An excellent point from a reader

Thought you might want to post that the sequestration “cuts” are not actual cuts.  They are simply decreases in the scheduled budget increases.  Basically there is still going to be a budgetary increase, just less the amount involved in the sequestration.

Steve Lambright

Thoughts from Rich DeVries

There is a threat to close the school in Caledonia that most of CWL kids attend I think.

What if we proposed that a new school district be formed that would include the present Caledonia school area, and all of CWL within or boundaries -- including the portion that is now in the North Boone district.  If other adjacent areas wished to become part of this new district, it could be considered.  

We would have school identity with CWL with our own K-8 grades. H.S. attendance could be at school of families' choice. It could become a gold standard of how kids achieve. There could be immense transportation savings right away.

Rich D.

Weight loss update

WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE

                              THIS WEEK                           TOTAL LOST

STEVE               Lost 2 pounds                        Lost 14 pounds !

BONNIE             Lost 1.2 pounds                     Lost 6.2 pounds

PAUL                 Lost 0 pounds                        Lost 4 ½ pounds

KEN                   Gained 3 pounds                   Gained 3 pounds (PIG)

KARL                 Lost 1 pound                          Lost 3 1/2 pounds

RICH                  Lost 0 pounds                        Lost 3 pounds

“You go at everything like you're killin' snakes!”

I remember so well Dad saying that to me. It was long ago, I probably was in my early teens and we were working on something together. I have no idea what it was but I was irritating the heck out of him. He was correct.

That is why in all honesty I make a lousy commission or board member. I really dislike all the discussion, negotiating, touchy-feely stuff that is involved. I just want to act. Some years ago on another board it was actually suggested we start committees of one to stop all this stuff. Probably not practical or maybe even legal but it sure appealed to me. One person alone has to do a lot more work but I will tell you, things would move more quickly. Some of you may have noticed the horse designed by committee. Hilarious! I'll see if I can find the picture to post with this article.

Anyway, just venting a little I guess but you get the point. Have a good day, Ken

How can government possibly cut this much???

 

Just look at that tiny red downtick on the graph. To say this will be a huge problem is laughable.  Ken

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week ending 2/24/13

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 1600 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a disoriented subject.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Galahad Ct. for a subject having possible seizures.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 1200 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a subject who had fallen and struck his head.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Hastings for a report of a subject who had fallen and possibly broken their shoulder.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Spinnacre for a report of an infant with a high fever.  The infant was transported for treatment.

Damage to Property

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Rochester for a report of damaged mailboxes.

Domestic Disputes

Public safety and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office responded to domestic disputes in the 400 block of Talladega, 100 block of Heathcliff and the 100 block of Brandywine.  All were turned over to the Sheriff’s Department.

Citations Issued 7

Warnings issued 9

 

Public Safety will be conducting extra traffic enforcement in the 400 block of Pembroke this week.  Please drive carefully.

 

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

A great cause

The Styling for Pink Team

Invites You and Your Friends

To a Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Open House

Friday, March 1, 2013

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Artale Wine Co

6876 Spring Creek

Rockford, IL 61114

815.877.9463

Enjoy a sampling of 30+ wines

Plus delicious appetizers from Josephs

$15.00 admission

“Our Wine Tasting Benefits”

The American Cancer Society to help with traveling expenses for parents with children fighting cancer.

Candlewick Archery

Some of the students of Candlewick Lake's "Straight Aim Archery" class instructed by Cliff Beyer

Mike Stastny, Melissa Fiduccia, Lexi Vant, Instructor Cliff Beyer, Megan Vant, Rachel Martin, Danny Dobrowolski

Photo and information from Barb Appelhans

Your Sunday smile

I normally don't post this kind of stuff but....

This one made me laugh.   Ken

Saturday's ice fishing contest results. Thank you to Barb Appelhans for the pictures and descriptions.

Don Niman was a interesting sight on the lake, from behind I thought he was a giant monkey ice fishing!  

Jim Stanley had fun pulling in this 6.33 lb. Catfish.

First place of $120.00 and a trophy for 7.27 lbs. of fish went to David Kays joined by Uncle Hubert Kays

Anglers president Chuck Hart presented Tom Pinkowski with not only $40.00 3rd place for 6.17 lbs. combined weight but also $110.00 for big fish with a .87 Crappie!

Chuck Hart looking over his entries before weigh in.

