Come on... it's a slow Saturday!

One of my Sons (Doug) came across this picture on the internet. From the names of the team members you would think it is inbreeding. See, there are some places the name Dillenburg isn't uncommon. Lower left (Don) was my Dad, Herb was his brother, Eldon I believe was a cousin, and somehow the Butlers are tied into the family also. This is one old picture.
Ken

Hey, Foxy!

(They looked like this one)

Wednesday evening I glanced out our front windows toward the lake and there was a fox by our dock. He moved on and after him came another fox. The two of them were just hanging around for a while. One went under our dock about the time our neighbor let her dogs out. The other took off like a bullet for about 100 yards then stopped and sat. Soon the first fox came out from under our dock and watched the dogs do their business. It next jumped onto our dock and sat leaning against one of the poles. A little later he jumped down, looked around for a while, then trotted off to find his mate, who had moved on.
Just one more reason I love living here. We see so much wildlife. I would bet they are looking for a place to have the little ones this spring. It is about that time.
Ken

Your vote counts!

Time is running short to get your ballot in to be counted. Your vote counts. Please, no matter who you vote for don't assume they will have enough votes. Apathy is a killer.
Ken

Please vote. Who could say no to this cutie?

Click the link below to vote so Elisha can get her bike.

https://www.friendshipcircle.org/bikes/2015/02/elisha-w/

Let's help her get the bike!

Great Bike Giveaway (Special Needs Bike Program)

Sarah White from Candlewick Lake

I'm shamelessly begging for my neighbors to vote for my daughter to try to win an adaptive bicycle. Many of you have seen Elisha- she's an Energizer bunny and pretty hard to miss. :) Because of her special needs, there are a few simple things that pose a huge challenge for her. Biking happens to be one of them. She wants so badly to learn to ride, but it just isn't a reality for her. We've found the perfect adaptive bike that would meet her needs, but sadly it is way out of our budget. So instead we are collecting votes in hopes of winning it for her! The link gives better details and it only takes a moment to vote. Thank you for your consideration. She's a pretty incredible little girl and would really love to experience bike riding!
Click here to vote for her bike!>>>  https://www.friendshipcircle.org/bikes/2015/02/elisha-w/

Candlewick Lake Public Safety 

WEEKLY REPORTWeek Ending 2/23/2015

Rescue CallsPublic Safety responded to three (3) medical calls this past week. All three (3) subjects were transported to the hospital.

Garage Fire
Public Safety did respond to a garage fire located in the vicinity of the West Gate. We assisted the BCSO.

Noise Complaint
Public Safety responded to the 1600 blk. of CWD for a noise complaint. The Aqua generator in this location engaged, creating much noise and disturbing the local residents. It took several hours, but we finally were able to have it turned off.

Traffic
The Public Safety Department responded to the intersection of Staffordshire and CWD for a report of a stop sign down. An investigation revealed tire tracks leading up to the stop sign. Footprints were also located in the area. It is currently unknown who struck the sign. This sign will be erected again.

Another traffic incident occurred very late Saturday night when a vehicle traveled off the roadway in the area of Oak Tree Park. This vehicle traveled completely off the roadway. Please slow down while traveling through Candlewick Lake.

CO2 Alarm
Public Safety assisted the Fire Department when a CO2 alarm went going off at a residence located on Lamplighter Loop. The alarm was secured.

Dog Call
There were two (2) dog calls this past week.

Lake Patrol
The Public Safety Lake Patrol did check fishermen this week. Two (2) fishermen needed to acquire guest passes.  

Citations Issued:  14

Warnings Issued: 32

The rites of spring

Shimano

Well, Sunday I took the time for my spring ritual. I cleaned my trusty rods and reels, replacing line as needed, and I am ready for that first cast off our dock. The lake should open around March 23rd if history holds true.
 About forty years ago I used to fish with a friend on Delavan as well as a lot of the rivers and creeks in the this area. I always used one of those Zebco 33s. They are a good reel but for the really big hogs they didn't quite fill the bill.

