Events | Ellen and Janis Real Estate: Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park

Keshet Cabaret 2013

February 21, 2013 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

Cabaret Cover Image 31 e1361386862613 150x150 Keshet Cabaret 2013 Keshet Cabaret is one of our favorite events of the year. This fabulous evening benefits Keshet’s work for full equality and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Jews in Jewish life. It is the only organization in the U.S. that works for LGBT inclusion in all facets of Jewish life – synagogues, Hebrew schools, day schools, youth groups, summer camps, social service organizations, and other communal agencies. This year Keshet honors Barney Frank, U.S. Congressman (1981 – 2012) and the founding members of the Keshet Parent & Family Connection: Judy Elkin, Ann Falchuk, Sabina Feczko, Jayne Guberman, Debbie Heller, Nancy Smith, and Melinda Strauss.

Keshet Cabaret is a gala evening of music, comedy, theatrical performance by Shira Kline, aka ShirLaLa, and a FABULOUS auction to benefit Keshet’s work for the full inclusion and equality of LGBT Jews in Jewish life. The cabaret will be held at the Westin Copley Place .on March 2, 2013. Will we see you there?

- Ellen and Janis

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Homes for Sale

It’s the New Year – Have You Ever Considered Creating a Home Gym?

January 16, 2013 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

It’s the New Year and everyone has fitness on their mind. One sure way to guarantee that you do not skip going to the gym is by investing in home gym equipment. And we’re not talking about that one rouge treadmill or elliptical machine, located in the bedroom that doubles as a chair to throw your clothes on, we talking about a real home gym. This will minimize the excuses for sure!

Have you considered a home gym 150x150 It’s the New Year – Have You Ever Considered Creating a Home Gym?

Follow a few simple steps to create an efficient home gym.

Many of us who live in condos in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, or West Roxbury, may think they do not have enough room for a multitude of exercise equipment. But you would be surprised how little space you need. You really only need a few extra feet of space, and if done right that’s more than sufficient. One cardiovascular machine such as a treadmill or elliptical would be terrific! If you don’t have enough space, a simple jump rope or boxing bag will give you a terrific cardio workout. Add some free weights, an exercise ball and bands – instantly you have a home gym. If there’s room for a TV monitor or your computer, you can find dozens of free workout videos on-line.

Where to buy the equipment? Well of course everything these days can be purchased online. But if you do invest in a piece of home gym equipment, our recommendation is that you buy something as good as you can afford so that it will last a long time. One local store that specializes in high-end fitness equipment is Precision Fitness Equipment 275 Newton St Newton, MA.

And of course if this sounds like too much, or you do not want to have additional “stuff” around the house, then by all means join a gym or exercise studio. We are blessed with several good options in JP. Our favorites are: Mike’s Fitness - they are currently running a special…and JP Centre Yoga - the instructors are fantastic! Either way, the point is to get moving in 2013.

Here’s to a very happy and healthy New Year!

As always, we appreciate your thinking of us when you or your family and friends are considering buying or selling real estate in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, anywhere in Greater Boston or if they need an agent referral outside of the areas we serve. We are always happy to hear from you!

Ellen and Janis

Filed Under: Boston, Buyers, Events, Holiday Happenings, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Sellers

Home for Little Wanderers Holiday Toy Drive!

November 28, 2012 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

We are pleased to be the toy captains for the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Jamaica Plain who once again is partnering with Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture to collect toys as part of The Home for Little Wanderers’ Big Wishes Gift Drive. Big Wishes is one of the Boston area’s oldest and largest toy drives, supporting children and families who are living in at-risk circumstances and are served by The Home’s programs across Eastern Massachusetts.

We encourage friends,clients, & neighbors throughout the community to drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office located at 713 Centre St. and any Bernie & Phyl’s store in Massachusetts. The Coldwell Banker offices are accepting donations now through 12:00 noon Monday, December 10, 2012.

The Home needs gifts for children ranging in age from birth to 22-years, with an urgent need for gifts for the 14- to 18-year-old teenagers in its care. To help meet the challenge of providing
suitable holiday gifts for the teens that The Home serves, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and Bernie & Phyl’s are providing up to $5,000 in matching funds for all gift cards that are donated during the gift drive. Some suggested places for purchasing gift cards are music stores and clothing outlets such as Target, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, or Walmart, and online retailers for personal care items, electronics and sporting goods.

