Sunday serenity

How could anyone not love it here?

I hope all of you had a chance to read the beautiful poem "HOME" written by Richard Alan Burke. It details the great place Candlewick is in which to live. You will find the poem on the first page of the "leisure" section of the current newsletter.

Great job, Richard, we hope to see more of your works.

Ken Dillenburg

Another reason to love government

Last Wednesday I received the new assessment for our home. Upon reading the document I realized I am now eligible for the senior citizen adjustment, which could mean savings on the tax bill. Good news!

I called the assessor’s office immediately and sure enough, I am eligible but then came the bad news. It seems the break off for adjusting the current assessment for this was the prior Friday, oddly enough just before the mailing was sent. I was told the break off date is the law. I was also told in order to apply for the adjustment I would have to come in in person to sign up for it in the future.

Am I the only one that finds this a strange situation? Would it not be the same thing as a business sending out an advertising flyer then telling you it has expired when you go into the store the same day? Yep, gotta love the way government looks out for the people, right?

A new city government for Candlewick? Just what we need, another layer to fight with, levy more taxes, and write new ordinances for our “own good.” Give me a break!

Ken Dillenburg

Continuing Rich D’s theme

After looking at Rich’s cartoon something crossed my mind. I have spoken with a lot of people about the re-writes and not one person indicated they like the product. I have heard some say there are some good things in them. Actually I have also said that myself. I have not even heard those involved in the process say they like them as now written. Maybe the old memory is failing me but I can not recall one statement of complete support. I believe these are dead in the water, and that is probably a good thing.

The CC&Rs need a 50% plus one vote to pass but the BYLAWS need only a 30% yes vote to carry so they have a slightly better chance but I wouldn’t bet the farm on their passage either. I know I am not alone in my contention these might have had a better chance if the community was not in such a “trust no-one” mode with the inc. battle. It is hard to believe but it seems both sides are in agreement on this one issue. That tells you something in itself.

Why in the world the old documents were not simply amended with deletions and additions as necessary so one could look side by side and make a comparison I don’t know. Instead they were pretty much from scratch documents full of legalese and debatable interpretations. A lot of our money has been spent on legal fees to accomplish what seems to be nothing but possible eventual legal battles over interpretation if they were to pass. What is wrong with simple straight forward language like we speak to each other in daily conversation? Let’s get back to basics so we can all participate.

My opinion only………Ken Dillenburg

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Two weeks ago I watched the Wizard of Oz again with my great-grandson. Since I’ve seen it a number of times I was more interested in his observations about the movie. I should mention that he is three plus years old. First, he was wondering why it was in black and white and then in color. Then, he got interested in the flying monkeys and the witch and the munchkins. When we got to the unveiling of the Wizard he said, “It’s just a man, not a real wizard. Why did they believe he had all the answers?” It makes you think – when a three plus year old questions why some people would believe the words of a hidden so-called expert shouldn’t we question it also?

Sandy Morse

Scariest monster of them all........

A lot of tricks but no treats!

Ken Dillenburg

A personal experience

Last Thursday was my first appointment with my cardiologist since my heart procedure a couple weeks ago. I was shocked by the conversation with the nurse taking my “vitals” and hooking me up to a wearable monitor. If any of you do not feel the the negative statements to the press by those believing more government is better has had an effect on our reputation outside these gates read on.

The nurse asked where I live and I told her. Her reaction was to ask if there are a lot of criminals living here. Yes, she used he word criminals. I told her every area has some problem people but Candlewick is not a bad place to live. She then said she had heard people are getting things stolen and having their houses painted on. I told her we love Candlewick and have had no problems ourselves. That was the end of it but that was enough. I felt sick.

This is not the way I want our community to be viewed. We have no intention of selling our home but what do you think this perception would do to our property value if we wished to sell? I could tell she wanted no part of Candlewick. Draw your own conclusions but this is not in any way good for the place we call home. It is embarrassing.

Ken Dillenburg

Sunday's peaceful post

I would like to re-post a submission from a couple who love it here at Candlewick. With all the uproar this past week I am afraid it was missed in the shuffle by some readers.

