroys the Sixers. What’s his last name?

The answers to those questions? 1. PUMPKIN 2. EYE 3. LOVE 4. U 5. PLEASE 6. B 7. MINE 8.FOREVER 9. SWEET 10. PRINCE.

Brian, who was in charge of writing down answers, gave Johnny a look at the conclusion of the round. That was Johnny’s cue to play “At Last” by Etta James. Brian then walked over to Meghan and said, “This is weird. Look at these answers.” As she was look-ing at them, a quizzical look came over her face. He then produced the ring, though he wasn’t able to drop to a knee. “I fell down the stairs this weekend and screwed up my back.” Her eyes lit up like Times Square, and in disbelief, she uttered, “Are you kid-ding me?” That was quickly followed with a “Yes!” and champagne was produced. The crowd at the bar, confused at first, produced a hearty roar when Johnny told them what had happened, and an even heartier roar when he told them that in celebration he was giving everyone a perfect round 1 score. Meghan missed round 2 (The Ford or Chevy round). She was too busy running down South Street, showing off the ring to every single human being she passed. They’ve been married for seven years.– Meghan Garber


Four Generations Celebrate Evelyn

Ratzell’s 95th

Did you know that children receive 39% of all Valen-tine’s Day candy and gifts. Following them are wives

and mothers (36%), fathers and husbands (6%), grandparents (3%), and pets (1%).

Scouts Give Facelift to Milford Square SHP Shelter

Boy Scouts Anthony Adornetto and Wesley Flack received commendations from Bucks County Housing Group upon the completion of their Eagle Scout projects for the Milford Square SHP Shelter. Flack has recently earned the Eagle Scout title while Adornetto expects to in the near future. Demonstrating their commitment to the Upper Bucks community, and in particular the women and children of the shelter, the two young men from Troop#16 of Zion Lutheran Church each set two work on his task.

Adornetto solicited area businesses including: Laboratory Testing, Inc, Marybeth Marcincin, DMD, MS, Partners for Healing Changework, Lowe’s Quakertown, McCoole’s, Sal’s Pizza Randa, Giovanni’s Pizza, Swann’s Pantry as well as his friends and family. These spon-sors supplied all of the required materials to refurbish the children’s playground including the tedious task of staining the swing set. The new slide, mulch, picnic set and toy box full of assorted balls make the updated play space cheerful and inviting. Adornetto aspires to be a computer-aided design technician, first attending Northampton County Community College and later transferring to Pennsylvania

College of Technology after graduating from Quakertown Community High School this spring.

For his project, Wesley Flack clocked over 150 hours constructing a wood privacy fence that borders the shelter’s parking lot opposite the new playground. He credits Penn Color, Christ Lutheran Church of Hellertown, and Robert Flack with underwriting the materials he needed to complete the project. Flack is considering several colleges, has been accepted to one, though he’s holding out for his favorite which for the moment is confidential. Flack plans to major in marketing and to apply for Officer Candidate School with the U.S. Navy.

The two young men demonstrate skills and leadership in this community that would not have been possible without their hard work and the generosity of many donors.

Bucks County Housing Group, which op-erates Milford Square SHP Shelter & Food Pantry is a private, non-profit social service organization which provides a wide range of housing and related social services to home-less and low-income families. Arrangements for donations or volunteer opportunities can be made by contacting Bucks County Housing Group’s main office at 215-598-3566 or via the website at www.bchg.org.

Anthony Adornetto and Wesley Flack chose to make the Milford shelter a better place as their Eagle Scout projects. Both received certificates thanking them for their efforts. photo by kimberly kratz

QCHS Art Teacher Receives University Honor

Quakertown Community High School art teacher and Art Department Chairperson Amy Migliore recently received an award from Kutztown University for Outstanding Community Involvement and Advocacy for Project Innovate. Mrs. Migliore and the QCSD art teachers are gearing up for the 2013 edition of Project Innovate, which will involve many more schools than last year in the recycled fashion show.

Four generations, herself included, gathered to celebrate Evelyn Ratzell’s 95th birthday in Telford recently. Pictured here are daughter (back right) Karen Weikel, granddaughter (back left) Lisa Betz, and great grandchildren Abigail and Lauren. A variety of other children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were not available at press time. photo by christopher betz


Kate’s Royal PortraitThe official portrait of HRH The Duchess of

Cambridge was unveiled at London’s National Portrait Gallery on January 11, 2013 and is cur-rently on public display there. The portrait was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery through the Art Fund. The painting was paint-ed by the BP award-winning artist Paul Emsley (born in 1947 in Glasgow, Scotland) who has also painted such notable figures as President Nelson Mandela and author V. S. Naipaul.

Experts are categorizing the painting within the tradition of Italian Renaissance portrait master, Leonardo da Vinci citing a keen ability to capture likeness and the use of dark and light areas to convey drama to the image.

Soon other royal portraits will be compared to this painting of the Duchess of Cambridge like the paintings by Hans Holbein of the royal court member of King Henry VIII to more cur-rent and famous painting of Princess Diana by American artist, Nelson Shanks.

Onlookers the world over—that is anyone with a pair of eyes—have offered their critique of the painting too. Some adjectives that have been used to describe the work of art include dark, unflattering, inconsistent, etc. I think that the way that the artist has captured the Duchess’ trademark flowing long hair and coy yet understated smile is an achievement, aesthetically speaking. Of course, the natural beauty of the Duchess of Cambridge contrib-utes to the success of the Emsley painting.

Some say that the painting shows a more serious side of the Duchess, but I disagree with that assessment. As an art historian, appraiser, and former museum director, I think that the painting shows a youthful royal with a zest for life and a sincere smile that shows her unique understanding of her position. The piece cap-tures her likeness, suggests her vigor, and makes the viewer want to take a second look.

The Duchess sat twice for the artist in both May and June 2012. One sitting took place at the artist’s studio and the other in the Duchess’ own surroundings at Kensington Palace. Like most contemporary portrait artists, Emsley produced photographs and worked from them to complete the portrait. The painting was completed after approximately four months of work by the artist.

The Duchess’ eyes are attractive, realistic, and bright. An oddly familiar earring emerges from the Duchess’ curled hair which shows a strong resemblance to the famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring that was once owned by the late Princess Diana. The portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge is a bust length portrait

which does not show the sitter’s hands so the earring may serve as a remembrance of the family tradition and the famous history of the royal jewels. I think that as with many works of fine art, the earring may serve as a symbol of the legacy of the royals. This object is a rec-

ognizable link to her husband Prince William and his legacy of the royal lineage.

Reports indicate that the Duchess wanted to be portrayed naturally, not officially. To in-clude the Duchess with her smile, many who know her say, was a good and obvious choice.

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, now The Duchess of Cambridge, was born in Berkshire and attended Marlborough College. The Duchess studied at the British Institute in Florence before enrolling at the University of St Andrews in Fife. She has a degree in the History of Art. She married Prince William of Wales at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. She holds an honorary position as a Patron of the National Portrait Gallery.

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge by Paul Emsley is on display now as part of the Contemporary Collections in the Lerner Galleries of the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Judging from the portrait, it looks like it’s good to be Kate.

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Students of the Month Named at Upper Bucks

County Tech SchoolCarter Stein, a senior from Quakertown

Community High School, has been named Student of the Month for December at the Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS). Carter has been enrolled in the Plumbing & Heating Technology program for three years.

Carter is consistently receives First Honors at UBCTS. In addition, he received a perfect attendance award and the Outstanding Level II Plumbing student during the 2011-2012 school year. Carter serves as the SkillsUSA Treasurer and recently attended the SkillsUSA Professional Development Conference. He will compete in the upcoming SkillsUSA District 11 Action Skills event.

Upon graduation, Carter plans to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology and ma-

jor in Heating & Air Conditioning. He then plans to pursue an apprenticeship position and obtain his master plumber’s license.

Megan Ambrose, a senior from Pennridge High School, has been named Student of the Month for December at the Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS). Megan has been enrolled in the Animal Technology program for two years.

Megan is a 4-H member and also member of the United States Pony Club. She will attend the 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show and show a market animal that she has raised.

Megan is employed as a Cooperative Education student at the Bucks County SPCA. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Delaware Valley College. She will seek a four year de-gree and her goal is to become a veterinarian.

