It is February 28th and a Monday...That means I will raffle off $50 to number 50

I promised I would raffle off $50.00 if the last day of the month fell on a Monday. It will go to number 50. As I try to primarily get prizes from the town you too can pick one of these up at any of the local banks. Yours will be coming from the Community Bank of Western Springs.

Senior Club Luncheon celebrating St. Patrick and St. Joseph at St. John of the Cross Parish Center

Luncheon and program. Gather at the Parish Center, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs from 11:30 until 2:30 PM on March 18th. Members $14.00 and non-members $19.00. RSVP by March 11th. 708-246-4404



History of the St. Joseph Table

Hoopride tryouts for 6,7 and 8th Grade Girls-Deadline to Register Feb. 28th

You need to sign up now for the tryouts on March 6th through the 10th. Tryouts will be in the upper gym at Lyons Township North Campus. 7-8:30 pm. Learn more about Hoopride

Father Ken Baker will be doing a Benefit Concert at the Reber Center LTHS North

Read all about it! March 5th at 7 pm and March 6th at 2 pm. Check out this flyer!

Lyons Township High School 2011 Summer Programs

Early registration begins on February 28th, 2011 and ends on March 6th, 2011 visit www.lths.net/academics/summerPrograms/ or email adavis@lths.net

Fine Arts Festival 9 to noon at McClure Junior High

Just a reminder to stop by Saturday and view student art work and enjoy band, orchestra, choir chimes and choir performances.

All day cookie dough sale to benefit District 101 Band and Orchestra McClure Junior High in Western Springs

All day at McClure Junior High, 4225 Wolf Road, on Saturday February 26th. Pick up will be on March 22nd.

Grand Avenue Preschool Open House in Western Springs

10 am until noon March 5th at the Western Springs Location, 4211 Grand Avenue. Meet the teachers, see the classrooms and learn about the curriculum. Programs for children age 2 through kindergarten. Full or half day programs. For more information call Mary Rizzardini at 708-246-2270.

Fundraiser "Al Capone's Speakeasy:a Benefit for the Theatre of Western Springs"

Saturday, Feb. 26th at the Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Avenue.

This will follow the 4 pm performance. The author of the book - Gennifer Choldenko - will make a personal appearance. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as gangsters and flappers. There will be appetizers, drinks and raffles for adults and children. The children's party will have a DJ, pizza and soft drinks. For tickets call the box office-708-246-3380. $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Paul Virant of Vie is heading to Perennial in Lincoln Park

The award winning chef who owns Vie will become partners at Perennial in Lincoln Park. He will continue to own and operate Vie.

Today's real estate in Western Springs

There were 4 price reductions today: $229,900 lowered $10,000 to 219,900 home is on Wolf Road in Forest Hills $289,900 lowered $40,000 to $249,900 cape cod on 47th New home in Field Park that originally was $1,459,000 is now down to $974,900 and a home on Western in Old Town lowered from $1,250,000 to $1,195,000.

I went to two different seminars this week, both put on by lenders. The theme was the same. House prices continue to drop. Western Springs is no exception but I do think we are holding up better than some other communities.

New Listing today: 4 Bedroom, 1 1/2 bath split level by Laidlaw School in Old Town, Very updated for $419,900

If you are looking to buy call me and I will make sure you receive all the new listings and price changes that fit your criteria. And I am always available to start looking at these houses in person with you. Linda at 708-334-5356 Realtor/Broker full-time for over 30 years.

Railroad Show at Lyons Township High School

Real Estate Market in Western Springs in January of 2011

4 homes closed in January-$210,000 $400,000 $550,000 and $570,000

25 homes were listed as new in January only 10 were homes that had not been listed before in 2010

6 listing went under contract in January $729,00 $675,000 $519,000 $435,000 $399,900 $359,900 - I know two were bought as teardowns.

Why buy a condo? 4130 Gilbert Avenue Western Springs

Beautiful updated ranch across from the park. Just a few blocks to Stone Avenue Station and restaurants. $369,000.

Plus two new listings on Wolf Road in Western Springs are now up for sale for $299,900 and $399. To receive up-to-the-minute emails on new listings and price changes about homes that fit YOUR criteria please call me and we will set it up. You can receive listings for any towns you want. Remember I sold three homes in Park Ridge and two in Chicago in the last several months. And I am working on one in Elmhurst now. There are many towns that have a similar feeling and sometimes it is best to actually go see homes in the towns you are interested in. I am always happy to be the key to the door for you! I love negotiating the sale until all parties are happy with the deal we make.

Health and Fitness Walking class at the rec center in Western Springs

Monday and Wednesday morning enjoy walking with others at the rec center. 8:30 am $4.00 per time, pay as you walk!

