Upper Bucks Free Press - January 2014
Upper Bucks Free Press - January 2014
Upper Bucks Free Press - January 2014
January 9
Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner, 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out) at Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike. $9/adult, $5/age 6-12, $9.50/ take-out
January 18
Fruit Trees (in the home garden) Seminar, 10am presented by Eastern Shore of VA Nursery. Free event, call Dublin Agway at 215-249-3117 to reserve a seat
January 10
After Christmas Party Social for Deaf & Hard of Hearing, 6:30pm-9pm at Indian Valley Library, 100 Church Rd, Telford. Call for details & RSVP by Jan 9 at 610-323-2365 or 215-721-7121
January 20
Blood Drive 9am-1pm at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Donate blood and help to save three lives today. Details at 215-536-YMCA
January 11
AAUW Annual Potluck Luncheon at Doylestown Methodist, 320 E Swamp Rd, Doylestown. Speaker Dr. Bridget Nolans analysis of the terrorism center culture, 215-340-7604
January 24
Dementia Workshop 9am-10:30am, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. (tips to help w/family conversations), Free event & complimentary breakfast. RSVP by Jan 21 at 215-257-6701 At a recent American Association of University Women (AAUW) Doylestown Branch meeting, Jim Brexler, the new CEO and President of Doylestown Hospital, spoke about future plans for the hospital. In his very informative talk he covered both traditional and new approaches to giving the best possible care to the patient and the community. We wish him great success in achieving these goals. SUBMITTED PHOTO
January 4 & 5
Annual Keystone N-Trak Model Railroad Club Open House, 11am-4pm at Dublin TEC Ctr, Suite 216, 123 N Main St (Rt 313), Dublin. Public is invited to attend
January 26
All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast 8am-12noon at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. $7/adult, $4/age 4-7, free under 4. Info: 215-536-2224 or haycockfire.org
January 5
Breakfast 8am-1pm at Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rt 212, Springtown. $7/adult, $4/age 6-10, free 5 & under Birds at Your Feeder nature program, 2pm, $3/person. Info 215-357-4005, churchvillenaturecenter.org
January 12
Second Sunday Breakfast 8am-1pm at Lower Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, $8/adult, $4/age 3-12. (Military, Firemen/ women, Fire Police, EMT, Police, please ask for your $1 discount)
January 30
Spaghetti Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out) at Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike. $8/adult, $5/age 6-12, $8.50/take-out. Salad Bar & Dessert included
January 13
Bingo 7pm (doors open 5:30pm) at UB Activity Ctr Milford Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Qtwn, 215-536-3066
January 7
Horse Racing 12:30pm at Upper Bucks Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, Quakertown, ($1/horse per race) 215-536-3066 Winter Naturalist Walks 1:30pm at Nature Ctr. Free, warm up afterwards by our fire. Doylestown. Info at 215-345-7860 and peacevalleynaturecenter.org, (also Jan 14, 21, & 28)
February 8
5th Annual Bark & Wine at K9 Jym in Colmar, dinner/music/wine tasting/dog activities/vendors/silent auction, etc. $20/adv tkt, $25/door, 267-587-7364, (snow date Feb 22), [email protected]
January 14
Citizens for Constitutional Govt meeting, 6:30pm at Quakertown Library, 401 W Mill St, Qtwn. Presentation Stop Smart Meters (free, open to public), info at http://ccg-pa.org
January 8
New Years Party w/Paul Swanger, 11:30pm at UB Activity Ctr, Milford Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Qtwn. Sign up by Jan 6 ($12/ person) at 215-536-3066
January 17
Friday Night Dance w/Gary Dee, 7pm10pm, $10/person payable at door. UB Activity Ctr, Milford Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066
February 9
16th Annual Daddy/Daughter Valentines Dance for girls 4-10 years. 1pm-3pm. Registration by Jan 27 or sold out. Details/ prices at 215-538-YMCA, ubymca.org (Quakertown)
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,
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! [email protected] fax: 215-839-3421 312 W. Broad St. Quakertown
Crowded Kitchen Players will hold auditions for In the Land of Lost Content, a stage adaptation of A.E. Housmans A Shropshire Lad on Wednesday January 8th from 7 to 8:30 PM at McCooles Arts and Events Place, 10 S. Main St. Quakertown, PA. Set in 1896 on the Welsh-English border, In the Land of Lost Content will run March 21st April 6th at McCooles. Needed: men and women
ages 20 and older - saucy maids and sturdy yeomen. All roles are speaking roles. Strong pub singers are also needed. Actors will do cold readings from the script. Singers will be asked to sing a capella. All roles are open. Also needed are a stage manager, set builders and box office volunteers. For more info or directions, please call 610-395-7176, email [email protected] or visit ckplayers.com
January, a month of empty pockets! Let us endure this evil month, anxious as a theatrical producers forehead.
Quakertown Borough Receives Grants from DCED, DCNR for New Park Project
Quakertown Borough officials announced that it has received two grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in support of its new Park Project located at 4th and Mill Streets. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program announced a $250,000 grant for the development of the former Krupp industrial site, including the construction of the amphitheater and trail. State Senator Bob Mensch played a critical role in helping the borough obtain the funding. The Department of Community and Economic Development awarded the project a $225,000 grant from funds that were part of the $28.6 million made available over the past two years to fund six Marcellus Legacy Fund programs administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. More than $16 million in funding was awarded throughout the state to support 116 greenways, trails and recreation projects. These two grants combined with the funds already raised for the project through other grants, sponsorships, and donations equal more than half of the $2 million cost to build the park. We are thrilled to receive these two state grants which are key to the parks construction, said Cathy Gillahan, Park Development Steering Committee Co-chair. We are looking forward to beginning the bidding process for the construction of the amphitheater in early 2014. The 12-acre passive recreation community park will connect the Quakertown Memorial Park and the Sports Complex, the James A. Michener Branch of the Bucks County Library, and the Quakertown Community Pool. It will feature walking and biking trails, an amphitheater, concession stand, gazebo, restrooms, flower meadows, a water feature with fountain as well as open areas for picnicking, playing and relaxing. This community asset to the more than 36,500 residents of the Quakertown Regional Area (including Richland, Haycock, and Milford Townships and Quakertown, Trumbauersville, and Richlandtown Boroughs) will regularly hold public events, live music, entertainment, arts events and more each season.