Vera Bradley Bingo Event to Benefit Relay for Life

Quakertown Community High School soph-omore Amanda Hafler has been spending a lot of time shopping for Vera Bradley bags. But not for her own use. Hafler has been busy selecting and purchasing the popular fabric bags for her senior graduation project, a bingo fundraiser to benefit The Upper Bucks Relay for Life, a program of the American Cancer Society. “In today’s economy, fundraising is difficult. Most people don’t have a lot of dis-posable income. This year, I tried to think of a fun way for people to support Relay for Life,” says Hafler, a three-year team captain and a two-year member of the Planning Committee of the Upper Bucks Relay. “I decided to or-ganize a bingo event with Vera Bradley bags as prizes.”

Representing her own Relay team, Hafler is working with members of another team, The Care Bears for Cancer, to host the event scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 1:00 p.m. at The Milford Township Fire Company. “The Care Bears do so much for Relay; they orga-nize and run the Survivor Breakfast on the day of Relay as well as running their team stand,” said Hafler. Barbara Hafler, Amanda’s mother, sees it another way. “I see this as a great learning opportunity for my daughter.

By teaming up with the Care Bears, Amanda will see first-hand the importance of working effectively with others to make a successful event happen.”

An added bonus is the involvement of The Upper Bucks Senior Activity Center, housed in The Milford Township Fire Company build-ing. Members will offer the food concessions on the day of the bingo event as a fundraiser for programs of the Senior Center. “I’m really happy about that. Not only will this event benefit Relay for Life, but it will also help out the senior citizens of our community,” says Hafler.

The Vera Bradley Bingo to Benefit the Upper Bucks Relay for Life offers 20 games of bingo, raffles, a Chinese auction, and door prizes. Each bingo game will feature a differ-ent Vera Bradley bag. Even “tie” prizes are Vera Bradley products! Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be available. Advance tickets are $20. Tickets at the door are $25. For more information, or to get tickets, call 215.538.7817 or email [email protected]. To see all of the prizes, like us on Facebook: Vera Bradley Bingo to Benefit the Upper Bucks Relay for Life.

submitted by barbara hafler

Perkiomen School Badminton Team Competes in Nat’l Event

Five Perkiomen School students, juniors Michelle Suh and Tets Hashimoto along with sophomores Katrina Yan, Larry Li and Roger Wang travelled from Pennsburg to compete in their first-ever national badminton tourna-ment. The University of Maryland/Maryland Badminton Club hosted the first major tour-nament of the season. The “National Capitol DC Open” is an event attracting international players, primarily college students and older adults. These five high school students faced serious competition.

“All of us knew that we needed more experi-ence. It gave me the goal to play harder. The standard for myself has been raised higher. I saw many girls play even better than men. This was such a wonderful opportunity for me,” said Yan.

As newcomers, the students entered the three day competition at the “C” level and work to progress to the “A” level in future tournaments, a division reserved for seasoned players as well as professionals. With nearly 250 participants, they had their work cut out for them.

Li and Yan entered their first Mixed Doubles “C” division suffering a loss, but each came back in the singles. In the men’s division, Wang made it to the second round, while Li sailed through the second round, and finished

in the quarter finals. Tets rounded out the men finishing in the semi-finals.

Tets was excited to compete at the tourna-ment level, a sentiment echoed by Yan. “This was the greatest tournament I’ve ever seen. Compared to the other participants, we were young, and lacked their experience,” said Yan.

Nonetheless, desire to try saw Yan and Suh place in the semi-finals in Women’s Doubles “C.” Yan went on to place 5th overall in the Women’s Singles “C,” a formidable outcome for the students’ first crack at nationals.

In an unusual turn, after the Saturday night competition, a coach from one of the other teams approached Perkiomen School’s Coach Joseph Swartz. “He had nothing but good comments about our team’s participation.” said Swartz. He added, “As we were leav-ing, two of the tournament umpires came to us separately to congratulate the group for having participated and their overall level of play. I have never seen that happen.”

“This has been an excellent opportunity for our team members, and I was extremely pleased with their overall performance. I look forward to our team’s future competitions,” said Swartz.

Since no badminton leagues exist locally, scrimmages are planned for the students to compete against college players at Bryn Mawr College, Drexel University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Penn State Abington, and University of Pennsylvania.


Preserving Quakertown Community School District’s History

Pennsylvania Code requires the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania to keep student education records for at least 100 years. The code was written in 1949 and has never been changed. You can imagine how many boxes and cabinets of paper that requirement must entail.

Quakertown Community High School (QCHS) is about to undergo a major renovation. Without the intervention of oc-togenarian Frank Licopoli and Senior student Tyler Stalletti, the tons of paper, yearbooks, photos, meeting notes and other artifacts in the high school basement might have been plowed over by construction vehicles. In December, the pair plowed through the dark basement, also known as “the dungeon”, pulling out the boxes. They sorted the con-tents, dusted them of grime and mold, and laid them out in first-floor rooms of the high school annex that formerly housed the district offices.

Licopoli and Stalletti labeled as many of the items for which they could research and discover backstory.

Alice Bishop, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board Secretary, said the QCSD storeroom is filling up and there is not much room in the vault. She recovered from the Licopoli-Stalletti stash the very first board meeting notes, from May 1891, of the Richland School Board to put them in the vault.

“I’m responsible for all the notes of the board, so we need to keep them,” Bishop said, carefully turning the pages of cursive handwriting on yellowed paper.

Licopoli pointed to many books of notes and said, “Some are in better condition than others.” He is transposing the student at-tendances as early as 1861 from the many one-room schools in our area to a database. At that time, teachers were required to report monthly attendance to the superintendent be-cause that’s how the schools were reimbursed by the Education Department in Harrisburg.

Licopoli said. “You can see family names that still exist in this area, like Moyers, Rosenberger, Fluck, Amey, Clymer, Biehn, Heller, Wenhold, Benner, Horne and so many more. Their descendants still live here.”

Because the old district offices will be used for classrooms during the renovation, the his-torical items cannot stay there long. Banking on the fact that people do appreciate history, Licopoli and Stalletti will prepare as many of the items as they can for storage. There is the possibility that the items, particularly the old teacher registers, can find a safe and secure home. Licopoli is working with Dr. Robert Leight and Tom Moll, librarian for the Richland Library Company, which is the home of many archival records about our area. Richland Library is one of the oldest

officially chartered libraries in Pennsylvania.So what happens to the items that don’t fit

there or at the current district offices?“The administrators and school board will

have to decide that,” Licopoli said.Stalletti, a member of the QCHS Yearbook

staff, started discovering boxes of old photo-graphs in the yearbook room two years ago. He wasn’t sure what to do with them but he knew they should be preserved in some way. He learned to appreciate history because his ancestors have owned and rebuilt a hotel in North Conway, N.H., many times. In fact, he plans to get his college degree in hotel man-agement. With all the photos stacked, Stalletti emailed Alice Bishop. Coincidentally, she also received emails about the same time from Licopoli, who had noticed the boxes of stuff in the basement several years ago while helping to coach track.

“I taught math at Wissahickon School District,” explained Licopoli, who served on the QCSD School Board in the 1980s. “When they tore down the old Ambler High School, they knew they didn’t know what to keep or throw in the trash. I was able to retrieve well-maintained photos and class lists dating back to 1896 and turn them over to the Historical Society of Fort Washington. A few months ago, I bumped into Dr. Lisa Andrejko at a breakfast and I told her about that. She said we could do that in Quakertown. That’s when I started emailing Alice.”

In just two short months, Licopoli and Stalletti have cleaned out and put together quite a collection. There are still more documents in an old District Office room for which the key is missing. Also, there are still more boxes in the basement. There are photos of buildings, Lincoln and Central, the first two buildings in the district; the Quakertown Junior-Senior High School was built in front of them. It later became Quakertown Elementary when the current high school was built. Lincoln and Central were torn down in the 1970s.

Starting in his sophomore year, Stalletti looked through every single yearbook and talked to longstanding community residents, such as former school board member Dr. Robert Leight. He originally wanted to learn the history of the high school planetarium in an effort to save it during the renovation. Instead, he learned the history of QCSD and made many good friends among the older generations who share his passion. He has become a member of the Quakertown Historical Society.

Licopoli is a past president of the Quakertown Historical Society. He grew up in Floral Park, NY but has lived in Quakertown since 1970. He and his wife, Patricia, raised their three sons in Quakertown.

Clearly, Licopoli and Stalletti are proud of the heritage in QCSD and they would like to see it preserved.

Arnold GodshAll, 61, of Coopersburg, died Tue. Dec. 29 at Lehigh Valley Hospital- Cedar Crest. Born in Sellersville, he was the son of the late Ernest and Betty (Renninger) Godshall. He worked as a Grinder for Cook’s Technology for many years. Surviving: daughter, Nicole Godshall, fiancé Wyane Watson, Coppersburg; grandchildren, Kayla and Chelsea; brothers, Ronald, wife Bonnie, Sellersville and Dean, wife Theresa, of Breiningsville. He was preceded in death by his German Shepard-Husky, Precious.

