Closed 4101 Linden Avenue in Field Park of Western Springs

4101 Linden was on the market for 133 days with a list price of $429,900 and reduced to $389,000. It was taken off the market and went back on for 203 days at $389,000. Came off the market and was on again at $339,900 for 118 days and sold for $310,000. Corner lot, partially rehabbed. Foreclosure sale!

Sold 4145 Forest in Old Town of Western Springs

On the market for 332 days-This home was listed for $547,000 and last list price was $446,900. Closed on April 28th for $330,000 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a 2 car garage

5325 Grand in Forest Hills of Western Springs

5325 Grand Avenue sold in August of 2009 for $449,000. Put up for sale in May of 2010 for $539,900 and lowered to $509,900 it sold for $482,000 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath on a 50 x 187 lot.

Sold 508 45th in Ridge Acres of Western Springs

3 bedroom, 1 bath on a 75 x 100 foot lot in Ridge Acres. Original list price $385,000, lowered to 319,999 and sold for $315,000.

Save the Date for the Western Springs House Walk

May 22nd 11 am until 5 $30 prepaid....$35 day of event! Mark your calendar!

Closed in Ridgewood of Western Springs

3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath totally updated. Redone lower level in 2004. 140 x 80 lot. 2 fireplaces and a 3 season porch. Listed for $424,900 and sold for $405,000 in 10 days!!

Closed 4073 Rose in Old Town of Western Springs

Sold for $540,000 in 57 days. Originally listed for $599 and lowered to $579. 4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home in good condition with a family room

Closed 5325 Woodland in Forest Hills of Western Springs

Nice home on a 50 x 187 lot originally listed in 2007 for $435,000 taken off the market until 2009 when it came on for $425,000 for 190 days. Back on in February of 2011 for $419,000 when it sold in 19 days for $383,500. 3 bedroom, 2 bath.

Book Discussion Group at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library

May 4th at 7:30 pm Bel Canto by Ann Patchett Open to anyone who enjoys discussing good books.

Western Springs Household Cleanup Day May 7th

Just a reminder to start looking for stuff to get rid of!

Hillgrove Wine Cellars in Western Springs Wine Tasting

Thursday April 21st 6-8 pm Roger and Cheryl Janakus owners of Stanger Vineyard in Lemont, Il. They will pour 6 of their unique and delicious wines. Stop in for featured Easter Wines...2008 Kila Cava sparkling white, Pavao Vino Verde great with light appetizers, Di San Gregorio 2009 Rose, great for red and white drinkers, pairs well with ham, etc. Then another wine tasting on April 28th from 5-8 with wine maker Jeff Ritchey of Sensorium Winery.

Western Springs Seniors Club

Monday, May 9, 2011 at 1 PM, at the Western Springs Rec Center "Joy in the Morning" is the name of the CD produced by the Friends in Harmony choir from the Naperville Mormon Church. They are easily recognized by their colorful polka dot skirts, but known more for their wonderful singing talents. Refreshments will be served following the program.

Western Springs Garden Club Plant Sale in Western Springs

8 am until 12 noon on Saturday, May 7th - Hillgrove & Lawn - 1 block west of Wolf Road Reliably Hardy Perennials from Members' Gardens including Hostas, Grasses, Ground Covers, Herbs, Wildflowers, Sun and Shade. Geraniums and potted annuals.

Don't forget the Easter Egg Hunt in Western Springs

Tomorrow at 9 am at the Water Tower, pictures with the bunny

Just Listed 11143 Shelley in Westchester

I just listed this brick 2 bedroom, 1 bath home for $138,900 and I think it will sell quickly so come see it tomorrow from 11-1(Thursday)

Whole Foods Fundraiser for Field Park School in Western Springs

Wow, they were able to make $4,000 at Field Park School from the shopping day at Whole Foods. Thanks to everyone who helped accomplish this!!!

Western Springs Tree Replacement Program

Call the Public Works at 708-246-1800 ext. 200 for an order form or http://www.wsprings.com/. Share the cost of a parkway tree with the Village. The Village pays 75% and the resident pays 25%. The price covers the cost of the tree, shipping, planting and a 12 month warranty. The residents share will be approximately $80.00.

Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday at 9 am rain or shine-Western Springs Water Tower

Just a reminder that the Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday morning from 9-9:30 am. The Easter Bunny will be there for pictures with the kids at 9:15. 800 West(the restauarant at the corner of Wolf Road and Hillgrove Avenue) will be having an all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast. $4.99 for adults and $2.99 for kids. Make a morning of the Easter Egg Hunt!

Household Cleanup Day...Western Springs May 7th

Mark your calendars. May 7th is the day we can all put unlimited amounts of household items including clothing, draperies, household goods, carpeting, books, furniture, scrap metals, appliances and white goods on the curb. Place your stuff out no sooner than 6 pm the day before and no later than 6 am on collection day.