Comments from a happy Candlewick couple

My husband and I moved to Candlewick after many, many months of searching. Eight years ago, we found Candlewick Lake, and knew we wanted to build our home. We felt certain this community was one which we could grow in, and even stay and retire, when that time comes. We love that it has all which we were searching for, and much more. We truly enjoy seeing the changing seasons, experiencing the close neighborly atmosphere, and the multitude of things Candlewick offers. Moving into a gated community was a new concept for us, but something which we discussed and wanted. It has been a very positive attribute for us. The local security has been most helpful, who provide a sense of well-being. What has been a true joy in these 8 years has been meeting our neighbors, and enjoying the vast variety of amenities with them. Additionally, it is wonderful to see Candlewick during holidays. One amenity which is a specific treasure is the pool, and the classes. For over a year I have been seeing a therapist due to a back injury. Once my doctor suggested “aqua therapy” I joined the classes, and my recovery is finally on the up-swing. Not to mention how fun it was to meet more neighbors. Our friends and family who come to visit are always surprised by the beauty of the lake, the homes, the variety of amenities, and love to stay. Our hope is to stay and enjoy our home, our neighbors, and Candlewick Lake community …hopefully for another 30 to 40 years.

Sincerely, Robert and Julie Fanciullacci Happy residents of Candlewick Lake

A bit of a time warp (apologies to the Rocky Horror fans)

Allow me to take you back to about a year ago this time. I don’t believe a lot of Candlewick residents are aware of this but now you will know and you can draw your own conclusions.

We were in the middle of the budgeting process. A person who was a board member at the time and later I found was also a strong incorporation supporter decided we needed to have a dues increase of $113.00 per year to cover needed and projected expenses. I could not for the life of me see where this increase was warranted or necessary. He proceeded to take this finding to the board of directors.

The majority of the board came to the same conclusion as I and not only unceremoniously dumped the idea of the $113.00 increase but also added free amenities for the residents along with no dues increase at all. This year we are once again coming in under budget so what in the world made the proposed increase seem necessary?

Later in the year the plan to incorporate Candlewick was formally presented to the residents along with the plan to get signatures for a vote while bypassing the property owners in favor of residents. I have no idea if this even ties together but would you have reacted differently to the incorporation idea if your dues had gone up 10% or so in the economic situation many find themselves? There would have been fury at the board and management, making a much stronger argument for the more government group.

We are currently in the process of planning for next year’s budget and even a possible two year budget is being kicked around. Rest assured this will be lean and mean, just as you and I both expect it to be. You will be informed. Nothing will be in the shadows.

Ken Dillenburg

Let’s talk legalese

Here is a term that can be misleading to many. Doesn’t dedication of assets seem like a nice soft and fuzzy term? Well, let’s discuss it.

A very important part of the plan of those first involved in the re-writes of our governing documents was making dedication of assets by our board possible without the current mandated vote of 50% plus one of the property owners. This was before incorporation was being very openly discussed in our community. Many of those on the re-write committee were and are still staunch supporters of incorporation.

What the non-threatening term “dedication” means is the board being able to give away all the property we own as associate members to a new city. Our buildings, streets, parks, you name it could all be given away by the board without your consent. You have paid taxes on these assets, you have paid to maintain these assets, and you have even paid to build these assets. Do you want seven people to have the authority to give them away? I don’t!

I asked the question at one of the informational meetings regarding the re-writes worded very close to the following…………”Keeping in mind your errors and omissions policy is there anything in the newly written documents that would allow our assets to be given away by any other means than a 50% plus 1 vote of the property owners?” I asked the question directly to the attorney present to answer questions. He chose not to answer. A member of the panel said no but does it give you pause to realize the attorney would not commit? I want and expect solid answers before supporting any re-writes of our governing documents. We deserve to know what we are signing off on. Would you sign any contract without understanding what is in it?

These are dangerous times, folks, and vigilance is most necessary. Do not be fooled by gentle sounding phrases. Demand answers to the tough questions.