Chiu linG ChAi, Md, 80, of Quakertown, died Saturday January 26 in Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Martha (Holtzclaw) Chai. They would have celebrated 56 years of marriage on February 23. Born August 24, 1932 in Shanghai, China, he was the son of the late KeKung and Mary (Shinowara) Chai. Dr. Chai graduated in 1957 from Hahnemann Medical School, Philadelphia. His medical practice served the Quakertown community for 38 years before retiring in 1997. Dr. Chai was honored by the Four Chaplains for his humanitarian ef-forts in the community. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Zion Hill and the Bucks County Medical Society where he served as past president. He was also a member of F.F., a Chinese Fraternity. He was an avid fisherman who loved the out-doors and could often be found feeding ducks in his back yard pond. Surviving with his wife are children; son, Dr. Mark Chai, MD, wife Sue, Sinking Spring, daughters; Maria Rajaratnam, Manhattan Beach, CA, Melissa Gibson, husband Vincent, Centreville, VA, and Monica Chai, Quakertown, sister; Martha May, husband Dr. Robert Kim, Honolulu, Grandchildren; Danielle, Evan, Amanda, Mark, Michele, and Lindsey. He was predeceased by his daughter Marsha A. Chai-Lambert who passed away in 2006.

dorothy A. ACkerMAn, 92, of Richland-town, died Jan. 24. Widow of Paul C. Ackerman, mother of Richard P. Ackerman.

MAry henry, 91, of Quakertown died Thursday. Jan. 24, in Independence Court of Quakertown. She was the wife of the late Earl R. Henry. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Mary (Kelly) Lapinski. She was a manager for the Former JC Penny Co. for many years before retiring.

She was longtime active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Quakertown. Surviving, son; Dean, Engelwood, NJ; and numerous nephews & nieces. She was pre-deceased by brothers and sisters, Edward, John, Joseph, Catherine, and Anne.

niCole G. deFrAnCesCo, 43, went home to our Lord on January 17, 2013. She was residing in Toluca Lake, CA. Nicole Giacondina DeFrancesco was born on February 1, 1969 in Allentown, PA to Richard E. and Sharon J.(Shearer) Frank of Elverson, PA. She graduated from Boyertown High School in 1987, Indiana University of PA in 1991, Las Vegas, Nevada Cosmetology School. She was licensed in both Las Vegas, Nevada and California. She worked as a hair stylist in the Television and Movie Industry since 2004. Her most recent works included Desperate Housewives, Big Love, Mad Men, Suburgatory, Carpoolers, Spartan, Applebox, Twilight, Semi Pro, Hunger Games and Lincoln to name a few. Nicole is survived by her parents, brother Corey and his wife Ann, beloved nephews Jordan, Adam, Michael and Niece Elisabeth, Aunt Moira (Mo)and Uncle Bruce and Cousin Jennine Dorse, Aunt Sara Cope, Uncle Joseph Frank, Grandfather Ricky Frank and many many cousins. And of course, her beloved dog Vinnie.

JAMes A. tuCker, 69, of Quakertown, died Mon. Jan. 21 in his home. He was the husband of Carol L. (Reitz) Tucker, celebrat-ing 47 years of marriage in December.

Born in West Rockhill Twp., he was a son of the late Charles V. and Marion (Greisamer) Tucker. He worked as a switchman for the former Bell Atlantic, now Verizon for over 25 years. He served with the Army National

Guard. Was active for many years in Boy Scouts of America Troop 55, Quakertown. He was an avid hunter and fisher, he es-pecially enjoyed moose hunts in Canada. Surviving with wife; son, David J, wife Nicole, Harleysville. Predeceased by son, Andrew, and brother Charles.

MAry henry, 91, of Quakertown died Thursday. Jan. 24, in Independence Court of Quakertown. She was the wife of the late Earl R. Henry. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Mary (Kelly) Lapinski. She was a manager for the Former JC Penny Co. for many years before retiring. She was longtime active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Quakertown. Surviving, son; Dean, Engelwood, NJ; and numerous nephews & nieces. She was pre-deceased by brothers and sisters, Edward, John, Joseph, Catherine, and Anne.

JAson s. “JAy” heuCkeroth, 32, of Quakertown died Wed., Jan. 9, 2013. Born in Rockhill Twp., he was a son of Mark and Debra (Althouse) Heuckeroth of Quakertown. Surviving with parents: Sister, Jaime Squiccimara, husband Kris, Pennsburg ; Paternal Grandmother, Mary Jane Heuckeroth, Quakertown, and nephews Logan and Kristoffer.

terry lynn CArrozzino, was born March 29, 1960 in Vernon, NY, died in October of injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident. She was the daughter of Georgia (Kinney) and Thomas Ladue of York Springs PA. She was a 1978 graduate of Bermudian Springs High School and a graduate with honors from the Antonelli Institute of Photo Journalism and upon graduation she was employed at Antonelli as the Financial Aide Advisor. Terry also attended York Community College and George Washington University.

Terry is survived by her husband Louis of 17 years, their daughter Elizabeth, two sisters, Pamela (Ladue) and husband William Neil of Grand Marais, MN, Toma (Ladue) and husband Christopher Rutters, their two sons Joshua and Jonathan from Glenn Rock, PA. Two stepbrothers, Michael and Thomas Ladue of Cape Cod, MA. She was prede-ceased by her brother Raymond Ladue of York Springs, PA.

Terry was an active member of St. Isidore Catholic Church in Quakertown, PA where she was employed as the Business Manager. She also served as a member of the church finance committee, a girl scout leader and a religious advisor for the Catholic Committee of Girl Scouts and advisor to the 4-H horse club. Terry was devoted to the education of the children at St. Isidore’s school and was instrumental in the organization of the an-nual Christmas tour for the children and the families of St. Isidore. The tour included orphanages, hospitals and nursing homes. However, her greatest passion was her fam-ily. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her.

Grace I. Long, 92, of Quakertown died December 31, 2012 in Quakertown Quakertown Center Genesis Health Care. She was the wife of the late Milton R. Long. Born in Quakertown, she was the daughter of the late Douglas and Lillian (Scholl) Schnure. She and her late husband co-owned the for-mer Long Camera Shop in Quakertown. Prior to that she was employed by the former Eagle Shirt Compnay, also in Quakertown. Grace was a member of the Quakertown Senior Center and enjoyed Bingo and cross-stitch. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Quakertown. Survived her son, Nelson Long, and his wife, Nancy, of Allentown; two daughters, Audrey Aston and her husband, Gary, of East Greenville, and Diana Furlong and her husband, Anthiny, of Perkasie; her sister Jeanette Kemmerer of Souderton; ten grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, Loretta; three brothers, Russel, Leroy, and George; and five sisters, Anna Johnson, Esther Keller, Dorothy Landis, Carrie Mest, and Pauline

~Obituaries~

Nearly all men can standadversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

- Abraham Lincoln


~Obituaries~Wenhold.

WinField r. stevens, 96, of Quakertown died January 6, 2013 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. He was the husband of the late Esther (Cope) Stevens. Born in Souderton, he was the son of the late Vincent 7 Rith ( Gerhart) Stevens. Prior to his retirement, he worked for the former Martin Century Farms in Lansdale. He was a lifetime member of the Shiloh Lodge #558 & AM in Lansdale and a lifetime member of the Lehigh Valley Consistory. Winfield was a member of the North Penn Shrine Club, the Raja Shrine of Blandon, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Friendship Forest 146, great Swamp Fish & Game, Quakertown Senior Center, and AARP. He served his country proudly in the US Navy during WWII, and was a member of the Quakertown American Legion Post 242 and the John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 in Quakertown. He was also a member of the First United Church of Christ in Quakertown. Survived by nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his brother, John, and sister, Fern Palmarozza.

eArlin J. Wenhold, 95, formerly of Milford Square, passed away peacefully on January 13 at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center where he resided. He was the husband of the late Ruth (Tomlinson) Wenhold. Born in Milford Square on December 12, 1917, he was the son of the late Raymond and Katie (Kline) Wenhold. He was a US Army vet-eran, serving during WWII, a member of the Quakertown American Legion Post 242, the former Quakertown Moose Lodge #1622, the North Penn Gun Club, and a former member of Milford Township Volunteer Fire Company. Earlin is survived by a daughter, Eileen Balliet; a brother, Clifford Wenhold (Nancy); a stepson, Dr. Thomas Greisamer (Melon); two grandchildren, Tom Smith (Teresa), and Linda McGourney (Michael); five great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; his niece, Darianne Fitch (Gregg); and a nephew, Keith Wenhold; three step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren.

