It’s all in the priorities

I have had a very uncomfortable few days. You haven’t lived until you have had your blood pressure spike to 190 over 100 and your heart rate rise to 150 then spend three days in Swede’s cardiac unit while they are trying medications to stabilize you as you are presented with alternatives, none of which are pleasant. Makes you think.

One of the first things the cardiologist asked me was if I have been under stress. Hmmm, only for the last year or so. Stress can be a contributor. I seriously considered if the battle we have been waging is taking too big a toll. I considered this for only a short time. I sit typing with an uneven heart rhythm knowing the cause is so important that backing off is not an option.

This is our home, folks, and it is being attacked by some wishing to change our community into something very changed from the place you have chosen to make your home. This can not be allowed to happen and the Pride’s mission is to protect our association with all it’s assets you own. We will continue the battle with the help so many of you have provided. Never doubt how much we appreciate all of you. As our site hits pass 10,000 we thank all of you so much for your interest in our side of the events as they unfold. Every one of you is important.

Happy to be back…….Ken Dillenburg

One Dummy Found, One Still Missing...

No, this is not the beginning of a joke, but is in reference to the follow-up attempt by local Winnebago Water Rescue Team and the Boone County Emergency Management Agency to locate the two dummies that were left in the lake following the practice emergency rescue that took place in our lake on September 18th. On the 18th the weather took a turn for the worse and the practice had to be called off.

The teams returned to CWL this past Sunday, Setember 26th and were able to locate one of the dummies, but one dummy is still missing. When available, the teams will return again to search for the remaining dummy in the south end of the lake, near the dam. I just wanted to let anyone who is in the vicinity of the lake know that Rescue Randy, as he is known, is still lurking in our waters.

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

You can help Embry-Riddle come to Northern Illinois

As many of you may have heard on or in the local media Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is searching for the site of its third residential campus, and Chicago Rockford International Airport is the perfect place. A campus will help our regional aerospace industry soar, and bring more jobs, money and people to this area. You can find out more about this effort, background on this initiative and sign the petition just by going to www.rocktheair.com

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

The One That Got Away

This nice 33 inch pike caught by my friend Mike is not the subject of the title although she was released and lurks the waters of CWL poised to give someone else a thrilling fight. The one that got away was the lucky lure that caught her.

You see, I had caught a 36 inch pike twenty minutes earlier. That fish had a lure hooked to the outside of his mouth. The lure was a red-eyed shad - a lure used extensively by our friend George who always catches fish.

Soon after I landed my fish Mike stops by and I hand him the lure to try. He catches this pike on the first cast.

A few minutes later George called. Sure enough, George had lost his lure that morning to my pike. Mike told George he was not getting his lure back - George laughed.

Mike had phenomenal luck with George's lure catching 3 more pike over 30 inches in two weeks. But alas the red-eyed shad finally got away. "Lost it on rocks somewhere near shore" is all Mike would reveal - George laughed.

We'll see who finds it.
Randy Budreau

Golf Course Beautification

Stuart Davidson, manager of Savannah Oaks, is looking for residents who have small unwanted trees in their yards that can be donated to beautify our golf course. Not only will the trees find a good home, but they will also be adding to the 'greening' of Candlewick. The trees will provide habitats for animals, shade for golfers, stabilize the ground, and add oxygen back into the atmosphere, not to mention the gorgeous foliage especially during the autumn months.
If you have a donation or questions please contact Stuart at 815 - 765-0111 for further details.

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

Your Sunday smile...have a great day

Seeing a child in need

One afternoon a little boy was playing outdoors. He used his mother's broom as a horse and had a wonderful time until it was getting dark.

He left the broom on the back porch. His mother was cleaning up the kitchen when she realized that her broom was missing. She asked the little boy about the broom and he told her where it was.

She then asked him to please go get it. The little boy informed his mom that he was afraid of the dark and didn't want to go out to get the broom.

His mother smiled and said "The Lord is out there too, don't be afraid.". The little boy opened the back door a little and said "Lord if you're out there, hand me the broom."

So what happens next?

As you know, all three villages have voted to oppose the question of Candlewick incorporation being placed on the ballot so that should be a dead issue. There will still be a hearing in the 17th district circuit court October 11, 2010. The proposal should be denied on it’s face due to legal requirements not being met.

