April's story...

 April Dillenburg is my granddaughter. This picture was taken last year when she recruited a friend to help clean Dawson Lake Road. She also wrote articles for the Candlewick Paper about human trafficking as well as the run at the fairgrounds in Boone county where they were doused in colored cornstarch at the finish.

After the cornstarch race

She was extremely active in Rockford First Church where she spoke, performed, and gave a testimonial. She did well at work and was promoted a few months ago at the age of 20. Just the perfect all American girl. I am writing this after asking her permission. She has not read this article.
 The change came slowly. She watched as the person most important in her life's mental state gradually changed, making him into a different person and her downward spiral began. She started running for miles at a time, punishing her body and continually pushing for more. Depression was setting in but as with so many destructive things in life it crept in slowly. She began feeling she had no control over her life and found deprivation of food was a form of control. Counting calories became anorexia. Anorexia emaciated her body and health problems surfaced. Next came anxiety and withdrawl from friendships. She has become a skeleton of herself emotionally as well as physically. This all happened in less than a year.
April was in such bad shape she was hospitalized a few weeks ago but after release the downward spiral continued.

April with Dawn Corso at the Candlewick Clean-up day

Last week she received word she has been accepted in the Mercy Ministries program. She will be in an inpatient treatment center in Nashville for six months for treatment of depression, anxiety, and of course anorexia. Due to her deteriorating condition the acceptance was quick with her admittance date being April first. It is an intensive program with little outside contact until completion. Oddly enough she had hoped to work for this exact ministry prior to this happening to her. She has always wanted to help others.

April In happier times

Why would I write this story? Because I believe in the power of prayer and she needs a lot of it. I ask for all of you to please pray for this wonderful young lady. We have three sons and April is like the daughter we never had. She is very special as some of you have come to know. If you wish to send her a note of encouragement or a card I will put her address below. She will be allowed to get mail. I am not asking you to send anything but I know some will ask the address.   Ken

April Dillenburg
Mercy Ministries
15328 Old Hickory Boulevard
Nashville, Tennesee, 37211

Coming Monday... April's story

Your Sunday smile

What happened to the 66% tax increase?

Bonnie Marron sent me this report showing the Illinois 66% income tax increase set to expire (we know it will not) has been simply wasted. Below is an excerpt from the report. For the full report click on the link at the bottom of the post. To top this off I am hearing rumblings of not only keeping the increase in place but adding more. This can only end badly.
Ken

Where did the money go? Click here

Weeee/Haw! Kick up those heels

Savannah Oaks update

Stuart reports we have some snow mold but it is nothing that can not be handled and there is still a little snow on the course plus the paths are muddy. Work will begin as soon as it is stable enough to allow. The course should be fine for the season.
Ken

Golf Commission meeting, agenda includes slot machines

The next Golf Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, April 2nd, 7 p.m. at the Rec Center. One of the items of interest will be the possible inclusion of slot machines in the Savannah Oaks clubhouse. You may want to attend this meeting to see where we are headed on this proposal as well as general plans for the upcoming season.

Ken

Speed trailer update

Not our exact trailer

Our Chief of Public Safety Roland Wood while on vacation in Florida took the time to go to the company that will be the supplier of our speed trailer to be sure the unit will be what we need for our application. I am told he was impressed and a unit can be adapted to our specifications. It is moving along so unless there is a snag of some kind you can expect to see it on our streets this summer for speed control.
Ken

I agree and would gladly produce proof

A federal judge last week upheld the right of states to require proof of citizenship before allowing someone to register to vote. Voters continue to overwhelmingly support such a requirement.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 78% of Likely U.S. Voters believe everyone should be required to prove his or her citizenship before being allowed to register to vote. That’s up from 71% a year ago. Just 19% oppose that requirement.

Couldn't resist

Don't you wish you could sleep like my little Great Granddaughter Addie? I sure wish I could. Pleasant dreams little angel.
Ken

You may want to save this map

Chuck Hart put together this map to show the current structure placed in the lake. In other words, the "hot spots" for fishing. I know I am keeping it. Thanks Chuck.

Below is an example of the limbs being sunk by Lake Management for fish cover. If you fish this structure remember snags will be prevalent, but worth it.

Going for their badges!

CWL Scouts( with the help of friends and family) are working on a badge by picking up litter in CWL.

  (No names yet but when I get them I will post them. Thanks Barb Appelhans for the picture and info.)

