Trees on common ground

We have been forced to cut down and remove a large number of trees this fall due to disease. There will be replanting over time to replace the important lost ones.
Ken

Fall back an hour Saturday night

O.K., you win! Golf extended

 Savannah Oaks golf course will be open through Wednesday due to the unexpected warm weather. The scheduled close was November first. Enjoy those last rounds. Wednesday is it.
Ken

Including some of Barb Appelhan's past pics. Looks like a blast!

Savannah Oaks Halloween Bash!

October 31st - 8:00PM

Come on out for a Spooktacular time. There will be music and games.
Best costume contests, raffles, drink specials, food specials, and way too much fun!

If you were wondering what is going in on 76

Just a couple days away...

Let's help find 'em!

All I can say is WOW!

What a great turn out for the Caledonia Road clean up. Plenty of workers and I believe this is the fastest it has been accomplished. As I keep saying you folks always come through when needed.
  Remember the road had not been cleaned up all summer due to the fact it had not been mowed until now so parts of it were ugly. Nice job by all. It is appreciated.
Ken

Believe it or not

 I decided to just tear the Escape apart just in case Dad's ring had fallen somewhere in the vehicle. I had already looked under the driver's seat. I was completely shocked to find it still on the clip way back under the passenger seat. How in the world it got there from the other side of the Escape I have no idea but there it was. What a relief. Good things do happen! I can't believe it wasn't vacuumed up when I had the car washed.

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 10-26-2015

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to four (4) medical calls this past week. Three (3) of our residents were transported to the hospital.

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of CWD for the report of mailboxes and their posts being knocked down. It is strongly suspected the damage was done by a vehicle, although there was no evidence left at the scene. There are no suspects at this time. The mailbox posts will be replaced by maintenance.

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Liverpool Dr. to take a report of damage to a cloth gazebo in the side yard. The damage appeared to have been done with a knife. There are no suspects at this time. Patrol has been stepped up in the area.

Gate Strike

The East Gate Officer observed a vehicle attempt to gain entry through the C-Pass lane between gate arm cycles. There was no damage to the gate arm. Damage to the vehicle is unknown, due to the vehicle not stopping. This incident was investigated and documented.

Illegal Gate Entry

A guest of one of our residents made an entry into CWL through the exit lanes after failing to stop long enough at our Gate House. The guest and resident were located and spoken with. The rules were explained. A citation was issued.

Loose / Barking Dog Calls

Public Safety responded to three (3) loose dogs reports. Two (2) warnings were issued.

Lake Patrol

The Lake Patrol has ended for the 2015 season. Our Patrol Boats are out of the Lake and are in the process of being serviced and winterized.

All of our outstanding Lake Officers have committed to being with us next year.

Citations Issued: 15

Warnings Issued: 21

When the heart sinks

 

Dad in the Army

Dad served during World War two in among other areas the Philippine Islands. I have a couple of the things he brought home when he returned, one being a ring. The ring was crudely made, probably by one of the inhabitants. It was silver color, although I don't know if it was truly silver. Engraved on it was P.I. and the year he was there.
 Dad passed many years ago and after his passing I kept the ring in our car, first on the end of his pencil that I stuck on the visor, later I got a plastic clip and attached it that way. It was kind of like having a small part of him with me. More than once when I was having to go through something I dreaded I would look at the ring and sometimes even put it on my finger, thinking if he could go through all he did I sure could handle what was coming.
 Every time I got the car washed, worked on, an oil change, anything where someone would be in the car I put the ring in my pocket to keep it safe. This week I was going to get the car washed and looked up to see it missing. I can only guess I forgot to remove it once after all this time.
 The person who took it probably has hocked it or trashed it if it had little value but they will never know what it meant to me. It is irreplaceable ... it was part of my Dad. As I said, my heart sank.
Ken

Today at four. Please help!

The Thanksgiving five finger discount!

Helping others is the Christian thing to do

MONDAY... 4 P.M...... WEST GATE...... CALEDONIA ROAD CLEAN-UP.... HELP NEEDED!