We are currently in the period when objections may be filed with the court any time up to five days prior to the hearing. Any party involved including Candlewick residents can file an objection to the proposal. It has been indicated the three villages intend to object.

I do not know the time of the hearing on the 11th but I will post that when I am notified so anyone interested in seeing the process can attend. It could be an interesting and informative hearing………or it may be a five minute decision. No way to know.

Ken Dillenburg

A thank you to the villages

We understand all three of the surrounding villages continue to act in the best interests of their residents but in doing so they have also acted in the best interests of the Candlewick property owners.

Their refusal for necessary permission for Candlewick to incorporate as well as their forthcoming legal objections will undoubtedly result in the continuing good management and operations of Timberlane, Caledonia, and Poplar Grove as well as the Candlewick Lake association. We all want what is best for our respective communities and you have assured this. Our thanks go to all of you.

Hopefully now Candlewick can move forward as an association united with the goal of continuing our progress in efficiency and responsible financial management for the benefit of all property owners and residents. Hope springs eternal.

If you have an interest in the Rockford Newspapers story I will supply a link below. Just as a side note, the actual petition signatures submitted to the court was closer to 250 than the number 359 quoted in the story.

http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1380101088/Timberlane-to-file-incorporation-denial-in-Boone-County-court

Ken Dillenburg

The Second Nail

It was a rather heated meeting of the Timberlane Village Board Thursday night as members of the Voice and the Pride spoke by the invitation of Village President Stephen Rapp. Mr. Rapp had to vocally restore order with each side interrupting the other until he decided to end the discussion and asked the village attorney his opinion. The attorney stated that not taking action could be regarded as implicit consent by the court since there has been case law supporting this. He recommended that the village make a choice – either for or against incorporation. One of the Candlewick residents stated that Poplar Grove had already had a meeting and had voted. It wasn’t revealed what the outcome of that vote had been. At this point Mr. Rapp invited the trustees to voice their opinions. Robert Blood was concerned that opening the gates would lead to more gang violence that would spill over into their neighborhoods. He made the motion to withhold consent and was seconded by Robert Marner. Ronald Stelling commented and then the president called for a roll call vote. The vote was unanimous to withhold consent.

Sandy Morse

A civil conversation?

Just to keep you advised of the type of input we are receiving from the pro-incorporation folks, let me mention a talk I had with one of them after the board meeting Tuesday night. It gives a little insight.

Immediately after the meeting I was approached by someone who said we needed to talk. He started to explain how I was wrong and needed to get the facts, mentioning areas of Candlewick’s operation that is lacking. This quickly deteriorated into the need to incorporate at which point I told him I have nothing to discuss with anyone who is trashing our community and that I take that action very personally. That led to his using a word so profane I would never type it here or even say the word. This was still in the meeting room.

We went into the hallway where the confrontation continued now involving a couple more of the pro-inc folks. I became loud as well letting them know what I think of people I feel are trying to destroy our community. As I left the original person I was speaking with followed me to the door yelling something I could not distinguish as I walked away. The strongest word I used in the entire confrontation was the word “crap”, which I regret since that is not a very professional way to conduct a discussion.

This type contact does nothing but strengthen my resolve. Why would I mention this? I just want everyone to realize what we are currently dealing with and what you can expect from these folks as this process of confrontation progresses. Angry people do strange things.

Ken Dillenburg

Board meeting of September 21...unofficial report

Before the formal meeting began I brought up a problem of the south gate remaining up too long after a car passes. I waited probably fifteen seconds then thinking it had picked up my sensor I proceeded only to have the arm come down on my car then slide down the back as I drove on. I took care of the damage myself and want no compensation but the problem needs to be addressed. They are currently in the process of addressing both that unit as well as the west gate to eliminate the problem. Thanks to the board for addressing this.

During the same pre-meeting period there was a discussion of ditches not draining correctly and the association is in the process of compiling a list of the problem areas we can address ourselves and the ones we will need to contract so those will be handled as well. They are ahead of the curve on my gate arm issue as well as the ditches I am happy to say.

On to the formal meeting…….Our finances are still in fine shape with about three million seven hundred thousand on hand plus we are currently running about seventy one thousand under budget this year. That says a lot for the management and board running a tight ship and watching out for our funds. It is appreciated especially in the current economy.

