Tree planting pictures

Norm Sanders bench in the park

the Burr Oak arrives

in the ground it goes

Judy Rio trying to get herself killed by equipment

Jack and Judy Rio by the Burr Oak purchased with money from Judy's garage sale. We now have our Oak in Oak Tree Park for future generations to enjoy.

Oak Tree Park (below the dam)

Many of you will remember Judy Rio's garage sale last year to fund the planting of an Oak tree to replace the landmark tree that was destroyed by wind damage and had to be removed. Well, this weekend the new tree is to be planted. I am told it is of about a seven inch diameter, which is a good size tree. Thank you Judy for your efforts to once again have an Oak in Oak tree park. I will hopefully have pictures of it to post if all goes as planned.

Ken

Oh, and thank you

I just noticed we passed the 55,000 mark on our page view counter. It means so much to know you folks take the time to read our thoughts on Candlewick happenings and other subjects. You are appreciated and we hope this is a service to you.
Ken

Why would this happen?

 I can't help but notice how much trash is in our ditches. Non-caring folks throw trash out of their car windows knowing that is not right. Something that amazes me almost as much is when I see it left in ditches in front of people's homes and not picked up. Last year during the Candlewick clean-up in my neighborhood alone covering about eight blocks I picked up several garbage bags of junk. Some people even mow over the trash leaving a pile of white paper and chewed up cans. This is so odd to me. If we all simply picked up in front of our own homes Candlewick clean-up day would be accomplished in no time.
 Vacant lots I understand but as I said, if I live in a home I wouldn't want trash in my ditch. There is no way we can tell our neighbors to clean their ditches but maybe, just maybe, if we cleaned their ditch when we clean our own they might get the point. Even if they don't you will have the satisfaction of knowing CWL looks better for your efforts and it takes so little time. Just something to consider.
Ken Dillenburg

I couldn't believe it!

Today I received my AQUA bill. I'll grant you this was only for 29 days but the current bill is for $82.16, compared to my last bill of $108.09. I do not remember having this low of a bill for years. Obviously the AQUA commission did their job and I am sure AQUA itself is not pleased with the result of their filing for a rate increase. I would love to hear from others to see if this is prevalent in Candlewick. When the community joins as a whole good things happen. Nice job!
Ken Dillenburg

More info. from Chuck about Candlewick Clean-up

IT’S OUR COMMUNITY AND WE CARE             7th Annual

Candlewick Cleanup Weekend

Where:     Savannah Oaks Golf Course

When:      Saturday May 5, 2012

                 Sunday May 6, 2012 (If needed)

                            

Time:      Saturday 8:00 a.m. - noon

       Sunday 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. (If needed)

How:         Form a street team and get your neighbors and pick up the litter on your street.

Then:                   Bring the bagged litter to the truck at Savannah Oaks Club House or call (815) 262 0695 for a truck to pick up your collected bag(s) of litter.

Communicate:  To select your street,

To get your plastic bags,

To get additional streets and/or areas, and to get additional details: call Chuck (815)262 0695

Together we can: Maximize our efforts and minimize our time, keep our community clean.

Candlewick Hold Your Head HIGH!

The mean old man on the lake

That is what some of the “kids” are probably nicknaming me right now. Last week two different times I was yelling at teens at the boat launch on the east end of the lake. They were picking up big rocks, almost digging them from the shoreline and throwing them from the pier. Each time they did stop and leave after I told them. I know they don't really get that they are causing problems for those wanting to launch their boats or a danger to those coming in to dock. They are just kids doing what I probably would have done at the same age.

Having said that, we really need to all tell them it has to stop if we see them doing this. We are paying contractors to replace those rocks they are throwing from the shore. One thing I witnessed that was flat out attempted vandalism was a couple of them on the pier shaking it side to side as violently as they could, appearing to try to collapse it. Working together maybe we can put a dent in some of this activity.

Ken Dillenburg

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 03/25/2012

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Gables for a report of a subject in severe pain.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Queensbury for a report of a woman passed out.

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Briarcliff for a report of severe swelling.