Going with the recommendation

The fish shocking seemed to indicate our population of bass is diminishing. Odd to me, but that is how it came back. I walked out on my pier today and saw four, two of which were nice, finning next to the pier.

 That being said, your board voted to go with the recommendation of Lake Management to have bass only catch and release until further notice. They really aren't a great eating fish anyway.
Ken

Could really use some help

 They finally mowed Caledonia Road Tuesday so we can pick up the trash. We were unable to do it all summer due to the unmowed weeds.
  Here is the problem. One board member is out of the country and another is not well and unable to help. 
  We need some help. If any of you can spare an hour or so Monday at 4 p.m. please meet at the West gate for supplies. The more the better. 
  Normally some of you good folks help anyway but this time we are really short. I would sure appreciate it.
Ken

Rescue Squad up and running

I spoke with the lieutenant who was on duty Monday. He told me they had two calls already that day and they were at the scene of both within five minutes. It is nice having them here in case of emergencies.
Ken

Personal notes from board meeting of October 20

Board meeting notes... October 20, 2015

The AQUA update... The work on the manholes is complete and the area below the dam is still in the works. Contracts have been awarded and work will begin soon on the relocation of the lift station below the dam. The water is now back to iron removal standards. No major capital improvements expected next year.

Maintenance reports the dam has been mowed again with ongoing inspections and the weeds in the rip rap have been sprayed. Specific areas of the lake were sprayed and weeds cleared from the thrusters. The skimmer is back in service but set to put away for the winter. Many dead trees have been removed as you have all noticed. Replanting will start for replacements. The normal operations of course continued.

The standing at the end of September is Operating cash of $620,085.68, Operating investments of $785,386.33, Road investments of $3.14, Reserve investments $3,368,035.31. Total investments $4,153,424.78 and Total cash of $4,733,510.46. Our $3.14 road account will be rolled over into reserves.

We are currently under budgeted expense by $150,124.69 and over revenue budget $6,301.03, meaning we are “to the good” by $156,425.72 fiscal year to date.

Write offs for the month total $13,473.38 due to foreclosures and the banks are only liable for six month's dues. Accounting adjustments amounted to $59.83

Lake Management reports the results of the fish stocking indicate all bass should immediately be catch and released. Board approved. Leaf collection will be from nine to noon November 7 and 14 volunteers are always needed. Fish will be stocked as follows... 2200 Walleye from 6 top 8 inches and 1100 smallmouth bass from 4 to 6 inches if available.

The Rec Commission reports signage was purchased indicating specific areas for small dogs and large dogs. Please clean up after your pets. The Glo Go Fun Run had nineteen participants this year. Thursdays at 1 will feature Pickle Ball for those interested in this sport. Come one come all!

The Events Commission reports the Craft and Vendor fair results were disappointing. That is how we learn what works and what does not. Turkey bingo is planned for November 20^th. Breakfast with Santa will be December 12.

Our new improved website should be up by the end of the month.

Your Public Safety Commission is in the process of reviewing our emergency disaster plan. Further study will take place. We currently have a plan in place but it is an ongoing document.

The golf course update indicated the greens were aerated and top dressed plus the sand traps were worked during the course two day shut down. Work continues on getting the sprinklers to work independently and remedy the ones that are sticking. The course is looking good and we are within budget.

Savannah Oaks clubhouse... It appears the events are mostly doing well with trivia, vino van go, and the firefighters golf outing had a big turnout. The Labor Day two man scramble showed all carts used. First place tied with Jim Brefeld and Steve Johnson tying with Tom Gray and Mike L. There was a playoff with Jim and Steve taking first.

Savannah Oaks clubhouse hours were discussed. With the course closing November first the clubhouse hours will change to 4 p.m. To midnight Friday and Saturday, Sunday 11 a.m. To 9 p.m., and Monday 4 to 9. The clubhouse will close for the season January 1, 2016 until April 10. The commission asked to keep the clubhouse open through the winter for planned activities. This was tried last year and was not feasible plus the closing is budgeted for January one. The board decided to close on the planned date.

