The mean old man strikes again!

Not a bad kid, just doing what kids do.(Not taken
at Candlewick)

 Thursday evening I decided to go out and cast off my pier a few times. I heard some yells and looked toward the dam. There were eight kids in the cove just before the dam and some were happily throwing rocks into the water from the shoreline. The bigger kids were throwing some really big ones in. I yelled at them and told them we pay to have those rocks placed. They stopped but stayed in the area. When I went in who knows if they started again or not. If they were on the dam it would be the same thing if not worse. On the dam there is the angle that makes it easier to dislodge and roll the rocks. If they think I am mean or not it just drives me nuts to see this happening.
Ken

Nope, I won't be there!

Thirty-One Gifts, Lia Sofia Jewelry, Jamberry Nails,Gold Canyon Candles, Pink Zebra ScentsandPURSES!!

Drink Specials: $5.00 Rum Buckets, $0.25 Pucker Shots, Beer Specials...Food Specials: $2.50 Swedish Meatballs, $2.00 Nachos,
$0.50 Cheese cake bites

Again, no comment necessary (From Breitbart)

A few pictures from the Capron Rescue Squad proposal meeting

The opening presentation from the rescue squad

Some of your board in attendance

Question and answer time for the attendees
Thanks to Barb Appelhans for the pictures and my apologies for not noting the names of the folks from the Capron Rescue Squad.

Repeat of a Facebook post for those looking for work

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

July 28, 2014

PUBLIC SAFETY WEEKLY REPORT

Impaired Pedestrian: While on routine patrol, at 0130 hrs. Public Safety observed a pedestrian attempting to walk down the roadway in the 200 blk. of Rochester. BCSO was summoned. The pedestrian, a local Talladega resident, admitted to having consumed an inordinate amount of cold tablets. He was taken to his residence where it was decided to summon the rescue squad. He was transported to the hospital.

Theft: Public Safety took a report of a theft of $80 from a wallet while at the Rec Center gymnasium. Public Safety conducted an investigation. Videos were inconclusive. A suspect was interviewed. This case could not be cleared.

Criminal Damage to Vehicle: Public Safety responded to the 1300 blk. of CWD for a report of a vehicle’s rear window being smashed out. This was apparently accomplished with a mosaic vase. BCSD was summoned. This is a weekend home, the occupants having just arrived earlier in the evening.

Found Property: Public Safety Department located a missing bicycle on Savannah Ridge Drive. The owner of the bike is unknown. The bike was taken to the maintenance facility.

Vandalism: Public Safety took a report of vandalism in the 2200 blk. of CWD. A house was egged.

In the 600 blk. of Marquette graffiti was found on a Com Ed box.

Several residences in the 1000 and 1200 blk. of CWD had tomatoes and watermelons

smashed on their driveways.

Graffiti was found in the restroom of Friendship Park. Not gang related.

Solar lights were broken in the 1100 blk. of CWD.

A glass bottle was thrown into a driveway located in the 100 blk. of Valhalla.

The lid to a mailbox had been removed in the 200 blk. of CWD.

While on foot patrol about the Rec Center, graffiti was located on two (2) picnic tables

next to the pool house. Not gang related.

There are currently no suspects.

Vehicle Burglaries: On Friday night/ Saturday morning, several vehicle burglaries were reported in the neighborhood of Staffordshire and Drew Ct. BCSO was summoned. To the best of our knowledge at the time of this writing: a BCSO canine located a youth hiding in the bushes in the 200 blk. of Staffordshire. Subsequent to being apprehended, he of course rolled on his three (3) accomplices. All were taken into custody. It is yet unknown if these are the same youths who have been vandalizing the adjoining neighborhood for the past 2 weeks. I suspect they are.

Personnel: Officer Daniel Ortiz has completed his Lake training.

