Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
February 5
AAUW presents author James Kristofic of Navahos Wear Nikes (life on a Navaho reservation) 7pm at Wesley Enhanced LivingAcorn Rm, 200 Veterans Lane, Doylestown, 215-340-7604
February 10
Monday Night Bingo at UB Activity Ctr (doors open 5:30), games begin 7pm, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, kitchen open for food & snacks, 215-536-3066 Lenape Tribe History, 7pm at West Rockhill Twp Building, 1028 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. West Rockhill Historical Soc meets 2nd Monday every month. Join us!
February 23
All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast 8am-12noon at Haycock Fire Co, $7/adult, $4/age 4-7, under 4 free. 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-2224 or haycockfire.org Lions Club Meat Shoot 12:30pm, Trumbauersville Betterment Club, 2000 Oak Drive (behind Tville Firehouse)
February 8
5th Annual Bark & Wine, 6:30pm-9:30pm at K9 Jym in Colmar. Dinner/music/wine tasting/dog activities/vendors/silent auction, etc. $25/door, 267-587-7364, (r/d Feb 22), perkasiedogpark@gmail.com Homemade Soup Day 11am-2pm at Dublin Fire Co, Rt 313. $6/quart, $5/eat in (soup, crackers, beverage, dessert), hot dogs and sandwiches avail. Call on Soup Day to order quarts 9-11am only. 215-249-3740 2nd Annual Beef & Beer, 7pm at Dewey Fire Hall, 502 Durham St, Hellertown. $25 donation includes dinner, DJ, dancing, etc. Email saucon.band@gmail.com for ticket info and details. Valentines Dinner & Comedy Evening, (variety of restaurants), then a 3-hour show in Quakertown. $45/dinner & show, $20/show only. Details at 610-346-9663 or VC185.org
February 11
Citizens for Constitutional Govt meeting 6:30pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St, Qtwn. Take Back Your Power DVD shown. Free & open to the public. Info at http://ccg-pa.org
February 24
Keystone Quilters Guild Mtg 7pm, guest fee $5, Sue Wilsey presents a trunk show. Quakertown Christian School, 50 East Paletown Rd, Qtwn. 267-354-1491 or www.keystonequilters.org
February 11 & 14
Nature Program Owls at Nockamixon State Park for 3 to 5 year olds. Outdoor time, crafts, stories. Free, pre-register and other info at Education Ctr 215-529-7307
February 25
Geocache Walk 1:30pm at Nockamixon State Park. Called a modern day treasure hunt, walks last about an hour. More info & registration at Education Center 215-529-7307
February 27
Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out), $8/adult, $5/age 6-12, $8.50/take-out, salad bar & dessert included. Lower Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike
February 9
All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet 8am-1pm at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. $7/adult, $6/senior, $3/age 6-10, rtfr.org, 215-536-7226 Second Sunday Breakfast 8am-1pm, $8/adult, $4/age 3-12. Military, Fireman/ women, Fire Police, EMT, Police please ask for your $1 discount. Lower Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike Firehouse Breakfast 7:30am-12noon, Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Lane. $7/adult, $3/age 5-10, free/under 5, re-orders $2 extra, 610-982-5710 16th Annual Daddy/Daughter Valentines Dance for girls 4-10 years. 1pm-3pm. Registration by Jan 27 or sold out. Details: 215-538-YMCA, ubymca.org (Quakertown)
February 13
Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out), $9/adult, $5/age 6-12, $9.50/takeout. Lwr Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike
March 1
Homemade Soup Day at Dublin Fire Co, Rt 313. Take-out or eat in (soup, crackers, beverage, dessert), hot dogs/sandwiches avail. Call on Soup Day to order quarts 9-11am only. 215-249-3740
March 2
Basket Bingo at Christ Lutheran, 69 Main St, Hellertown. Doors open 1pm. Food concessions. Ticket info: 610-838-8772
February 4 & 7
Rocks Rock Nature Program for 3 to 5 year olds at Nockamixon State Park. Outdoor time, crafts, stories. Free, pre-register, call Education Ctr at 215-529-7307 for info.
February 15
Kids Nature & Winter Program 10am11:30am for ages 6-12. Pre-regis. required, $8. More info at Nature Ctr 215-357-4005 and churchvillenaturecenter.org
March 6
Irish Concert 7pm (Ian Gallagher) at So Lehigh Public Library, 3200 Preston Lane, Center Valley. Regis. required: 610-282-8834
Community Meals
Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 Free Community Meals 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-536-0395 Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447 Free Community Dinner third Mon. of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-3689. Call before 3pm w/questions of transportation needs.
Bingo
Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues. doors open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. 215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat. night, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open. Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Plumsteadville Fire Co. every Monday, opens 5:30pm, games 6:30pm (refreshments avail.) 5064 Stump Rd, 215-766-8250 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. (except July) opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. opens 5pm, games 6:40pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Bingo at Red Hill Fire Co Social Hall 3rd Sunday every month, opens 12noon, games 1pm-4pm, 82 E 5th St, Red Hill Cash Bingo at Green Lane Fire Co every Wed., Main St, Green Lane, opens 5:30pm, games 6:40pm, 215-234-8567
QUAKERTOWN Aamco A-Plus Mini Market Borough Hall Bottom Dollar Foods Beer City Bricks Sales Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Dominicks Pizza Downtown Dogs Earl Bowl Lanes Embers Cafe First Niagara Bank First Savings Bank Flashpoint Acupuncture Franks Pizza The Free Press Bldg. Giant (Qtwn Plaza) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Independence Court James Michener Library Johns Plain & Fancy Liberty Thrift Store McCooles Restaurant McDonalds Melody Lakes Moyers Shoes Pep Boys Philly Soft Pretzel Factory
Quaker Cleaners Quakertown Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Redners Market Roma Pizza Sals Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sines 5 & 10 Spinnerstown Hotel St. Lukes Hospital Swanns Pantry Toms Help Desk Upper Bucks Sr. Ctr Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Finos La Cantina Spors General Store SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner Suelkes Roadstand Village Market
Have something youd like to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org fax: 215-839-3421 312 W. Broad St. Quakertown
QCHS Senior football player Mason Schmauder was one of 54 recipients of the 2013 Pennsylvania Mini Max award, presented January 9 at the Drexelbrook Country Club. The 54 senior football players hailed from districts 1, 3, 11, and 12 in the eastern part of the state. Players were nominated by their coaches, and then evaluated by the Maxwell Football Club on such criteria as football performance, strong academics, and community service. Mason maintained a 4.1 GPA during the 2013 football season and broke QCHSs record for the most sacks, as a defensiveend, in a single game against Upper Moreland this year. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the
Head Coach George Banas, Defense Coach Craig Whitten, and Mason Schmauder Best Buddies program, and volunteers at the Quakertown Food Pantry.
The Quakertown Band, one of the nations oldest, recently held a post rehearsal meeting at its Hellertown Avenue facility for the annual election of a Board of Directors. Among those musicians selected to serve as Officers during the 2014 season were: Nadine Haines, President; John F. Forry, VP; Terri Edelman, Secretary; and James Strefeler, Treasurer. Completing the nine member Board are Lynn Hasson, Bus. Mgr.; Diane Golrick, Librarian; James Garcia, Personnel Mgr.; Erik Szabo, Marketing & Outreach; and Scott Natter, Media Relations.
