If you are interested in enjoying the outdoors and participating in a variety of fun, exciting and interesting activities, you are in luck! There are a number of different festivals scheduled this summer that will be a ton of fun.

 *Pride of the Fox Riverfest, June 7^th-9^th (St. Charles)

http://www.prideofthefox.org/

*Swedish Days, June 18^th- June 23^rd (Geneva)

http://www.genevachamber.com/swedishdays.html

*Geneva Arts Fair, July 27-28 (Geneva)

http://www.genevachamber.com/artfair.html#gallery

*Elburn Days, August 16^th-18^th (Elburn)

http://www.elburnlions.com/elburn-days

*Festival of the Vine, September 6^th-8^th (Geneva)

http://www.genevachamber.com/festivalofthevine.html

Whether you already live here or you are just visiting, the Fox Valley is a great place to be! If you are interested in information about the benefits of home ownership in this area please contact a real estate professional with the Rullo Team. 

1. Great Gatsby- The F. Scott Fitzgerald classic novel comes to the big screen for the second time in big ways.  From Robert Redford to Leonardo DiCaprio, many things keep true to the originals (aka handsome lead roles), yet as the time progresses, so do the special effects and the glamour.  This film is said to be great.
2. Man of Steel- Superhero movies seem to be all the rage lately.  There have been movies about almost every single one over the past few years, well almost every one.  Where was the movie about superman?  Well, now you have it.  Set to come out on June 14^th, Superman has a lot of competition with the rest of the super hero movies.  Let’s see if this one can live up to the hero hype.
3. Despicable Me 2- Even if you are not still a kid on the outside, the kid on the inside will still get enjoyment out of the sequel to the hilarious animated film about a villain who turns good with the help of his new children.  It is a very cute movie so don’t feel bad when you enjoy this film a little more than an adult actually should!
4. The Lone Ranger- If you are a fan of Disney movies and Johnny Depp, you are in luck.  The story is told from Depp’s (Tonto’s) point of view so you’re going to get a lot of Johnny and who doesn’t want that?!
5. This Is The End- This comedy has many of the classic comedians we see in movies nowadays such as Paul Rudd, Seth Rogan, James Franco, Jonah Hill, and the list goes on and on, even Emma Watson is in it!  The catch to all these actors is that they are all playing themselves!

If you are interested in information about the benefits of home ownership in the Fox Valley Area please contact a real estate professional with the Rullo Team. 

image via: digital.thejoytime.com

And in perfect condition! Lovely 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath Colonial home with awesome curb appeal! Rare 6/10 acre wooded lot situated on a private cul-de-sac with scenic views, lush surroundings, storage shed and in walking distance to downtown, the river & parks! Inviting covered front porch opens to a living room with floor to ceiling windows and a formal dining room with great trim work. Beautiful kitchen has hardwood flooring, Corian counters, atrium window, lots of cabinetry, a granite preparation island, convenient planning desk, stainless appliances and a large dinette with glass door leading to a brick paved patio and custom deck. The glistening hardwoods extend into the spacious but cozy family room which is highlighted by a full brick fireplace and wall of built-ins. Master bedroom has a private bath, and the additional 3 bedrooms are nice sized with ample closet space. An open staircase leads to the lower level which has been finished to include a 5^th bedroom, full bath, 23x16 recreation and 17x12 game rooms. Updates: roof, HVAC, fixtures, flooring, granite baths, appliances, patio, deck and more!

