Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
- T.S. Eliot
(left) Christmas came early for a third-grader at Deibler Elementary. Tyler Scott embraces his stepmom December 4th when she surprised him by popping out of a giant gift box during a school assembly. Captain Anne Scott had been deployed to Kuwait for the past 9 months and was not yet expected home. (center) Members of the Pennridge High School Choir belt out a spirited and somewhat modernized version of the Twelve Days of Christmas during a Pennridge Chamber of Commerce business gathering at the Pearl S. Buck Foundation. (right) Unidentified Quakertown area youths remind us not to take
life too seriously, especially while waiting for Santa Claus to show up in a fire truck.
What is your New Years Resolution and Do You Think Youll be able to Keep It?
BarBara Maroney
Springfield Twp.
My New Years resolution is to not make a resolution; that way I know that I can keep it.
delaware Valley College To graduate this year, find a job, and start real life. Hopefully I can keep it!
Maria ViSSer
QUakerTown To not rip up all my jeans playing sports after school. Itll be hard to keep because I like to play rough.
Billy Ugi
QUakerTown To continue to get good grades. It shouldnt be too tough because I did it last semester.
Moriah Ugi
January 10
Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner, 4:30-7pm, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike. Adults $8, Children 6-12 $4.50, Take outs $8.50
January 16
Richlandtown Historical Society meeting, 7pm-8:30pm, members please bring a Show & Tell item to share.
January 5
Dublin Fire Co. Soup Day 11am-2pm, homemade soups, also hotdogs, etc. available, details at 215-249-3740, 194 N. Main Street, Dublin Early Morning Bird Walk at 7am-9am, Free! Bring binoculars, bird ID book (if you have any), more info at 215-357-4005 and www.churchvillenaturecenter.org 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville Childrens Nature Program Nature in Winter 10:30am-12noon for ages 6-12, pre-regis. required, $9/child, call Nature Ctr at 215-357-4005 for details and visit www.churchvillenaturecenter.org
January 31
Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30-7pm, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike. Adults $7.50, Children 6-12 $4.50, Take outs $8.00
January 12 & 13
Coopersburg Area Soc. Model Engineers Open House, noon-5pm, Borough Bldg, 15 North Main St. (10-12 H.O. model trains operating on multi-deck layout), Adm. by donation, 215-538-0501 www.casme.org
February 2
Dublin Fire Co. Soup Day 11am-2pm, homemade soups, also hotdogs, etc. available, details at 215-249-3740, 194 N. Main St, Dublin
January 13
Firehouse Breakfast 7:30am-12noon at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, Firehouse Lane, $7/ adults, $3/kids 5 to 10, under age 5 is free. All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet 8am-1pm at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown, $7/adults, $6/seniors, $3/kids 6-10, www.rtfr.org or 215-536-7226 Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast 8-10am, Applebees, Route 309, Quakertown. $7 per adult, $5 age 12 and under. Benefits Parents as Partners Assoc for St. Isidore School.
February 9
Applebees Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast 8am-10am, Applebees, Route 309, Quakertown, $6/adults, $4.50/children 4th Annual Bark & Wine at K9 Jym, 252 Bethlehem Pike, Colmar. 6:30pm-9:30pm, leashed & vaccinated dogs welcome. $20/$25 fee. Vendors invited! Details/regis. at http:// www.perkasiedog.org/bark-wine-vendorregistration/ Food/beverage vendors register 267-587-7364 or perkasiedogpark@gmail.com Snow date Feb. 23.
January 5 & 6
Coopersburg Area Soc. Model Engineers Open House, noon-5pm, Borough Bldg, 15 North Main St. (10-12 H.O. model trains operating on multi-deck layout), Adm. by donation, 215-538-0501 www.casme.org
January 6
Winter Birds At Your Feeder Naturalist Program, 2pm, $3/person (reservations requested), Nature Ctr, 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville. Info at 215-357-4005, www.churchvillenaturecenter.org
February 10
Annual Daddy/Daughter Valentines Dance for girls 4 to 10 years old. 1pm-3pm at UBYMCA, Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Register by Jan. 27 or until tickets sold out. Dancing, games, raffle, fun, etc. More details at 215-536-YMCA or www.ubymca.org
January 14
Blood Drive to support Miller-Keystone Blood Ctr, 9am-1pm at Upper Bucks YMCA, 401 Fairview Ave., Quakertown, 215-536-9622, www.ubymca.org SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner Suelkes Roadstand Village Market PERKASIE Dam Good Cafe Emils Diner First United Methodist Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Mirage Hair Salon Olde Towne Convenience Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank Revivals Restaurant TELFORD Grundy Manor Indian Valley Library Landis Supermarket Lisas Pizza SOUDERTON Care & Share Shoppes Generations Main Street Java Mr. Bs QNB Bank Vincents Pizza Wawa Markets COOPERSBURG Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Minit Market Weis Markets SILVERDALE Detlan Equipment Green Street Barber Shop HARLEYSVILLE Hennings Market Landis Supermarket Walmart Wawa Markets Also available at lots of other high traffic locations between here and there. Have a suggestion for a place youd like to see the Free Press? E-mail terri@ubfp.org.
QUAKERTOWN A-Plus Mini Market Bottom Dollar Foods Beer City Bricks Sales Classic Temps Chick Fil-A Earl Bowl Lanes First Niagara Bank Franks Pizza Giant Food (309/313) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Independence Court James Michener Library Johns Plain & Fancy Karlton Cafe Liberty Thrift Store McDonalds Melody Lakes Philly Soft Pretzel Factory Quaker Cleaners Quakertown Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Village Bakery Quaker Cleaners Redners Market Roma Pizza Sals Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sines 5 & 10 SNAP Fitness Spinnerstown Hotel St. Lukes Hospital Swanns Pantry Toms Help Desk Wawa Markets Upper Bucks Sr. Center Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Finos La Cantina Spors General Store
Rep. Paul Clymer (R-Bucks) this week was appointed by House Speaker-designate Sam Smith (R- Punxsutawney) to chair the House Education Committee for the 2013-14 legislative session. I am honored to once again have the privilege of chairing this important committee, said Clymer. Education continues to be a main topic of concern for most Pennsylvanians who have a vested interest in their school system as parents and/or as taxpayers. Issues sure to be addressed by the committee in the upcoming session include, charter school and special education funding reform, updating professional education disciplinary guidelines, and oversight of the implementation of the transition to the Keystone Examines and teacher and principle evaluations, added
Clymer. In light of the horrific events that recently took place in Newtown, CT, I believe it is also incumbent upon all lawmakers to reevaluate school safety issues to make sure our students are adequately protected. This is Clymers third term as chairman of the House Education Committee, he also serves as chairman of the Capitol Preservation Committee. He was sworn into office on January 1 for his 17th term as representative of the 145th Legislative District representing parts of Bucks County. For information on committee activity or other legislative news, sign up for email updates atwww.PaulClymer.com or follow him at www.Facebook.com/RepClymer.
Now to Jan 13 -Under the Tree: A Century of Holiday Trees & Toys, Mercer Museum, Doylestown, details at www.mercermuseum.org Jan 5,6 and 12,13 - Coopersburg Area Soc. Model Engineers Open House, noon-5pm, Borough Bldg, 15 North Main St. (10-12 H.O. model trains operating on multi-deck layout), Adm. by donation, 215-538-0501 www.casme.org First Sunday every month Community Hymn Sing, 6pm, Saucon Mennonite Church, 6639 N. Main St, Coopersburg, All invited, refreshments provided, 610-282-0514 Every 2nd Saturday, Quakertown PetSmart Pet Adoption Day! 11am-3pm www.pets@lastchanceranch.org Winter Naturalist Walks (Tues. Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, & Feb. 5) at 1:30pm-3pm at Peace Valley Nature Ctr, 170 N. Chapman Rd, Doylestown. Free! 215-345-7860 or www. peacevalleynaturecenter.org Singles Connection (non-denominational group for single, widowed, divorced, & separated adults) meet Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-7233415 or email carolonline1@verizon.net
Gamblers Anonymous meets every Saturday 11am-1pm, St. Lukes Hosp. Education Ctr, Rm 111, Ostrum St, Bethlehem, 215-872-5635 Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, fees, and free babysitting. www.oa.org or Bob 610-762-3779 Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-453-4699 Bedminster Nar-Anon Support Group meets every Tuesday 7:30pm at Deep Run West Mennonite Church, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie. Support for family & friends with loved ones struggling with addiction, bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com A Womans Place (support for domestic abuse & violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800220-8116, www.awomansplace.org Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominicks Pizza, Quakertown
Community Meals
Free Community Meals in Qtwn, 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309. 215-536-0395 Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447
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
St. Johns Begins 250th Anniversary Year with Potluck Supper & Silent Auction
St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown will kick off a year of monthly activities celebrating its 250th anniversary as an independent congregation with a Potluck Supper & Silent Auction for the community Jan. 12 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the church. St. Johns, the oldest Lutheran Church in Bucks County, traces its roots to 1734 when it shared worship services with Trinity Great Swamp Reformed Church (now known as Trinity Great Swamp United Church of Christ), also of Spinnerstown. In 1763, it constructed its own church, having separated from Great Swamp. The land was donated by Ludwig Scheetz, after, through an interesting turn of events, he lost to Trinity Great Swamp a land grant of 100 acres from the Penn family. St. Johns is still known to local residents as Scheetzs Church. As part of the Jan. 12 Potluck Supper and Silent Auction, the events that led to the establishment of St. Johns as an independent church will be recreated in a skit. Dinner, featuring home-cooked cuisine and baked goods, will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; the skit will be performed from 6 to 6:30, followed by dessert from 6:30 to 7. The silent auction will close at 6:45 p.m.; auction winners will be announced and items awarded at 7 p.m. Only cash or checks will be accepted. Among the auction items will be gift, theme, and food baskets, gift certificates for area restaurants and services, movie tickets, locally-produced food products, items from Tastefully Simple and Thirty-One. Admission to the dinner and evenings activities is free, but donations to help defray the cost will be accepted. Proceeds from the silent auction will help fund activities planned for each month through Dec. 2013. For additional information, contact Stan Weikel at 215-536-7846. For directions to the church, 1565 Sleepy Hollow Road, Spinnerstown (for GPS, Quakertown, 18951), visit the churchs Web site: www.stjspin.org.