4475 Wolf Road in Western Springs-Moody Chorale performs at the Western Springs Baptist Church

Sunday, February 20th at 6 PM

Sarge opens an Elephant

Damian was number 14 and won the Valentine's Day Surprise

Damian won my Valentine's Day surprise of a box of Ghiradelli chocolates and a picture frame from Stems and Twigs. Damian bought his home on Woodland Avenue in Forest Hills from me in 1999. They just recently put in a new kitchen and it was beautiful! If you can't move you should think of updating your kitchen. It often is the lift you need.

Savanah seems very interested in finding out what is in the bag. I should have brought along a dog treat.

Winner of the Lou Malnati's Pizza

Steve from Howard in Springdale was one of the Pizza winners. I had a great time visiting with him and their "empty nester" dog May May(probably not spelled correct). Her original name translated precious pearl and that she was! I am a little partial to Shih tzus since I also have an empty nester one named Chip.

February 20th "Buckle up your Valentine"

Come to the Western Springs Police Station where they will check your car seats for safety.

Coming February 25th "Al Capone does My Shirts"

Coming February 25th to the Theater of Western Springs

Now Hiring Lemecenat 821 Burlington Avenue Western Springs

Open Interviews Thursday February 17th 10 am until 3 pm
Wine Knowledge/Basset Cert. Required
Email lemecenat.info@gmail.com or call 708-374-8219

Now Hiring servers/bartenders/bussers/dishwashers

Price Reduction 4101 Linden Field Park Western Springs

Previously at $429,900 it is now $334,900 Call me and let's go see it. Field Park is a wonderful place to live!

Back on 1212 Chestnut $709,000

Attractive 4 bedroom colonial in Old Town of Western Springs. Walk to train and town.

Closed 304 45th Street, Ridge Acres of Western Springs

Built in 2005 this home has a 70 x 160 lot. 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home sold in 4 days. $1,135,000 Sale Price

Sold: 3920 Grove, Old Town of Western Springs

This home was on the market for 290 Days. Started at $749,900 and reduced to $649,900. Closed in February 2011 for $610,000. 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with front porch.

4807 Central Avenue in Forest Hills of Western Springs

Beautiful home on a 65 x 187 lot in great location walk to train, Springrock Park, Schools. Sits on a 65 x 187 lot. Home was on the market in 2009 for $1,525,000 and came off the market in December at $1,329,000. Back on at $1,295,000. 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms...call me to show it to you! Linda 708-334-5356 Charles Rutenberg Realty

Western Springs Raffle Prize for February 14th, 2011

There will be Valentine's Day surprises for number 14 and others. Join now! It may be flowers, or candy, or candles....wait and see.

Winner of the Tulips Jan Matheny from Ridgewood of Western Springs

Jan won the tulips a few weeks ago. She was unable to receive them at the time because she was headed to Guantanamo Bay to visit her son, daughter-in-law and grandchild. Jan's daughter-in-law is a navy doctor there. The visit was timed perfect...they left before the blizzard and came home after it. The weather was perfect, 80 degrees everyday! This week we will be half way there with temperatures in the 40's.

Back on the market with a new look....5325 Woodland, Forest Hills, Western Springs

Come look at this rehabbed ranch on a great lot-50 x187. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths in walk to schools location. $435,000
Looking to buy in town....call me so I can show you all the homes the MLS has to offer!

Closed: 1108 Birch in Ridgewood of Western Springs

on the market for 54 days this ranch home is on a 75 x 140 lot. 3 bedrooms, basement, family room - updating needed but a nice home. $299,900 list price and sale price of $281,000. VA financing.

Relisted: 4040 Howard, Field Park of Western Springs

Back after a holiday break this home has 4 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths and sits on a 53 x 130 lot. $419,900

Garden Club of Western Springs meets on Feb. 28th

At the First Congregational Church, 1106 Chestnut, Plymouth Hall. They will be discussing "Continuing the Joys of Gardening" with Kristi Robinson. Meets at 12:30 and all are welcome!

She will be discussing the challenges of the older gardener.

Free college financial planning seminar for parents - February 22nd Lyons Township High School South Campus

Parents of high school students come on over to LTHS on Willow Springs Road on the 22nd from 7-9 pm Program is being hosted by the LTHS Adult Education. Seating is limited so call Ryan at 708-352-4300.

Time to order cookie dough to help School District 101 Band and Orchestra

Cookies & Milk, Cookies & hot tea, Cookies & hot chocolate, Cookies & coffee ............or just a plate of cookies. Order some now and help the local schools.

