Real Estate in Berks County-Reading Berks Association of Realtors:

The following are current news stories and press releases related to the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS®. Click on any title to jump to the article.

Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® Holds Inaugural Gala
Wanting to continue the excitement and momentum gained from the NAR Convention in Las Vegas, Kate Steffy and the Entertainment Committee titled the 2008 Inaugural Gala, "Viva R-BAR!". The 3rd annual Gala was held Friday, January 11th at the Sheraton Reading Hotel. Festivities started at 5pm with Vegas-style gaming tables which provided a great opportunity for REALTORS®, Affiliates and guests to connect with the sponsors that make these fabulous events possible. Continuing with the Vegas theme, Jay Allan, an Elvis Tribute Artist, provided singing and dancing entertainment throughout the evening.
Besides the gaming tables and Elvis, the night included saying farewell to Kate Steffy, 2007 R-BAR president, welcoming Jack Fry as our incoming 2008 President, installing the 2008 Officers, and honoring several award winning guests. Those guests included Drew Ritter, Affiliate of the Year; Ed Tobias, REALTOR® of the Year; and Judith Schwank, recipient of the Grow with Berks Award. The Officers were installed by Robert Hay, 2008 PAR President. Other honored guests included 2008 PAR 1st Vice President Don Roth, State Senator Mike O’Pake, State Representative Doug Reichley, and Berks County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt.
Drew Ritter of Showing Center was honored as Affiliate of the Year for his entrepreneurship, ingenuity and perseverance for providing a service to REALTORS® which makes them more efficient in their profession. Drew is not only a successful business owner, but he is a licensed pilot and recently became a father. His leadership style promotes the principles he believes in – teamwork, loyalty and most of all, customer service.
Ed Tobias, Coldwell Banker Landis Homesale Services, was awarded the REALTOR® of the Year for his dedication to his profession for the last 30 years. Besides having a degree in Russian language, Ed’s passion has been real estate. His service, in addition to serving on several committees, has included presenting The Code of Ethics at New Member Orientation and serving as the chairman of the Professional Standards Committee, a position he held for 20 years before deciding to step down this year. And, most recently, he played an integral role for the Association last year by helping craft the Strategic Plan.
The Grow with Berks award was given to Judy Schwank for her many years of service, promoting Berks County. Judy stated that she had something in common with the REALTORS – both were trying to “promote and sell Berks County”. In addition to her many contributions as a Berks County Commissioner, she has been noted as the driving force in maintaining our Berks County cultural heritage through her land preservation efforts. Because of this, 50,000 acres of farmland have been preserved for which Mrs. Schwank has received the Jefferson-Jackson award from the Penn Ag Democrats.
The evening ended with a final performance by Elvis and the drawing of the door prizes. Dawn Hickernell was the lucky winner who took home a 32" TV.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Gold: Diamond Credit Union, Reading Eagle Company, Showing Center Services, L.L.C., TREND, Buyers Real Estate Weekly
Silver: Berkshire Bank, Brandywine Waterproofing, Commerce Bank, Countrywide Home Loans, Fulton Mortgage Company, Homes & Land of Berks County, Sovereign Bank, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Bronze: Berks Economic Partnership
And our thanks go out to the hard working Entertainment Committee who put on so many great events each year and especially to the Gala Sub-Committee of Chris Werner and Ed Stauffer, Co-Chairs, Kerry Engle, Jack Fry, Kate Steffy, Cindy Castner, Lori Gerhart, Dawn Hickernell, Etta Henry and Kirsten Keim-Shendge. Great job guys! And good luck Jack!

Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® Holds Annual Holiday Luncheon

The annual Holiday Luncheon was held at the Sheraton Reading Hotel on Tuesday, December 11. As is tradition Dawn Hickernell opened the program with the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Kate Steffy, 2007 R-BAR President conducted a brief business meeting which included the passage of By-laws Amendments by the membership. Kate also introduced the 2008 R-BAR Directors and encouraged everyone to support our Political Action Committee and community outreach efforts by purchasing RPAC Calendars and Habitat for Humanity Pins.
Following lunch, everyone was entertained by the Bell Choir from Trinity Lutheran Church in Wernersville. More musical entertainment was provided by Terri Johnson of Choice Mortgage, Larry Kitchen of GMAC Premiere Network, and Mark James of Microchip Music. They featured “A Return to Tradition” which offered traditional Christmas carols. Larry Kitchen’s incredible hidden talent as a vocalist was evident on “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” which even ended up as a popular YouTube video (Check it out!). The audience got a good laugh out of the Director’s rendition of12 Days of Christmas and no one will forget Randy Skokowski’s “5 GOLDEN RINGS” and Kate Steffy’s “10 Lords a Leapin’!”
Mr. & Mrs. Claus (Dick Henry, RE/MAX of Reading and Marlene Schwoyer, Fulton Mortgage) gave away ‘gifts’ in the form of the business card door prize drawings. Thanks to our sponsors for these gifts!
Finally, Jeff Crosby presented a special pictorial “Year In Review” honoring Kate Steffy and her accomplishments and achievements. We hope Kate liked her ‘video tribute”!
The Communications Committee conducted their annual holiday raffle for the Food Bank, which the membership generously supported, resulting $582 contribution to that organization. It was another great turnout and a good time was had by all who supported the Association at the Holiday season.

Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® leadership, membership and staff attend Annual Triple Play Convention and Trade Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® (R-BAR) members, leadership and staff braved the chill in the air and occasional snowflake to attend the Annual REALTORS® Triple Play Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey from December 4 – 6, 2007.
The Triple Play Convention is the yearly convention for the real estate communities of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. It is held at the Atlantic City Convention Center. R-BAR sponsored a bus for those members who could only attend the Expo for one day to expose them to the largest industry gathering other than the National Convention. While there, participants attended informational and educational sessions; and, had the opportunity to visit the large exhibition hall filled with numerous industry vendors and sponsors.
The Grand Assembly featured stress coach and humorist Loretta LaRoche who had everyone in stitches and on their feet with her witty and hilarious comments on everyday life.
One of the highlights of the week was the R-BAR reception at Opa Restaurant on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, hosted by Kate Steffy, 2007 President; Jack Fry, 2007 President-Elect; Jeff Crosby, PAR District 4 Vice President; and Gary Yost, Association Executive. The event was a celebration for a successful business year for the REALTORS® and appreciative acknowledgement for those members and friends who supported the efforts of the R-BAR Association throughout 2007.

Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® leadership and staff attend national convention for the National Association of REALTORS in Las Vegas
To further increase their enthusiasm and knowledge of the real estate industry, several members of the leadership and staff of the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® (R-BAR) attended the 2007 National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Convention at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino and the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas from Tuesday, November 13 – Friday, November 16, 2007.
Kate Steffy, 2007 President; Jack Fry, 2007 President-Elect, Bruce Faust, Vice President; Jeff Crosby, Past President and PAR District 4 Vice President; Gary Yost, Association Executive; and Kirsten Keim-Shendge, Marketing & Communications Director all participated in various seminars, lectures and events while absorbing the REALTOR spirit that was present among the other 30,000 attendees. Some of the celebrities featured at different events were: Lou Holtz, Bill Cosby, Della Reese and Sugar Ray Leonard.
The information gained from this conference experience will prove useful in continuing to provide valuable services to both the R-BAR membership and the real estate community in Berks County.
While there several members of the group attended the prestigious RIS Media Dinner honoring real estate's leading decision makers.

The Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® supports Neighborhood Housing Services of Reading’s Operation Facelift
The Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® (RBAR), represented by Debra Eisenhower, Communications Committee Chairperson, recently contributed $500 to Neighborhood Housing Services of Reading’s Operation Facelift which occurred in June. Eisenhower said that Operation Facelift is a project that enhances the neighborhoods of those who need help with the up-keep of their homes. The money RBAR contribution supported the purchase of supplies for the project.

Operation Face Lift 2007 had 85 registered volunteers, and an estimated 15 neighborhood members offering their services. Out of the 47 applicants, they provided painting services to 13 neighbors. Together their efforts generated more than $19,000 worth of value in the community known as the "NOWA District" namely, the 4 blocks North of Washington Street between Front and Fourth Streets in Reading.

Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Reading is a neighborhood based nonprofit housing agency that helps many people achieve their dream of home ownership. To donate your time or money to Operation Facelift call 610-372-3433.

Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® honor outgoing President, Kate Steffy as well as Affiliate Members

Saying good bye is hard to do, especially when it is to Kate Steffy, our 2007 RBAR President. On Thursday, December 20, 2007, Kate Steffy as well as our Affiliate members were honored at the President’s/Affiliate Appreciation Night at Casa Grande in Spring Township.
After the final Board meeting for the year, invited guests, Affiliate Members and R-BAR and BREW staff gathered to toast the end of Kate’s reign as 2007 Reading-Berks Association President. In a surprise move, Kate awarded many in attendance with humorous certificates of appreciation.
Kate acknowledged the efforts of the Association Staff and member volunteers who helped her lead the Association through a year that included (among other accomplishments) the hiring of the Government Affairs Director and establishment of a Government Affairs Program, the development of a long-term strategic plan, and the offering of many local education opportunities in an effort to grow the professionalism of our members.
In past years, the Affiliates had been honored at their own separate event, but a survey revealed that they would prefer more networking opportunities with REALTORS®. The decision to combine their night with the President’s Appreciation Night served to be a very successful merger! Affiliate members provide countless hours of service as well as financial support to our Association throughout the year. They offer new and exciting ideas and perspectives when volunteering as committee members. They also provide that much needed manpower at events and programs throughout the year. Their support allows the Association to provide a wide range of events and programs to the membership at reduced costs. Show your support to these invaluable members of our Association by supporting them!

Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® 2007 Scholarship Fund Presentation
The Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® awarded scholarships to four outstanding seniors from local high schools who plan to pursue a business degree in college. The Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Herbert J. Bellairs and Christos Vardaxis, Jr. who left a major impact on their profession after many years of dedicated service to the real estate industry and the Berks County community.
The four recipients, Devin Cremer from Twin Valley, Sean Crossley from Antietam, Stephanie Focht from Muhlenberg, and Bradley Smith from Boyertown, were recognized for their achievements at the 8th Annual Berks County Community Foundation Scholarship Luncheon on May 30, 2007 at the Sheraton Reading Hotel.
Nearly 200 students were awarded almost $336,500 in scholarships from 91 different funds. The current students were praised by two past recipients and representatives from two of the funds.
Since the Community Foundation was established in 1994, it has distributed more than $1.6 million in scholarships and awards to 1300+ Berks County high school students for higher education.

Fundraising for the Scholarship Fund is an on-going process. We are deeply grateful for the generous donation to the fund by Mrs. Vivian Bellairs in memory of Herb Bellairs. This donation provided a solid and sustaining foundation. We would like to show our appreciation for that gift and to expand our help to more students by continuing to grow and significant foundation. Education is a valuable tool especially in today’s world. To make a donation to this worthy cause, please contact the Board office at 610-375-8458.

Tree Dedication honors the 85th Anniversary of the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® and the first anniversary of REALTOR® Day

On Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 at noon the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® celebrated it’s 85th Anniversary and the first anniversary of the Pennsylvania state-wide REALTOR@ Day with a European hornbeam tree dedication at the Reading Public Museum Arboretum in Wyomissing. Kate Steffy, President of the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS®, spearheaded the effort to establish a lasting tribute to local REALTORS® as well as honor the 85th Anniversary of the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS®. Steffy stated " The Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® proudly pays tribute to the many Berks County Realtors who have served area homeowners and investors for over 85 years. The Reading Public Museum and the beautiful Arboretum grounds are a true community treasure and we are excited to be a living part of its success."

The Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS® (R-BAR) is a 1,100 member organization that serves as the “voice for real estate” in Berks County. It is located at 2201 Ridgewood Road, Suite 350, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.

There are other trees available for dedication in the Arboretum, including even more European hornbeams and a Japanese Stewartia. Please contact the Reading Public Museum for further information. The Reading Public Museum is located at 500 Museum Road, Reading, PA. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. Regular admission to the Museum is: $7 Adults (18-60), $5 Children/Seniors/Students (w/ID) and free to Members and Children under four. Web: www.readingpublicmuseum.org