The Strayer RELA teachers for 20112013 SpringBoard school years are Gail Ferry, Chris Glaunert (currently at Milford), Karen Hearn, Kathy Infante, Barbara Kirby, Sue LaBonge, Jill Macauley, Michelle McMaster, Shawn Storm, Kathy Dressel, Marty Friel, Judy Maccarone, Bruce Russell, Kadishe Stoudt, Michele Sturges, Damian Gomm, Michael Peters, Mike Huff, Becky Brown, Ursula Cronin, Stephanie Traumuller, Peach Draper, Amanda Foltz, Enzo Martellucci, Sue Scherffel and Lynne Morgan. The QCHS and Freshman Center teachers collaborating with SpringBoard are Melinda Lepko, Stephanie Peel, Julie Pennabaker, Karen Sciarillo, Tracy Houston, Rachel Trosino, Sue Goodwin, Nancy Nielsen, Julie Saab, Brandy Pollock, Nicole Roeder, Elizabeth Alvino, Mike Mackey, Brad Huebner, Amy Amato, Martha Giesse, Nick Burch, Nicole Landen and Teresa Salvatore. In 2011-2012, students filled 680 AP seats. Many students take multiple AP classes. The QCHS Advanced Placement teachers through 2013 are Mike Mackey, Jason Anderson, Tom Brader, MaryAnn Byatt, Amy Eisenmann, Andy Boquist, Prakash Patel, Jonathan Lechner, Maria McCorry, Audrey Waddell, Katie Hoffman, Darlene Hardy, Carol Fagan, Andy Snyder, Nick Burch, Alaina Wert. Secondary administrators involved are Cindy Lapinski, Eric Thompson, Anita Serge, Rod Stone, Lisa Hoffman, Pat Tannous, Mike Zackon and Karen Shanton. Celebrating the good things we do in education is good, concluded Lola Greene. We should do it more often.
submitted photo
Because of the financial catastrophe that Medicare is heading towards (37 trillion dollar deficit!), over the coming months there will be two large issues on the table that will be discussed by the news pundits and politicians as we as a nation look towards a solution. First is the Medicare Eligibility Age, the second is the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) 1. Raising the Medicare eligibility age to 67 or 68. Discussions about raising eligibility age always mention that it is for folks 55 yrs old and younger, so if an increase in eligibility age does in fact happen, it wont affect folks older than 55. What are folks going to do when they stop working at age 60, 62 or 64, etc... They will have to wait even longer to receive Medicare Benefits. This could result in several harmful scenarios. Pay extraordinarily high premiums for Health Insurance. With Obamacare we really dont know what to expect. But, if even if there are no pre-existing condition obstacles, I would expect the insurance companies to charge hefty premiums for folks aged 65, 66 and 67. If folks at the lower income levels cant afford these high premiums, they would end up on Medicaid. Medicaid is under the same umbrella as Medicare, once again costing the Government to insure these folks, which makes them waiting to 67 or 68 self-defeating. 2. The Independent Payment Advisory Board ( IPAB) As part of Health Care Reform, the President proposed an Advisory Board to repair, manage and maintain Medicare cost savings. Here are some details: The Board will consist of 12 experts, including doctors, patient advocates, employers and financial analysts, who will be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and three nonvoting government officials. Its sole duty is to monitor and, if necessary,
reduce Medicare spending, which needs to be reined in to control deficits. The Board will be prohibited by law from making any recommendations to ration care, raise premiums, increase cost-sharing, restrict benefits or limit eligibility. If Medicare spending exceeds specified targets, the board must recommend changes (most likely cuts in payments to health care providers) to bring the growth rate back in line. Congress can override the boards recommendations, but it must still find equivalent savings. I personally love this idea and it begs the question, why hasnt this already been in place years ago? The working parameters of the IPAB (above) seem to have been crafted to avoid any political landmines, but even so, the Republicans are already starting to oppose it. I feel the opposition will die down and this Board will be up and running as soon as the members are appointed. Without watchdog pressure from such a Board, Congress is apt to be weak in resisting the demands by powerful health care groups and industries for higher Medicare reimbursements. Look for the IPAB to be implemented soonit could be the start of getting Medicare off of Life-Support! We are beginning to plan for our spring Medicare Made Easy educational seminars. If you know of a Church, Synagogue or Community Group that would like to host our Free Seminars, please call our office.
Howard Peck is tHe owner of senior insurance solutions based in Green lane Pa. Hes a Pennsylvania licensed insurance broker wHo since 2005 Has focused His insurance Practice on tHe senior and retiree MarketPlace wHile sPecializinG in Medicare. srinsurancesolutions.coM, 267-923-5281, or HnPeck@coMcast.net
Start Off the New Year with Some New Time Management Skills
If you desire to have good time management then you need to have a strategy or an action plan. Following these strategies will help you get the most out of your days. First... Prioritize your work. Start each day by ranking the things that you much do. Starting with the most important and unpleasant tasks first, then go from there. Those things that can wait for later that day should be listed towards the bottom of your list. Dont make your list too long because there are only so many hours in a day and you dont want to feel like you will never get it all accomplished. second... Assign time FrAmes For eAch tAsk. At first this might not seem realistic but it is mostly so that you will have some sort of idea how long it will take to finish each task. You will find that once you start a task, it wont really take very long unless it is a big project. If so, then break it down so that you can see some progress. third... Be FlexiBle. Unexpected things come up from time to time so if you have to stop to take care of some other matter, do not worry and stress out if you dont accomplished a certain task in the time frame you set. Just like the saying goes, Rome wasnt built in a day so make sure you allow for those time when things come up. Dont let these things such as phone calls, important emails,kids and life in general frustrate you, the important thing to remember is that you are making progress on your list. Fourth... leArn to sAy no. Whether you work from home or out of the home there are things that can distract us and waste time. Limit small talk with coworkers, family, friends, etc. while you are working. Respect your decision to make a plan and stick to it. Others will need to understand that if it isnt something that needs to be taken care of right this minute, then it can wait. FiFth... delegAte. Remember that you probably cant do everything yourself so if there is a task that you might not be very good at or like doing and there is someone that can do the task then by all means pass it on. In this way the task will get done and you wont waste time putting it off because you cant accomplish it yourself. comPromise when necessAry. As your day progresses, the urgency of a task may also change. There may be times when your tasks will need to be reprioritized, rescheduled, postponed or dropped altogether, making adjustments if things come up that needs your attention is important. Everyone has limitations and if you realize what those are then you will know what you can work on later to improve those skills or know in advance what tasks you will need help with. Learning to manage your time is not to stress your day so remember to relax and learn as you go. The more you practice managing your time, the better you will get at it. Time management is so that you will take control of your days and see how much you really can accomplish each day and then enjoy some time with family and friends. This is your only viable option no matter where you are working, this is the only way to accomplish anything worthwhile.
The holidays were a little brighter for Philadelphia area children thanks to the employees of First Heritage Financial, LLC. For the first time, First Heritage Financial, LLC employees joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to help the Toys for Tots Foundation with donations of toys for children who are less fortunate. The collection came as a result of an annual decorating contest. This years theme was Santas Workshop and each First Heritage elf was asked to decorate his or her area with a particular toy inspired theme. The employees of First Heritage realize how fortunate they are and wanted to share those toys with a child in need.
Toys for Tots has been collecting and delivering toys for children since 1947. Now in its 65th year, the Marine Corps Reserves have distributed more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children. First Heritage Financial, LLC, is a credit union-owned mortgage service provider based in Philadelphia, it provides turnkey, behind-the-scenes mortgage support to 57 partner credit unions that have combined assets of over $5.5 billion and more than 698,000 members throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware. First Heritage is endorsed as the exclusive mortgage service provider for the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association (PCUA).