Absolutely gorgeous 4 bedroom, 4 ½ bath custom home with amenities & details throughout! 10 & 12 foot ceilings; hardwood, carpet & slate flooring; extensive Prairie trim work; stained & leaded glass windows & lighting! Living room with deep base board, solid double doors & huge stacked windows. Impressive trim is found in the formal dining room along with a butler’s pantry & swing doors to the dinette. Stunning family room with a wall of windows, boxed beamed ceiling with stained glass lighting, a fireplace & glass cabinetry built-ins. The kitchen has beautiful Maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a commercial stove, breakfast bar island & a large dinette with glass wall overlooking the screened porch. The library has glass doors, a recessed boxed window seat & a full wall of built-ins with glass block transoms. There is also a first floor den! The master suite is in its own wing complete with a tiered tray ceiling, window surround sitting room, 3-sided fireplace & a luxurious European bath with whirlpool! Bedroom #2 has a walk-in closet and private bath. Bedrooms #3 & #4 have decorative shaped ceilings. The laundry room contains a utility sink, counters & cabinetry; it is conveniently located on the 2^nd floor. The basement has been beautifully finished to include a 39x26 recreation room, full bath & a fantastic 12x11 wine cellar. Tranquil lot on the golf course with water views!

Quality built all brick ranch home on a scenic 2-acre lot! Spacious floor plan, hardwood & porcelain tile flooring, 9-foot & volume ceilings. Formal living room, granite kitchen with breakfast bar island opens to a window surround dining area with an 11 foot ceiling! First floor laundry & separate storage room; master has 2 walk-in closets & private luxury bath. Deep pour basement with a convenient outside entrance. 3+ car garage – nice location minutes from the Metra station!

Very pretty Colonial on a quiet tree-lined street! Cute curb appeal with a brick walkway and white pillared covered front porch. Glistening hardwood flooring on the entire first floor; formal living room; vaulted family room with skylights, fireplace, and a glass door opening to brick patio. Huge kitchen with an abundance of cabinetry & counters, a peninsula breakfast bar and a very spacious dinette with a big bright window. There is a 19x11 loft with window and closet that can easily be converted into the 4^th bedroom. Deep tray master with private bath; bedroom #3 has a cathedral ceiling with a large Palladium window. The finished basement includes a 21x13 recreation room and an 11x11 media area. Privacy fenced yard, shed and pool. Super cute – Super Value!

Here are some of the major home design trends you can expect to see in 2013 – some of these may surprise you!

Multigenerational housing is hotter than ever.
Expect to see more… Mother-in-Law suites, finished apartments over garages, separate entrances/exits for bedrooms, finished basements with bathrooms and kitchens.

Earthy textures are here to stay.
Expect to see more…wicker baskets, natural stone, ceramic pottery, boldly textured wood pieces, natural shell.

Go green!
Expect to see more…emerald kitchen ware, emerald accent walls, emerald frames, emerald yard art.

Antiques can bring new life to a dull, dreary home.
Expect to see more…antique farm/barn piece, antique hardware or machine parts, antique organizers.

For more information, visit www.afrmortgage.com/blog/4-home-decorating-trends-for-2013

If you are interested in information about the benefits of home ownership in the Fox Valley Area please contact a real estate professional with the Rullo Team. 

Staging is what you do after you've cleaned, decluttered, painted, made minor repairs; it's all about dressing the house for sale. It's about adding the small details: the lipstick, mascara and a single strand of pearls.

Staging makes your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more loving and, best of all; it makes home buyers want to buy it. Professional stagers are highly skilled artists.  They know how to arrange furniture in appealing groupings, how to display knickknacks, and what items should be added to shelving and mantels to draw attention. 

Stagers will bring into a home items like mirrors, plants, pillows, rugs and much more.  They will make kitchens sparkle and bathrooms look open and airy like a spa.  Outdoor areas also get attention by adding flowers and bright colors. To learn more about professional stagers' tricks and secrets, visit the www.homebuying.about.com website and click on the home staging link.

If you would like any information on local real estate, visit our website at www.therulloteam.com.

A few ideas for Mother's Day....