A fixture in the Quakertown area since 1877, the Band presented another stocking full of tunes for the holiday enjoyment of its many listeners , and under the seasoned direction of its long-time conductor, the popular Richard Karshner, is already engaged in a weekly series of intense rehearsals preparing for another lively season, beginning with a concert of popular music March 23, 2014 at 2:30 in the afternoon from the Richard Strayer Middle School auditorium in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
Congratulations to Richlandtown Boroughs new mayor, James Dunn, Jr. Here he is at his swearing in PHOTO COURTESY OF CINDY VILE ceremony with Borough Secretary Dani Mclanahan Congratulations to Melissa Baine (IN BLUE) who was recently sworn in as Mayor of Trumbauersville Borough with Mayor Lynne Wolfe of Green Lane Borough and Mayor Robert Kaler of Hatfield Borough. PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA BAINE
BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ
Theyre calling it the Quakertown Gateway. A 30,000 square foot, three story building is planned to replace the Triangle public parking lot which splits east and west-bound traffic on Route 313 in Downtown Quakertown. The building is expected to feature retail, office, and restaurant space and will perhaps bring another ninety or so more job opportunities to the borough. The project is able to hit the road running thanks to a $2,000,000 grant funded through the states Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. It appears that Governor Corbett specifically chose Quakertown to take advantage of this program. The project is estimated to cost $6.9 million. The new building is expected to blend with the other buildings lining Broad Street downtown. It will have, however, something no other building has -- a very large open space on its first floor that will easily accommodate a large restaurant along with spacious retail space. The second and third stories are expected to be occupied by offices. According to Borough Manager Scott McElree, the hope is to build a below-grade parking garage under the building. Failing that, the build-
ing may include fourth floor to make more parking available. The site of the new complex actually sits on ground that was previously occupied by buildings like many on the street, including the Quakertown Stove Works. Those buildings were razed in the 1970s to make way for the Quaker Village Shopping Center which is across the street from The Free Building and its neighboring buildings. The Triangle Park project completed in 2011, which includes a fountain, plants, trees, and benches, will remain at the tip of the triangle next to the new building site. The Quakertown Gateway project is expected to restore and strengthen the downtown areas vitality and viability. More business will mean more visitors which may, in turn, attract more of both. With the Gateway project as a catalyst, it is hoped that the energy generated will radiate outward into other under-utilized sections of town. The project is still in its early stages, but is a main focus for the borough, its Main Street Program Quakertown Alive!, and other organizations involved in economic and cultural development in the area. Expect to hear more in the coming weeks and months.
(ABOVE) Facing East on Broad Street in Quakertown, probably circa 1940s. The Free Press Building is on the right, followed by the Karlton Theatre (now the Karlton Cafe and Army Navy Store). On the left are the buildings that occupied the other side of the street, now the Triangle and a shopping center. Notice the two-way traffic. IMAGE ABOVE COURTESY OF FRANK LICOPOLI (BELOW) Current view from the Free Press Building across Broad Street where buildings once stood and will again when the Gateway project gets underway. PHOTO BELOW BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ
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Hafler Wins Leadership Award, Raises Funds for Relay for Life
BY ERICA STEIN
Junior Amanda Hafler presented her Graduation Project (GP) along with QCHS seniors in November and she doesnt need to raise any more money. But she is neck deep in planning her second Vera Bradley Bingo Fund Raiser for the spring 2014 Relay for Life. Ive been affected by Relay, said Amanda, who started the Milford team when she was a middle school student. I have family members with cancer. Ive been raising money for Relay and cancer research ever since I was in 8th grade. It makes me feel special to organize for something so important and Ive met amazing people. Amandas dedication touched her GP faculty raters, who submitted her name for an award. She recently received a letter from Rachael Harleman, who told her, Congratulations! On behalf of President James T. Harris III of Widener University and NBC10, I am happy to inform you that you have been selected to receive the Widener University High School Leadership Award. This awards program is designed to recognize high school students like you in the region who embody the universitys commitment to develop and inspire leaders to affect positive change. With this award, your principal and the Widener University High School Leadership Awards Committee recognize your ability to demonstrate courage by standing up for what is right, finding a way to address a wrong, or making a difference in a significant way. On March 20, Amanda, her parents and QCHS Principal David Finnerty will attend an awards event at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. In the fall of her senior year, she will attend a leadership experience, where all the 2014 student award winners will convene on Wideners campus for an exciting day of leadership training. Additionally, if she chooses to enroll at Widener University, she will receive a $5,000 scholarship in each of
her four years. Widener requires its students to commit to community service. Amanda is considering the school, among others, but sees the community service aspect a good fit for her. At last years Vera Bradley Bingo, Amanda said her heart soared. It was truly a day of inspiration. When the afternoon concluded, I had raised $5,400 for the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life! It showed me that one person CAN make a difference. In her GP reflection, Amanda noted, Relay for Life is a life-changing event that helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Community members and a series of Relay for Life teams gather for a 24-hour period to walk continuously around a track, while raising money and awareness in the battle against the disease that has affected so many lives around the world. The Second Annual Vera Bradley Bingo event will be held Sunday, March 9 at the Upper Bucks Senior Center inside the Milford Fire Hall.
The Childrens Developmental Program recently welcomed Diane R. Brown and Peter M. Williams to its board of directors. Brown currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at First Savings Bank of Perkasie where she is responsible for IT, deposit operations, facilities and loan servicing. Prior to joining First Savings, Brown worked for two years at Allegiance Bank, 11 years at Harleysville National Bank and 15 years at CoreStates Bank (originally Bucks County Bank). She earned her Bachelors of Science degree in political science and her MBA in finance from Temple University. She is a member of the ICBA National Payments and Technology Committee, Wellspring Clubhouse Advisory Board and the Pennridge Community Center Advisory Board. Brown resides in Sellersville with her husband. Williams, a private practice attorney at the Law Office of Peter M. Williams, LLC, has offices in Levittown and Quakertown. He is a graduate of Neshaminy High School, earned
his undergraduate degree at Rider University and his law degree at Widener University School of Law. Williams is a member of the Bucks County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Knights of Columbus #4215, Bucks County Redevelopment Authority Loan Review Committee, and is a Bucks County Legal Aid Society Volunteer. He resides in Newtown with his wife and three children. Brown and Williams replace twoboard members whose terms recently came to a close. The Childrens Developmental Program is a community preschool and early intervention center which operates under the philosophy that all children should be given the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. The CDP began in1957 and has been serving the Quakertown area and surrounding communities ever since, striving to enrich the lives of our children. For further information regarding the CDP, please call 215.536.7800 or email them at CDP_Office@cdpchildren.org. You may also visit www.cdpchildren.org. CDP is located at 995 Doylestown Pike, Quakertown.
Recently, I wrote an article on Auctioneers back when I was young. I mentioned Jim Mohrs first auction at Preston Sloyers Farm. A few short years after, my Uncle Sam Bleam purchased that same farm. Uncle Sam served in the Army after leaving high school in the mid 40s. He served in the Panama Canal Zone protecting that vital waterway during World War II. After coming home he married my Aunt Marge and pursued his love of farming on a rented farm outside of Richlandtown on the road to the village of California just north of Quakertown. I remember going over to his place on Wednesday nights with my family to watch the Fights on his TV housed in a large consul with a screen no bigger than the rear backing screens found in most cars today. After establishing himself with the proper equipment, he left that rented farm and purchased the farm that was formerly owned by Mr. Sloyer north of Richlandtown on the first sharp curve up the hill from Slifers Hill and just shy of the junkyard near the next curve down the street. (I mention those names to jog the memory of those my age born and raised in the Richlandtown/Richland Twp. area.) Besides the dairy herd and chickens, Uncle Sam grew corn and harvested it with a one-row corn picker that he pulled behind his two-cylinder Johnny Popper (John Deere Tractor). In order to pick the corn from the fields that were planted next to roads and their ditches, he had to go through and pick the first few rows of corn by hand so the tractor and picker could maneuver properly. My mothers family was always close and worked as a group to help each other out and in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, after the work we always had a feast and get together to celebrate the task at hand. Uncle Sams Corn Picking was no exception! In the fall when the stalks were brown and the corn ears had fallen, it was time to go to Sams to pick corn. My dad would go to the Red Lion hotel the Saturday before to pickup about a bushel and a half of clams and take them to the farm to be stored in the milk shed. After church the next day all the families would go back to the farm and Sam would have his wagon hooked up with low wooden sides to keep the ears from falling off. A few of the women would head for the kitchen to prepare
the meal. A wood fire was started near their garden to house the large black pot to steam the clams later on in the day. Then the rest of us, mostly cousins and the men folk, would go out to the fields and start picking the corn and throwing it on the wagon as Uncle Sam would drive ahead with his wagon, his youngest daughter Susan sitting on his lap. She was just starting to talk and called it a practer. If you were lucky enough, you would find a red ear of corn and that meant you would have good luck. After a few trips back to the corncrib next to the driveway and behind what they called the little house, all of us would anxiously head to see what Aunt Marge and the other ladies had for us. My dad and Uncle Harvey would be in charge of the steaming of the clams and having the last of the corn on the cob ready. Then the chicken, red-skinned potatoes, hot dogs, hamburgers, home-canned vegetables, including the freshly canned Picka-Lilly (Chou-Chou), were brought out for all to feast. The men would have bottles of beer and the rest of us would have iced tea and birch beer. The clams were a special treat and some of us would brave eating a raw clam that was always a man thing back then. The men would then take a little rest and be talking in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect and enjoying a cigar as the women cleaned up. Soon the great desserts came out and, with either milk or coffee (brewed over the hot coals left over from the clambake), the feast continued. Uncle Sam lost the farm during the drought of the mid-fifties and moved on to Colorado and Washington State to work as a machinist on nuclear submarines. We visited his family in the 80s at their retirement home in Cripple Creek, Colorado and Aunt Marge prepared a delicious breakfast on her old woodstove she had specially installedjust like back at the Farm. Cripple Creek turned into a gambling town and tourist attraction and their old mining home was torn down to make way for a casino. They still live in Cripple Creek in a new home and on one of our many trips to visit them, they showed us where they plan to be buried on Boot Hill on Mount Pisgah overlooking Cripple Creek and Pikes Peak. Appropriately the cemetery is rather rustic and the gravesites arent neatly manicured. As a matter of fact, the grass is about two feet high in late summer. How appropriate a final resting for a Pennsylvania farmer and his wife.