Public Safety responded to the 800 block of Marquette to assist with a choking dog. 

Damage to Property

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Rochester for a report of damage to a child’s playhouse.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Briarcliff for a vehicle that had mustard sprayed on it.

Battery

Public Safety responded to the area of Savanah Ridge and Rochester for a report of a battery.  In summary, Male juveniles reported walking in the area and were approached by two older Males and subsequently battered.  The older offenders then fled in a green older Blazer or Cherokee.  One offender (the driver) is described as having long hair and tattoos on both arms.  Anyone having information is asked to call Public Safety Deputy Chief James O’Doherty at 815-765-2827 X211

Suspicious Activity

Public Safety responded Fledging and Briarcliff for a report of juveniles walking with BB guns.  The juveniles were gone upon arrival.

Public safety responded to the 600 block of Constitution for a report of juveniles obstructing traffic.  Upon arrival, it was determined they were skateboarding on and near the roadway and agreed to cease.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Marquette for a report of a subject trespassing.  The subject was located and subsequently transported to the hospital for an evaluation.

Citations issued  12

Warnings issued  27

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

Saturday evening catch

Saturday was an overcast day for the most part and the lake had a nice surface chop, just the kind of day when the walleye like to feed. Fran and I started fishing from the dock about 6 p.m. and at six thirty the action started. I noticed a twitch at the end of my pole. I picked it up and the first walleye, 22 inches long, took off like a shot. I netted it and the action continued until about eight, not constant, but enough to keep us jumping. The larger walleye is 22 inches, the smaller one is 18 inches, and the bullheads are at least a pound each. We'll be "eatin' high on the hog" as they say. Name another lake where you can get this much action in such a short time period. What a great place to live!
Ken Dillenburg

A Sunday consideration

Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.
Vaclav Havel

Fishing success

Isaiah Bartly (left) netted this 39 1/2" Northern Matt Johnson caught March 24th.

Nathan Frankowski Grandson of Barb and Gary Appelhans caught and released this 15" Walleye March 23

Thanks to Barb Appelhans for submitting the pictures. This has been a really strong early spring fishing season. If others wish to submit pictures of catches please do so and we will be happy to show everyone your fishing prowess. My largest walleye this year has been twenty one inches. but I didn't take a picture. We have also been catching huge, and I mean huge bullheads off the dock in the evenings. They are plenty large enough to fillet and we just had a meal today. I will admit Fran caught every one of them. They have a very strong fish taste but rolled in flour, a little salt and pepper and a good hot frying pan and they can't be beat. I guess my country roots are showing again!   Ken

A few more board meeting notes

Candlewick is forced to no longer allow any guest boats on the lake. Insurance costs to our association have risen to the point it is not feasible to continue the practice. Many H.O.A.s with lakes are doing the same.

There is going to be strict enforcement of fire lanes that are marked as no parking areas. This is a health and safety issue and the fines will be steep. Just an F.Y.I. To those parking there. Handicap parking spaces will also be strictly enforced as I believe they should be. We all should be courteous to those who have a challenging health issue.

Here is another idiosyncrasy in the way we are forced to handle your money. We must have service work on the well at the golf course because the water pressure is not adequate to supply the sprinklers for the course. Since we didn't know this was going to be necessary the expense was not put in the current year's reserves budget. As an explanation, our reserves are for the replacement and repair of existing assets and our operating fund is just as indicated, for operating. The reserves are in great shape but operating is very tight. Now get this, since we had not budgeted for the well expense we are not allowed to take the money from the reserves to cover the cost. It must come from the operating fund. Can it get any more ridiculous? That is the rule and we are stuck with it. It would be like an individual having plenty of money in their savings account and almost nothing in their checking and have a car break down but can not use the savings to repair the car.

Frustratedly posted by Ken

Thursday night's board meeting

Good Grief! If we all look like that from the audience it is a wonder anyone comes to the meetings. What a gloomy looking group. This was not as somber a meeting as it appears so don't let us scare you away.

Thank you to Barb Appelhans for the pics of us mean devils.