Arcada Theatre,Saint Charles, The Mother’s Day Comedy Cabaret, Sunday, May 12, 2013, 5pm. "COMEDY ONLY A MOTHER CAN LOVE" From the Southern Fried Chicks tour.​ $20 per ticket includes a glass of prosecco and strawberries for Mom, small plate appetizers and desserts for purchase and one of the funniest nights of her life! For information, visit: www.oshows.com

Hotel Baker, St. Charles, Mother's Day Brunch, Sunday, May 12, 2013, 9am-3pm. Wonderful spread of gourmet creations, appetizing starters, sinful desserts and much more! Limited seating-Reserve early. Call (630) 584-2100. For additional information, please visit www.hotelbaker.com

Townhouse Books, St. Charles, Mother's Day Brunch, Sunday, May 12, 2013. A special Mother's Day Brunch where mom gets a beautiful long-stemmed rose, a complimentary mimosa and a special 10% off in the bookstore.  Visit:  www.townhousebooks.com for more details.

The Herrington Inn, and Atwater’s in Geneva, Mother’s Day Brunch May 12th, 2013. Offering an extensive brunch buffet in The Pumphouse ballroom; seatings are available from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm; reservations are required. A limited holiday menu in Atwater’s for a more intimate setting will also be offered.  Reservations are required on Mother’s Day in Atwater’s.  For more information, visit: www.herringtoninn.com/dining/special-events/All

All Chocolate Kitchen, Geneva, CONTEST!!!, DEADLINE MAY 8^th!! Featuring “The Mother of All Foodies” Contest on Mother’s Day, contestants share their favorite chocolate dessert recipe for a chance to bake with Chef Roby himself. To participate, contestants should send their best chocolate dessert recipe and a letter on why their mom is the sweetest to info@allchocolatekitchen.com by Wednesday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. For details, visit: www.allchocolatekitchen.com

This 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath original owner home has been very well maintained! Full front porch is very inviting! Living room with pocket doors leading to the formal dining room; spacious kitchen has breakfast bar peninsula, walk-in pantry, plenty of counters and cabinetry and a full walk-out bay dinette. The family room is highlighted by a floor to ceiling brick fireplace with side-by-side custom shelving/entertainment center. There is a laundry/mud room, newer roof, zoned furnace, air conditioning, new carpet and paint. Full basement with convenient exterior access! 3-car garage and lovely landscaped private lot!

CALL ALEX & VICKY TODAY (630) 513-1771

Lovely end-unit townhome/duplex with 2 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, finished basement and a 2-car attached garage! Immaculately maintained, quality throughout and a great open floor plan! Gracious two story foyer and living room with stacked windows & fireplace. Nice size dining room and a spacious kitchen with hardwoods, granite counters, glass backsplash, 42” Birch cabinetry, built-ins and a dinette. Convenient first floor laundry; the second floor has an 11x10 multi-purpose loft with closet, a cathedral ceiling master with private luxury bath and a second bedroom with an adjacent full bath. The finished basement includes a 24x24 recreation room and plenty of storage space. Quaint, quiet neighborhood, brick paved patio, nature trees and more!                                                                                                                         

Call Alex & Vicky 630-513-1771

                                                                     

FREE EXHIBIT – May 1 through September 30, 2013

PUBLIC RECEPTION  -  June 14, 2013, 5-7pm, meet the sculptors!

Mt. St. Mary Park
Located along Rt. 31 at Prairie Street along the beautiful Fox River in St. Charles

A Must See Experience! People of all ages are welcome to enjoy this magnificent free exhibit of original and unique sculpture. Sponsored by the St. Charles Park District and the St. Charles Park Foundation.  

The Sculpture in the Park project raises awareness of the sculptural arts and the beautiful parks in downtown St. Charles.

Photos from 2012:

For more information, visit:  www.st-charlesparks.org/Special-Events/sculpture-in-the-park.asp

Walk with us…

May 18, 2013, 8:00 AM

Kane County Forest Preserve, Fabyan Park, Route 31 Entrance

Raising funds to help those who have been touched by cancer.

This is the 8th annual LivingWell Cancer Resource Center Bridge Walk. The walk is a great way to raise funds and awareness about the resources available at LivingWell. Come out for a fun filled morning of exercise, good company, and support a great cause. Interested individuals are invited to create teams of friends, families, neighbors and coworkers; Pets and strollers are welcome.