Ken Dillenburg

You’re darn right I’m still mad

Why in the world the subject of a P.O. vote regarding opinion of incorporation would come up during a report on strategic planning is beyond me when the exact subject was further down the agenda with a twenty minute time set-aside for discussion. Had the board been given input before the vote was taken I believe the downside to the idea would have been obvious. That did not happen. I believe this is called blindsiding.

The action was eight days after the circuit court threw out the request and until that time strategic planning was doing just fine with their mission. Suddenly that all changed and the P.O. opinion was absolutely necessary. Does that strike anyone else as strange? Years of work without it but a sudden stop of progression eight days after the court ruling. Hmmmm. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark as Marcellas says to Horatio in Hamlet.

Not being able to proceed with strategic planning is analogous to saying we can not produce a budget for the same reason. It is ridiculous. Strategic planning has been proceeding for years. I can think of nothing I have heard from that group since the beginning but now it is a sudden emergency. I would like to see some sort of documentation detailing what they are trying to accomplish in the first place. All facets of our association are proceeding without this group including roads, lake projects, you name it. Possibly it is time to disband the group since it has no discernable purpose and seems unable to function in the current environment.

If this is the way it is to be played, let’s have at it. No holds barred. Let’s see how the property owners feel about these kind of shenanigans.

I will end this post with the definition of a phrase you will want to consider.

From ENCARTA……

hidden agenda undisclosed motive or objective: a plan, motive, or objective underlying somebody's actions that is kept secret from others

Ken Dillenburg

Tuesday's irritating board meeting

We’ll cover the nicer aspects first. This was the most well attended meeting I can remember and I thank you all for that.

There was a fair amount of discussion on the roads plans and funding with the explanation the road fund itself has reserves of almost $800,000.00. The point that was difficult to explain was the regular reserve fund, which is carrying over $1,843,275. The road reserves are strictly for the roads but the yearly capital projects reserve contribution goes into the regular reserve account which will be tapped for roads as needed as well as other necessary projects. It simply doesn’t carry the specific designation but will be used as needed and the road fund will be used first when the project starts. Currently we are fixing the worst areas but a comprehensive ongoing plan is being worked out to avoid overspending so things are progressing well, fixing the worst roads first on a continuing basis.

Our total cash on hand is now about $3,581,450 so we are looking good plus we are coming in under budget again so far this year by about $76,000. This means tight controls are in place and the finance committee, board, and management are working diligently to control all costs associated with our association. The question came up asking where did the funds go from last year’s under budget savings. The money is sitting securely in the reserves where it should be.

Lake quality is another question raised since the lake still at this late date has some algae and appears dirty. There is no solid answer but with the dredging continuing it is surmised that is probably the culprit. The dredger had some mechanical problems again but is now back at work so this can be finished this fall and we can look for a much improved lake quality next year. The work is in the final finger at this time.

The CC&Rs mailing was again discussed. The mailing date is still not set in stone but with the dissention about the changes there is consideration about trying to pass the CC&Rs separately from the bylaws. The bylaws need only a 30% P.O. vote to pass and the CC&Rs need 50% plus one. It is still up in the air. A state law recently passed indicating the board members can no longer get paid for their work. These folks spend a lot of time on their duties and deserve some compensation for their time. It was $50.00 per month and it is only fair they get that so hopefully something will pass allowing that in our bylaws. My opinion only.

Now for by far the most irritating part of the meeting. I mentioned a couple days ago one of the original pro-incorporation people got a proposal on the agenda to put the question in with the board election ballots this year to see if the P.O.s have an interest in pursuing incorporation. Remember this is after total rejection last Monday in court on the incorporation issue. Well, that proposal was tabled due to lack of support after about a thirty minute very spirited battle but get this. Earlier in the meeting when audience input was not allowed there was a report by Kathy (board member) on strategic planning. She said they could not go on without knowing if we are going to incorporate. She asked for the question to go out with the CC&R ballot to all the P.O.s for their feelings so they could continue the planning. Only six members of the board were there and they agreed with the exception of Rich Witt the board needed to know the wishes of the P.O.s. Rich felt the planning could go on and was a liquid plan anyway with changes coming no matter what. The matter passed without allowed input from the attendees. You be the judge of what was behind this.

