Halloween, stolen from Facebook!

I would love to see our gym used for this. I think I will ask the Events Commission to check it out.

I posted this before but it is too good not to pass along this Halloween as well.

Just click the link below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUKMUZ4tlJg

Savannah Oaks Golf

Sunday Nov. 2^nd is the last day for golf this season at Savannah Oaks.

Monday morning Nov. 3rd we are officially closing the course for the season.

It will reopen for golf Saturday April 4^th 2015.

“BRIGHTEN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD”

THE PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO INVITE ALL RESIDENTS TO TURN ON THEIR

OUTSIDE LIGHTS AT NIGHT.

THE DAYS HAVE GROWN SHORT.

CRIMINALS DO NOT LIKE TO PERFORM UNDER THE LIGHTS. LET’S NOT MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM.

LIGHTING FACILITATES SAFETY!

YOUR COOPERATION WILL BE APPRCIATED

THANK YOU,CHIEF ROLAND WOODCANDLEWICK PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT

From the New York Post

Ebola is a lot easier to catch than health officials have admitted — and can be contracted by contact with a doorknob contaminated by a sneeze from an infected person an hour or more before, experts told The Post Tuesday.

“If you are sniffling and sneezing, you produce microorganisms that can get on stuff in a room. If people touch them, they could be” infected, said Dr. Meryl Nass, of the Institute for Public Accuracy in Washington, DC.

Nass pointed to a poster the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly released on its Web site saying the deadly virus can be spread through “droplets.”

“Droplet spread happens when germs traveling inside droplets that are coughed or sneezed from a sick person enter the eyes, nose or mouth of another person,” the poster states.

Nass slammed the contradiction.

“The CDC said it doesn’t spread at all by air, then Friday they came out with this poster,” she said. “They admit that these particles or droplets may land on objects such as doorknobs and that Ebola can be transmitted that way.”

Dr. Rossi Hassad, a professor of epidemiology at Mercy College, said droplets could remain active for up to a day.

“A shorter duration for dry surfaces like a table or doorknob, and longer durations in a moist, damp environment,” Hassad said.

The CDC did not respond to a request for comment.

Crack filling

 The company expected this to be a day and a half job. Yeah, right! As most of you have noticed, they are still out here and they have a ways to go. I wondered how they could possibly fill over 100,000 linear feet that fast. Well, they can't. If I had to guess I would say they will wrap it up Friday.
 I had a little concern about having this done in the fall but the more I thought about it this may be the best time to do it. Blacktop expands with heat a fair amount, to a degree closing the cracks. In colder weather the cracks will be wider and take more fill so this may be a good thing.
Ken

Caledonia Road clean-up

Rich and Sue Witt getting started

Monday was the day some hearty folks went out to clean up Caledonia Road. The board has agreed to maintain it for the "adopt a highway" program so it is our baby. As usual a lot of trash but some of it was buried in the mowed grass. As I write this there is a little more to pick up but the majority is finished.
Ken

Sandy Morse and Bonnie Marron hard at it. I like Sandy's new orange dress!

Hey Sue, I found a bottle! We can take this one home. 

Chief Wood is right

Residents of Candlewick Lake:

I would like to take this opportunity to make a request of all drivers who are heading to work early in the morning:

As we are losing daylight in the early morning with the days growing shorter, we are traveling to work in the darkness. It so happens at this time of year, our children are also travelling to school in the darkness and will continue to do so until daylight saving time ends this weekend. I am asking all of you to slow down and be cognizant of our children standing in the roadway waiting for their school buses and rides in the early morning. It can get pretty dark here in Candlewick Lake and we would not want a tragic accident to occur.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Chief Roland WoodCandlewick Lake Public Safety Department

A couple things rattling around in my head

When I noticed the social security increase for next year's recipients will be 1.7% after last year's 1.5% increase I have to wonder if those making these decisions live in the real world and buy groceries. 1.7% cost of living increase? Sure! I wonder what the increase in welfare payments will be.

How can our government constantly assure us Ebola is extremely difficult to catch and no real danger to us when they are also telling us it is out of control in West Africa with over ten thousand infected and several thousand deaths? If it is so difficult to contract how is it spreading there? Can't blame an insufficient health care system. How are they catching it in the first place? Maybe after the next election we will get the whole story.

Cynical Ken

Bad math!