A diagnosis of cancer is something you hope never to receive. While you cannot change your genetics, there are steps you can take starting today that may make a big difference in facing the disease. Fox Chase Cancer Center and Grand View Hospital offer some key advice about cancer screening and healthy lifestyle habits to help reduce your cancer risk. In 2014, make it your New Years resolution to fight cancer proactively. Here are some tips: Get regular cancer screenings. Screening tests are available for various types of cancers, such as breast, colorectal, prostate, and cervical cancers. Having regular screenings may improve your chances of discovering cancer at its earliest stages, when it may be treated more effectively. It is important to talk with your doctor about cancer screening, when you should begin screening and how often these tests should be repeated, says Mark L. Sobczak, MD, Chief Network Officer at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Avoid smoking or using tobacco. Smoking cigarettes is linked to an increased risk of developing many types of cancers, including bladder, cervical, esophageal, kidney, lung, oral, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. Quitting smoking, or not starting the habit at all, is one of the best thing you can do to help prevent cancer, no matter your age and even if you have smoked for years. In addition, the use of other tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, has been linked to an increased risk of oral and pancreatic cancers. Even if you dont smoke, being around those who do may increase your cancer risk through exposure to secondhand smoke. A family history of cancer can increase your risk of developing cancer and is an area you are unable to control, said Howard S. Zipin, MD, medical director of the Grand View Regional Cancer Program, Grand View Hospital. However, early detection with reg-
ular cancer screenings in addition to cancer prevention techniques such as sun avoidance and smoking cessation can decrease the controllable cancer risks. Make healthy foods a part of your everyday diet. Maintaining a balanced diet, complete with plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and beans, may help to ward off cancer. Limit your intake of red meats and high-fat foods. And if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Recent studies have shown that eating healthy costs less than two dollars a day more and has the potential for long term savings in healthcare costs. Exercise regularly. Research has shown that individuals who lead a physically active lifestyle have a lower risk of certain cancers than those who are sedentary. Such types of cancers include colorectal cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, and endometrial cancer. Exercising and eating right also help you maintain a healthy weight. This is important as obesity may increase your cancer risk. Aim to fit about 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine. Find something you enjoy, whether its taking a brisk walk, playing a sport, riding your bike, or joining a fitness class. Protect your skin from the sun. Exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays may lead to skin cancer. Even in winter, the suns UV rays can do damage to your skin. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or higher every day. Limit sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption to protect your eyes and surrounding skin. Avoid other sources of UV light, such as tanning beds and sun lamps. Learn more about cancer risk and resources at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Grand View Hospital by visiting www.foxchase.org and www.gvh.org.
Dr. Lisa Andrejko, QCSD Superintendent, was named to the Top 40 Innovators in Education in the 2013 Yearbook for Education Technology in Review, a report published by the Center for Digital Education. She has also been speaking to policy makers and legislators at the state and national level, sharing the ways in which QCSDs initiatives are giving Quakertown students opportunities that people in other districts envy. QCSD has become the gold standard, she said. Wherever I go people have heard about the QCSD technology initiatives and are eager to learn how they too can implement our practices. The magazine notes on the cover that technology itself does not transform learning. It is an aid and tool to effective and creative instruction that only come from dedicated instructors who strive for innovation. Our teachers and administrators have worked hard to implement our initiatives over the last 6 years, Dr. Andrejko said. It has become so much a part of our expectations for teachers and students to learn in new and rigorous ways that they dont realize what we have here, until they go outside the district and see that others are not reaping the same benefits. Many of our graduates have gone on to colleges where they make the deans lists and take on professional internships in their freshmen years. Students who meet their teachers challenges are well prepared for their futures.
The innovations, of course, include the QCSD cyber and blended learning programs, which won the iNACOLs Innovative Online Learning Practice award. QCSD Kindergarteners learn with a 1:1 iPad initiative. Students in grades 9-12 also have 1:1 laptops, which give them the opportunity to learn 24/7. The goal of all technology as a tool is to meet the diverse needs of students and to prepare them for college and careers. The magazine notes, Dr. Andrejko was named a 2013 Tech Savvy Superintendent by eSchool News, and authored an article for the America Association of School Administrators journal School Administrator, outlining how QCSD Cyber was developed and implemented. QCSD was also featured as a Technology Showcase District by the Alliance for Excellent Education as part of Digital Learning Day. Despite all of this recognition, Dr. Andrejkos greatest achievement has been the improvement to teaching and learning in her school district. Students are scoring higher on student achievement testing, college readiness exams and AP exams. And more students are going to college and being accepted into top-tier schools. In addition, the dropout rate has decreased by 10 percent over the past 4 years. I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by a team of dedicated education professionals. I share any recognition I receive with my colleagues who work tirelessly for our students. My job is to create the conditions so they succeed.
Many cultures believe that objects in the shape of a ring are good luck as they symbolize coming full circle, completing a years cycle. Example: the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Years Day will bring good fortune... and who are we to argue with the Dutch?
Quakertown Community High School junior Amanda Hafler spent a good deal of her Christmas break organizing a brand new collection of Vera Bradley bags. But the popular fabric bags arent for her personal collection. Hafler has been busy making preparations for The 2nd Annual Vera Bradley Bingo, a fundraiser to benefit The Upper Bucks Relay for Life, a program of the American Cancer Society. Last years event was tremendously successful!, says Hafler, a four-year team captain and a three-year member of the Planning Committee of the Upper Bucks Relay for Life. I really learned a lot from my first experience leading such a large event and have made some improvements for the 2014 event. A big difference will be the number of tickets available, which will be limited to just 175. Scheduled for Sunday, March 9, 2014, 1:00 p.m., at The Milford Township Fire Hall, the event boasts a variety of the colorful and popular fabric bags, valued at nearly $2,000. An added bonus is the involvement of The Upper Bucks Senior Activity Center, housed in The Milford Township Fire Hall.
Director Sara Kelly and members of the Senior Center will offer the food concessions on the day of the event as a fundraiser for their programming. Im so happy that once again, the Senior Center is allowing us the use of their facility. Not only will this event benefit Relay for Life, but it will also help out the senior citizens of our community, says Hafler. In addition, members of the National Honor Society of Quakertown Community High School will assist, providing these highachieving students with the opportunity of community service hours, a requirement of membership. The 2nd Annual 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 different 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. For more information, or to get tickets, call 215.538.7817 or email relayvbbingo@gmail. com. To see all of the prizes, like us on Facebook: The 2nd Annual Vera Bradley Bingo to Benefit the Upper Bucks Relay for Life.