I can only assume the board voted the way they think is correct for the community as I have indicated many times before but they are dead wrong this time. They have just lit the fuse for the next phase of solid dissent with no cooling off period. The pro-inc side lost solidly and correctly in court. My personal feeling is when the CC&Rs are mailed throw them directly in the trash as I intend to do so there is no mistake. They are dangerous, indecipherable documents anyway and this just muddies the waters more.

Three mailings will go out begging for returns. Let them go begging or if you must mail them in vote no on every issue and read the incorporation document if you mail it in to be sure there is not surreptitious, confusing wording where a no vote means a yes. It has happened before in outside elections with wording like are you against incorporation. Anything is possible at this point of desperation by some.

A few more minor actions were taken but these is the highlights. You will be hearing more as the mailings go out so keep in touch. The battle continues and this door needs to be slammed firmly and decisively once and for all.

This is simply my compilation of meeting actions from notes. Watch the newsletter for the finalized minutes to assure accuracy.

Ken Dillenburg

Comments from a happy Candlewick couple

My husband and I moved to Candlewick after many, many months of searching. Eight years ago, we found Candlewick Lake, and knew we wanted to build our home. We felt certain this community was one which we could grow in, and even stay and retire, when that time comes. We love that it has all which we were searching for, and much more. We truly enjoy seeing the changing seasons, experiencing the close neighborly atmosphere, and the multitude of things Candlewick offers. Moving into a gated community was a new concept for us, but something which we discussed and wanted. It has been a very positive attribute for us. The local security has been most helpful, who provide a sense of well-being. What has been a true joy in these 8 years has been meeting our neighbors, and enjoying the vast variety of amenities with them. Additionally, it is wonderful to see Candlewick during holidays. One amenity which is a specific treasure is the pool, and the classes. For over a year I have been seeing a therapist due to a back injury. Once my doctor suggested “aqua therapy” I joined the classes, and my recovery is finally on the up-swing. Not to mention how fun it was to meet more neighbors. Our friends and family who come to visit are always surprised by the beauty of the lake, the homes, the variety of amenities, and love to stay. Our hope is to stay and enjoy our home, our neighbors, and Candlewick Lake community …hopefully for another 30 to 40 years.

Sincerely, Robert and Julie Fanciullacci Happy residents of Candlewick Lake

Tuesday night board meeting

It’s that time again. Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the rec center the open discussion time will begin with the formal meeting set to begin at 7. We hope many of you will be in attendance but for any of you unable to attend we will as usual have an unofficial synopsis of the major actions of the meeting.

You will recall the push by some to put the question of incorporation on a ballot was defeated in court a week ago. It appears a new tactic is already starting. One of the original incorporation supporters has asked to have placed on the agenda a request to have a vote by the property owners included with the board election mailing next year. The questions would be incorporation related, asking P.O.s opinion of the idea. This is after the end run trying to incorporate without regard for property owner wishes. Now it seems their opinion matters.

We all know this is nothing but a way to keep the idea alive and it will stir dissention again in our community. All three surrounding villages gave a resounding NO when asked for the necessary permission. All the three board votes were unanimous. How will the P.O. vote change that? The villages must work in the best interest of their respective communities and they have, clearly. Let this thing die a natural death and cool off the community at least for now. Down the road situations and opinions may change. In our current environment this will only light the fuse.

The Candlewick Pride will continue to protect the rights of the property owners. Some asked if after the court ruling we would be disbanding. Not a chance. We are here for the long haul, working for an ever improving community we can all enjoy.

Ken Dillenburg

Sunday, our day of peaceful posts

This has to be one of the cutest clips I have ever enjoyed. It is called "A dog's prayer." Have a smile on the Pride group as well as a blessed day.

Ken Dillenburg

From the Rockford Register Star

I just came across this article detailing pretty much the program I suggested. It would need to be tweaked for our use but you can see the advantages. Drop an email to our site cwlpride@gmail.com if you wish for us to pursue this. Thanks....Ken Dillenburg

Machesney Park...Village residents can begin to move leaves to the roadside this week with the first vacuum pickup scheduled for Friday.

