Northwood Realty Services has hired many new associates.

Patricia Butler, Dorina Manolache,Victoria Miller and Emily Schwartz have all joined the Upper St. Clair office. Kaitlyn Orstein, formerly with Prudential Preferred Realty, is in Peters.David Wroble, previously with Coldwell Banker, has joined the Uniontown office.

Other agents and their offices are: Susanne Pfeiferand Tony Corsa, Greensburg;Katie Baker Hermitage-Howland; Kevin Honsberger, Monroeville; Sara Buyny, Pleasant Hills; Mark Sevel, Squirrel Hill; and Lisa Kurtina, 201 Associates.

Helen Hanna Casey,president of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, will be a featured speaker at the 2009 National Association of Realtors Conference in San Diego on Nov. 14.

This is the fourth time Mrs. Hanna Casey has been a selected as a speaker. She was chosen from leading executives of large, diversified real estate firms to discuss and examine the current and future state of the industry.

RE/MAX Heritage has recognized its top sales associates for October.

Cathy Addessi was first in listings closed and Lori Patterson led in sales closed.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services' East Regional office will once again serve as a drop-off site for the annual Toys for Tots campaign sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

New, unwrapped toys will be accepted at office, 3865 Reed Blvd., Murrysville, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 13. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

This year, Toys for Tots has a special need for toys in the 0-2 and 10-12 age groups. The campaign will also accept small stocking-stuffer items and monetary donations. For more information, contact Darlene Skupien at 724-327-0123 Ext. 230 or darlene.skupien@pittsburghmoves.com.

Brooks and Blair Homes has unveiled a new smaller, patio-style villa atWestmoreland Farms in Murrysville.

The one-level, two-bedroom home measures approximately 1,400 square feet and starts at $169,900. Buyers can choose to add a four-season bonus room/den with a see-through fireplace and cathedral ceilings. The development is in the Franklin Regional School District.

The decorated Belmont model and selection room are open for tours from noon to 5 p.m. daily except Friday. Howard Hanna is the marketing agent. Information: 724-387-4300 or www.westmorelandfarms.howardhanna.com.

The Masonic Village at Sewickley will hold an open house of its independent living retirement accommodations from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 19. A free luncheon will be served a the end.

The independent living wing features 228 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 43 villa homes with garages. Situated on 65 acres, the 60-plus community includes a clubhouse that houses a store, bank, two restaurants, computer room. library, hair salon, game room and art studio. A separate building houses an indoor pool, hot tub and fitness club.

For more information on the Masonic Village in Aleppo, call 1-866-872-0664 or go to www.masonicvillagespa.org.

Doug Oster writes a blog, "Growing With Doug," exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.