The Capron Rescue Squad meeting

The meeting was well attended by approximately 50. The rescue squad gave a presentation at the beginning of the meeting to address what they thought would be the major concerns. After their presentation there were still a lot of questions from the public. I believe all the questions and comments would be considered in opposition to or cautious about the new facility.
  The proposal places the facility on Tamarack Hollow on a currently vacant lot. It would look just like any other home with the exception of a logo on the garage door indicating Rescue Squad and the door itself being taller but built in such a way to appear as a ten foot door. Their hope would be to simply sell it as a home if they at some time need to move to a larger facility. The lot is desirable due to it's proximity to the west gate for calls outside of Candlewick and they feel the east side of Candlewick is well served by the Poplar Grove station. Originally the plan was to build near maintenance but there is a problem with no sewer and water run to the building spot plus it would necessitate building an access road. Many properties were considered and Tamarack Hollow was selected as the best for their use.
  It would be constantly manned with one rescue unit and two staff. Sirens would only be used in the case of danger to people or vehicles on the roads. Lights will be as needed.
  Adjacent property owners were concerned about this affecting their property values, danger to children, and the possibility of the old gate being opened on their street. (It will not be re-opened)
  Some felt this is not needed here with other facilities being close. Others questioned snow plowing for them to get out and if it will really be manned. A couple questioned the legality of locating it in our residential area. 
  All questions were addressed to the satisfaction of some but of course not to others. That is the case with a lot of issues.
  There will be a special board meeting August 5th at 7 p.m. to take the vote on this issue as well as on some road work. It would be good to attend. The Rec Center will be the location.
  I have always been up front with you so here is my take on the issue. I wouldn't mind a bit if it was built next to our home. It will be well maintained and only used for one to two calls per day. They assured us lights and sirens will be used only as necessary for safety. The vehicle itself will be in a garage and only two cars will be on location and they will be off-street. They will be paying dues, water and sewer, and other expenses just like the rest of us. I can think of a lot of homes that are not maintained as they should be and those would affect my property value, not this building. I want whatever it takes to assure the fastest service for our residents. This to me is a life and safety issue.
Ken

Knocked from our throne

Saturday night there was a large turnout for 'Pub Trivia". As a guess I would say ten teams, possibly more. The questions were all over the board, from politics to baseball. Our team did all right, no thanks to me. We came in second so our time at the top came to an end.

 Just for the heck of it, here are a few questions...
In which state was Abraham Lincoln born? (Kentucky)
What is the fastest flying bird? (Perrican Falcon)
Name the baseball teams by pictures of their mascots. (I think there were twelve mascots and this one killed us with one correct answer out of twelve)
Which tropical fruit is sometimes used as pepper by grinding the seeds? (Papaya)
What is Eric Holder's position in the government? (Attorney General)
Who wrote the novella that inspired the movie Shawshank Redemption? (Steven King)
There were many, many more and some were so complex I wouldn't even try to quote them here. As you can see, this is no cake walk.
Ken

A Sunday contemplation

In case you missed last weekend's concert

Thanks to Barb Appelhans for the pictures. I didn't make the concert but we could hear the band from our dock. We drove around the lake and the parking lot was jammed so the turnout was great. This is one of the "Concerts in the park" series.  Ken

See you there!

The jury is out

 I just finished jury duty. I have done so three times before but this was the most frustrating. Without getting into the specific case or participants, the lack of documented evidence was really a surprise. As foreman of the jury it was my responsibility to be in contact with the judge regarding issues that arose we as a jury felt needed clarification. I sent three notes to the judge on what we felt were very important matters that needed clarification. The three notes contained a total of four questions. The judge must discuss the questions with the opposing attorneys then respond to us as the jury. Each question was left unanswered and we were told we had to work with the information we had. Due to the lack of clarification the jury deadlocked after many hours of deliberation. 
 We spoke with the judge and attorneys afterward and then they would answer our questions. We would have absolutely come to a decision if the questions had been answered while we were deliberating. I am sure the judge did the best he could and each attorney did not want to jeopardize his case by providing answers so now it will be re-trial or dismissal.
 Maybe this is just the way it is but the jurors and courts were not well served this time. If there is a retrial the attorneys will at least know now what ruined their respective cases in this trial. I am not angry with the experience, just a little frustrated.
Ken

