I have lived in Berks County for 50 years “yes, all my life”. I have lived in public housing, a city row home, had a brand-new house built in 1998, then about 6 years ago I bought an older home and remodeled it. I have done some house flips, purchased a rental and currently I’m finishing up an Airbnb. I have also worked in banking as a loan underwriter so needless to say I know something about homes, real estate, and financing but what I truly know is that your home is your sanctuary. It’s a place where you want to feel safe and comfortable. Even when I travel to the most beautiful of places, I always want to come home sweet home. Hence why I have dedicated this edition to living here in Berks County.
This month we are talking about dreaming big with Grande Construction. We visited one of the houses built by them for Richie and Olga Perez. Olga has also worked for many years in the financial and banking world. She is also the mother of a well-known realtor Jaime Perez. We got to visit and photograph their beautiful home and learn a bit about how to pick and choose your patterns for design.
This edition is also full of articles on designing, information for business owners on housing for entrepreneurs, a story on the Lifestyle you Deserve, Glamping, and the history and celebration of Reading, Pa. as this year marks its 275th anniversary.
Also, Jamie tells us a bit about Imagine Berks where foundations are being built in order to build a Better Berks County. It looks like we are growing or at least we are headed in the right direction and hopefully this means that soon we will be thriving again. It’s been slow but steady growth. Glad to be part of this growth in our community and can’t wait to see where we will be in the near future.
As I write about our community growth my heart aches because just today one of the longest family-owned businesses of chocolate in Berks, R.M Palmer company exploded, and many were hurt or died. We at Palo Magazine send prayers to Palmer and all the employees. -Rosa J Parra
Rosa J. Parra
Founder and Editor of Palo Magazine