Thursday board of directors meeting

Unofficial Board Minutes of March 22, 2012

Election of Officers:  President – Bonnie Marron, Vice President - Ken Dillenburg, Secretary – Chuck Corso, Treasurer – Jeff Lutzow

General Manager’s Report:  Tracy thanked the people for coming to the General Meeting or sending in their proxies.  We did have a quorum and could conduct business which costs us the property owners less money.  They have been working on the Board Retreat, the dues mailing and several other things.

The fire on Brandywine was brought up and the progress on the house.  Tracy stated that they have been in contact with the insurance company and it has not been settled yet.  A neighbor was concerned about the appearance and the safety.  Citation and Public Safety will be in contact with the family to see if something can be done.

Finance:  It was recommended for Robert Rebba to be a member of the Finance Commission.  He has attended many meetings and has been an asset and has much to offer the commission.

ECC:  Karl Steiskal, Don Paresi, and Ken Dillenburg will be representing the Board at the ECC meetings.

Lake Management:  They talked about the top priorities for Joe Rush to work on.  They talked about 3 aerators to be installed.  They will lease them for one year and then look into purchasing them.  Jeff Lutzow was appointed to be the Board liaison.

Road Construction:  Bids will be back by March 30^TH.  There will be a meeting for property owners to explain what is going to be done with the roads prior to the start of the project.

Recreation:  Clearview will be paying all fees connected with the pool drain and the pool will open on time.     These are some of the activities that have been and will be at the Rec. Center – Line Dancing, Cardio, Archery, Karate, hop scotch and 4 square, Ballroom Dancing, Pool Classes, Walking  Path, 3 on 3 Basketball, Zumba and Latin Dancing.

Legal:  They have been going through the By-Laws.  So far on the CC&R’s they have got 52 NO’S and 1,130 YES’S but they are still 30 votes short, so if you have turned yours in pleas do so.  Small political signs will be allowed on vacant lots.

Aqua:  There will be articles in the April newspaper.

Community Garden:  Sandy Morse has applied for the grant.  The garden will be on the north side of the office.  There will be about 10 plots; there will be more information in the paper.

Golf Course Well Repair:  They are taking bids and recommendations.

Fishing Passes:  It was passed that the cost of fishing passes would be:  $40.00 annual, 3 day pass $15.00, daily pass $10.00.

Annual Clean-up Day:  May 5^TH. Chuck Corso will be in charge this year.

Coley’s Cooler:  Will sell ice cream again this year.  They are hoping that they will be able to start April 2^ND.

Precor Exercise Bike:  It needs to be replaced and it was decided to buy a used bike at a total cost of $1,194.00 including warranty and delivery.

Golf Commission:  It was discussed to have a commission to discuss and make recommendations to Stuart about the golf course.  Chuck Corso was voted to head the commission.  

Report by Ellen Steiskal, Pride Secretary

WOW! What a paddleboat on our lake

Ed and Maria Krzeczkowski's new paddle boat.

(Maria is one of the "morning walkers" at the gym in the rec center so that must be where she gets her leg power. Ken)

There is a new and unusual boat on our lake.

The boat is a Paddle Quest 14'- 6 seater

We saw this at the Rockford boat show, I've wanted one for years. Cousins have a smaller 2 seater by paddleboat company.  You can put an electric motor on it, but it only goes 3-4 mph.  there is a table for the front and it also comes w/fisherman seats.


(Submitted by and pictures by Barb Appelhans)

This is March, right???