A Friends Concern
Did you know that in March of 1703, James Logan, William Penns personal secretary and his pre-eminent representative in Philadelphia, finally decided to lay claim in the name of the Proprietor (Penn), to land in the Great Swamp of Upper Bucks County? He sent surveyors Thomas Fairman and David Powell to the remote, northern reaches of the county to lay out either in one or two tracts, as it shall best suit the place, 10,000 acres of good land under certain bounds and certain marked lines and courses, for the Proprietary. The 16,000+ acres that the men ultimately marked extended from Main St. in Quakertown west to what is now the Montgomery County line. It was called the Manor of Richland. Fairman and Powell met with the local Lenni Lenape leaders under a Great White Oak Tree where they were accustomed to sit and fashion their crude implements. The tree stood near the center of the Great Swamp on land that is now occupied by the Richland Friends Meetinghouse. The surveyors explained to the Native that their lives were about to change forever. At the same time, at Logans request, 2,500 acres were surveyed to Griffith Jones of Philadelphia, confirming his personal claim of 1701. Logan, and several other colonial potentates, each had several thousand acres deeded to themselves. But, who cares? Does it matter to us today? Did you know that, in the early summer of 1708, a Welshman named Abraham Griffith dragged his wife and baby from the relatively comfortable and developed area of Byberry (now in N.E. Philadelphia), through wilderness country, up over a rocky ridge and into an almost uninhabited (by Europeans), wet, brushy basin called the Great Swamp? Griffith and his wife, Hannah Lester, then settled on Griffith Jones Bog, along what we now call Morgan Creek. Their property was between Old Bethlehem Pike and Rte 309. After purchasing his plantation of 600 acres and relocating to it, Griffith found himself with little money, no house, no neighbors and a plot of springy marsh and brush filled woods to clear and convert into a farm. The first thing he worked on was a house. He leaned a homemade ladder against a big oak tree, cut the bark around the tree as far up as he could reach, and then sliced it vertically to the ground. With wooden wedges and a mallet, he pealed the bark off the tree in a big sheet, laid it on the ground, flattened it out and held it in position with rocks. In a few days the bark had dried and become like a sheet of plywood. He repeated the process innumerable times until he had enough boards to begin. Along the creek, Griffith found a large leaning rock. He cleaned debris out from under it, tamped the ground flat and hard and began constructing a house. He used the rock as one of the walls with part of the living space under its leaning section. Within a few weeks a primitive, yet functional dwelling was completed, and he could begin working on his farm. Have you ever heard of Abraham Griffith and Hannah Lester, the first documented residents of Upper Bucks County? Does it matter? They are long dead now. So who really cares? Did you know that Susanna Heath Morris lived on Broad St. across from 11th Street in Quakertown until her death in 1754? The internationally-renowned Quaker minister was recognized and a prophet and a seer across America and Europe. She was an advocate for abstinence from the use of tobacco and alcohol and was an avid proponent for womens rights. She survived three shipwrecks, including one off the coast of Ireland, which she foretold, having witnessed it beforehand in dreams. One of the very few local, colonial women still remembered, several books have been written in which she is a major character. Have you read them? Have you even heard of her? Susannas husband, Morris Morris, rose from humble beginnings. He served in the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly for many years and was one of the largest property owners in Richland. The western half of Quakertown was build on property once owned by Morris. The grounds on which the Quaker Meetinghouse stands was donated to the Society of Friends by Morris in 1725. Have you ever heard of this man? Does it matter in our lives today, even if you are one of the few remaining Quakers in Quakertown? Do you know that Richard Moores house still stands on South Main Street at Moore Court? A schoolteacher, then the owner of a famous pottery, Moore ran an Underground Railroad station. Between the 1830s and 1860s, well over 600 escaped slaves achieved freedom with his help. Richard Moore was a pillar of the community when the Borough of Quakertown was incorporated in 1854. Have you seen examples of the Redware pottery he produced? They have some on display at the Foulke House. Do you know which house it is that the frightened fugitives were looking for when they sneaked into Quakertown at night? Some of you pass it everyday. But then, slavery is ancient history. Who cares about that stuff now? Quakertowns history runs deep. For almost 300 years, it has been the most important community in Upper Bucks County. Tens of thousands of people now live in what was once called the Great Swamp. But, most people living here dont remember even as far back as the cigar and garment industry era. Some are awed by the fact that Sines 5 & 10 has been in business for over a hundred years, or that Moyers Shoes has been on Broad Street for over sixty. But, they have no clue or interest in just how far back our roots do go. Why should they? What significance can it possibly have to us today? The local Chamber of Commerce and Historical Society think we should work toward establishing Quakertown as a Destination Historic District? But, will it really attract tourists to town and maybe help bolster our economy? Or, will an effort to uncover and tout our roots by putting up historic markers, bragging about the lives of Richard Moore and Susanna Morris, discussing the tribulations of Hannah Griffith in her tree bark house, publicizing the Richland Library (one of the oldest in Bucks County), be a waste of money and time? I guess, only the passing of time will tell. READ mORE WRITINGS BY JACK SCHICK AT SEARCHWARP.COm AND SOULOFWIT.COm
Grand View Hospital presented the 2013 Life of Volunteer Excellence (LOVE) Award to Bob Foyder. Foyder has been part of Grand View Hospitals volunteer program since 2004 and has contributed more than 1,800 hours of service. Most of his volunteer hours are spent in the information services department handling simple repairs, but he also volunteers as a liaison in the medical/surgical short stay waiting room. Foyder was nominated for the LOVE award by a Grand View employee who observed his friendly, compassionate nature and noted that healways conveys the concerns of patients families to the staff. When he isnt volunteering at Grand View, he is conducting research to find grants for patients in need of durable medical equipment. As a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Life Light Support Group, Foyder serves as a peer counselor working with patients recently diagnosed with MS to let them know they are not alone. Foyder has a creative side that is reflected in the wood and stone sculptures he creates. He also enjoys glider soaring through Freedoms Wings. He has a son, daughter, stepdaughter and granddaughter. Foyder resides in Quakertown.
Many people ring in the new year with Champagne. People who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get to ring it in with a COLA. This year, more than 60 million Americans are receiving a 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) in their monthly benefit payment. The 1.5 percent COLA begins with increased benefits for more than 57 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2014, and payments to more than 8 million SSI recipients in late December 2013. The estimated average monthly Social Security payment to a retired worker is $1,294 (in 2014), up from $1,275 (in 2013). The average monthly Social Security disability payment for an individual is $1,148 (in 2014), up from $1,131 (in 2013). The basic monthly federal payment for SSI is $721 (in 2014), up from $710 (in 2013). Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maxi-
mum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $117,000, up from $113,700. Of the estimated 165 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2014, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum. The amount of earnings needed for one credit of Social Security coverage has gone up as well, but all workers can still earn up to four credits in a year. In 2014, a worker earns a credit after earning $1,200. In 2013, one credit of coverage was $1,160. It takes forty credits to be fully insured for retirement benefits. Information about Medicare changes for 2014 is available at www.medicare.gov. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice to learn more about the COLA and other Social Security changes in 2014. From everyone at Social Security, have a Happy New Year! TOm REILEY IS THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISTRICT MANAGER IN ALLENTOWN. DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY mATTERS? EmAIL TOm AT [email protected].
