Film Discussion Group at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Friday, January 7th at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:45. No registration required. Free popcorn and lively discussion afterwards.
This a a film from 1941 about a private detective that gets involved with a gorgeous liar and three eccentric criminals. 101 minutes.

The library is located at 800 Chestnut in the Old Town section of Western Springs 708-246-0520

Year end stats from 2002 until now for Western Springs Real Estate

2002 saw 197 sales in an average of 42 days on the market and an average sale price $455,188
2003 saw 168 sales in an average of 49 days on the market and an average sale price $493,416
2004 saw 178 sales in an average of 85 days on the market and an average sale price $550,235
2005 saw 167 sales in an average of 111 days on the market and an average sale price $647,864
2006 saw 139 sales in an average of 122 days on the market and an average sale price $623,632
2007 saw 119 sales in an average of 172 days on the market and an average sale price $672,940
2008 saw 121 sales in an average of 187 days on the market and an average sale price $661,822
2009 saw 101 sales in an average of 183 days on the market and an average sale price $557,465
2010 saw 102 sales in an average of 223 days on the market and an average sale price $558,115
The number of sales went down and the average market time went up. Stats are for single family homes and taken from the MLS.

LaGrange Closed single family homes for 2010

When shopping for a home in Western Springs many buyers look at LaGrange at the same time. The towns are directly east or west of one another. Western Springs is the smaller town. LaGrange has a much bigger business district. Both towns feed into Lyons Township High School which is a very good high school that prepares their students for college.

The total number of single family homes that closed in LaGrange was 153. The average sale price was $449,753.
Reading from left to right in the following lines will be #of Bedrooms, # sold in category, average original list price, average list price at time of sale, average sale price, %sale price to list price, %original list price to sale price and the average time on the market.

• 2br/less 7 $225,521 $215,079 $201,464 94% 89% 68
• 3 br 71 $409,853 $392,463 $369,688 94% 90% 115
• 4 br 53 $597,567 $566,577 $534,079 94% 89% 183
• 5+br 22 $670,825 $633,315 $583,994 92% 87% 172

2010 closing for Western Springs Illinois Real Estate

Here is what happened in 2010 as far as actual closings of single family homes in Western Springs, Il. TOTAL CLOSED: 102

Reading from left to right #of bedrooms, # of homes sold in that category, Average original list price, average list price at time of sale, average sale price, percentage of sale price to list price at time of sale, percentage of sale price to original list price and last is the average amount of time on the market. The overal average sale price for Western Springs was $558,115 with 223 days as the average market time.

• 2 or less 6 $344,033 $306,283 $284,583 93% 83% 658
• 3 36 $431,510 $414,558 $389,403 94% 90% 142
• 4 42 $625,933 $610,467 $573,107 94% 92% 134
• 5/more 18 $1,161,872 $1,046,316 $951,736 91% 82% 447

Sold 4805 Woodland in Forest Hills of Western Springs

Beautiful home in Forest Hills on a 70 x 187 lot.

This home was built in 2002 and has 5 bedroom, 5 full and 2 half baths. Originally listed for $1,895,000 and lowered to $1,599,000-Sale price was $1,350,000.

Original listing

Need a great broker to represent you? Call Linda Hanley Kelly, Charles Rutenberg Realty

708-334-5356

It's a birthday party and everyone is invited!!!

Western Springs turns 125! Birthday Bash on January 30th from 1 to 5 pm at McClure Junior High on Wolf Road in Field Park. There will be a giant birthday cake that looks like the Tower. There will be ice skating, ice carving, bonfire, storytelling, crafts, honoring of the citizens of the year. Don't miss out on the fun...mark it down on you calendar and be there.

JANUARY 30th from 1-5 PM at McClure Jr. High.

Western Springs Service Club...Privately run swimming pool in town

It won't be winter forever. Check out the Western Springs Service Club.

Applications for membership become available sometime in early spring. Swim teams, lessons, free swim and more. A great way to spend the summer.

Enjoy a musical comedy at the Theatre of Western Springs "The Quick Change Room"

Set in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1991. This is a witty and hilarious comedy protraying a Russian Theater Company in the wake of Perestroika. Runs from January 13th through the 22nd.

