Personal notes, Board meeting of December 20

Board meeting notes... December 20, 2016

Open forum for property owners had no participants

The AQUA update had no new information on upcoming projects.

Finance Commission Finance Commission reports the Finance meeting was cancelled this month due to the crash of our TOPS finance program. It took several days to get the program on line again and it was impossible to pull everything together prior to the board meeting. Everything is looking fine but no report can be generated for this post due to the timing.
Our new Accounting Manager is now in place. Her name is Cindy Childress.
 Accounting adjustments for November equal $772.32. Write offs for the month are $944.66

Lake Management reports the blue/green algae is gone. Wendler has started the drainage survey project. The Clark weed treatment proposal and mapping report are expected soon.

Events reports the Fall Festival has been cancelled at this point and it will be determined later if it should be resurrected. Dandy Donuts will be planning Laketoberfect including a chili cook off. Consideration was given to combining a First Responders Picnic with a Lake/Links event. (I think the combination is a great idea. We are beginning to have so many events it is getting out of hand.) Turkey Bingo had about 75 attendees. Around 140 tickets were purchased for Breakfast with Santa. Valentine Bingo on February tenth is in discussion.



The Roads Commission wishes to have an engineer check Candlewick Drive by Fishermen's Cove to make repair recommendations and indicate the cause of the dip in the road. The goal for next year will be two more miles of micro-surfacing and at least one more mile of overlay. (overlay means full resurfacing over the existing asphalt as you saw last summer) Last summer's road work cost about $236,000.00 and came in under budget. The commission is looking at areas of high shoulders, low spots, wash outs and the like as hot spots for next year's work.

Communication Commission discussed newspaper print dates. Online photo voting for best picture winners will start in January.



The Golf Commission suggests the floor of the clubhouse should be cleaned on a more regular basis plus a professional cleaning twice per year. Survey card results are being compiled to find what course users want to see. The next meeting will be February 8^th to set dates for tournaments. More commission members are needed.

The Rec Commission mentions the program participation has held pretty much steady. November 11 Bunco had 24 participants. Twenty people attended the bird feeding presentation December 11^th. The Biggest Loser weight loss contest will begin in February. Polar Plunge is planned for April 1 for all the crazies. (I will not be there!)

The Outpost rebuild was again discussed with those involved indicating they are getting alternative estimates in an attempt to get the replacement cost more in line with an acceptable number. More information to follow as it develops. (I am glad to see they are working to conserve your replacement reserves as it should be. Good for them. Your replacement reserves are in great shape and need to remain that way.)

Savannah Oaks clubhouse reports Vino Van Gogh on November 5 crashed and burned this time. (are we doing this too often?) November 12 featured a D.J. And there was a decent turn out. Pub Trivia drew 35. Golf carts have been picked up for the winter. The clubhouse wraps it up with a New Year's Eve party the 31^st. That's it until spring!



Savannah Oaks reports the course has been put to bed for the winter with the lines blown and snow mold protection sprayed on the greens. Painting and equipment maintenance is in progress getting ready for spring.

Maintenance reports everything is set for winter and the trucks are ready to go as witnessed by the handling of a couple snow events already this year.

A resolution was passed to repair the broken plumbing under the cement for the baby pool in the amount of $22,000.00. (This is another unexpected cost that will affect our budget next year just as with the professional milfoil spraying that will run even more than the pool repair. These are necessary expenditures to keep our amenities functional. Remember the round number I use... $24,000 in expenditures equals $10.00 in dues. It all adds up!)

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

Not too exciting... as usual

There will be a status report on the outpost replacement but not a lot new to report, still in the investigation stage looking for better bids.
The normal finance report will not be given due to our computer system crashing and being down for days. The Finance meeting will be cancelled for December but as soon as I have the numbers I will post it here for any interested. Probably at least a week away.  Ken

December 20 Board meeting agenda

Board meeting unofficial notes

Board meeting notes... November 15, 2016

Open forum for property owners featured Pam Cangelosi speaking on the untimely passing of John Schultz and Karl Steiskal speaking on the necessity of promoting Candlewick with events bringing in outside folks to show off our community

The AQUA update included discussion of the problem using flowable fill on Prince Court with the main replacement. It would involve leaving the trench open and a danger to residents so an alternative was used. Further note was made on the type fill used and the necessity of longer notice of upcoming projects.