DISABILITY
Question: How does Social Security decide whether I am disabled? Answer: For an adult, disability under Social Security law is based on your inability to work because of a disabling condition. To be considered disabled, Social Security must determine that because of one or more disabling conditions you are unable to do the work you did before and unable to adjust to any other work which exists in significant numbers in the national economy. Also, your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability (less than a year). For more information, we recommend you read Disability Benefits, available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Question: What is the earliest age that I can receive Social Security disability benefits? Answer: There is no minimum age as long as you meet the strict Social Security definition of disability and you have worked long and recently enough under Social Security to earn the required number of work credits. You can earn up to a maximum of four work credits each year. The amount of earnings required for a credit increases each year as general wage levels go up. The number of work credits you need for Social Security disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. For example, if you are under age 24, you may qualify with as little as six credits. But people disabled at age 31 or older generally need between 20 and 40 credits, and some of the work must have been recent. For example, you would need to have worked five out of the past 10 years. Note that eligibility requirements are different for Supplemental Security Income, which does not depend on work credits. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
RETIREMENT
Question: My cousin and I are both retired and get Social Security. We worked for the same employer for years, but he gets a higher Social Security benefit. Why is that? Answer: Your payments are based on your earnings over your lifetime. Unless you are both the same age, started and stopped work on the exact same dates, and earned the very same amount every year of your careers, you wouldnt get the same benefit as your cousin. Social Security benefits are based on many years of earnings generally your highest 35 years. To learn more about Social Security retirement benefits, visit www.socialsecurity. gov and select the Retirement link. Question: I am nearing my full retirement age, but I plan to keep working after I apply for Social Security benefits. Will my benefits be reduced because of my income? Answer: No. If you start receiving benefits after youve reached your full retirement age, you can work while you receive Social Security and your current benefit will not be reduced because of the earned income. If you keep working, it could mean a higher benefit for you in the future. Higher benefits can be important to you later in life and increase the future benefit amounts your survivors could receive. If you begin receiving benefits before your full retirement age, your earnings could reduce your monthly benefit amount. After you reach full retirement age, we recalculate your benefit amount to leave out the months when we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. Learn more about Social
QCHS football coach George Banas and two players attended a fundraising event at Big Daddys restaurant in Bartonville to support two Pocono East football players and their families. A few days after the QCHS Panthers played at Pocono East in the fourth game of the season, two players were involved in a tragic car accident that left one player dead. Thomas Barbush, Principal of Pocono Mountain West, wrote to praise the fact that Coach Banas and players Patrick San Angelo and Mason Schmauder were among the crush of supporters at the restaurant. Barbush said, They were there to show support in their blue and white gear.
It was noticed by many. A true class act on their part. Banas said the Booster Club raised $700 for the two families of the victims through a bucket drop at games, by donating its half of the 50/50 at the game against Phoenixville and other random donations. Its more than just the Xs and Os, Banas said. Weve played East for four years so weve gotten to know them pretty well. You never want to see what happened happen to anyone. We felt this was the right thing to do. Its what our program should be about. Were bigger than the game. We work with good, quality athletes and young men.
The Upper Bucks Free Press is made possible by the businesses you see on these pages. Please stop in to thank them for supporting your communitys voice.
Shop with a Cop is a national program that pairs police officers with children to afford them a better Christmas. The program allows children to view police officers in a different atmosphere to promote positive relationships. The local program is geared toward Quakertown Community School District youth at the elementary levels. These children face a variety of life challenges such as a parent losing a job, homelessness, military deployment,
different and fun role. The idea is for them to remember this unique opportunity as a positive relationship. The Quakertown and Richland Township Police departments would like to offer a special thanks to Walmart for hosting the program and providing supplies/snacks to everyone. They also ask that you please recognize the following sponsors for their financial assistance to make this program successful: Andy Young Contracting, anonymous donators, A-PLUS Sunoco, Faulkner Dealerships, Franks Pizza, Hamsher Family, Larry & Tonys AM Spin Class, Matthias Family, Morning Star Fellowship donators, Off the Wall Cycle Center, Peruzzi Mitsubishi, QNB, Quakertown Borough Police Association, Repko Williams Law Firm, Richard J. Ficco Sr. and family, Richland Township Police Association,
economic shortcomings, and other hardships. Twenty-six children took part in this years program. They each received a $175 gift card and a police officer assistance to help them do their Christmas shopping. After shopping, the kids enjoyed snacks and crafts while volunteers wrapped the Christmas gifts. The Shop with a Cop initiative is funded through generous donations from the local community, private sponsors to local businesses. Volunteers help with gift-wrapping, hosting, and registration. Quakertown and Richland police officers volunteer their own time to support the program. The local program was conceived in December 2011 by Officer Bob Lee of Quakertown Borough and Officer Ryan Naugle of Richland Township Police Department. Officer Lee remarks that the Shop with a Cop program is a win-win situation, The program is special because it allows an opportunity for young children to view police officers in a
Richland Township Water Authority, Penn Stainless, Presidential Printing, Walmart, Wampole Lawn Service, Wood Heat, and the Zampirri Family. A special thanks to all of the volunteers and the Quakertown Community School District for supporting this program to make it succeed. Also to Andy Young Contracting who provided holiday turkey dinners to each of the childs respective families. Thank you to Presidential Printing and Robert Cope who designed the advertisement. If you would like to support this program in 2014, please contact Officer Lee at 215 536 5002 or Officer Naugle at 215 536 9500.
Students in Mrs. Bowens kindergarten class at St. Isidore School recently used a food drive to learn about shapes and to create ten frames in math. This class has donated over 1,000 items to local food banks thanks to the generosity of the class and a wonderful family. SUBMITTED PHOTO
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, on January 28, 1887, a 15 inch wide, 8 inch thick snowflake was observed in Fort Keogh, Montana.
10
LINDA E. GALLUCCI, 67, of Quakertown, died November 29 at St. Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem after a long illness with her family by her side. She was the wife of Michael Gallucci for 41 years. Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late John and Edith (Fraser) Hauser. She was a member of St. Isidores Catholic Church, Quakertown. She is survived by her husband; Daughter, Michelle Hopkins, husband John of Fall River, MA; Son, M. Christopher of Quakertown; Grandson, Ethan Hopkins; Brother, John Hauser, wife Kathleen of Doylestown; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and her black lab, Beauty. ELIZABETH A. BAISCH of Spinnerstown, passed away December 1. She was 85 years old. She was the wife of William C. Baisch Jr. They were married for 56 years. She is survived by daughters, Dorothy Fravel (Richard), Arlene Alderfer (Jim), Doreen Thornton (Gene), four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, Spinnerstown. Betty was active in several community organizations. She was a member of The Milford Township Fire Companys Womens Organization, the Red Cross, and The Milford Township Historical Society. She was also a member of AARP Quakertown Chapter 3377 and sang with them at local nursing homes. WILLIAM M. HAIGH, 59 of Trumbauersville died December 2. Born in Quakertown he was the son of William H. Haigh and the late Frances T. (Kulik) Haigh. He was a member of St. Isidores Catholic Church. In addition to his father he is survived by a sister Susan E. Coulston and her husband William. A nephew Ryan and niece Samantha. DONNA J. FREUND, 54 of Quakertown died Friday December 6 in her home. She was the wife of Pete Freund. They celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary last February. Donna enjoyed traveling and sailing with her husband. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening. She loved all animals but most important was the love for her family. In addition to her husband she is survived by two sons Philip M. and Logan P., two sisters Sharon Wingate and Melissa Morrison (Ray) a brother Philip Wingate. A niece Carley Wingate and a nephew Bradley Lay. GUSTAVE WILLIAM COULTER,53, of Quakertown died December 7. Husband of
Beverly Kay (Lawrence) Coulter. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. PATRICK G. WHALEN, 33, of Quakertown died December 8 in his home. Born in Philadelphia he was the son of Kathryn (Schmidtetter) Whalen of Quakertown and the late James T. Whalen. Patrick enjoyed hockey and soccer. In addition to his mother he is survived by a daughter Lily and a son Broderick. Four brothers James, Michael, Sean, and Kevin and two sisters Colleen and Erin. He is also survived by his extended family and friends. FRANK CHOOKAGIAN, JR., 92, of Quakertown died December 10 in his home. He was the husband of the late Lorretta E. (Brandt) Chookagian. Frank was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Quakertown Lodge #512 F & AM Masonic Lodge. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during WW II. Survived by his children William, Beverly Godshall, Frank, III (Donna), and Rick (Anne). A brother James and a sister Eleanore Peterson (Charles). Four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Predeceased by a brother Fred. DALE C. NEIMAN, 78, of Quakertown, died December 11, in Phoebe Richland. He was the husband of Doris A. (Mundy) Neiman for 62 years.Dale became a local baseball icon as a successful coach serving the Quakertown area. He managed and coached community baseball programs for Little League, Connie Mack and the American Legion organizations. The highlight of his coaching career was guiding his team to the 1979 Connie Mack State Championship. He was recognized for his achievements with his induction into both the Pennsylvania American Legion Hall of Fame and Pennridge/Quakertown Hall of Fame. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons; Richard Butch, and Timothy, wife Rosanne; daughter Brenda Hartman, husband Ron; brother, Robert, wife Gloria; grandchildren, Nolan, wife Melissa, Deron Doc, Allison, Dale DJ, Andrew and Matthew; step-grandchildren, Jason, wife Christine, Kristy, Chris and Josh; great-grandchildren Carli, Caitlyn, Jason and Macie. He was preceded in death by stepmother Mary (Stastny) Neiman, brother Ronald and sister Jean Schmell.