This is Barb Appelhans in a kayak with her dogs about sunset. I didn't take the picture so I am free to say it is a very nicely framed shot. Who would have believed last March we would be enjoying the eighties so early. Again, what a great place to live! Not too shabby a place for dogs to live either.    Ken

Please take the time

It is being reported that voting in the Illinois primary, which is being held today, is extremely poor. Some areas are reporting as low as a 15% turnout. So if you are a registered voter and have not as yet voted, you have until 7pm to get to your polling place and cast your ballot. If you do not know your polling place please check with the Boone County Clerk's Office at 815-544-3103. - submitted by Bonnie Marron 

To me an interesting comparison

The turnout was low for our annual meeting but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Far more than enough property owners turned in their proxies so the meeting could easily be held. I like to think a lot of the P.O.s are pretty satisfied with the direction we are heading and wanted to be sure we could hold the meeting but didn’t feel they needed to attend. We like to have good attendance of course but this is not a real problem. The meeting was the shortest one I can recall, lasting a little over an hour. The only complaint during the time for P.O. input was from one of the naysayers asking a question about funds that has been asked and answered before, more than once before if my memory serves. This was a very nice cordial meeting.

Going a little off topic here, I would like to make a comparison. How many of you know since 1970 in most Supreme Court cases the attorneys are allowed no more than an hour total to argue their case? That is one half hour from each side to argue some of the most far reaching decisions to affect our lives. Ridiculous, isn’t it, and these judges are appointed for life, no matter how senile they become.

That being said, Obamacare is to be argued starting March 26 and the case is being allowed six hours of argument. That is the most time allowed for any case in decades. Of course not to overwork themselves the judges have scheduled those six hours to be spread over three days. I realize they are only ruling on the legality of forced insurance purchases but still, the law itself is thousands of pages. Give me a break.

Using the same logic, our board meetings should be cut to no more than five minutes total. Ridiculous……..but that is government thinking.

Ken Dillenburg

Very Important

Tuesday is primary election day when we can choose our candidates for the general election. Please vote.

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 03/18/2012

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Brandywine for a report of a subject in severe pain.

Public Safety responded to 603 Marquette for a subject indicating she was about to pass out.

Public Safety responded to 135 Valhalla for a subject having difficulty breathing.

Public Safety responded to 218 Thornhill for a report of a subject needing an evaluation. 

Suspicious Activity

Public Safety responded to the West gate for a subject who asked a gate officer for permission to sleep in her car on Candlewick property because she was afraid of something.  Public Safety observed the woman had a black / bruised eye.  Public Safety then notified the Boone County Sheriff’s Office who in turn completed the investigation.  At the Sheriff’s Office request she was allowed to sleep in her car outside of the West gate.

Public safety responded to the area of the 500 block of Pembroke for a report of a vehicle, dark in color with tinted windows driving up and down the street several times.  Upon arrival the vehicle had left the area and did not return.

Public Safety responded to the area of the 400 block of Marquette for a report of subject’s yelling profanities and a vehicle fleeing the area.  Public Safety responded, the vehicle was gone and provided an extra patrol to the area.

Traffic Crash

Public Safety responded to both the East gate and the West gate for vehicles that had struck the gates.  Public Safety investigated the incidents and found they were a result of vehicles following others in too closely.

Theft

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Galleon Run for a report of a theft of a fishing pole with an identified suspect.  Public Safety responded and recommended the Sheriff’s be called.

A subject reported an orange and black “Mongoose” bicycle was stolen from the recreation center.  

Please keep an eye out for the bicycle laying somewhere, many times the bikes stolen are ridden then discarded.  If located call Public Safety at 815-765-3768

Citations issued 12

Warnings issued 18

Road postings are now lifted.

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

A friendly reminder

This month's board of directors meeting will be held on Thursday rather then Tuesday due to the primary election on Tuesday. Our normal meeting room will be tied up since we are a polling place.
 Ken

Annual meeting of the property owners

 The current board at the start of the meeting

 The ladies in charge of counting proxies and attendees

New board members swearing in. Left to right...Steve Lambright, Karl Steiskal, Chuck Corso, Jeff Lutzow, and Don Parisi.
Pam Cangelosi doing the honors swearing them in.






You'll love this, I know I did.............

You will recall the situation where the manager and board contracted with a pool company to bring us into compliance with new regulations only to find we, along with hundreds of other pools, were still not considered to be compliant. We had to pay a fine and still fix the pool.

The board and manager were lambasted, being accused of being incompetent, wasting money, you name it. It was the same naysayers as usual echoing the chorus. We knew we had contracted with the stipulation we were to be compliant with the law. No question.

