The new Eagle's Nest. Ready to fly!

Barb Appelhans sent these pictures from last night. The Eagle's Nest looks great and I know from personal experience the food is exceptional. Great people, great food, great atmosphere, what more could we ask?

Last, but not least, the great crew!

The Rabine repairs

Rabine Paving, the company that handled last year's road repair and rebuild, has contacted us indicating they will be repairing the sections of roadway that are not up to their standards regarding edge breakage and other areas of responsibility. You are already seeing the white areas appearing on our roads indicating repairs to come. I will not ask them to replace the areas of roadway that have some waviness because we bear some of the responsibility for that. We were pushing them to get in and out, avoiding closing roads we probably should have closed. The blame for that falls on me. I chose to avoid all possible inconvenience to drivers at the expense of a smoother road. This year will be different and later as well.
We will handle the shouldering where Rabine is to fix the road prior to their work to avoid any future damage. They are a reputable company standing behind their product. What more could we ask?
Ken

I hobbled out to the lake to see the appearance

(Not our lake but this is the color)

Have you taken a look? It is starting to have that azure greenish tint I remember from the last treatment. After the treatment if it is like last time it will be very clear with that tint down for many feet and the bottom will be shockingly visible. This makes for a little tougher fishing since the fish can see your boat and you can see them. Early mornings and late evenings will probably be the best fishing times or at least when there is a decent chop on the water. It is worth it.  Ken

Amen to that!

More alum treatment pictures from Barb Appelhans

The treatment started Wednesday and they are hard at it.

A view of the spreaders from the rear.

Another picture of them at work

This is a lot of lake to over. They are using GPS to assure full coverage and this year they will be hitting the shallower water and well. Coves, etc. will be treated. This should be a more complete job than our last one.

For those still in the workforce, this is much longer than most of my posts but it is interesting and well written. It is a researched primer regarding relating to the new generation of workers.

Managing the New Workforce

by Dave Mathieu, Sr.

The largest and most dynamic generation in history is changing the culture of the 21^st century workplace.

As the largest portion of the American workforce (baby boomers) begins to retire, an estimated 40 million millennials (also known as Generation Y-ers) are already in the workplace with that figure expected to rise to 75 million by 2025. Their career aspirations, attitudes about work, and knowledge of new technologies are changing the culture of the 21st century workplace.

This is a generation that has been made to feel “special” by their “helicopter” parents (parents who hover over their children). This special feeling was reinforced in school where there is no longer such a thing as failing. This special feeling also runs true in little league sports where everyone who participates “wins” a trophy. Basically, these children have always had parents and mentors who helped solve all their problems for them.

By growing up in such a supportive environment, the younger generation of employees enter the workplace finding it hostile to their work ethic and lifestyle. They witness that most business owners and managers spent little time providing a work culture that embraces employees of all ages.

In most cases, it is not that the small business owners don’t want to help merge the younger workers into their business smoothly, they just don’t have the resources to recruit and train them individually like the large corporations do.

As a consequence, older generation managers feel conflicted. They want the new hires to be productive employees, but they want it to happen seamlessly without a lot of hand holding. But it won’t happen. It will take work from both parties.

Let’s face it, every generation bemoans the weaknesses of the newer one. Millennials are not better or worse than any other generation — they are just different. For instance, millennials operate under a work ethic that differs from the older generations’ nose to the grindstone ideology. They are creative and bright and have enormous skill sets, but according to one employer we talked to, “they can be difficult to manage.”

Career Aspirations

There are strong similarities between millennials and the generations that have preceded them: they want security and variety in their career; they want to be stretched and challenged; and they have strong beliefs and expectations that extend to the workplace.

Obviously, the millennials have developed work characteristics and tendencies from doting parents, structured lives, and contact with diverse people.

Everyone performs better after being complimented for a job well done, but this is a strong millennial trait as they expect detailed, regular feedback and praise for a job well done, and they want it frequently or continually on the job.

Attitudes about Work

Millennials expect to work hard, but they get bored easily. They’re drawn to organizations that offer a comfortable and stimulating atmosphere that creatively blends work and life — a balance seemingly more important than financial reward.

Millennials fight the idea of traditional employment. And they don’t believe that “safe jobs” exist since they witnessed their parents being downsized from companies that had employed them for many years. Even the millennials already in the workplace have experienced mass layoffs in their short careers.

They love interaction with others. They admire collaboration and open communication. Millennials are comfortable working with the older generations and value mentors. They like to help one another and brainstorm ideas, a trait that can reflect well on their employer. Yet, their non-traditional views of how to get a job done sometimes irritate the older generation managers.