I dont make New Years resolutions. Since Im never able to keep them, Im just setting myself up for failure. My psyche is fragile enough already. The way I see it, if I cant stop (or start) something on Independence Day, what makes me think I can six months later when its dark most of the time and cold outside? On top of that, its the holidays! Ive just spent six weeks gorging myself on fruitcake and blowing money on junk made in China. I figure, knocking off those kinds of activities is enough of an improvement in my behavior without making promises I cant keep. Back when I still did, I made resolutions in either the heat of a post-midnight, intoxicated celebration or in the miserable daze I woke up in the next afternoon. It never worked. I cant remember any of them making it till Lincolns birthday. I hated ruining Groundhog Day by feeling depressed and guilty, so I quit making resolutions all together. Thats not accurate. I make one resolution that Ive kept for a long time. It was back at the turn of the millennium. Remember the Y2K fiasco? Computers were all going to spaz-out when they hit the year 2000. At work, they took it seriously. We spent a huge amount of money hauling in generators, backing up files on discs and printing out material so the data could be re-entered later. The entire management staff was ordered to be at the plant by 10pm on New Years Eve. Back then, I hadnt quit drinking yet, so manning my assigned station with a flashlight and walkie-talkie in my pocket rather than being out partying somewhere was quite an imposition. When nothing happened by 12:30, they let us eat the hoagies theyd stocked up on to carry us over into the New Dawn, then let us leave. While I was dodging drunk drivers on the way home, I resolved that I would never again jump on the End-of-the-World bandwagon. I didnt even want to hear about it. Just surprise me, I decided. If my computer is going to explode in my face, if the worlds going to blow up around me, let me be surprised. I dont want to waste time worrying about it ahead of time. Ill gladly be one of the homeless souls with no food, water or clothing that wanders the devastated countryside after it happens before Ill go through that ridiculous Y2K thing again. It seems like somebodys been trying to scare me about the End-of-the-World all my life. It started with the atomic air raid drills back in first gradeClose the shades! Get under your desk! Khrushchev is coming! Then, Theres going to be another Ice Age! Now, All the ice is melting! I actually used to get hyped up over that stuff. Since Y2K there have been a couple small-time scares. One goofy group sold all their possessions and moved to the desert for nothing. Some of them went ahead and killed themselves because they didnt die
on schedule. Lately, everybodys worried about Nostradamuss visions, the Book of Revelations, or the Olmec/Mayan calendar. Ive read up on all of them and dont quite get it, but I have a bad attitude. Nobodys exactly sure whats going to happen this year. A rogue planet might collide with us. We might pass through a deadly section of space. The magnetic poles might shift and half the people turn into flesh-eating zombies. They do know when its going to happen, though: December 21, 2012. Thats definitely the last day (Is that the Julian or Gregorian calendar? I wonder). But, they still arent sure if the world is going to end with a bang or with a whimper. Ive got to admit, its been tough to stay calm and stick to my resolution with all that pressure on me. Several friends have joined one of those bulk food programs, bought survival kits and sand-bagged their basement windows. One guy I know built an underground bunker. He was enthusiastic about his survival chances; until I pointed out that he forgot to put in air holes. If the whole world ends what good will a survival kit be? I asked. Even though the end is nigh, I havent done much to prepare for it. When Frankenstorm hit and the electricity was out for a while, I did think about my resolutiona little. I actually panicked for a minute when the flashlight didnt work. But, I took a deep breath, remembered Y2K and managed to hold firm. What? Me worry? I thought. Nah! I lit a couple of candles and quick ate all the ice cream before it melted. Im ashamed to admit that Ive tried to use the impending disaster to my advantage. Buy (Chinese made) Christmas presents?! I shouted at the wife. Climb a ladder and put up lights and decorations? Bring a dead tree in the house? Its silly! The world ends before Christmas! It didnt work. I had to do it anyway. With the Apocalypse on the near horizon, I see no point in making resolutions again this year. Then again, since I dont have to worry about living long enough to break them, I can maybe list a few that I would makeno, never mind. Theres always a chance the world wont end on December 21st. If it doesnt, Id feel obligated to try to keep them. I know how that goes. I want to have a happy Groundhog Day this year, so I wont bother. So, if you happen to be reading this, I guess we survived another one. Dont be too depressed. The Jehovahs Witnesses insist the end comes in August, 2014, after the Biblically predicted century of war. If you dig a survival shelter, dont forget the air holes. I was wondering, though. Why did the Free Press make December 22nd the deadline for my column submission this month? Read more by Jack H. Schick at: www.jack-h-schick.wrytestuff.com
tive. That is where the answer lies. Dont take failure as a negative, use it as a positive and learn from your experience and change your approach. You didnt fail, you ruled out one way that is not going to get you to where you want to go and youre discovering the correct path. Doubters: These people will be all around you. Unfortunately, you will always have people telling you you cant do it, youre not good enough, or youre wasting your time. My point of view is, why not at least make an attempt and see for yourself. Dont let someone elses comment deter you, especially since they havent done the homework like you did. You have to live life on your own terms - not on someone elses. You dont want to have any regrets when youre taking your journey towards your goal. CANT: Remove this word from your vocabulary! This is a self confidence, or as some believe, a laziness issue. Never think that you cant, anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I do not believe the issue comes down to the fact that you cant do something, I think what happens is that if the approach to the situation is off, you might be attacking the situation wrong. Try it from a different direction. Be creative, dont let a cant deter you. Turn your cant into a can. 4) Support System Who are you going to have in place to help you attain your goal Your support system are the people you will surround yourself with to help you achieve your goal. This group of individuals will help you through the toughest of times and help get you pointed in the right direction when things dont seem to be going as planned. These individuals can be your parents, siblings, teachers, pastors, coaches, friends and people you might never expect. One motto I have lived by is: Surround yourself with great people and great things will happen Its the truth. Embrace this group of people when they want to help and ensure that they feel included and a part of the process. Continually thank them for their support. Conclusion: Goal setting is critical when trying to attain all different levels of success throughout your life. Setting up the proper goal setting outline will allow you to achieve your goals easier than just saying I want to do this or that. Dont get discouraged, no matter what road blocks are thrown at you during your journey, pull from everything you have put in place to help you through and keep moving forward. You will get there. You can do it. Put your mind to it and it is amazing what one can accomplish. Also, lead by example. Help inspire others to reach their goals, be part of their support system (sometimes it is just as gratifying to see someone else reach their goal as it is to reach your own), help motivate them, and help them persevere through the rough patches. DREAM BIG and then GO CAPTURE IT. Please visit website: www.k17sPort.coM to learn More about kenrick sMitH and His journey to becoMe a Professional triatHlete. Please feel free to contact HiM witH any feedback or questions you MiGHt Have.
As we ring in a new year, we can expect to see a number of changes. Social Security is no exception: in 2013, people who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will see their benefits increase. Beginning in 2013, a 1.7 percent cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA) was applied to all Social Security and SSI payments. The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2013 is $1,261 (up from $1,240 in 2012) and the average monthly Social Security benefit for a disabled worker in 2013 is $1,132 (up from $1,113 in 2012). These changes were reflected in SSI payments dated December 31, 2012 and Social Security payments dated in January 2013. For people who receive SSI, the maximum federal payment amount has risen to $710 (up from $698). Other Social Security changes in 2013 are worth noting. For example, a worker now pays Social Security tax on up to $113,700 of annual income (up from $110,100 in 2012). A worker earns one credit after paying taxes on $1,160 in earnings in 2013 (up from $1,130). As always, a worker may earn a maximum of four credits each year and a person generally needs forty credits (or ten years of work) to be eligible for retirement benefits. To learn more about these and other changes for 2013, visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov, and read our fact sheet about the changes at www.socialsecurity. gov/pressoffice/factsheets/colafacts2013.htm.
question: I have young children at home and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security checks after I retire? answer: Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children if they are: Unmarried and under age 18 Age 19 if still in high school, or Age 18 or over, who became severely disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled. In addition to biological children, legally adopted children, dependent stepchildren, and grandchildren could be eligible. For more information, please read our publication Benefits for Children at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10085.html. question: Ive been turned down for disability benefits. How do I appeal? answer: Visit www.socialsecurity.gov and click on the Appeal a disability decision online link in the left-hand column. This is the starting point. There you can ask us to review our medical decision. There are two parts to the Internet appeal process: 1) An Appeal Request Internet form; and 2) An Appeal Disability Report, which gives us more information about your condition. You can complete both forms online. To appeal online, the only form you are required to submit is an appeal request (Part 1). However, we encourage you to submit an Appeal Disability Report (Part 2) because it will give us more information about you and help us process your appeal more quickly. The place to start is www.socialsecurity.gov. question: In talking with my son, I found out that he submitted incorrect information about my resources when he completed my Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. How can I get my application changed now to show the correct amount? answer: You can call 1-800-772-1213 and let us know. Or, you can contact your local Social Security office. (Find it by going to www.socialsecurity/locator/.) Data on your application will be matched with data from other federal agencies. If there is a discrepancy that requires verification, we will contact you. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ extrahelp. question: What is the difference between the disability application and the disability report? Do I have to complete both? answer: The Disability Application is an application for Social Security disability benefits. To receive Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income disability benefits, you must file an application. The Disability Report, meanwhile, is a form that provides Social Security with information about your current medical condition. We need this information to process your disability application. To start a claim for disability benefits, you need to complete a disability application, a disability report, and an authorization release form that allows us to obtain your medical records. You can get the disability application process started at www.socialsecurity.gov/ applyfordisability. tom reiley is the social security district manager in the allentown, pa office and can be reached at thomas.reiley@ssa.gov.
Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) is proud to announce a $12,000 grant from Verizon Foundation to help in its development and presentation of an education program, Promoting Healthy Relationships for Teens to increase knowledge about dating violence, healthy relationships, and offer resources and strategies available to reduce and prevent violent behaviors. NOVA will be delivering the program during the upcoming school year to approximately 3,000 students, parents and educators in Bucks County public and parochial schools at the middle school and high school levels. NOVA seeks to prevent violence and reduce the risk of victimization by highlighting characteristics of healthy versus unhealthy relationships and empowering listeners to create healthy relationships in their lives. Components of other NOVA programs (e.g., cyber safety and sexual harassment) are included. NOVA educators with professional experience in the classroom will teach the program. Education for dating violence provides a critical opportunity to break the cycle of violence before it escalates and Verizon is
proud to improve the quality of life for youth and families in Bucks County by empowering the community with innovative tools and resources, said Daniel J. Reavy, Director of External Affairs for Verizon Pennsylvania. Were investing in programs, such as our partnership with NOVA, to touch peoples lives and encourage them that its a shared community responsibility to stand against domestic violence and together we can truly make a change. In addition, NOVA expects to populate its youth advisory and peer education groups using outreach conducted during the programs. As leaders and advocates, group members will help provide programs to younger students and raise awareness of NOVAs mission through public outreach programs. To bring one of these prevention education programs to your school, please contact Mandy Mundy, NOVAs director of education and training, at 215.343.6543 or Mandy@ NOVABucks.org. For more information regarding all of NOVAs prevention education programs, visit www.novabucks.org.