Tuesday, October 5, will be the next meeting of the road construction adhoc committee and all are welcome to attend. It will be in the administration building with at 10 a.m.. The committee has added new members which is a good thing for added expertise. On a personal note, I toured Lake Summerset a few months ago and it appears they have used “chip and seal” on their roads and they are looking fine so hopefully that will be one of the methods discussed. It is much less expensive and faster than a tear out and replace process.

The dredging crew is about ready to start the last finger to be dredged and the pipes will be moved so the sludge will go into the retention pond in the golf course pond rather than behind the dam. This should begin shortly weather permitting. Questions were raised by the audience regarding the completeness of the work and the dredged areas are being monitored to assure as clear as bottom as feasible. We pay by the quantity removed so it pays the dredging company to remove as much as possible.

Document changes for the CC&Rs are going to the attorney for final draft so they should be back soon for property owners approval……….or disapproval as the case may be depending on the final copy.

A truck parking area by maintenance is still being planned with the next stage discerning the amount of usage to expect. Cost for usage is to be decided so accurate space requirements can be set forth. This is an excellent idea for our residents.

Caledonia Road clean up is planned for Tuesday, September 28th at 4 p.m. This is a board activity but help is always needed. The more that show up the less time needed to accomplish this so feel free if you have an hour or so to show up. I helped last time and actually it was kind of a fun time as well as a nice sense of helping the community's appearance. Come to the west gate to help.

Dam maintenance will be late next week. Everyone wanting to help bring gloves and anything else you may need to chop cattails and pick up dam debris. Notice the spelling of the word dam. Final date and time will be announced here as well as I would assume on the reader boards at the entrances.

Title searches are to be run on two lots members wish to donate to the association.

As usual these are just the high points so look for the official minutes in the newsletter and the official Candlewick website.

Posted by Ken Dillenburg

Tuesday board of directors meeting

Hopefully many of our readers will attend. The meeting is this evening, September 21, at the rec. center. As usual there will be a thirty minute period for audience questions and comments at 6:30 followed by the formal meeting at 7 p.m.

Should you not be able to attend we will post a condensed unofficial review of the main meeting actions from private notes. Official minutes will be available in the Candlewick newsletter and online at the Candlewick Lake website.

We hope to see you there. Ken Dillenburg

Good Candlewick publicity

I noticed in the Rockford Sunday paper Tom Pinkowski’s 27 inch walleye was mentioned along with Brian Lenick’s 26 inch Walleye. Tom’s Walleye had been pictured on this site a short time ago and it was a beauty. Both were indicated in the paper as caught in Candlewick Lake.

This is the kind of good publicity we need, indicating what a great fishery Candlewick Lake is. Living here we all realize it but prospective property owners do not necessarily know. Good articles like this help property values by offsetting some of the negative information being put forth by some with an agenda.

Ken Dillenburg

Sunday...a day of peace

I hope this will provide a Sunday smile and all of you have a great blessed day. Ken

Smith climbs to the top of Mt. Sinai to get close enough to talk to God. Looking up, he asks the Lord... 'God, what does a million years mean to you?'

The Lord replies, 'A minute.'

Smith asks, 'And what does a million dollars mean to you?'

The Lord replies, 'A penny.'

'Smith asks, 'Can I have a penny?'

'The Lord replies, 'In a minute.'

Back HOME…….

I just returned from three days in Northwestern Wisconsin and Minnesota. It is beautiful country up there but as most of you have found there is still nothing like pulling back up to the gates here that say “Welcome home.” As I drove in I looked out over our lake and thought to myself how could a person not love it here? We are so fortunate to be able to live in this great community with all our amenities.

Of course almost immediately the thought of what a few are trying to do to our association came flooding back. Why in the world we would want to add city government here with all it’s problems is beyond me. We, and by that I mean all the members of our association, chose to live in a secure gated community rather than all the other choices available. A city government is not the solution, it is a layer of new problems. Government so often creates many more problems than it solves.

We are self-sufficient. You can keep your government, we just don’t need it. We’ll take care of ourselves, thank you.

Ken Dillenburg

The Use of Fear as a Tactic

In the early 1950’s Joe McCarthy, senator from Wisconsin played on the fears of Americans because of the Cold War. Many people were falsely accused of being communists and as a result had their lives ruined. Today the term McCarthyism is used more generally to describe demagogic, reckless, and unsubstantiated accusations, as well as public attacks on the character or patriotism of opponents. Unfortunately the use of fearmongering (if that is a word) is all too common . As Joe McCarthy found out those tactics win in the short run but the truth will prevail in the long run.