It was announced at the annual meeting the company handling the job is paying the fine as well as our legal expenses. When in legal negotiations we are bound to not discuss issues and believe me it can be very difficult at times to hold your tongue. We are fine and our pool will be made compliant for the summer season. 

Ken Dillenburg

Your Sunday Smile....regrets

A woman awoke during the night to find that her husband was not in bed. She put on her robe and went downstairs. He was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in front of him. He appeared to be in deep thought, just staring at the wall. 
       
      She saw him wipe a tear from his eye and take a sip of his coffee. 
       
      "What's the matter dear? Why are you down here at this time of night?" she asked. 
       
      "Do you remember twenty years ago when we were dating and you were only 16?" he asked. 
       
      "Yes, I do," she replied. 
       
      "Do you remember when your father caught us in the back seat of my car kissing?" 
       
      "Yes, I remember." 
       
      "Do you remember when he shoved that shotgun in my face and said, “Either you marry my daughter or spend twenty years in jail?" 
       
      "Yes, I do," she said. 
       
      He wiped another tear from his cheek and said, "You know...I would have gotten out today."

Pam Cangelosi’s article

I hope many of you read Pam’s well written article in the Candlewick newspaper about what it is like to be a board member. Pam has been a very active board member as well as a volunteer in many areas for a lot of years. One point she made that has stuck with me was her statement that the board members are also property owners here so why in the world would they not want to do what they feel is best for Candlewick. It really is true if you think about it. Board members pay the same dues and live with the same rules as everyone else. It would be counterintuitive to think members would vote to lessen their quality of life or values. As the new members are sworn in tomorrow I hope we all welcome and congratulate them. I know each of them and they are good men.   Ken

Hungry?

Just a heads up, the Dockside is going to extend hours tomorrow to accommodate anyone who wants a bite after the annual meeting. If you haven't tried their food this is a chance to stop by. You will not be disappointed. 
As long as I am on the topic, Friday morning I had a breakfast sandwich I believe was called the sailor's sandwich and it was out of this world. Two sausage patties and a lot of egg between two thick buttered and toasted bread slices. I know, I'll need to go to Roto-Rooter to get my arteries cleaned out but I will go smiling with the taste on that sandwich in my mouth. MMMMM

Ken Dillenburg

Annual meeting of the property owners

This Sunday at the rec. center the annual meeting will be at 1p.m. in the gym. You will get to see the new board members sworn in as well as receiving a hand-out detailing the achievements and activities of various commissions and committees for the past year.

Come hear the report of the financial condition of your association and ask questions of your board and management. This is the big one folks. Yeah, it will be a great day to be outdoors but if you have an interest in Candlewick operations be sure to show up.

Ken Dillenburg

Crappie (yep, it’s spelled right)

I doubt many fishermen noticed there is a new regulation regarding crappies this year. In order to keep a healthy supply of crappies they will be catch and release only from April 15 until June 1. Normally this is when they spawn so the nests will remain protected and we will have better reproduction.

Ken Dillenburg

CANDLEWICK DUES

REDUCTION RAFFLE

UNDERWAY

Last year was such a success we thought we’d do it again!

FOR A $5.00 PER TICKET INVESTMENT YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO REDUCE YOUR 2012-13 DUES BY A MINUMUM OF $500.00!!

Tickets Will Be Available Thru April 16^th at the Administration Office and Recreation Center

during normal business hours

RAFFLE IS OPEN TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS!

Monies Will Be Automatically Credited To Your Dues

Any Questions, Please Contact the Recreation Center Activities Desk

At 815-765-1943

For Raffle Rules see March edition of the CWL Newspaper 

Fish are starting to hit

I have been picking up a few Bass off our pier and Wednesday afternoon around 4:30 I caught a Northern weighing about 8 to 10 pounds. I didn't measure or weigh it because it took a while to get it in and they die easily so I wanted it back in the water quickly. A beautiful fish though.  Ken

So what did you do Tuesday, Ken?

