Save the Date!

January 5, 2012 at 7PM - CWL Rec Center - Public Forum on Aqua conducted by the ICC.

The official notice reads in part:

STATE OF ILLINOIS
ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION
527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62701 [217] 782-7434
November 29, 2011
Aqua Illinois, Inc. : 11-0436
Proposed general increase in water and sewer rates.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORUM
TO ALL PARTIES OF INTEREST:
Notice is hereby given that the public forum scheduled for December 8, 2011, at the State of Illinois Office Regional Office Building, Rockford, IL, at the hour of 2:00 P.M., has been cancelled.

Notice is also given that a public forum is scheduled for the following location, date and time:
Candlewick Recreation Center, 13400 Highway 76, Poplar Grove, IL 61065, on January 5, 2012, at the hour of 7:00 P.M.

The forum is for the purpose of receiving public comment concerning the proposed general increase in water and sewer rates proposed by Aqua Illinois, Inc. While one or more members of the Commission might attend, a Commission staff member, serving as a public forum officer, will preside.

Link to notice on ICC site

The case is number 11-0436

You did it again!

It seems as if I am thanking you folks for something about every week or so now. I had to make a short post to tell you we have now passed the 800 point with returned CC&R restatement ballots and all but a very few are YES votes. You have come through again as I knew you would. We are now around 70% toward the point of passage.

Ken Dillenburg

Page 15 of the Candlewick News

Some folks have asked me what is in the new CICA law that forces us to change the CC&Rs and spend all this money to have the vote. We decided the easiest way to explain it was to simply put in our paper the specific sections of law with the changes made to accommodate the law. Take a look at page fifteen and you will see the reason for the changes.

According to councel the necessary changes can not be made simply by board action but must be through the specified 50% plus 1 of the property owners voting in the affirmative. We follow the directives of our legal council to avoid possible future penalties or other consequences.

You folks get it as I knew you would. The ballots are still flowing in, although slowing now. The easy part is over and the last ballots will be the toughest to obtain, but we must keep mailing until the first ballot passes. The options ballot is of course your choice but we would appreciate it if you would send those in as well.

Ken Dillenburg

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 11/27/2011

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to a rescue call in the 500 block of Lamplighter loop for a report of severe back pain.

Public Safety will always remain on a rescue call and render any assistance necessary until medical assistance arrives.

Criminal Damage

Public Safety responded to the 20 block of King Henry for a report of theft of solar lights.

Suspicious Incidents

Public Safety responded to a call of a suspicious person walking while clothed in garbage bags in the area of Constitution and Candlewick Dr.

Public Safety checked on his well being, determined he was not a threat to himself or others. He refused any assistance from Public Safety.

Public Safety encountered a subject waiting in a vehicle outside the West gate. Upon being asked, the reason for his presence, the subject became uncooperative and fled the scene.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office was called, the person was identified and the matter is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office.

Juvenile Related Issues

Public Safety responded to a report of a vehicle egged by unknown subjects in the area of the 100 block of Poseidon. Public Safety checked the area and found no further incidents.

Structure Fire

Public Safety responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Brandywine. Upon arrival, Public Safety assisted with crowd control and family present.

The matter was turned over to the Illinois State Fire Marshall.

Citations 22

Warnings 16

Public Safety had a dramatic decrease of calls for service. Public Safety checked on 22 abandoned houses. Please remember there a members of the

homeless community that will at times find abandoned houses to get into to get out of the elements. Please, if you know of a house abandoned on your

block and see subjects near them, call Public Safety. Public Safety found six unsecured abandoned houses.

Have a safe and pleasant holiday season!

We thank you for taking the time to read these important updates.

Being informed is half the battle.

Thursday is December 1

We all like out postal carriers but we are paying their wages with the postage we are using sending out the restated CC&Rs. Early December will be the next mailing and with the amount we are being forced to spend on postage we have already paid the wages of a postal carrier in November. Please get them in now and stop this cost that will continue until the legally necessary documents pass. I would much rather see us spend the money for projects and necessary expenses like lake purification right here in our community.

Ken Dillenburg

Christening baby brother

After the christening of his baby brother in church little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally the boy replied. "That priest wanted us to be brought up in a Christian home, and I want to stay with you guys!"

posted by Ken

Forgive me for a sad day

Ten years ago today my Dad died at 4:10 a.m. For anyone who has yet to lose a parent I can tell you from personal experience they are never far from your memory. I think of Dad very often and am constantly reminded by even the little things like the containers of bolts and screws in our garage that still have his handwriting on them from when he meticulously wrote the contents for reference.

