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From the Publisher’s Desk

May 22, 2013 By

Join us in welcoming a new community to our group

Times Publishing Newspapers, Inc. has been publishing a unique brand of journalism in Bucks County for 19 years.  Over that period of time, as publisher I’ve started eight hometown papers focusing on  “all the ‘good news’ that’s fit to print” excluding anything about politics, controversial topics, or religion.

We call our brand of journalism, “Simply Real News.”  Important information of upcoming events, and special coverage of what’s going on in your neighborhood, which I believe is the source of positive community energy. It’s what pulls us together, not what pushes us apart.

This month I am now proud to announce the addition of our newest paper – the “Fairless Focus” which will be mailed (via US Postal Service) to 12,800 households and businesses in Fairless Hills.  This will include everyone in the 19030 and 19054 zip codes. (For a full listing of all our zip codes and our publication’s circulation map, click here.)

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Filed Under: Home Tagged With: , , ,

Worthington Insurance: Experienced insurance agents you can trust

May 22, 2013 By

Worthington Insurance by June Portnoy

Worthington Insurance, Inc. is one of few companies that has been in existence for over a century, offering over 146 years of insurance experience to its valued clients. Since 1984, this independent insurance agency has been a part of your community, located in historic Yardley Borough. 

Not only is Worthington your neighbor; its staff is as well. Its co-owners Michael Wilson and his sister, Deborah West, grew up in Yardley and continue to reside nearby.

In addition, everyone on staff also lives in Bucks County.

“We know this area because we’re from this area,” says Michael.

Throughout its history, Worthington has been a family owned and operated company, and that tradition continues with Michael and Deborah. 

They bought this business from their father, Ed Wilson, who successfully ran it for 40 years. Together, they have combined experience of almost 50 years in the insurance industry.

Worthington believes in providing its clients with the personal attention they would offer their own family members. Their licensed agents are always happy to meet you in person to discuss your coverage, explain your different claim options and answer any of your questions.

“We believe in a hands-on approach to insurance and are there for our clients every step of the way,” says Michael. “If a loss occurs, we’ll stand with you until the claim is settled.  That’s just part of the comprehensive service we provide to our clients.”

When you call Worthington, you will always speak to a live person, as opposed to an automated answering machine, during business hours.

Because this agency handles homeowners, renters, car and commercial insurance, it can handle all your insurance needs under one roof. Why go to multiple insurance agents when you can go to one who handles it all!

Plus, you’ll always deal with the same agent every time you call or visit the office.

As an independent insurance agency, Worthington can choose from many different insurance carriers, creating and customizing an insurance package that works best for you. The agency calls this its “goldilocks approach,” offering flexible insurance that fits you just right. It’s the right type of coverage and just the right size for your budget.

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Filed Under: Northampton Herald Business Profiles Tagged With: , , , ,

First quarter home sales indicate market rebound

May 22, 2013 By

submitted by Lynne Kelleher, Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors – Newtown Office

Home sales and prices are rising at the fastest rate in seven years – a trend that has even the most seasoned analysts dumfounded.

Nationally, the median home price in March rose to $184,300, well below the 2006 peak of $230,400 but significantly higher than the $154,600 in January of 2012. Here in Bucks County we’re experiencing a similar trend with regards to the pace of the market.

The number of settled units was up 11% over 2012 levels at the end of the first quarter, even though the median price remained at $265,000 and the average price fell slightly from $315,000 to $303,000.

That may soon change if pending sales results are any indication, as they were up 15% in March, indicating a strong start to the spring market.

The Federal Reserve’s campaign to keep interest rates low is fueling the recovery and decreasing inventory levels ensure homes that are priced right and in good condition sell quickly – often in a matter of days and many times with multiple offers.

Inventory levels were down in Bucks County 10.8% in March year-over-year, while the month’s supply of inventory fell to 7, down 22% over 2012.

What’s it all mean?

Even though home prices are beginning to rise, thanks to historically low interest rates, housing is more affordable than at any time in the past 30 years.

Most economists are revising their predictions for the housing market upwards and expect the trend to continue. Now, if we could just get the banks to lighten up their lending criteria just a tad, more quality buyers would be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

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Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , , , ,

Delaware Valley Expeditions

May 22, 2013 By

by Robert V. Gerenser

History is the adhesive that binds together the past present and the future.  But history suffers from bad presenters of past fact who make no effort to explain the relevance of past deeds to our current life and immediate challenges.

Yet the answer to many of our present worries can be found in the stories of the people who lived, loved, laughed and were thwarted or achieved victory as they confronted their obstacles. We can be inspired by their successes and their failures both. That is what is to be found in stories from the past.