Leaf vacuuming continues through mid-December.

“Leaf vacuuming has proved to be very popular in the village,” President Tom Strickland said in a news release. “This is a great alternative to burning leaves.”

The village allows burning in November from sunup to 9 p.m., but residents will vote Nov. 2 whether the practice should be outlawed. It is an advisory referendum.

To participate in the vacuuming program, leaves should be placed along curbs or the road edge and not on gravel by 6 a.m. each Monday. Leaves must be unbagged and spread along the road rather than raked into one large pile. Only leaves are removed.

Grass clippings, branches and other debris are not vacuumed.

Residents can also place leaves in brown bags marked with an “X” for pickup on Fridays.

thank you..and more

I was told the manager and board are pursuing the idea of letting North Boone students fulfill their required community service documented hours for graduation by helping out here in Candlewick. The follow-through on this issue was great and should benefit our community as well as help the students. Thanks to the manager and board.

I also would like to thank all of you who offered prayers and best wishes plus offers of help around the house during my stay in the hospital last week. It is gratifying to know Candlewick is such a caring community wanting to help one of it's own. I am feeling a lot better so hopefully the problem is taken care of.

Another possibility for cooperative benefit of our property owners would be handling the leaf situation. Any of us in wooded areas are inundated with leaves during this time of year and we have no easy way to dispose of them. How about the possibility of working out a bulk contract with one of the vacuuming services as they do in Belvidere? I am not suggesting a free service for those in need but a fee based deal in which those wishing to participate could pay a flat fee and have their leaves in the ditch on a certain pre-planned day for vacuuming by the service. We already have a garbage contract so this it would seem falls right into lockstep. This would keep the ditches clean as well as keep a lot of the leaves from ending up in the lake, adding unneeded nutrients. Worth a shot for next year? Let us know as well as mentioning it to the board.

If there is enough interest possibly the Pride group could check it out and make a board proposal.

Ken Dillenburg

Another order just arrived

Candlewick Pride shirts

We again have a good inventory of the shirts pictured below. You may want to buy yours now since we have most sizes again in stock. Possibly a Christmas gift for someone who loves our community just as you do.

They come in gray or white with the small front logo and larger one on the back. These are quality Hanes T-shirts selling one for $10.00 or two for $18.00. You've seen 'em around. Show your pride in our community!

We are investigating the possibility of sweatshirts with Candlewick Pride indication on a smaller front upper pocket area. We will keep you advised if we are able to work out a decent deal on them. Ken

Walleye Stocking

Photos Courtesy of Barb Appelhans.





Nice sized walleye were stocked in the lake this year. A lake management member reports the fish stocked today generally ran a minimum of 8 to 9 inches with many well over a foot in length. Good prospects for survival to keeper size are projected for these new additions to our game-fish rich lake.
Randy Budreau

A new day for Candlewick Lake

The circuit court hearing regarding Candlewick Lake incorporation went as expected. During the short hearing the decision was made to deny the placement of the question on a ballot due to the requirements not being met by the petitioner. The decision was not "with prejudice" meaning it could someday again rear it's ugly head so diligence will be necessary. For now this should end this debate in our community and allow us to move on to the next item at hand.

Board elections will be the next issue the association will face. You can count on opposing views as both sides support the candidates they feel will best represent the interests of the property owners. This is as our association is meant to work and it will probably be a vigorous fight between those who feel the association is moving in the right direction and those believing we must have new leadership. That is fine. Let's solve any perceived problems internally as neighbors and leave the external negative perceptions behind.

This will be our chance for both sides to show the community can work as one, bringing to the forefront the best ideas from all camps to make Candlewick Lake the best it can be. I look forward to an ever improving community as we progress. A new day is dawning and it looks sunny and mild. Let’s all enjoy it together. Let the past be just that….past.

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself”. -Henry Ford

Ken Dillenburg

Boone County Candidate Forum

The Boone County Candidate Forum will be held Wednesday, October 13th, at the Rec center starting at 6:30 pm. Refreshments will be available.