Smoke testing of AQUA lines

This will be starting soon as part of AQUA's effort to make our system more secure in the event of heavy rains. What you see below is a door hanger that will be used in the affected areas. No danger but it is good to know if smoke is coming up in your yard!
Ken

Another member

Sandy Morse wants to join our trivia team! This is looking like our last team.
Ken

Pub Trivia

 Karl Steiskal sent an email indicating he would like for us to team up for the trivia contest. The man has obviously forgotten my mental limitations. At any rate, I will be there to hold Karl and possibly others on the team back like an anchor. See you there.
Saturday... Savannah Oaks... 8 p.m.
Ken

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 7/20/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Rochester for a person having difficulty breathing. The subject was transported to the hospital.

Public Safety responded to the 200 blk. of CWL Blvd. for a resident having a panic attack. The subject was transported to the hospital.

Public Safety responded to the 300 blk. of CWD for a possible heart attack. This subject was taken to the hospital.

Public Safety responded to the 300 blk. of Liverpool for a subject with stomach pain. This person was taken to the hospital.

Public Safety took a report of a possible suicide occurring on Tamarack Hollow. The BCSO is investigating.

Reckless Driving

Public Safety responded to having observed an ATV and a minibike driving down CWD during the middle of the day. Upon being seen, the youths increased their speed and tried to flee the Officer. They were apprehended. Citations were issued and parents notified.

Criminal Trespass to Vehicle

Public Safety responded to multiple fireworks calls and several residences being egged.

If anyone has any information about the aforementioned violations, please reach out to the Public Safety Department. Your information will be kept confidential.

Criminal Damage

Public Safety responded to the area of Oak Tree Park for traffic signs and a post, which had been run down by an unknown vehicle.

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to the 1600 blk. of CWD for vandalism to a yard.

Disturbance

Public Safety responded to the 400 blk. of Talladega for a juvenile dispute over a bicycle.

Lake Patrol

A Watercraft (Waverunner) was cited for speeding.

Several warning notices were issued for failing to display current CWL numbers on their boats.

Several pedestrians were told to leave the dam.

Citations Issued: 25

Warnings Issued: 47

I will support this proposition to the fullest

July 28, 2014

7:00 PM

Rec Center

The purpose of the Town Hall meeting is for discussion of the proposed Capron Rescue EMS station to be located at 205 Tamarack Hollow Drive.

A letter of intent was received from Capron Rescue Squad District to purchase the empty lot owned by Candlewick located at 205 Tamarack Hollow Dr. and build an EMS station with the purpose of housing an ambulance and crew.

The purpose of this meeting is to educate the residents and answer any questions that you might have.

You might be wondering …………

What are the benefits to building an EMS station within Candlewick?

Will the building look like a residential house?

Will the residents be hearing sirens all day/night long?

When will this happen?

Toxic Charity

I had a very interesting conversation with a lady a few days ago. She asked if I had read the book "Toxic Charity". She offered some very logical thoughts she had taken from the book. I have not read it but I do know it is a big seller.
The book touches on the idea charities, including churches, are not helping people by simply providing for their needs. Everyone needs to feel self worth and have a stake in their future. Here is one of her specific mentions.
When organizations give Christmas gifts to the less fortunate families the children know those gifts are not from Mom and Dad. There is an expectation of gifts from unknown "rich people" as they are often referred. The best way to handle this is for those wishing to give to buy toys and gifts then bring them to a central location unwrapped. Those in need are then invited to come "shop" for the gifts. The gifts are priced in a manner that is affordable (like a $20.00 gift for $2.00) so the parents can know they bought the gifts and the kids will know they are from them, not "rich people".
I know there is Santa Claus involved for the younger kids but even then the parents will have picked the gifts and will have the feeling they are their own. She really has a point. many other areas of support and giving are covered in the book as well but this is a good example. 
A little food for thought.
Ken

NOTICE... There was some confusion regarding the start time for "Pub Trivia." It will start at 8 P.M. as on the sunshine boards. 