Odd you should ask. Tuesday morning I drove all over Candlewick looking at the areas involved in the road repair project scheduled for early summer. Some are looking pretty ugly so it is good this wasn’t stalled for another year. Unfortunately as I have mentioned before the winter was rough on the roads in general. I saw several areas that have deteriorated quite a bit over the winter but are not in our first year plan. P.O.s will have to realize these areas will be taken care of but it may have to hold off for the next phase in 2013. No matter how this progresses some will feel their area should have been first. There is no way to please everyone the first year so please be patient, knowing we are trying to be fiscally responsible.

I saw many shoulder problems and of course ditch drainage that needs work. The ditches are engineered now so the plan is to get that work underway this summer as well. Nothing is being ignored but it will take some time and of course inconvenience for those in the work areas. It is coming together.

Ken Dillenburg

Well, that was fast!

ROAD

POSTINGS

WILL BE

LIFTED

7:00 A.M.

FRIDAY

MARCH 16, 2012

Girl Scouts Celebrate!

Happy 100th birthday, Girl Scouts! March 12th marked the official anniversary of the first meeting held in the home of Juliette Low, founder of Girl Scouting. Our local Scouts were out in force to celebrate, wearing their uniforms and flying green balloons all over Boone County. The girls from Troop 3017 celebrated the day in a special way spreading some cheer with a random act of kindness: one hundred lucky drivers found a commemorative flower placed on their windshields. Making the world a better place one kindness at a time- it's the Girl Scout Law!

Rebecca Karl

pictures by Barb Appelhans

Public Safety weekly report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 03/11/2012

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Delta for a possible heart attack. 

Suspicious Activity

Public Safety officers responded to the recreation center for subjects approaching people asking if they were interested in purchasing “Kush” (Cannabis). The subjects were gone upon Public Safety’s arrival.

Public Safety responded to a report of subjects knocking on doors and turning door handles to homes in the 300 block of Benedict Dr.  (Last week, Public Safety obtained information of a scam in which subjects would knock on doors and if a subject was home they would ask for change.  If not home, they would commit a burglary.  These subjects have been identified.  Call Public Safety at 815-765-3768 if this happens to you or in your neighborhood).

Traffic Crash

Public Safety responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch in the 100 block of Candlewick Dr.  Upon arrival, Public Safety observed damaged mailboxes and located the offender who resides in the 300 block of Candlewick.  The driver was subsequently cited for failure to report a traffic crash.

Citations issued   15

Warnings Issued  33

Public Safety is actively and aggressively citing subjects who violate the road postings.  Public Safety will continue the aggressive enforcement action to ensure the integrity of

Candlewick Lake roads.

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

Off our normal CWL topics

This is from a poster on one of my message boards. It is disturbing regarding employment, especially participation in the job market. Also think about how the government is spinning the numbers to look better than they really are. Not a pretty picture.   Ken
(Y/Y means year over year in #2)

Employment:

 

1. The US unemployment rate did not improve month-over-month, staying at 8.3% (only down 0.7% year-over-year)
2. Taking out the government’s random Birth/Death “Adjustment”, the monthly payroll print was +28,000 y/y (yawn)
3. At 63.9%, the US Labor Force Participation rate was second lowest ever (to January 2012’s print)

The lowest Labor Force Participation rate ever? Yes, ever is a long time. 

Regarding an e-blast from public safety

To refresh your recollection, there was an e-blast (an email sent to everyone on the email list) from public safety a few days ago regarding a couple people coming to resident’s doors asking for change for a twenty dollar bill. There was concern this could be a way of finding out if anyone was home so there could be mischief or burglary.

To bring you up to date on the situation, public safety indicates these were people residing in CWL, not outsiders, and public safety has identified those involved. This is not expected to be a problem since our own public safety and the Boone County Sheriff is involved. Thanks to our very professional public safety department and their contacts this has been handled.

I would also like to commend public safety for getting the word out right away so our residents could be alerted to the situation and report any such activity. Knowledge is power and forewarned is forearmed.

Ken Dillenburg