The 6.33 Catfish hardly fit on the scale.

Jerry Pollz took home $60.00 for 2nd place with a combined weight of 7.14 lbs.

Greenhouse gasses

How many of you knew that cow flatulence (gas) produces 18% of the world's greenhouse gasses compared to vehicles and other transportation producing 14%. Kind of interesting and how do we manage that?
 Ken

Comparison

Look at the picture and compare it to the one at the top of this blog. I have never in the 25 plus years I have lived here watched this lake as open as it is this year even though we have had some cold days and pretty much every night is well below freezing. I am told it is due to the aerators but if so they are working overtime. It is just simply odd. The aerator is by the cement spillway.  Ken

An easy site to check local CD rates

http://www.bestcashcow.com/cd/rates-5-year

The kids love it!

CANDLEWICK LAKE REC CENTER

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

$5.00 per person

Children under the age of 1 are free

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Lunch served at Noon

Hunt begins 1:00

Lunch:

Hot dog, chips, and Lemonade

Make and Take Craft

Lunch        Egg Hunt

Pictures with the Easter Bunny

Age Groups for Hunt:

Group 1: Under the age of 4

Group 2: 5 – 10 years old

TICKETS ON SALE February 11 - March 14

Everyone must purchase a ticket.

No tickets available at the door

Sponsored by the Events Commission

For more information call 815-765-1943

Tuesday night board meeting notes

The turnout was very small at about 14. It was probably due in some part to the weather.
The meeting started with Bonnie Marron asking for a moment of silent prayer for the two members of our Candlewick family that passes recently, Rich and Ray. A very appropriate action.
I will start with the budget changes since that has been an area that has been a very divisive issue for the board as as well as in the community as a whole. Remember the budget is never final until the board ratifies it and that is to be handled March 5 in a special meeting.
It was agreed to instate green fees for next year of $3 per first round and $2 for the second consecutive round when using the golf course. The workout room will carry a charge of $10 for those using extended hours and no charge during the standard hours starting at 9 a.m., so this is a reduction. Lake management asked for a reduction in guest yearly fishing passes hopefully to sell more and increase overall income. They will drop from $40 to $30 for non-designated fishing passes. Dock rental fees will go to $315 and $185 depending upon which docks are rented. There will once again be lifeguards at the pool, which had been in question at one time. All fees are reviewed yearly. Don Parisi presented the idea of sending out a survey to the community to hear their views on the all inclusive model was discussed to use as a tool going forward on these issues. We all want to represent the residents and to do so we need to go more than gut feel and what we hear from a few.
Remember these are just my meeting notes and the monthly paper will have official minutes when passed.
Jeff Lutzow reported we are still in good shape financially, with replacement reserves of $2,637,899, Road reserves of $396,558, Operating cash of $301,632, and operating investments of $234,167 making our total funds $3,570, 258 rounded off. Around $550 was written off for miscellaneous reasons such as foreclosures and refunds.
It was agreed to spend $2,000 for HAB to write the specs for the alum treatment for bidding and if HAB is chosen for the job the charge will be refunded.
Karl and Michele from the rec commission reported on upcoming activities with Michele mentioning some of the new programs being dance teams, baton class, men's dodge ball, dodge ball (depending upon insurance issues), T-ball, soccer, tennis lessons, and possibly sand volleyball. This commission is busy! Anyone saying Candlewick has nothing to do just isn't paying attention.
I reported on the upcoming roads commission meeting and my request for anyone interested to attend the meeting March 12 at the office at 1 p.m. This year will be a lot of legwork as well as math to decide what we can afford to handle taking into account our budget for the year.
Chuck Corso reported the golf commission intends to put up ropes and markers to protect the fairways from damage. Dennis Balk will be Chairman with Glen O'Connel secretary and Kirk Hollembeck commission chair at large.
Lake management is going to keep the same officers in place next year.
I believe that covers the major points. Again, only my notes and nothing official.
Ken

Chuck Hart announces the next tournament

CWA will be hosting another tournament this Saturday 2/23/13 at 6:30 AM. We will meet at Rec center this time and same rules apply..