rAChel AdAMCzyk, 82, of Villas, NJ died January 13 in Capre Regional Medical Center, NJ. She was the wife of the late George Adamczyk. Born in Richlandtown, she was the daughter of the late W. Raymond & Ethel (Sterner) Hinkle. She is survived by her chil-dren, George of Catasaqua, Lauren Longacre and her husband, Steve, of Phoenixville, Michele of Philadelphia, and Blake and his wife, Maria, of Reading. Seven grandchil-dren, Charissa Stork, Dawn Leathers, Bart, Shaun, Lucas, Isabella, and Corinna. Three great-grandchildren, Candace, Avaleigh, and Raelle. She was predeceased by her son, William, a brother, Willaim, and sister, Doris Meyers.

esther M. shelly, 81, of Quakertown died January 18 in her home. She was the wife of Donald Shelly. They were married 51 years last November. Born in Sellersville, she was the daughter of the later Lewis & Elma (Wolfe) Roberts. She enjoyed spending time at Spor’s General Store in Trumbauersville. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Donald, and his wife, Jean; a broth-er, Lewis, and two sisters, Marion Markley and Shirley Schnable. Six grandchildren, Samantha, Nicole, Paige, Dayna, David, and Jessica. She was predeceased by her son Douglas and brother Arthur.

JAMes BlAse, 51, of Ottsville died January 19 in Grand View Hospital. Born in Abington, he was the son of the late George & Lillian (Koons) Blase. He was a roofer. He is survived by four sisters, Barbara Preston, Georgine Mills, Rosemary Frum, and Elizabeth Nelson; and three brothers, Joseph, Robert, and Thomas.

roBert h. BeAler, 97, of Quakertown died January 20 in Belle Haven Nursing Home. He was the husband of the late Lillian (Fedorowicz) Bealer and companion of the late Gloria Millikan. Born in Tylersport, he was the son of the late Robert & Mabel (Hunsberger) Bealer. He was a proud mem-ber of the Voters Hall of Fame, having voted in every election for the past 76 years.He held lifetime memberships in the Loyal Order of the Moose and the Great Swamp Fish, Game, and Forestry Association. Robert served as a First Sgt. In the CCC’s from 1932 – 1935 and was a US Army veteran serving dur-ing WWII. He was also a member of the

Quakertown American Legion Post #242. He is survived by his children, Robert (Ruth) of Las Vegas, Barbara Wolfgang (Paul) of York, and Bonnie Fachet of Quakertown. Nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

niCholAs kurloWiCh, Jr., 85, of Milford Square died January 20 in LifeQuest Nursing Center. He was the husband of the late Evelyn (Vilches) Kurlowich. Born in Hilltown, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Xenia (Warich) Kurlowich. He is survived by two sons, Allen (Debbie) of Sellersville, Edward (Debbie) of Quakertown; four daughters, Grace Anderson (Andrew) of Perkasie, Joanna Dyer (Fred) of Hatfield, Sarah Honnen (Buck Miller) of Line Lexington, and Mary Lou Greenberg of Berwick; a step-daughter, Gloriana Sewell (Gene) of Milford Square; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.

Betty Medve, 95, of Richlandtown died January 20 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. She was the wife of the late John J. Medve, Jr. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Alex and Mary (Odessy) Bahry. Betty enjoyed sewing, cooking, and gardening. She is survived by her son Jack and his wife, Bonnie, and her daughter Connie Butcher and her husband, Mike, all of Coopersburg; her brother Mike Bahry and his wife, Marie, of Richlandtown; one granddaughter, Gwen Nice, and her husband, Troy; three step-grandsons and five step-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother John and sister Anne.

Arlene White, 93, formerly of Quakertown passed away on January 21 at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center where she resided. She was the wife of the late Leonard White. Born in Meyersville, PA, she was the daughter of the late William & Katie (Saeger) Becker. She was a 1937 gradu-ate of Quakertown High School and a former employee of Tropic Ardens Florist where she designed wedding bouquets and corsages. Being an accomplished seamstress, she sewed her own clothes and did alterations for oth-ers. Arlene is survived by her son Kenneth (Diane) of Quakertown and her daughter Diane of Berwyn; her geanddaughter Janel Kinlaw (Patrick) of Oakton, VA; and twin great-granddaughters, Audrey and Lucy. She was predeceased by her brother William Becker and sister Ruth Wonsidler and her husband Enos.

Howard e. brandiS, Jr. , 63, of Quakertown died January 21 in Grand View Hospital. He was the husband of Rosemarie (Koten) Brandis. They were married 41 years last September. Born in Lansdale, he was the son of the late Howard & Martha (Ocotny) Brandis. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spinnerstown. In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by a son, Thomas Jay, and his wife, Jennifer, of Quakertown; a daughter, Rebecca Miller, and her husband, Daniel, of Coopersburg; a brother, Phil, and his wife, Rosemary, of Kansas City; four grandchildren, Morgan, Alexandra, Danielle, and Nicholas. He was predeceased by two sisters, Judy Smith and Kelly Grafton, and his grandson Cody.

M. MAdorrA sAMph, 97, of Richlandtown, died Tuesday, Jan. 29 in Phoebe-Richland Health Care Center. She was the widow of Herman Samph.

She was a clerical worker in the accounting office of the Quakertown Community School District for 28 years before retiring.

Born in Richlandtown, she was the daughter of the late Herbert J. and Amanda (Frankenfield) Schaffer.

She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richlandtown where she sang on the choir for 70 years, taught Sunday school, and served as choir & Women’s Guild treasurer, Richlandtown Fire Co Auxiliary, Richlandtown Playground Assoc., Auxiliary to American Legion Post 242, and Quakertown AARP. She was a 50 year mem-ber of Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by nephews, nieces, grand-nephews & grandnieces.

Service, Sat., Feb 9, 10am in the Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown followed by interment in Richlandtown Union Cemetery. Memorials to St. John’s UCC or a local charity of choice.

QUAKERTOWNAamco

A-Plus Mini MarketBottom Dollar Foods

Beer CityBrick’s Sales

Classic StaffingChick Fil-A

Downtown DogsEarl Bowl Lanes

First 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

McDonaldsMelody Lakes

Philly Soft Pretzel FactoryQuaker Cleaners

Quakertown 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

PERKASIEDam Good Cafe

Emil’s DinerFirst United Methodist

Giant Food MarketsLandis Food Markets

Mirage Hair SalonOlde Towne Convenience

StorePennridge Chamber

Pierce LibraryQNB Bank

Revivals Restaurant

TELFORDGrundy Manor

Indian Valley LibraryLandis Supermarket

Lisa’s Pizza

SOUDERTONCare & Share Shoppes

GenerationsMain Street Java

Mr. B’sQNB Bank

Vincent’s Pizza

COOPERSBURGCoopersburg DinerGiant Food Markets

The Inside ScoopQNB Bank

Turkey Hill Minit MarketWeis Markets

SILVERDALEDetlan Equipment

Green Street Barber Shop

HARLEYSVILLEHenning’s Market

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].


Don’t Be a Statistic!How are you doing with those New Year’s

Resolutions? We are now a full month into 2013. This is when it begins to fall apart for 95% of those who made exercise and healthy eating a resolution for the year. YES!! Only one month in. So how can I help you not become a statistic? Let’s look at three com-mon complaints. Determine why they are holding you back, and what to do to move past them toward success.

First of all, the big one I hear all the time. “I don’t have the time.” REALLY!? This is what I actually hear you say: “I don’t WANT to do it. I’d rather sit on my couch and watch TV. I’d rather be on my phone playing the latest fad game or posting up dates of my latest status. It’s too hard. It’s more work than I’m willing to do. I’m too lazy.” Yes, this is harsh to hear but it’s the truth. Add all the time you spend doing these things and then tell me how much time you just wasted. If you have time to sit down and watch a TV show for an hour or more, then you have time to work out for 30 minutes a day. If you don’t want to miss your show, then DVR it, and watch it AFTER your workout! It all comes down to how bad you really want it!