The Upper Bucks Free Press invites Letters to the Editor from residents in our coverage area about topics of interest and/or of importance to readers in our community. Letters are published at the sole discretion of the publisher and are subject to editing. Letters are accepted by US Mail and by e-mail and must include writers name, phone number, and address for verification purposes. Opinions expressed by the letters authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher nor anyone else.
Dear Editor,
I am writing to convey my concerns with recent decisions by the QCSD School Board, namely its new controlling majority of Paul Stepanoff, Mitch Anderson, Gary Landes, Stephen Ripper, and Charles Shermer. Just this month alone, this board has made very rash decisions with the hiring of an interim superintendent and changing the boards solicitor of record and the districts engineering firm. The solicitor and engineering changes occurred at the January 9th meeting. There were no other firms considered other than the one selected. Director Bob Smith asked Mr. Stepanoff why the change to the solicitor and why this particular firm (Begley, Carlin & Mandio LLP, Langhorne, PA). Mr. Stepanoff wants the solicitor to be able to answer questions at a board meeting and this new firm is very reputable. If Mr. Stepanoff needs an attorney present at meetings, does he know what hes doing in the first place? There was the question about the hiring of Boucher & James as the new engineering firm. Mr. Stepanoff explained the board wants to appoint an engineer to start building a relationship with as they have with Richland and Haycock Townships. Mr. Ripper is familiar with the firm and highly recommends them. Board discussion ensued. Mrs. King suggested tabling the motion until the engineer can give a presentation to the board. Board questioned the reason for presenting this particular firm without looking at more than one firm. Result: With a vote of Six (6) Ayes and Three (3) Nays by Mrs. King, Mr. Smith and Mrs. Strunk, the motion passed. (quoted sections taken directly from the board meeting minutes) The concern I have with the law firm of Begley, Carlin & Mandio is that one of their attorneys, Nathan Fox, who acts as solicitor for Perkasie, got the borough into serious hot water with the Bucks County District Attorney for violating the Sunshine law in 2012 by discussing public business in a closed executive sessionon his advice. Fox is also an ardent supporter of Paul Stepanoffs friend, Richland Supervisor, Rick Orloff, who was denied an auditing contract with the district in 2006. What is the hurry with hiring a temporary superintendent who clearly has come to us with baggage? He left the Cumberland Valley SD after he supposedly sent inappropriate emails to a male staffer and was fired from his position as PA Secretary of Education by Gov. Corbett, as well. However, this is from the January 23, 2014 Intelligencer: School board President Paul Stepanoff noted that several internal and external candidates had been considered for the position. Board member Dwight Anderson said that Harner received high recommendations from his past colleagues. We are aware of the things that are in the
news, and we sought references of our own from people at Cumberland Valley and they would hire him again, said Anderson. I think this is a good decision, and he will have a chance to prove himself. But board member Cattie mentioned that the boards ad hoc committee responsible for superintendent nominations had only met by email. Board member Bob Smith was concerned that the board did not host a second round of interviews. As more information came in we didnt have the opportunity to go back and vet that any further, he said. Smith also expressed his disappointment in the contract offered to Harner. I believe this is an excess contract, he said. The five-month contract includes vacation and sick days, a $500 monthly housing allowance, a financial stipend in lieu of health care benefits and adds 3.5 percent to the educators retirement fund. Theres a lot of items that we did not need to give away, and I feel like weve gone overboard, said Smith. Why the sudden rush to hire Dr. Harner? Does he have a connection here at QCSD? And why was Mr. Stepanoff not available to comment [when contacted by a reporter with another paper]? Finally, there is the issue with this board tentatively requesting a 2.1% tax increase. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Landes specifically campaigned on the premise of No tax increases beyond the rate of inflation. Currently, the rate of inflation is only 1.5%. They approved a new teachers contract with raises, but eliminated custodial and food services staff which is now outsourcedmuch to the dislike of the taxpayers. In October, they voted to approve the LERTA agreement with US Cold Storage which is now building its facility at the corner of E. Pumping Station and Heller Rds. in Richland. The LERTA gives this company a 10 year tax holiday and cost us over $1.1 million in tax revenue. We are looking at dipping into our reserves to help pay for the new budget. something Mr. Stepanoff was always at odds with the old board majority about doing. Ive also been hearing that Stepanoff is considering Rick Orloff to replace Bob Riegel as Business Administrator. The rapid fire decisions of this new board majority are troubling and very much out of the ordinary. Remember, these are the people that make the decisions about the education of our kids and how much we pay in real estate taxes. Paying attention to local governing bodies may not be in your top ten list of things you must do, but they should be. People, you need to sit up, pay attention, and go to board meetings! Richland Township
They say age is just a number. Swedens Carl August Verner Kronlund, won a silver for curling when he was 58 years old. The youngest known medalist is Koreas Yun-Mi Kim, who in 1994, at age 13, brought home the gold for the 3,000-meter short-track speed skating relay.
Todd Oxenford
The Woman's Club of Perkasie collected toys for Perkasie's FISH and the Milford Shelter. Shown with the gifts for Milford Shelter are Ellen Roeger and Kathy Cassel. SUBMITTED BY ANNE FENLEY
Did you know that in MRichard Moore moved to Upper Buck County from Gwynedd in 1813. He settled in The Quakers Town, as the postmaster had named this community in 1803. The town that was growing up around what is now Main Street on property sold, lot by lot, by Morris Morris, had a population of nearly 800 people by then. Other communities such as Richland Center, Richlandtown, Milford Center, Charlestown (Trumbauersville) and others were also growing in the region that was once called the Great Swamp. Richard Moore was a private school teacher. He joined a prominent Richland family when he married Sarah Foulke in 1819. Both were Quakers. Sarah also was a schoolteacher and the couple practiced that occupation until 1825. It is believed that Moore then went to work for the Penrose pottery because in 1833 he purchased and assumed management of the well-known Redware producing facility. The Moore pottery consisted of a sixty-five acre tract that extended along the north side of Old Bethlehem Pike (South Main St.) from about a quarter of a mile below the Quaker Meetinghouse to Beaver Run. It is described in the County deed as including, all the Messuage Pottery and Plantation of land situated in the township of Richland. Soon after he purchased the business, Moore built a grand stone home near the pottery. It is said that the house, which still stands today (2014), was the first building of any size built in Upper Bucks County without spirituous liquors being provided to the workmen during work hours (those darned Quakers!). At the time, Richard and Sarah Moores house was one of the largest and most extravagant residences in the township. The business did well and the Moores became wealthy and important citizens. Richard Moore and other Richland Friends (Quakers) were instrumental in establishing an important station on the Underground Railroad system that assisted escaped slaved to achieve freedom. Moores pottery became the most important safe house in Upper Bucks County. Moore and the others took great risks because, no matter how morally justified they were, their activities were contrary to Federal and State Laws. The institution of slavery and the concept of human property ownership by slave masters were sanctioned in the United States Constitution. Article 4, Section 2, Clause 3; U.S. Constitution: No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws there of, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on Claim of Property to whom such service or labor may be due. The Underground Railroad was an informal network of safe houses that were established in the early 19th Century to assist black slaves to successfully escape bondage and find freedom in Canada or Free States. By the 1850s, the peak years of slave escapes, it is estimated that 100,000 blacks had ridden the Freedom Train. About 30,000 of them proceeded on to Canada, where slavery had been abolished in 1830. William Still, a free black man of Philadelphia, is often called the father of the Underground Railroad. At the peak of activities he moved as many as 60 fugitive slaves a month through the network. He organized and helped direct the increasingly well used networks that had developed in Pennsylvania. He directed some of his cargo, or passengers to Richard Moores station in Quakertown. Still, who died in 1902, published a book, The Underground Rail Road Records, in 1871. The stories of 649 slaves who found freedom through his network are chronicled. Several of the stories involve slaves who passed through
They were promptly sent on to Canada by the usual route. Alfred Moore said that occasionally slave owners showed up in Quakertown at his grand fathers house. They had authority to take any suspected escaped slaves. Though local officials were required to give assistance in the apprehensions, they seldom did; especially in the township where Richard Moore was considered a noble hero. More that once, Alfred tells us, the master presented himself at the front door of the Moore house a few moments before the objects of his search, being forewarned of his approach, had escaped by the rear door to a safe place of concealment in the rear. We can only speculate exactly how many run-away slaves were helped to freedom by Richard Moore. He was a stationmaster for 30 years. When the number of fugitives who passed through had already become large he started to keep records of the cargo he handled. By the end of the Civil War, when the Underground Railroad network was no longer necessary, Richard Moore had recorded about 600 names.