Finance Commission has not met yet this month so no report. Finance meets on the third Monday, which is next week. We do, however, have the accounting adjustments of $0 this month and write offs in the amount of $1,850.02



Lake Management reports Blue green algae is still present in very limited quantity and testing will be performed when it clears. Milfoil is spreading in our lake so quotes are being obtained for a professional spraying to get this under control early spring. The fish delivery came including 1,100 Smallmouth Bass and 2,200 Walleye. The leaf collection went well with plenty of volunteers.



Events reports $143.00 came in from the Chili Cook-off / Fall Festival with 60 to 70 in attendance. Consideration is being given to not charging for the chili tasting. Decision to come later. Turkey Bingo will be a go again this year. Breakfast with Santa tickets go on sale November 28^th through December 5.



Communication Commission is considering online voting for the photo contests. (Good idea!)There is consideration of adding elves to the Christmas display at Sinnissippi Gardens.



The Rec Commission mentions program attendance is about the same. If attendance drops the class will be discontinued. 28 people came to Bunco. Lake and Link fest was discussed. A new elliptical machine was delivered.

The Outpost rebuild was discussed in depth. The architect was in attendance to explain why the projected cost is so high and ways to possibly reduce the building cost. I had some months ago indicated in my President's Prerogative I would be on board after I did some research on the affect on dues of a $300,000 structure. Since the Outpost had been depreciating many years in our replacement reserves and with a depreciation of the new structure over 39 years it would be doable with little affect on our replacement reserve yearly donation. The number is coming in far, far above the $300,000 at over $600,000.00. I can not see how we would be filling our fuduciary responsibility if we spend over a half million dollars on a building that is used mainly for party rental and free usage. It would take about 20% of our total reserves for that one project.That being said, I for one can no longer support the rebuild and feel an alternative such as a pavilion should be considered.
Your board decided to allow the commission more time to bring in a proposal that is financially acceptable. More to come.



Public Safety Commission tells us the elimination of exit stop signs at the East and West gate is being discussed. Recommendation will come at the next meeting. I have some concern about cars going through the out lanes at 25 miles per hour if someone comes around the gate house. Cars also often change lanes right after passing the guardhouse. Risky in my opinion. John Schwartz has stepped down as chairman of the commission. Pam Cangelosi will take his place.
It is with extreme sadness I have to report John Schwartz passed away since that last Public Safety meeting. He was a fine man who always was very concerned about and involved in Candlewick matters. Pam Cangelosi spoke of him glowingly in the public segment.



Savannah Oaks clubhouse reports the End of Season tournament went well with 23 participants. Sixty five people turned out for the very successful Halloween party. The final Pub Trivia will be December 3rd and the last day open for the club house will be December 31^st for the New Year's Party. The clubhouse is still struggling and the numbers are not good compared with last year. Revenue is up but additional costs are far exceeding revenue. We must stop the bleeding by any means possible.
Savannah Oaks reports the course is being set for winter with the suction line from the pond removed and blown out along with the irrigation lines. The course should be in good shape for the winter and the spring opening.



Maintenance reports along with their normal duties the winter buoys are now in and summer buoys out. The beach area is set for winter as well. The pool is winterized and the carpet cleaned at Savannah Oaks.



Resolutions were passed detailing the private lake weed control rule, A contract renewal for Links Management to handle Savannah Oaks course maintenance with the same cost structure, replacement of four lake aerator compressors that have died, and move the maintenance of our 401K from Alpine bank due to a cost increase.



Mary and Dan from Dandy Donuts presented ideas for promoting our community through more events. Two events that sound quite interesting were approved. There will be no cost to Candlewick.



Discussion was held regarding the possibility of trying an event tentatively names 'Lake an Links." Several events would be featured that day and gates would be opened for part of the day. $3,000.00 was requested to cover the event. My feeling on this issue is we already have our gates open more than we should and we have plenty of celebrations. Our property owners let us know in no uncertain terms they want our gates up and we are getting requests way too often to open them. We are in budgeting season and the board has had to deny many requests from commissions and departments, including no camera for Administration, no dock extension for Lake Management, no new T.V. for Savannah Oaks, no greens blower for the golf course, no storage shed for Maintenance, and more... but what the heck, let's throw a big party and let everyone in from the outside. I say let's take care of our own needs. We already allocated another $5,000 last year for advertising to our east and we don't need to add another $3,000 to the venture by trying to pull in those same people from the east. These things become a permanent part of our budget and raise dues forever. Another point to consider about the open gates, there are people who specifically are not wanted in our community both through being banned by your HOA and specific problems they have caused for individual propery owners. They will have free rein in these instances of open gates.
Your board decided to allow it for one year on a trial basis and revisit it next year.