HIS–story later conventionalized to, “history” relates to us what someone did, with what they were confronted and what resolved from their course of action. The stories of those who came before us here in the Delaware Valley are filled with the broad range of human endeavor.

We can discover heroes and heroines, villains and villainesses. There are tales of selfless sacrifice and greed.

Suffering and abundance, natural disasters, fire, war, plague great achievement washed away in an instant by relentless inundations. People lived, loved, gave birth and died.

The valley has seen murders and executions. Equally there is great beauty, art, invention and love to be found in the recounting of these deeds, tales, myths and legends.

A personal interest is the deeds of the Founding Fathers. How they created a new form of Government (on the banks of the Delaware in Philadelphia) never before seen, and then sent one of their own, “George Washington” (crossing the Delaware) to wrest that idea from the very fabric of civilization. 

Another facet of the lore is how our valley became host to new ideas in transportation from the steamboat to the US space program. From deer paths to superhighways (the first Turn-Pike), covered bridges to the Roebling Aqueduct.

It is my pledge to you that I will relate exciting, quirky, dire and jubilant moments in our entwined history. And if I ever become a “bad presenter” of these facts then I will lose something that I value, you as a reader.

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Filed Under: New Hope News Columnists Tagged With: , , ,

Paxson Hill Farm: Specializing in hard-to-find, unique outdoor plants

May 22, 2013 By

PAXSON HILL PROFILE by June Portnoy

In 1997, Bruce Gangawer, horticulturalist and landscaper, moved to 3265 Comfort Road in New Hope where he transformed 32 acres of flat, barren land into a beautiful greenscape. He spent two years growing plants in his nursery for his landscaping business, and before long he had a surplus of unusual plants that he made available to the general public.

Today, the extraordinary gardens that he designed inspire all who visit Paxson Hill Farm. Twenty acres of public gardens at this farm contain plants that can be purchased at the nursery.

“Instead of shopping at a store, all plants are displayed out in the open,” says Bruce. “It’s like shopping in a park.”

Bruce, who admits to getting easily bored with the typical plants you find at most local greenhouses, travels all over the country searching for rare plants.

“I look for unusual colors, fragrances and forms in the plants I buy, and also seek those that last longer,” adds Bruce.

You’ll always find something different every time you visit Paxson Hill Farm, so it’s always a unique experience. 

If you’re searching for a particular plant, call or stop by for a complete inventory of the farm’s inventory of its landscape size perennials. Its petite pots of unusual perennials are also available if you prefer testing smaller specimens in your garden.

Also, enjoy walking past Paxson Hill Farm’s various water gardens filled with an array of beautiful aquatic plants from which to choose.  They are essential for the health of ponds and act as water filters. In addition, water plants provide shade and shelter for those swimmingly beautiful fish.

Choices include water lilies, lotus, bog plants and floating plants.

Plus, these water gardens contain a diversity of domestic and imported fish, such as koi from Japan and Israel, fancy goldfish and shubunkin, ideal to fill your outdoor pond and control mosquitos. Ask a staff member to net your favorite fish to take home.

All ponds on display can be built to suit your landscape needs.

In addition, Bruce has crafted bridges and gazebos in his gardens that he can reproduce and sell you to enhance your landscape.

You are not required to make a purchase in order to enjoy walking through Paxson Hill Farm’s inspirational gardens. However, if you are interested in buying something, a knowledgeable staff member will help you find what you are searching for. 

Bruce, or nursery manager Lynn Windholz, is usually available to answer any of your horticulture questions.

There is always something unique in bloom at Paxson Hill Farm. Come by to see what will enhance the exterior of your home.

For more information about Paxson Hill Farm, call 215-297-1010 or visit www.paxsonhillfarm.com.

PHOTO CAP: Horticulturist Bruce Gangawer, owner of Paxson Hill Farm, in his bridge gardens, which are open to the public. Photo by Susan Sandor.

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Filed Under: New Hope News Business Profiles Tagged With: , , , , ,

What does the term ‘qualified plan’ mean?

May 22, 2013 By

submitted by Rosemary G. Caligiuri, CASL™, President, Harvest Group Financial Services

A qualified plan is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that qualifies for special tax treatment under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

There are many different types of qualified plans, but they all fall into two categories.

A defined benefit plan (e.g., a traditional pension plan) is generally funded solely by employer contributions and provides you with a specified level of retirement benefits. A defined contribution plan (e.g., a profit-sharing or 401(k) plan) is funded by employer and/or employee contributions.

The benefits you receive from the plan depend on investment performance.