Your Sunday Smile

This is really bothering me

One of the proposals for the new Rules & Regulations is allowing people to use the top of the dam for walking or riding non-motorized vehicles as well as allowing fishing from the dam. The more I think about this the more it is bothering me. There are reasons this has not been allowed in the past. Our insurance company has no problem with it but there are other considerations besides liability. By the way, remember insurance does not cover punitive damages, only compensatory, meaning if there is a law suit indicating we should have known better than to allow people on the dam we (meaning you) will be paying damages if we lose a suit. Right out of your pockets.
Here are my other concerns. I watch people throwing big rocks into the lake from the shoreline at the park near my home all the time and have called it in and stopped them myself as well. Those rocks are there to maintain the shoreline from erosion and must not be removed. What do you think will happen on the dam? Not only throwing the rocks into the water but also rolling even larger ones down the face. As a board we are charged with among many other things being sure the dam is maintained. Those rocks must stay in place and I promise you many will not. 
The dam area is also one of the deepest parts of the lake and it is a very sharp drop off. I am not sure some kid, or an adult for that matter, could climb back up the slippery underwater rocks to get back out if they fell in. It truly is dangerous and kids especially will be right there at the water's edge.
As I laid in bed Friday night thinking about this something else came to mind. We all know how kids are. They will not be careful while riding across the top of the dam. I remember when I was about ten starting down a too steep grassy hill on my bike and not being able to stop. You don't think to drop off the bike, you simply try to stop while staying upright. The only thing that kept me from serious injury was hitting a tree. Think of some young person showing off doing wheelies or whatever and starting down the dam, either side of the dam. It could be a catastrophe.
Yes, maybe I am getting old and worrying but I can't help it. I do not want something like this on my conscience. This entire idea needs to be re-thought. I know some of the readers will not agree with me but that is always the case. I can not in good conscience support this rule. Other board members may not agree but I am putting this out there for you, the property owners and residents, to consider.
Ken

The guys adding structure

Thanks to Barb Appelhans for the pictures

Sticks & Stones!

Did you notice the guys on the lake this morning? They are hauling more branches onto the lake to be weighted and sunk as additional fish cover. The cover provides sanctuary for the smaller fish to hide from predators as they grow as well as one heck of a good place to fish. Thanks again for the work you do.
Ken

Having a great time!

I am not sure who to give credit to for the pictures but thanks for sending them Michele Vronch

Proposed (not yet passed) fishing regulations for summer 2014

Remember, this is a proposal, not yet passed!

If you didn't see it ( I am sorry the picture copied poorly)

Candlewick board meeting notes of March 18th, 2014

As has been the case for a while now, the attendance was light with only 6 in the audience. It just keeps getting smaller.

The meeting started as usual at 6:30 with the open forum for property owners. There were no comments.

Our Treasurer's report indicated we are still in good shape We are $48,000 to the good so far this fiscal year taking the revenues and expenses compared to budget.

We have write offs in the amount of $16,261.26 due mainly to bankruptcies and foreclosures. Accounting adjustments totaled $277.42.

Maintenance reports there were a total of nine snow events in February and we used 200 tons of salt and abrasive. (I noticed in the finance packet we are now over budget more than $26,000.00 for the salt and abrasives. This has been one tough year.)

The Lake Management commission proposed to the board leaving the summer fish limits the same as the ice fishing limits. (I will post the current limits in another post). They are also following through with plans and training for the grant available for watershed remediation.

Lake Management as well as the Public Safety commission discussed a proposal to allow personal watercraft with oversized motors the same restricted access to the lake as is currently in place for boats. Lake management voted 5 to 2 against the proposal. Public Safety voted 7 to 0 for the proposal with one change. It is for a one year trial period after which it will be reevaluated. This still has to be approved by the board in the new Rules & Regs if it is to become a rule. (There will be a meeting of property owners prior to passage of the new Rules & Regs so that is your chance to come to the meeting and voice your views pro or con. The board works for you and you will be heard.)

The Rec commission reported instructors are still needed for tennis and basketball. A line dance teacher has been found and classes will start in April. June will feature Adult Boot Camp and Water Aerobics taught by Cindi Lutzow. A Spring Health and Wellness Fair is being investigated as a possibility if vendors are available.

The Public Safety commission voted 7 to 0 to allow the dam to be used for recreational purposes but no motorized vehicles allowed. This will provide a large area for fishing and a good walk path. (This also will have to be in the new Rules & Regs before going into effect so come to the meeting and have your say. Our insurance company indicated this is not an issue.)

The Events commission reported the Valentine's Day bingo went well and had a great turn out. The Dues Reduction Raffle has sold over $700.00 to date. Lunch with the Easter Bunny is on track for April 5. The Eagle's Nest will be preparing food.

A resolution was passed clarifying children 10 years of age or older are allowed into the pool without a chaperone. ( and under must be chaperoned by someone age 16 or older.