When he was taken to Swedes in Rockford after a lung collapsed I didn’t visit for a couple days because I was also sick and didn’t realize how bad off he was. When I arrived in his room he said to me “I think we’d better get the lawyer in here.” That was his way of saying he knew this would be the end without actually saying it in so many words. I told him everything was taken care of and not to worry. That was one of those times the reality of vulnerability really hits home.

I was there with family when he took his last long breath after suffering the ravages of emphysema for years. It was as if he was allowed one full breath finally at the end.

I will not dwell on this because he would not have wanted it that way. Suffice it to say he was a truly good, kind man and I am forever in his debt.

Ken Dillenburg

An interesting health care idea

Bloomberg/Business week had a piece this week about a drug company that is selling a cancer drug in Germany with a money back guarantee. It is a very expensive drug but if the cancer worsens in the next three to six months all drug cost is refunded.

The article goes on to indicate the idea of results oriented health care in general is catching on with even insurance companies discussing the idea of reimbursements based upon patient outcomes.

I really like the idea of results based payouts. It is not that doctors would not want the best for the patients now but it might cut back on tests and procedures that are not completely necessary knowing reimbursement might not be forthcoming if the condition worsens.

This is a very short synopsis of a fairly long article. For a more in-depth report on the subject read this week’s Bloomberg/Business week.

Ken Dillenburg

Another "THANK YOU!"

I just noticed we have now passed the 40,000 count of visits to our site. We thank you for taking the time to read our posts and we will do our best to continue keeping you up to date on Candlewick happenings..........as well as some odd stuff I decide to throw in on slow days.

Ken Dillenburg

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

The Pride Group wishes all of you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. We are thankful for living in a community of great, caring folks.

House fire

There was a house fire on Brandywine last night and there was a fatality. It appears to be accidental but the investigation continues. Our sympathies and prayers for the family.

Ken

Posted with permission of Public Safety

Hi Ken,

Just wanted to drop a line to say thank you for saying the kind words you did about my Chief Roland Wood on your web site. I can tell you that Chief Wood's dedication and desire to make Candlewick Lake a safer place is beyond reproach. He and I as a team are constantly trying to develop ideas to stay one step ahead of the game, and quite frankly with his leadership and dedication, it has worked. From a personal stand point, I think you made a great decision in placing this team in your community. I can tell you from MY position, I have received many calls from residents who have indicated that the personal attention to detail and follow up is something they have not seen in a long time. I am humbled by that. I wanted to say I appreciate the support that you and the entire Board have provided us and will we continue to do the job you have bestowed upon us. Feel free to share this with anyone and have a great day and a safe holiday season.

Jim O'Doherty

posted by Ken

Public Safety weekly report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 11/20/2011

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to a rescue call in the 400 block of Pembroke for a subject complaining of severe chest pain.

Public Safety responded to a rescue call in the 200 block of Constitution for a subject out of control, possibly suffering from a diabetic reaction.

Public Safety responded to a rescue call in the 100 block of Valhalla for subject having trouble breathing

Public Safety responded to a rescue call in the 200 block of Constitution for a possible heart attack. Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Columbia for a subject suffering from an allergic reaction.

Public Safety will always remain on a rescue call and render any assistance necessary until medical assistance arrives.

Criminal Damage

Public Safety responded to the 1100 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of mailboxes damaged. Public Safety had no further information about the issue.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Briarcliff for a report of damaged mailboxes. Public Safety had no further information about the issue.

Check on Well Being

Public Safety responded to a call to check on the well being of a subject who reportedly ingested unknown pills in the 100 block of Ambrose. Public Safety responded and the matter was turned over to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.

Public Safety responded to a call to check on the well being of a subject in the 100 Chatham. Public safety responded and determined the subject no longer resided at the residence.

Hit and Run / Traffic Crash

Public Safety observed a vehicle strike a street pole at the intersection of Candlewick Blvd. and Lamplighter. Public Safety observed the vehicle flee and notified the Boone County Sheriff’s Office who subsequently found the offender. The offender was cited by the Sheriff’s Office as well as Public Safety.

Animal Related Issues

Public Safety responded to a call of a subject that was chased by a loose dog in the area of the 100 block of Brandywine. Public Safety met with the dog owner and appropriate action was taken.

Resident Assist

Public Safety responded to a residence in the 1600 block of Candlewick Dr. to assist a resident with a family matter. Public Safety was asked to escort a subject off the property.