Ron Davis, second from left, PARX Casino director of diversity and community affairs and member of NOVAs board of directors, Daniel J. Reavy, director of external affairs, Verizon Pennsylvania, Far left is Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce president Dan Bates. On the far right is Bill Hoblin, director of community relations & development for NOVA. credit: lynn goodwin, photos by lynn
Did you know that according to CoinStar.com, around $10 billion in loose change sits idle in American households?
The Top Ten New Years Resolutions for 2012 as published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology are: lose weight, getting organized, spend less/save more, enjoy life to the fullest, staying fit & healthy, learn something exciting, quit smoking, help others in their dreams, fall in love, and spend more time with family. After reading that list, it is no wonder only 8% of people making a resolution achieve success. For people over the age of 50 the success rate is only 14%. Take a moment and think about that. Individuals over the age of 50 have a failure rate of 86% in achieving a resolution. It is depressing and makes you want to give up before you even start. First of all, having a list of ten resolutions is way too much for anyone to think they can achieve. Second, your personal list should contain no more than three things on a smaller scale, more realistic, and attainable. Third, a suggestion would be to narrow the subject matter focusing upon a home improvement, a financial improvement, and to lose weight. The home improvement could be any number of things such as painting the inside (a room or whole house), cleaning out the garage (closet, basement, etc.), or replacing an appliance or furniture. The financial improvement may be as simple as saving money, a specific amount. If you are able to faithfully deposit twenty dollars each week into a savings account, at the end of one year you will have saved more than one thousand dollars. Granted things cost more today than yesterday. A pack of cigarettes used to be a quarter, a Hershey bar was a nickel, and Groucho Marx thought a $4 bottle of poison was expensive. The last one is probably the easiest one to achieve, to lose weight. An audiologist can help you with losing that weight. Not weight as in 20, 50, or 100 pounds. The weight an audiologist can help you lose is the burden of poor hearing. Yes, a weight can be a personal burden. Hearing loss affects some 600 million
people worldwide with approximately 35 million in the United States. It is estimated that three out of every ten people age 60 or older have hearing loss in our country. However, the most important statistic is ONE. That one may be YOU or someone you know. Some of the signs of hearing loss include, but are not limited to: asking for people to repeat, mistaking some words for other words, giving an inappropriate response to a question or comment, turning the television volume control louder than normal (probably blistering the paint off the walls and causing the drapes to blow in a breeze with the windows shut), inability to hear at a distance or in the presence of noise, blaming others for mumbling, smiling or agreeing knowing full well that you did not understand anything that was said, shying away from people or gatherings because you cannot hear, and much more. For whatever unknown reason, people afflicted with poor hearing continue the day to day trudging through life with this extra weight, this burden, rather than seeking answers or getting the help they need. With some, their priorities are misaligned. It is more important to waste time on a project or activity that does not benefit them. Some waste money on things that are supposed to make them happy and never do. In 2013, there is one resolution that can be made and kept by anyone. That resolution is to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with an audiologist to get their hearing checked today. Make a pledge to lose that weight (burden). Be committed in making a new YOU in 2013.
mr. murphy knows first hand about hearing loss. he has had a bilaeral mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss all of his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user. mr. murphy has been in practice in pennsylvania since receiving his master of education in audiology from the university of virginia in the spring of 1987. mr. murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related nationaland international organizations and can be reached at hearingdoc@aol.com and by phone at 215-804-1111.
For two years in a row the U.S. Small Business Administration has helped to put more than $30 billion into the hands of small business owners across the country. In fiscal year 2012, SBAs loan programs posted the second largest dollar volume ever, surpassed only by the 2011 fiscal year, which was heavily boosted by the loan incentives under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The pace of SBA loan-making is a healthy sign for the national economy and the credit markets and is one of the foundations for ensuring the availability of financing to small businesses trying to establish themselves, grow and create new jobs for Americans. Right here in SBAs Philadelphia District, responsible for the 40 eastern counties of Pennsylvania, there were a total of 1,113 loans for more than $446 million in fiscal year 2012, the third-highest volume year on record for overall SBA-backed loan volume and the highest-volume year ever for its 504 loan program. In the past year, SBA began streamlining and simplifying many of its loan programs to provide more access and opportunity for lenders and small businesses. As part of this effort, SBA encouraged lenders to use more of their own paperwork and the agencys updated processing systems, so that more than 80 percent of its loan applications can now be processed online. These efforts, among other loan enhancements, resulted in nearly 1,300 lenders returning to SBA lending and opened up more points of capital access for small businesses wherever they do business. The results are clear: 504 Loans Set All-Time Record. By improving and simplifying the loan making process and reducing paperwork, SBA saw a record year for the Certified Development Company (504) loan program, which helped 9,471 entrepreneurs supporting $15.09 billion in small business lending. Here in eastern Pennsylvania, SBA guaranteed 122 504 loans, totaling more than $120 million.
CAPLines Loan Program Jumps 400 Percent. A revamped CAPLines program, which provides working lines of credit to small businesses such as manufacturers and government contractors, jumped 400 percent from 108 loans and $118 million in 2011 to 532 loans and $410 million in 2012. Low-dollar Loans on the Rise. Lenders are making more low-dollar loans using SBA Community Advantage and Small Loan Advantage loan programs that encourage lenders to make low-dollar loans, which are an important tool for small businesses. In fiscal year 2012 the number of Community Advantage loans increased to more than 11 times the number of loans in 2011. The Small Loan Advantage program ended the fiscal year with 820 loans for $150.6 million nearly 80 percent of the years SLA loans were after SBA simplified the processes on June 1. SBAs Growth Capital Program Breaks Record for the Third Consecutive Year. The Small Business Investment Company debenture program provided a record $2.95 billion to small businesses in FY 2012, a 14 percent increase over the previous year and the highest single-year volume in the 54-year history of the program. This good news is due in part to a number of improvements that contributed to an increased number of new SBIC licenses and reduced license processing times. Here in SBAs Mid-Atlantic Region, your local district office in Philadelphia with branches in Wilkes-Barre and Harrisburg is ready to help and for more information about SBA please visit www.sba.gov. As we look forward to 2013, SBA stands ready to help you start, grow or expand your business! natalia olson-urtecHo is tHe reGional adMinistrator for tHe united states sMall business adMinistration. as reGional adMinistrator for reGion iii, based in kinG of Prussia, olson-urtecHo is resPonsible for tHe delivery and ManaGeMent of sbas sMall business ProGraMs, financial assistance, and
business develoPMent ProGraM initiatives tHrouGHout tHe Mid-atlantic reGion.
(left) Arthur Smith and (right) Brian J. Smith recently joined QNB Financial Services.
submitted photos
QNB Bank recently announced that Brian J. Smith and Art Smith have joined QNB Bank and Investment Professionals, Inc. (IPI) as the new Financial Advisors with QNB Financial Services. IPI, a privately-owned Texas-based financial planning, asset management and risk mitigation firm, specializes in working with community banks to help their customers achieve a more secure financial future. IPI is the only bank broker-dealer to have earned four No. 1 rankings in American Brokerage Consultants leading industry survey of bank executives. A graduate of Quakertown High School, Brian J. Smith holds BS degrees in both Finance and Marketing from Penn State University. Previously, Brian was a Financial Advisor with Keystone Financial Management. Residing in Quakertown with his family, Brian is a member of the CFA Institute, CFA Society of Philadelphia and is on the Board of Directors of the Allentown Masonic Temple Foundation.
Art Smith, a graduate of LaSalle College High School in Cheltenham, holds a BS degree in Finance from Temple University. Art previously was a Financial Advisor for Wachovia Securities, LPL Financial and First Niagara Investment Services. A resident of Perkasie with his family, Art is active in the Pennridge Green Jackets, Alexs Lemonade Stand and Perkasies annual Main Street Mile. The partnership with IPI is consistent with QNB Banks commitment to offering quality service and solutions that address more of its customers financial needs. QNB Bank, headquartered in Quakertown PA, offers banking services through eleven banking offices. In addition, QNB provides retail brokerage services through IPI under the name QNB Financial Services and title insurance as a member of Laurel Abstract Company LLC. QNB Corp.s stock is traded in the over-the-counter market under the symbol QNBC. For more information, visit the QNB web site at www.QNB.com.
10
Quakertown High School senior Mike Sawyer was recently featured football athlete of the week on the Suburban One Sports website. Humble, funny and strong, Sawyer led the Panthers offense this year, in spite of the fact that the team struggled to win. He did some good things for us, and we thought going into this year that he would be the guy that would carry our offense, and he did, Banas told Suburban One. He was our offensive threat this year. In the photo, Sawyer is wearing the new sportsmanship banner, earned by the Quakertown Community High School Spring 2012 teams. Sawyer runs track, so he helped earn the banner, which will be hung in the High School gym. For the third year in a row, the Quakertown Neighborhood Association hosted the Annual Cookies, Cocoa, and Caring at the Quakertown Train Station. The event, which raises money through gift cards and acts as a friendly night to get to know your neighbors, attracted dozens of people again this year. (left) QNA president Ali Johnson and vice president Dave Ochmanowicz, Jr. with a few of the gift cards that were donated. The group collected over $500 for local needy families.
photo by michele buono
The Quakertown Community High School and Rotary International Student of the Month for October was Shelly Cowan. Shelly was nominated by several of her teachers and coaches. Shelly is an outstanding student athlete with remarkable leadership qualities. Shelly is a role model for any student who wants to become an all-around, exceptional scholar athlete and school community leader. Shelly is the heart, soul and inspirational leader of all her athletic teams (soccer, track and football). She is mature beyond her years and leads by example, encouraging everyone around her to be better. Shelly is a rare student athlete who refuses to use athlete demands as an excuse in her academic responsibilities. She takes challenging AP (Advanced Placement) courses along with a class at Lehigh University. Shelly is also involved in many school and community activities. She is a State and National level competitor in TSA (Technology Student Association), helps to tutor students both in and out of school and mentors special needs students in the Best Buddies program. Shelly plans to attend college in the fall to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. Her top choice is North Carolina State.