One important Railroad traveler was Henry Franklin (slave name Bill Budd) of Maryland. His parents had been freed and moved to Pennsylvania. He continued to serve as a slave in Maryland until he was 33 years old. At that time: at the festival of Whitsuntide, 1837, having been given permission to visit his father for a few days, he decided to avail himself of the opportunity offered [to escape]. Henry continued his journey until in time he reached the house of Richard Moore, of Quakertown, PA, who was a member of the Religious Society of Friends and a kind and interested friend of the slave. Believing Henry would be safe there and needing help [Moore] employed him and he lived with him for seven years, faithfully performing the various duties required, and his employer frequently said, He was always the right man at the right place. He drove the team connected with the business and by his integrity, intelligence, a n d courteous bearing won the confidence and regard of all with whom he mingled and did more to break down prejudice against color in the adjoining county than any other influence. A clear picture of the esteem and stature Richard Moore achieved can be drawn by reviewing a talk given to the Bucks County Historical Society on May 28, 1901, by Dr. Joseph Thomas, himself a pillar of the Quakertown community. Thomas, a wounded Civil War veteran, was a successful physician, a founder and first president of Quakertown National Bank, and one of the architects of the Quakertown School District. He served in the State Senate in 1878. Dr. Thomas knew Richard Moore well. Their careers and renown in Quakertown overlapped. In his presentation to the Historical Society he said: Richard Moore was identified with the town [of Quakertown] in almost every interest and business, religious and social. He was a man of great purity of character, noble nature and generous disposition. In appearance he was portly and d i g n i fied in bearing, indicative of his true Richard Moore House, South Main Street, Quakertown (circa 1995) nature.He died in 1874, regretted by Underground Railroad from the memories of local Quakers, he was quickly sent to Richard every one who knew him. During this, Black History Month, Citizens Edward Magill, who presented a paper on the Moores in Quakertown. topic to the Bucks County Historical Society Smiths wife and children went to Hatboro of Quakertown and Upper Bucks County in 1898. Magill was a youth in Lower Bucks first. They were hidden in a wagon bound for should remember and honor the effortsyes, County prior to the Civil War. His fathers the Moore pottery. The wagon was loaded illegal effortsthat our citizens, even those house had been a station. Magill had many with a large pile of loose hay to conceal the who were pacifists and could not morally parpersonal experiences with, and memories of, fugitives. The driver was instructed to tell ticipate in the Civil War, put forth to assure specific events that occurred when escaped any authorities that the hay was to pack the that all men had Life, Liberty and could freely slaves passed through Bucks County. pottery he was picking up in Quakertown. pursue happiness. Magill says that the main UGRR route into There were no problems during the trip and READ mORE WRITINGS BY JACK SCHICK AT Pennsylvania came through Adams, York, the family was reunited at Richard Moores. SEARCHWARP.COm AND SOULOFWIT.COm
On February 12, 13, and 14 barbershop quartets from the North Pennsmen Chorus will sing songs of love all over Montgomery County and surrounding communities and make Valentines Day even sweeter for loved ones this year. A barbershop quartet from the chorus will serenade your sweetheart at home, work or anywhere else. An annual fundraiser to support the chorus, a Singing Valentine package consists of two songs, a long-stemmed rose, a mug full of candy, a personalized card, and a ticket to the choruss annual spring show. Singing Valentines are great for area residents and business people looking for a fun and exciting new way to send a Valentine message to their sweethearts, special clients or customers, commented chorus member Ig Jakovac. A Singing Valentine will say I Love You long after the song has ended. I think people have lost that personal touch in this digital age of texting, Facebook and email, commented chorus president Rich Maurer, who has been delivering Singing Valentines for more than 10 years. You can tell by the look on the recipients face how spe-
cial it is. We help make Valentines Day even more memorable for people. There is just something magical about being sung to, said Mary Caron, a recent recipient of a Singing Valentine. Its something Ill never forget. To order a singing valentine for your sweetheart, call (215) 393-1940. The cost is $50, and all proceeds benefit the nonprofit North Pennsmen Barbershop Chorus. Established in 1962, the Lansdale Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society has been entertaining audiences of all ages with an exciting repertoire of harmony and humor through their chorus, the North Pennsmen. The North Pennsmens a cappella four-part harmony is rooted in the rich tradition of barbershop music. Singing Valentines is a fundraiser to support the chorus and its mission of preserving the original American art form of barbershop-style singing. The chorus is always looking for new members of high school age and older. If you like to sing, the chorus can teach you how to sing 4-part harmony. You can visit the chorus online at www.NorthPennsmen.org.
CORBIN WILLIAmS, NPTI-CPT, OWNER OF GETREAL TRAINING, LLC IN SELLERSVILLE, GRADUATED FROm THE NATIONAL PERSONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE (NPTI). HE ALSO GRADUATED FROm WEXFORD UNIVERSITY WITH A BACHELORS DEGREE IN EXERCISE AND NUTRITION. HE IS A CERTIFIED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH AND A CERTIFIED NUTRITION COACH. YOU CAN CONTACT HIm AT 215-416-5757 OR VISIT WWW.GETREALTRAINING.NET
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PATRICK BRENDAN COLE, 63, died November 21, 2013 following heart transplant surgery in Seattle. He was the chief of staff for the City of Fairbanks, Alaska where for years he specialized in labor contract negotiations.