An offer of $250. was made for the Dodge Van that has been sitting by maintenance for years. The offer was on an “as is” basis and was accepted. (I am happy just to get it out of there.)

As you know there is an open board seat with the unfortunate departure of Karl Steiskal. The board voted to approve Rich Witt to the one year position. He will be sworn in at the next board meeting.

Officers were elected with no changes to this year. Don is president, Bonnie vice president, Jeff treasurer and myself as secretary.

There was a granted request to allow Emmanual Lutheran Church to hold Bible School once again in the Outpost barring scheduling conflicts the week of June 23 through 27. All Candlewick youngsters are of course encouraged to attend.

Now my usual disclaimer. These are simply my personal notes and should be taken as such. For official approved minutes be sure to see the Candlewick Paper.

Ken

Really low turnout

I voted at about 8:20 this morning at the fire station in Poplar Grove. I was the fifth one to vote. One of the guys said they were expecting a total of eleven voters for the day. I will admit I have missed some primaries but this one had some people I really wanted to see get on the November ballot. I don't know what the low turnout means but it sure will not be representative of the people as a whole.
Ken

An interesting article from this month's Kiplinger

We are very fortunate to have solid reserves unlike many HOAs (Ken)

Another one for Tom

Tom got this Crappie Monday evening about six in the same area. A 13 1/2 inch beauty!

Pictures from our annual meeting

Thanks to Barb Appelhans for the pictures. They are appreciated.

The great volunteers helping with registration for the attendance and proxy numbers

The board members in attendance for the meeting

Some of the attendees 

Tracy Carter (our G.M.) addressing a question

In case you missed this. It is so sad.

Tuesday board meeting agenda (nothing Earth shattering)

I hope people remember this in the fall elections

The proxies carried the day

 Our annual meeting was Sunday afternoon. We had a need for 467 proxies or attendance to conduct our meeting. As usual you folks came through. The total with proxies and attendance was 581 so we blew away the necessary number by almost 25%. Nice job, not even close. The meeting was short and sweet with only something like three or four audience questions. Things are rolling well.
Thank you,  Ken

Your Sunday Smile

Pinkowski's at it again!

Last Saturday about 4 p.m.Tom Pinkowski sr. caught more of those slab Crappies. Take a look at these monsters. The Black Crappie is 11 1/2 inches and the White Crappie is 13 inches of great eating.

They were both caught in 24 feet of water about 12 feet off the bottom. You've gotta' admit, this guy knows how to catch 'em!

Ken 

TOMORROW (SUNDAY), MARCH 16 IS OUR ANNUAL MEETING AT THE REC CENTER. COME TO THE GYM. THE MEETING STARTS AT 1.

The new CPR

This was sent out by our Chief of Public Safety Roland Wood. It is a little over six minutes long and explains the compression method of CPR. You may want to take the time to watch it. Just click the link.
Ken

http://heart.arizona.edu/cpr-video

Another post I wish I didn't have to make

It is with much sadness I report Gary Loofboro passed this morning. He was a long time employee of our Public Safety department and was very highly regarded both in the performance of his duties and as the quality man he was. He will be sorely missed and leaves a great legacy to the department. He was only 63 and fell ill a few days ago.
Ken

The dips in the roads

I have never said I was a roads expert so Wednesday I spoke with someone who has forgotten more than I will even know on the subject. Jeff, our maintenance manager, has extensive road construction experience and he had the answers.
These dips that are in the roads are due in the main part to the materials we are making utility companies use when tunneling utility lines under the road. We are insisting on flowable fill, which is pretty much as it sounds. It goes in in semi liquid form then hardens almost like cement so it will be stable. The dips are not there because the area sunk, they are at the actual elevation of our road under normal conditions. This year as the frost went deeper and deeper it raised the road bed due to the expansion from the moisture in the base. Our roads actually raised substantially and to some degree will drop back with the thaw but how much we will not know until it happens.
Jeff is on top of this and it will be handled in time. Just bear with the roller coaster ride until we see what happens. Anyone who has driven other area roads knows we are far from alone in this problem.
Ken

This is the broken like I mentioned

East Gate Construction

We will be starting construction on the east gate sewer lines Thursday the 13th of March. We will also be shutting down one exit lane during the day for construction equipment until work is completed.

Both exit lanes will be open at night

Please be extra cautious around construction vehicles

We will be putting up construction and lane closure signs in an effort to help route traffic. 

Construction time is scheduled for four days.

Keep 'em coming! The response with the proxies has been very good but we can take no chances so bring them in by Friday to assure the annual meeting can go on as planned.