~Obituaries~
LOUISA M. WIMMER, 69, of Quakertown formerly of Hellertown, died December 13 in St. Lukes University Hospital, Bethlehem. She retired in 2011 from Teva Pharmaceutical in Sellersville, prior to that she worked for Moore Business Forms. She was a loving mom, mum mum and sister. Louisa is survived by her two daughters Debbie A. Von Steuben (Gregory) of Bethlehem Twp., and Donna M. Focht (Gary) of Quakertown. Four brothers James Grider, Jr. (Doris) of Auburn, Al, Carl Grider (Joan) of Bethlehem, David Riccio (Sue) of Danielsville, and Michael Riccio of Encinitas, CA, a sister Patricia MacDougall (R. Bruce) of Bethlehem. Six grandchildren Stephanie, Kevin, Kourtney, Amanda, Jeremy, and Kelly. She was predeceased by two grandchildren Jeffrey and Jason. JOHN F. SCHMIDT, 89, of Quakertown, formerly of Gilbertsville, died December 15 in Reading Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 48 years, Edith (Halteman) Schmidt, in 2004.Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Fredrick and Georgina (Ruether) Schmidt.He was a member and Deacon of Haycock Mennonite Church, Quakertown. John was a dairy farmer for over 60 years. He worked for 15 years for Spring Glen Farms at Zerns Market, Gilbertsville. He is survived by sons; Jonathan, wife Eileen, Quakertown, Paul, wife Brenda, Watsontown and Mark, wife Linda, Gilbertsville; daughter Elaine Emrick, husband Andrew, Quakertown; 20 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sister, Georgina Derstine and a granddaughter. Thomas A. Becker, 60, loving husband of Kathryn Dorsey Becker, died December 17, 2013. Born in Eau Claire, WI he a son of the late George and Ruth Nowicki Becker. He was a member of the Catholic Church of St. Luke. He was a proud owner of the Green Bay Packers. In addition to his wife of 35 years, he is survived by daughter, Jennifer Clark (Matthew); four sisters, Georgeann Becker, JoAnn Decker, Mary Yaklich, and Barb Neill; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by brother, Jim Becker. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at Catholic Church of St. Luke on December 27, 2013. Memorials may be made to McCall Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Rd., Simpsonville, SC 29680. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
ALLEN D. HILBERT, 81, of Quakertown died December 18 in St. Lukes Hospice House in Bethlehem. He was the husband of the late Clare J. (Howlett) Hilbert. He worked for the former Krupps Foundry in Quakertown before retiring. Allen was a member of New Goshenhoppen U.C.C. in East Greenville. He is survived by three nieces; Leyanda Conklin, Susan Do, and Christine Cohen a nephew David Arndt. Predeceased by a sister Sarah Arndt. ALBERTA C. ROGERS, 77 of Pottstown died December 19 in Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. She was the wife of Richard J. Rogers. They celebrated their 58thwedding anniversary last April. Born in Sellersville she was the daughter of the late William and Sadie (Hendricks) Brown. She was a bus driver for Perkiomen Valley School District before her retirement. In addition to her husband she is survived by two daughters Donna Neiman (Richard) of Pottstown and Alberta Sommers (John) of Perkasie. Brothers Johnny (Janet) and Frank. A sister Nancy Boyer (Willie). Five grandchildren Tracey, Caroline, Amanda, Pete and Matt and five great grandchildren Felicity, Dillon, Alexis, Skylar and Lucas. She was predeceased by two sons Richard Joseph Rogers and Richard Rogers, Jr. a sister Marion Lukens, a brother Leonard and a great grandson Caleb. PAUL RIFFLE, 70, of Quakertown died December 19 in Belle Haven Nursing Home, Quakertown. He was the husband of Lois E. (Diehl) Riffle. They were married 29 years last May. He retired in 2005 as a machinist for the former US Electrodes in Telford. He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran and an avid sports fan. Paul was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Randal and his wife Kelli of West Virginia, a step son John Brinkos, Jr. of Virginia. His siblings Donivan Short, Brenda Gilbert, Jimmy Short, Marsha Adams, Deanna Spencer, Angie Short all of West Virginia, and Pam Ireland of Georgia. One grandchild Raina Riffle and a step grandchild Kathleen Brinkos. He was predeceased by a step grandson Joseph Brinkos. EVELYN RUTH AHLUM, 77, of Quakertown, passed away December 21 in Belle Haven. She was the wife John E. Ahlum for 51 years. She was a 1954 graduate of the former Sell Perk High School, now Pennridge. Evelyn was a member of United Mennonite Church, Quakertown, where she served as a former church financial secretary for a number of years. Surviving with her husband, son, Jeffrey, daughter, Diane Schreier, husband Brian, both of Quakertown; granddaughters, Rachel and Courtney. She was preceded in death by brothers, Emerson and Earl Black.
During the month of December, Nase-Kraft American Legion Post 255 of Sellersville continued their support of the local community by giving out the following donation: Pennridge Fish - donation of $1000.00, Sellersville Fire Department - $1000.00, Miford Square Shelter - $1000.00 towards the purchase of a new van.
Earlier in the month, the post contributed the following to the Borough of Sellersville: $600.00 towards the purchase of new American Flags for the light poles in the borough. $500.00 to sponsor a Trolley for Winterfest.