Zebco 33

Cheap as I am I still decided to go ahead and buy some reels that would really do the job. I settled on a couple Shimano Speedmaster reels with around a six to one gear ratio. Neither were the type I was used to with the button you push and backlashes were made almost impossible. It took me a while to master the new type reel but once I did there was no turning back. They cost me about $80.00 each, which back then was a lot for a reel, but forty years later they are still doing the job.
 Like me, they have a few battle scars and show their age but they have paid for themselves many times over. I expect them to last longer than I do. Hopefully my Sons or Grandkids will get the same enjoyment from them I have.
 I still use the thumb push type reels for the light lures but in general these are great. Fran now also used the same general type reel for jigging because she feels there is a more solid contact.
 I know, more than you really wanted to know, but I am anxious for spring!
Ken

Capron Rescue Squad facility hearing

 The location for the zoning hearing has been changed to the City Hall in Belvidere. It will be Feb. 24th at 7 p.m. I expect this to be a done deal anyway but if you wish to attend this is the information you will need. 
 Unless there is an unexpected delay ground should be broken this spring.
Ken

Not too bad a turn out

 I am happy to say about thirty folks turned out for the meeting about the Rules & Regs Saturday afternoon. There was a lot of good discussion and due to some points brought up there will be further changes before the final vote. Thank all of you for the time you spent and the thought you put into your comments. The whole idea of the meeting was to get the final touches that were missed even with all the time spent prior on the document and you folks came through as always. In the end some will not be happy with some of the new rules but that is to be expected. Try to look at the document as a whole and I think you will like what you see.
Ken

A couple good Sunday thoughts

The question of fencing

I was told one of the questions that will be brought up during the meeting about the Rules and Regulations Saturday will be the possibility of allowing fences. Remember this meeting is about the Rules and Regulations. There are the CC&Rs which is the top governing document for our association. Next in line come the ByLaws. The bottom tier of the documents is the Rules and Regulations. Nothing can be in the rules and regulations that conflicts with more powerful documents.
 The last time we changed the CC&Rs it was made necessary by a change in state law and even those minor changes took about 1 1/2 years and a lot of expense to get the necessary votes of 50% plus one. The yard fencing rule is in the CC&Rs. Not a chance we can get that changed. Just a heads up.
Ken

The "Obamacare" mess continues

Get ready to re-file if you are one of the unfortunates.  Ken

February 20, 2015 About 800,000 people received tax forms from the IRS with incorrect information about their Obamacare coverage, officials from the Health and Human Services Department said Friday.

The errors occurred on a new form that helps Obamacare enrollees figure out whether they qualify for a subsidy that would pay all or part of their premiums, and how big that subsidy should be. Information used to calculate those subsidies was wrong on about 20 percent of tax forms, HHS officials said. The errors would cause some taxpayers to claim too large a subsidy and others to claim less than they’re actually eligible for.

Andy Slavitt, principal deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the agency is already notifying taxpayers of the mistake and will be sending out revised forms. The “vast majority” of Obamacare enrollees haven’t filed their taxes yet, and can simply use the new, corrected information when they do, Slavitt said. But, of the 800,000 people who received inaccurate forms, about 50,000 have already filed their taxes, Slavitt said.

The IRS is figuring out how to handle those returns. Obamacare’s subsidies are tied to the cost of “benchmark” plan in each region. But these 800,000 tax forms list the wrong premium for those plans. Slavitt said HHS is still investigating how the error occurred.

In case you missed the E-blast

Due to the carpet installation in the administration building, all customer service related issues will be handled at the Recreation Center from noon,Monday, Feb. 23rd. and all day Tuesday, February 24th. Normal service will resume at the administration building Wednesday the 25th.