Weight loss update

WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE

                                THIS WEEK                            TOTAL LOST

STEVE                    Lost 1 pound                        Lost 12 pounds

BONNIE                  Gained 1.6 pounds               Lost 5 pounds

PAUL                      Lost 1 pound                        Lost 5 ½ pounds

KEN                        Lost 2 pounds                      Lost 0 pounds

KARL                      Lost 1 pound                        Lost 2 1/2 pounds

RICH                       Gained 1 pound                    Lost 3 pounds

Ballots

The latest word I have is the board election ballots should be delivered today. Emphasis on the word "should."  Ken

School sales tax referendum

TO BE CLEAR, I WAS ASKED TO POST THIS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND THAT IS THIS SITE'S PURPOSE. THIS POST IS NOT MEANT AS AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE PROPOSAL.  Ken

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week ending 2/17/2013

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Hastings for a subject suffering a possible stroke.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Queens Place for a report of a subject who had fallen and was experiencing hip pain.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Liverpool for a report of a subject experiencing chest pains.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Griffin Place for a subject who had fallen.  The subject was assisted and refused medical treatment.

Public Safety responded to the intersection of Pembroke and Benedict for a report of a school bus driver not feeling well.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety responded to a report of a house being egged in the 500 block of Lamplighter.  No further information was available.

Damaged Property

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Briarcliff for a report of a damaged vehicle.  It was determined that the damage occurred outside of Candlewick Lake.

Citations Issued 15

Warnings Issued 9

Public Safety will be conducting extra traffic enforcement in the 400 block of Pembroke this week.  Please drive carefully.

 

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

Here is the thing with the budget.

What this boils down to is do you want to pay higher dues so those using some amenities will not have to pay a fee or pay lower dues and pick which amenities you want to pay a fee to use. Very simple.

I prefer the latter. Ken

We are not the only ones with delivery problems

 I spoke with  Schwab this morning because I am still waiting for my year end statement so I can finish my taxes. The statements were mailed last Monday. No mail today so tomorrow will be eight days. Our ballots for the board election must be in the same pile of low priority mail.
Ken

Not a major problem?

Our lake biologist as well as those making the alum presentation didn't seem to feel geese are a major source of nutrients for the algae in our lake. They are the experts but I have to tell you, common sense dictates otherwise.
This morning once again when I arose early and looked at the lake the east end was black with geese. Some of the area in which they were standing had frozen again into a thin sheet of ice. After they left I looked out about eight a.m. and the ice was so covered with goose droppings so thick I at first wasn't even sure what it was. Add that to all the same material left all around the lake on land that runs into the lake with rain and it is like dumping fertilizer into our lake.
What do we do? I know of nothing truly effective. Lake management is addling eggs but that is a drop in the bucket. I guess this is just part of living in a lake community.
The aerators running provide a large open water area for the geese so we live with it.
Ken

Tuesday's board meeting agenda

You may notice there is no agenda item for ratification of the next fiscal year's budget. We will have to call a special meeting in early March to finalize that issue. Ken

BEING THANKFUL

A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy,

"So your mother says your prayers for you each night?

That's very commendable. What does she say?"
The little boy replied, "Thank God he's in bed!" 

Sunday Shakespeare

 I occasionally think about the Shakespeare quote from his play "As you like it." It really is true, the whole world is a stage and we all play a changing part, going from little relevance to a peak of relevance then back to the beginning. It is really not a happy thought for many as we are now on the downside of our existence. I personally can see my memory declining as well as my health not being as it was at one time. Unless we meet an untimely end we will all suffer through this. We do what we can while we can and that is all we can ask of ourselves until we "Quietly slip into that good night," which is another quote. 

Below is a synopsis of Shakespeare's theorem ....

The man in the poem goes through these stages:

1. Infancy: In this stage he is a helpless baby and knows little.
2. Childhood: It is that stage of life that he begins to go to school. He is unwilling to leave the protected environment of his home as he is still not confident enough to exercise his own discretion.
3. The lover: In this stage he is always remorseful due to some reason or other, especially the loss of love. He tries to express feelings through song or some other cultural activity.
4. The soldier: It is in this age that he thinks less of himself and begins to think more of others. He is very easily aroused and is hot headed. He is always working towards making a reputation for himself and gaining recognition, however short-lived it may be, even at the cost of his own life.
5. The justice: In this stage he has acquired wisdom through the many experiences he has had in life. He has reached a stage where he has gained prosperity and social status. He becomes very attentive of his looks and begins to enjoy the finer things of life.
6. Old Age: He begins to lose his charm — both physical and mental. He begins to become the butt of others' jokes. He loses his firmness and assertiveness, and shrinks in stature and personality.
7. Extreme old age: He loses his status and he becomes a non-entity. He becomes dependent on others.