CRAIG WILHELm IS COmmANDER OF NASE-KRAFT AmERICAN LEGION POST 255
BY DICK HELM
It was a busy November for us as we were the host American Legion Post for our regional Veterans Day Ceremony emceed by Rep Paul Clymer who took on that responsibility for a landmark 25 years. We also had the Youth Activity drawing at the end of the month. December found us packing gifts and delivering them for veterans at different facilities. We did all this despite the various interfering snowfalls throughout the month. We urge you to keep a sharp eye out for upcoming Post events that are open to the public during these colddarkdreary months to aid you in making through these periods of Cabin Fever. Our Honor Guard was busy with a Flag Burning Ceremony held by the Girl Scouts, Honoring veterans who passed away by firing rounds at their gravesite, and Posting the Colors at various community functions. This brings to mind the conversations I have had since writing about my Army Service Experiences in previous editions of this paper. Many veterans of World War II and Korea reminisce with me about the days of their youth spent in tanks with General Patton or being in two, three, or as many as five European Campaigns. Today they have a hard time getting around but as they talk of their experiences brought on by my article, their eyes sparkle with both pride and a few tears welling up as they think of their friends not returning with them, even after all these years! They gave so much and today they are showing signs of old age and many of todays masses look at them as someone who is in their way. What a shame! They gave so much and because of their age many of our young people of today who are the same age as when they served, dont have the time to imagine what they have done for them or to say Thank You! I always take time to listen, appreciate, and most of all thank them for giving up their youth and early twenties to keep me safe and preserve my freedom. Next time you see a Veteran with a hat showing the name of a ship or a branch of service in which they proudly servedplease reach out, shake their hands, and thank them sincerely for their sacrifice and love of country.
11
The Zepp Family Band came calling down from East Texas, PA taking home the Best Songwriting and Judges Choice Awards at the Battle of the Bands showdown in Quakertown recently. The four sibling group of Bailey, Noah, Rebekah, and Shaun beat out five other bands for the honors. However, the band Next to None, also hailing from the Lehigh Valley, got away with the Peoples Choice Award that evening. The event was hosted by the Upper Bucks Alliance for Creative Expression (UBACE)
at McCooles Arts and Events Place on Main Street in Quakertown. According to their website, UBACEs mission is to foster, inspire, and celebrate personal growth opportunities for area youth and adults through creative expression in a safe, vibrant, nurturing environment. The group focuses its efforts on creative students in grades 6 through 12 aspiring to be musicians, singers, artists, actors, photographers, songwriters and those interested in the graphic, performing, and recording arts. Learn more about UBACE at their website: http://www.ubace.org.
(TOP LEFT) Bailey Zepp saws on her fiddle to the delight of the audience at the 2013 UBACE Battle of the Bands. (TOP RIGHT) Rebekah Zepp wows the crowd with her singing and yodeling skills. (BELOW) All four Zepp siblings perform an original song that won them the Best Songwriting Award.
PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ
Elizabeth Schirmer, a member of GFWC Perkasie Womans Club received the Pennsylvania Jenny award at the Middle Atlantic GFWC conference in November. The award is named after the founder of the Federation, Jane Cunningham Crowley which recognizes a woman of extraordinary spirit of volunteer work in her club, community and family. Mrs. Schirmer has been a member of GFWC since 1970 while she served in many positions and leadership roles. The community recognizes her efforts
in fundraising for the Pennridge Community Center and Grand View Hospital in the continuing auxiliary volunteer work. West Rockhill Township recognizes her for the years of chairing the yearly October Festival. Along with endorsement from GFWC she received endorsements from the following: Pennsylvania State Representative Paul Clymer, Dr. Patricia Guth, a Pennridge educator and Dorothy Garis, a former GVH administrator.
BAbY NEW YEAR BOOTS CELEbRATE CHILLY COOKIES FATHER TIME FOOTbALL FROST
FUn HOLIDAY HOT COcOA IcE SKATES IcY MITTEnS MUMMERS PARADES
12
As we begin a New Year, I thought I would offer a very concise Q and A overview of Medicare.
As we say goodbye to 2013 I want you to think back over you year and remember all the things you did or didnt do to make it a healthy year for yourself. What is your past year going to look like and how are you going to make this year better? Be honest with yourself cause if you arent you only hurt yourself. Lets begin with your goals. Did you reach your goals this year? If you did, CONGRATULATIONS!!! If you didnt dont stress over it. Maybe your goal was too unrealistic. Try to re-evaluate your goals. Remember that your overall goal needs to be made up of small, easy to reach goals. If that means you need 365 goals (a daily goal) then DO that. Make those small goals something easy to succeed at. Try this: Goal each day- to get 30 minute workout in. Its only 30 minutes. But its better than getting 0 minutes. You have an hour for lunch? Go for a quick run first. 30 minutes DONE!! Now that you have re-evaluated your goals, set a plan of attack. Keep a log of everything you eat and all of your activity each week. This will help you see when you are falling off the track and when you need to make a change to your program and diet. Lets be honest, you didnt do this last year right? So lets try it for this one.
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
Last but not least, Accountability and Discipline. These two go together really well. You HAVE to have them. You are in control. NO one else is going to do it for you. There is No magic pill. You MUST put in the hard work. You must put in the time. I know you dont sit at home every day and wonder where your paycheck comes from. NO, you got to work for it!! Is the economy great these days? Not at all. Even if it was the best it has ever been, you cant just quit working and expect to get paid. Same goes with your health. You can NEVER quit working to be healthy. Lets not call it work. How about we say you have to make it your LIFE STYLE. Just like your job, it needs to become a habit. Wake up, workout, go to work, come home, sleep well!! So, again as you look back tell yourself, next year I am going to make it the best year of my life for the rest of my life. Then set your goals so you can reach them and start making it happen. This year is YOUR year to be successful!! You are AWESOME!!! You WILL SUCCEED!! Where theres a will theres a way!! Hello 2014!!
Supplemental Plan with no pre-existing condition issues or limitations. If I choose to take Social Security benefits early at age 62, may I also sign up for Medicare? No! Enrolling in Medicare cannot be earlier than age 65 unless you are officially disabled and collecting Social Security disability payments. Will Medicare cover my younger spouse and/or other dependents? No! Family coverage doesnt exist in Medicare. Also, if your spouse and you are both on Medicare, you each pay premiums separately and there are no married couple discounts Must I enroll in Medicare when I turn 65? You do not have to enroll in Medicare and there will be no penalties if you are covered by employer-based insurance from your job or your spouses job. If you have no employerbased insurance and you sign up after age 65 there will be penalties added on to your monthly premiums when you eventually enroll in Medicare. Do I need to enroll in Medicare every year? No! Your coverage rolls of over from year to year for Parts A and B as well as your Supplemental Plan Will Obamacare affect my Medicare coverage? No! When Obamacare was signed into law in 2010 some changes were made that improved preventative care services and drug coverage, but in essence, Obamacare is for folks under 65 and Medicare is for folks over 65. HOWARD PECK OWNs AND OpERATEs SENIOR INsURANCE SOLUTIONs AND CAN BE REAChED AT 267-923-5281 AND sRINsURANCEsOLUTIONs.COm
Grand View Hospital presented the 2013 Maybelle Peters Award to Ronn Moyer at the annual volunteer appreciation luncheon on October 1. Moyer has been volunteering at the hospital for more than 15 years and has given over 3,100 hours of service. He was honored for his lasting dedication, reliability and humble manner in providing volunteer support to the department of emergency medicine. The Maybelle Peters Award is the most prestigious award a Grand View Hospital volunteer can receive. The award is named in memory of Maybelle Peters, the late wife of deceased Grand View physician Michael Peters, M.D.