The Outpost information gathering continues with plans now in hand for discussion. The plans call for the new Outpost to be built on the existing foundation with as much as possible of the frame salvaged. There will be a new attractive higher roof line with a more open interior partially vaulted. The plans show an attached pavilion extending from the back of the structure. The plans are out for bids to see if this is something that will fit our needs as well as our budget. From there modifications will be made. Nothing is final at this point. It is all discussion.

There was discussion of whether or not to allow repossession companies into our gated community. They used to be allowed in with a Sheriff's Deputy escort but the escort is no longer available. The State's Attorney indicates we do not have to allow them entry. It was decided with notification from the Sheriff's office the repossessors are coming and proper paperwork when they arrive they will be allowed to make repossessions. We do not want to become a haven for those not paying their debts.

Resolutions were on the table for purchase of the paint and chemicals needed to get our pool back up to par with muratic acid and Zeron white paint in the amount of about $7,000.00 The board approved.

Another resolution was on the table involving replacement of windows in the pool house. The structure is in disrepair and the board made the decision to table this purchase until decisions are made regarding renovation of the pool house in general.

Caledonia Road clean up is the responsibility of your board. It has not been mowed for some time and weeds are waist high. It was reported the mowing was accomplished today so I am going to look at the road tomorrow and see if it is mowed to the point of being able to access the debris. If so I will contact the board for a time to accomplish this task.

Be sure to watch for official minutes printed in your Candlewick Paper.

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 10-19-2015

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to four (4) medical calls this past week. Three (3) of our residents were transported to the hospital.

Fire Call

Public Safety responded to a fire call for a report of a smoke detector going off. The scene was cleared with no fire. It is that time of year when our furnaces start running again, please take precautions by changing filters and checking batteries in alarms.

Suspicious Person

Public Safety responded to a report of a subject parking on Caledonia Rd and jumping the fence to gain access to Candlewick. The subject was located and BCSD escorted them out of Candlewick and the property owners were cited.

Disorderly Conduct / Noise violation

Public Safety responded to one (1) noise complaint during this past week. Please be considerate of your neighbors when the time grows late. The call resulted in compliance.

Damage to Property

Public Safety responded to the East Gate for a report of a subject who sped through the inbound lane and struck the gate entering Candlewick. The BCSD and Public Safety searched for the vehicle, the matter is still under investigation. Slight damage was done to the gate arm, the gate arm was fixed.

Loose / Barking Dog Calls

Public Safety responded to two (2) reports of a loose dogs and one (1) barking dog this past week. At the time of arrival all calls were met with compliance.

Burglaries

Public Safety responded to the 2200 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a head light being taken from a vehicle. A report was also filed with BCSD.

Citations Issued: 23

Warnings Issued: 7

The lake has turned over

  I looked at the lake Sunday and it looked like it had flipped so I spoke with Chuck Hart and he verified the lake temperature is close to the same top to bottom and oxygen levels are good also top to bottom meaning indeed the lake has turned over.

Check your Frontier bill

 Just as a heads up, I noticed on my last bill a charge for conference call activation. I do not use conference calling at home. It was billed as three way calling.
 I called them to find out what this was about and I was told if you hang up then redial another number quickly the system can pick this up as a conference call and bill accordingly. It seems unless you ask for a block it is already available to you. I now have a block on the service. You may want to take a look and see if it is on your bill.
Ken

O.K., I'll admit it is worse than I expected

 I mentioned a couple days ago some of your board members were going to tour the pool area including the pump area, heater area, the pool house in general as well as look at the pool and children's pool.
 The pool itself really looks pretty good. This fall it has been acid washed and painted with a VERY expensive epoxy type paint and it came out well. The problems from last summer should be taken care of as long as we get the correct chemical mix. The kid's pool needs work due to leakage but according to Sunco Pools it can be handled without digging up the concrete by relocating the filtering system above ground and re-routing. There is some serious disagreement among board members about the route to take with that. One suggestion is to replace the kid's pool with a splash pad. They are a thing of beauty but I for one can not justify an expenditure of around a quarter million dollars for that replacement. I am but one vote so we will see what happens.
 The pool house was a shock to me. It absolutely must be remodeled and soon. Windows are ready to fall out, the rest rooms are a disaster, some I beams are rusting through, I could go on and on. This must happen. The structure's exterior is sound but the interior has had it.
 We must remember next year is the year we will almost certainly be replacing the Outpost due to the deterioration of that building. Now add on the cost of remodeling the pool house along with all our other necessary expenses and we are looking at one expensive year. Much of this new expense will come from our reserves so hopefully dues will see minimal impact but still any expenditures of this magnitude will shrink our available funds. The money doesn't fall from the sky. Our only source of revenue is and has been your dues and I want them spent very carefully and on necessities.
Ken

Just like eggs!