Lyons Township High School Relay for Life Garage Sale

Hurry up and purge yourself of all that excess stuff! If you are thinking of selling in the spring get rid of as much as you can. Houses look bigger without too much furniture, cramped closets, stuff on the counters. You get the picture! And help the students at LT raise money for Cancer research.
Drop off items at The Corral, 4900 Gilbert Avenue in Western Springs. Jan. 8th from 10-noon and Jan. 12, 13,14 from 1-4. Pull around to the back of the Corral.
Then if you are in withdrawal from giving too much stuff away come back on the 15th from 10 until 2 and buy some of the other people's donations. Recycling can be fun.

Winner of the Champagne....

Meet Arthur from Woodland in Forest Hills. He knows how to click...this is his 3rd win. Previous prizes included a 10 ride train ticket. Join the fun and win prizes!



He wishes all of you a Happy New Year!

Win a Gift Basket

Two lucky winners of the Western Springs Raffle will get a beautiful gift basket that I picked up at an after Christmas sale. Numbers 26 and the closest one to 50 who has never won before. January 3rds newsletter has the link to win.
If you are not a subscriber to the raffle sign up now.

Neighborhood Alert....

A resident in town, Katie Shannon, sent an email today informing me of an incident that occurred Monday morning at 8 am. She and a friend were running eastbound off 47th Street when a two door dark green hatchback car drove slowly beside them for a short time. The car was being driven erratically by a Caucasian about 25 years old with brown unkempt hair. 10 minutes later they encountered him at 51st and Caroline where he opened the door and exposed himself. They were unable to get the license number since he sped off. They did file a police report.

I love to share all the wonderful things about Western Springs but I felt I needed to remind you we are a very safe community but these types of incidents can happen here too.

For sale: 1343 Chestnut, Old Town of Western Springs

The contract on this home has fallen apart.
Home is on a 74 x 179 lot in prime Old Town. Built in 2002 it has 4 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths. It is being offered for $799,999. Showings will resume after the New Year. If you would like me to represent you as a buyer's agent please give me a call.
Linda Hanley Kelly, CRR, 708-334-5356

The Western Springs Garden Club's January Meeting

The Garden Club will meet at 12:30 pm on January 10th at the First Congregational Church, Plymouth Hall, 1106 Chestnut, Western Springs.

The program is titled "Guilt-free Wine and Chocolate" with Kelly Bryant.

All are welcome. Call Linda at 708-246-6917 or http://www.westernspringsgardenclub.org/

Program deals with the use of deep colors in the garden!

Closed: 3916 Clausen Avenue in Field Park of Western Springs

3916 Clausen was originally listed in April of 2009 for $489,900 and was taken off of the market in August 2009 at which time it was $449,900.
Home came back on the market for $340,000 in November of 2010 and sold in 7 days. $315,000 final price-sale was a short sale.
3 br, 2 bath on an 80 x 131 lot. Great price for lot!!

Merry Christmas to all from Linda Hanley Kelly

From my house in Field Park of Western Springs to your home wherever it may be I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.

My door is always open to all of you. I welcome any questions and comments. Thank you for following my blog this year.

Champagne Tasting at Whole Foods Market

December 30th from 4 until 6 pm. Sample some champagne with caviar and blinis and other goodies.
Whole Foods is at 500 E. Ogden Avenue just over the tollway from Western Springs.
http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/hinsdale/store-calendar/

Lego Play at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Come to the library and play with Legos!!!

December 29th from 1-3 pm at 800 Chestnut Street, Western Springs


Come build with Legos and Duplos. Creations will be displayed at the library for all the visitors to see.

Lyons Township Adult & Community Education

The spring 2011 books were delivered last week. To register online

Take classes in ARTS & CRAFTS, COMPUTERS, DANCE, ENGLISH, FITNESS AND WELL BEING, FOREIGN LANGUAGES, HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION, HOME & FAMILY, INVESTMENT & FINANCE, MUSIC, PHOTOGRAPHY, RECREATION, SPECIAL INTERESTS plus classes for students with special needs.