Never be afraid to reinvent. A new year gives you the permission to be whomever you want to be.
Congratulations to the Quakertown Community High Schools Varsity Singers for a fine performance of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas in B101s Christmas Carol competition last month. photo submitted by karen quinn
Ella (5) and sister Ava (8) relax for a moment in front of the fire with their dad while waiting for Santas arrival at the Richlandtown Tree Lighting.
photo by michele buono
11
On December 5, 2012 Helen Bergey celebrated her 102nd birthday at the Belle Haven Nursing Home in Quakertown. Helen, who was born in the tiny village of Argus, has lived in this area her whole life. She remembers fondly growing up on the family farm with her nine brothers and three sisters We had two horses, six cows, and chickens on our farm - and going to the local one-room schoolhouse. Helen is a fan of the New York Yankees and used to enjoy going to the games. When asked why she thinks that shes lived for so long Helen answered, Ive lived a clean life. photo by michele buono
(top) While riding through Richlandtown, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special stop at the home
of Staff Sergeant Mike Hall, who recently returned from Afghanistan, to thank him for his service to our country. (second) Santa, tipped off by UBFP publisher Christopher Betz, made a special stop to visit the good girls and boys at Childrens Developmental Program in Quakertown. (third) Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special point to visit with some of his favorite kids from the nice list at St. Isidores School in Quakertown. (bottom) During Quakertown Alives Annual Tree Lighting, eight year old Joshua asked Santa for Beyblade toys for Christmas, while his little brother P.J. isnt so sure that he wants to talk to the Big Man. photos by michele buono
12
Local authors Dr. Robert Leight and Thomas Moll are promoting their newest book, A Pictorial History of Milford and Trumbauersville. The book is a photographic history of the Milford Trumbauersville area. The duo have written several books on local history and Dr. Leight described this book as the next logical step. Notable people and places are chronicled in this now volume of area history, including David Spinner; the Setman family, whose farm became the Quakertown airport; John Oberholtzer, newspaperman, preacher, and locksmith; as well as Mennonite and church histories. photo by michele buono
If you like vintage architecture from the 1960s, youll like the surroundings of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. The building was ultra-modern in its day with its interior spiral ramp (like the one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Guggenheim Museum in New York City), glass curtain wall (a nod to the urban office building architecture of Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson) and footballshaped roofline indicative of mid-century modern American architecture. Canton, Ohio was chosen as the site for the Hall of Fame for many reasons. However, we focus on footballs legacy there as opposed to some other locale because of the native American athlete named Jim Thorpe who signed a football contract there. Thorpe, the star of the 1912 Olympic games, signed his first contract to play football with the Canton Bulldogs in Canton in 1915. While the vintage building is good looking, the museum is in the midst of completing a major construction/expansion project to host more football fans. The completion of the museum expansion will coincide with the Hall of Fames 50th anniversary in 2013. The new facilities will not only host a world of football fans but it will also offer the Ralph Wilson Jr. football research and preservation center, the researchers reading room, an event center and meeting room in addition to exhibition galleries focusing on the history of the game dating back to the early 1900s, state of the art interactive displays featuring game footage and player videos, the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl exhibition gallery with the Vince Lombardi trophy on display, the Super Bowl ring display (for the jewelry lover in the family), and the popular Hall of Fame gallery. While the Super Bowl ring display was one of my favorites (who doesnt like all those diamonds?), the Hall of Fame gallery speaks to the core of the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Gallery houses interactive displays and an impressive assemblage of fine art bronze portrait busts resembling the likeness of each Hall of Fame inductees through the years. The bronze busts are the work of Utah sculptor, Blair Buswell and they capture the likeness of
each football great. As a display, the gallery is awe inspiring as visitors search for their favorite Hall of Famer. At the Pro Football Hall of Fame, exhibits trace the history of professional football with unique objects like the Baltimore Colts marching bands bass drum, press wood posters announcing the 1962 AFL championship game between the Houston Oilers and the Dallas Texans, and early helmets worn by various players. The exhibits highlighted player uniforms from the Pro Bowl as well as equipment and apparel worn by Walter Payton, Joe Namath and Dan Marino among others. The exhibits focused on the impact of stars like O.J. Simpson and the Buffalo Bills Electric Company. Some displays showed a players love of the game by focusing on great plays made by Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo or Dallas Cowboy Troy Aikman. And, who could forget the famous Immaculate Reception made by Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Franco Harris (a fellow Penn Stater), on December 23, 1972. The museum, through its diverse exhibits, showed visitors the heart of the game of football. I discovered one last interesting thing about sports museums during my visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. No matter how much information is available to a visitor in a sports museum, fans always search for more. I noticed many visitors standing in front of very good, informative displayseven interactive displayswho were still searching for additional stats on their cell phones. I even found myself doing it. As a former museum curator and director, I bet you think Id be appalled by this but in fact, I think when a museums displays prompt visitors to find out more, thats a pretty cool and quite interactive museum. Plan a visit. Ph.D. antiques aPPraiser, author, anD awarD-winning tV Personality, Dr. lori Presents antique aPPraisal eVents nationwiDe. Dr. lori is the exPert aPPraiser on DiscoVery channels auction Kings airs thursDays at 9 PM. Visit www.DrloriV. coM, www.FacebooK.coM/Doctorlori or call (888) 431-1010.
William Tennent High School, jumped into a pool to save her grandfathers life after he fainted while swimming. She administered life-saving CPR, which she learned from a babysitting course. Other teens honored raised money for cancer; collected clothes and supplies for children in Haiti; collected football gear for children in Philadelphia; stuffed a bus with school supplies; traveled to volunteer at an orphanage in India; worked in a hospital; and overcame a traumatic brain injury.
13
Young Upper Bucks-based manufacturing tycoon and philanthropist, Harry Myers, shows off some of his wares at a charity event in Quakertown recently. Half of his proceeds were donated to area youth less fortunate than himself.
photo by michele buono
14
other cars now had V8s. Even the sports car Corvette went from a 6 cylinder to a V8. From this point on for the next few years until the gas crisis of the mid 70s SPEED was king. Every year the car introductions became even more exciting. The Olds rocket engine now had 3 two-barrel carburetors. 401, 409, 427, and 440 were now added to the car vocabulary! Let us now remember some of the dealerships that graced the Quakertown area. Johnson &
Biehn had the Chevys, Ede had the always GM experimental Oldsmobile, Farrel had the Fords, Russ Yoder had the Chrysler Plymouths at the showroom on 309. Let us not forget the Nash garage at the end of Park Avenue. Cummings had the Buicks, Hager had the Pontiac/Cadillac garage on Main Street (I later on in life sold cars for Hager). Helverson/Bickley had Andy Granattelis Studebaker/Packards also on 309. When there were special introductions we even ventured over to the Upper Perkiomen Valley to view cars. Remember Red Hill Ford (now Sands), Heimbach & Sweatt, Vick Oldt, and Spaars? For many years just outside of East Greenville, where the traffic light for the road now going into Walmart currently is, there was a building with STUDEBACKER painted across its front. Just within the past few years the owner painted over this memory of the past. We would visit them all and after consuming many hotdogs, sodas, and desserts, we would settle in to look at and dream of owning one of these beauties. I must admit, in future years I did purchase a few new cars. Now the romance of the 50s and 60s are gone and I cant recall when the flare of introduction of new cars was ever again achieved. Now they are just there and the ads are on TV but no special opening events are ever mentioned. I guess it is my age showing, but all cars seem to look the same nowadays; just special computer features and gas mileage seem to be pointed out. No more Wide-Tracks or more head room or leg room stand out, no more Curve Windshields or elimination of the wing window. Just electric car backup, grey cars, with special warning signals when someone is beside you are the features of today. The simple days of just looking at the dynamic new style and munching on a hot dog are gone but they still are a special memory!
BABY NEW YEAR BLIZZARD BOOTS CHILLY COLD FREEZING TEMP ICE SKATING
ICICLE JACK FROST KNIT CAP MITTENS OLD MAN WINTER PARKA RESOLUTIONS
15
For three decades, Upper Bucks own Jimmy Carroll has been touring the United States, Canada, and abroad as a stand-up comedian. In Las Vegas alone, Jimmy has performed over 300 shows. He has also performed for the U.S. troops in Korea, Japan, Okinawa, The Philippines, and Guam. Jimmy Carroll grew up on the outskirts of Philadelphia near Ambler. When he was only eight years old, Jimmys father took him to see Bill Cosby perform at the Temple Music Fair. Cosby captivated the audience with nothing more than a stool and a microphone. From that moment on, Jimmy knew he wanted to be a stand-up comedian. In 1984, Jimmy was the winner of the Funniest College Student Contest held at the Comedy Works in Philadelphia. He later went on to take first place in The Second Annual Comedy Showdown held at the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Since that time he has gone on to perform in comedy clubs across the country. These clubs include Catch A Rising Star, the Improv, Laugh Factory, the Comedy Store, Comedy Stop, Funny Bone, and many others. Jimmy has worked with such talents as Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Foxworthy, Richard Jeni, Rosie O Donnell, Richard Belzer, the Unknown Comic, Carol Leifer, Nina Simone, David Beinot, Chuck Mangione, Spyro Gyro, Todd Rundgren, among others. Jimmys television appearances include A&Es An Evening At The Improv, Comedy Centrals Stand Up And Deliver, ESPN II and more. He also
co-starred in the movies Searching For Paradise, and Meter Maid. Jimmy can be seen on the high seas performing on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, and Holland American Cruise Lines. Jimmys clean, clever style of comedy keeps him on the go more than 200 days a year performing for millions of people. So it is Bill Cosby who will be to blame for Jimmys long commute from his home near Trumbauersville to Sellersville, and for what will happen at the Sellersville Theatre on Saturday, January 19th at 8 oclock when Jimmy takes the stage with his new act, The Last of the Boomers. Jimmy will harken us back to the dark ages when there was no internet, phones had cords, and you had to get up to change the TV channel all three of them. The act is apparently inspired by a conversation he had with his daughter about the computers and technology he used while growing up in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Of particular concern seems to have been how he would access the Internet. Anyone who grew up with cassette tapes, records, rabbit ear antennas, or a telephone with a dial on it will appreciate Jimmys take on the dark ages from whence we came not so very long ago. Savages! Tickets for the Sellersville Theatre show are available online at www.st94.com, in person, or by phone at 215-257-5808, and go for about $23.00 each. Learn more about Jimmy and his multiple talents at his own website, www. jimmycarroll.net. See a piece of Jimmys other work on the page facing this story.