Savannah Oaks
2-man Scramble October 24^th 10am $20.00 fee closest to the pin $1.00 Longest Putt $1.00

Your Sunday Smile......

Background music

 Many people seemed to like it but suddenly out of the blue it changed to advertisements so I dumped it. I guess we will just enjoy peace and quiet as we read again. 
Ken

Board meeting agenda

I guess I should be used to it by now

Our first budget meeting of the year was Thursday evening. It never fails to amaze me how differently some view what are necessities to them and not to others. It always seems to boil down to whether to funds wishes or needs. I am in the camp with funding needs.
 One good case in point is the pool. The board will be touring the pool and pool house Saturday to see just how badly it has deteriorated. Some members of the board make it sound like a disaster. I don't know. If it is we will need to do something just as we have been forced to do with the Outpost, which is really falling apart.
 Do we have the funds in reserves? Yes we do and a good part of the reason is because we have been funding necessities, not "wouldn't it be nice" items. My stand is always been fix what we must and do it to make it acceptable, not the Cadillac of buildings. I do not want to leave this board with diminished reserves. We are in good shape and I want it to stay that way for future boards.
 We will see how this shakes out but in my mind just because we have money in the bank doesn't mean it must be spent. The tug of war will continue........
Ken

Saturday, October 17:
Family Fun Fest & Chili Cook-Off: 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Rec. Center Gym.
Fun for the entire family; Tickets available at the door.
Chicago Cubs game will be shown on the big screen.
Call Rec. Center at 815-765-1943 for more information.

The meeting with Michelle Courier

Michelle Courier

 It was a very interesting meeting with Michelle (our State's Attorney) detailing the programs and accomplishments of her time in office. She has great credentials and has performed well in her position. It is nice she cares about Candlewick.
Ken

Michele with some board members (Rich Witt, Bonnie Marron, Michelle, Ken Dillenburg, Don Parisi

Thanks to Barb Appelhans for the pictures

Come say "HI" to Michelle Courier

Wednesday Michelle will be here to greet our residents at the Rec Center from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. She has done a fine job as our State's Attorney. Let her know you appreciate her efforts to get the bad guys off our streets!

Is there no thought left?

GRESHAM, Ore. – Dexter McCarty Middle School student Alan Holmes understands that his freedom is intricately tied to those who fought and died defending the United States of America.

His older brother joined the U.S. Marines when he was 19 years old and served a tour in Iraq, Fox 12 reports.

But school officials apparently don’t share Holmes understanding or patriotic spirit, and recently forced the eighth-grader to change his shirt that depicted a traditional soldier memorial or face in-school suspension.

Holmes choose the latter.

“The principal, I asked him, is this considered a suspension? He said yes I’ll see you tomorrow and I left,” Holmes told KATU.

“I was just upset. I was heartbroken,” he added. “My brother, he means everything to me. Just being able to help and give back to the people who fought and died for us it just makes me feel good.”

The school dress code states that students cannot wear anything that promotes alcohol, drugs, tobacco or violence. Holmes’ shirt depicted a military rifle barrel first into the ground, with a helmet on top and boots on the bottom. It reads: “Standing for those who stood for us.”

School officials told Holmes the shirt was inappropriate because it contained a weapon, and asked him to instead wear a school shirt, but Holmes refused.

“They won’t let me wear a shirt to supports the people who keep us free,” he told Fox 12, “I’m not going to support them.”

“I’m proud of him,” Holmes’ father, Charles Holmes, said. “I would have done the same thing.”

