Sue Frey with Keller Williams Platinum Realty

06/17/2026

This popped up on my page and it brought back wonderful memories. Back in the 80s I had two summer jobs at Hopewell. The first summer job was working as a YCC youth leader. I was one of three youth leaders, and we had groups of high school students who worked on different projects at Hopewell. Some days we would work on building a Collier’s Hut, or repairing the stone wall of the race, or clearing hiking trails, or even dressing up in period clothing, and sharing the story of Hopewell with visitors. The second time I worked at Hopewell, I was a costume interpreter. I learned how to bake in an outdoor bake oven; cook over an open fire; and how to card, dye, spin, and weave wool and flax. And, I got to share the history with people visiting Hopewell. They were very enriching experiences that I am grateful for having done.

Would you have wanted to work at an iron furnace?

Constructed in 1771, Hopewell Furnace was active during the American Revolution. Capable of producing tons of iron daily, furnaces in southeast Pennsylvania were needed to support America's demand for cannons and munitions. Who would be available to perform these tasks if Americans were needed to fight British soldiers on the front lines?

The Continental Congress realized that Americans conducting war on the waters and battlefields would require guns and munitions to be successful. A Board of War agreed that iron workers were crucial to America's cause including those employed by Hopewell Furnace's owner, Mark Bird. The Board of War having recommended:

"That eleven Workmen employed by Colonel Mark Bird at his Cannon and Nail Rod Works in Berks County, Pennsylvania, be discharged from the Militia into which they are drafted, as Congress are of opinion they are of more extensive Uses to the Continent in their employment as Artificers, and as it is represented that the works must stand still if these Workmen march out with the Militia."

After 8 years of struggle, American victory was achieved with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The efforts of Hopewell and similar facilities contributed to America's success in securing independence and cementing a legacy of industrial strength.



Photo: NPS/ N. Cahill

06/16/2026

I’m sorry for the late notice, but I just learned about this program and wanted to share it with everyone who enjoys local history as much as I do.

This evening, Tuesday, June 16, at 7:00 PM, Friedens Lutheran Church will be hosting a presentation titled Blue Marsh and Pleasant Valley: One Last Look and Pictorial Remembrance, presented by Paul and Kathleen Miller.

Pleasant Valley was once a thriving community of homes, farms, churches, schools, and businesses before the area was flooded during the creation of Blue Marsh Lake in the 1970s. This program promises to be a fascinating look back at the people and places that were lost beneath the waters of Blue Marsh.

The presentation will be held at Friedens Lutheran Church, 537 Main Street, Bernville, PA 19506, and there is no charge to attend.

If you enjoy learning about the history of Berks County and the communities that helped shape our region, I hope you’ll consider joining me this evening.

06/16/2026

Please join us at one of our Open Houses for this charming two-story, 4 bedroom, and 2 1/2 bathroom home in Newmanstown. The first Open House is on Thursday, 6/18, from 5-7. Our second Open House is Saturday, 6/20, from 1-3. Or, if you would like to have a private showing, contact me at 717-639-1268, and I would be happy to scehdule one for you.

Residential for sale in NEWMANSTOWN - 4 beds, 3 baths, 1,792 sq ft, $330,000, .28 ac

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

If you were unable to make my Open House today, I hope you’ll enjoy this video tour of a truly stunning custom home located at 11 Fiorino Way in Green Valley North, Sinking Spring.

Built by Grande Construction and listed by Laura Grande, this beautiful home offers 4 bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms, 4,803 square feet of living space, and sits on a 1.14-acre lot.

In this video, I’ll take you through the home and highlight some of its most impressive features, including the breathtaking two-story great room with its floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, the bright and inviting sunroom, spacious three-car garage, unfinished basement with dual access points, and the first-floor primary suite complete with a large walk-in closet and private bath.

One of the things I find especially exciting about this home is that buyers still have the opportunity to make it their own. The future homeowner will be selecting the kitchen cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances, creating a truly personalized space tailored to their style and preferences.

Green Valley North is an exclusive community of just 26 homesites, with only a handful of lots still available. If you’ve ever considered building a custom home, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore what is possible.

If you have questions about this home, the custom home building process, available homesites, or would like to schedule a private showing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

I hope you enjoy the tour!

06/14/2026

I like this idea.

In Germany, many parking lots are doing double duty as part of the country's "sponge city" strategy . Instead of traditional, water-sealing asphalt, these lots are paved with permeable grass grids .

The reinforced tiles bear the load of a vehicle while the open spaces are filled with soil and grass, allowing rainwater to infiltrate naturally . This design combats urban flooding, recharges groundwater, and filters out heavy metals and oils before they reach the water table .

Furthermore, replacing heat-absorbing asphalt with living grass helps lower the urban heat island effect, cooling the surrounding air by several degrees during summer heatwaves .

Sometimes, the most innovative infrastructure looks just like a green lawn . 🅿️🌱

06/13/2026

What if your dream home could be built exactly the way you want it?

Consider building your dream home in Green Valley North, an exclusive new community by Grande Construction featuring 26 homesites, each on over an acre of land.

This featured home at 11 Fiorino Way, Reading, offers 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4,803 square feet of living space, and a 3-car garage. It showcases the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that Grande Construction is known for.

This beautiful property is listed by Laura Grande, and I have the pleasure of hosting the Open House for her this Sunday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

If you’ve been thinking about building a custom home or simply want to see what Green Valley North has to offer, I encourage you to stop by and take a look. I’d love the opportunity to show you around and answer any questions you may have.

Can’t make the Open House? Reach out to me for more information about this home, available homesites, or the custom building process.

I hope to see you on Sunday!

Open House: Sunday, 1:00–3:00 PM
11 Fiorino Way, Reading, PA 19608

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

I’m excited to introduce my newest listing at 6 Cherry Lane in Newmanstown!

This charming two-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms, nearly 1,800 square feet of living space, a large shed, off-street parking, and beautiful views of Texter Mountain from the front steps.

In this video, I’ll give you a preview of what makes this property such a wonderful place to call home.

The home will officially go active on June 18, and I’ll be hosting two Open Houses:
📅 June 18 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📅 June 20 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

I invite you to stop by and see everything this home has to offer!

If you have any questions, would like additional information, or would like to schedule a private showing once the home becomes active, please reach out. I’d be happy to help.

As always, thank you for following along as I explore, discover, and share the homes and communities that make our area such a great place to live.