Next Week's Prize from the Western Springs Raffle

Win a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne!

Let the Western Springs Raffle help you toast in the New Year. Since it will be 2011...the prize goes to number 11. If you are not already a subscriber to the Western Springs Raffle sign up today.

If you don't live in Western Springs yet call me so we can get busy finding you a home here in this great community! And by the way would my two sons who grew up here please come back from LA.

Here is the other winner of the Oberweis Ice Cream

Karen Thompson on Central in Forest Hills was the winner of a quart of peppermint and a quart of cinnamon Oberweis ice cream. Last year Karen won 4 pints of ice cream from Walgreens from the Western Springs Raffle. I like to think of Karen as the ice cream queen!

Last year in December I listed Karen's house in Old Town and it sold in 4 days. She bought a ranch home from me in Forest Hills.

Thanks Karen....Linda Hanley Kelly, Charles Rutenberg Realty 708-334-5356

Enter the Raffle

For Rent by Owner: Woodland Avenue in Western Springs

3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home in Forest Hills of Western Springs. $1900 per month starting March 1st. Call the owner direct at 1-630-675-0660 or Call me Linda Hanley Kelly, 708-334-5356 and I will help you.

Linda Hanley Kelly

Carl and Susan win two quarts of Oberweis Ice Cream

Having moved here in late summer they haven't been to Oberweis yet, so they were very excited to try the peppermint and cinnamon ice cream. Carl and Susan live on Lawn Avenue in Forest Hills. It turns out they were just recently married so here is a picture from their wedding. Congratulations on the big win and the wedding from WesternSpringsRaffle!

New Listing 4538 Lawn Avenue in Old Town South of Western Springs

Only a block to train this home sits on the corner of Lawn and Elm. 5 bedrooms, 3 bath $675,000.

Sold: 5212 Lawn Avenue in Forest Hills of Western Springs

On the market for 42 days. Listed for $549,900 and sold for $520,000. 50 x 187 lot, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths. Sold in August of 2008 for $497,000!!! Prices are going up....?

Some of the Churches in Western Springs available for Christmas Services

Celebrate the season at one of the many Western Springs Churches!

Congregation Church of Western Springs

St. John of the Cross in Western Springs

Presbyterian Church of Western Springs Western Springs Christian Reformed Church

Grace Lutheran St. James Lutheran All Saints Episcopal Church

Merry Christmas to All!

Volunteer at the Western Springs Historical Society

Western Springs Historical Society is looking for volunteers to work in its archives on Tuesday mornings at the Grand Avenue Community Center. Training is provided. They also need docents at the Water Tower and people to give tours to children. Call (708) 246-9230.

Win Some Oberweiss Holiday Ice Cream

It is the perfect time to have some holiday ice cream on hand. We have peppermint, brandy, cinnamon or eggnog. You win, you pick the flavor. I will be dropping off ice cream to number 8 and number 58.



If you aren't a part of WesternSpringsRaffle be sure and sign up toady. This is the raffle prize for this Monday the 20th of December. Join the fun!

Western Springs Senior Club Annual Dues are $10

Effective January 1, 2011 residency is not required, dues are $10.00. Seniors Club meets at 1 pm on the second Monday of each month at the Western Springs Recreation Center, 1500 Walker St.

On the first Thursday of the month at the Western Springs Senior Center, 4211 Grand Avenue, there is storytime from noon-1:30. Bring a brown bag lunch; beverages and dessert will be provided. Senior Center members are free; nonmembers are $5 per person. Reservations required-708-246-3299.

Vie for New Years Eve!!!

Located on the 4400 hundred block of Lawn in downtown Western Springs. Make it the place to go this New Year's Eve. Look over their menu for the evening. At the end of the night you are almost home.

Use your Thomas Ford Library card at select Merchants and receive a discount

Save money at many area merchants Click on to see where your library card can save you money. Clever Girl, Competitive Foot, Theatre of Western Springs, etc.

New Spa opening at the 821 Burlington Building

There will be a new spa opening very soon in the building to the East of Tanya Hart's Bistro. As reported earlier Tanya has sold her restaurant and it will be opening as an Italian restaurant in early 2011. That will fill up that space. Glad to see some new life in our town.