Did you know? The New York Times started the traditional Ball Lowering Celebration in 1907. This world-renowned event is seen across Times Square at the top of the tall narrow building known as One Times Square in New York. On New Years Eve, it descends on a 77-foot flagpole at 11:59 p.m. and reaches its destination at exactly 12:00 midnight.
16
after eating a delicious turkey dinner, and listened to the families inside sharing Christmas with their families. Thoughts were of home and I must admit a bit of homesickness fell on me. (Later on that night in 1966. I was in the hospital with food poisoning from that turkey!). Getting back to the subject, many of my comrades were in foxholes or on O.Ps in Vietnam. Their thoughts too were of home and family. Together, we in Europe, they in Vietnam, and the rest of the troops in Korea, Stateside, on the seas, and around the world were there for YOU. Since then, I always share a silent moment on that blessed day thinking of and thanking all the troops that are still sacrificing their lives for US. Duty, Honor, Country is their gift to us. May God bless our troops and may God bless our beloved United States of America in the coming year!
Earl R. Kline, Sr., 93, died Sunday, November 25 in his home. He was the husband of the late Betty (Schlicher) Kline. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Furman and Lillian (Hess) Kline. Earl served as a Richland Township supervisor from 1994 to 2000. He was a member of the first U.C.C. in Quakertown and a World War 11 Army veteran. Earl is survived by a son, a daughter, and one grandson. Charles W. Roberts, 84, of Quakertown died Sunday, December 2 in Belle Haven Nursing Home, Quakertown. He was the husband of Ruth Mae (Ewan) Roberts. They celebrated 57 years of marriage in June. In addition to his wife, Charles is survived by two sons, Barry and his wife Brenda, Bruce and his wife Rita, and a daughter, Bonnie; two grandchildren, Billy and Ryan. He was predeceased by his daughter Karen, brothers Ronald and Marvin Roberts, Harold Seachrist, and sister Pearl Nyce. James Schantz Barnes, Sr., 85, of Jim Thorpe, formerly of Quakertown, died December 2, surrounded by his loved ones while under hospice care. He was the husband of Rosemarie (Spink) Barnes. They were married 48 years on July 3. In addition to his wife, James is survived by his children, Deborah Hickey (Sam) of Allentown, Steven J. Barnes (Teresa) of Bethlehem, Diana Woods (Ian) of Tulsa, OK, Danny Gaugler of Charlotte, NC, Jeffrey S. Barnes of Westminster, CO, Belinda Hartman of Quakertown, and James, Jr. (Angela) of Bedminster, NJ; fifteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a cousin, Kenneth Jurs (Joanne) of Marlborough, CT, and his beloved dog, Nina. Jean Adele Afflerbach, 78, of Red Hill, formerly of Trumbauersville, died December 3 in Pennsburg manor. She was the wife of Philip J. Afflerbach. They were married 59 years on November 28. Jean was past president of the Quakertown Gardening Club, former den mother to Pack 55, and a member of the American Legion Post 242 Ladies Auxiliary. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Bruce and his wife, Debra of Allentown, Scott of Minotola, NJ, and John and his wife Dawn of Red Hill; also three grandchildren, Stephanie, Kyle, and Ryan. Miriam N. Landis, 87, of Richlandtown, formerly of Quakertown and Pennsburg, died December 4 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. She was the wife of the late Paul E. Martin, Sr. and the late E. Arthur Landis. Miriam is survived by her daughter, Nancy Kerver (Edward, Sr.)of Pennsburg, her son, Dale Martin (Sheila) of Birdsboro, daughter-
in-law, Kathy Martin of Richlandtown; her brother, Charles Mann ( Stephanie) of Quakertown, two sisters, Eileen Hohl (Richard) of Quakertown and Janice Fendrick (Frank) of Macungie; and her aunt, Dorothy Mann of Quakertown. She is also survived by four step-children, Peggy Benner (Ted) of Quakertown, Nancy Kuhns (Dick) of Perkasie, Jerry Landis 9Diane) of Quakertown, and Barbara Fox (Philip) of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren, four great-granchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Paul, Jr. Joseph C. Tarantino, 87, of Quakertown, passed away December 4 in St. Lukes Hospice House, Bethlehem. He was the loving and caring husband of Connie (Heydt) Tarantino. They were married 35 years in November. Born in Quakertown, he was one of twelve children born to the late Frank and Anna (Asta) Tarantino. Before his retirement in 1991, he was the last owner/operator of the family business, F.L. Tarantino & Sons Memorials in Quakertown, which began in 1916. Joe was a lifetime member of the North Penn Gun club, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Disabled American Veterans Charter PA7, the American Ex-Prisoners of War. He served in the Army Infantry 106th Division in World War II and was a POW in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Post 242 in Quakertown. He was a member of the Trumbauersville Betterment and Social Club, St. Isidores Catholic Church, and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Cardinal Stritch Council 4649. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by their children, Gary Tarantino and his wife Elaine of Randolph, NJ, Joseph Tarantino and his wife Sandra of Knox, PA, Debra Wahl and her husband Charles of Quakertown, and Terrence Solomon and his wife Carol of Allentown; daughter-in-law Pamela Solomon of Northampton; two sisters, Lucy Moody of Arkansas and Mary Weyland of Florida; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Joseph Solomon; three brothers William, Frank, and John; six sisters, Sue, Josephine, Ann, Claire, Grace, and Eleanore. Carrie Gross Lewis, 95, of Quakertown died December 6 in St. Lukes Hospital, Quakertown Campus. She was the wife of the late Percy A. Gross, Jr., and the late William J. Lewis, Jr. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown. Carrie is survived by her daughter, Ann Schrader, and her husband Edward of Quakertown; a step-daughter,
~Obituaries~
Shirley Mann, of Quakertown; two grandchildren, Troy Schrader (Julie) and Eric Schrader, two great-grandchildren, Warren and Claire. Joyce A. Johnson, 82, passed away Sunday December 9 in Clare Bridge Dublin. Born in Quakertown, PA, She taught for 35 years in Quakertown Joint schools, retiring from Neidig Elementary in 1986. She was a volunteer at the former Quakertown Community Hospital and St. Lukes Quakertown Hospital in the gift shop for over 30 years. She is survived by brother-in-law, Kenneth MacDonald of Springfield, MA, Nieces, Kathy Lazaravich, husband Bob of Chandler, AZ, Margaret MacDonald of Englewood, CO, Nephew, Stephen MacDonald, Great nephews, Peter and Adam Lazaravich of AZ. She is predeceased by a sister Gloria. Elda L. Benner, 86, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Cedarbrook, Allentown. Born in Sellersville, she was the daughter of the late Oliver and Marion Nuss. Formerly of Richlandtown, Quakertown, and Macungie, Elda was the loving wife of the late Carroll F. Benner, who died in 1999. She was employed by the Superintendents Office of Quakertown Community School District for over 25 years. SurvivorsElda will be lovingly remembered by her son, Terry Benner and wife Catherine of Emmaus; grandson, Adam Benner, of Emmaus; a sister, Dorothy wife of Richard Specht, of Pennsburg; and a brother, Robert Nuss and wife Hedda, of Madison Township, PA. Earl F. Rush, 89, of Quakertown, died December 10 in Phoebe Richland Health care Center, Richlandtown. He was the husband of the late M. Viola Rush. Earl was a Corporal who proudly served his country in the Army Air Force Corp during WWII and was a life member of the Quakertown American Legion Post #242. He was also a 70 year member of the Alutata Lodge #488 I.O.O.F. and the Springfield Township Historical Society. He is survived by his brother Paul and his wife, Esther, of Springtown, also three nieces, Paulette, Virginia, and Cheryl, and a nephew, Douglas. Gladys M. Trumbauer, 95, of Quakertown, died December 11 in St. Lukes Hospice House, Bethlehem. Gladys was a US Army veteran, serving during WWII, and a member of Quakertown American Legion Post #242. She was a member of the Upper bucks Senior Cwnter and AARP. She is survived by two brothers, William of Sellersville and Kenneth of Coopersburg. Gladys was predeceased by four brothers, Clinton, Stanley, Harold, Robert and five sisters, Dorothy Guentensperger, Marian
Riesberg, Phoebe Effen, Phyllis Shup, and Mary Lewis. William W. Cope, Jr. , 77, of Center Valley, died December 16 in Grand View Hospital in Sellersville. He was the husband of Betty (Harner) Cope. They were married 58 years on November 27. William was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association Kings Rider Chapter of Allentown. In addition to his wife, William is survived by his daughter Donna Buskirk and her husband, Lamont, of Walnutport; a son son Bruce and his wife, Pamela, of Boyertown; a sister Marjorie of Quakertown; three grandchildren, Stephanie Molloy, Stacey Conway, and Isaac Cope. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Schantzenbach. Mary Helen Schmidt, 80, of Quakertown died December 17 in Chandler Hall Hospice, Newtown. She was the wife of the late Albert Ray Schmidt. She attended St. Isidores Church in Quakertown. She is survived by her six children, martin Schmidt, Deborah Feichthaler, Diane Dougherty, Frances Lombaardo, Elizabeth Gaffin, and Robert Schmidt; a brother Robert DeCoskey; two sisters, Elizabeth Budickey and Connie Anderson; nine grandchildren and eighteen grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by two brothers, Archie and Skites, and a granddaughter. Leroy Reds Leister, 77, of Sellersville died on December 22 in his home. He was the husband of Carol Bonnie (Moronese) Leister. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on July 15. He was an avid huntsman and outdoorsman and was a lifetime member of many clubs including Great Swamp Fish and Game, Paletown Gun Club, Morwood Sportsman Club and SoudertonHarleysville Fish and Game. He was also a lifetime member of the Tylersport Fire Company and a 50 year member of the Sellersville Moose. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Leroy and Larry, and daughter Ruby Jones; stepson, Richard Bossert; two sisters, Lorraine Slaughter and Gloria Eckman; one granddaughter, Violet Jones. He was predeceased by his brother Ervin, Jr. and sister Alice Leister. Marta Straume, 91, of Quakertown died on December 26 in her home. She was the wife of Waleter Straume; they were married 66 years last July. She was born in Gramzda, Latvia. Arta was a member of the Latvian Evangelical Church of Bucks County and Vicinity. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Aivars Straume and Martin trauma (Anne).Three grandchildren, Kirstin Crouthamel, Erika Straume, and Alex Straume.
