What's Happening in Wauconda

february - the month for lovers and early voters

2012-02-01T02:01:00.002-06:00

Think any of our local watering holes will have candidate drink specials between now and the March primary? Like a wine, Sauer Grapes? Or a spiced martini, Slick n Quick? A mini Irish whiskey, Teeny Weeney McSweeney? A fisherman special ale, Rowe 'da Boat? A cold night saviour, Winter warmer? Early voting starts at the Township building on 2/27 and runs through 3/15.
Looks like bloggers Marty and Mark Beeson want to hold a gathering of some sort based on posts made here recently. That'd be great if there were an interest....like the days of the old salons where deep discussions ensued on topical matters. In those days salons were typically hosted by the mistress of a local leader - ah, the days of yesteryear when having a mistress wasn't out of the norm and therefor didn't require hiding out. Getting back to Marty and Mark's idea...their kickoff could feature Bacardi spririts as I read that company was founded 150 yrs ago on 2/4/1862!

January, 2012

2011-12-31T23:33:00.000-06:00

A very quick note as our neighborhood is having a progressive dinner type NYE party and they're starting to arrive at our house for the finale. Completely forgot about writing this! Thank you to all you who post wearing your intelligent or sincere or inquisitive or legitimate complaint "hat" and ignoring those who say little but strive hard to stir up the pot making inane comments, etc.
May we all receive the benefits of a good economic recovery and the fortune of good health in the new year.

december 2, 3, 21, 25, 26, 31

2011-12-01T00:25:00.005-06:00

ah, a month of special days starting with the park district hosting Santa's arrival on the 2nd and the city hosting the annual holiday walk on the 3rd. roasted chestnuts at Honey Hill are my family's favorite annual treat! Strawberry Moon, the new martini bar, is open T - Sat. at 4, per a small sign in a window. Are the owners keeping this a secret or are they first doing a soft opening to get everything working right? Speaking of secrets, it's no secret Nick Sauer is running for the county board in the spring election - signs all over the place, especially on Main Street. Guessing his oponent isn't acting as Quick_ly with his signage as wants to wait until after the holidays.
Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa...and a fun and safe New Year's Eve.

november, raking/bagging leaves and eating testicles...

2011-11-01T01:11:00.005-05:00

A couple new things happening in Wauconda this month! First annual Nuts on Main, featuring turkey testicles, on the Wed., the 23rd, in the evening at the usual Main/Mill street outdoor location. Hopefully Strawberry Moon will be opened by then and can join up with Bliss and Bulldogs so those partaking can wash down the turkey balls with beer, wine or a martini! There is also the first annual Turkey Trot on Thurs., the 24th, 9am. Perfect chance to wear OFF calories by running or walking before consuming an excessive amount later in the day. Wauconda News gives all the details of both events (www.waucondanews.com).

Wauconda High School is putting on the play Barnum from the 17th - 19th - support our students.

If there are any extra canned food items in your cupboard, consider donating to the Food Pantry at the Township Hall on Bonner Road. With colder weather approaching and garden fare gone, many residents need food assistance. If you're lucky enough to have it, share your wealth.

October

2011-10-01T01:10:00.004-05:00

The last weekly Farmers Market is Th., Oct. 6th which can only mean fall is getting ready to greet us with leaves blowing all over the older parts of town and our furnaces once again humming. Brush pick up is scheduled the week of the 10th - not leaves, but brush. Coupons for savings on Halloween candy can be bad! My household has purchased two bags so far at big discounts and, as expected, both bags are completely empty. Not so good. Baseball playoffs are getting under way, conference college football games finally happening, our Bulldogs have two wins so far and it's not too late in the season for the Bears to start performing. All good. Speaking of good - thank you to the many who used a screen name last month when posting as makes it easier for those wanting to reply specifically to someone.