Sandy Morse

Down the Street Articles

This is a shameless plug for the column I am writing in the Candlewick Newspaper called “Down the Street”. It is actually like the old Mr. Roger’s song, “Who are the people in your neighborhood….?” All too often we don’t get to know a lot about the people who live around us. Sometimes it’s just a wave or “How are you today?” in passing, without going any further than that. I really don’t enjoy the writing so much as I like talking to the people about their lives. There are some very interesting people who live here and in the next few months I hope you will read the column and find out about them. And if you happen to know someone I should interview please contact the office and tell them!

Sandy Morse

the TRUST issue

I know I have mentioned this many times before but the latest instance needs to be brought forward. I know some of you reading this message signed the petition to put the incorporation question on a ballot. I assume you read the wording of the petition.

You were assured in writing the petitions would not be submitted without the consent of Timberlane, Caledonia, and Poplar Grove for Candlewick to incorporate as is according to statutes. You know by now the surrounding villages did not consent but the petitions were submitted regardless.

Does this assure you of the willingness of those wanting incorporation to adhere to the law as well as their commitment to you? These are the same folks who revel in trashing our community in meetings and the media. Should you be approached to sign another petition by the same group in the future be sure to ask if they intend to follow the indications on the petition, or more simply just tell them to leave. Food for thought.

Ken Dillenburg

The sword of Damocles

Some may not realize the disaster that could befall us if the vote to incorporate came in as a yes if it finally made it to the ballot. Some think it will make little difference anyway since we will still own our Candlewick assets. Not true.

If this were to happen and the necessary second vote by the property owners failed to give the association owned assets to the new city the revenue to run the city would have to come from somewhere, and running a city with all it’s inherent costs both mandated and ordinary will be substantial. A city can level many different forms of taxes. There will be far reaching ramifications to such a seemingly minimal action. Don’t be fooled by those spreading demeaning rumors about Candlewick into thinking this will be a small change with big benefits.

We are here to protect our well run association as well as the lifestyle we have come to love. We will do what is deemed necessary to protect our community from those intent upon disruption.

Ken Dillenburg

Time for the “Hail Mary pass”

This is a football term used for a play that is made when the game is about over and there are almost no options left for a win. The quarterback passes the ball as far as he can trying to get to a receiver that has a chance to get a touchdown and save the day. It seldom succeeds.

What would you do if you had spent months trying to get enough signatures to get an issue on a ballot only to find when you had the signatures other requirements had not been met? You would have nothing to lose, so try a “Hail Mary” and hope the judge will accept the petitions without the requirements being met. Do I blame them? Not really, there is nothing for them to lose at this point.

Most of you know the more government group has decided to file their petitions with the clerk of the circuit court asking for the question of Candlewick incorporation to be put on a ballot. The law indicates they must have the permission of all three surrounding villages but they must not care about that. Not one of the three villages have given permission. Rather odd to tell the villages their opinion doesn't matter if it doesn't match their pro-government desires. We were all told in the “town hall” meeting months ago Candlewick could incorporate whether the surrounding villages agree to let us or not. We'll see. Law is law.

Even the petitions themselves with all the scratched out names indicate they must have the agreement of all three villages to put this on the ballot. Does this action invalidate the signatures? I don’t know but an interesting question, isn’t it. This is a quote from one of their petitions….

(2) This Territory lies within 1 1/2 miles of the boundary line of the following existing municipalities: the Villages of Caledonia, Poplar Grove and Timberlane, IL and their consent to this incorporation will first be obtained before the petition is filed with the Circuit Court as a condition of such filing

I certainly can not speak for the villages but I will tell you this, if it were me this would be the last straw, indicating what could be expected from those who hope to run a new city. Legality it seems would take a back seat to desires, whether it be annexation of properties or general dealings with the neighboring villages. It is a shocking and ill advised action.

All Candlewick residents should keep this in mind along with the bashing of our community and incomplete presentation of information in the pursuit of their goals. What a shame. Rest assured, we will keep you apprised of this situation as it develops and we will act as necessary to protect your rights under the law.

Ken Dillenburg