Maryknoll residents saw a slight increase in their home values in 2006.  The average sale price was $647,500 and they were on the market for just over 70 days. This is just a 3% increase from 2005 as compared to the 7% increase in home prices in 2005. The Maryknoll townhomes saw an increase in their home prices by only 1% in 2006.  The average 2006 sale was $412,667 for a 3 bedroom, 3 bath townhome.   Sherry Spengelwww.dupagedreamhomes.com  01/26/2007

One of the nicest subdivisions in South Glen Ellyn is Maryknoll.  It is located in near the intersection of Rt. 53 and Roosevelt Road.  The 3000+ square foot homes were built in the mid to late 1980s next to the 25 acre Maryknoll Seminary property.  The terrain is hilly and the trees are thick and mature.   The Glen Ellyn Park District, at the request of the Maryknoll residents purchased the old, abandoned Seminary in 2000 for $5.3 million with the help of other local government agencies.  “Holes & Knolls,” a 36-hole miniature golf course and clubhouse were built in 2004.  Future plans for the land include a splash pad, picnic shelter, climbing net, rock formation and an 80 foot long cable ride.  Grassy areas will be made for volleyball, Frisbee and horseshoes.  The Maryknoll homes are... 01/26/2007

 Need a night out?  The Glen Ellyn Village Theatre Guild is just place to for quality theatre and entertainment.  This non-profit community theatre has been a staple of art and entertainment since 1963.The quaint theatre was originally built in 1917 as a one-room school house in the Southeast corner of Glen Ellyn.  The cozy setting is intimate, with only about 60 audience seats.  Their latest show, Talking With… debuts on January 19, 2007. Check out the Guild’s website for more information about this and other shows.  http://www.villagetheatreguild.org/   01/18/2007

Located atop Honeysuckle Hill, Glenbard West overlooks beautiful Lake Ellyn.  The school was originally built as a resort hotel serving the wealthy Chicago elite. The castle style of the building is complete with turret roofs and castle details.    Then, in 1922 the property was purchased for $1 and renamed Glenbard High School housing students from many nearby towns.  Today the school has been renamed Glenbard West and caries the nickname, Castle on the Hill.  Or, if you are an alumni of their sister school across town, the 1970s windowless Glenbard South, Dump on the Hump.Numerous additions have been added over the years consistent with the historic castle design. The Zahrobsky Botanical Garden, Shakespeare Garden and Poet’s Corner are just a few of the ground improvements.Glenbard We... 01/14/2007

Glen Ellyn, Illinois is a wonderful, bedroom community.  Many famous people have been born and lived in Glen Ellyn.  Here's a list of just a few.  If you know of other famous people, drop me an email and I will include them in the list. Laurie Anderson – musician and performance artist, Before Night Falls, Something Wild, Monster in a BoxMatt Bowen - Buffalo Bills safetyAmy Carlson - actor, Another World and Third Watch.Jeffery Deaver - mystery writerKatherine Dunham – dancer and social activist, in her heyday (1940s, 50s, and 60s) she was called the Matriarch and Queen Mother of Black DanceMike Hall - ESPNU anchor, this is ESPN’s newest stations dedicated to college sportsSean Hayes, actor, Will & GraceBobby Rahal – racer in Formula 1 and CARTLarry Shue – playwright, The Foreigner and ... 01/14/2007

Derby Glen Subdivision, Glen Ellyn IllinoisDerby Glen is a residential subdivision in the North West corner of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The traditional homes were built in the mid 1990s by J.C. Brothers Homes.   In 2005, three Derby Glen home sold.  The properties (4 bedrooms each) had an average sale of $600,333 and a market time of 12 days.5 homes sold in 2006.  There were four, four bedroom homes with an average sale price of $631,125.  The market time when up to an average of 58 days.So, the market times were considerably higher in 2006.  The appreciation in Derby Glen last year was up a little over 5%. 01/11/2007

Glen Ellyn, Illinois is a quintessential bedroom community only 22 miles West of Chicago.  Main Street is right out of a Frank Capra movie. However, many of the smaller homes have been replaced with larger, more modern structures.There are currently 52 homes on the market over $1,000,000 with an average market time of 471 days.  Last year, only 18 homes sold over $1,000,000 with an average market time of 477 days.  2005 saw 21 sales of homes over $1,000,000 with a much lower market time of 204 days.  At this rate, it will take over 2-1/2 years to sell just the current supply of homes.Sherry Spengelhttp://www.dupagedreamhomes.com/  01/10/2007

The latest Glen Ellyn School District 41 committee has determined that the school board should make new classrooms a top priority.  For those of you not up on the current situation in our schools:  We have 4 elementary schools (K-5), one middle school (6-8) and 26 portable classrooms housing almost 600 students.  I sat on the first committee that made this recommendation - to no avail.  Now, finally the second committee charged with moving around boundaries to alleviate overcrowding has determined that won't work and new classroom space should be found.The question now, do we go to referendum in April 2007 or wait until March 2008.  The January 22nd School Board meeting will determine if an April 2007 ballot is possible.  Check back then for the latest developments.  In the meantime, em... 01/09/2007

 The Illinois Prairie Path is a multi-use nature trail for public use that spans approximately 61 miles in Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties.  In Glen Ellyn, the Prairie Path runs parallel to the railroad tracks.  The Prairie Path can be used for running, walking, bike riding, and even horse back riding.  For your comfort, along the path you will find restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, parks, playgrounds, gazebos, informational showcases, and trash containers.Main Street Recreation Center is located on the southwest corner of Hill Avenue and Main Street and in addition to the recreation center, the park offers a basketball court, a play area, and a playground.Ackerman Park is a 64-acre park located on the north side of St. Charles Road just east of Riford Road.  The park offers eight ... 01/03/2007

Population: 27,000+Settled in 1833, this quaint and picturesque town lies nestled amongst rolling hills, with tree-lined streets, vintage architecture and several antique shops - all of which give it the warmth and flavor of a New England town.  The National Register of Historic Places has given part of Glen Ellyn's Main Street historical status, which adds to the old-town charm.The Glen Ellyn School System has a strong reputation of providing students with high quality education.  A complete range of educational opportunities are available to the students of Glen Ellyn's Districts 41, 87, and 89.  High school students attend either Glenbard West or Glenbard South in District 87.  In addition to eight public elementary schools and two public middle schools, there are two Catholic elemen... 01/03/2007