The following candidates have confirmed they will be attending:

US Senate:
Robert Zadek (write-in)

Il St Rep 69th District:
Ray Pendzinski
Joe Sosnowski
Kevin J. Hendrickson

Judge 17th Circuit:
James Hursh
Rob Tobin

Boone County Treasurer:
Curtis Newport

Boone County Board District 1:
Danny Anderson
Brad Stark
Kathy L. Donhowe-Hartwig
Tricia L Smith

The Forum format will consist of written questions from the audience. Questions may be addressed to a specific candidate or to all candidates running for the same office. Follow-up questions may be asked following the written question period as time permits. We hope you will be able to attend.

submitted by Mary Budreau

Petition Dismissed

The Hon. Brendan A. Maher, rendered a decision today dismissing the petition requesting a referendum on the matter of the incorporation of Candlewick. All parties to the action were heard, after which the petition was found by Judge Maher to be deficient and not in accord with requirements of the relevant sections of the Municipal Code.

When Judge Maher releases his written decision more comprehensive coverage of the story will be provided.

Register Star Editorial

From Monday, October 11 Register Star


Candlewick Lake incorporation would create another local government, and we need fewer, not more.
October 10th, 2010 01:56am Chuck Sweeny
Illinois has more than 7,000 local units of government, more by far than any other state. It’s one reason we are such an inefficient state, and why our property taxes are so high.

So you’d think that in a time when Tea Party conservatives across Illinois are calling for smaller government and lower taxes of all kinds, that some people in a conservative county — Boone, to be specific — want to form yet another government. They are called Candlewick Voice.

These people live in the private Candlewick Lake development, which is governed by a private homeowners’ association. Now to be fair, not all Candlewick folks want to become a village, and nearby villages Poplar Grove, Caledonia and Timberlane are fighting Candlewick’s incorporation. Also fighting are anti-incorporation residents in Candlewick, who have banded together as Candlewick Pride.

With taxes high enough already, and with the prospect of massive federal and state income taxes increase in January, we should be talking about consolidation, not more government. But it seems that some conservatives, who loathe big federal government, love big local government, or at least lots of local governments.

SOME COLUMBUS DAY FACTS

Most folks know that “Columbus sailed the ocean blue in fourteen hundred and ninety-two” and that his boats were the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, but do you know when it became a holiday? Here are some benchmarks on the way to becoming a holiday:

1792 – New York City’s Society of St. Tammany held a celebration to honor the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ landing in the western hemisphere
1866 – New York City’s Italian population organized a celebration of the discovery of America
1892 – President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed the 400th anniversary. The World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago was dedicated marking the anniversary, but the fair did not officially open to the public until May 1, 1893.
1937 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed every October 12th to be celebrated as Columbus Day
1968 – Columbus Day was declared a federal public holiday, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, to be celebrated on the second Monday in October opening the door for a day off from work and school and Columbus Day sales.

Enjoy the holiday!
Submitted by Bonnie Marron

Have You Ever Seen A Newborn Camel?

If not, you have a chance this weekend if you visit the Summerfield Farm & Zoo, a central Boone County gem, located at 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere. Their newest edition was born Friday morning and will be on display this weekend.

For those of you who may not be aware the Anderson family opened their zoo, an addition to their horse farm, in 1990. They are open on a limited schedule and this weekend, including Monday when the kids are out of school, is one of those times. In addition to camels, the zoo houses such exotic animals as mountain lions, zebra, lemurs, giant tortoises, kinkajous, genets, servals, bobcats and wallabies. It is also home to a large reindeer herd.

It is a great place to take younger children as the entire zoo, including the petting zoo, can be easily covered in an hour or so. The cost is $5.00 per person. Your visit to Summerfield Zoo helps to build and maintain exhibits and to feed the animals, many of which are rescues. For more information just go to www.summerfieldfarminc.com.
Submitted by Bonnie Marron

Hearing developments

Wednesday, October 6, all three surrounding villages filed legal objections to the proposal filed by the inc. group asking to put the incorporation question on the ballot. All three villages also intend to have representation at the hearing on the 11th of October. A Candlewick resident has also filed a legal objection to the question so four parties total are in objection at this time. We will keep you advised of any further actions as they arise.

