Casey O. Smith - Pittsburgh Real Estate

Many people believe that water will always be available, that there's a never-ending supply. Not true! We should all learn to conserve water now. From Green Healthy Home, here are some tips that will help you conserve water, save you money, and help the environment:

Leaky Faucets - This is a common example of water waste. Fix these, even if you have to call a plumber. It will help your water bill and conserve water at the same time.

Low Flows - When you invest in shower heads with a lower flow or toilets with a low flush level, you're working to conserve water.

Running Water - When washing dishes, brushing your teeth, etc., shut the water off and turn it back on when you need it. This is something simple that makes a big impact.

Washing Dishes - If you're doing them by hand, adjust the stream to the smallest that you can manage to get the job done, but minimize the water waste at the same time. If you have a dishwasher, make sure it's energy efficient and that you do full loads.

Doing Laundry - Make sure you're doing full loads, instead of smaller ones. And be sure that you're using a washing machine that's energy efficient. This can save as much as 40% water in your household.

To help Dormont celebrate its centennial, check out the book that chronicles the borough's history from its earliest years to the present. Dormont is a softbound 128-page book, with 207 pictures, that covers the borough's first 100 years in six chapters.

Muriel Moreland, president of the Dormont Historical Society, wrote this book. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "[d]uring her research, Mrs. Moreland said she was surprised by the population and housing boom that came to Dormont after the completion of the Liberty Tunnels in 1924 and the Liberty Bridge in 1928. She said from 1928 to 1938, the borough experienced a 478 percent growth."

For more information, visit the Dormont Historical Society website.

Happy birthday, Dormont!

Gray is a popular neutral, blue is the symbol of the environment, and yellow adds energy and optimism to your surroundings. At least those are the trends reported by the Color Marketing Group (CMG), a not-for-profit association of color design professionals.

Experts at CMG say the top color choices this year are influenced by the public's concern about the economy and their optimism for the future. People are looking for colors that are safe, familiar and comforting. Consumers also are drawn to colors that reflect a growing desire for an environmentally greener world.

See CMG's list of top color trends. But remember, if you're getting ready to sell your home, choose a color palette that will suit a range of buyer tastes.

As everyone knows, fireworks are a big part of the July 4th festivities in many Pittsburgh communities. I hope you have some time to check out a fireworks show near you. Have a great holiday!

Downtown Fireworks - July 4th, 9:35 pm, Point State Park

Ambridge Fireworks - July 3rd, 10:00 pm, Walter Panek Park

Bethel Park Fireworks - July 4th, 9:40 pm, South Hills Village

Butler Fireworks- July 4th, Dusk, Big Butler Fairgrounds

Canonsburg Fireworks - July 4th, Dusk, Canon-MacMillan Stadium

Crafton Fireworks - July 4th, 9:30 pm, Crafton Park

Dormont Fireworks - July 4th, 9:30 pm, Dormont Pool Lot

Ellwood City Fireworks - July 5th, 10:15 pm, Ewing Park

Hampton Township Fireworks - July 3rd, Dark, Hampton Community Park

Monongahela Fireworks - July 4th, 9:45 pm, Monongahela Aquatorium

Monroeville Fireworks - July 4th, 9:30 pm, Monroeville Mall

Moon Fireworks - July 4th, 10:05 pm, Moon Park

Mt. Lebanon Fireworks - July 4th, 9:30 pm, Main Park

Robinson Fireworks - July 4th, Dusk, Burkett Park

Scott Township Fireworks - July 4th, 9:31 pm, Scott Park

South Fayette Fireworks - July 3rd, 9:45 pm, El Rancho Soccer Field

Upper St. Clair Fireworks - July 4th, 9:40 pm, South Hills Village

Zelienople Fireworks - July 4th, 10:00 pm, Zelienople Community Park

Upper St. Clair officially opened its $16.5 million recreation center in Boyce Mayview Park on June 13, and the township is hoping it will attract members, as well as new residents.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "[t]he massive center atop a hill includes a two-story, glass-enclosed lobby, two indoor pools, an outdoor pool, meeting rooms seating up to 240 people, a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, two full-size basketball courts and a 1/8-mile track circling the second level."

Check out the Upper St. Clair website for more information on hours and membership fees.