What is 'Pub Trivia"?

Winners of the last trivia contest

  Yes, I had to ask the question. I truly wondered if it was trivia about pubs. Well, it is not. I was told the name comes from the fact these trivia contests started in pubs in England, thus the name. Maybe I am the only one that didn't get that.
  Here are the specifics. It is a team trivia contest that will be held at Savannah Oaks. We had one of these some time ago and it was pretty successful. I participated and it was a lot of fun. The last one was trivia questions about Christmas. My understanding is this will be more general in nature.
  I am not sure if I will make this one or not but if some want to make up a team with me let me know and I will try to work it out. Four would be about the limit for the team to be functional at least in my opinion.
  Time will be 8 p.m. the 26th of July so if you can make it come and enjoy some laughs.
Ken

A Sunday contemplation

To be welcoming means to accept others as they are, without passing judgment on their worth. It means to encourage them when they are despairing and to accept that they have a rightful place in our world. Welcoming is being generous with our resources. We do not have to feel close to someone to be welcoming. We can welcome a stranger. As we practice this attitude toward others, regardless of their status in life, regardless of their good or bad actions, we are changed inside. We learn from the people we welcome, and we are reminded that in the sight of God we are all loved as equals.

Entertainment Tomorrow evening! (Sunday)

Our Rec Center will be hosting "Concerts in the Park" featuring the Prime Time Live Band. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn near the lake. Come and enjoy!!

Capron Rescue Squad 2014 calls

CAPRON RESCUE SQUAD

PERTINENT STATISTICS

336 AMBULANCE CALLS CAPRON RESCUE SQUAD HAS RESPONDED TO

IN THIS CALENDAR YEAR IN NORTHERN BOONE

COUNTY.

220 AMBULANCE CALLS RESCUE CALLS RESPONDED TO IN THE POPLAR

GROVE ZIP CODE OF 61065

103 AMBULANCE CALLS RESCUE CALLS RESPONDED TO WITHIN

CANDLEWICK LAKE SUBDIVISION.

65.48% of total ambulance calls the Capron Rescue Squad responded to this

calendar year were in the Poplar Grove zip code 60165

46.82% of total ambulance calls the Capron Rescue Squad responded to in the

Poplar Grove zip code this calendar year were in the Candlewick Lake

Subdivision.

30.65% of total ambulance calls that Capron Rescue Squad responded to were in

the Candlewick Lake Subdivision.

Pipes newly lined by AQUA (darkened areas)

Blue Green Algae protocol

Tells the story, doesn't it

Latest Lake Report (from then 15th)

Personal board meeting notes of July 15, 2014

The meeting started at 6:30 with small attendance again, coming in at 10.

Open Forum speakers spoke regarding our new dog quantity rule we would be voting on plus one speaker asked about incorrect information he had received regarding Rabine Paving going out of business. It is not.

The Aqua update reports from the end of April until July 7^th 14,000 feet of sewer lines have been relined. Flow meters had been installed at four sites and recorded a lower storm water flow that is well within Aqua parameters. Smoke testing is to begin in late July to look for any leaks and smaller mains will be replaced with large mains in the cul-d-sacs in conjunction with road work and manholes will be sealed to reduce water inflow.

Savannah Oaks appears to be gaining ground in the effort to cut losses. We are looking better than last year in that regard. The amenity will never be profitable but the aim is to hold losses to a minimum so I am happy to report better results. They are currently running very short staffed but they report with the exception of #8 green and some path problems from the rain the course is not in bad shape.