Suspicious Incidents

Public Safety observed a subject walking in a field in the area of the Savannah Oaks golf course with a crowbar in his hand. Public Safety attempted to speak with him but he fled towards Drew Ct. Public Safety officers checked the area and provided a heavy patrol in the area in an attempt to identify the subject. Public Safety was unable to locate him, there were no further incidents reported that night.

Public Safety Officers responded to the 400 block of Atlantic for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, the vehicle was gone. Public Safety was advised by a resident, however, that the vehicle had belonged to a girlfriend of a resident in the area.

Juvenile related Issues

Public Safety responded to a call of juveniles playing on the dam. Public Safety arrived and issued them a warning advising they were not allowed on the dam. The juveniles indicated they were new to the area and were not aware of the rules. Public Safety provided information to them and released them.

Citations 19

Warnings 17

Public Safety has issued several speeding violations during this time period. Public Safety again would like to thank the residents who offered the use of their driveways to combat this issue. Any resident that would like to offer the use of their driveways, please feel free to call the Public Safety Department.

Have a Wonderful and Safe Thanksgiving

We thank you for taking the time to read these important updates.

Being informed is half the battle.

Please turn in the ballots

The response has been good but as I have noted before the bar is really high, almost 1200 ballots are needed for passage of the CC&R restatements. I mentioned a couple weeks ago I had been told not to expect more than 500 with the first mailing but I was sure you folks would follow through better than that and turn in 800 knowing how important it is to come into compliance with Illinois law. A few days ago we passed the 600 mark with several days to go before the next mailing is to go out. 800 is well within reach for the month and we thank you.

It is so important not only to get your ballot in but also to ask your friends if they have mailed or dropped theirs off yet. It will be a big money and time saver for all of us to get this wrapped up. The mailings will have to continue until it is accomplished.

Ken Dillenburg

What do you see?

Is it a beautiful, peaceful scene....or a baby?

Perception is interesting, isn't it.

Posted by Ken

Your Sunday smile

The church gossip Mildred, the church gossip and self-appointed arbiter of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several residents were unappreciative of her activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic, after she saw his pickup truck parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She commented to George and others that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and then just walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing. Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house.......and left it there all night.

Posted by Ken Dillenburg

Water rates...we are not alone

Headline from a Register-Star article Friday...

Water rates to rise 250% for Cherry Valley residents in 2 subdivisions

The rates will be among the highest in the state.

Our Aqua commission is fighting hard to hold down the rate increase requested for Candlewick. As we can see rate increases requests are becoming common. Thank you to our commission for all their hard work and research working for all of us.

Ken Dillenburg

A note about a board statement

During the meeting last Tuesday night our Chief of Public Safety was asked if he had anything he wished to say. To me his comments were quite informative regarding the type leadership we currently have in that department.

Chief Wood wanted all to know how pleased he was that there has not been a car break in for six weeks now. Rather than patting himself and Jim (Chief Deputy) on the back he said it is due in some part to the weather change and he also said the observance by the residents has been a big factor in the reduction of problems in Candlewick.

That, folks, is character. He doesn’t want the credit. He simply wants to do the best job possible and it filters down through the department management and force. To me it shows.

Ken Dillenburg

I thought this was cute

One of the posters on a message board sends out a weekly "internet postcard" about the week's happenings. This is something she received in reply to a postcard about breaking ties. I hope you enjoy it. The writer (who's name I deleted) is really talented. Ken

My closet is a mausoleum

I keep the old folks there

On a shelf right in the middle

Next to the silverware

My grandkids think it's creepy

To have them in the hall

But I enjoy their closeness

And Neil don’t mind at all

Lois was the first to enter

A sweet and loving soul

Her husband Roy is at her side

Togetherness my goal

My father, Eddie, then did follow

At the age of ninety-five

My mother, Alice, was the last

Dear parent to arrive

I greet the group all though the year

On every holiday

I also see them every time

I put placemats away

I always touch their boxes

In a loving way

And feel their strength and power

It helps me though the day

We tried to spread their ashes

In some far distant sites

But we couldn’t get them open

To make their wishes right

I cannot think they’re bothered

To stay until we’re ready

To take them for their spreading

Lois, Roy, Alice, and Eddie

Posted by Ken Dillenburg

Ever watch a fish stocking?