Second is the complaint of being too tired. This is sometimes a valid complaint, but might have an easier fix than you think. I had a client today tell me she was too ex-hausted all the time to keep coming to see me in the morning. She is a very athletic and fit person in my opinion. Always gives 110% or more. Has never had this issue before. After talking to her a few minutes I realized in her quest to lose a few extra pounds she cut her caloric intake by almost 1200 calo-ries. This is HUGE! We ran some numbers and found that she needed to eat more be-cause of her activity level. It isn’t that she was tired but under-fueled. The reason for this is each day no matter what you are do-ing, you expend energy. Each person has a different rate. When you don’t refuel the energy stores in your muscles you will begin to feel SLUGGISH. Nutrition is OVER 50% of your success. If you don’t know what you should be eating or how much then you need

to ask someone to help you. And if nutrition is not the issue, then get better and longer sleep at night. Go to bed. But, DON’T give up.

Lastly, most people just don’t have some-one to keep them accountable. Exercise is hard work and takes a lot of will power to complete each time. On your own you will tend to skimp on the intensity. You don’t push yourself to your limits. If you can’t seem to get an effective workout for your-self, then you need to find a friend to push you or get a trainer who can push you to your limits. Yes, this sounds like torture, but to be effective, your workout needs to “stress” your muscles. If you are cutting corners you are cheating yourself. If you have bad form, not only are you not getting the full effects, but you may be damaging your body as well.

Exercise and Nutrition are a science. If done incorrectly it is in effective. It is psy-chological as much as scientific as well. To keep you on track to be successful you need to overcome mental blocks of things telling you “YOU CAN’T”. Put your mind to it and work hard. It’s not easy, but if you give up, you give up on yourself not the work out. Don’t give up on yourself. You are worth more than that! Maintain a well constructed exercise program and nutrition plan and hold yourself accountable for your actions. Make a schedule and stick with it. This is your life you are dealing with, not just a resolution. If you REALLY want to look better, move better and feel amazing then you have to do the hard work! There is ABSOLUTLY NO magic pill or easy solution!! So next time you are sitting there watching your favorite TV show or playing your favorite game, I want you to be able to say “WOW! That was an AWESOME workout I just had. I earned this relax time!” Get Real, Get Results!

Corbin is a graduate of the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI). He is a certified strength and conditioning coach and a certified nutrition coach. He is the owner of GetReal Training, LLC in Sellersville, PA. Contact him at 215-416-5757 or visit his web site at getrealtraining.net for more information.

Did you know that there were orginially two Presidential holidays? George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays were merged together to consolidate into one holiday.

Why Pay More?The last few years witnessed a dramatic drop

in computer prices. Plummeting part costs and demand for inexpensive machines pushed the bottom-dollar price for a computer to previous-ly unimagined lows. Just because computers are available at low price points, though, does not mean that cheap computers are worth buy-ing. A computer’s value is more than the sum of its parts, and though the specifications of a computer may help in making a purchase deci-sion, they do not tell the whole story. Though it may cost a little more up front for a higher-end system, in most cases, a bigger investment pays off with a computer that has a better de-sign, better parts, and better support.

More exPenSive CoMPuterS are better deSigned

More expensive computers typically feature designs that improve a computer’s speed, sta-bility, and serviceability. For example, more expensive computers use cases and layouts de-signed for maximum airflow and effective heat dispersion. These design considerations, of-ten neglected on cheaper machines, keep the computer running fast without overheating. Likewise, pricier computers tend to feature de-signs that make it easy to replace or service parts, saving money in repairs down the road.

More exPenSive CoMPuterS are Made witH better PartS

Unfortunately, computer ads never mention the quality of a machine’s fan, heat sink, or motherboard, and though the speed of a pro-cessor and amount of memory may impress, the less glamorous parts of a computer are re-sponsible for keeping the computer running

with speed and reliability. For example, ex-pensive computers commonly feature high quality power supplies. Quality power supplies increase the power efficiency of the computer, improve the functionality of the computer’s components, and last much longer than cheap power supplies.

More exPenSive CoMPuterS Have better SuPPort

Regardless of their price tag, all computers re-quire service and support from time to time. Luckily, putting a little more money into a new computer usually means better support when something goes wrong. More expensive computers often come with longer warran-ties than cheaper machines. Furthermore, the warranties on pricier machines may include features like on-site service or next-busi-ness-day guarantees which do not come with cheaper machines.

Ultimately, the idiom “you get what you pay for” may be aptly applied to computers. Putting a little extra money down, in most cases, leads to a computer with better de-sign, parts, and support. These benefits also make for a better experience and less cost in the long run.

Note: Not all expensive computers are worth the premium. It is always best to consult a computer professional or technician about differences between cheap and expensive com-puters with similar specifications. Tom owns and operates Tom’s Help Desk, an independent business serving the computer needs of area businesses and consumers. He can be reached at [email protected] and at 215-536-0831.


Musing on Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day

Call it coincidence, call it serendipity, call it the mischievous work of the Holy Spirit, but this year Ash Wednesday, perhaps the most somber day of the church year besides Good Friday, is also the day before Valentine’s Day. As I saw that on the calendar, I thought about what an odd juxtaposition of emotions that could be, but I then also thought about how profound this juxtaposition might be, as well.

Ash Wednesday, which follows Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, (another wonderful juxtaposition, by the way), is the day when Christians are called to confront our mortal-ity and our sinfulness. It is the day we hear the words, remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. It is the beginning of the season of Lent, the 40 day period of reflection and repentance that leads us to the Upper Room where Jesus washes the feet of the disciples and institutes Holy Communion, where Jesus takes the bread and wine and says this is my body and blood.

From there we go to Good Friday and Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and for our sal-vation. Only then do we find the joy of Easter and the victory of life over death through the power of God that raises Jesus from the dead. But it all begins on February 13th this year, Ash Wednesday. The reality of our condition is placed starkly before us – we are sinners and what awaits us all is death.

And the next day, ashes barely removed from our foreheads, we awaken to the annual celebration of love that is Valentine’s Day. We celebrate the gift of love in all its forms, the love of family and friends certainly, but most especially we seem to focus on the most intimate expressions of love, for spouse or partner.

And this is why I think maybe the Holy Spirit is having a little fun with us this year. It is a wonderful blessing to focus so much on love the day after we focus on sin and death. Why? Because it is love that makes the facing

of sin and death something we can not only do, but do without fear or trepidation. It is the love of God that makes Ash Wednesday a day we can not only deal with, but embrace.

It is the love of God, made visible in the life of Jesus, that says to us, sin has no power over you and death will not have the final word for you. In Jesus Christ, God says to us, my love will triumph over all things that seek to separate you from me. The message of Ash Wednesday is tempered and softened by the message of the cross and the resurrection; it is balanced by the love of God, and what better way to remember that than to celebrate the day devoted to love, Valentine’s Day.

Put the two seemingly opposite days togeth-er this year, and remember how God is present and active on both days. Remember how God calls us to repentance and discipleship on Ash Wednesday and remember the love of God that makes those things possible for us on Valentine’s Day. Remember your sin, your mortality, yes, but also remember the love of God that defeats the power of sin and conquers death itself through the life, death, and resur-rection of Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, both days are about love. Ash Wednesday reminds us of our need for the saving love of God, and Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful day to remember and celebrate the love of God, freely and unconditionally given to us every day, no matter what, even as we celebrate our love for one another, which ought to be modeled on God’s love for us, as well.

My hope is that the love of God will fill you and bless you every day, and that you will walk in that love, live in that love, every day, as well. My prayer is that Ash Wednesday will lead you to see your need for God, and that Valentine’s Day will lead you to embrace the love of God that is already there for you and is already present in you.

Christ Lutheran Church1 Luther Lane • PO Box 569Trumbauersville, PA 18970215-536-3193Pastor: 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.Quakertown, PA 18951215-536-6096 [email protected]: Ron Kohl, Sr. PastorHours Sept - May are 9:00am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10 Morning Worship Service, 6:30pm 2nd & 4th Sundays are small groups, 6:30pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays: Evening Worship hour

Good News Church424 Juniper StreetQuakertown, PA 18951215-536-4393 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 PikeZionhill, PA 18981215-536-7288 [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 StreetPerkasie, PA 18944215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.orgPastor: Rev. Gary SaulWhere God’s Love Changes Lives

MorningStar Moravian Church234 S. Main StreetCoopersburg, PA 18036610-282-1908 [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 PikeHilltown, PA 18927215-536-3193Pastor: Harper Turney10:00am Sunday Eucharist

St. John’s Lutheran Church4 South Main StreetRichlandtown, PA [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

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church3668 Ridge RoadPerkasie, PA [email protected] www.kellerschurch.orgPastor: Robert E. MitmanWorship 7:45 & 10:15am, Sunday School 9:00am, Koinonia Cafe 8:30am, Holy Communion 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 11amVisitors and new members always welcome!