School officials would not discuss the issue with the media.

Alan Holmes said he understands why school officials would be concerned about images of weapons in an era of school shootings, but his shirt clearly does not promote violence.

“This isn’t relating to violence. The barrel is pointed down – total gun safety,” he said.

News of Holmes’ suspension enraged a lot of folks online.

“The ‘image’ on this shirt shows (honor to) buried American soldiers, the weapon is used to hold the helmet when buried in the field,” Frank Martin posted to Facebook. “If that is inappropriate … then the school should haul down the American flag in front of it and return all … federal funding it receives.”

“I understand the paranoia going on with school administrators, but this is about as silly as the kid who made a gun out of a pointed finger and got tossed out too,” Pam McFarlin added. “I would like to gather about 500 folks all wearing that t-shirt and surround the school.”

“This kid is a hero. His message was positive and patriotic while showing support for his older brother who is a U.S. Marine defending this country,” Vince Van De Coevering wrote. “If he was my kid he’d get an extra scoop of ice cream tonight.”

“These school administrators have gone soft in the brain. I hope our schools are sill teaching about our precious freedoms and they should understand that the reason we have those precious freedoms is because brave men and women went in harms way when called,” Bob Sutton posted.

“Nothing inappropriate about that shirt. Perhaps we should suspend these soft brained administrators who don’t understand what their country stands for,” he continued. “Signed, a third generation U.S. Army veteran. P.S. Well done young man, always stand for what you know to be right no matter what.”

Your Sunday contemplation

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Need a part time job?

 

Taken this week on the Kishwaukee

I have posted before of my son Darrell, who has out of nowhere developed a form of dementia diagnosed at the age of 46. Due to his illness he is provided with what is called a "personal assistant" who is with him many weekday hours. He now needs to have further coverage from noon to eight on Saturdays and Sundays.
 The pay is actually pretty good. The ideal person would be a female between forty and sixty because he relates better to that age. This is not a difficult job but the person must be dependable, patient, understanding, honest, a non-smoker, someone who truly cares and wants to be a help and be a friend to him. Anyone who has dealt with dementia knows what it is like. Specifics of the job can be discussed if you contact me about the position.
 Darrell is never angry and is still a good guy so there is no problem in that area. Think about it and if this appeals to you drop me an email at lakefolks2@gmail.com. I hope to hear from the right person. The person with him weekdays is a Godsend and I am hoping to find another.
Ken

Back in the saddle again!

 The skimmer was back on the lake yesterday on a test run and everything seems to be a go. The manufacturer supplied a new hydraulic pump that seemed to be causing a lot of the recent problems. As I say, so far so good so keep your fingers crossed. Next spring this thing needs to be humming along.
Ken

A timely event...

I know some of you hate it when I get political but come on...

I wish it were true!

 I received my reassessment notice Saturday and I am not pleased they decided my home is now worth 8.9% more than last year. I then looked at my son's reassessment and was completely shocked to see they decided his appreciated in value by one third. There have been no additions, remodels, nothing to add that kind of value but there it was.
 Here is my question... I know the taxing bodies are allowed to raise their collections to avoid any decrease in revenues even if assessed valuations fall. Now as they raise assessed valuations do they simply reap the benefit with no reduction in rates? Will my son's tax bill go up by 33%? It appears so. If this is the case the county and all taxing bodies will be in for a windfall. Fair? Not in my mind. How do you think this will effect real estate sales in Boone county?
 Have more of you experienced the same? Let me know...
Ken

I posted this on Facebook but want to share this here as well. A good Sunday thought.

Kind of a long story so bear with me. Thursday evening about dark one of Darrell's daughters got a call from someone who had found Darrell's cell phone where he had left it in a rest room at Rock Cut Park. He had found the number in the phone, called, and said he would hide it in the rest room for Darrell. He then had second thoughts, called again, and said he was taking it to the park office. His daughter lives downstate so she called me to get the phone. I drove over and by then the office was of course closed. I pulled up and parked to see if anyone was there and a car door opened close to us. The guy asked if we were there for the phone. This young man had waited all that time to be sure we got it. Here is the topper. The very nice man of about eighteen had spiked hair, ear rings, and tattoos. Yes, I am one that judges by appearance but the honesty and kindness of this young gentleman forces me rethink my prejudices.

