“Democrats now control the White House, oversized majorities in both houses of Congress, the Governor’s mansion, and the State House, and they seek to complete their dominance by taking control of the State Senate.

If recent elections have taught us anything, it’s that the voters are hungry for candidates who hail from outside the political class, with whom they can identify, who they believe understand the challenges they face, and who are disconnected from the failed economic policies of Governor Rendell.  

As a middle-class mother who grew up on a farm and works full-time to make ends meet for my family, I will speak credibly and articulately to the issues affecting the hardworking people of our region: the economy, taxes, and health care.   

If Republicans are to retain Sen. Rhoades’ seat and regain the taxpayers’ trust, then we must turn the page from overspending, tax increases, and scandal – and put forth a new, energetic leader committed to the principles upon which America – and our Party – we’re founded: 1) limited and ethical government; 2) low taxes; and 3) personal responsibility.

To this end, I officially declare my candidacy for the vacant 29^th Senate District seat.”

Gretchen D. Sterns

Yes, my sister is running for PA State Senate. I hope everyone wants to vote for a breath of fresh air in the Pennsylvania Republican Party. She is someone who will listen to the peole and vote to make changes. With a law and real estate background, I think the will help to be our voice in the PA Senate.

Come one- Come ALL  to the 25th Annual Schuylkill County Fair!

Great food!!! Great fun!!! Great entertainment!!!

Entertainment includes:

Wednesday: The Hoppers- Gospel Music- 7 & 9PM- Sponsored by Comfort Inn Midway

Thursday: Shawn Klush- Elvis Tribute Artist- 7 & 9PM-Sponosored by sapa Industrial Extrusions, Cressona

Friday: 7:00 PM- San Antanio Rose followed by fireworks- Sponsorred by Fidler Brothers Construction

Friday: 9:00 PM- Mark Chestnut- Country Music- Sponsored by Schaeffer's Harley-Davidson/Bluell

Saturday: 7:00 PM- Schuylkill County Idol

Saturday: 9:00 PM Davy Jones of the Monkees- Oldies Music- Sponsored by the Schuylkill County Visitors Breau

Visit the agricultural booths and watch the horse show!

Visit the Schuylkill County Fair Website.

Jonathan D. Coles | New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc. | jcoles@newpennrealty.com | 570-386-5000 187 Ridge Cup Road, New Ringgold, PA 13 Stall Main Barn - 54’x72’ Indoor - 1,200 Sq. Ft. Living Quarters - Block Run-In Barn - Excellent Pastures - Breathtaking Vi 3BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $475,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,200 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 28 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This fine equine breeding facility is situated in a scenic quiet country location in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County, close to other equine facilities. The farm features a 71x36 block main barn with 13 stalls, a separate 1,200 sq. ft. building with living quarters, an indoor arena with work shop, and block run-in barn. The land consists of two parcels. A 14.5 acre parcel includes the living quarters, main barn, indoor, and run-in barn, paddock area, turnout runs, about 12 acres of pastures with tree lines on two sides, and lots of blacktop road frontage. The second parcel is 14.4 acres and has approximately 10 acres of open farm fields that could be converted into excellent pastures or training areas. There are approximately 4 acres of woods on the second parcel. The property would be ideal for a Pennsylvania satellite breeding facility or would afford numerous locations to build a main house with exceptionally beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Family room Living room Dining room Breakfast nook Laundry area - inside ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Jonathan D. Coles New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc. jcoles@newpennrealty.com 570-386-5000 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jul 27, 2008, 10:42am PDT

If you do not need the entire 28 acres, the property is also being offered as the 14.5 acre parcel with all of the buildings for $325,000. The seller is willing to lease the additional 14.4 acres if more pasture area, etc. is desired. Contact Jonathan D. Coles, e-PRO at jcoles@newpennrealty.com or 570-386-5000 for a full color brochure and additional information.