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

First United Methodist Church501 Market StreetPerkasie, PA [email protected] [email protected]: Steward WarnerOur mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, Have a posi-tive impact on our community and world.

American Legion Post 242 News

Now is the time that many of the activities such as the Memorial Day Services in May and other programs we have for veterans and our youth in the area are in the planning stages. If you are a member of Post 242 and find that you have time on your hands in your retire-ment—stop by to see how you can help in the many programs we are planning.

Your Post supplies an Honor Guard for many “Missions” to go out and fire over graves of veterans who have answered their fi-nal Taps. We have applied for five M1 Garand Rifles and hopefully will receive them within a year. We have spent many hours going over five of our 1917 vintage rifles so the firing is has vastly improved. What we need are more volunteers to help in these very important

missions. Our current leader, Les Walters, will aid you in acquiring the proper uniforms for funeral honors and participating in other community functions. Les is well-schooled in the proper protocol in the manual of arms as he participates weekly at the new National Cemetery at Washington’s Crossing. We are a proud group in the way we serve those who have served. Lately there have been a lot of missions and we sure could use some help to fill out our Honor Guard. Contact Les at 215-536-9242 and please volunteer for our Honor Guard. I can’t express to you the feeling of awe and pride I experience when I help at a graveside service of a fellow veteran who has served these United States of America! Come out and help us. We are well known as an Honor Guard here in Bucks and also in Lehigh and Montgomery counties.

Mensch Announces Senate Committee AssignmentsState Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24) has been

appointed to serve on several key commit-tees for the 2013-14 legislative session.

“It’s in the committees that much of the work producing sound legislation is done,” said Mensch. “This is where bills are vetted, examined, amended and improved. I look forward to serving on

these committees during what looks to be a challenging and exciting legislative session.”

Last month, Senator Mensch was tapped by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati to serve as Chairman of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. In addition to the new post, the senator

will again serve as Vice Chairman of the Senate Public, Health and Welfare Committee and was again appointed to the vital Senate Appropriations Committee.

As in the previous session, Mensch will continue to serve on the Communications and Technology, Intergovernmental Operations, and the Veterans Affairs &

Emergency Preparedness committees.In addition, he co-chairs the Senate

Economy, Business and Jobs Caucus -- a special panel created to develop initiatives aimed at creating and sustaining good jobs in Pennsylvania-- and represents the Senate on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee.


xxx

Rhythm and Rhyme for the Younger Set

Young kids usually like poetry. If you think about it, nursery rhymes, lullabies, and a lot of picture books are full of poetry. Rhymes make it easy for young kids to learn letters and words because they are easy to remember. Dr. Seuss is a favorite of many kids (and adults) and his books are full of poetry! Reading and writing poetry is good for older kids too. When reading a good poem it will make you feel what the author wants you to. Writing poetry is also a great way for kids to learn how to say what they are feeling.

“Poetry has so many benefits for kids!” says Renée LaTulippe, children’s writer and poetry blogger at NoWaterRiver.com. “The sound, rhythm, and imagery found in poetry helps kids learn to appreciate language and even gives younger kids some of the tools they need to learn to read. Older kids learn how to capture big ideas, experiences, and emotions in very few words, which helps them become better writers. And poetry encourages kids to use their imaginations to see everyday things in new and surpris-ing ways: a tree can be a rocket ship or a sister can be a dragon. Reading poems out loud or acting them out, especially if kids get silly with the words and sounds, is a great way to reinforce drama and speak-ing skills, too – not to mention that it’s a lot of fun!”

I am a kid who always liked poetry, espe-cially silly or funny poetry. Jack Prelutsky is one of my favorite funny poets. He has so many great poetry books out like “It’s rain-ing Pigs and Noodles” and “Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face.” Reading silly poems like Mr. Prelutsky is what first got me into reading poetry and as Ms. LaTulippe said, writing funny poems can be a great way for kids to express themselves and it is fun to do.

Shel Silverstein is another favorite poet of mine. His poems aren’t all funny, but they are great to read and they make you think and imagine what is going on in the poem. “Every Thing On It” is a great Shel Silverstein poetry book for kids and is one of my favorites.

There are also great books that teach kids about different kinds of poetry and how to write it. One book that I really like is “Rip the Page!: Adventures in Creative Writing”

by Karen Benke. The book has great writing activities that can inspire kids to write their own poems or stories. Jack Prelutsky also has a book called “Pizza, Pigs and Poetry: How to Write A Poem” that shows kids all different kinds of poems and gives ideas of

where they can get ideas for writing from.There are many different kinds of poetry

and all poems don’t have to rhyme. In fact, one of my favorite types of poems is a Haiku and Haiku don’t have to rhyme. A Haiku has 3 lines; the first and last have 5 syllables, and the middle has 7 syllables. Here is an example of a Haiku:

Upper Bucks Free Press.A great hometown newspaper.

Get all your news here.Speaking of Haiku, there is a great book

called “Guyku: AYear of Haiku for Boys” by Bob Raczka. It is full of Haiku for each season and is related to things boys like to do and is a good way to get a boy reading poetry. If you look in the poetry section of your local bookstore or library, you’ll find all kinds of poetry books for boys and girls and for kids of all ages. Pick one up and en-courage your kids to read (and write) some poetry!

Renee LaTulippe is an awesome poet and children’s book author. Her website, NoWaterRiver.com has a ton of original poems and information about poetry.

for book reviewS and diSCuSSionS, PleaSe viSit My webSite at thisKidreViewsBooKs.coM.

Spinnerstown Church Seeks Couples Married There for

“Wedding Reception”In honor of Valentine’s Day – and

as part of a year-long celebration of its 250th anniversary as an independent congregation – St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown is hosting a wedding reception Feb. 17 for couples who were married in the church.

St. John’s will honor couples who are still part of the congregation, but also is seeking those who were married in the church but no longer are members. A reception, complete with decorations, a wedding cake and punch, will be held in the church hall following the 9:30 a.m. service. Couples will be recognized dur-ing the service and at the reception. All are invited to bring wedding photos for display during the reception.

St. John’s, the oldest Lutheran Church in Bucks County, was founded in 1734, but shared worship services with Trinity

Great Swamp Reformed Church (now known as Trinity Great Swamp United Church of Christ). In 1763, it construct-ed its own church, having separated from Great Swamp.

The wedding reception is one in a series of activities and events scheduled throughout the year to celebrate the church’s 250th anniversary as an inde-pendent congregation.

Couples married in the church who plan to attend the reception are asked to call Rebecca Felten at 215-529-5438 or send an e-mail to [email protected] listing names, address, phone number and date of wedding.

For directions to the church, 1565 Sleepy Hollow Road, Spinnerstown (for GPS, Quakertown, 18951), visit the church’s Web site: www.stjspin.org.


QCSD Honors Long-time Employees, Considers Tax Hike at Meeting

The January board meeting of the Quakertown Community School was high on praise and honors.

The school board took some time to recognize and thank employees of 25 years or more. Those recog-nized include Stella Barr, Karen Evans, Martha Nolan, Andrew Evan, Suzanne Laverick-Stone , Sally Sugita, Gail Ferry, Linda Ossman, Helen Swavely, Carol Butz, Laurie Gross, , Janet Weihbrecht, Antonio Curto, Victoria Breiner, Lynn Gunning, Diane Golrick, Daniel Seislove, and Amy Heisler.

January was National School Director Recognition Month. “It’s a volunteer position,” said Superintendent Lisa Andrejko, “and these people are dedicated to their schools and think about them all of the time.” Student artwork was donated to the school board by school direc-tors. Donated to the school board were works “Leaf and Stamp Prints” by Aidan Burke, 3rd Grade, Richland Elementary School, “Snowman at Night” by Mitchell Stover, 4th Grade, Thicken Valley Elementary School and “Wake Up Old Dog” by Noel Pernia, 6th Grade, Strayer Middle School. The artwork will be circulated through the district building, thanking the school board for their dedication to the district.

Also of note at the standing-room-only meeting were the presentation of the Keystone Awards to district schools for meeting their Adequate Yearly Progress goals for two consec-utive years of No Child Left Behind. The principals of each school spoke about what sets their schools apart and

brought up students and families to add to their presentation.

As reported in our January edi-tion, the Quakertown Community School District was selected as an Advanced Placement Honor District. The district presented the AP Honor Roll for Expanding Opportunity and Improving Performance for AP Students. To be considered for the honor roll, schools must increase stu-dent participation in AP courses by 11 percent. Quakertown high School guidance counselors placed 23% more students in AP courses in the 2012-13 school year. Ethnic student placement, another requirement, increased by 9% at the high school.