Thoughts on public speaking

Almost everyone dreads having to do it. I know I do. I have read surveys that indicate many fear public speaking more than death. Let's think about it for a minute and decide why.

The entire problem is fear and this fear is ego based. No-one wants to be thought of as a fool. If you get up in front of a group and draw a blank or mess up what you intend to say it would be very embarrassing. The embarrassment ties to ego.

Yes, there are a few here who truly enjoy just being in the spotlight but most of those are simply too slow to realize they are making fools of themselves or they really don't care, this is their chance to be seen.

Ego and pride are destroyers. Many great ideas and opinions are not brought forth because people are afraid they will look silly speaking. So what! If you have a good point to make no-one cares how eloquent you are. If your heart is true and your intentions good the audience is with you and they want you to be there making your point. Normally you will find once you start speaking the nerves go away and things will turn out fine. If they don't do you think those listening think less of you for having the backbone to give it a shot? I think not.

Consider it next time during the public comment section of a board meeting or for that matter at any public forum. You are important. Your thoughts are important. Don't sell yourself short and refuse the rest of us the opportunity to hear your ideas. Don't let grandstanders drown out your voice.

Ken

Tom Pinkowski sr. and Tom Dawson

Hi Ken,

This morning when I exited the back gate on Dawson Lake, myself and a oncoming pickup had to stop on Dawson Lake road because Officer Tom was in the middle of the road stopping traffic.

After chasing him around the truck, I had to explain to him that he has no authority when off Candlewick property. When I left, he was walking back into Candlewick at the gate.

Tom P.

Where the heck is my ballot?

 I have been getting feedback after my post a couple days ago about the ballots being in your mail box by Thursday. Well, here is the story. We got the ballots to the post office on time but it seems now with the reorganization of the post office our ballots went to two or three stops before being shipped to Rockford after which they were sent to Palatine for final sorting and I would assume mailing. Sounds like efficiency to me, right?
Hopefully today you will have your ballots but the post office will make no guarantees. Get used to it folks, this is the new normal.
Ken

Jeff Lutzow jumps in

And in a lot of cases the "some" that are benefiting from the government programs are not working or making such a low income that they don't even pay for the benefits (taxes).

Jeff

( I believe Jeff is expanding on Steve's comments)

Belvidere pool fees

After the early spring special the fees are as follows...

under 48" tall and seniors $30.00 per year
all others $40.00 per year
There is a daily pass charge as well but I couldn't find it.

Just for comparison.   Ken

Karl is back. This is I am sure it is facetious

Other country club ideas.....
Let's increase dues $500 to $1000 per year and you can get
1 snow shoveling service
2 lawn cutting and maintenance
3 inclusive food and liquor at Savannah Oaks and the restaurant if it opens
4 no charge golf carts
5 no dock or fishing license fees
6 complimentary weekly gasoline fill-up

Oh, thank God, I woke up from this nightmare, next they would have wanted all inclusive golf, pool, and health club. It is a nightmare.



(I know Karl and I am sure he is pulling your leg) Ken

Steve Lambright's view

Ken, There is one BIG difference in the comparison of the government and CWL.  As we all pay for the government programs, the benefits of those are only made available to some.   As for CWL, we all pay and the amenities, freebies, giveaways(which ever term Bonnie finds acceptable), are available for ALL to use.  If you choose not to use it, that is your choice.  This differs greatly from the government model where you have to be in a certain group or meet a set criteria to receive the benefit. A perfect example would seem to contradict Karl's example of the Belvidere pool.  Belvidere has parks as well, I'm sure a large percentage of the Belvidere population never sets foot in a park, but the do still contribute to them being there, maintained and updated.  Feel free to post all or part, in the interest of open communication.   Steve Lambright (Anyone is welcome to join this debate so feel free. That is why this blog exists.  Ken)

Input from Karl Steiskal

You may add my name to your blog as strongly agreeing with you.WE are diving into the pool before we check that it is full and then. This will come out to bite us in the end.Then blaming the water company. I strongly ask our residence to stand up against needless dues increases so a few sadly can belong to a country club. That was not what was offered when they bought their homes here! It was the lake, the warm friendly atmosphere, and all the pay to play things that were/are offered.
Karl Stieskal, current board member.