The Finance Commission reports our financial status is as follows... operating cash $1,264,280.06... operating investments $284,347.76... roads money market $365,144.52... reserve investments $2,857,513.78... Total cash = $4,771,286.12

Revenue better than budgeted by $25,120.29... Expenses under budget by $53,985.08... Savannah Oaks under budgeted loss by $30,634.30

Compared to budget we are to the good so far this fiscal year by $109,739.87. Do not expect this number to hold solid due to purchases that were budgeted for this time period but were postponed for various reasons and items like payroll that can fall into the next month's report due to timing of the checks. That being said, we are still in very good shape.

Lake Management Commission reports there will be a fish shocking in late September after which decisions will be made on fish stocking for the fall.

At the recommendation of our lake biologist they recommend the board adopt a blue-green algae protocol. I will post that here later.

The goose charity harvest handled by the Illinois DNR netted 64 birds and 47 pounds of goose meat that was donated to a food pantry.

The commission voted again unanimously to not allow any use of the dam except for authorized personnel.

The Recreation Commission swimming lessons are starting in July. Tennis lessons are canceled due to low participation. Kayaks are here and ready to rent. A meeting on the proposed dog park is set for August 7^th at 7 p.m. For any residents who would like to help. Glo-go run is set for September 28^th with a two mile course at Savannah Oaks.

The Public Safety Commission discussed at length the limited use of the dam and again voted unanimously to leave usage as is, only for authorized personnel.

National Night Out will be August 5^th with an ice cream social, bike registration, and Public Safety vehicles and personnel on hand to met the residents.

The Events Commission reports Dandy Donuts raised $250.00 toward next year's fireworks fund so that was a success. At the recommendation of the Finance Commission the board agreed to set up an account for accruing fireworks donation through the year as a line item.

Michele Vronch has resigned her position as Rec Center Director but would like to continue to help with events. (That is very nice of her. She is a loss to our association. Ken)

The Capron Rescue Squad made a proposal to purchase a property at 205 Tamarack Hollow to build a structure to house an ambulance and crew. The building will not exceed the standard Candlewick Lake designed home. They will pay all sewer and water fees and dues. Siren use will be held to a minimum, only when absolutely necessary. (This is a lengthy contract but in general the structure will look like another house except possibly for the bay that houses the ambulance. To me this is a great thing for Candlewick to have the rescue squad right here for emergencies and I will definitely support the proposal... Ken) The Rescue Squad presented us with a report on calls from the first of the year. I will post it here later.

Once again the Dam usage issue raises it ugly head. I am the one that put forth this compromise proposal but frankly after seeing both Lake Management and Public Safety commissions vote to kill this compromise I can not vote for it. The resolution failed. I have all along been against any use of the dam except for authorized personnel but tried to use this compromise in an effort to stop almost unlimited use. I guess it is time to roll the dice and hope the prior proposal does not resurface and if it does it dies a horrible death.

Next came the reso limiting the number of dogs per residence with a grandfathering clause included. With only five board members in attendance it was voted down with the stipulation any dog issues will be dealt with using existing trespassing and nusiance rules and fines already on the books.

Bad debts were written off in the amount of $7,846.57 mainly for judicial sales and attorney fees. Accounting adjustments were in the amount of $1,497.32 mainly due to rental changes.

A reso was passed purchasing nine DVRs necessary for various Candlewick locations in the amount of $2,381.73. All but $264.64 of this expense will come from budgeted reserves.

A property usage agreement was presented to allow bocce ball courts and horseshoe pits on the lot at 104 Savannah Drive. This agreement could not be terminated unless both parties agree, the lot is sold, or a home is built on the lot. Also in the agreement is to maintain another lot owned by this property owner as well as pay him $500.00 per year. It was voted down.

I argued against this agreement. Let's think about it for a minute... Candlewick (meaning you) will be locked into this agreement forever unless the property owner decides he wants to build or sells the lot plus we mow another lot and give him $500 to boot every year for the privilege. Candlewick owns a lot of property that can be utilized for the same without mowing someone's lot and paying them as well mowing another lot of theirs that we never use. This is not in the best interest of Candlewick. If this P.O. wants to allow use of his lot for those activities we should absolutely maintain that lot but no other and no $500 per year of your dues to use it. If we do not use it the P.O. will be mowing it himself with no income.