Millennials also want to be involved in the decision-making process, much to the chagrin of older workers. Growing up, their parents often asked them what they thought — and their parents listened. Consequently, millennials long to steer ideas. It’s second nature to them, since they’ve been doing it all their lives.

Knowledge of New Technology

It has been said that millennials are the most connected generation in history and will network right out of their current workplace if their needs are not met.

Well, that may be a little harsh, but with technology dominating every aspect of their lives, it’s not surprising that millennials say they prefer to communicate electronically rather than face to face or even by telephone. Consequently, technology often creates intergenerational conflict in the workplace and many millennials feel held back by rigid or outdated working styles of older managers.

10 Tips for Managing Millennials

Today, it is important for every business to understand the generation Y-ers since the majority of their new employees will come out of the millennial pool.

Although there is no one set of criteria that dictates what is or what is not an acceptable way to manage millennials, managers with whom we’ve talked agree on the following 10 points.

1. Forget college majors. Unless the job requires a very specific major, look past college courses. Millennials love to learn. If they have the will and potential, train them, give them the tools to get their job done properly, and let them fly.

2. Over communicate. There can never be enough clarity when it comes to communicating with millennials. You should show there is no distinction between generations in your company by never talking down to them because of their age. Use daily email messages to keep people updated. Use anything that works to keep an open line of communication.

3. Tell them why. Millennials never grow out of asking why. They’ve asked why all their lives about everything they were asked to do. And when they ask why, they expect a clear answer. Once you tell them why, give them freedom to do their job. Like all of us, millennials become dissatisfied with work when they feel they lack control.

4. Provide immediate feedback. Millennials crave for immediate feedback whether good or bad. Praise them in public and single out individuals for a job well done. By the same token, hold them accountable for their own jobs and call them out for their mistakes, but do it privately.

5. Be a good shepherd. Free your millennial charges to go after new approaches to a job. As we mentioned previously, millennials love to steer ideas. They are good at brainstorming; let them share ideas that may work for your organization.

6. Be authentic. This generation prizes authenticity. Display your vulnerability and own up to your mistakes. Admit when you were responsible for a mistake. If you pretend to be perfect, you are telling them that you don’t need anyone else, which diminishes their value.

7. Let them work as a team. Millennials are cliquish and love to work as a team. They often run in a group inside and outside the firm, and they celebrate each other’s successes. Don’t discourage these strong friendships, they will reflect well on your company.

8. Learn from them. Encourage reverse mentoring. An unquestionable skill younger workers bring is digital savvy.  Let them leverage their digital comfort and multi-tasking abilities by teaching older workers about new technology. Give them a sense that learning is a two-way street, regardless of age.

9. Give a sense of freedom. Since they are digital beings, allow millennials to work remotely and provide a sense of freedom, flexibility and autonomy. Make sure, however, you have accountability procedures set up, or you may not get what you intended.

10. Help them grow. Millennials place a high value on having a strong relationship with a mentor. They are used to this as they hail from a background filled with encouraging professors, coaches and parents.

Making a Difference

Any student of history will testify that the people who have made a difference in our world are not those who have continually chosen the popular, smoother route. They are instead those who dare to make waves.

Without question, millennials make waves with their non-traditional views of the workplace and how to get a job done. Older generation managers need to understand where millennials are coming from and help them with positive change and guide them forward. If you don’t, you could risk losing future talent. 

Well, that went well!

Back home and bleeding like a stuck hog. Right through my clothes. Nice job! Trying to get it stopped with ice and pressure. Gaining on it.  Ken

Lake closes for alum treatment

Probably for five days or a little more. With the cost in this project we want it to be as perfect an application as possible so closing the lake is the route to go. If it comes out like our last treatment we are going to look pristine! Wind and lightning are supposed to be the only things that will stop the progress. I don't like the sounds of the weather forecast. Barb Appelhans has once again supplied the pictures to keep you up to date on lake happenings. I am sure there will be more to come as the process begins.   Ken

The application vessel with tank

These look about as tall as houses. If you get a chance drive by and check them out.

Fill 'er up!

Tomorrow is the big day! They are staged and set to go.

Closed for a few days.

Today is the day! One word... "OUCH!"

Bad news from Senator Dave Syverson

From Dave Syverson....
Senate Dems killed the House passed concealed carry bill SB2193 today. Instead passed the Chicago version that has Home Rule exemptions. Having over 100 different locals laws regarding types of guns allowed, types of ammunition allowed, what size clips allowed, would be a nightmare and make criminals out of law abiding citizens who just want to protect their families. At this point we are better off in the courts than pass the Chicago version of concealed carry.

We are the only state without concealed carry and Chicago, with some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, is the epicenter of gun crime. That should tell us something. Those wishing us harm don't want to face down someone who may actually be as well armed as they. It is time for a level playing field.  Ken

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week ending 5/26/2013

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Queens Place for a resident with chest pains. The resident was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Galleon Run for a subject who suffered a drug overdose. The resident was transported for treatment.