The annual contribution limits and other rules vary among specific types of plans. However, most qualified plans share certain key features, including:

  • Pretax contributions: Employer contributions to a qualified plan are generally able to be made on a pretax basis. That is, you don’t pay income tax on amounts contributed by your employer until you withdraw money from the plan. Your contributions to a 401(k) plan may also be made on a pretax basis.
  • Tax-deferred growth: Investment earnings (e.g., dividends and interest) on all contributions are tax deferred. Again, you don’t pay income tax on those earnings until you withdraw money from the plan.
  • Vesting: If the plan provides for employer contributions, those amounts (and related investment earnings) must vest before you’re entitled to them. Check with your employer to find out when this happens.
  • Creditor protection: In most cases, your creditors cannot reach your qualified retirement plan funds to satisfy your debts.
  • Roth contributions: Your employer may also allow you to make after-tax Roth contributions to the 401(k) plan. While there’s no up-front tax benefit, qualified distributions are totally free from federal income taxes.

If you have access to a qualified retirement plan, strongly consider taking advantage of it.

Over time, these plans can provide you with substantial retirement savings.

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Filed Under: Business Notebook, Langhorne Ledger Columnists Tagged With: , , , , ,

Divorce Q & A

May 22, 2013 By

submitted by Carla V. Risoldi, Risoldi Law Offices, LLC, www.risoldilawoffices.com

QUESTION: When are spouses considered to be “separated” under Pennsylvania divorce law?

ANSWER: The easiest way to be considered separated is literally a physical separation, meaning one spouse moves out of the marital home. The date of filing the divorce complaint can also be used for the date of separation if it is earlier than the date of the physical separation. Spouses can be separated while continuing to co-habit in the marital home but that requires proofs and can often be difficult to establish in court. The date of separation is important for many issues in a divorce such as determining the marital estate or whether  “fault” occurred during the marriage.

This is for general, informational purposes only.  You should always consult with an attorney before making any important legal decisions or signing any legal document.

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Filed Under: Fairless Focus Columnists Tagged With: , , , , ,

Percussion and drum circles – Part II

May 22, 2013 By

submitted by Ron Seidman, VP/GM, A Child’s World

I have participated in many drum circles. People bring their own drums of various kinds.

The Djembe of African origin is a very popular drum. There are some that make their own Djembe. They are very well made, beautiful drums.

You can make your own percussion instrument as well. The Blue Man Group uses many common items but the ones I like the most are the PVC pipes and tubes.

They are used for common plumbing and can be purchased at a hardware store. They slide smaller ones into bigger ones and can change the pitch by sliding them in and out while banging them with mallet’s and drumsticks. This is basically how a trombone works.

Stomp is an incredible group of percussionists. They use everything you can think of from brooms and even the kitchen sink to create musical percussion. Everything makes a sound.

I can still hear my mother saying, “Stop banging on that.”

It used to be that groups would hang on the corners in the inner city and sing a capella. Today you can find them as groups banging on trashcans. The old steel trashcans made great sound but the plastic ones work great also.

Different cans of different sizes make for a diverse set of drums and they are very inexpensive. Every child in the class can have their own drum.

As with the clapping of the hand they can play the percussion games of call and answer or mimic. Divide them into two groups. Select one child from each group as leader.

Leader A will create a beat that his group will repeat. Leader B will answer with a beat of his/her own that the group will repeat.

It’s fun to go back and forth changing leaders. Everyone gets a chance and everyone can bang a drum.

Search the Internet with your children for fun simple percussion instrument making projects and for more information and ideas about drum circles.

Have fun. Bang on something.

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Filed Under: Doylestown Observer Columnists, Fairless Focus Columnists Tagged With: , , , ,

Donegal Jewelers: Selling unique jewelry you won’t find elsewhere

May 22, 2013 By

DONEGAL PROFILE by June Portnoy

Why drive all the way to the jewelry stores at the mall where you’ll often find the same merchandise at every store when you can shop in your own neighborhood to find one-of-a-kind jewelry? Donegal Jewelers in Doylestown sells contemporary, antique, estate and unique custom jewelry.

“You can be sure you won’t find many others walking down the street wearing the same jewelry you purchase here,” says Alexa Breslin, storeowner and Bucks County resident. “Our selection is very different from what you’ll see at the large retail stores. Each piece is unique.”

Alexa, who grew up in a family who owned a jewelry store, brings years of experience to her enterprise.

Many customers come to Donegal Jewelers to purchase engagement and wedding rings.

“We can custom design the ring you envision,” says Alexa. “Simply bring in a sketch or picture of what you want, and we’ll recreate it for you, or help you design it from scratch.”

In addition to the unusual and unique, Donegal Jewelers also keeps up with the latest trends in jewelry, offering a large variety of styles. Its Irish Celtic jewelry is quite popular, so come in if you’re looking for a Celtic knot work pendant, ring or cross.