Over two and one half hours and some change

Thursday evening the board once again met in an at times not too cordial exchange of thoughts on the next fiscal year's budget. There is still the chasm between those believing in the country club scenario where everyone's dues pay for some of the amenities and those who feel those choosing to use specific amenities should pay a fee to at least cover some of the cost.

I continue to feel this is the same path our state and federal governments have taken where all pay for the few and it is bankrupting them. We will not go broke here because your dues will increase as new "free" things are added. They are of course not actually free, your neighbors are paying for you to use them. This country club plan is of course not for all amenities, you will pay fees for some so explain that to me. As I stated in a prior post, we are not a country club, we are a middle class working community with many just trying hard to support their families and keep their homes. 

One change is if the budget passes there will now once again be lifeguards at the pool so it won't turn into possible pandemonium. More cuts are made elsewhere so the pool will still be no charge baby sitting for some.

One thing good came out of the meeting. After some budget changes in a prior meeting I agreed to vote for that budget but I am now free of that agreement since this is a revised budget. I was regretting my agreement but I gave my word and I couldn't go back on it.

With some other changes this time the dues should stay close to the $32 increase even after the lifeguards are reinstated. I have never been more unhappy with a budget and the direction we are heading in this respect as a community.

Some will disagree with me and obviously do but that is my stand. I will not apologize for doing what I feel is right for all of you.

Ken

First Rich, now Ray. Another sad report

Ray Polka had been a  resident of CWL for years as well as a very highly thought of member of our maintenance team for some time. You may also remember him from working at Edwards for a while. I knew Ray only by sight so we were not close but I have heard nothing but praise for the kind of person he was along with sadness in his passing. He had been ill for a few months and finally succumbed to the illness. I wish I had known him better.
  Ken

Here in the afternoon Friday, duck and cover!

Scientists say they are sure there is no chance of the 150ft wide space rock hitting the planet.

But there is a remote possibility that it could collide with one of more than 100 telecommunication and weather satellites in fixed orbits above the Earth.

The asteroid, 2012 DA14, has been closely tracked since its discovery a year ago.

It is predicted to reach its nearest point to the Earth at around 7.30pm UK time on Friday.

Experts have calculated it will stay at least 17,200 miles (27,681km) away - easily far enough to be safe, but a very close shave in astronomical terms. Scientists have never observed such a narrow miss before.

Ken

Voting reminder

The ballot for the Candlewick board election should be in your mail box by now. They were mailed Tuesday. This is your chance to decide the course you wish your association to take in the next year. Please vote.
Ken

A post I wish I didn't have to make

 I was told today Rich Rathke passed away. Rich was a very dedicated man who was the chairman of our ECC committee. He was very knowledgeable and taught me a lot on that committee. I remember when I joined telling Rich I couldn't even build a box. He said "You will learn." He made sure I did. We normally sat across from each other and I couldn't help but smile when that grin of his would show up. He attended many board meetings as well. Normally he would sit on the left side of the room about half way back. When I saw him I would wink and nod. Sure enough there would come that grin of his.
 I was honored to have known him and I don't use that word lightly. Go with God, Rich
Sadly, Ken

And another budget meeting

Thursday evening your board will be meeting once again to hammer away at the budget. I know I have lingering areas of concern. The budget is not finalized until the board takes the ratification vote. It is turning into a battle between those wanting the all inclusive "country club" model where all pay so everyone can use amenities with no charge and the user fee structure where those using the amenities pay for what they choose to use. In my mind the idea of all P.O.s paying so a smaller group doesn't have to pay fees smacks of exactly what is happening at the state and local level of government and it is breaking us. I don't like it one bit. I will happily pay a fee for what I choose to use and help hold dues in check for those choosing not to partake.
I'll tell you folks, we are not a country club. We are an association of home owners some of whom are struggling to keep their heads above water. To ask them to pay so others can use amenities they don't even have time to use is just wrong in my mind.
Ken

This is one you'd better remember

This is a last minute reminder you have only hours to buy something for your "significant other" before Valentine's Day tomorrow. Fran always says she wants nothing but of course she always gets something from me. This year I bought her a small Valentine's Day bakery cake and gave it to her early so it would be fresh. I know she likes bakery cakes but feels they are too expensive. She reminded me she had told me to get her nothing but there was that smile she couldn't hide and she started on the cake in no time. That is the gift I wanted from her, seeing her smile.
Ken