 An observant person noticed my math in the article about the bioswale meeting was off. Twenty five attendees times $22.50 equals $562.50, not the number I published. Not only that, but the amount we are credited per hour is $22.55 (although I did state I wasn't sure of that). I tried to tell her I used the special calculator I use when figuring budgets because it makes us look like we have more funds but she didn't buy that. Oh well..........
Ken

Your weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 10/26/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to four (4) medical calls this past week. All of these people were transported to the hospital.

Interfering with the Duties of Public Safety Officers

Public Safety responded to a residence for a report of Reckless Driving late at night over the weekend. Several minutes later, the suspect vehicle reentered CWL through the South Gate. In doing so, suspects exited their vehicle, lowered the cameras and manually raised the gate arms.

BCSO was summoned to assist our Patrol Officer. The suspects were located and an admission made. Citations were issued by BCSO and CWL Public Safety.

Damage to Mailboxes

Public Safety responded to several calls of mailboxes and their posts being damaged. Several posts were damaged by moving vehicles.

Gate Strikes

Public Safety responded to several gate strikes at the West Gate. There was minor damage to one of the vehicles. No damage to others. Please pay attention and be careful at the West Gate C-Pass lane. We suspect the gate is repaired and functioning properly.

Residential Burglary

The BCSO along with Public Safety responded to a residential burglary in the Northwest Quadrant of the Community. With the assistance of BCSO and their canine, the thief was located and apprehended. He sits in the Boone County Lockup facility.

This call was initiated by a resident who observed a suspicious event happening and summoned Public Safety. Although not a member of the Neighborhood Watch, this resident did a fine job and his neighborhood will now be safer for it.

Criminal Damage

Persons unknown did damage to a stop sign located at CWD and Talladega Drive.

Gate Arm Violation

A vehicle was observed on video driving through the gate arm at the West Gate. Our Patrol Officer was able to detain the offender. Restitution will be made. A citation was issued.

Lake Patrol

The Lake Patrol assisted a disabled boat which had malfunctioned in the middle of CWL. The Lake Officer towed the boat to the victim’s residence.

Citations Issued: 21

Warnings Issued: 9

Opinion of the Illinois Family Institute (not necessarily mine)

Ballot Questions: Constitutional Amendments & Referenda   Constitutional Amendments on the Nov. 4th Ballot Two proposed changes to the Illinois Constitution will be on the November 4th ballot - one pertaining to crime victims' rights and the other, elections. A simple majority of those who pull ballots or three-fifths of those voting on the measure itself will be required to make the suggested constitutional changes. 1.)  Proposed Amendment to Section 8.1 of Article 1 of the Illinois Constitution - Crime Victims' Bill of Rights Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote YES Illinois Family Institute supports victims' rights. Opponents believe this amendment is unnecessary because the current law already provides these protections. Proponents of this amendment believe it may ensure enforcement of existing law.  The 492-word amendment specifies twelve different rights for crime victims, all in current law, including the right to be notified about court rulings, proceedings, and to be protected from the accused during the justice process. The amendment gives the victims the right to communicate with the prosecution and to be heard at any court proceeding involving release, plea or sentencing. 2.)  Proposed Amendment to Section 8 of Article III of the Illinois Constitution - Elections Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote NO Proponents of fair elections argue this amendment would negatively impact and stop any effort to combat election fraud, efforts 31 other states have enacted. They also raise questions about the phrase "status as a member of a language minority." It is unknown whether this requirement will eventually force polling places to provide ballots in an array of language translations or require them to make available language interpreters to convey ballot choices. Referenda on the Nov. 4th Ballot Three advisory referenda will be on the Illinois' 2014 General Election ballot. On an "advisory referendum," voters express their opinions. The question will not become law if a majority agrees with it, but their opinion will be considered as the Illinois General Assembly decides legislation on the issue. 1.)  Minimum Wage - Shall the minimum wage in Illinois for adults over the age of 18 be raised to $10 per hour by January 1, 2015? Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote NO Minimum wage hikes fall disproportionately on small-business owners who are less able to absorb increased labor costs. This means there are fewer opportunities for unskilled workers or adults to get started in the labor market and move their way up. This referendum would trigger employers to hire more workers under the age of 18 where the minimum wage hike doesn't apply, forcing workers over the age of 18 out of a job.  Minimum wage hikes actually harm the very people that proponents of the laws say they want to help. 2.)  Prescription Birth Control Coverage - Shall any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides prescription drug coverage be required to include prescription birth control as part of that coverage? Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote NO Supported by Planned Parenthood Since 2004, Illinois law has already required health insurance policies to include prescription birth control coverage, which could include abortion inducing drugs. Opponents view this referendum as a way to increase uninformed voter turnout. 3.)  Additional 3%Income Tax - Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to require that each school district receive additional revenue, based on their number of students, from an additional 3 percent tax on income greater than one million dollars?  (emphasis added) Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote NO This referendum would drive more businesses and millionaires, who are already highly taxed, out of Illinois.  Illinois is currently one of the nation's top three income losing states - an estimated $20 billion lost as Illinoisans  moved to other states over the past decade. If the temporary tax is made permanent, which Governor Patrick Quinn and Speaker Michael Madigan are recommending, the additional 3 percent brings their tax to 8 percent, one of the highest in the nation.★