13
QCHS Grad Shows Skill, Patriotism with USA Football Team in France
BY CHRISTIE KASCAK
Rob Licopoli, who graduated from Quakertown HS in 1987, was chosen to go as a representative of the United States to play football on the USA Eagles team in Le Mans, France. He arrived in France on Sunday, December 1, 2013 and played at 3 pm, Central European time, on December 7, 2013 against the French National Team at the MMArena. He plays on the offensive line for the USA Eagles. The USA Eagles, an amateur sports team, just celebrated their 10-year anniversary in 2012 and are now entering into their 14th year.
This football organization provides postcollegiate athletes the opportunity to compete in 14 countries, throughout Europe, Mexico and the United States. Robs commitment to sports and the success of his business, 360 Sports Agency, are witnessed in his hard work and dedication to the game and in the fostering of other athletes as they grow in their skills. He also coaches his sons teams and as a result was recently nominated for Coach of the Year. We are proud of all that he has accomplished and wish the best to Rob and the entire USA Eagles team. Go Team USA!
MARION C. ONEIL CPDT-KA TRAINER AND MOLAssEs CREEK DOG TRAINING, LLC
Sebastian is a 3 year old male that came to the shelter as a stray. He has been neutered and is waiting to find a new home. He is an independent boy that would love to rule over the house as an only pet. Sebastian would be best in a home with responsible older children. He is litter box trained and tested negative for feline leukemia. Diana is a 7 year old spayed female. She is a quiet girl that loves to lie around and relax in front of sunbeams. She is good with other cats and has not been around dogs. Diana should do well with responsible children of all ages. She is litter box trained and tested negative for feline leukemia. A new year means new beginnings. Why not make a New Years resolution to bring home a new four-legged friend this year? There are plenty of pets waiting for their fur-ever homes at the Bucks County SPCAs Upper Bucks shelter. If you are interested in these or other animals, give them a call at 267-347-4674, visit them online at bcspca.org, or visit them at 60 Reservoir Road, Quakertown.
Believe it or Not. The phrase Cats and Dogs may come from the Greek expression cata doxa, which means contrary to experience or belief. Perhaps if it is raining extraordinarily hard, one might describe it as raining cats and dogs.
WOW! Christmas sure was great this year! Brandy and I went to several places spreading cheer in our new outfits that Auntie Linda made for us. I am showing you this picture just in case you remember seeing us out and about town. I wasnt really happy about the clothes but then I saw how much attention I got and how happy it made everyone. Now that Christmas is over we must ALL extend the spreading of good cheer and love throughout the year. My human is on a missions trip for a week this month so I will be under the watchful (but no so strict)eye of Auntie Lisa. (She gives me people food after her meal.) Life is good!
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! 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! Harleys Haven Dog Rescues phone number is 215-527-7432, and their address is PO Box 64583, Souderton, PA 18964. You can also get more info at harleyshavenrescue.com.
14
January 2014 is a New Year. It is when we start to think about our goals for the New Year. Some of us will look back on last year and think about what our goals were for 2013 and did we in fact achieve those goals. Hopefully for most of us we will have achieved some of them and at least contemplated making those other changes we wanted to make this past year. What matters for us this year is to set goals that are what we really want for ourselves and to look at what things in our life we want to change on any level. Most people look at making major changes in their life. For instance it can be to lose weight or to quit smoking. They are the two top goals for most people. What I like to do when I begin the New Year is to look at all the things in my life that make up who I am. What I mean by this is to evaluate my social and family relationships, my emotional state, my physical well-being, my career path and my spiritual journey. I work from a book called the Language of Letting Go by Melodie Beattie. I have had this specific meditation book for over 20 years. Every year I will answer all the questions for the January 1 post and break down each question into a goal and how I will achieve that goal. What I like about these questions is that they are not the typical questions you may ask yourself about what tangible goal you want to work on for the year.
For instance one of the questions is What would you like to happen in your life this year with friends, family and work. Most of us would look at that question and say I dont know or there is any real problem. But there doesnt always have to be a problem. A goal can be about improving our relationships with family members. It can be about resolving conflict we have with a co-worker. It can be how I can spend more time with my friends. These goals can actually make us feel good and help us to resolve issues that may be deeply ingrained in who we are that we have taken for granted. These questions give us another way to look at what we want to be different for the New Year. It actually takes a lot of pressure off of us to have to do the big goals that maybe we have failed at every year. These goals can be simple and positive and easily attainable because they may be a one time thing that we have to do. It gives us more time to achieve more goals which always makes us feel better. The nice things about goals is that they can provide direction and in the end validation for you. The point is to keep them simple and manageable for you. So be as consistent as possible with your goals and regardless of the outcome you will learn about yourself and be a SUCCESS!! Happy Goal Setting for 2014!! My belief is that All persons are truly greater than they think they are. SUSAN V. BREWER IS A CERTIFIED LIFE COACH AND PSYCHOTHERAPIST IN THE UPPER BUCKS COUNTY AREA. SHE CAN BE REACHED AT 215-872-4219. VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.BALANCELIFE4U.COm.
Upper Bucks Technical School Adult Evening Program Announces Employment Certs
UBCTS Adult Evening School program has received approval to offer the following employment certifications: Welding Certification Approved by Welder Training and Testing Institute (WTTI) as a remote testing facility to offer this nationally-recognized Certification, which issues credentials to certify to any code using any of the following processes: SMAM, GMAW, FCAW or GTAW. Medical Administrative Assistant Approved by National Healthcareer Association as a testing site to administer the National Certification Examination for Medical Administrative Assistant. EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Certification Approved by ESCO Institute as a testing facility. Approved as a testing site by Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles to offer Certification for Pennsylvania Safety Inspection Mechanic, Enhanced Emission Inspector (EEIC) and Enhanced Emission Inspector Re-Certification (EEIR). Registration for the upcoming spring 2014 semester has been extended to January 2, 2014. Dont be disappointed! Register today! Download your course offerings booklet at www.ubtech.org, e-mail us at [email protected] or call the Adult Education Office at 215-795-2011.