17
January 6th is the Epiphany of Our Lord on the churchs calendar, and it is the day we remember the coming of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus, bringing with them their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Theres a lot of confusion about these Wise Men. For instance, the Bible doesnt say there were three of them, it only mentions three gifts. We just assume one gift per person. For another, and contrary to the wonderful song We Three Kings, they werent kings. The Bible calls them Magi, from which we get our word magician. Now, Im not saying they were the ancient worlds version of Penn and Teller, or David Copperfield, but they were more like astrologers than anything else. They followed the star because it was their job to watch the stars for important signs about world events, significant births, and other stuff like that. They really wanted to see a king when they sought out Jesus. They knew he was really important. I wonder what they thought when they got to the house where Mary and Joseph and Jesus were living and found, well, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Were they puzzled at first? Still, for them the star said Jesus was a king and that was good enough for them. They presented their gifts, paid their homage, and went on their way (avoiding the crazed Herod as the angel told them to). The Magi werent at the stable, didnt see shepherds and sheep or singing angels or any of the other parts of the traditional Christmas crche, and they are really important for us today. So many people today seem to be asking the same question the Magi asked when they got to Jerusalem where is the child who has been born? Where do we go to find this Jesus? So many people today are searching for Jesus, and these Magi have much to offer. The Magi looked for signs, a star in this case, and, upon seeing the sign, followed it. Signs are all around us today, as well, signs that, if followed, if paid attention to, will lead us to Jesus today. People of faith are living active lives of faith
Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.
all around us, helping the poor, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and lonely and forgotten, going to worship, praying for the world and all those in it. These active lives of faith are signs to those seeking Jesus that he can be found in those who are committed to doing the work of Jesus every day. Faith active in love is a bright star shining high in the sky for those who would look. People in need are all around us, as well. The child who is hungry, or lost, or afraid to go home, the child who has no home. The young girl, pregnant and alone, looking for guidance and caring and support. The homeless person, wandering our streets. The elderly person sitting forgotten in a nursing home. The addict struggling to get clean and stay clean. The neighbor we rarely see and never talk to, who seems so strange to us. The co-worker whose life is falling apart, whose spouse is gone, whose hope is gone. They are signs, too, because it is among the poor and the lonely and the oppressed and the hurting and the rejected and the outcast that we will find Jesus, calling to us to come and make a difference, calling us to be the star that shines high in the sky for them. The church itself is a sign, as people gather week after week to hear the gospel, share the sacraments, pray and sing, share each others joys and sorrows, and be a community of grace and love, forgiveness and acceptance for all people. The church can be a star shining high in the sky, pointing us to the one who has been born, the one in whose name we gather, the one in whose name we serve and love the world around us. The Magi are important because they followed. They went. They took the risk, made the journey, followed the star. Faith is that journey, that following of the star. Faith is also helping others in their journey, showing them the star, perhaps even being their star. The star the Magi followed becomes the light that shines throughout the season of Epiphany, and that light is Jesus himself. So follow the star wherever it leads, because it will always lead you to Jesus.
9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church
Hours Sept - May are 9:00am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10 Morning Worship Service, 6:30pm 2nd & 4th Sundays are small groups, 6:30pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays: Evening Worship hour
Sunday morning worship at 9:30am with holy communion first and third Sundays of the month. Sunday school 8:30am
401 Arch Street Perkasie, PA 18944 215-453-1565 www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul
Where Gods Love Changes Lives
Worship 7:45 & 10:30am, Sunday School 9:00am, Koinonia Cafe 8:30am, Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Childrens church 2nd & 4th Sunday
AlcoholEdu for High School Parents. In this 15-20 minute module, you will find: Information regarding Social Host Laws. The latest research on underage drinking. Tips and tools for talking to your teen about alcohol. Strategies for setting rules and monitoring your teen. Over a two-week period in class, students will read information in a variety of formats. They will watch videos and animations and create billboards and write letters to their parents. They will consider decision making about peer pressure, the effect of alcohol on athletic performance and dealing with family members. AlcoholEdu For High School Parents is available online 24 hours a day. To access the course, visit: http://highschoolparents. alcoholedu.com. Under New User, type: 12QuakertownParent. Click, Sign Up!
to right) Bernard J. Wagenseller, Executive Director of Upper Bucks County Technical School; State Representative Paul Clymer; Amber Kline, UBCTS SkillsUSA President; Chuck Beecher, Lowes Quakertown; Joseph Dixon, Lowes Quakertown; Jenn Smith, SkillsUSA District 11 Executive Director submitted photo
(left
18
boxes of supplies, said Miranda. The event was a success with a full house of 143 people participating. Shelter manager Melissa Frank was grateful for the girls efforts and the communitys generosity. Were overwhelmed, she said, This money will go into our general fund and be out to very good use taking care of the animals needs. Meghan Garber, the shelters volunteer coordinator, was very impressed with the young ladies efforts. There are people who will just sit and do nothing, but look what these girls have done. Its wonderful.
On December 18, staff and volunteers of the Upper Bucks shelter celebrated the official 100th anniversary of the Bucks County SPCA. Special thanks go to the students from the Upper Bucks County Technical School who baked the delicious cake for the occasion. (left to right) Catherine Cerqua (volunteer) holding Cindy (just adopted), Shannon Roese, Dave Mertz (volunteer), Megan Ambrose, Meghan Garber, Dena Ceneviva, Diane Herstine, shelter manager Melissa Frank, Katie Lick, Rob Marz, Christy Patterson, Lise Henkensiefken (Lahaska shelter staff), Holly Olson (volunteer) holding Chester (also just adopted) photo by michele buono
PeTunia is a 1-year-old brown tabby female that came to the shelter as a stray. She has been patiently waiting for her forever and would love to go home with someone who sees her for the special kitty that she is. She has been spayed here and is ready for a new home. This sweet girl is full of activity and loves to play. She would be best in a home as an only pet. Petunia should do well with responsible children of all ages. Fiona (grey tabby) and Binx (black) enjoy playing together. Fiona is a 7-year-old spayed female. This sweet and outgoing girl loves to catch your attention and sit on your lap if you are willing. She is good with other cats and has not been around dogs. Fiona should do well with children of all ages. Binx is a 1 year old neutered male. Active and curious, he should do well in a home with children of all ages. Binx will always try to get your attention. He is good with other cats and has not been around dogs. These cats are litter trained and negative for feline leukemia. The Upper Bucks SPCA also has quite a few bunnies and guinea pigs of all colors and ages waiting for new homes. These and many others are available for adoption through the Bucks County SPCA at 60 Reservoir Road (just off California Road) in Richland Township. Call 267-347-4674 or visit www.bcspca.org.
Delia is a sweet hound cross who weighs about 65 lbs. She is about 2 years old and just wants to be with people, though not a fan of dogs jumping on her. She is spayed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and more. You must meet her to see how wonderfully sweet she is. Delia is most likely housebroken and walks well on a leash. TooTs is an adorable spaniel-pom-mutt who loves being on someones lap. He came to our shelter terrified, but once he saw some constant people and knew they were not going to hurt him, he came out of his shell quickly. He is about 2 years old. BamBi is a friendly adult cat. She is cuddly with her silvery bronze tinted medium-long hair. She is litter trained and gets along great with other cats and dogs. These pets, and many others, are available for adoption at the Last Chance Ranch located at 9 Beck Road, Quakertown. 215-538-2510.