Patrick was born Bruce C. to a young mother in Norristown on May 26, 1950, and adopted three days later by the late William P. and Anna Cole of Quakertown. His education began at St. Isidores in Quakertown, and at Quakertown High School (QHS 1968). He attended Temple University for two years, then moved to Alaska with Joyce Mann (QHS 1969), from whose father, Paul, hed learnt the carpentry skills to build the first of a few houses. He volunteered as a draft counselor while a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Following graduation, he went on to earn a law degree in 1978 from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. During high school, he worked at the Quakertown Farmers Market and for two summers on the Milford Township road crew in Upper Bucks County. Patrick was preceded in death by his beloved foster daughter Erica Johnson. He is survived by his wife of five years, Judy Ann Cole of Fairbanks; his aunt, Carmelite nun Sister Elizabeth Costello of Columbus, Ohio; his stepmother Jeannette Cole of Quakertown; first wife Nancy Webb (m 1981-2006), daughter Madeline Webb Cole, son Liam Webb Cole, stepson Alex Krize, brothers Dermot Cole and Terrence Cole (all of Fairbanks); sisters Anita Darrah (QHS 1967) of Gardenville,
Pa, Maureen Whitehead of Cincinnati and Sheila Filteau of Boston; brothers Owen Cole of Philadelphia and Kevin Cole (QHS 1969) of Cincinnati. He is also survived by three grandsons, Zaylan Patrick Cole, Anthony Skordelis, and Byron Wood, and by 14 nieces and nephews. A celebration of Patricks life was held January 16 at Fairbanks City Hall, renamed the Patrick B. Cole Building. Donations: The University of Alaskas William P. Cole Phi Alpha Theta Scholarship fund.For info, email: foundation@alaska.edu CAROL G. KNELLER, 61 of Coopersburg died Friday December 27, 2013 in St. Lukes University Hospital, Bethlehem. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of the late J. Norman and Ellen G. (Shelly) Kneller. She was last employed by the former Zohlman Nursing Home in Richlandtown. Carol was a member of Trinity Great Swamp United Church of Christ in Spinnerstown. She is survived by a sister Donna L. wife of Jerry Benner. Two nephews Bryan Benner (Anastasia) and Matthew Benner (Elaine). A great niece Morgan and two great nephews Blake and Chase. ELIZABETH DAVIN PLEASANTS, 87, of Quakertown died January 3 in her home. She was the wife of the late Francis Pleasants. Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Roland Peter and Catherine Veronica (Von Hofen) Davin. She was a medical secretary for Smith Kline & French Labs before her retirement. Elizabeth was a member of St. Isidores Catholic Church in Quakertown. She enjoyed cooking, baking and reading, but most of all she loved and enjoyed her grandchildren. She is survived by a son Peter Ference of Quakertown and two granddaughters Laura Elizabeth Ference of Quakertown and Heather Marie Kraekel and her husband Ronald Lawrence Kraekel of Souderton. She was predeceased by a brother William David Davin. DAISY E. WEAVER, 98, of Coudersport formerly of Sellersville died January 5, 2014 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport where she was a resident since April of 2011. She was the wife of the late Robert E. Weaver. Born in Ridge Valley, she was the daughter of
~Obituaries~
the late Abraham & Laura (Horner) Roberts. Daisy was a homemaker who enjoyed fishing and traveling to the mountains. She is survived by a her two children Elaine B. Reidnauer and her husband William of Pennsburg, and Robert L. of Galeton, PA and his fiance Deborah Mister. Two grandchildren Rod Reidnauer of Bedford County, PA and Brandy Miller wife of Tim of Perkasie, PA. Two great grandchildren Shawn & Caitlyn. Many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters Anna Kuhns, Ella Roberts, and brothers Charles, Abraham, Robert, Morris, Lewis and a grandson Chad Reidnauer. ALBERT P. SIGMANS, 93, of Quakertown, died Mon., Jan. 6 in St. Lukes Bethlehem. He was married to Margaret (Schmell) Sigmans for 67 years this past November. Albert owned and operated a motorcycle sales and repair shop in Pleasant Valley for many years prior to retiring. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, he was a son of the late Jan and Stephanie (Cleys) Sigmans. He was a member of Trinity (Springfield) Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley, Wallace Willard Keller American Legion, Quakertown, National Antique Motorcycle Club and a life Member of Quakertown Moose. He was past president and co-founder of the Antique Auto Club- Lehigh Valley. Albert loved going to antique car and cycle shows. He served in the US Army during WWII. Surviving with his wife; brother, John, Milford Square; sister-inlaw, Edith Sigmans, Quakertown; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brother Maurice. PATRICIA A. TINDALL, 54, of Riegelsville formerly of Quakertown died January 9 in her home. Born in Elizabethtown, NC she was the daughter of John J. Murphy and the late Anne E. (Smith) Murphy. She enjoyed cooking and reading. She was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Riegelsville. In addition to her father she is survived by a son Michael E., and a daughter Jacqueline E. A sister Jean Earich. She is also survived by her ex husband Kevin. She was predeceased by a brother Jay. FRANCES MOHR, 92, of Spinnerstown, formerly of Milford Square, died Friday, January 10 in her home. She was the wife of the late Marvin Mohr. Frances was a member of West Swamp Mennonite Church in Quakertown where she was active in the church quilting group, The West Swamp Knotters,the flower ministry and the visiting committee. She is survived by two daughters: Shirley Marks (Peter) of Harrisburg and Dianne Cernelli (Frank) of Rio Rancho, NM. Three grandchildren: Amy Di Nunzio (Andy), Christopher Blough (Faith) and Stephanie Cernelli. Four great-grandchildren: Makayla, Angela, Rowan and Tommy. A brother-in-law, Jim Mohr (Cassie), and sister-in-law, Ruth Mohr. Her caregivers; nephew David Gerhart, Joanne Hippeli and Amanda Hippeli. Many nieces and nephews of the Mohr family. She was predeceased by a sister,Catherine Gerhart. KARL BURGHARDT, JR., 71, died January 11 in St. Lukes Hospital Quakertown Campus. He was the husband of Carol (Rodgers) Burghardt for 46 years last June. Born in Norristown, he was the son of Marie
(Steinmetz) Burghardt and the late Karl Burghardt, Sr. He was last employed at the former Delbar Products in Perkasie. Karl was a member of the Penn State Alumni Association. With combined service of 33 years, he was a U.S. Navy Veteran and Reservist and a member of the Naval Reserve Officers Association. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his two sons Karl, III and Robert (Hollie). Two grandchildren Jonathan Strohl and Abigail Strohl. EVELYN MILDRED SCHAFFER, 80, of Quakertown entered into heaven on January 13 in her home. She retired after 25 years of service from the U.S. Gauge Company. She was a patriot, loved her God and country. Her dogs and animals were very dear to her heart. Evelyn is survived by her children Leroy, Jr. Butch (Jackie), Vickie Jones (Harold), Marla Nayduch, Wanda Hrycko (Tony), Robin DeMilly (Chris), Scott (Alison), Gary, and Darwin. 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Also survived by her loyal companions Smokey Bear, Rosie, and Angel. She was predeceased by her ex husband Leroy C. Schaffer, Sr., grandson Robert Adamczyk, Jr., great grandson Robert Scott Frank, sister Grace Grossmeyer, and two nieces Beverly Moll, Michelle Grossmeyer. JOHN F. ALBESER, 80, of Pennsburg died January 14, 2014 in Pennsburg Manor. He was the husband of the late Frances (Monahegn) Albeser and the late Joyce (Zimmerman) Vey Albeser. Born in Philadelphia he was the son of the late Francis & Ann (Horman) Albeser. He was a security guard before retiring. He is survived by two daughters Jeanne Fleming and her husband Brian of Southampton, and Ann Marie Harker. Two grandchildren. MARION A. MARKLEY, 83, of Quakertown formerly of Sellersville died Saturday January 18 in LifeQuest Nursing Center. She was the wife of the late Jacob L. Markley. She was a seamstress before her retirement. Marion was the oldest member of the Sellersville Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She also enjoyed playing Bingo and going to Sines 5 & 10 Cent Store. She was a member of St. Michaels Lutheran Church in Sellersville. She is survived by a son Jacob L. (Terry L.) and two daughters Patricia A. Rash (Paul J.) and Vicki L. Sell (Robert G.) eight grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. A brother Lewis and a sister Shirley Schnable. She was predeceased by a brother Arthur and a sister Esther Shelly. ELSIE M. CARVER, 73, of Quakertown died January 21 in St. Lukes Hospice House, Bethlehem. She was the wife of the late Richard Carver, Sr. and the companion of Charles Grimes. In addition to her mother and companion she is survived by her children Carla M. Clark and husband Dale of Quakertown, Kelly and fianc Cindy Coffman of Perkasie, and Kevin, Sr. and wife Deanna of Quakertown. Three brothers, eight sisters, thirteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren and expecting three more great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son Richard, Jr. HELEN LOLA BENNER, 97, of Richlandtown, died January 22 with her devoted son, Larry, holding her hand. Helen was the wife of the late William Enoch Benner, Jr. Their union produced one son, Larry Charles Benner. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on July 6, 1995. Being
I dont have time to attend meetings two times every month; why should I join the Legion? I have to be with my family in the evenings and go with them to their sporting programs. I really dont drink that much and certainly dont have time to hang around the canteen. These are some of the answers I get when I approach a person eligible to join The American Legion. I would like to look at some of the above comments and show just how important it is to be a member to help in some of the above comments. First, if the American Legion Posts would not exist with their post activities that support both the community and most of all the veterans, many community events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and youth activities would be in jeopardy. On the veterans side, support of veterans medical and housing needs would not have support or an affective voice in the state and federal governments. Our voice would not be heard.
Second, if it were not for organizations such as the American Legion who support the hardworking volunteers in after school sports, such sports would not be available for the children. Third, I do not consume alcohol, but I do enjoy the good food and camaraderie of my fellow veterans in the support arm of the Post (the canteen) that is crucial in maintaining the facilities and place where the Legion members can be with others who also served. This Post Building is not only a place of mortar and brick; it is also a place to meet to work together on the many projects to help The Veteran and the Community. Take notice, in the above paragraphs the words Veterans and Community appears quite often. For just $30, you can become a member (if eligible) and you do not have to attend meetings. By becoming a member, you are showing both the Veterans and the Community that you care. Most of those dues go to the National and State Legion to help those Veterans in need and to show through strength in numbers that we are a voice for those who served.