Your board discussed the issue which was brought up regarding allowing people wanting to drive through our community a pass for two hours. The suggestion was to let the gates issue passes. Currently the office handles this but there is really no good tracking procedure and some can not enter if they do not come during office hours. Here is my take on the issue... we already have open gates for open house hours, or they can get in any time with a realtor. We are, after all, a gated community and that in itself is a draw. If we allow the gates to handle it we will have tied up traffic at the gates, people will just be showing up as they wish to take advantage of our amenities, some may want to come in that are not wanted here by specific residents due to certain issues. Again, we need to keep our gated status as solid as possible. It seems we are constantly being asked to throw open the gates.
Your board decided to allow no passes to be processed at the gates.



A proposal was discussed regarding an outside company spraying for the Milfoil, which is very invasive and spreading like wildfire in the shallower water near the shorelines. I questioned the bid submitted, which to me included unnecessary items having nothing to do with mapping the areas in need of spraying.
Your board decided since we must have the Milfoil eradicated we should go with the proposal to get the process started. It will be expensive but we have no choice if the lake is not to get choked.

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

John Schwartz was a fine man and will be greatly missed.

Every time I ran into John he had a smile for me. John had a great smile that would warm a room. What a loss to our community. So sad.

If I might suggest...

 I see some of you are checking back daily to see if I have posted. If you look to the right near the top you will see a place you can sign up to be notified of a new post. It says "follow by email." I do not see who has signed up so no privacy issue.
 I will only be posting my board notes and other items you may not see from other CWL sources so checking daily is wasting your time. (but thanks for being interested!)

Board meeting agenda for Tuesday, November 15th

Well, maybe it is time

Between the old Candlewick Pride blog and this Candlewick View blog I have been doing this for around seven years. Readers have been kind enough to take the time to visit the two blogs a total of over two hundred thousand times. Things are changing.
  Communication from our main office has grown by leaps and bounds. We now have e-blasts for breaking news, our Candlewick Paper, message boards, Facebook pages, and the Candlewick official website. A lot of what I post is duplicating the same items they are covering. I can see it is the page visits. At one time a good day would be 300 visits. Now 100 visits is a good day. Yes, if something controversial arises the views spike but that is not the norm. Other than the AQUA problem we faced things are actually pretty serene.
  Frankly, I am also being overwhelmed at times by the family health issues most of you know about along with board and commission duties. All take my time and as I am in the December of my life time is a valuable commodity.
  I will continue to post my board meeting notes and things I think you may not be hearing about but that will be it. Thank you to all for your interest. You are the reason I kept this up for as long as I have.
Ken

They come here... so let's go there

Board meeting notes... October 18, 2016

Open forum for property owners featured Lisa Sullivan indicating some research she has accomplished regarding AQUA. Another gentleman indicated the plans for the home owned prior by the Barqs. It will be working with disabled veterans on a two to three day stay. Bruce Buck commented on someone knocking on his door then leaving. It is an irritation.

Janel Reidinger from our office received her five year recognition award. She does a great job and we are fortunate to have her here, especially when we are in the process of finding a new accounting manager. She "knows the ropes!"

The AQUA update included their plan to add two hydrants plus increase the water main size along two streets to improve water quality and reliability. Eliminating the undersized mains should help with the discolored water problem present during extended well maintenance. All affected properties will be notified prior to the project start. London and Prince are the two planned upgrades for this fall. More information to come.



There are a great number of citations for non mowed lots. Why in the world don't people pay the $25.00 or so to have the properties mowed rather than be stuck with a citation?????



Finance Commission reports bad debt write offs in the amount of $128.69 Accounting adjustments total $760.50.
I am sad to report James Munch, our accounting manager, has taken a position in Rockford and we are in the process of finding a replacement. James has done fine job during his tenure and will be tough to replace but I wish him well in his endeavors.
Our standing at the end of September is Operating Cash of $1,144,759.56, Operating Investments of $649,392.09, Reserve Investments $3,656,138.85. Total Investments $4,305,530.94 and Total Cash of $5,450,290.50.
We are currently under budgeted expense by $49,220.14 and over revenue budget $43,970.72, meaning we are “to the good” by $93,190.86 fiscal year to date.