Winter break for McClure Jr. High December 20th....School Resumes Jan. 3rd

This is the winter break for Western Springs District 101

Blue Ribbon School Award Presented to McClure Jr. High

On November 16th McClure Junior High received the Blue Ribbon School award from the Department of Education in Washington, D.C.. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, presented the award too all the winners across the nation. Here is the list of the 2010 winners.

Look for the Blue Ribbon Flag that will be flying proudly at McClure. This award recognizes the commitment of our community to education & awards schools for sustained performance in student achievement. 402 schools out of 132,000 nationally were nominated. From those schools 304 received the Blue Ribbon School Award. Congratulations

McClure & all the parents, teachers, friends & family who help our children thrive.

For sale: 5216 Wolf Road in Forest Hills of Western Springs

Who says you can't afford to live in Western Springs? This home has a first floor family room addition, Master on second, bedroom and bath on first. 50 x 187 lot for only $269,000. Not a foreclosure or a short sale this home does require court approval for the sale. Sold "as is" this home is dated but offers a lot for the money! Let's go take a look. Linda

Winner of the Beverly Hills Hotel Hat Box

The winner of this week's Western Springs Raffle is Bernadette Hudetz who lives on Johnson in Field Park. Her and her children were delighted with her prize. Pictured above with 3 of her 4 children and the Beverly Hills Hotel hat box filled with an assortment of toiletries. Her husband, Joseph, is a real estate attorney. As you all know, I believe in networking. His number is 708-769-2321. I am sure he would be happy to hear from you!

For more info and to join The Western Springs Raffle, click here.

For Rent: 4937 Commonwealth in Commonwealth in the Village in Western Springs

Updated townhome with first floor master. 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath for $2900 a month. One year lease....

December 17th, 18th and 19th two one act plays at the Theatre of Western Springs

Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 7:30 pm An evening of two one act plays brought to you by the Director Workshops Program of the Theatre of Western Springs. http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com/

Lyons Township High School Winter Break December 23rd until January 9th

Lyons Township High School test scores are among the highest levels in school history

Test scores came in above state and national averages on the ACT, the SAT, and AP tests. Scores of 3 or higher on the AP are often granted college-level credit. This year more than 1/3 of the tests scored at a 5, the highest possible score. LT's ACT composite of 23.8 is 3.1 points above the state average. LT's 2010 SAT composite score of 1286 is 101 points higher than that of the state and 269 points higher than the national average.

New Listing: 3905 Franklin in Field Park

3905 Franklin was built in 1966 and has only had one owner. Builder built and owned. 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath on a 50 x 131 lot. $599,000

The Beverly Hills Hotel (Western Springs Raffle)

I've been in L.A. visiting my sons, so this week's prizes for The Western Springs Raffle are from The Beverly Hills Hotel gift shop.

(as shown in the photo with my son David)

First prize is a Hat Box with a secret surprise inside.

Second prize is a pink Beverly Hills Hotel coffee mug.

If you have not signed up for the Western Springs Raffle do so here.

Western Springs Raffle

Sign up for Free stuff that you normally have to pay for in Western Springs.

Welcome to Western Springs Raffle. Each week items that can be purchased in Western Springs are raffled off via email. It is completely free to join and play. Here's an example. We raffle off items such as, but certainly not limited to, train tickets from Western Springs station to the city (but why ever leave Western Springs?), a pound of roast beef and some pasta salad from Casey's, doughnuts from Kirschbaum's, vanilla soy lattes from Starbucks (most likely a gift card), Honey Dew from The Fruit Store, dinners to Vie, lottery tickets from the White Hen (I mean 7-11), a savings account from The Community Bank of Western Springs etc. etc.

The way it works is each Monday we send an email with the items which are being raffled along with who won the previous week. You must click the link in the email to signify your entry. On Friday winners are selected and contacted. The only rules are you may only click the link once per email and if you do not live in Western Springs then you must come to Western Springs to pick up your prize. If you live in town then your prize will be delivered to you.