In honor of my son Darrell at the age of 47

I'm not the only one. Published October 3

03 October 2015  

NEWS FEATURE To name or not to name: media wrestle with naming mass shooter By Peter Voskamp, dpa

Washington (dpa) - In the wake of another mass shooting in the United States, US media confronted the dilemma over how much to focus on the gunman.

In the age of 24-7 media saturation, the question has become: when does reporting the facts inadvertantly play into the killer's desire for widespread notoriety - and in the process plant the seed for the next disturbed person with a gun?

After Thursday's shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, in which a 26-year-old man killed nine students at a community college before being shot dead by police, Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin urged the media not to name the killer.

"I continue to believe that those media and community members who publicize his name will only glorify his horrific actions ... and eventually this will only serve to inspire future shooters," Hanlin said.

The sheriff's remarks led to a social media debate among two major television news anchors.

Responding to Hanlin's call, CNN's Don Lemon said on the air Thursday, "unfortunately we ... must identify him because that is our job."

Fox News host Megan Kelly, however, supported Hanlin via Twitter: "Good for him!" she wrote.

Kelly went on to disagree with Lemon, saying, "No. Print media can. TV gives infamy he prob desired. Don't!"

Lemon in turn wrote: "My heart agrees with you, but I believe [journalists] must name shooters. Sparingly though."

Others in the field agreed with Lemon.

Kelly McBride of the Poynter Institute, a journalism school, wrote Friday that to avoid naming shooters was "a bad idea."

She argued that making the name public allows for those who may have known the shooter to come forward with important information. It is also essential to help identify trends and guard against misinformation.

"It's easy and convenient for politicians to beat the press up by accusing them of glorifying a bad person. Responsible reporting is the antidote," McBride wrote.

However there is increasing evidence that media saturation could lead to copycats.

The shooter's own social media postings suggest he tracked other mass shootings. In one post, he appeared to urge readers to watch the online footage of Vester Flanagan shooting two former colleagues live on TV in August in Virginia, writing, "A man who was known by no one, is now known by everyone ... seems the more people you kill, the more you're in the limelight."

A 2015 study by Arizona State University and Northeastern Illinois University, entitled, "Contagion in Mass Killings and School Shootings" found "20 to 30 per cent of attacks are set off by other attacks."

In 2014 after six people were killed in Isla Vista, California, US blogger Ezra Klein wrote: "Mass murderers want glory and fame. Somehow we have to stop giving it to them."

He noted that news organizations stopped reporting suicides in large part because they had been found to be "contagious," and wondered if a similar approach might be appropriate with mass killers.

Klein cited sociologist Zeynep Tufekci who wrote in 2013 that he was "increasingly concerned that the tornado of media coverage that swirls around each such mass killing ... as well as the detailed and sensationalist reporting ... may be creating a vicious cycle of copycat effects similar to those found in teen and other suicides."

No Notoriety is an organization that calls upon the media to limit reporting on the perpetrator "for the sake of public safety."

"Recognize that the prospect of infamy could serve as a motivating factor for other individuals to kill others and could inspire copycat crimes," No Notoriety says on its website. "Keep this responsibility in mind when reporting."

And after Roseburg, it appears televised media may be taking it to heart. On Friday, during a segment with Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, a CNN anchor said the network would not name The Roseburg killer. It used the words "gunman," "shooter," "this man" or "this person" to describe him.

The digital versions of the New York Times and Washington Post however both displayed a photo of the Roseburg killer at the top of their homepages, along with his name.

They are at it again

Once again the media is publicizing the latest school shooting for all they are worth. This shooter even had written about how famous a previous shooter had become after the act. All this accomplishes is prodding some other loser to do the same. I have said before, they should never use the shooter's name or picture. If they must report this type behavior the shooter should be referred to as the loser, the loner, the mentally ill individual, or some other term that a person contemplating the act would not find appealing. The media is complicit in this and in such acts in the future. Shame on them.
Ken