The importance of the proxy

We need 467 P.O.s in order to conduct our annual meeting. This consists of property owners in attendance plus any proxies of those not attending. Without the 467 we will not be able to conduct the annual meeting and the re-mailing will cost us about $2,500 of your dues. Please, if you can not attend don't forget to fill out the proxy that was included in your voting packet and be sure you do  NOT put it in the ballot envelope. Only the ballot itself can be placed in that envelope with the black area that says "BALLOT."
Ken

Ballots should be in your mailbox today or very soon

Please read the instructions carefully before voting. You may vote for up to five candidates but no more than one vote for each selected. Voting for less than the five is fine also. The X must be in the box, not near the box. 
Be sure to put only your ballot in the envelope that has the black area and the word BALLOT on the envelope. That envelope then goes into the envelope addressed to SECRETARY. You must sign the SECRETARY envelope to verify you are the property owner. I would suggest turning these in promptly to avoid forgetting until it is too late. They must be in the office by 4:30 p.m. March 4th. Not much time.
Ken

This is your chance to point out areas you feel are problematic before the board vote.

Townhall Meeting

February 21, 2015, 1:00 PM

Lakeview Room

TOPIC OF DISCUSSION:

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Proposed Rules and Regulations are available on-line and at the Administration Office.

Personal board meeting notes from February 17, 2015

As has become the rule, the meeting was held with low attendance of 9.

Maintenance reports they have kept busy filling potholes, sanding, priming, and painting all truck beds with graphite based paint to prevent corrosion, plowing and salting, shoulder repair, installing dog park posts, and many other normal maintenance duties.

Public Safety reports 1092 calls in January. 409 of these are building checks.

Lake Management reports a new state Senate bill requires any boat towing a water skier or a tube must display a bright orange flag no less the twelve inches per side during the time any of this activity is taking place. Another bill requires anyone operating a boat with an engine over ten H.P. Take and pass a boating safety course if born after Jan 1, 1998. This applies to public lakes, not ours at this time.

Recreation reports the Quilting Club has five to six ladies attending, Kouture Canvas Painting class will begin February 27^th, Senior Bingo will be held February 24^th at 1 p.m., Biggest Loser has 10 participants, and the dog park posts are installed.

Tuesday, February 24^th at 7 p.m. Boone County Zoning Board of Appeals will hear the request for the permit for our new Capron Rescue Squad facility if you wish to attend.

Policy 15-01 had the second reading and was adopted charging a fee to those who appeal citations and do not show up or request a continuance for the hearing, incurring costs to the association. The fee will be $25.00 for no shows.

Dandy Donuts has decided to withdraw it's proposal to operate the vacant restaurant area.

Finance reports Operating cash at $210,600.15, Operating investments of $509,651.54, Road investments of $314,879.97, and Reserve investments of $3,439,228.01. Total investments are $4,263,759.52. Total cash stand at $4,474,359.67.

Expenses year to date are $167,320.31 under budget and revenue is $118,248.70 over budget leaving us “to the good” at the end of January in the amount of $285,749.01.

Finance also reported write offs in the amount of $54,760.77 in assumed uncollectable debt. We are keeping clean books. As I indicate monthly these are budgeted write-offs so no unexpected charges. Accounting adjustments are $172.50.

The specifications for our road project for the coming year are in the final process and we expect requests for bids to be sent in early March.

Most should be receiving your ballots for the board election within the next couple days. Please send them in as soon as possible for easier sorting by our staff.

An Eagle Scout letter of Commendation Request was received regarding Rhett Montgonery Bomher who has a project establishing Barn Owls in the Piscasaw Fen. We will be writing a letter of recommendation. He is from a Candlewick sponsored pack.

The Board granted a request to open our gates for the next Vendor Fair in the spring as we did for the fall fair.

As always be sure to read your Candlewick Paper for the official minutes.

Let's find them a warm, secure place to stay!

I should have mentioned...

 When writing about the Candidate Forum I mentioned all candidates were there with the exception of Lennard Lund. In all fairness I should have stated his absence was due to a medical procedure.
Ken

Your weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 2/16/2015

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to eight (8) medical calls this past week. Seven (7) subjects were transported to the hospital.

Graffiti

Graffiti was located on a yellow traffic warning sign over the weekend. This sign was promptly removed and cleaned. The graffiti was not gang related. If you have occasion to observe vandals doing graffiti in our community, please call Public Safety. We will prosecute.

Illegal Entry to CWL

Public Safety responded to the West Gate for a resident vehicle attempting to enter by “piggy backing” through the gate. The Public Safety Officer located and identified the vehicle. The issue was rectified.