In other school board business, board members are considering a tax increase of 3.09% for 2013 – 14 by the school board’s finance committee. This could raise the average prop-erty tax in the Quakertown district by $115 for area homeowners. It is, however, less than the school district administration’s recommended tax in-crease of 4.93 percent, which would raise the average homeowner’s tax bill by $184.

Property tax rates are measured in mills. A mill is equal to $1 of ev-ery $1000 of a property’s assessed value. Currently, taxpayers in the Quakertown Community School District pay a tax rate of 141.51 mills.

The school board meets again on February 14 to accept a pre-liminary budget for the 2013 – 2014 school year.

The next Quakertown School Board meeting will be 7 p.m. Feb. 28, 100 Commerce Drive, Quakertown.

BUTTERCUP CUTIE PIEDARLING

DEARDOLL BABYGORGEOUSHANDSOME

HEART THROBHONEY

LOVE BUGLOVEY DOVE

LOVERMAIN SQUEEZE

PEANUT

POOPSY SNOOKUMS

SNUGGLE BUNNY SUNSHINE

SWEETHEART SWEETIE

Refresh, Rejuvenate, Recover

This time of year can be a crossroads for most athletes. We’re about a month into our New Year’s Resolutions or we are starting to gear up for the beginning of our race season. The excitement of re-entering the training cycle has worn off and the reward of race sea-son hasn’t begun yet. I am sure you did your research on what your workouts should entail, what your nutrition plan should look like, and what you need to have in regards to equipment and apparel to ensure you are comfortable while you are training and racing. One par-ticular aspect many athletes and especially newbies overlook is the power of sleep. Sleep plays a critical role in the way we perform. The effects are huge both mentally and physi-cally and sleep will allow your body to push through the doldrums of pre-season boredom.

With proper sleep it allows us to stay sharp and ready to go for each workout. If we start to lack sleep we start to feel sluggish and lethargic. With these feelings, it becomes very tempting for us to skip workouts and if we do choose to workout, lack of sleep will pressure us into slacking off and not putting in a good effort. You can almost think of the old adage of the devil and the angel on your shoulder. Lack of sleep will be that tempta-

tion voice saying “my body just isn’t up for it today”; whereas the angelic state of a full night’s rest will encourage your body and mind to give it everything you have each and every time you train.” We don’t want to get in the habit of skipping workouts, each time we do this it becomes easier and easier to put it on the back burner.

From a physical standpoint, sleep is the time when our body repairs itself. This time is critical as our body prepares itself for the next day of workouts and our daily routines. We need to make sure we are allowing our body the time it needs to fully recover. Making sure we are fully rested also helps keep us healthy. Keeping our body fresh and energized helps keep our immune system strong, which in affect will allow us to stay healthy and produce better results in our train-ing. It is all about balance and once we start to feel drained from all the hustle and bustle of the world around us, we need to take a step back and make our adjustments. Start with making your rest a priority and you will reap the benefits. Sleep works wonders for your body so take advantage of the easiest thing we can do – SLEEP. Sweet Dreams! viSit webSite: www.k17SPort.CoM to learn More about kenriCk SMitH and HiS Journey to beCoMe a ProfeSSional triatHlete.


QCSD One of Three Districts Featured on

National WebcastOn Digital Learning Day, February 6, 2013,

the Quakertown Community School District (QCSD) will be one of three districts featured across the country when educators tune in to the all-day internet broadcast.

“Our goal is to celebrate great teaching and learning,” said Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, a con-sultant for Alliance for Excellent Education (AEE). “QCSD will be highlighted during the national town hall meeting, from the Newseum in Washington.”

Dr. Wolf and one other consultant from AEE came to the district in January, along with consultant Grace Han of Public Impact and two videographers from New Media Mill of Washington, D.C. They conducted interviews and collected video footage with teachers, ad-ministrators and students, most involved in the Cyber Program, at the high school, Freshman Center and Strayer Middle School.

Thirty four organizations work as partners with the AEE. QCSD administrators have worked with one of them, Innosight Institute, because blogger Michael Horn has written about the Cyber Program. He suggested to AEE that it investigate what QCSD is doing to address meeting students’ needs in the 21st century. Dr. Lisa Andrejko, Superintendent, followed up with a letter of application for the Digital Learning Day, citing 13 major digital/technology initiatives developed in QCSD over the last five years.

Dr. Wolf said QCSD was selected from hundreds of applications during an extensive process. “We are not interested in technology for technology’s sake,” she noted. “We want to know how it is helping students and teachers reach learning goals. We’re particularly inter-ested in secondary schools helping kids to be college and career ready.”

She said AEE and Public Impact col-lected more video than it will need for Digital

Learning Day because it will concentrate on QCSD for a case study so that other districts across the country can learn from the cyber and technology models. The goal of all the organizations involved in the alliance is to help education leaders and policymakers improve student learning in K-12 education.

“Great ideas need collaboration and you all show that here,” Dr. Wolf said. “It’s organic growth. You have a lot to offer others.”

In the inaugural Digital Learning Day in 2012, about 41,000 people from 39 states and 18 foreign countries logged in to see what edu-cators and others had to say about the need to reach 21st century students with digital tools. AEE and its partners expect more online traffic this year.

The AEE visit coincided with a telecon-ference in Freshman Center Dan Wallace’s astronomy class. Students spoke to former NASA astronaut Joe Tanner. From Colorado, he encouraged them to work their way up to becoming astronauts, through engineering, math, science, medical and military degrees and careers. He even encouraged Wallace to apply for the teachers-in-space program.

The February 6 Digital Learning Day seeks to shine a spotlight on successful instructional practice and effective use of technology to en-gage students in healthy learning environments, personalized for every child. Participation is free and easy. To learn how to participate, visit digitallearningday.org.

Dr. Andrejko said, “We are particularly honored to be singled out as a model school district in celebration of Digital Learning Day. Our students are so fortunate to have a compre-hensive technology foundation in preparation for college and career as that is the expectation for 21st Century Learning.”

You can watch a video about the experience by going to qcsd.org and clicking on QCSD-TV Warehoused Videos. The video is also available at facebook.com/UBFreepress.

A Firetruck Love Story for Valentines Day

Engine 9-11 is a firetruck restoration proj-ect that was taken on locally by the Milford Township Fire Department in November 2002. The restoration of 1962 Ford F-600 had been the hobby of 41-year-old New York City fireman Eric Olsen. Firefighter Olsen was one of the 343 firefighters killed in the terrorist at-tacks of September 11, 2001. The truck had been parked under the FDR Parkway in New York City and there it sat until September 2002 when the Milford firefighters went to retrieve it for restoration. It now serves as a “rolling memorial” to the firefighters who lost their lives trying to save others in the September 11 attacks.

One of those firefighters working on the project was John Wells. He took a great inter-est in working on the restoration. He wanted to make sure that the job was done right.

John needed parts for the project, door handles and such. He was referred to the parts supplier that just happened to be where Andrea Clark worked and she answered the phone. John told her the story of the restoration proj-ect and what was needed for the truck and Andrea just knew that she had to help.

“I had to do something,” said Andrea, “I

had tears in my eyes as he was telling me the story.” The needed handles were donated to the Engine 9-11 project. Andrea delivered the parts herself. And met John.

It was love at first sight. Andrea went home and told her mother that she had met the man that she was going to marry.

It turns out that John then needed door hinges and so he called Andrea at the parts warehouse again. Except that he couldn’t quite remember who to ask for when he called. “I kept screwing up her name. I called and asked for ‘Adrienne’, like from the Rocky movies.” But he knew that he wanted to see her again.

Their first date was a Milford Fire Department event. And they’ve been together ever since – for nine years now.

The Engine 9-11 Rolling Memorial is still very near and dear to their hearts. The couple were a part of the presentation of the Engine to Firefighter Olsen’s department, Engine 4, Ladder 15 in New York City and they also took part in the 10th anniversary memorial ceremonies of the September 11 attack.

Today, Lieutenant John Wells and Andrea Clark volunteer at the Richlandtown Fire Company.

Andrea has her mind made up. “We’ll both be riding off on Engine 9-11 when we get mar-ried – and I will still be bawling my eyes out!”