Lake Management reports they recommend clarification of the no netting of fish rule. The engineer will be out in November to conduct the survey needed to develop a concept plan necessary before a grant application is submitted. This is for the area above the "dip."
Late in the year we had the first blue green algae bloom. We almost made it through the year. Fish stocking will consist of smallmouth bass, walleye, and musky. The commission recommends keeping the thrusters in place at the dip. As most of you know I think they are more trouble than they are worth and impede the work of the skimmer but this is Lake Management's call an I will respect it. They are the ones with the boots on the ground.



Events reports the Community Picnic was a success. Garage sales days and times should remain the same. Turkey Bingo is being discussed again.



Communication Commission discussed having a rule the same person can not win volunteer of the year twice in a row. In my opinion if they deserve it they should get it. Are they less valuable the second year?
Communications wants to set a rule of no more than two pictures per person for the photo contest and starting in 2017 Communication will decide who wins rather than a vote of people at the board meeting.



The Rec Commission mentions yoga had 8 people Monday and 2 Wednesday. Karate runs 10 to 16 participants. Preschool 9, Afterschool 17 to 23, and Line Dancing 3. Bunco had 31 show up.

Another community meeting will be planned when the Outpost plans are completed. The architect is working on them now.



The Golf Commission tells us the course still looks good. As soon as no more irrigation is necessary the suction line will be removed from the pond and the lines blown out. Should be soon.
Aeration of the course in complete. The floor of the clubhouse needs better maintenance and there is a problem with bees and ants.
Budget item requests are continuing. Suggested course closing date is November 13^th.



Savannah Oaks clubhouse reports Pub Trivia had 54 participants. The Go/Glo run walk had a good turn out. Melissa Follman won the ping pong ball drop prize of $150.00. Halloween party October 29^th, Vino Van Gogh November 5^th, November 12^th will feature a D.J.
Savannah Oaks as a whole is behind last year. Revenues are up by $9,198 but unfortunately expenses are up substantially more by $22,162 so we are behind last year by $12,964. Not a good trend!



Discussion was to be held regarding a possible AQUA ADHOC commission. It was decided there is no longer enough P.O.s with the wish to join.



Resolutions were passed to purchase new card readers for the Rec Center, and a video camera for one of the unequipped squad cars.



A policy regarding lake weed treatment was read. This was the first reading so there will be no action until the second reading and vote by the board. It will be published in your paper but simply put it is to strengthen the language regarding people using chemicals to treat the water in front of their property. This is a very dangerous practice that must not happen. We all know this has been a rough year for weeds but it is the association's job to keep them under control and plans are being made to combat them earlier than this year and in a stronger fashion. The clear water made the weeds explode.



Discussion was held regarding the possibility of trying a one day event tentatively named "Lake & Links" The board was asked if the gates could be opened for the event . The early cost guesstimate is three thousand dollars. It would be a labor intensive event including at least three of our commissions and volunteers. The board decided to ask for more information before committing to anything.

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

Government single payer here we come. Can you spell SOCIALISM?

WikiLeaks: Hillary Wants Obamacare to ‘Unravel’

Leaked email suggests Clinton rooting for Affordable Care Act to collapse

by Edmund Kozak | Updated 18 Oct 2016 at 10:26 AM An email leaked by WikiLeaks on Tuesday appears to suggest that Hillary Clinton wants the Affordable Care Act to fail — presumably as a pretense for implementing single-payer, government-rationed health care.

In a chain between Clinton and her senior policy advisor Ann O’Leary titled “Memo on Cadillac Tax for HRC,” Clinton says she’s open to changing her position on the Cadillac Tax but that the Republican plan to repeal it must pass.

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 10-17-2016

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to two (2) medical calls this past week. One (1) subject was transported to the hospital.  

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Brandywine Dr. for the report of several Halloween decorations moved and damaged. The offender(s) are unknown. BCSO also made a report.

Burglary to Vehicle

Public Safety responded to the 2200 blk. of CWD for a vehicle which had been entered. Items were moved around. A book and some misc. change were taken.

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Liverpool. Again some items were moved and miscellaneous change was taken.

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Liverpool the next day for a vehicle which had been entered. Items were moved around. A backpack containing numerous personal items was taken. BCSO responded to this call.

We want you to know; every vehicle entered had been unlocked. Items of value were left in the vehicles overnight. No damage occurred to any vehicle. We suspect there are more than one offender walking our streets late at night. If you see anyone prowling the neighborhood, please call Public Safety and the BCSO.