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 7/13/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Cornwall for a person having fallen down a flight of stairs. The subject was transported to the hospital.

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Pembroke for a resident who had passed out. The subject was transported to the hospital.

Missing Child

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Poseidon for a missing child who had returned home.

Criminal Trespass to Vehicle

Public Safety responded to the 300 blk. of Liverpool for several vehicles which were entered. Nothing was found to be taken, but some items had been thrown about. All of these vehicles had been unlocked and parked in the driveways.

If anyone has any information about the aforementioned trespasses, please reach out to the Public Safety Department. Your information will be kept confidential.

Criminal Damage

Public Safety responded to the 200 blk. of Lamplighter Loop and the 200 blk. of Hastings Way for damage to mailboxes.

Disturbance

Public Safety responded to the 200 blk. of CWD for a Disturbance. A resident was having a verbal argument with a pizza delivery driver. The Officer mediated the disagreement.

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Queensbury for “dirt bikers” riding through the yards.

Damage to property

Public Safety responded to the 300 blk. of Talladega for damage to a vehicle from debris which had been on the roadway.

Public Safety responded to the Rec Center for damage which occurred to a parked vehicle.

Lake Patrol

Several boats needed to be towed by the Public Safety Lake Patrol.

Citations Issued: 30

Warnings Issued: 34

Don't mess with the bikers! (Sunday Smile)

July 15 board meeting agenda

Hard to argue with this!

Well, this is timely after my last post!

IMPORTANT NOTICE

On July 11, 2014 weather permitting,

there will be designated areas of the lake chemically treated for weeds and algae.

The following restrictions should be noted if using water from the lake:

No irrigation for grass or flowers for 2 days.

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

***There is no restriction for fishing and swimming.

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

Reward always has a downside

 Finally, after about two years Fran and I are back fishing from our boat. A couple years ago I messed up a disc in my back and was laid up for a while so the boat came to the driveway. Since then family situations have been such I simply have not bothered. Now we are back on the water regardless of problems. Fishing in the evening is a relaxing, serene activity we all need.
 You remember the alum treatment last spring. It obviously did the job of clearing the water. Sure, there will always be some floating gunk. That is a lake's nature. The water itself is very clear, the best I have seen it in many years and that is after the disaster last summer with the pumping and huge inflow from the fields of nutrients and sediment.
  That being said, here is the downside. The amount and depth of weeds is something to see. We are working to get rid of invasive weeds like curly leaf and encourage the natural lake weeds to take over. Boy, have they. With the clear water the sun in penetrating to new depths and with sun comes weed growth. Our small 9.9 motor clogs to the point it can hardly push the boat. When I lift the motor it is a mass of weeds on the prop. What to do? Probably nothing but some weed spraying but as I said in the header, reward always has a downside. Win the water clarity and lose the weed battle. At least the deep water areas are clear of weeds.
 Oh well, that is living on a lake and I love it regardless. 
Ken

Reposted, but so important

Stolen from Barb Appelhans' Facebook page

These are from the Fourth (fifth) of July party at Candlewick. Those fireworks pictures are amazing.

Soooo many parade pictures

Barb Appelhans took so many great parade pictures that I could not possibly post them all. I just picked a few but there are so many more that deserve to be viewed. Sorry about those I missed but there were 75 pictures!
Ken

The Dandy Donuts folks who donated to next year's fireworks

Ice Hogs mascot

Michelle Courier (State's Attorney)

John is the passenger

Chuck Hart from the Candlewick Anglers

Civil War re-enactors... notice our Chief of Public Safety on the left?

Dave Ernest (Boone County Sheriff candidate)

Senator Dave Syverson 

Honoring our Vets