Your Sunday contemplation

Breaking is not an option in some circumstances.
Ken

Trick or Treat tomorrow (Sunday)

Remember porch lights on mean treats are available... porch lights off means candy is gone.
The hours for trick or treat will be from 2-6 p.m. Please drive carefully and dress safely.
Ken

Ka-Ching! $562.50

Joe Rush, lake biologist (file)

That is the amount your association saved by the attendance of approximately 25 people at Thursday evening's bioswale meeting. I have heard $25.00 per hour and $22.50 per hour so I am not sure which is right but using the lower number you can see the amount we can deduct from our contribution to the bioswale project to aid in water clarity.

Digging right down to basics, here is what this entails. Although our rules say ditches must be mowed and kept clear of obstructions to allow water flow there will be plantings of native vegetation across the bottom of selected ditch areas with a width of about ten feet as a rule. This vegetation will attain heights of anywhere from eighteen inches to five feet depending upon the type plants used. These plants drop root systems deeply into the soil allowing the soil to act like a sponge, soaking up the water and filtering to remove phosphorus, nitrogen, and silt before it makes it to our lake. Grass as is used in yards has shallow roots that only penetrate about four inches, limiting the filtration. 

Sample bioswale

This will only be in specific designated areas where runoff is concentrated just before it hits our lake, so this will not be all over our community. Although it is hoped as this progresses some of those that own land that is applicable will join in but the initial phase will be on association owned land.

We will be starting with 10,000 square feet of bioswale. That may sound like a lot but it is only twenty areas that measure ten wide and fifty feet long. Plugs will be used so we will see almost immediate coverage of the new planting areas. The plugs will be one per square foot. Yes, this is expensive but the grants and volunteer hours will help a lot and don't forget the alum treatment cost a year ago that cleared our lake. We are hoping to build on our current lake quality and maintain that with this plan.

Volunteers will be needed to help with the planting of the plugs. This should start next spring and it would be great if we can find scout groups, church groups, any young folks who can work on their knees planting. Young people who must do community service before high school graduation would be a natural source of labor.

Take a look at Firefly bay to see how beautiful these areas on natural plants can look. Consider joining in and helping with this worthwhile project.

Ken

***VOLUNTEERS NEEDED***

In order to continue with the leaf drop off program like we had in past years, we need some “strong legged, able bodies” to help put the leaves in the dumpsters and smash down the leaves inside the dumpsters. It is time for the younger adults to step up and volunteer a few hours in November. Please sign up at the Administration Office. If we do not have volunteers, we will not be able to offer this convenience.

The leaf collection dates are 11/8 and 11/15 from 9:00 – 12:00.

General idea of what the zoning request means

Sandy Morse dug up the meaning of the changes to zoning Poplar Grove wishes. This will give you a general idea of the different zoning but isn't the complete description.

Current zoning below

Changing to below

Re-zoning request referenced in my board notes

You will notice "D" is the one that abuts Candlewick.  Ken

So far so good

I have at this time received only positive comments on our newly formatted Public Safety reports. I also am glad they are once again made available to you. As property owners you deserve to know what is happening in your community.
Ken

Tuesday evening's board meeting... my notes only!

Personal notes from the board meeting of October 21, 2014. Not to be confused with ratified published board minutes.

Again not a very controversial meeting so attendance was low at 11 attendees.

Your Public Forum consisted of no public comments.