Gate Strike

Public Safety observed from the East Gate; a vehicle being struck while entering the South Gate. Officers were able to located the vehicle. A report was initiated. There was minimal damage to the vehicle and no damage to the Gate.

Juvenile

Public Safety responded to a residence for the report of an adult yelling and swearing at children. A BCSO Deputy also responded to the call. Officers went to a residence and spoke to the adult, investigating this incident. The issues were resolved. The school will also be notified.

Vehicle Assist

Public Safety assisted a resident with their vehicle which was broken down on CWD.

Neighbor Dispute

Public Safety assisted the BCSO with a neighbor dispute in the 100 blk. of Liverpool Dr.

Barking / Loose Dog Calls

Public Safety responded to four (4) loose dog calls this week. One warning was issued. Two (2) dogs were returned home. There was only one (1) barking dog call, the owners were warned and complied with our Officer.

Citations Issued:       12

Warnings Issued:      12

Well, we almost made it through the year without it

The eyes have it!

She wont miss a thing, she sees everywhere at once!

Next Tuesday's board meeting agenda

Could be fun

Time to get 'em out of the water!

Boats must be removed from Candlewick Lake rental docks by Sunday, October 16, 2016.

Any of you going?

I have never claimed to be a genius, but...

They sure look tasty!

 As I drove through Belvidere a few days ago I noticed the KFC sign said "Try are $5.00 box". (are, not our). These things drive me nuts. Well, they fixed it. Now it has said for at least two days "Try our $5.00 ox." I have always wondered what oxen taste like. I may stop in and try some.
Ken

This month's mug shots

Weekly Public Safety report

Between the devil and the deep blue sea!

 We have lived here about thirty years and I have never had weeds by my pier as I have this year. I know why this is but I swear you can't win. Do we want cloudy green water or do we want to be choked with weeds? We have made tremendous progress with lake water clarity but now we are paying the price with weed growth due to sun penetration. As I have mentioned before, next year we have to go back on a spraying program to control the weeds along with the skimmer to handle the algae and some of the weeds. I have received weed complaints for about three months and believe me I feel your pain. I have tried raking them out but many are rooted and the floaters are stuck on the rooted ones. I am actually afraid to wade in to take out my pier for fear of getting tangled in the weeds and falling. And so it goes!
  Some years ago when the kids were young we rented a cabin in northern Wisconsin most years, normally in early June. One year we decided to do so later in the summer. The weeds were incredible so I guess they have the same problem. Gin clear lakes and too many weeds.

A Sunday truism.......

MICROWHAT?

I know I have written about this before but I still get questions so here we go again........
Microseal is not like sealing your driveway. This product is purported to have much better staying power and adhesion. When the road lesions are patched prior to application we are supposed to be adding five to seven years of life to the roadway. It is a thin coat of material so it is not the same as the two inch overlay we used in some areas this year. The product takes some time to set up properly so give it a while before judging. 
If this works as claimed it will save us substantial funds long term. The only way to find out if it satisfies our needs is to give it a shot, which we did this year. By next summer we will see how it is holding up and you may see more of it.
Ken

Last one of the year!

We all have things we have outgrown... unfortunately I know I do!

That terrible cheating Trump... or is he?

Anyone who has been in business understands (or should) amortization and depreciation. Trump many years ago took what would in my (or most people's standards) a tremendous loss of around nine hundred million dollars. If he did not make enough to cover that loss it could be written off against future earnings, or even retroactively for a certain number of years. There is nothing wrong with that but the media and of course Mrs. Clinton is using those numbers to make it look like he is cheating the system by not paying taxes. WRONG! Should his company build a huge building that building is depreciated over many years, taking that number also as an offset to earnings as it should. Any type loses that can be claimed should be. None of us who have deductions would decide to just forget it and not use the deductions unless we are mentally deficient. If a deduction or write off is legal it should be used. Cash flow is another issue but this post will be long enough as it is.
Let's use an example with much smaller numbers. Most of us can not think in terms of many billions of dollars in revenue so the nine hundred million seems unimaginable. When you have revenue in the billions nine hundred million is like a hundred thousand to us.
Let's say you earn fifty thousand dollars in a year and the same year you purchase a building worth one hundred thousand dollars. You had saved enough to buy it for cash but before you signed the insurance papers the building burned to the ground. The salvage value was nothing after the mandated clean-up.
Would you to write off the loss in the same year? Of course you can not because you only made fifty thousand and not all of that is pure income after allowable deductions and credits so you carry the loss forward and to a degree backward. Yes, this means for years you may pay no federal income tax and is that cheating the public? Not unless when you took the loss the taxpaying public covered it for you.
This entire issue is ridiculous and simply a manufactured issue to use in the election process. Am I fan of Trump? NO! Will I vote for him? YES! In no small part because of his opponent and the media using every underhanded trick in the book in order to get the same person in the White House that should be in the Big House. You can bet the Clintons have used every deduction and write off possible as they should have. Their income adjustments wouldn't have been as huge because they have never produced anything tangible, simply always being government employees paid by your tax dollars or making money through speeches.
It has been some years since I have owned businesses so I am not as up on tax law as I was at one time but this is just common sense. DON'T be fooled!
Ken