Ken Dillenburg

CWL EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING DATE CHANGE...

The Events Committee meeting which was scheduled for tonight, October 7th, has been changed to Thusday, October 14th at 7:00pm at the Rec Center. Anyone interested in helping plan and carry out community events is invited to attend. Upcoming events include October Fest and Chili Cook-Off (October 23), Breakfast with Santa (December 5), New Years' Eve Party (December 31).

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

Musings from Bonnie

Things I Love About Autumn…

Now that autumn is here in full force I am reminded why it is my favorite time of year and thought I would list some of them. Maybe you enjoy it for some of the same reasons.

- I love the warm days, but cool nights, which makes for great sleeping weather.

- I love digging out my sweaters. They feel like old friends.

- I love the smell from fireplaces. Why do fireplaces always smell better when you’re outside? You don’t get that same aroma indoors.

- I love the new TV season which comes at this time of year. Even with all the channels we now have I really get tired of reruns or lame summer replacement shows.

- I love watching the colors change.

- I love being able to make chili, stews and homemade soups without sweating.

- I love watching the water birds on the lake that I haven’t seen since the spring migration.

- I love football season. Yeah, I’m a girl, but I still love football season!

One of the things I appreciate about living in the Midwest is the change of seasons. Call me crazy, but heck; I even look forward to winter.

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

It has to be the dredging

There is still quite a bit of dead algae floating on the lake as many of you have noticed. Yesterday I decided to jump in the boat and do a little Bass fishing to see if they are in the fall feed. I found the lake water is kind of a chocolate milk color which is very unusual for this time of the year. Normally by now it is pretty clear.

We all remember this summer was pretty hard on our lake with major algae blooms as well as a lot of weed control needed. We discussed at the time if it was mainly the higher than normal summer temperatures or the dredging effect. From the appearance of the lake now it would appear to me as an untrained observer the major factor was the dredging, possibly stirring up nutrients from the lake bottom. The dredgers should be wrapping it up in a month or so, hopefully leaving us with much improved lake quality next year.

Back to the fishing………I was out about an hour and a half mid-day and caught three bass, all in the 12 to 15 inch size. The water clarity gave about a one foot depth vision so the fish had to be in the close proximity of the cast to pick them up using a soft, quiet lure. Catching three in that period of time considering the clarity would indicate there is still a good Bass population in the lake. My line was also broken once I would assume by a Northern from the feel of the strike.

Ken Dillenburg

Has this been considered?

In speaking with my grandson Jake about the dam clean up he brought up a point I had not considered. North Boone has a rule now indicating before graduation all students must undertake a certain number of hours devoted to documented community service. Even though I find it very odd to force students to volunteer (producing an oxy-moron) this could spell opportunity for Candlewick.

Our board or manager could approach the North Boone principal with clean up and other jobs that our community has that uses volunteers. My understanding is these opportunities will then be posted at the school with a contact number so the kids can help out if they wish to fulfill their requirements.

Not a big thing but if the kids have the requirement why not let them help here, a double win. I have submitted this idea to our general manager for consideration.

Ken Dillenburg

Steady as she goes! (click to enlarge)

Incorporation hearing information

The hearing is to be Monday, October 11th in courtroom 3 in the Boone County courthouse in Belvidere. I am told the scheduled time is 10:00 a.m. but just in case it wouldn’t hurt to be early.

Should you choose not to attend we will of course post the hearing results here to keep you informed.

Ken Dillenburg

Your Sunday smile. Have a blessed day

Long-Distance Calls

A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and worked east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued by a sign which read: "$10,000 a minute." Seeking out the Pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The Pastor explained that the golden phone was, in fact, a direct line to Heaven and if he paid the price he could talk directly to God. The man thanked the Pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, Greensboro, Tampa and all around the United States, he found more phones with the same sign and got the same answer from each Pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Texas. Upon entering a church in Dallas, behold, he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read: "Calls: 35 cents." Fascinated, he asked to talk to the Pastor.

"Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone. I have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God, but, in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads 35 cents. Why?"

The Pastor, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in Texas now... It's a local call."