AQUA reports the water is again being run through the iron filtration and all flushing and maintenance is complete. The Queen's Place main replacement is finished with a new larger main and better fire protection capacity. There are some small projects still to be completed before winter.

The Golf Commission reports they are having extreme difficulty achieving a quorum for meetings. Out of seven scheduled meeting only one has had enough attendance to hold the meeting. It was suggested the board consider making it a sub-committee under the Events Commission to meet only on an as needed basis. This is to be discussed by the Golf Commission for next year.

The Events Commission reports after suggestion from the board they would like to discontinue mud volleyball and would like to have a family picnic for first responders to our community including the Sheriff's Department, Sheriff's Auxiliary Patrol, Capron Rescue, and the North Boone Fire Department. ( I do not remember the suggestion to discontinue mud volleyball but possibly I have forgotten. I thought it was a big success)

The commission will also not be hosting the New Year's Eve event next year. It may be possibly held by another group.

Turkey Bingo is still a go with six turkeys purchased as well as a lot of smaller prizes. Scheduled for November 14^th. Ticket sales for Breakfast with Santa will start November fourteenth. The Vendor fail has had an excellent response. It is to be held November 8^th in the Lakeview Room while the Health Fair is in the gym.

It would appear the speed trailer will be a no-go. Illinois state law indicates only the state and a few select counties can operate the type equipment we were wanting to use.

Your Finance Commission reports we are still in good shape with the following balances at the end of September. Operating cash $705,103.59, operating investments $634,355.83, road investments $365,156.71, and reserve investments $3,009,377.87. Total cash is $3,374,534.58. Income is up $78,372.18 over budget and expense is $163,240.48 under budget, putting us $241,602.66 better than our budget projection.

Bad debt write-offs total $11,988.27 and accounting adjustments of $457.39

A resolution was passed to purchase a pump for Savannah Oaks at a cost not to exceed $37,517.00 plus electric, concrete, and excavating not to exceed $1,500.00. (We had budgeted $40,000 for this in this year's budget so it is covered. Here is the plan.. The old well will pump water into our retention area where it will settle out a lot of the impurities then the new higher capacity pump will pump the cleaner water at a better pressure from the retention area to be used for irrigation, hopefully helping to stop a lot of the maintenance of the system from using the well water that is full of iron and minerals. Am I sold? Not completely but I am told this will work and we are spending a lot of your money replacing heads and maintaining.)

A resolution was passed banning the use of e-cigarettes in the same areas as regular smoking is banned.

A resolution was passed upgrading our security system to an ADT “Pulse” system at a cost of $1,985 plus a monthly monitoring fee of $52.00. This will cover the Admin building, Savannah Oaks clubhouse, Rec Center, and Maintenance. (I hate spending the money but one break-in could cost us much more.)

Maintenance reports the cost of salt this year is going to blow away the salt budget. Last year we paid $68.50 to $74.50 per ton. This year it is $106.66 per ton plus tax. We need 500 tons of salt for the season so this is a killer. We budgeted $20,500 for salt not anticipating such a shortage and price spike. We are even changing suppliers to get this price or it would have been more. 500 tons times $106.66 equals $53,300 plus tax, or about $33,000 over budget. Nothing we can do but pay.

Poplar Grove is wanting to change zoning on some parcels of land along Route 76 from NB, Neighborhood Business District to GB, General Business District and from CB, Central Business District to GB, General Business District. I will post the map later so you can see what parcels they are wanting to re-zone. Only one would touch Candlewick and it is the one to the right as you leave the front gate. It was agreed board members will attend the hearing on the matter to voice concerns.

Those cursed movable traffic bump strips were discussed and the decision was made to stop using them. I was initially for them but I did not know they had to be bolted into our roads. They leave holes in the roads when removed and the experience has been they only work while in place and as soon as removed the speeding resumes in those areas. More trouble than they are worth. I thought we decided last year to discontinue their use but obviously we had not.

Capron Rescue Squad update indicated things are moving ahead and they are waiting for the special use permit as well as some other permits to start construction.

Dog Park update, plans are moving ahead for maintenance to put up the fencing and rules are being set.

Rules & Regulations update indicated the draft should be in the attorneys hands in a couple weeks after which a public meeting will be set up for residents to air any concerns.

New date for Calendonia Road clean up is next Monday at 4:30 so anyone wanting to help is invited to join in. Meet at the West gate at 4:30 p.m.