Event Schedule:

Registration and T-Shirt Pick-Up 5/18/2013 7:00 am - 8:30 am

8th Annual Bridge Walk 5/18/2013 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Adult/Teen: $25 (13 and older), Child: $15 (Ages 7 - 12), Student: $5 (Member of a School Team)

No Fees: Cancer Survivor/Client, Child (Ages 6 and under), LWCRC Volunteer

For more information, to register, to be a sponsor, or to make a donation, visit the Bridge Walk website.

Spacious Ranch in pristine condition! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, inviting front porch, 2-car garage, storage shed & more! Living room with floor to ceiling windows; hardwood family room with fireplace and glass door opening to a deck and private wooded lot. Bright kitchen with plenty of cabinets, counters, hardwood flooring and a large dinette with a deep bay window. The finished basement includes a 4^th bedroom and a huge recreation room with recessed lighting. A lot of house and land for the money!

Brick front end-unit 3 bedroom 1 ½ bath townhome with a private entrance. Wonderful location in quaint Batavia ~ walk to the downtown, library, shops, restaurants, Quarry pool, river and the bike paths! Spacious floor plan is light, bright & airy! Living room with lots of windows; nice size kitchen with a dining area; first floor laundry; attached garage & more! Immediate Occupancy and Super Affordable!

You are cordially invited to the TriCity Family Services

24th Annual Benefit and Auction

"All That Glitters - Treasuring Teens"

on Saturday, April 20, 2013

Lincoln Inn Banquets

1345 Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510

5:30 - 7:00 PM Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction

7:00 PM Dinner, Cocktail Attire

Cost to attend: $80 Per Person, $600 for a table for 8, $750 for a table of 10

After dinner entertainment by: Stan Karcz, Piano Man Productions

Auctioneer services provided by: Keith Jones, Sayre and Jones Auctioneers, Ltd.

Experience an elegant evening featuring a seated dinner (a plated duo of chicken in a champagne sauce, and salmon in a dill cream sauce, with salad and desert), entertainment, extensive silent auction, exciting live auction, raffles, and the Golden Heart Awards for long-standing and meritorious philanthropic support of TriCity Family Services.

Visit the TriCity Family Services website to register online, get Sponsorship information, see the Live Auction package list and much more!

TriCity Family Services (TCFS) is a private, not-for-profit, human service agency serving the community members and organizations of central Kane County. TCFS provides family-centered mental health treatment and wellness services

Prairie Event Center, Kane County Fairgrounds
525 S. Randall Rd., St. Charles

Presented by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce to benefit Geneva History Center, Geneva Lions Club and Rotary Club of Geneva!

Mark your calendar for April 19, 2013!

Doors/cash bar open at 5:30pm, sampling begins at 6pm.

Attendees will sample hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, side dishes & desserts made by people they know in the community and then vote for their favorite.

Go online early to meet the sixty “local celebrities” and vote.  ONLINE VOTING ENDS 5 pm APRIL 17, 2013

Purchase tickets online for $28 each and pick up at “will call” the night of event. Tickets can also be purchased at Geneva Chamber of Commerce (8 S. Third St.), Geneva History Center (113 S. Third St.), State Street Jewelers (214 W. State St) or Paper Merchant (328 S. Third St.)

Questions? Please call Geneva Chamber 630.232.6060 or visit the Geneva Chamber of Commerce website.

The goal of the Kane County Forest Preserve District is "to preserve and restore the nature of Kane County".

There are quite a few programs that are being offered this spring that will allow you to enjoy the results of the District’s labors.  Family Programs, Children’s Programs and Adult Programs where prices range from FREE to $15 (most are free), Summer Day Camps, Volunteer Programs and Special Events are all available. Come out and learn to identify frogs by songs and physical characteristics or plant an Oak Tree on earth day, and much, much more! 

For more information, please visit http://www.kaneforest.com/ and check out the Spring 2013 edition of The Tree Line