Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks is presenting their production of Shakespeare’s comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor at a different Pittsburgh park each weekend in September.  Merry Wives hilariously explores the themes of marriage, cuckoldry, jealousy and revenge as only Shakespeare can.  The company uses the natural setting of each park as their stage, inviting the audience to share in their performance space.  Family members of all ages are welcome to enjoy the show, which runs about 1:45 without an intermission.

Opening day is Saturday, September 3 at Frick Park, Squirrel Hill.
Curtain time for all performances is 2 pm.
Performance Dates (Saturday and Sunday):

September 3 and 4
   Frick Park at the Blue Slide Playground
   Beechwood Blvd. and Nicholson Street, Squirrel Hill

September 10 and 11
   Allegheny Commons West Park
   West North Ave. and Brighton Road, Northside

September 17 and 18
   Arsenal Park
   39th and Butler Streets, Lawrenceville

September 24 and 25
   Frick Park at the Blue Slide Playground
   Beechwood Blvd. and Nicholson Street, Squirrel Hill

The Sunday September 18 performance in Arsenal Park, Lawrenceville will be an ASL interpreted performance for the hearing impaired, signed by Heather Gray.

All shows are free to the public with donations greatly appreciated.   Bring a blanket or chair and a warm drink and join in the festivities!


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Forest Hills Charm

A charming community nestled in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Forest Hills offers intimate neighborhood living with all the advantages of a major metropolitan area. Covering only 1.5 square miles, the Borough is just 7 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh, PA, offering quick and easy access by car or public transportation to both downtown Pittsburgh and the hospitals and universities of Oakland.  Nearby are the shops and restaurants of Regent Square.  A short trip in the opposite direction leads to Monroeville, providing a myriad of options for shopping and recreation.
 
Founded in 1919, Forest Hills Borough boasts many well-established, family-friendly neighborhoods with beautiful tree-lined streets and convenient local recreational opportunities.  The Borough has strived to maintain its natural assets, dedicating almost one quarter of its land area to public parks.  This has prompted recognition by the National Arbor Day Foundation, which has honored Forest Hills as a “Tree City USA” community for over 20 years.
 
Citizens of Forest Hills enjoy year-round recreational opportunities.  Throughout the summer, the Recreation Department offers swim classes, water aerobics and opportunities for young people to join swimming and tennis teams and community soccer and baseball leagues.  Numerous activities keep community residents connected, among them the 4th of July Community Day, neighborhood block parties, volleyball games, pool parties, Concerts in the Park, a Fall Hayride and Light-Up Night.  Forest Hills residents are never lacking for something to do.


The Tudor-style home at 715 Cascade Road epitomizes the best of Forest Hills living. This spacious and well-maintained 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home is located in a charming neighborhood on a great street. Great features include a living room with a side porch, perfect for entertaining, and a kitchen/family room with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and French doors leading out to a large 12x24 foot deck.  Enjoy outdoor living without leaving home, or take a walk to one of Forest Hills many municipal parks.  To learn more, see the virtual tour or contact Marianne DiPlacido at 412-613-8100 for a private showing.


Borough of Forest Hills

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Red, Ripe & Roasted: Tomato & Garlic Festival

Sunday August 28, 2011
11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Come celebrate the bounty of summer at Phipps' Seventh Annual Tomato & Garlic Festival, highlighting two of summer's tastiest crops.  Enjoy an afternoon of tastings, live cooking demonstrations and kid’s activities.  Shop the Farmer’s Market and see what’s available at the Gardener’s Seed Swap.   All at the historic front lawn and Outdoor Garden of Phipps Conservatory in Oakland.

Bring a donation for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and receive free admission to the festival and to the Conservatory during Festival hours.

Directions and more at Phipps Conservatory’s website.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Community Heritage Market at the Historic Pump House

Sponsored by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, the Community Heritage Market at the Pump House is a weekly Sunday market running through September.  Vendors include local artisans, farmers and businesses.  Many Sundays also feature musicians, lectures and special events.  Visit the market website for details.  While there, visit the Historic Pump House, site of the 1892 confrontation between striking workers from the Homestead Works and Pinkerton guards representing Carnegie Steel.
 
Market hours are Sundays, 11 am to 3 pm. Located at the Historic Pump House, 880 East Waterfront Drive, just past Lowe’s at the Waterfront Shopping Complex in Homestead.

For more about the Historic Pump House visit:
Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area
Battle of Homestead Foundation

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Come Out to Play!

On August 27-28th, the Steel City Games Fest will return with 24 hours of new and original games.  No computers or play stations, these are real games
– sports, street games, parlor and board games –
played with real people.  Suitable for adults and kids alike, games will be held from noon Saturday to noon Sunday at various venues throughout East Liberty and the surrounding parks and recreation areas. 

Register at the Shadow Lounge, 5972 Baum Boulevard, from noon to 7pm on Saturday.  The $5 registration fee provides admission to all of the festival's games and activities.   According to the festival organizers “games are the social grease that allow strangers to have very real interactions with each other, and the spatial glue that helps people form lasting connections to their space.”  Check the Steel City Games Fest Website for details of games and venues, then come out to connect!

RE/MAX Realty Brokers

Monday, August 15, 2011

2nd Annual Bocce Tournament and Festival

Bocce and Italian Festivals are natural companions.  Saturday, August 20, more than 25 four-person teams will showcase their bocce skills at the Heinz History Center, while visitors enjoy Italian food and beverages provided by the Common Plea.  Events begin at 1pm and continue until dusk.  Starting at 3pm, spectators can try their hand playing bocce on two public courts in the Smallman and 12th Street parking lot, located directly across the street from the History Center.