Vandalism

The Public Safety Department responded to a residence for vandalism to a vehicle which was parked in the driveway. An investigation was conducted and an offender located.

Open Door

An open door to a residence was located. The residence was secured and notification were made.

Dog Call

There were four (4) dog calls this past week.

Lake Patrol

The Public Safety Lake Patrol did check numerous fishermen later in the week with positive results of compliance, one fisherman did need to acquire a license. Lake Patrol did attend to Ice Fishing tournament.

Citations Issued: 6Warnings Issued: 85

Sunday thoughts about Fran's Dad

Leigh on the farm with his three daughters

THUG..THUG...THUG..THUG. Those sounds were the backdrop at the funeral of a fine man. Outside the funeral home there was an old John Deere tractor running the entire time and the sound of that tractor, his tractor, seemed so appropriate. He was a good man that learned early on that life is all about family. I really didn't show him the appreciation I should have and I regret that. As his 97 years were coming to an end we visited more and more often but I could only stay about ten minutes because there were cats and I am very allergic so I would leave Fran there with him. The last time I was picking Fran up while he was still coherent we were about to leave and he looked at me and said "You take care of her."  He knew... and he was the family man to the end.
After the service the procession followed the tractor around a loop of the cemetery then stopped by his final resting place. The tractor went back to the trailer. THUG...THUG...THUG...THUG... Not a bad final sound for a farmer.
R.I.P Leigh (and I will take care of her)

Board meeting agenda

Board meeting agenda

Running a little late. Hope to have it to you this afternoon.  (Sat)

Part of my opening statement

Most of you know I hope to keep the board intact. Some may wonder why. Below is part of my opening statement at the Candidate Forum. We as a board have worked together to complete what I consider some major accomplishments. When we do not agree it is debated without anger and we move ahead. I am proud to have been a part of this group.  Ken

What has been accomplished in the last four years?

Our lake is now clear due to the alum treatment and we are working to keep it that way. We are receiving government grants. We have a roads program now by which your roads will be maintained without each property owner paying thousands of dollars in special assessments to rebuild them all at one time. We will have a new Rescue Squad facility in Candlewick soon. We are close to finishing the dog park. We have an accountability relationship now with AQUA without spending untold thousands of dollars in a lawsuit. We have re-written and passed the restated CC&Rs to get us in compliance with state law. We have brought up to date the By-Laws and Rules & Regulations. We have found a way to cut the losses in Savannah Oaks. We have a strong collection procedure in place. Our reserves are well funded. We have a new web site and better communications. We have held dues down with only one small increase in the last four years. We are running lean and mean. We have made a smooth transition to a new General Manager, a new Maintenance Manager, a new Public Safety chief, a new IT department head, a new Accounting Manager, a new Rec Center manager, and more.

When I use the word WE regarding the accomplishments I

don't mean only management, employees, and the board. I also

include all the volunteers. My appreciation of volunteers has

only grown in the last four years. Your physical work, ideas, and

brainpower in general are so valuable. Your association is

saving a huge amount of money through your efforts.

Ballot instructions

This is very important. Every year we have ballots turned in that we are not allowed to count due to some error in submission. Please read the instructions carefully before submitting your ballot. As a property owner you have a right to vote but in order to prove a clean election some procedures must be followed. Missing signatures, envelopes being torn open then taped shut, more than one ballot in the envelope (some with more than one property will get more ballots), and other problems persist.

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 2/9/2015

Rescue Calls

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

Vehicles in Ditch

Public Safety responded to three (3) vehicles being in ditches last weekend. This was certainly due to the snow event. This is a marked improvement over the prior event.

Damage to CWL Property

Public Safety responded to the West Gate for a nonresident vehicle striking the gate and a piece of gate being broke off. Apparently a construction vehicle attempted to enter by “piggy backing” through the gate. The resident the construction vehicle followed summoned Public Safety and provided the identity of the vehicle. Our Officer was able to apprehend the violator. They will be making restitution. This incident is captured on video.