19
A Christmas Puppy
Puppies are so sweet it seems they can give you cavities. Oh boy, they are cute, downright addicting. I love those round pink bellies and their intoxicating puppy breath. So why do thousands of puppies end up being relinquished to our already overwhelmed shelters and rescues soon after the holidays have passed? The average length of ownership for these puppies is 3 months (petpopulation.org). The National Humane Education Societys web site estimates that 5 million dogs and cats are euthanized in the U.S. each year. Of the dogs turned in, 42% were not spayed or neutered, 33% never saw a vet, and 96% never experienced obedience training. The understanding is - acquiring a pet dog is supposed to be a lifetime commitment full of fantastic furry Fido fun. What happened- poor planning lack of time, money, knowledge, impulse control buying? The top 10 reasons for relinquishment follow: 1.Moving 2. Landlord not allowing pets 3.Too many animals in the household 4.Cost of pet maintenance 5.Owner personal problems 6. Inadequate facilities 7. No homes for littermates 8. No time for pet (This totally outrages me) 9. Pet illness 10. Biting The newness always wears off eventually. You wanted a dog. You didnt realize that puppy teeth can feel like pristine forged steel needles leaving scabs all over your hands and arms. Who knew that puppy = eating and chewing everything in sight, secret peeing under the dining room table, incessant jumping, barking for attention, and if given the opportunity, escaping through the neighborhood. Now that the holidays are over, the real life-changing training for your puppy should be fun, not drawn out work. Training sessions with your puppy should be short, a minute here, a minute there. Always leave them wanting more. Real life opportunities for training are very beneficial. Your puppy quickly learns doors only open for sitting dogs. A wonderful and underutilized time to train is at meal time. An example of an impulse control exercise would be the puppy must stay sitting until released to eat its meal. Exercise and mental stimulation are a must for a happy puppy. Try enrolling in a group puppy class. There are plenty of force- free, certified professional dog trainers at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers www.apdt.com. Euthanasia is the number one reason for death of dogs under the age of 2 years. The most common reason for euthanasia was the dog was not properly socialized as a puppy. It doesnt even compare to Parvo, Distemper, or accidental death. In the age-old discussion of Nature versus Nurture, the fact is both are important. Nature is what your puppy or dog is born with, and nurture is what you provide for a happy, healthy, affectionate, well-adjusted, well-mannered dog. A critical aspect of nurture is socialization. Its importance cannot be underrated in raising a psychologically healthy puppy. In fact, providing your puppy with a broad range of experiences prior to the age of four months of age has been proven to be one of the most critical factors in raising a stable, confident dog. Socialization is introducing your puppy to a broad range of new experiences, people, environments, and activities. While you likely cant expose a puppy to everything he or she may encounter in the future, the good news is that positive exposure to a wide variety of novel experiences results in a dog that easily adjusts to new things throughout his or her life. A well-socialized dog isnt frightened of something he or she may never have experienced previously. In other words, well-socialized dogs are more secure, confident, and selfassured. Socialization includes: Peoplefrom infants to the elderly. Different ages, sizes, ethnicities; glasses, hats, mustaches and beards, different clothinganything you can think of. Placesnew environments such as urban
Now What?
areas, country settings and everything in between. Nothing attracts friendly people more than an adorable puppy, so taking your puppy to new places gets him used to loads of people, too. Visit friends homes, your kids soccer games, and take quiet walks in the park. ThingsDog-friendly cats and other pets, household appliances, cars, buses, fire hydrants, trees and flowers. Virtually everything may be new to your puppy, so dont be limited in your choices. ActivitiesPleasant car rides, an elevator ride, and the like. And, of course, Puppy Class is one of the best places to socialize. Plus, youll both learn a lot! Safe socialization Its important that exposure to all these novel experiences is positive and without stress. Here are some guidelines to help keep things stress-free and constructive: Have fun! Your positive attitude toward new things is important for your puppy. Let your puppy approach new things on her own. Provide the opportunity for your puppy to investigate and let her take her time. Respect your puppys feelings. Dont push or force your puppy if hes at all reluctant. Try laughing and interacting with the new object yourself, but ultimately err on the side of caution if your puppy thinks something is just too scary right now. Use common sense and be careful that all experiences are positive. Avoid situations, people, and environments that you think might result in a less-than-happy experience for your puppy. For example, in meeting a well-behaved child who wants to hold the puppy, have the child sit on the floor to avoid the possibility of a squiggly puppy falling from his arms and getting injured. While there is little risk to socializing your puppy in public, there is a small possibility your puppy will be exposed to illness. Professional groups including the APDT and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) believe that the profound advantages of socialization far outweigh the minimal risk of illness. Ultimately, however, the decision is yours, and should be made in consultation with your veterinarian. Dont ignore your puppy because youre too busy. The cost of Doggie Day care is minimal. What you get in return is endless! Your dog learns bite inhibition and much needed social skills. A tired puppy gets into much less mischief. If money is tight there are some less expensive options. Take advantage of your neighbors (a retiree or a college student) or a close relative. Ask them to watch your puppy while you are at work. Almost everyone loves a puppy. There are local certified insured dog walkers looking for work. They take your dog out for that much- needed pee and get that wonderful walk to burn off penned up energy. In the November issue in the Free Press I explained how to play puppy ping pong. You have two people at different ends of the home calling your dog back and forth. You are burning up excess energy plus reinforcing the come when called command for you puppy. The amount of free information on the internet is endless. Be careful there is also a lot of bad information, too. Writers promoting anything Caesar are not the best choices. January is the official Train Your Dog Month at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com). Several free webinars and articles will help you make decisions about training. Patricia McConnells The Puppy Primer and Dr. Ian Dunbars After You Get Your Puppy are two great puppy training books. You cant prepare the world for your puppy but you can prepare your puppy for the world! subMitted by Marion oneil cPdtka, owner & trainer of Molasses creek doG traininG
Boy, does time fly by fast! Hope you all enjoyed the holidays and were in the right spitit of love and giving. My Canine for Christ buddies and I gave baskets to the police officer canine unit in Quakertown . Here are pictures of Officer Kito and Officer Jynx accepting their baskets. They sure seemed happy to have appreciation shown to them. While I am on that subject I would like to say that we should ap-
preciated each other all year long and not just on a holiday. Dont forget to appreciate all the emergency people that help us through our lives. Whether two or four legs these people save us and protect us so do something nice for them to show you are glad they are there. Enough babbling from me I want to make sure there are room for the pictures. Love to all - M.J.
Clubbies Corner:
Upper Bucks Shelter Success Stories
Every month, we feature pets waiting at the Upper Bucks SPCA for their forever homes. Meghan Garber, who works at the shelter, wants people to know about some of the success stories. Lets start with Clubbie the cat. Clubbie is a beautiful grey kitty who waited for five long months at the shelter before finally going home. She was named Clubbie because her one front paw is a bit deformed. Instead of the usual five toes, Clubbie has two big ones. Shes a sweet girl, but unfortunately her previous owner could no longer keep her or her kittens. Her kittens were adopted, but Clubbie waited and waited until someone recognized her as the cat she was looking for her own. Clubbie is now happily ensconced in her new home, has adjusted very well, and follows her new owner everywhere. Another great story is Ginger, a 12 year old Shih Tzu, who finally found a terrific home. We called to do a follow up and her new owners could not love her more. She gets two walks a day; loves to walk on a leash and is very courteous when her owner stops to talk to someone. She loves riding in the car. Ginger does not like being in a crate, so when they go out they gate her in the utility room with wee pads. They try to take her with them but sometimes have to leave her home. Shes perfectly potty trained. Her daddys chair in the living room is where she loves to sleep at night. Her mommy brushes her every day and cleans her teeth. Ginger is very loved and has found a great forever home. Lola, a Shiba Inu, once scared and growling behind the kennel, grew into one of the nicest dogs and found happiness with her new brother Nikko. Her new mommy wrote to the shelter with an update about her. Lola and her new brother from another mother Nikko love taking walks together and the two dogs get along very well. She is truly a blessing to our family, she writes in her note. Another adopted dog, Daytona, was very shy and retiring during her time at the shelter. She was adopted and has blossomed in her role as the official museum dog of the Sellersville Museum. The SPCA relies entirely on private donations. If you cannot adopt a pet, please consider the Sponsor-a-Kennel Program. This program is designed to allow the public, businesses, school groups, and other organizations to help all the homeless animals that are sheltered at the SPCA each year without a large commitment of time or money. When you sponsor a kennel for a dog or cat, a sign will be placed on the kennel to acknowledge your donation. Your sponsorship sign will be customized to have your special message, or photo of a pet or loved one displayed. Sponsorship terms begin at one month, but can be extended as long as you like. Please call the SPCA Upper Bucks shelter for more information at 267-347-4674. Editors Note: And we cannot forget our office cat, Snickers. Free Press publisher Christopher Betz met and took a shine to the lad at an event hosted by the shelter. A few days later, 12-year old Snickers came home to the newspaper office. He has settled comfortably into his role as office cat and we cannot imagine what we would do without him.
(left) Clubbie prepares to make a presentation to other animals at the shelter in Richland Township on the ins and outs of getting adopted. submitted photo (right) Snickers reviews payroll documents and sales projections at Free Press headquarters in Downtown Quakertown. photo by amber qalagari
20
The Quakertown Soccer Club (QSC) and the Sarah Parvin Foundation are pleased to announce the results of the 2012 Sarah Parvin SoccerFest. In our 5th year of running this event, the total raised was $52,098.81. This was a combined effort of hundreds of QSC and Foundation volunteers who worked for months in advance of the event through the con,clusion, helping to bring the total raised since inception to over $175,000. 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 this unique event. SoccerFest is a 24 hour marathon soccer tournament started in 2008 by members of
Quakertown Soccer Club and in concert with Sandy Parvin, Sarahs mother, with the intent of remembering Sarah, who died at age 12 of Ovarian Cancer, to run a unique event that promoted the game Sarah loved, and last, to raise funds and help people who are afflicted with cancer. This years event included over 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. The 2013 event will take place at Quakertown Soccer Club on July 26-28th. Information can be found at sarasoccer.com.
to right) Lyn Evans, Corresponding Secretary Sarah Parvin Foundation, Sandy Parvin, President, Sarah Parvin Foundation, Tom Kramme, Tournament Director, Jeffrey Geiser, QSC President and Kris Reiss, QSC Travel Coordinator. photo by jeff pursel photography
(left