Weekly Public Safety report

A wonderful dinner with great people

 The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner went over very well with a lot of attendees that seemed to really have a good time. The catering arm of our resident Dandy Donuts Lakeside really outdid themselves with the pulled pork sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, chili, Asian salad, carrot cake, and other assorted goodies. Truly a great meal. Of course pop, water, and wine was included in the menu. We had a set up for pictures to be taken, many of which I am sure will be in our paper.
 On a personal note, it was so great seeing all the people who give of themselves to make our community better. We can't thank them enough. We also need to Thanks Theresa and our Candlewick staff who handled the planning and implementation. Nice work!
Ken

Well, ol' Chuck won again (deservedly)

Chuck Hart was once again honored with the title "Volunteer of the Year." He has tirelessly worked to better our Community, spending endless hours with fishing tournaments, showing people our lake from his pontoon, being an advocate through his leadership in the Lake Management Commission, and in general showing he will step forward in any way needed to improve our environment.
Congratulations Chuck. You deserve the honor!
Ken

An email to me from Rich DeVries. A good Sunday thought.

 A Christian Pastor's Analysis of the U.S. Election Drama

By: Dr. James Dobson  (minister, lecturer, teacher and writer of many books, particularly on the family)  

Is Trump good for America? 

I mentioned Sunday that I would speak on this next week. Unfortunately, I found that I was shoehorning this topic into my planned message. To properly present what I want to speak on Sunday, I may have to leave the Donald out of it! But let me take a minute for those that wonder and give some of my thoughts.

When I first heard that Trump (DT) was entering the race last year, I told my wife that perhaps it was a good thing for the party and America. I knew that he was not a "saint," but I thought that he would be like a bull in a china shop. He is a disrupter and I believe America could use a fresh thinker especially in the political arena. I didn't think he would get the nomination, but that he would shake up politics as usual. I was correct on the shaking up!

Lance Wallnau likens him to a biblical Cyrus. Someone who is dynamically used of God even though not perceived by many as a God follower. God has used many people in history that I would probably not like or agree with. I'm not sure I would have liked all the disciples, or David, or Moses. Somehow, God did not seem compelled to consult with me on His choices!

I have always admired Winston Churchill. He is seen as one of the greatest national leaders in the 20th century. Last year, I had the privilege of going through the War Museum in London. Winston is a key feature. His life is controversial. He was not always celebrated as a great leader. He was a bombastic, cigar smoking, at times crude, even misogynistic leader. It is alleged that he told off color stories to his children before bedtime! A woman once told him he was disgustingly drunk. His response was "My dear, you are disgustingly ugly, but tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be ugly!"

There are many websites that discuss the outlandish comments and activities of this great world leader. But, he had exactly what was needed to stop Hitler at the Channel, to rouse a nation to never give up and to partner with America to find final victory in Europe. You probably wouldn't want him as your pastor, maybe not even your father, but he was the right leader for that moment in England's history. Such a brazen man that would go up to the roof of his quarters in central London and smoke cigars as Hitler's air force bombed all around him. I'm not sure I would have voted for him.... but he was the right man!

I think it would be awesome to have a righteous leader, one that understood the intricacies of the economy, health care, defense, immigration, with great sensitivity to religious institutions, a heart for the poor, a vision for the future. If that leader was a praying person, formidable in the word of God and loved the local church, I would rejoice! I do not think that is the choice we will have in November.