To learn more about ways to help The Home this holiday season, including how you can pledge a gift from a child’s personal wish list or shop from a general list and have the gift delivered free of charge directly to The Home’s Toy Room, visit www.thehome.org/bigwishes.

Thank you & “Big Wishes” for you and your family during the holiday season!

Ellen And Janis

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Holiday Happenings

Boston’s Open Studios Schedule

September 29, 2012 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

There are still several Open Studios to go see this year! Talk to and buy art directly from the artist, see demonstrations, listen to music, sample area restaurants and peruse off-the-beaten path retail shops in Boston’s historic neighborhoods!

Hyde Park
http://www.hydeparkopenstudios.org/
September 30
12pm – 5pm

Roxbury Open Studios
http://www.roxburyopenstudios.org/
October 6 & 7
11am – 6pm

East Boston Artists Group
http://www.eastbostonartistsgroup.org/
May 19 & 20
Noon – 6pm

Fort Point Arts Community
http://www.fortpointarts.org/
October 19, 4pm- 7pm
October 20-21, noon – 5pm

Dorchester Open Studios
http://dac-online.org/
October 20 & 21
12pm – 5pm

South Boston Open Studios
http://www.southbostonopenstudios.org/
November 3 & 4
Noon – 6pm

Roslindale Open Studios
http://www.roslindaleopenstudios.org/
November 3 & 4
11am – 5pm

Fenway Studios
http://www.friendsoffenwaystudios.org/
November 3 & 4
Noon – 6pm

Allston Arts District
http://www.allstonarts.org/
November 10 & 11
Noon – 6pm

Artists Group of Charlestown
http://www.artistsgroupofcharlestown.com/
December 3 & 4
11am – 5pm

If you have any questions about Open Studios, any of Boston’s wonderful neighborhoods, or Boston Real Estate in general, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.

-Ellen and Janis

Filed Under: Around Town, Boston, Events

Jamaica Plain Non-Profts Make a Difference

February 9, 2012 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

It’s rewarding to live in a community that is rich with socially responsible business owners and vibrant non-profit organizations. We have enjoyed watching Keshet, (http://www.keshetonline.org/) a JP based non-profit, grow from a local one person operation with a budget of $35,000 to a nine person organization with a budget over $850,000 and a national reach. Keshet’s mission is to ensure that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews are fully included in all parts of the Jewish community. In the Greater Boston area, Keshet offers social and cultural events for GLBT Jews ranging from Jewish text study to an annual GLBT Jewish speed-dating gala, Keshet Quick Dates. Nationally, Keshet offers support, training, and resources to create a Jewish community that welcomes and affirms GLBT Jews.

On March 17th the organization will host a fabulous gala evening of music, comedy, and an amazing auction, all to benefit Keshet’s work for the full equality and inclusion of GLBT Jews in Jewish life. We’re on the host committee and are looking forward to a fun evening that will include performances by actor, comedian, singer Zac Mordechai and Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Judy Gold. We hope to see you there!

Keshet Carbaret
March 17, 2012
8-11pm at The Westin Copley Place
10 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA

Filed Under: Around Town, Boston, Events, Jamaica Plain

Happy New Year!

January 4, 2012 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to help so many wonderful clients buy or sell their homes this year. While everyone we work with is special, the sellers of 100 Kittredge Street in Roslindale really touched us. This was not just another house, it was a very large home and carriage house that had been in the same family since the 1950’s. As the family said in their holiday news letter, the home held many fond memories of festive family gatherings and holiday celebrations. While the children of the original owners have embarked on a new chapter in their lives, they will “always treasures great memories of their home”, and they know that the new owners will take good care of a property that they will always call home.

This is one of the many reasons why we work in real estate. We are grateful to our clients and happy to be working with such wonderful people. Thank you for all that we do together…

Here’s to a happy, healthy & prosperous 2012!

Ellen and Janis

Filed Under: Holiday Happenings, Homes for Sale, Roslindale, Sellers

Last Minute Holiday Shopping in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale

December 22, 2011 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

With the holidays upon us, we thought it was a great time to share a few local shopping ideas. We’re grateful to be living in a neighborhood that supports local entrepreneurs. The holidays provide us with an opportunity to give something back to the merchants who make our community diverse and vibrant. So, take a look at our recommendations and feel free to share your own suggestions!

Jamaica Plain

Station 8 is a full service hair salon offering a complete menu of spa services. Get a gift certificate for that special someone.