Fine Arts Festival on February 26th McClure Jr. High

Come on over to 4225 Wolf Road in Western Springs from 9 am until noon to view the art work of students and enjoy performances by the band, orchestra, choir chimes and choir performances. What a nice way to get a break from this winter weather. And who knows, you may be viewing the work of the next Monet! Share your art by contacting Katie Hettinga 708-485-2543

Sun Filled Custom Home in Western Springs

Sun Filled Custom Home in Western Springs

Reduced 4216 Garden in Old Town of Western Springs

50 x 132 lot this home has been relisted and lowered to $899,900. I personally think it is a very well appointed home and nice finishes. If you would like to go see it please give me a call. Attractively price for $899,900. Call Linda at 708-334-5356

New Listing in Old Town 4125 Lawn Avenue

Built in 1998 this home is on a 50 x 135 Lot and has 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, and is a three story home. $999,000.

For Sale: 4200 Garden in Old Town of Western Springs

4 Bedroom, 1 1/2 bath for $549,900 on a 50 x 135 lot. Expanded and updated home built in 1917.

February 7th Western Springs Raffle Prize

Sign up and win a pizza from Lou Malnati's in the Garden Market of Western Springs. I will either drop you off a frozen one from their store or I will order one to be delivered hot to your home. You must be a part of the WesternSpringsRaffle to have a chance to win.

For Sale 4907 Fair Elms Forest Hills of Western Springs

Built in 2007 this 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home is being offered for $1,699,000 Lot 80 x 150

Little Sweetheart Dance on February 13th at the Grand Avenue Gym in Western Springs

4211 Grand Avenue in Old Town of Western Springs from 2 to 3:30 Tickets available at the door. Parent/child couples come on over! Save by purchasing your tickets by Feb. 11th. Contact the Western Springs Rec Depart. 708-246-9070 ext. 426.

The Friday Mornings Mom Club at First Congregational Church in Western Springs

February 6th from 10-11 Topic is "Advance Care Planning" presented by the the Parish nurse. Adult Christian Exploration Seminar from 10-11 am. Seim room.

31st Anniversary Luncheon February 14th for the Seniors Club of Western Springs

At the rec center, 1500 Walker Members only, reservation required! A catered lunch and entertainment by the Harmonika Duo. Cost is $10. Contact Gail Stern at 708-246-2906.

Music Seminar at the First Congregational Church of Western Springs

February 13th from 10-11 1106 Chestnut Street, Old Town of Western Springs The worship of God through Music seminar series will begin with the topic of singing in worship and the historical reasons behind this practice. Led by Chancel Choir Director Ray Klemchuk. Meet in the Seim Room.

New Listing: 4733 Lawn Avenue in Western Springs

Being sold for teardown value only. Build your dream home on a 75 x 187 lot in a location that puts you walking distance to the train, Forest Hills grade school, St. John of the Cross School, parks and town. Block has many new homes. Call me now....Linda Hanley Kelly 708-334-5356 $615,000

Winner of the $50 from the Western Springs Raffle

Chuck Harwood from Springdale in Western Springs won the $50.00 bill. I think I will be taking them out to dinner!



I had a great visit with Chuck and Loretta. Loretta is an accredited appraiser of antiques and residential contents. Her services are often required for estates, divorces, insurance, etc. Loretta R. Harwood, ISA AM(International Society of Appraisers). Loretta has been on the Antique Road Show and taught silver appraising at Northwestern. If you need her services call her at 708-246-8956 or appraiserisa@covad.net. They also turned me on to some great chocolates that they get a a great price at Tuesday Mornings in Garden Market.

Closed January 27th, 2011 3905 Franklin in Field Park of Western Springs

Sold in 9 days this was a one owner home. Needed updates but boasted large rooms, LR 32 x14 and Master Bedroom 30 x 14. Sold for $550,000

4445 Harvey in Ridge Acres of Western Springs Customize your new home!

Drive by the lot-50 by 213- and then give me a call. We can get together with the builder and you can go over his plans and make the home your own.

Commonwealth in the Village, Western Springs

Southern exposure end-unit ranch with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, very nicely finished basement. $595,000 5316 Commonwealth

Ridge Acres for sale 304 45th Street $1,275,000

Built in 2005 this brick home is a 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home is on a 75 x160 lot.

For Sale 5401 Woodland in Forest Hills of Western Springs

72 x 187 lot on a dead end street. 3 bedroom 1 1/2 bath brick ranch for $425,000

For Sale 4708 Wolf Road in Western Springs

4 bedroom 1 1/2 bath home with family room on a 50 x 187 lot only 4 blocks to train. $469,900

For Sale:5441 Woodland Forest Hills of Western Springs

5441 Woodland in Forest Hills has 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and is on a 57 x 187 lot. $590,000