The Western Springs Music Club meets April 13th

12:45 at a members home. The program will be hosted by Nola Gustafson and includes classical music performances by Gustafson on the piano, Dorothy Lund on the cello and Loretta Meistininkiene on the piano. Call 708-579-3779

The Book Rack in Western Springs closed on Friday after 36 years.

It is sad to see another long-time business close their doors. Most of the books that weren't sold by Friday were being donated to Goodwill and public libraries in Western Springs and LaGrange. Thanks for all the years you gave the town.

"Seussical" at Nazareth Academy on April 14,15,17

The drama department of Nazareth Academy will be performing the musical "Seussical" on April 14,15 and 17 in the school auditorium. Some of the Western Springs students in the cast include Danny Callaghan, Jack Conlon, Annie Gustafoson, Drew Minik, Ryan Minik and Maggie Smith. For more information....

Application for The Lyons Township High School Hall of Fame

Deadline for nominations is April 29th. Lyons Township is looking for graduates and friends of the district who have accomplised great things. If you know someone you think should be inducted contact the 2011 LTHS Hall of Fame committee at 708-579-6483 or download the application from the school website. Self nominations are welcome.

Kindergarten registration and screening -April 11,12 and 13 Western Springs Elementary District 101

Screening and registration is at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4370 Woodland Avenue. All children eligible for kindergarten for the 2011-2012 school year are expected to register at this time. Appointments are needed. Call Mary at 708-246-3700. Bring copy of birth certificate, two proofs of residency(including copy of real estate tax bill). Process will take approximately one hour.

Open House at Stems and Twigs Thursday from 2-8 pm

Just in time for the Easter Holiday. Stop in and enjoy food and beverages. There will be a spring flower arranging class at the Uptown Shop next door at 2 pm. If you have never been to either of these stores treat yourself and go downtown to the Uptown Shop and Stems and Twigs. 919 Burlington Avenue, Western Springs

April 11th Prize for the Western Springs Raffe

Win an Easter Egg Cake from Kirschbaums Bakery in downtown Western Springs. I will deliver it to you in time for your celebration. Be sure and check out all the nice pastries and rolls they have available for your Easter Brunch. Located on the 800 block of Burlington Avenue. Be sure and check them out online where you can pre-order!

In the Last Month 10 home sales have closed in Western Springs

According to the reported sales in the MLS(multiple listing service) 10 homes have closed here in Western Springs. 6 closed for under 500,000 and 4 closed between 600,000 and 1 million. There were no closings over a million however of the 6 sales for under 500,000 I have heard that 3 of them are teardowns. So what I can conclude from that is people still find us a highly desireable town and are willing to invest money in building here.

Heartland Bank and Trust will assume deposits for Western Springs National Bank

No need to panic if you bank at the Western Springs National Bank. They are FDIC insured and the Heartland Bank and Trust will be taking over all deposits. To find out more go to the Wall Street Journal.

Western Springs National Bank Closes

The bank reportedly closed today.

Closed in Forest Hills of Western Springs

3 bedroom, 1 bath on a 70 x 187 lot in Forest Hills. Listed and sold right away. Listed for $435,000 and sold for $435,000. Liveable but also very good lot for building.

Closed: 4040 Clausen in Field Park of Western Springs

This charming cottage sold in 3 days. Listed for $399,900 it closed on April 5th, 2011 for $380,000. Home was dated but sat on an 80 x 131 lot. More than likely it is a teardown.

Mail-in registration for the summer rec program in Western Springs

Mail-in registration must be received by April 14th, 2011-4:30 PM. Western Springs Recreation Center, 1500 Walker Street, Western Springs, Il 60558 Don't wait until it is too late!!!

Winner of the Chocolate Milk

It is always fun to drop off the prizes. Gives me a chance to meet and visit with the residents of Western Springs. Diane and Dan in Springdale won but I think their children and friends will be the ones enjoying the treat. Oberweis is on Burlington Avenue in downtown Western Springs. As the weather gets nicer the store gets busier. Stop by for an ice cream specialty!

The Shiny Penny Listing

From time to time when I am out on tour or just looking over the new listings I will post one with this shiny penny. What that means is I think it is the best in its price range. Not all shiny pennies will be spotless, updated homes....some may just be great deals. Linda Hanley Kelly, Charles Rutenberg Realty, 708-334-5356 Full-time broker for the past 30 years.

Western Springs Easter Egg Hunt

April 16th from 9 am until 9:30 am Bring the kids for an Easter Egg Hunt and a visit with the Easter Bunny! After it go over to 800 West(the restaurant on the corner of Hillgrove Avenue and Wolf Road) for an all you can eat pancake breakfast.