Well, here it is heading towards one of us girls’ FAVORITE days …VALENTINE’S DAY! Yes, even us girlie girl dogs like to be recognized on this day. I have a secret for all the human men out there. Many of you are always stumped as to what to get your love of your life. I have the answer. A woman can never have enough spa days. Gift certificates for her beauty salon or a place that does skin treatments such as massages and body wraps to keep her skin soft. Manicures and pedicures are also treatments women love. If you want to buy a product to wrap and give her, then try some great bath salts for her bath and candles for the house. If you are brave you can try to go for earrings and clothes, but sometimes that doesn’t work out so great. Momma Jean said one time she received a sweater from a not

so observant man who didn’t pay attention to sizes. It was TOO big and then she looked at the label and saw it was a maternity sweater. (She wasn’t pregnant.) Boy, I know someone who was in the doghouse THAT night. On a lighter note, I found out that my beloved Sonic is not coming back but they are going to make it a Panera Bread restaurant. I hope they have outside dining so I can get to go once in a while. Momma Jean said I can come do door greeting duty at church with her on Feb. 17th at the 9AM service. If you come then you will meet me and I will have a special treat for those of you who tell me you are a reader. We have plenty of room now for all of you. We are Morningstar Fellowship at 9th & Main in Quakertown. Hope to see you! - Love M.J.

My Thoughts on Valentine’s Day

BAT MASTERSON BIG VALLEYBONANZA

BROKEN ARROWCHEYENNE CISCO KID

DAVY CROCKETT

GUNSMOKELARAMIE

MAVERICKRAWHIDE

REBELRIFLEMAN

RIN TIN TIN

ROY ROGERS SHANE

SKY KING VIRGINIAN

WAGON TRAIN ZORRO

Bicycling Fun Back in the DayThis Christmas I asked our grand nieces &

nephews what they received for Christmas. They answered with names of electronic devices starting with “I.” My hope for them is that they don’t get so engrossed in their “I”device that they don’t just “Go out and play” as we did in the early 50’s. On Veteran’s Day my wife and I went to a local restaurant offering a meal for veterans. Next to us we noticed a father and possibly his daughter who were texting between order-ing their meal and the meal arriving. They stopped to eat and ordered dessert and once again they were texting until the desserts ar-rived. Out of curiosity, we noticed little to no conversation took place among them!

Bicycles! Back in our day our first “bikes” were purchased at Sam Kile’s Junkyard and made usable with parts from “Fronnies” (Fronheiser’s Bicycle Shop on 7th Street in Quakertown). When I was ten years old (1953) I received a three-speed English Bike for Christmas. It was the neatest present I ever received as a child. As a matter of fact, I still have that bike in our cellar today! Now, my buddy Sam Kile and I would go to Fronnies and buy accessories such as red and white plastic wrapping for the wires going to the gearbox and brakes or reflector tape for our fenders. Our gifts that Christmas, that neither parent (Sam’s or mine) knew the other was giving, opened up a new ho-rizon for us. We lived at the top of Mill Hill at Old Bethlehem Pike, near East Swamp Mennonite Church, so whenever we went to visit friends we always had to go uphill to return home. Now, we could shift down to a point where we could remain seated pedaling up the hill on Mill Pond Road. The old bal-loon tire bikes had one speed and were very hard to pedal and usually the bicyclist had to stand up to pedal on hard hills.

These bikes enabled us to visit our school friends in Rosedale and Steinsburg. Later on, when we went to Junior High School

we would bicycle into Quakertown for final exams.

Our gift bicycles allowed us to socialize and play with our friends. Many memories of 1953 are with my bike. I remember chas-ing shadows of clouds along the flat section along Mill Hill Road. I also remember the time that Sam & I stopped along Brick Tavern Road on our way back from our buddy Bill Piszczek’s place. We stopped at the area over the big pipe that carried the source creek of one of the branches of the Unami near Roth’s farm. While looking to see if we could see any bass in the deep hole formed there; my wheel slipped off the road and both my bike and I were in four feet of water! Sam went creek side and rescued both my precious new bike and me. Another time Sam and I saw a snapping turtle crossing the road and Sam caught it by its tail and each time he pedaled and his leg came near it snapped at him. We were lucky that it didn’t connect. When we got home his mom took us in to the Red Lion Hotel and the owner bought the turtle off of Sam to make Snapper Soup which was one of his specialties. Later on, when my fam-ily moved to Little California, I rode my old English Bike over to Mill Pond Road where I worked for Jim Scully. Route 309 was hard crossing over at West Pumping Station Road near the then “Miniature Train” building. It was a three-lane highway and didn’t have a traffic light to aid in crossing. Now, you wouldn’t even think of crossing Route 309 at a road without a traffic signal.

Times have changed since then! I hope childhood and just going on a bike to a friend’s home and lying on your back with friends in their lawn and pointing out imaginative shapes of clouds that looked like familiar objects is not lost. The newest elec-tronic object we had was a transistor radio. I hope children continue to go out and play and continue to socialize with each other as we did “back in the day!”

Pennsylvania Families for Public Cyber Schools expressed its disappointment in House Majority Leader Mike Turzai’s announcement of proposed public education funding cuts af-fecting Pennsylvania’s 42,000 children who attend public cyber schools.

“We are extremely disheartened by House Majority Leader Turzai’s proposal to slash the public education budget, jeopardizing the learning of 42,000 Pennsylvania children who attend the commonwealth’s public cyber schools,” stated Monica Allison, president of Pennsylvania Families for Public Cyber Schools.

“Too many in the General Assembly con-

tinue to treat our cyber school students like second-class citizens. Public cyber school students have as much right to a quality education as every other school-aged child in Pennsylvania. It’s extremely disappointing that our state’s leadership doesn’t set an even playing field for every child.

“This proposal is not a realistic reflec-tion of the costs associated with delivering a high-quality cyber education to our children. Public cyber schools continue to account for less than 1 percent of our public education budget. These cuts will serve to only threaten our schools and the education they provide our children,” Allison said.

Reaction to the Proposed Cuts to Cyber Education Spending

20 • Upper Bucks Free Press • January 2013

Upper Bucks Relay for Life Hopes to Build on Past SuccessThe Upper Bucks Relay for Life recently

celebrated the tremendous success of the 2012 Relay, held in May at Quakertown’s Memorial Park. It was a banner year for the tireless and dedicated volunteers who raised a total of $180,340 on behalf of Relay for Life, a pro-gram of The American Cancer Society (ACS).

Under the leadership of staff partner Susan G. Shafer and co-chairpersons Nicholas Bealer and Allison Reilly, the Upper Bucks Relay was comprised of 46 teams and over 600 par-ticipants. More than 100 cancer survivors also participated in the event.

Top individual fundraisers were Heather Flaherty, Eric Hellman, Erica Watson, Amanda Hafler, and Allison Reilly. March of the Penguins was recognized as Rookie Team of the Year, while Joan’s Angels was selected as Most Spirited Team.

Twenty-three teams were recognized for outstanding achievement in fundraising. They received team awards ranging from bronze to sapphire level recognition. Top honors went to Cactus Grill – Ryan’s Hope for raising $16,470!

The Upper Bucks Relay for Life also

achieved the distinction of becoming an ACS CAN event at the 2012 Relay, with 101 CAN members recruited and three ACS CAN teams. ACS CAN stands for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization that works to make cancer issues a national priority through the lawmakers and legislation of our country.

Relay for Life is a life-changing event that helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, re-member loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Money raised through Relay events benefits cancer research, patient programs, and services in the local community.

The 2013 Upper Bucks Relay for Life will take place May 4-5, 2013 at Quakertown’s Memorial Park. The theme is “Knocking Cancer Out of the Park”, with a fundraising goal of $185,000.

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay for Life is avail-able from ACS staff partner Lisa Morgan at 888.202.1487 (extension 65127) or [email protected].

and they called it puppy love...Ms. Molly is a seven-year-old Boxer who had fallen down on her luck for a while.

She was found as a stray in an alley, but is now safe and warm at the shelter waiting for someone to adopt her. At the time of publication, Ms. Molly is waiting for her health report to come in and isn’t quite ready to be adopted yet, but some special person can come to the Upper Bucks SPCA at 60 Reservoir Road, Quakertown and put in an appli-cation for her. 60 Reservoir Rd. Call 267.347.4674 for more information or directions.

Deana is a young lab terrier mix about 30 lbs. She is housebroken, loyal, very loving and loves to cuddle. She plays well with other dogs if they don’t try to beat her up. She does get intimidated by dominant dogs and will react if a dog goes af-ter her, but loves dogs who like to play. She needs an experienced handler that can understand her issues with meeting other dogs, once she loves them....they are best of friends. She currently shares a kennel with a mastiff mix. Her fee is spon-sored and she is looking for a foster home that will “hopefully” adopt her. Call the Last Chance Ranch located at 9 Beck Road, Quakertown. 215-538-2510.

upper bucks free press • february 2013 edition

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