Ken Dillenburg

Time is short!

Quoted from the Register-Star

The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 2 general election is Tuesday. Registration will reopen on Nov. 4.

If voters are already registered in Boone County and have moved within the county, they need to call the County Clerk’s office at 815-544-3103 so new cards may be issued.

Eligible voters may register to vote at the County Clerk’s office, Belvidere City Clerk’s office, Belvidere Township office, Belvidere and North Boone Schools or Blackhawk State Bank North State Street location.

Call reports comparisons

I think this comparison is significant. The chart is a compilation of Candlewick's 2009 rates compared with 2010 occurrences as well as other surrounding area's rates for further comparison. In my opinion things are looking up in most areas but you be the judge. Be sure to note the increased reports in some areas of surveillance, showing the effect our neighborhood watch is having as well as the traffic stops. Nice.

The table was assembled from Route/Beat Analysis -Activity Reports 1/2010 through 8/31/2010 obtained from Boone County. Last year's was for Candlewick in the same period.

(Click on the chart below to enlarge it for easier reading.)

posted by Ken Dillenburg

GANG AWARENESS FORUM…

Yesterday evening Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier hosted a Gang Awareness Forum in Belvidere. The panel was made up of law enforcement officials, village mayors and presidents, and other community and county officials. The focus was in informing attendees, about 40 interested county residents and visitors, of the known gangs, how to identify if a gang is present in our neighborhood to include graffiti, gang colors & signs, hand signs, clothes etc. Gangs use the drug trade as their main source of revenue and while not manufactured in Boone County they are imported and redistributed here.

Richard Harris, an ex-gang member, who during his nine year incarceration in a Wisconsin Correctional Facility broke away from the gang and started a new life that informed the group that small towns and rural areas, such as Boone County, are susceptible to gang infiltration. A gang leader comes into an area and because he is not known, especially in the smaller communities, he may try to recruit youths of the community as young as 10 years of age.

What can the county/communities do? Awareness and active community involvement are key. Acknowledge the problem, provide awareness programs, provide job training, have a gang intervention unit, supply aggressive police/security action are a few options. What can you do? Get Involved! Be Pro-Active! Ask Questions! Call officials when you see something suspicious! It is our community and we all have to do our part to keep it safe and secure.

Michelle Courier will be hosting a similar forum on November 18^th at 6pm. This forum is open to the public.

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

Is the next crisis bankrupt states?

Meridith Whitney (video & link below) is described by Fortune as "the superstar analyst" who predicted the catastrophe in the banking industry from which major segments of our economy are still reeling. She has recently completed a two year 600 page analysis of the economic health of the 15 largest states which contains some sobering observations and predictions.

Why the exhaustive study? "I was just so shocked by what I was seeing that I couldn't stop. Any long-term strategic plan needs to take account of the dangerous, mostly overlooked problems in the state finances." She also noted: "The states represent the new systemic risk to financial markets. I see a lack of transparency and an abundance of complacency on the part of investors and politicians, just as we saw before the banks imploded."

Professional politicians concerned only with getting elected are a major part of the problem according to Whitney. Massive deficits have been allowed to accumulate through off-budget mechanisms like deferring payments to pension plans in order to fund current operations. She says this ticking time bomb of unfunded liabilities amounts to generational robbery. And that is just one aspect of the problem with professional politicians.

Illinois resides in second place behind California on Whitney's worst states list. She warns that the current chaos in state budgets, exacerbated by a projected double dip in housing would likely propel some states towards bankruptcy. This could lead to an attempt in Congress for a trillion dollar bailout in order to prevent a number of states from defaulting.

In contrast to the states, Whitney believes municipalities will be allowed to fail. Local governments are likely to see continuing cutbacks in state assistance and little relief from their own debt burdens resulting in defaults on municipal bonds. Once defaults start hitting the bond market, municipal borrowing would become expensive and difficult to obtain. The combination of economic stresses and the inability to borrow would force severe cutbacks in services in many municipalities.

This report and numerous others illustrate this is a horrible time for misadventures in local governance.
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2010/09/28/meredith-whitneys-new-target-the-states/



Randy Budreau