It is really quite interesting to watch. There is a big tank truck that pulls up and backs down the landing by the marina to the water. Pipes are inserted coming from the different tanks and one tank at a time is opened, releasing a stream of water and fish into our lake. If you are an early riser it will be worth dropping by to see it.

The stocking will be this Friday, the 18th, at 7 a.m. but getting there just a little early wouldn't hurt. I watched the last stocking and I am glad I did.

Ken Dillenburg

Tuesday Board of directors actions

Unofficial November 15, 2011 Board Minutes

General Manager’s Report: Working on the silt pond and

there is a lot more silt than we thought. There is over 5ft.

of silt so they may be working until Friday or Saturday.

Public Safety: The citizens and Public Safety have been

doing a good job. There have been no car break-ins for 6

weeks.

ECC: Policy 11-15 – any driveway or extension has to be

paved to the roadway. This must be approved prior to

construction. Existing gravel extensions are exempt.

See minutes for exact regulations.

Lake Management: They are working on monthly articles

in the Candlewick paper. The received the fish delivery

for this fall and another one is due this Friday which is

all within the budget. They are working on boat safety

classes. They filled almost 2 dumpsters with leaves and

another leaf collection is scheduled for this Saturday.

They are in need on young people to volunteer for this

Saturday. Bring your leaves to the maintenance area from

nine to noon next Saturday.

Road Construction: There will be some down time for

awhile until more bids come in. More will be happening in

the spring time.

Recreation: The Open House went fairly well with the

archery having 25 people interested. The class on Aging

and Care Giving had 14 people sign up, Line Dancing had

13 people interested, and Neighborhood Watch had 4 more

people sign up.

Legal: They have received 580 ballots back so far. That

is almost half we need with 562 yes and 17 no. So get

those ballots in!!!

Aqua: Please get more comments on the web site. They

have a comment card you can fill out if you do not want to

go on the web site or cannot, they will so it for you.

Senators Syverson and Johnson are working on a compromise to

the public hearing issue, possibly a locally held video conference.

Restaurant Update: The Dockside Grill is now open. They

are doing sandwiches, salads and soups, dinners will be

coming. Breakfasts will start Thanksgiving weekend and

will be on Saturday and Sunday.

Property owner request for Sound Barrier: One property

owner has requested a sound barrier to the noise of the

trucks at the Marathon gas station. It was suggested that

we could look in to planting some trees on the side of

route

76. That will still be up for discussion.

Bad Debt: It was voted that $2,400.00 bad debt would be

written off due to foreclosure.

11-R-19: It was voted on and approved that Savit

Construction would do the dredging not to exceed

$5,000.00 and their bid can in at $4,250.00.

11-R-22: It was voted on and approved that new DVR

would be installed at the Rec Center and the West gate

due to the current equipment is unrepairable.

11-R-23: It was voted on and approved that the cameras

at the vehicle storage area would be replaced because

the some of the present cameras were obsolete and

unrepairable.

11-R-24: It was voted on and approved that they would

replace the maintenance truck and plow. They will keep

the old truck for this season and sell it in the spring.

This was already in the budget.

Lake Management: Fish stocking and fish structures were

voted on and approved. They will replace the broken

concrete to enhance fish habitat. This will not interfere

with any other boating.

Employee Handbook Changes: Personnel will not be paid

holiday pay if they take are on unpaid leave. There will

be a cap of $400.00 per month paid by Candlewick toward

medical insurance per employee. Anything after that will

be paid by the employee. Public Safety will be paid ½ hour

for meal time since they still have to be on duty during

their meals.

Ellen Steiskal, Secretary

A very successful fund raiser

Thanks to my Candlewick Family for their support. My Styling for Pink Team raised $570.00 on our spring garage sale, plus personally gave $500.00 from Fight Like a Girl Shirt Sales to be given to the American Cancer Society to be use for gas expenses for The road to recovery program for all Cancer Patients. We also gave $12,225. to Making Strides against Breast Cancer from our Styling For Pink fund raiser 2011.

Cindy Genrich

Board of Directors meeting tonight

Tuesday at 6:30 the monthly board of directors meeting will be held at the rec center. Remember the first half hour is for property owner input so if there is something you wish to discuss or to simply make a statement be sure to attend. Should you not be able to make it we will as usual bring you an unofficial report of the major actions.

Ken Dillenburg

Public Safety Report...nice to see the drop in incidents!

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 11/13/2011

Open Door

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Constitution for an open door to a vacant house. Public Safety notified the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and assisted in securing the door to the residence.