Jonathan D. Coles | New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc. | jcoles@newpennrealty.com | 570-386-5000 209 School Road, New Ringgold, PA Circa 1850 Stone Farmhouse - Charming Stone Guest House - Early Bank Barn - Exceptional Development Potential - Storybook Setting 4BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $1,300,000 Year Built 1850 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 62 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION The magnificent 1850 stone farm house features 2 foot thick walls, cedar shake roof, large living room with marble fireplace, formal dining room, high quality modern kitchen, family room with full stone wall fireplace and open beams, 4 bedrooms, laundry room and pantry, 2 full baths, and full basement. The charming guest house is accessed from the main house via a colonial patio. There are beautiful views from almost every window in the main house and guest house. The Pennsylvania German bank barn is in excellent condition with solid chestnut framing and floorboards, slate roof, addition, tool room, stone retaining walls, and macadam driveways. There is a 12'x60' green house with a potting shed. Approximately 44 acres of the property are tillable and about 13 acres of woodland. The property has over 3,500' of blacktop road frontage, zoned rural residential, Act 319, and has excellent development possibilities. Farm is in perfect condition. One of the prettiest farms in the county. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Fireplace Tile floor Family room Living room Office/Den Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Attic Basement Washer Dryer Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Charming Guest House Early bank barn in excellent condition Development Potential ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Jonathan D. Coles New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc. jcoles@newpennrealty.com 570-386-5000 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jul 27, 2008, 10:24am PDT

The owners of this property have spent over 30 years restoring this wonderful property in a very horse friendly area. It is located next to an elementary school in a nice rural location in Schuylkill County. Contact Jonathan D. Coles, e-PRO at jcoles@newpennrealty.com or 570-386-5000 for a full color brochure and additional information.

Jonathan D. Coles | New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc. | 570-386-5000 260 Beechnut Road, New Ringgold, PA Private 2 Story Colonial - Sunroom with Hot Tub - Beautiful Views - Long Tree-lined Driveway - 4 Stall Barn - Fenced Pastures 4BR/2.5BA Single Family House offered at $399,900 Year Built 1996 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 5.2 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This well planned equestrian property, located in the Blue Mountain School District, is situated on 5.2 acres. The long private tree-lined drive leads to a 2 story colonial home set upon a small knoll with views of the pastures. The house features a living room with brick fireplace and a new coal/wood insert. The dining room, modern eat in kitchen, large family room, sunroom with hot tub, and half bath complete the first floor. On the second floor, there are 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths, including the master bedroom suite with walk-in closet. The house also includes a full basement, attached 2 car garage, and hot water baseboard heat. The horse facility features a 32x48 barn with four 12x12 tongue and groove stalls with custom hardware and mats, 12x10 tack room, 37x10 storage area, water, and electricity. The barn overlooks two large pastures and paddock area all enclosed with electric fencing. Great location just west of Rt. 309 and 30 minutes North West of Allentown. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Fireplace Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Family room Living room Bonus/Rec room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Attic Basement Washer Dryer Yard Jacuzzi/Whirlpool COMMUNITY FEATURES Storage space(s) OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES 4 stall barn, tack room, storage area paddock/turnout area, 2 fenced pastures with electric fencing ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Jonathan D. Coles New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc. 570-386-5000 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jul 27, 2008, 10:06am PDT

This is a wonderful property in a very horse friendly area. There are many feed stores, tack stores, and sources of hay. It is ideal for a small breeding facility or for recreational horses. Contact Jonathan D. Coles, e-PRO at jcoles@newpennrealty.com or 570-386-5000 for a full color brochure and additional information.

I remember it as clearly as yesterday! Two years ago, I became a REALTOR!!!! I was super nervous! I studied with my mother, a broker for many years, and then the next morning, I went to take my test! I was NERVOUS!!! I looked like I was about to puke in my photo! Well... I took the test and PASSED popped up on the screen for both the state and national sections!!! I DID IT!!! I called my parents after I took the test and the only thing that I could say was "I PASSED!! I PASSED!! DAD-- I PASSED!!!"

So... 2 years later, where am I? Working for New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc. for 2 years, Senior at PSU University Park, and Leasing Consultant for Lion's Crossing- a property of American Campus Communities. I also have worked with the New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc website and I have developed my own website!