Live entertainment throughout the day will feature Pure Gold, Vito DiSalvo & Daniella Pasquini and Jimmy Sapienza’s Five Guys Named Moe. Event proceeds benefit the Italian American Endowed Fund, dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Italian Americans in Western Pennsylvania.

Admission is free for spectators.  Get more information at the Heinz History Center Website.


Sunday, August 14, 2011

At Home in Regent Square

Mature trees and quiet brick-paved streets are hallmarks of the East End neighborhood of Regent Square, located along both sides of Braddock Avenue between the Parkway East and Forbes Avenue.  Scenic 550-acre Frick Park borders the western edge, offering a plethora of recreational opportunities and giving a unique character to the neighborhood.  Homes with porches close to the tree-lined sidewalks help to promote a sense of community and the feeling of living in a village.

An active community association contributes to the appeal of the neighborhood.  The Regent Square Civic Association sponsors many events and offers both a newsletter and a website, encouraging and supporting participation in community life.   Community events include an Annual House Tour, a marathon Run Around the Square, Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, a Holiday Lighting Contest, the Regent Square Flea Market and numerous civic and social events and seminars.

A clever mural depicting parts of Regent Square and Frick Park, a project of the Civic Association, is a highlight in the heart of the business district, a unique shopping area comprised mostly of family and independently owned businesses. A surprising variety of restaurants, goods and services are offered in this small but vibrant shopping community.

Built from 1830 through the early part of the 20th century, Regent Square’s homes are a mixture of architectural styles, ranging from smaller middle class homes to large homes built for 19th century businessmen and their families.  Current residents range from university students and singles to professionals and retirees.  Access to the Parkway and public transportation allow for an easy commute to downtown Pittsburgh, the cultural district and the universities and hospitals of Oakland.

901 South Braddock is a stately home located in the heart of Regent Square, close to shops and transportation.  Like many of the areas larger homes, it’s been converted to a duplex, but retains its original charm, including stained glass in the entry and lovely woodwork throughout.  Ideal for an owner who wishes to live in one apartment and rent the other, it could also be easily reconverted to a fabulous single family home.  Just steps from the greenery of Frick Park, this home also has its own beautiful back and front yards.  To learn more, contact Smadar Blumenthal at 412-414-5479.

A family friendly neighborhood, convenient location, active business district and access to all that Frick Park has to offer, Regent Square offers something for everyone.  Check it out today!


RE/MAX Realty Brokers

Friday, August 12, 2011

BikeFest 2011

Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 21

Sponsored by Bike Pittsburgh, BikeFest is an annual 10-day celebration of bicycling in the city of Pittsburgh.  Almost 70 bike-themed events have been organized by various businesses, individuals and organizations, showcasing the beauty and wonder of our area.  Most events are free or very affordable.  Casual rider or bike enthusiast, BikeFest has an event for you!

Visit the Bike Pittsburgh website for a complete online calendar of events, including a downloadable, printable calendar for planning your week.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

New on the Market

A sampling of the properties our agents have listed in the past few weeks:

Bigelow Heights
Wonderfully updated home close to everything.   New front porch and step, French doors leading from dining room to a new patio.
Contact:  Nancy Wright  412-508-0040  nancywright@remax.net






Mt. Oliver
Totally redone with bright open floor plan, gleaming hardwood floors, new kitchen and new bath.  Minutes to South Side and close to downtown, universities and hospitals.
Contact:  Esther Jarrett  412-889-8684  ekjarrett@yahoo.com




Squirrel Hill
Spacious 5 bedroom townhome, just steps from Schenley Park and close to universities, hospitals and shopping.  High ceilings, updated baths, hardwood floors, and much more.
Contact:  Kitty Onufer  412-480-3351  konufer@comcast.net




Oakland
2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in University Square, convenient to everything in Oakland.
Contact:  Jill Portland  412-521-1000  jillportland@remax.net






Lovely one bedroom, one bath condo unit in Park Plaza.  Original hardwood floors, secure and well-maintained building.
Contact:  Jill Portland  412-521-1000  jillportland@remax.net





Monday, August 1, 2011

August Neighborhood Festivals

August offers many opportunities to explore the diverse heritage, food and character of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods at local community festivals.  Come out to see what our neighborhoods have to offer!

For more information, call 412-422-6426 or visit the City of Pittsburgh’s Community Festival Website.






August 1
Lincoln Place
Monday 6–8:30 p.m.
5800 Buttermilk Hollow Road parking lot

August 2
Hill District
Tuesday 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Dinwiddie Street

August 2
California-Kirkbride
Tuesday 4-8:30 p.m.
1800 Block of Brighton Place

August 6
Banksville
Saturday 2-9 p.m.
Banksville Park

August 12
Bedford Dwellings
Friday 12-4 p.m.
Somers Drive parking lot

August 13
Brookline
Saturday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Brookline Recreation Center

August 19
Homewood North
Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ferris Court

August 20
Carrick
Saturday 12-6 p.m.
Phillips Park

August 20
East Carnegie
Saturday 12–7 p.m.
East Carnegie Parklet

August 26
Northview Heights
Friday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Northview Heights Playground

August 27
Uptown
Saturday 1–5 p.m.
Gist Street

August 28
Garfield
Sunday 1–7 p.m.
St. Lawrence O’Toole Gym

RE/MAX Realty Brokers