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the great, beautiful Mom she was, and proud of her sons accomplishments, she would always be in attendance at his various musical performances. She would often accompany him to Philadelphia to attend concerts by the Philly Pops at the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center. Helen was predeceased by her husband, her parents and her brother, Charles Newton Heller. Survivors: A son, Larry Charles Benner, of Richlandtown, and many nieces, nephews and great-nephews. ROBERT E. RICHTER, 85, of Quakertown, previously of Richlandtown, died January 24 in LifeQuest. He worked as a technician for US Gauge, Division of Ametek, Inc., Sellersville for 43 years before retiring. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Erdman and Emma (Egert) Richter. He was a 1946 graduate of QHS. He was a member of Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem. Surviving, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters, Elise Leister, Victoria Yerk, Ruth Slozer and brother Harold. FRIDRICH RUEDIGER, 87, of Quakertown, died January 24 at his home. He was the husband of Irene (Pempe) Ruediger for 59 years. He worked as an experimental engineer for Standard Press Steel in Hatfield for many years prior to his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the St. Peters Lutheran Church, Allentown. He was a veteran of World War II and was a P.O.W. survivor. Surviving with his wife are sons; Edward, of Norfolk, VA, Richard, wife Beth of Collegeville, PA, Leonard, of Westmont, NJ; daughters; Anita Driscoll, husband Joseph, of Clayton, NY, and Karen Jablonski, husband Joseph of Blandon, PA; grandchildren; Alex, Leah, Lauren, Ellen, Chris, Dan, and Jenna; great grandson, Caleb; brother, Walter, of New Hope, PA. He was predeceased by a brother, Ludwig. MARJORIE K. BRANNAKA, 89, of Quakertown, died January 25 at her home. She was the wife of the late F. Rudolph Brannaka. She taught science and home economics in the Quakertown and Penn Ridge School districts for many years prior to her retirement in 1986. Marjorie was a lifelong member of the St. Johns Lutheran Church, Quakertown. She was a Past Worthy Matron in the Order of the Eastern Star, and served as a past president of the Womens Club of America, Quakertown. Surviving are her sons; Larry, wife Cheryl of Julian; Eric, wife Valerie of Quakertown; daughter, Kathy Bingaman, husband Mark of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren; Quin, Benjamin, wife Alyssa, Michael, Daniel, Rebecca, Samuel, Ariel, and Elly; great grandchildren; Petra, Channah, and Caleb. MARJORIE STROHMEIER, 97, of Trumbauersville, died January 25 at Genesis HealthCare Quakertown Center. She was the wife of the late Harry E. Strohmeier who died June 30, 2005. She was a member of Christ Church of the United Church of Christ, Trumbauersville. She was employed by David Crystal, Inc. in Trumbauersville as a seamstress for many years and continued to sew at home for private customers following her retirement. She is survived by three sons; Barry L. and his wife Rebecca of Williamsburg, VA, Roger J. and his wife Jo Karen of Quakertown, Brian R. and his wife Kristin of Pittsburgh; brother Joseph Christ of Coopersburg; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was predeceased by three brothers, James, Marvin and Francis, and two sisters, Evelyn and Arlene. ANNA BENNER, 93, died January 26 in Genesis Elder Care Quakertown Center. She was the wife of the late Paul Benner & the late George Spaits. She was born in Allentown. Anna loved gardening and flowers. She was a member of Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. in Spinnerstown. Survived by a brother Ray, two sisters Eva, Betty. Four grandchildren Charles, Cindy, Christopher, and Michelle, five great grandchildren Cody, Nathan, Eva, Savannah and Benjamin. She was predeceased by a son Charles, Sr.
~Obituaries~
LUCILLE H. INMAN, 87, of Quakertown died January 26 in Genesis Elder Care Quakertown Center. As her family stated Lucille was a very smart and intelligent women who enjoyed keeping her home. She also enjoyed gardening, crocheting and going to thrift shops. She is survived by her children Laurie Joyce of Emmaus, Mark Brunner and his wife Sandra, Lucy Getz and her husband John, and Judith Brunner. A sister Joan Inman. Fourteen grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by two children Mary Guiseppi, Abby Malcolm, two brothers Harold Sonny Inman and John Henry Inman, a sister Doris Black and one grandchild. DONALD E. SWARTLEY, 75, of Sellersville died January 27 in his home. He was the husband of the late Irene V. (Janney) Swartley. He retired from Grand View Hospital Maintenance Department. Prior to that he worked for Swartley Construction. Donald enjoyed hunting, the mountains, and raising all types of plants. He enjoyed time with his family. He is survived by four daughters Donna Swartley, Sheila Copenhaver (Terry), Tracy Dildine (Kenneth),and Nadine Barnes (Eles). Three sisters Barbara Neamand, Mabel Bauer, and Mary Swartley. Two grandchildren Kimberly and Travis. He is also survived by his companion Rose Burkholder. DONALD W. VARGO, 78, of Quakertown died January 29 in Grand View Hospital. Husband of Rose Marie (Leonard) Vargo. They were married 56 years last August. Donald enjoyed all types of auto racing and was a descendant of the former Vargo Dragway. He was a member of St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church (Kellers Church) in Perkasie. In addition to his wife he is survived by three daughters Christine Turner (Donald), Debbie Weaver (Ernie), and Margie Rullman. Four brothers David, Ralph, and Raymond Vargo and Joe Zimmerman. Four grandchildren Janet, Jason, Becky, and Miranda. Five great grandchildren. Predeceased by a sister Marlene Seng, and a brother Edward, Jr. Harold C. Mease, 93, of Quakertown died January 30, 2014 in his home. He was the husband of the late Evelyn M. (Bleam) Mease. Born in Springtown, PA he was the son of the late Linford & Mary (Campbell) Mease. He was a truck driver for Bethlehem Steel before his retirement in 1980. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of the Paletown Rod and Gun Club, Great Swamp Fish and Game, and the NRA. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during WW II. He is survived by his children Marion L. Hoffert of Center Valley, Linford C. Mease and his wife Marsha of Coopersburg, and Evelyn L. Mackiewicz and her husband Wayne of Sellersville. A sister Caroline Stump of Quakertown. Nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son Harold. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Quakertown Lions Club, P.O. Box 1021 Quakertown, PA 18951. Dorothy E. Yelicanin, 94, of Quakertown formerly of Springtown died January 30, 2014 in Valley Manor Nursing Home, Coopersburg. She was the wife of the late George N. Yelicanin. Born in Lower Saucon Twsp., she was the daughter of the late Harold W. & Elma E. (Miller) Buss. She retired in 1985 from Roselon Industries, Quakertown. Dorothy was a member of Hellertown Assembly of God. She is survived by a son Paul (Patricia), and Myra Steich (Barry) both of Quakertown. Two brothers Wilmer of Bedminster and Maynard of Fort Meyers, FL, a sister Ethel Strauss of Fort Meyers, FL. Five grandchildren Nicholas (Megan), Kelsey, Shane, Khanh Stenberg and Mai Robertson. She was predeceased by two sons Francis, Butchie and a brother Leon. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hellertown Assembly of God 2065 Apple Street Hellertown, PA 18055.
ALPINE (SKI) BIaTHLON BObSLEIGH BRONZE CROSS COUNTRY (SKI) CURLING DOWNHILL (RacING) EVENTS
FIGURE (SKaTE) FREESTYLE (SKI) GOLd IcE HOcKEY LUGE MEdaLS NORdIc (COmbINEd) OLYmPIcS
RUSSIa SHORT TRacK (SKaTE) SILVER SKELETON SKI JUmPING SNOWbOaRd SOcHI SPEEd SKaTING
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gymnastics, horseback riding, various team sports, swimming, music, karate, dance, and more. We currently have 25 children on a wait list. Pride of Quakertown, POQ, is a non-profit 501 3 that provides scholarships for children under the age of 18, to participate in co-curricular activities within the community. We believe that every child deserves the right to have access to any and all experiences that may enrich their lives and provide opportunities for growth and learning. We have developed partnerships with a variety of recreational program leaders to determine the best way to include a scholarship recipient into their desired program. Through this relationship, we have strengthened the bonds that occur within the Quakertown area. For more information on POQ, you can log onto our website at www.prideofquakertown.org
Bedecked with garland and snowflakes, Antiques at 200 East won the Golden Bell award in Quakertown Alive!s inaugural Business Decorating Contest in downtown Quakertown. The award will remain with Antiques at 200 East until next year when a new winner will be chosen. Chris Wagner, owner of the store, credits her employees with decorating the store. It was all them, she said. I asked them if they wanted the store to be in the contest. They did. They took the ball and ran with it; they did all of the decorating. Quakertown Alive! sponsored the contest to foster a sense of community, emphasize Quakertown as a holiday shopping destination, and to brighten the town during the holiday season. This years theme was Snowflakes.