Traffic Accidents

The Public Safety Department responded to two (2) traffic accidents. Although on CWL property, these accidents were outside of the gates and on the perimeter of CWL property. BCSO was summoned for both incidents. The accidents were both related to road conditions from the snow event.

Dog Call

There was only one (1) dog call this past week.

Lake Patrol

The Lake Patrol was slower on CWL than the past several weeks. We suspect this is also a result of the snow event. The Public Safety Lake Patrol did check numerous fishermen later in the week with positive results of compliance. Last weekend the IDNR did make an appearance on the Lake and checked numerous fishermen. We did not hear of any particular issues.

Due to the warm temperatures on Saturday, CWL was beginning to get somewhat sloppy. There was only a few fishermenon Sunday.

Citations Issued: 1

Warnings Issued: 30

Dandy Donuts

 As I am sure some of you folks have already heard, Dandy Donuts has decided not to proceed with their proposal to operate in the old Eagle's Nest in the Rec Center. Our last issue of our paper asked for thoughts on how to best utilize the restaurant area so be sure to get your thoughts in.
Ken

With sadness

a few weeks ago

Fran's Dad passed about 5:30 this evening (Monday) at the age of 97. He was in the farm house where he wanted to be. Leigh Baxter was a fine man who put family first and will leave a hole in our family.
Ken

If you missed the Candidate forum... link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBMOc0ipdJg

I love this

Candidate Forum and budget hearing

 This was the smallest turnout I have ever seen for the meeting. Probably 20 showed up when normally we would expect closer to 100. All but one candidate showed up, that being Lennard Lund. The questioning went well with some good questions asked.
 I am hoping the extremely low turnout was because property owners know the current board is doing a good job running our association and protecting our finances. The accomplishments the current board has made were often expressed by the candidates. I believe all of us want to be re-elected as a group. I know that is my hope. We all have a healthy respect for one another, When things are moving forward it is not time to change things. If it is not broke don't fix it as they say.
 Anyone who didn't make the forum ( about an hour) and budget hearing ( which took only about fifteen minutes ) will be able to view it very soon on the Candlewick web site.
Ken

Your Sunday Smile

SUNDAY...SUNDAY... in the beautiful Lakeview Room

Last reminder, the Candidate Forum and Budget Hearing are both Sunday starting at 1. Watch the candidates squirm as the questions are fired at them for an hour and a half. Count the beads of sweat as they fall from the downturned brows. 
In all seriousness, if you want to hear the candidate's views on a variety of topics this will be your chance before the ballots are mailed next week.
After the forum the next fiscal year's budget will be explained and questions taken about that as well. The budget looks pretty darn good and well it should with all the hours expended on producing it. Remember the old saying though, Both frogs and budgets can be dissected but afterward both come out dead!
Ken

At the rec center Saturday

I think most know 5.6% is just a joke!

The Big Lie: 5.6% Unemployment

by Jim Clifton

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Here's something that many Americans -- including some of the smartest and most educated among us -- don't know: The official unemployment rate, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, is extremely misleading.

Right now, we're hearing much celebrating from the media, the White House and Wall Street about how unemployment is "down" to 5.6%. The cheerleading for this number is deafening. The media loves a comeback story, the White House wants to score political points and Wall Street would like you to stay in the market.

None of them will tell you this: If you, a family member or anyone is unemployed and has subsequently given up on finding a job -- if you are so hopelessly out of work that you've stopped looking over the past four weeks -- the Department of Labor doesn't count you as unemployed. That's right. While you are as unemployed as one can possibly be, and tragically may never find work again, you are not counted in the figure we see relentlessly in the news -- currently 5.6%. Right now, as many as 30 million Americans are either out of work or severely underemployed. Trust me, the vast majority of them aren't throwing parties to toast "falling" unemployment.

There's another reason why the official rate is misleading. Say you're an out-of-work engineer or healthcare worker or construction worker or retail manager: If you perform a minimum of one hour of work in a week and are paid at least $20 -- maybe someone pays you to mow their lawn -- you're not officially counted as unemployed in the much-reported 5.6%. Few Americans know this.