Despite common misconceptions, home education can be beneficial to students looking to learn in a nontraditional environment. Statistics and testimonies show that homeschooled and cyber schooled students can learn well while staying involved with their peers. For six years of my life, I did not ride a bus to school. My parents did not drive me, and I did not carpool. I walked. That is, to my living room. In third and fourth grade, I learned math and literature by teaching myself from textbooks. Science and history came mostly from watching documentaries and frequent field trips, accompanied by plenty of reflective essays. I used CDs to study subjects like typing, German, and critical thinking. All of this was done alongside my brother, five years older than me, and my mother, who is not a certified teacher. Then, for fifth grade and all of middle school, I attended the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. Cyber school meant more structure, with live classes taught online by teachers. I listened to the class through head phones, clicked the Raise Hand button to volunteer, and spoke into a microphone to give answers. The classes were two or three days a week, with around twenty students per class. Then, the time came for me to enter ninth grade. My brother was moving onto college and my mom wanted to go back to work. After doing my own research and investigating several types of schools, I decided to go back to public school. I had always heard the stereotypes about homeschoolers, and my friends and I often joked about them. But it was rare that I heard these jokes told in all seriousness, as I encountered in high school. When I told people I used to be homeschooled, the variety of responses amazed me: Why, was something wrong with you? So you could sleep as late as you wanted? Wow, but youre so normal! According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, there are around 22,000 homeschooled students in the state, with the fifth highest concentration in Montgomery County. Despite all this, homeschooling is a commonly misunderstood form of education, surrounded by stereotypes and generalizations. Some people have completely valid questions, such as, Are homeschoolers prepared for college? The answer to this is yes. Studies have
shown that homeschooled students are as, if not better, prepared for college than their traditionally educated counterparts. According to a study published in the Huffington Post, 66.7 percent of homeschoolers graduate college, compared to 57.5 percent of public, private, and Catholic school students. Homeschoolers also tend to maintain higher GPAs throughout high school and college. Other questions are comical, like, Do homeschoolers wear pajamas all day? There were plenty of days where my family was out of the house early, whether we were catching a train to a museum exhibit in Philadelphia, driving to an event in the middle of the state, or attending a morning class in the area. But if I had no plans to leave the house, anything besides sweat pants just seemed unnecessary. However, some questions about home education are just hurtful and ignorant. The best example of this? The question that has plagued the homeschooled population since the dawn of time: How do they socialize? This never ceases to make homeschooling mothers cringe and students shake their heads in disbelief. For those of you who actually worry about the problem of socialization, heres the short answer: there is no problem. In fact, the majority of homeschoolers tend to excel at making and maintaining friendships simply out of necessity. They are not in the same classroom every day, with the same kids, all around the same age.Homeschoolers and cyber schoolers have to break out of their comfort zones and actively seek friendships without relying on teachers and seating arrangements to help them meet people. The friendships I established during my six years away from public school are unusually diverse. Some of my friends are much older or younger than me, and others live in distant areas of the state. I met fellow homeschoolers through activities such as a weekly gym class, a handbell choir, and classes taught at local churches and co-ops. I also got to know kids of all different educational backgrounds through community theatre, Girl Scouts, sports, and youth groups. Oftentimes, I have found these friendships more meaningful and lasting because they are not based on growing up in the same place at the same time, but rather common interests. Homeschooling and cyber schooling is not a good fit for every student, but those who benefit from alternative education should not be criticized.
RACHEL SmITH IS THE ARROWHEAD NEWS EDITOR AT SOUDERTON HIGH SCHOOL.
15
Last month, Craig Farmer, announced in UBFP that No one should be alone or hungry on Christmas. As owner and operator of Downtown Dogs on Broad Street in Quakertown, Craig invited anyone in the community to convene at his restaurant from 9 am til 1 pm on Christmas Day for a free brunch. Craigs offer was apparently well received. It went great! We had over 150 people come in for the brunch. Im very happy with how it all turned out! says Farmer, I saw some familiar faces and a lot of people I didnt know. His own family and some of their friends pitched in to help with the event. Its important to support the community that supports you. Pay it forward. I think the kids got a lot out of it, too, says Farmer. ABOVE: Craig Farmer mans the grill at his Downtown Dogs restaurant while hosting a free community brunch buffet. BELOW: (LEFT-RIGHT) Hayes Hepburn, Katie Hepburn, Kiersten Myers, and Darren Farmer help to serve over 150 guests at the Christmas event. not pictured: Star and Kierste Farmer who were busy serving some guests. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Pennridge Ice Hockey Club Collects Food, Supplies for Food Pantry
The Pennridge Ice Hockey Club was busy in November collecting household items and food for the Pennridge FISH Organization. This was done whenever the club had a Home game at Hatfield Ice. The organization wanted to help the local organization to keep its shelves
full during the holiday season. The captains of PIHC are: MSA Hayden Maltby (2ND FROM LEFT) & Michael Mastropaolo (MISSING FROM PIC), Varsity Jake Wexler (FAR LEFT), MSAA Dylan Lowry (2ND FROM RIGHT), Hunter Connelly (FAR RIGHT) is the captain for the JV team. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Jamie Gehris, a QCHS senior, was named Student of the Month for October at the Upper Bucks County Technical School. Jamie has been enrolled in the Auto Technology program for three years. He excels in the Auto Technology program with outstanding attendance and grades. Upon graduation, Jamie plans to attend Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to continue his education in Auto Technology.
Jamie Gehris Named Student of the Month at Upper Bucks Tech School
16
Depression Era Silk Mill to Become Corporate Headquarters, Bring 100+ Employees Downtown
At a recent press conference, Jerry Gorski of Gorski Engineering Inc. of Collegeville announced that he is the owner and developer of an old textile mill in Quakertown Borough, Gorski will re-purpose the former home of the Best Made Silk Hosiery Company, which operated until the mid-1900s. I have a particular passion for adaptive reuse projects, Gorski s a i d , T h e ability to breathe new life into a nearly-obsolete facility is extremely rewarding. Following demolition of some newer additions, the finished building, to be called the Best Made Center will measure 45,000 square feet and serve as corporate headquarters for at least two Bucks County companies. The benefits to the borough, including an influx of workers and an upgraded streetscape, have been noted by officials at both the municipal and county levels. Bucks County commissioner Robert Loughery explained that this is Bucks Countys first loan project under its Bucks2Invest initiative. Gorski is receiving $470,000 in low interest loans; Univest Bank and trust is also a financing partner. At the press conference, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick hailed Gorski as a provider of a second chance for the building located at 18 South 5th Street. He said that old mills like this one are the heart and soul of local municipalities. The primary tenant will be Synergis Technologies. Synergis President David Sharp III said the move to the borough was eight years in the making. Working with Gorski Engineering, he said that several possibilities were investigated, including construction of a new facility on raw ground, but the old mill felt like home. Synergis 107 employees will occupy 23,000 square feet of the building. The space will include offices, research and development, conference rooms and classrooms for training students on Synergis software systems. Former owner and current occupant Roselon Industries will move out temporarily while Gorski renovates 10,600 square feet of space for their office, warehouse, and research and development space. Roselon President Robert Adams said that when the company moves back into the building in June they will celebrate 50 years in the building. One or more additional businesses will have the opportunity to lease the remaining 7,500 square feet.
(INSET) A masonry sign built into the structure identifies the mills original occupant and the year the building was raised. (ABOVE) The property will undergo significant demolition in the course of the renovation. Additions added after the original building was constructed will be torn down, as will the house and long defunct Fifth Street Luncheonette to the right. PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER BETZ