And don’t assume that since this is a small boutique store, you’ll pay higher prices, because this just isn’t the case.

“Our prices are actually excellent for the what we offer and the personalized customer service we provide,” says Alexa, who is virtually always at the store.

She is very knowledgeable about all merchandise at Donegal Jewelers and is always happy to offer suggestions to customers.

“If someone comes in looking for a particular piece, I will go out of my way to locate it for them,” says Alexa.                

With graduation upon us, Alexa adds that jewelry with birthstones make great gifts for this occasion.

You are welcome to come in and browse Donegal Jewelers anytime with no pressure to buy something. This is a warm, comfortable environment where you will not feel intimidated.

Donegal Jewelers also buys gold and silver. Alexa encourages you to shop around for the best prices to find out firsthand that her store offers comparable, or better, values.

Whether or not you buy here, feel free to bring your broken jewelry to Donegal Jewelers, which specializes in jewelry repairs. Also, come here to get your ring sized, set a stone, get your battery watch replaced or have your set of pearls restrung.

Donegal Jewelers offers an excellent layaway program. Simply pay 10% of your purchase and then make your payments at your convenience. No extra fees are associated with this layaway program, and if you decide you’re no longer interested in buying the jewelry, you’ll receive a refund of your deposit in full. It’s a great way to shop!

Store hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00am until 6:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am until 4:00pm.

Stop by anytime to see what’s new at Donegal Jewelers, located at 25 N. Main Street in Doylestown.

For more information call 215-348-3488 or visit www.donegaljewelers.com.

PHOTO CAP: Angela Breslin (left), owner of Donegal Jewelers, shows Amanda Levy a necklace

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Filed Under: Doylestown Observer Business Profiles Tagged With: , , , ,

Dublin Agway: Your local lawn and garden, feed/supply and pet supply experts

May 22, 2013 By

AGWAY PROFILE by June Portnoy

Agway was established in 1959 as an agricultural co-op, and although it still sells a large number of farming supplies, it has evolved over the years, adding lawn and garden and pet supplies to its list of specialty items.

“It’s nearly impossible to find another store offering the unique mix of merchandise and broad range of products that we sell,” says Dublin Agway owner, Dave Wurster. “Our goal is to provide you with everything you need in one location to help you complete your entire project.”

In 2001, Agway stores became independently owned, and today Dublin Agway is the only Agway in Central and Upper Bucks County. This is a local business with employees from your community, as opposed to large corporate stores with owners who often live in other states.

Dave, who grew up on a dairy farm five miles away, now lives next door to Dublin Agway. As a result, he is at the store virtually all the time.

Dave is a hands-on owner who is happy to roll up his sleeves and do whatever is necessary to accommodate his customers. You’ll find him greeting you at the door, ringing up sales on the cash register and answering questions. Dave, along with his experienced salespeople, offers exceptional customer service and knowledge about the merchandise sold at Dublin Agway.

“We will guide you to all the products you need, so won’t have to return to buy something else,” says Dave. “We’ll make sure you get it right the first time.”

Approximately one-third of Dublin Agway is dedicated to its home and gardens section. You’ll find nothing but high quality merchandise, mostly consisting of outdoor, seasonal items, ideal for this time of year. Whether you’re looking for annuals, perennials, shrubs or even fruit trees, you’ll find them all at Dublin Agway. 

If you prefer to plant flowers, you’ll have a large selection from which to choose, ranging from marigolds to begonias.

Dublin Agway also sells fish and supplies for koi ponds. Plus, fertilizer and 10 different types of bagged mulches are available at this store. They offer delivery for a nominal fee, depending on your location.

In addition to home and garden merchandise, this store sells a nice variety of pet supplies for dogs, cats and small animals, like rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and some domestic birds.

Dublin Agway is also very well known for its large selection of wild bird products. If you want to keep those blue jays and humming birds returning to your yard, come here to purchase the right bird food and feeder.

Dublin Agway continues to sell feed, food and basic supplies for most major farm animals. It will also special order feeds and deliver seeds to farms.

“This is how our store got started, but today we give our residential customers the same service and attention we once gave our agricultural patrons,” says Dave. “We’re not just a farm store anymore.”

Dublin Agway also supports many local organizations, especially the Bucks County 4-H Club.

For more information about Dublin Agway, located at 10 W. Route 313, call 215-249-3117 or visit www.dublinagway.com.

PHOTO CAP: Dave Wurster, owner of Dublin Agway

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Filed Under: Doylestown Observer Business Profiles, Spring Home & Garden 3 and Graduation Tagged With: , , , , ,
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