Board Workshop date for budget discussion is set for November 20^th at the office. The public is always invited to attend.

Weekly Public Safety report with new format

13400 Hwy. 76

Poplar Grove, IL 61065

(815) 765-2827 Ext. 212

(815) 765-2809 Fax

E-Mail: rww@candlewick-lake.org

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 10/19/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to four (4) medical calls this past week. All of these people were transported to the hospital.

Domestic Issues

Public Safety responded to two (2) domestic calls accompanying the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. There are no injuries to be reported.

Damage to Mailboxes

Public Safety responded to several calls of mailboxes being damaged. One was damaged by a moving vehicle. The Officer was able to identify the vehicle and assure that restitution will be made. Remember, one can never tell when they are being watched.

Residential Burglary

Public Safety accompanied by the BCSO responded to a residential burglary in the southwest area of CWL. Fortunately, this residence was currently unoccupied and the loss was relatively minimal. Due to watchful neighbors, there is a potential suspect to this crime.

Traffic Accident

Due to not defogging the vehicle’s windows prior to departing for work, this vehicle entered into a collision with a stop sign and pole, ending up in the ditch. Fortunately, there were no injuries. BCSO investigated this accident with Public Safety. A tow was summoned, citations issued. Please make sure your windows are clear before proceeding to drive, especially with the upcoming inclement weather.

Stop Arm Violation

A vehicle was observed passing a school bus while the bus was discharging students. The driver was cited for a stop arm violation. Please slow down near school buses and come to a complete stop when necessary.

C-Pass Violation

A resident was cited for allowing another vehicle into CWL, at the South Gate, by using their personal vehicle’s C-Pass. This is trespassing and is not allowed. Please remember: Public Safety can and does monitor cameras at all three gates. The video can be saved for future use.

Lake Patrol

The Lake Patrol had a slow week. Activity is slowing down as summer has drawn to a close. The Officers assisted residents in seeing that all boats have been removed from CWL.

Citations Issued: 26

Warnings Issued: 1

Uh-Oh!

Lake test results

To put this in a nutshell, we are looking good and anticipate no problems until possibly late spring or summer.

The compromise

Shortly you will once again be able to read the weekly Public Safety report. Due to the number of people who considered this important information for residents a new format will be used with the same general information but less specific detail to protect the privacy of those involved. Your opinions do matter. Let me know what you think.
Ken

Know them?

A little trick I learned

Some years ago we rented a private cabin yearly in northern Wisconsin for vacations. The water supply was full of iron from the private well and the inside of the stool would turn red from the iron. The owner asked us to flush and let the bowl empty by stopping the water coming in through the mechanism in the tank. Then squeeze some "The Works" bowl cleaner in and brush a little and all the red would disappear like magic.
This came to mind after hearing of some who have had staining problems from the iron in our water after the iron filter was not used for a while. Try it. The Works...works!
Ken

Another meeting you need to attend

The following is another meeting where attendance will be taken and something like $25.00 per hour per attendee will be taken from the Candlewick portion of the grant cost. You can truly save your association money while becoming a better informed property owner. I intend to be there.
Ken

Candlewick Lake Watershed Meeting

Bioswale Project

You’re Invited!

Thursday, October 23, 2014

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location:

Candlewick Lake

Recreational Center

1812 Candlewick Dr.

Poplar Grove, IL 61065

This meeting will include updates on the current EPA Implementation Grant. There will be a presentation and discussion on the proposed bioswale project.

Kid's Halloween Costume Contest & Chili Cook-off

Barb Appelhans sent these pictures of the Kid's Halloween Contest for your enjoyment. It looks like they had a lot of fun.

Adam Husselbee guessed right at 600 candy corn

Cody Smith guessed 20.1 lb. winning him the pumpkin

Serving from the Eagle's Nest

A nice turn-out and great costumes!

Ellen Steiskal, Ron Drake, Bobbi Drake, and Karl Steiskal there to help

Mandy Marron and the clown (sorry I didn't get the name)

7-13 age group winners are- Scariest nurse Ginna Naqvi, Most original Alyssa LaBarge, Cutest Haven Hahn

6 & under winners are-Scariest Sandra Fisher, Cutest Lily Smiley, Most original (Granny) baby Smith and Little Red Riding hood Liliana Smith