Well, I learned something Monday evening

 

We're from the government and we are here to help!

It seems the new CICA law has another little hidden money making gem for government. Prior to CICA our rules and regulations did not have to be filed with the County. Now they do. So what does this mean?
 It means we must get these updates right. No longer can the board just change it's mind about a rule and vote to change it without filing the amendment. No big deal, right? Well, yes it is! It will cost us (meaning you) money. To file our rewritten R&Rs will cost us probably a hundred dollars (a guess). From that time on every change will cost us $45.00 plus the office work here to prepare and deliver the changes to the Clerk's office.
 Those government types don't miss a trick when it comes to our billfolds, do they!
Ken

Your weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 3/9/2011

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Atlantic for a subject who had fallen and needed assistance getting up.  The subject refused treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Talladega for a report of a subject having trouble breathing.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Damaged Property

Public Safety responded to the 1600 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a broken car window.  A report was initiated.

Traffic Crash

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Ambrose for a report of a vehicle that was struck by another car that left the scene. The matter is under investigation.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety responded to the 300 block of Talladega for a report of a possible prowler.  It was advised a subject unknown wiggled a door handle and fled the scene.  Public Safety checked the area and met with negative results.

Citations Issued        17 (traffic)

Ordinance Citations   2

Warnings Issued       26

Poplar Grove says "NO"

I posted some information here a few weeks ago about Flora Meadows wishing to build a 284 unit mobile home park at Britnie Drive and Poplar Grove Road. 

The Poplar Grove Village board unanimously denied the permit. There was applause from the audience after the vote.

Another application can be filed but the audience reaction as well as the unanimous board vote would indicate it will be a tough row to hoe if it is attempted.

Ken

Notice anything wrong?

Send Silk feedback

Your Sunday smile

Tom Pinkowski sr. emailed this to some of us so you may have read it but it is too good not to post.

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest.

After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and sadly said, "I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away."
The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead," replied the vet..

"How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything.
He might just be in a coma or something."

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head.
The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room.

A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck."

 

The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman..
The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$150!"
she cried, "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead!"

The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150."

(the new Obamacare)

Lake management contribution meeting

Tuesday evening at 6:30 the rec center will be the facility for the Lake Management meeting. Since the meeting will include information and training regarding the watershed work it will count toward Candlewick's contribution for the government grant to improve lake quality through watershed improvement. Your attendance will allow us to deduct $20.00 per hour per individual for the meeting time so it is well worth your time plus you will be up to date on the status.

I doubt I can make the meeting but I sincerely hope a lot of you can attend.  Ken

Saturday night

SPRING FORWARD ONE HOUR. JUST A REMINDER.

Join the group!

As you all know, Karl Steiskal has decided to leave the board. We will now need one new member to fill the seven seat board. This is your chance to find if being on the board is right for you. It is a one year position after which you can decide if you wish to run for a longer term. I hope we have several good candidates from which to chose. There are a lot of you who are very active in Candlewick, helping in numerous areas. Please consider turning in your indication of interest and a brief resume at the Candlewick office or by mail addressed to the Secretary of the Candlewick board at the Candlewick office.
We need good people who want the best for Candlewick on the board. That could be you.
Submissions can be either mailed via USPS to Attn: Secretary, 13400 Route 76, Poplar Grove, IL 61065 or electronic E-Mail sent to generalmanager@candlewick-lake.org. Submissions are due no later than 10:00 AM Monday, March 17, 2014
Ken

ANNUAL MEETING PROXIES

The annual meeting notices were sent out on February 15, 2014 to all property owners.  The meeting will be held on March 16, 2014 and in order to take place, a quorum of 467 members must be present in person or by proxy.

If the quorum can’t be established, the meeting must be rescheduled to a future date.  This will cost you thousands of dollars in printing and postage costs to send out another notice.

Please sign and return the general proxy that you received in the mail as soon as possible, even if you plan on attending the meeting.  If you attend the meeting, your proxy will be returned to you. 

Reminders regarding the proxy:  If you are appointing yourself as your proxy holder, you must attend the meeting in order to be counted.  If you are appointing someone else as your proxy holder, they must attend the meeting.  Before you appoint someone, verify that they will in fact be attending the meeting so the proxy may be counted.  In order for the proxy to be valid, it must be signed and dated.

Candlewick Lake website up and running

I tried to log in and it went to the old "under construction" site. I then cleared my cache and it worked fine. If you have questions about how to clear your browser cache let me know and I will post here how I did it. The site looks very good to me. Much more professional and informative... and more to come!
Ken
Link to new site...... new CWL website