Accepting the Golden Bell Award are (LEFT Donna Koenig, Chris Wagner, Betty Stener, Denise Dunn, Stephanie Mann, Lisa Lambrecht. NOT PICTURED: Peg Bumbaugh, Joe Manzinas, Drew Wagner. PHOTO BY MICHELE BUONO
RIGHT)
Once again we are approaching Valentines Day. That is the day when human males get a chance to score extra points with their favorite human females. I feel the need to remind you human males that a safe gift for the females are spa visits. Jewelry will work, too. Gift cards for manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials are always a good idea. If you have financial issues you can show her you love her by cleaning the house for her, doing the laundry or making her a romantic dinner. Women also like foot massages. Ladies dont forget to get something for your man. He would probably enjoy something like tickets to his favorite sporting event. If its something he can go to with a buddy instead of
you, that will give you even more points scored. Hope we all thaw out soon from this cold! See you next month, Love M.J.
Most people recognize Quakertown Alive! as the organization that hosts street fests such as Arts Alive! held annually in May as well as the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. It is a volunteer-driven not-for-profit community organization that works to develop and implement a successful revitalization effort in downtown Quakertown. But according to Main Street manager Naomi Naylor, Revitalization means making sure that our local non-profits are healthy, too. To that end, Quakertown Alive! partnered with East Swamp Church at Quakertowns Christmas Tree Lighting to collect non-perishable food items for local food banks. In a generous move, Greg Ciocca of the Faulkner-Ciocca Dealerships said that he would financially match the value of the collected food from the Tree Lighting. Jeff Pursel of Faulkner-Ciocca recently delivered checks totaling $2500 to the Quakertown Alive! office to be distributed to the Quakertown Food Pantry, St. Isidore Parish and Milford Square Food Pantries. Faye Wagner accepted the donation on behalf of the Quakertown Food Pantry. The Quakertown Food Pantry serves the area of the Quakertown Community School District. We are so blessed by the generosity of the community, said Faye. And we are so thankful for this donation. The Pantry served over 2,000 people just this past December. Faye mentions that Arbys of Quakertown has an ongoing fundraiser for the pantry. Between the hours of 4 8pm on the third Wednesday of each month, Arbys donates 15% of purchase proceeds to the Quakertown Food Pantry. Lisa Arrigo-Young has coordinated the St. Isidore Parish food pantry with her husband, Steve, for the past five years. She sees a definite increase in the number of people who are using the food pantrys services and says that the pantry currently serves almost 100 people each day that it is open. The Faulkner-Ciocca check is especially welcome after the holiday because typically thats when donations start to dwindle, although summer is the leanest time of the year for food donations. Lisa mentions
that approximately half of the people benefitting from the food pantry are children. The Bucks County Housing Groups Milford Square food pantry is smaller than the other two pantries, but still serves approximately 150 families each month. Development Officer Melissa Mantz was thankful for the $500 check from the Faulkner-Ciocca Dealership. We rely on the community to help us keep this pantry on its feet. We have many churches, businesses, and community groups that work with us and we are so grateful for their help, said Mantz. The pantry is currently raising money to purchase a gently-used van to replace the one they have now. They are looking to raise another $5,000, according to volunteer coordinator John Kunes. If you would like to donate to any of these food pantries or need more information, here are the contact numbers. Quakertown Food Pantry, 215-536-0240; St. Isidore Parish pantry, 215-536-8136; and the Bucks County Housing Groups Milford Square pantry, 215529-5519. All of the food pantries depend on volunteers and donations from the community to continue to serve those who need help putting food on the family table. According to FeedingAmerica.org, hunger issues affect one in every six Americans.
Jeff Pursel of Faulkner-Ciocca presents the $2500 donation to Main Street Manager Naomi Naylor. The donation benefits the Quakertown Food Pantry, the St. Isidore and Milford Square food banks. PHOTO BY MICHELE BUONO
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Remmy is a Black and White Female Standard Rat who is 11 months old. Her owner could no longer keep her. She is as cute as a button and would love to go home with you! Patches is a 6 year old Spaniel/Terrier Mix who is eager to be with people. He loves the extra attention but can also be a bit anxious when people ignore him. He loves to explore but would much rather have your undivided attention! Help Patches learn to relax by waiting until he is calm before paying attention to him. If you wait, he tends to lean in for scratches. Patches will lie down if people tell him to. He likes catching tennis balls but drops them immediately. He carries a rubber squeaky toy around whining. He plays with fluffy toys and brings them back to be thrown again. Patches knows how to sit, shake, lie down, come, stay, and off. Patches is friendly when meeting new people and would be best with children 8-10 years or older that can help with calming training. He may be best as an only pet due to his resource guarding. He needs weekly brushing to keep his coat looking nice and shiny! Aaron is a 5 year old neutered male. This active and social butterfly loves to explore every inch of a room. He does not seem to like other cats and has not been around dogs. Aaron should do well with responsible children of all ages. He is litter box trained and tested negative for feline leukemia. If you are interested in these or other pets, visit Bucks County SPCA at 60 Reservoir Road, Quakertown. Call 267-347-4674 or visit www.bcspca.org
Lilo is a 2 year old terrier mix, who is ready for love! She has already been a mom in her young life, and was surrendered to a shelter in West Virginia with her baby this past spring. This cute little lady has been looking for her forever home with us since then, which we cant understand, as she is an awesome little girl. She loves other dogs, is great with cats, and LOVES all people! She is completely housetrained, crate trained, and is spayed and up to date on vaccines. She would love to come with you, and is waiting for your call! Homer is a 3-4 year old pitbull mix, who wandered into a good place! He was found as a stray by one of our foster homes, and has been living with her since then! He is a super friendly, outgoing guy - he LOVES other dogs and is very submissive with them...would make a great playmate! He also absolutely adores children, and would love a family of his very own! He is housetrained, crate trained, and is neutered and up to date on vaccines. Call us today to help find this deserving boy a forever home! These adorable pups are available for adoption through Harleys Haven. Call 215-527-7432 to arrange to meet them. Thank you so much, and we look forward to working with you!!
We often want to show love to our dogs the way that we show love to each other, through hugs and kisses. Many dogs can learn to accept and tolerate the hugging and kissing but few actually enjoy it. According to the Center for Disease Control 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. 1 in 5 dog bites result in injuries that require medical attention. Adult males are more likely to be bitten than women. Children from the age of 5 to 9 years are more likely to be bitten than adults. Most dog bites to children are from the family dog or from a familiar dog friend. The major cause for facial bites to children can be attributed to hugging and kissing the family dog. Supervision of interactions with dogs and children is a must! Every dog has an invisible bubble around them called their comfort zone. Humans have an invisible comfort zone too. When conversing with another human there is a comfortable distance that we can tolerate say a good 3 to 4 foot distance away. Now how would you feel if they were talking to you just inches from your face? You might tolerate it a few times but if they continued to do this you would tell them to please back off (a human growl). Dogs cant say please but they can communicate by growling along with their body language. Learning to interpret your dogs body language may help
you to understand what your dog is trying to tell you. A happy dog pants and wags her tail loosely. The signs of a fearful or anxious dog: whale eye (lots of white showing in the eyes), she may turn her head to avoid contact, ears pinned back or tongue thrust like a lizard. A dog that suddenly becomes frozen with no movement can be very dangerous. A dog bite can happen in 1/40th of a second! For Valentines Day why dont we give love to our dogs in a way that dogs will enjoy? Every dog loves a good scratch. Try scratching or stroking the dog on the side of the neck, behind her ears or on her chest. My dog loves a good scratch at that hard to reach place at the base of her tail. It makes her go weak at the knees. Most dogs dont like being patted on the head, again they just tolerate it. Invite your dog to sit with you on the floor while you read or watch T.V. Let her lean on you or put her head on your lap. Play games like fetch, tug-of-war and hide and seek. Dont include chasing or rough play like wrestling. Take your dog for lots of walks. Enrolling in a group training class is a great way to interact with your dog. Be a Tree Program website is a great place to learn more about children and dog safety. MARION C. ONEIL CPDT-KA Is THE TRAINER AT AND OWNER OF MOLAssEs CREEK DOG TRAINING, LLC IN MILFORD TOWNsHIp, PA.