Enter the Western Springs Raffle

For Email Newsletters you can trust

Sign up for The Western Springs Raffle

4612 Lawn Avenue in Old Town of Western Springs

3 bedroom, 2 bath bi-level only 2 blocks to train. $374,900

Action Shots from the filming of Contagion in Western Springs

Gold Medal Market....anyone up for opening a nice, cool market here???



I don't know what happened but it sure was a cute store.

Here we are on the day of filming. Matt Damon is above in the green jacket. Looks like there has been a fire or something at McGraths Wine and Spirits!

Why are people selling in Western Springs?

Just a little information I compiled based on the last month's sales in town. 4 were retirees, 1 was a divorce, 1 was a rental home and two were builders(one sold the basic house he bought to teardown and the other was a spec home). I don't have the scoop on all of the sellers but this may give you a little insight into who is selling and why.

Things are changing here in Western Springs thanks to Contagion

It looks like we are going to be Lake City in the movie. Fun to see how quickly they have been able to transform the Northside of the tracks. I am in Venice Ca. waiting to go have dinner at the slicetruck. Thanks to one of my readers for keeping me up-to-date on the changes in town.

Remember tomorrow is the big day! Wish I were there but also happy to be in LA where it was 70 today! Send me pictures from the big shoot.

Filming of Contagion begins on Thursday in downtown Western Springs

They were busy today putting a fake front on the building next to the bakery. I like the new look. I find myself wishing someone would open a small grocery store back where the old one was. Even though it is only for a few days I like seeing those buildings looking used.

Sold: 4636 Gilbert Western Springs

On the market for approx. 600 days. Listed for 489,000 reduced to 209,000 sold for $192,500. Sold in 2006 for$315,000. Sits on a 72 x 213 lot.

Rental in Heritage Springs in Western Springs

3 bedroom 3 full and 1 half bath. Finished basement with bath. $2950 per month

Sold: 5120 Ellington in Springdale of Western Springs

Built in 1961 this split level has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. On the market for 27 days. Listed for $379,900 and sold for $350,000.

Matt Damon will be in Western Springs this week! Will be filming a car crash scene at the former Breen's building for the movie Contagion.

Stories I heard at a Christmas party in town on Saturday night say Matt Damon will be the star who films in Western Springs. He will be crashing a car through the windows of the former Breen's Cleaners. I have heard the filming will be starting on the 9th of December. It will be a little harder getting through the town while this is taking place.

Don't count on being an extra in the movie. You have to have a union card for that.

Now I would like all of you to do me a favor. I am leaving for LA on Wed. to visit my sons. I won't be back until the 14th. Will you please take some pictures for me? Send them to linhankel@aol.com so I can post them on this site. Thanks!

This is Matt in his personal car! Likely not the one he will be crashing into Breens!

Closed in Western Springs: 4547 Wold Road

On the market for 473 Days. This home originally listed for $499,000 and was last at $399,000 when it got an offer and sold for $310,000. 4 bedroom, 2 bath on a 75 x 131 lot.

Call me to find out what the current value of your home is. Linda Hanley Kelly, 708-334-5356 Full-time broker at Charles Rutenberg Realty

Western Springs Christmas Walk Today

Don't forget to head on down to downtown Western Springs from 2-5 pm today. The snow is making it a perfect day to get in the spirit of Christmas. When looking at all the trees lining the sidewalk by the Water Tower be sure and look at the one I decorated. The sign in front of it will say decorated by Linda Hanley Kelly!

See you in town this afternoon.....Linda

New Listing: 4916 Woodland, Forest Hills in Western Springs

Just Listed for $1,199,000 Tudor built in 1930 and added on to in 2002. Spectacular lot-100x187 4 bedroom, 5 full and 2 half baths.

Western Springs Christmas Walk Dec. 4th from 2-5 pm

Presented by the Western Springs Business Association. Stroll down the streets of Western Springs and enjoy the ice sculpting, music ensembles and free carriage rides. Be sure and look at all the trees at the Tower that were decorated by local clubs and businesses. See Santa! And end the afternoon with the lighting of the tree at the Village Green.