Instead....we will look for someone who is imperfect, yet will fit the times we are living in. Particularly, that 'whoever' we vote for, will be someone who might possibly have the opportunity to appoint up to three Supreme Court justices. That could radically shape our culture in America for the next 30 years. The America of our grandchildren could be very different....and that may not be good. We cannot stand on the sidelines. A non-vote is a passive vote for a direction we may very well regret.

So...is Donald Trump good for America? I honestly believe that he has been already. He has shaken the political system. Do his comments offend me? At times! Do I agree with all he says? Not at all! But could he be a "Cyrus" being raised up by God to preserve America? Nobody liked Gen. Patton, but he sure WAS an instrument of the United States for the right things.

This I know. I will vote for the best chance for America. I will pray for our leaders as I have already. In the end - God will continue to be my source and my hope. I do believe that God has had a hand in America's history. I hope and pray that He will also have a saving hand in America's future.

Here's Dobson complete follow-up statement on Trump's alleged conversion: 

"Only the Lord knows the condition of a person's heart. I can only tell you what I've heard. First, Trump appears to be tender to things of the Spirit. I also hear that Paula White has known Trump for years and that she personally led him to Christ.

"Do I know that for sure? No. Do I know the details of that alleged conversion? I can't say that I do.

"But there are many Christian leaders who are serving on a faith advisory committee for Trump in the future. I am among them. There are about 45 of us that includes Franklin Graham, Robert Jeffress, Jack Graham, Ben Carson, James Robison, Jerry Johnson, and many others whom you would probably know.

"We've all agreed to serve. How will that play out if Trump becomes president? I don't know. It is a good start, I would think.  

"If anything, this man is a baby Christian who doesn't have a clue about how believers think, talk and act. All I can tell you is that we have only two choices, Hillary or Donald. Hillary scares me to death.

"And, if Christians stay home because he isn't a better candidate, Hillary will run the world for perhaps eight years. The very thought of that haunts my nights and days. One thing is sure: we need to be in prayer for our nation at this time of crisis."

Another road delay but not much can be done. This will be Monday... I hope!

Road Update

Due to the weather, the road work has been postponed today. It has been rescheduled for Monday, October 3rd. The roadwork will start at 9:00 AM. The following roads will be done on Monday:

Talladega (from Candlewick Drive to New Forest)
Rochester (100 – 218)
Lamplighter Loop (100 – Galahad Court)

We are sorry for the inconvenience. The micro surface material cannot be applied in this rainy weather.
We do appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

PUB TRIVIA SATURDAY AT 8, PLUS SPECIALS!

This coming Saturday. Always a big deal!

Pain in the neck, but no choice

Please read closely. Lots of important information.

Candlewick Lake Public Safety
WEEKLY REPORT
Week Ending 9-26-2016

Rescue Calls
Public Safety responded to five (5) medical calls this past week. Three (3) subjects were transported to the hospital.

Gate Strike
Public Safety responded to the West Gate, for an apparent gate strike. Officers spoke with a school bus driver at the gate who stated the gate arm did not strike his school bus, but had failed to operate properly. It was determined subsequent to viewing the video from the West Gate, the gate arm had malfunctioned. Maintenance came out promptly and made the repair.

Vandalism
Public Safety responded to the 200blk. of Gables for damage to mailboxes.

Noise Complaint
Public Safety responded to one (1) noise complaint in the 200 blk. of Talladega Dr. Upon returning to this call a second time, the BCSO had already responded. The noise had ended after the first warning.

Barking / Loose Dog Calls
Public Safety responded to one (1) loose dog call this past week. A warning was issued.

Lake Patrol
Lake Patrol had very slow week. The season is winding down.

Citations Issued:       17
Warnings Issued:      29

So few know of this disease. I now know of it first hand.

This is the disease my intelligent, successful, religious son developed out of nowhere. He is currently 48 years of age. The family had never heard of this prior to it rearing it's ugly head. There is no treatment or cure. Only prayer for those afflicted. Prayers are always welcome.

What the heck is that thing?

Darned if I know, but Fran and I got away for a couple days last week and this greeted us in Hayward. A long lost relative?

Another thing I want to touch on. My wife at 71 amazes me. She is a "health nut" in a way, eating right and getting plenty of exercise. 
When in the motel room I was sitting at the desk and she tried to get around me to a chair in the corner. I was grunting trying to move the chair. She said "never mind", backed up to the bed, threw herself on it on her back, raised her legs, and flipped over to the other side. Here I am limping around with a bad knee and she is like in her 20s. Life is not fair!