Public Safety noticed a light on in a vacant residence located in the 100 block of Gables. Public Safety again notified the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and assisted in securing the residence.

Criminal Damage

Public Safety responded to the 300 block of Pembroke for a report of juveniles damaging property while riding a lawnmower tractor. Public Safety Officers found the juveniles and contacted their respective parents. Parents agreed to handle the matter among themselves.

Illegal Use of C-Pass

Public Safety confiscated two c-pass transponders that were being used by non-residents. Public Safety detained the users until such time they were called in by residents.

Citations 10

Warnings 9

Public Safety has had a reduced amount of calls this month and will continue to focus on traffic related issues during the upcoming holiday season.

We thank you for taking the time to read these important updates.

Being informed is half the battle.

Silt pond & "the dip" dredging

As you can see things are going well, although a little late getting started. The silt retention pond was again drained before dredging and "the dip" has also been dredged and the debris removed. Completion should be very soon.

Thanks to Barb Appelhans for the pictures.

Posted by Ken

Your Sunday smile

A bus carrying only ugly people crashes into an oncoming truck, and everyone inside dies.
They then get to meet their maker, and because of the grief they have experienced; he decides to grant them one wish each, before they enter Paradise.
They're all lined up, and God asks the first one what the wish is. "I want to be gorgeous," and so God snaps His fingers, and it is done. The second one in line hears this and says "I want to be gorgeous too." Another snap of His fingers and the wish is granted.
This goes on for a while but when God is halfway down the line, the last guy in line starts laughing. When there are only ten people left, this guy is rolling on the floor, laughing his head off.
Finally, God reaches this guy and asks him what his wish will be. The guy calms down and says......
"Make 'em all ugly again"

posted by Ken

Another state money grab

Thursday evening your board of directors held a special meeting to deal with a situation involving our pool. The following is simply a short version of the state imposed problem.

A couple years ago a law was passed mandating a certain type drain for public swimming pools. Candlewick management contacted a major pool company to handle the project and bring our pool into compliance. This was completed and we were once again ready to go.

A few weeks ago the state of Illinois health department decided to make pool inspections and decided that our pool, along with probably hundreds of others are not in compliance after all. We received a notice indicating a fine was being imposed of $44,000.00 plus of course we had to again have our pool drain changed.

This gets better, the state indicated if we would just send them a check for $5,000 and not demand a hearing they would drop the matter as long as we again fixed the drain. Our legal fees could top the $5,000 fine in an appeal and even with the papers indicating we had spent the money to fix the problem two years ago we could still lose. We were left with no real choice but to authorize payment to the cash starved state of Illinois and we will pursue recovery from the pool company who supposedly had already handled the job. That process is about to begin.

With Illinois in last place or close to it in financial solvency they are grabbing every penny possible from every source. Hang onto your wallets as they will do anything to take your funds to finance their spending. Kind of makes you proud of our state doesn’t it. Tax, fine, and spend should be the state motto. Sad.

Ken Dillenburg

A Candlewick Lake comfort dog

Please see the story in the Rockford paper about Jim McQuinn and Bella, his comfort dog. Click on the link below for the full story. Ken

http://www.rrstar.com/updates/x1439486627/Therapy-dog-in-Belvidere-classroom-a-touching-experience

They deserve our thanks and respect every day

Today we all need to make it a point to not only remember the sacrifices made by veterans living or dead but also thank those who have served you and me protecting our way of life. We are forever in their debt for their bravery and service.

Ken Dillenburg

This could get ugly

The message below was posted on one of my message boards under the heading "buy oil now!" It could also be a very scary time and a rough ride for the markets. Posted by Ken

A senior Foreign Office official says British government ministers have been told to expect Israeli military action in the wake of the UN watchdog report "as early as Christmas or very early in the new year," the London Daily Mail reported Thursday, Nov. 10. The ministers were told that Israel would strike Iran's nuclear sites "sooner rather than later" – with "logistical support" from the US.

According to the British paper, which has good military and intelligence ties in London, President Barack Obama would "have to support the Israelis or risk losing Jewish-American support in the next presidential election." The bigger concern is that once Iran is nuclear-armed, it will be impossible to stop Saudi Arabia and Turkey from developing their own weapons to even out the balance of nuclear terror in the Middle East.

Dockside Grill updated hours

Dockside Grill Now Open UPDATED HOURS

Closed Mondays

Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Starting Nov. 26th

Saturday and Sunday mornings there will be breakfast served from 8am to 11am.