Yet another figure of importance that doesn't get much press: those working part time but wanting full-time work. If you have a degree in chemistry or math and are working 10 hours part time because it is all you can find -- in other words, you are severely underemployed -- the government doesn't count you in the 5.6%. Few Americans know this.

There's no other way to say this. The official unemployment rate, which cruelly overlooks the suffering of the long-term and often permanently unemployed as well as the depressingly underemployed, amounts to a Big Lie.

And it's a lie that has consequences, because the great American dream is to have a good job, and in recent years, America has failed to deliver that dream more than it has at any time in recent memory. A good job is an individual's primary identity, their very self-worth, their dignity -- it establishes the relationship they have with their friends, community and country. When we fail to deliver a good job that fits a citizen's talents, training and experience, we are failing the great American dream.

Gallup defines a good job as 30+ hours per week for an organization that provides a regular paycheck. Right now, the U.S. is delivering at a staggeringly low rate of 44%, which is the number of full-time jobs as a percent of the adult population, 18 years and older. We need that to be 50% and a bare minimum of 10 million new, good jobs to replenish America's middle class.

I hear all the time that "unemployment is greatly reduced, but the people aren't feeling it." When the media, talking heads, the White House and Wall Street start reporting the truth -- the percent of Americans in good jobs; jobs that are full time and real -- then we will quit wondering why Americans aren't "feeling" something that doesn't remotely reflect the reality in their lives. And we will also quit wondering what hollowed out the middle class.

Jim Clifton is Chairman and CEO at Gallup.

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 2/2/2015

Rescue Calls

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

Gate Strike

Public Safety responded to a gate strike at the South Gate. Apparently, a vehicle was “piggybacking” through the South Gate when the gate come down and scratched the vehicle. This event was captured on video. CWL will not be paying for this damage.

Damage to CWL Property

Public Safety responded to Rt. 76 near the “Little Park on the Prairie” for a fence which had been damaged. It appeared a vehicle had left the roadway, drove through the culvert and into the fence. The identity of the vehicle is unknown.

Suspicious Subjects

The Public Safety Department responded to the area of Talladega, Griffin Place, CWD and Briar Cliff for the report of subjects walking the neighborhood, checking for unlocked vehicles parked in driveways. The BCSO was summoned. They arrived with a canine unit. The canine did track, but could not locate the walkers.

Please make sure your vehicles are locked while they are parked in your driveway and do not leave any valuables inside the vehicles. Thieves cannot steal what is not there.

Fishing Violations

The Patrol Division apprehended several subjects ice fishing in the lagoon near Savanah Oaks. These fishermen had been warned in the past. They did admit to knowing what they did was a violation. Nevertheless, the fishermen were cited.

Lake Patrol

The Public Safety Lake Patrol has been on CWL. They have been looking into a report of fishermen using minnows as bait. The Officers are checking “tip ups”. If you are aware of this violation, please notify the Lake Patrol.

Citations Issued: 7

Warnings Issued: 9

The Empty restaurant space

 As you may have read in our latest paper we are asking anyone with an interest in the space to come forward with your idea and submit it to our General Manager for consideration. We have a proposal from Dandy Donuts as you know, but in all fairness we should give all a chance to submit proposals before deciding on a course of action.
Ken

Not a bad idea!

 Many of you know we have just completed refinishing our gym floor. In the past our Candidate Forum and Budget Hearing have taken place in the gym. Theresa (our G.M.) feels it would make more sense to have the meetings in our Lakeview Room, or as it was called the Multipurpose Room. I forget the room capacity but it will be large enough to handle the crowd. I think this is an excellent idea. Less wear and tear on our gym. Good idea Theresa!

A sweetheart ice fishing tournament

( It must be a real woman)

The next CWA tournament scheduled for February 7th has been postponed to February 14th. Come win your sweetheart some $. Meet at the rec center boat launch at seven A.M. with a noon weigh in. $10 entry and optional $5 big fish. Panfish only call Chuck Hart with any questions 815 520 1796.

Thinking of those who have aged or suffered serious illness

This Sunday let's all say a prayer for those afflicted and those who have reached old age. It takes so little to pray and means so much.  Ken