I look forward to getting my CRS and GRI designations, broker's license (less than a year for the time limit- still working on the other requirements!) and hopefully teaching real estate classes at PSU other another real estate institution.

Hopefully, I will find a REALTOR wife and eventually be the next generation to operate New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc.!!

  Specializing in Farms, Country Estates, and Historic Properties since 1974

The 38th Annual Men of Marian Summer Picnic will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 25th, 26th, and 27th. The three day picnic/festival will be held on the school grounds.

Festivities will begin on Friday beginning at 5:00 p.m. Entertainment for that evening will be performed by “The Irish Lads”. Saturday’s event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with entertainment by the “Villagers”, and Sunday the picnic will kick off at 12:00 noon. WMGH – Polka Joe Manjack’s “Polka Machine” will be broadcasting live from the picnic with “Remember When” taking over in the evening.

A huge flea market will again be a part of the picnic, offering deals and bargains you won’t want to miss. On Sunday afternoon, a car show will be held on the front lawn of the school community.

Join the Men of Marian under three huge tents that cover the entire picnic grounds. It’ll be a great chance to relax in a family atmosphere, meet alumni and friends, and enjoy traditional food, games, prizes and entertainment at the Men of Marian picnic. This event will go on – rain or shine.

Come join the Marian family at Marian Catholic High School in Hometown (Tamaqua) for a weekend of fun, games, and great food!!!

For directions to Marian, go to their website. As a 2005 graduate of Marian, this is a great fundraiser and a lot of the students volunteer to help to set up, run, and tear down from this event.

By Stephen J. Pytak, Staff Writer

Two Schuylkill-County based state legislators are determined to overturn the governor’s veto of their plans to reform the tax reassessment process. "This is not over. I will pursue every legislative avenue available to me," said Rep. Tim Seip, D-125, who authored House Bill 1438. "I feel the same way," said Sen. James J. Rhodes, R-29, the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 1247. Both bills, which attempt to protect taxpayers from unwarranted property tax increases, were "overwhelmingly approved" by the state House and Senate, Seip said. However, in a press release this week, Gov. Edward G. Rendell these bills would remove significant powers local taxing entities now have to challenge the county tax assessment in cases involving change of land use and properties under-assessed for their current use. "The governor believes in the intent of this legislation. He just thinks that these particular bills are problematic because they remove significant protections that local taxing agencies provide," said Chuck Ardo, the governor’s press secretary.

From the Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA

I can not believe this! This is really going to hurt real estate in Schuylkill County, espically expensive properties! I hope we can get it overturned!

Horse farms and country properties are always a joy to sell because they are a horse of a different color. I enjoy selling these properties because there is usually always a different type of person looking at them. For the horse properties, I have people that have hobby/recreational horses, Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse breeders, and I also have veterinarians and farriers. It helps to know the equine industry when you are selling horse farms.

It is always funny when agents call me and ask me for a lock box number. We never use lock boxes on farms because it is very difficult to send someone other than the listing agent or the owner to show the property boundaries and the small details of the property. Some of the questions that I get from buyers are: "Who built the barn? Where is the property line? Will zoning allow a subdivision?" etc. These are some things that the listing agent should know when they are showing a horse farm or country property.

As with any real estate transaction, remember to "cross your T's and dot your I's."

This is just a clarifiication of 2 of my properties that are in my blog. The property is the 28 acre breeding facility. It can be purchased as follows:

1. 28 acres with the 13 stall barn, indoor areana, living quarters, and run in shed for $475,000

or

2. 14 acres with the 13 stall barn, indoor areana, living quarters, and run in shed for $325,000. An additional 14 acres can be leased from the sellers.

It is an excellent property with beautiful views of the Mahoning Valley. The property is 1 hr. from Pocono Downs, 1 1/2 hrs to Chester Downs, and 2 hrs. to the Meadowlands and Freehold!

It is great for any type of horses, such as Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and Quarter Horses.