Suspicious Activity

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Staffordshire Dr. for a report of running water down a driveway from a possibly vacant residence. Further investigation revealed a broken pipe under the floor of the home. The residence was occupied.  

Public Safety responded to the 1900 blk. of Candlewick Lake for an open door to a vacant house. Upon checking the home, all was clear.

Public Safety responded to the Highland Valley park for graffiti on a shed. The offender(s) are unknown, the graffiti was removed.

Traffic Incident

Public Safety responded to the 400 blk. of Atlantic Dr. for a reckless driving complaint. A warning was issued.

Citations Issued 7

Warnings Issued 12

Public Safety would ask if residents observe anything suspicious to please call 1-815-765-3768.

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

New legs and a cleaning (from the Candlewick Anglers site)

We have been told raising the aerators from the bottom of the lake a short distance will help stop the stirring of nutrients into our lake water so divers took on the task.

This is one of the aerators pulled up from the bottom by the dam.

You can see the residue built up on the coils. They are cleaned before installing the new legs and lowering them again.

Here is a clean one.

Notice the newly installed legs to raise it off the bottom.

Anglers need help improving your lake

Candlewick Anglers Fish Club

Saturday June 1st at 8am Lake Management will be planting 600 blooming wild flowers at Firefly Bay. We have a limited amount of volunteers and would appreciate any help. If you can help bring a small flower spade or bulb planter. Thanks Chuck Hart @ 815 520 1796

So long Officer Tom Dawson

A lot of us will miss the old boy. He was a regular on Candlewick Drive in the area of the dam and the south gate. I was told a couple months ago maintenance found a dead turkey. I thought it probably was him but didn't want to post it then find it wasn't. I have not heard of a sighting since so it was probably Officer Tom. They said it looked like dogs or coyotes had attacked him. You will remember he was hit by a car before that and disappeared for a while, only to reappear on the road being much more wary of cars. I wonder if his injury made him less able to get away from predators by flying into a tree. One of his wings seemed to be damaged by the car so that is a possibility. 
Rest in peace, Officer Tom. You brought many smiles to us during your time here.
Ken

A Sunday thought. Thank you veterans for your sacrifices

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

Barb Appelhans stopped by our community garden to show you the improvements this year. Thanks to Barb for the pictures

Jim Brefeld built raised planting boxes to make it more convenient and easier on the back. Notice the nice touch of the attached benches?

You can see the plants are starting to grow.

Sandy Morse, Karl Steiskal, Bonnie Marron, and I am sure a lot of others have been working hard to make this year's community garden one to be the envy of many communities. This is just one more example of projects handled so beautifully by selfless volunteers here in Candlewick.

Ken

From an e-blast

IMPORTANT NOTICE

On May 24, 2013 there will be designated areas of the lake chemically treated for weeds and algae.

The following restrictions should be noted:

      Drinking water for pets for 1 day.

       No irrigation for grass or flowers for 3 days.

       No irrigation for food crop (vegetable     gardens) for 5 days.

        

***This does not affect your water supplied by Aqua Illinois.

Beaver Creek / Candlewick Watershed meeting

I was disappointed at the turnout of probably 25 but the meeting time was difficult for working people so it is understandable. Luckily we did have representatives from Poplar Grove, a farmer, someone from Boone Lake, and another watershed person along with our residents so it was a good meeting. The next meeting will be probably on a Saturday mid-June to allow those working to make it. Each warm body attending these meetings will add $16.00 per hour to the amount we are accruing to pay for part of the cost so we need attendees.
Joe Rush, Rebecca Olson, and Nathan Hill ran the meeting and explained what they are doing in their pursuit of grant money. We are currently going for the planning grant, and that leads to an implementation grant. These grants are not coming tomorrow but much of the remediation should be completed before the upcoming alum treatment wears off.
Our lake has a watershed of 2986 acres and the lake itself is about 200 acres so that is not a large area to feed our lake.
A lot of the meeting was spent discussing areas of concern we wish to have addressed in the plan. It will be possible to project not only a remediation cost for areas of concern individually but also the expected result of each area so we know what the bang will be for the buck if adopted.
I am not going to list the great many points brought forth by the audience about areas they wish studied and perceived problems. This is just the beginning and volunteers will be needed to have input on the plan going forward so hopefully many will be willing to serve. If you look at Barb's pictures in the preceding post you will have a feel for the subjects discussed.
I hope to see you at the next meeting.
Ken

Barb Appelhans Grant Meeting pictures

Speakers, Nathan Hill, Rebecca Olson, Joe Rush