Brownie Troop #21682 is running a Pet Supply Collection to benefit the Upper Bucks SPCA for the month of February. Items can be dropped off at Christs Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville during open hours. There will be a final drop-off on Saturday, February 22 10am-12pm at the church. The SPCA is in need of the following:
canned dog food (Pedigree or Purina preferred), canned and dry cat food, chlorine bleach, non-scoopable cat litter, Care Fresh bedding, laundry detergent, office supplies like pens, highlighters, post-it notes, paper clips, staples, tape dispensers, paper, etc. Contact Erika Krauthauser at 267-772-0378 for further information.
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In last months article I talked about setting goals for the new year and the importance of keeping them simple and realistic for us. Sometimes this can be a difficult task because some if not most of us want it NOW!!! We want instantaneous results and the ability to follow through with what we have committed ourselves to do. Depending upon what goal we have defined for us it may happen but if it is a lifestyle change, we need to give ourselves permission to take our time and establish routines for a couple of months. Once we are in the swing of things than the natural flow we happen for us. The ability to follow through with what we set our minds to do will happen. It will become almost automatic in the beginning and middle stages. The problems arise when we are feeling frustrated with our progress, or with interruptions from daily life that may be impeding us to fulfill our goals to the degree of our original intention. That is why it is so important to have a back up plan when life and feelings and old behaviors creep into us achieving our goals. In life coaching we call these blocks. Blocks can keep us stuck for one hour, one day, one week, one month or one year depending upon what it is. Some of them are normal to have when you think about the fact that we are changing some aspect of ourselves or some behavior in our life which requires a lifestyle change. Changing our lifestyle is a long term commitment; however it does not need to create crisis and drama for us. Part of identifying
the blocks is to understand if there are patterns in how we do things or if there are underlying messages that we have told ourselves for years that sabotage us in achieving our goals. Most of us have an idea what is our negative thought that has haunted us for years, that reals it ugly head when we are finally feeling motivated to change. So you replace it with a positive affirmation. For example if you do not feel that you can change that it is hopeless that you always fail no matter what, than your statement would be I am capable of changing. I have been successful (identify with what specifically, i.e.: children, work). I really like the idea of improving my life and how I interact with others in my life on all levels. I am always striving to be the best person I can be because it is important to me. I want to be as happy as humanly possible. So for me being willing to look inside myself and say What do I want for myself? Is my life working for me? What do I need to do to have whatever it is that I am seeking for myself? Means I value myself and that is how I pursue my goals. I am usually empowered by identifying goals and reviewing them. Because no matter what whether I have achieved only some I have achieved and believed in myself that Change is possible and it is Good. The reality is there is always tomorrow, next month or next year to fine tune and master what it is that I am seeking to fulfill in myself and my life. SUSAN V. BREWER IS A CERTIFIED LIFE COACH AND PSYCHOTHERAPIST IN THE UPPER BUCKS COUNTY AREA. SHE CAN BE REACHED AT 215-872-4219. VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.BALANCELIFE4U.COm.
Pennridge FISH Organization, Inc, a local charitable organization serving low-income households in the Pennridge School District with food, clothing and emergency financial assistance, saw a record number of individuals in need visit its food pantry and clothing outlet in 2013. In all, the organizations charitable contribution to the Pennridge Community was in excess of $1,000,000. During the year FISH distributed more than $43,000 in emergency financial assistance for necessary utility bills, security deposits and homeless hotel stays to 192 unique families. More than 418,500 lbs of food were distributed to families in need at a value of $690,642. This represents almost 6,000 visits to the food pantry. The clothing room gave out more
than $87,450 worth of clothing and small household items. In September, FISH distributed 209 packed school bags to local students in grades K-12. In December, 10,850 lbs of Christmas food was distributed to 292 families or 1,081 individuals. In excess of 5,000 toys and gifts, and $2,500 in gift cards for teens were given to clients with a total value of approximately $53,000. FISH would like to express gratitude to all of its volunteers who contributed 11,380 hours of service to the organization. FISH depends entirely upon donations from local churches, businesses, community organizations and individuals. All donations to Pennridge FISH are tax-deductible. For more information about the organization please visit pennridgefish.org.
The Quakertown Soccer Club and the Sarah Parvin Foundation recently announced the results of the 2013 Sarah Parvin SoccerFest. In the 6th year of running this event, the total raised was $50,330.70. This was a combined effort of hundreds of QSC and Foundation volunteers who worked for months in advance of the event through the conclusion, helping to bring the total raised since inception to over $225,000. The Parvin Foundation has generously donated money to help run the Hope Lodge at Fox Chase Cancer Center and initiate an Ovarian Cancer Research activity at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia among other tasks. The SoccerFest is by far their biggest
event. Unlike other soccer events, Quakertown Soccer Club donates 100% of its proceeds from SoccerFest. This years event included almost 200 teams playing 6v6 soccer for 30 minutes straight. Each team had 5-6 games and the tournament runs for 24 hours straight on 13 different fields at Quakertown Soccer Club. A large majority of players/teams camp onsite for the event, which includes a marathon Food Court, many forms of Entertainment, Vendors and, of course, soccer for all ages. The youngest teams are U9 travel teams up to Adult Recreation teams. SUBMITTED BY QUAKERTOWN SOCCER CLUB
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Did you know that the United States has hosted the Winter Olympics more times than any other country? 1932 in Lake Placid, 1960 in Squaw Valley, 1980 in Lake Placid, and 2000 in Salt Lake City.
are LSA Cougars parent-coaches, USATF coach Peter Merena and the athletes: Jessica Merena, Nathan Merena, Tory McFarland, Julia Luisser; SECOND ROW: Amanda Murray, Joshua Jackson, Grace Godshall, Stanton Godshall; NOT PICTURED: Corrina Soura, Thomas Matsumura PHOTO BY CRAIG LEWIS
TOP LEFT TO RIGHT BOTTOM FRONT ROW:
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State Rep. Paul Clymer Set to Retire After 34 Years of Doing the Peoples Business
BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ
It looks like he really means it this time. State Representative Paul I. Clymer (R-Bucks) announced on January 23 that he will not seek reelection at the end of this legislative term. On the job since 1981, doing the peoples business, Clymer says hes ready to begin a new chapter in my life. Clymer almost began that chapter four years ago when he announced he would retire at the end of the term he was then serving. Members of his Party and residents alike asked him not to go. His arm probably did not need much twisting to keep him in the game for just a little while longer. For the past 34 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving the citizens of the 145th Legislative District. I give my heartfelt
thanks to the residents of the 145th District for their confidence and support in allowing me to serve these many years. It has been an awesome and humbling experience. Paul Clymer, who will be 77 this year, is well ensconced in the State House of Representative. He currently serves as the chair of the House Education and Capitol Preservation Committees and is very active in the House Gaming Oversight Committee. Clymer is a former chair of the House State Government Committee. Serving as State Representative for Upper Bucks County is Clymers longest term in an elected position. In fact, it is the only elected position he has ever held. While Clymer has certainly set his sights on actual retirement, and all that which comes
with it, he affirms that this is not the end of his service to others. Indeed, it does seem ingrained in his core to remain helpful wherever he can. He will, however, take time to enjoy some of his favorite relaxing activities, such as going to auctions, spending more time at the Shore, traveling around the United States, and visiting with friends. Clymer was recently honored at a Veterans Day program he organized and has put on for 25 years with students in Upper Bucks to honor and remember the sacrifices our armed forces. The veterans, whose service Clymer seeks to celebrate each year, turned the tables on him with some appreciation of their own. The residents Paul has faithfully served for three and a half decades should feel honored, as well.
Toms Help Desk, Inc. of Quakertown has opened a second location at 4007 Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA. The above photo was taken at their ribbon cutting ceremony last month. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Peter McVan, a senior from Pennridge High School, has been named Student of the Month for December. Peter has been enrolled in the Carpentry Program for three years. Peter is an active member of SkillsUSA placing first in the 2013 District Carpentry Competition and fourth in the 2013 State Competition. Peter recently placed first in the 2014 District Competition and he will represent UBCTS in the SkillsUSA State Competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania, April 9-11, 2014. He recently was an active participant in the SCORE entrepreneurship program. Peter is currently participating in the UBCTS Cooperative Education program. He is employed by Worthington Custom Builders, Inc. and has received all excellent ratings from his employers. Upon graduation, Peter plans to join his current employer for full time employment.