Salmagundi provides a full rage of hats and accessories for your next holiday party! The shop was recognized by the city for leadership in window displays and cutting-edge fashion.

Boing! offers educational toys for children of all ages.

The merchandise at Kitchenwich runs the gamut from practical to silly, affordable to splurgy. Their products have been featured several times in the Boston Globe!

At On Centre you’ll find a surprisingly wide selection of books, clothing, accessories, home decor, stationary, art, and more, nestled in colorful store displays. The store carries the owner’s signature line of jewelry!

Need more ideas? Visit Jamaica Plain Main Streets local business directory!

Roslindale
Joanne Rossman describes herself as a purveyor of the unnecessary and irresistible! Her hand-woven throws and blankets make the perfect gift.

Solera is a shrine to wine offering carefully selected vintages from around the world.

Sophia’s Grotto Can’t give your special someone a trip to Italy this year? Then a gift certificate to Sophia’s Grotto may be the next best thing.

For more ideas visit Roslindale Village Main Streets’ business directory!

Happy holidays!

Ellen & Janis

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Holiday Happenings, Homes for Sale

Making Children’s Wishes Come True in Jamaica Plain

November 30, 2011 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

We’re excited to once again be collecting toys as part of The Home for Little Wanderers’ Big Wishes for Little Wanderers holiday gift drive. Each year, holiday wishes come true for thousands of children and families in The Home’s care through generous donations to the annual gift drive. The items donated to The Home’s gift drive are given to children and families who are currently being served by one of The Home’s more than 20 programs.

You’re invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys at our office, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 713 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, by Monday December 12th. The home serves children of all ages, for gift ideas, click here.

The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest and one of New England’s largest nonprofit child and family service agencies. Its mission is to ensure the healthy behavioral, emotional, social and educational development and physical well-being of children and families living in at-risk circumstances. For more information, visit www.thehome.org.

Happy Holidays! -Ellen And Janis

Filed Under: Around Town, Boston, Events, Holiday Happenings, Jamaica Plain Tagged With: Jamaica Plain Real Estate

Remember We Fall Back on Sunday Morning!

November 4, 2011 By Janis and Ellen 2 Comments

fallback11 e1320430007766 300x278 Remember We Fall Back on Sunday Morning!

Remember we “fall back” this weekend, Sunday, November 6, 2011, ending Daylight Saving Time, and returning to Standard Time.

It is the perfect day for an “extra” hour of sleep, the Patriots game will feel like its later and you will have more time to enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

A good idea every time you change your clocks forward or back, is to change the batteries in your smoke/CO detectors. Though many newer homes are hardwired, and do not require the batteries to operate, some homes are not, and need to be adjusted. Don’t wait until your smoke detectors start chirping — keep your family safe & change the batteries now! (Usually they take 9V batteries, which can be bought most anywhere!)

So we hope you are able to enjoy your extra hour of sleep. Of course if you are are out shopping for a new home, please make sure you check the Open House times carefully. We have 2 open houses scheduled so we hope to see you there!

-Ellen And Janis

Filed Under: Events, Homes for Sale

Halloween in Jamaica Plain

October 27, 2011 By Janis and Ellen Leave a Comment

Halloween is a holiday that’s fun no mater how old you are. Whatever your age, there are many things to do and see this Halloween in Jamaica Plain. We enjoy seeing local businesses and home owners get into the holiday spirit in so many ways.

For something new, trick-or-treat among the animals this year. Don’t miss the haunted happenings at the Franklin Park Zoo Howl, including creature encounters, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a trick-or-treat trail and the Haunted Maze. Franklin Park Zoo Howl: Oc Halloween in JP 300x225 Halloween in Jamaica Plain tober 29-30, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. franklinparkzoo.org

On Saturday, October 29th, the Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association and Jamaica Plain Centre/South Main Streets present a Dog Parade and Fashion Show. The parade starts at noon at the First Baptist Church and finishes at the South Street Mall at 2pm. All proceeds benefit the Animal Rescue League, MSPCA and City Shelter.

And don’t forget to stop by Coldwell Banker on Monday October 31 from 3-6pm for Halloween treats when our office participates in the Trick or Treat Halloween Stroll on Centre and South Streets. Along with our neighbors, we’ll be opening our doors to greet local ghouls and goblins. Look in the windows of participating merchants for a poster welcoming trick-or-treaters. Continue Reading

Filed Under: Around Town, Boston, Jamaica Plain Tagged With: Holiday, Jamaica Plain