september brings football, homecoming, street dance

2011-09-01T09:01:00.003-05:00

no longer have to question when DQ is opening! If it becomes too expensive to visit it daily and you need more money to support your sweet habit, you'll be able to get cash for your jewels at the Cash for Gold store opening on Main Street! Looks like a girlie girl shop is also opening on Main this month - Aspire Boutique. My other half spoke with one of the owners at the Farmer's Market and she's excited for the grand opening on the 9th. I was hoping Strawberry Moon would be open in time for the Street Dance but looks doubtful! The outside of the building is a vast improvement from the prior tenant. One more great looking addition to our downtown area. Things are lookin good!
There's been healthy discussion on the blog about village leaders looking in to using chemicals to control weeds on Bangs Lake. Mike from the Bait Shop proposed using special bugs with a Bangs Lake Committee member as an alternative. Not sure what is wrong with the current use of the seaweed cutter?
Although periodically posted here as well as in emails I've received, some readers request that Anonymous posts be disallowed. Thusfar, I've held off making it mandatory to use a gmail name. Freedom of Speech is one of the few items left for us in this country. It would be easier for everyone, however, if when you post you use a name, any name, to recognize you by so if someone wants to specifically respond to your post, they can. Give it some thought. Thank you.
Remember the Street Dance on Saturday, the 3rd. Bring an item or two to donate to the Food Pantry. Many people are in need of assistance. Go Bulldogs!!!

august moon

2011-08-01T20:01:00.001-05:00

August Moon is a Chinese celebration on the 15th each year, making the phrase understandable. Exactly what is a Strawberry Moon? The newest watering hole is named just that. Anyone with a clue? Sure hope rain totals for the month don't beat those of July! Whatever happened to schools starting after Labor Day?

July - once every 823 years

2011-07-01T07:01:00.002-05:00

The farmer's market, fireworks, rodeo, fishing tournament, football practice, softball tournaments and all the usual expected activities will be held this month as well as in the future during the month of July. July, 2011 is in a league all its own - there are five Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays! The next time this will happen in a July will be in July 2834! Love your five weekends!
Speaking of weekends, start yours off right this month by attending the library each Thursday,
7 pm, for a free concert. The schedule of events is on the library calendar on the left side of this page.
It looks like getting a cone at our new local Dairy Queen will be a reality soon. Blacktop and striping are done!!
Thank you to the Main Street group for purchasing the bike racks!

june bugs, officially summer, wauconda fest

2011-06-01T06:01:00.001-05:00

Main Street looked super for the Memorial Day parade with all the flower beds spruced up with new mulch. Thank you to the American Legion for sponsoring the Parade and to the Village for preparing the street for the event. See the decorated police car in memory of 9/11? What'd ya think? The Daily Herald article certainly kept their blog going strong with opinions of the car, the appearance, the cost, alternative ways of having a memorial, etc.. Will the cost to decorate it and undo it after the one year period be disclosed? Will those donating to the decorating fund be disclosed? If public donations cover all the expenses involved with nothing coming from taxpayer dollars, I think people would be more accepting of the car memorial. Maybe. Speaking of parades and floats...any bets on when, if ever, one may get a root beer float at the local Dairy Queen?

may - month of extraordinary days

2011-05-01T05:01:00.004-05:00

May Day, Mother's Day, Wauconda Care Day, Graduation Day, Memorial Day are all happening nationally with the exception of Wauconda Care Day and Graduation Day.
The Township and United Partnership are sponsoring Wauconda Care Day on Sat., May 20th, 8am - noon, 505 W. Bonner Road. Contact Leslie, 847-526-2631 to either volunteer your time to help or to submit a project to be considered for the volunteers to work on that day (if you know a senior citizen whose yard needs attention, or house needs minor repairs, etc.). Everyone wins by being a part of this event.
Reminder to do all your yard pruning, etc. by May 23rd if you want the Village outsourced program to pick it up curbside during that week.
Thank you to Trustees Ed Lockmayer, Jean Mayo and Pat Murphy for their years of dedicated service to us, the residents. Good wishes to those replacing them, Ken Arsnwald, Chuck Black and Linda Starkey.
Spring up any issues here you'd like to discuss or vent about. I never know what each new blog month may bring!

april brings...

2011-04-01T04:01:00.001-05:00

showers, could be rain or snow! results of one contested political race at the Park District - how many of the three current commissioners - Cook, Geary, Jerard - will be re-elected? All three? We received a flyer from the three men listing their goals. Not sure if the women put one out and skipped our neighborhood? a poster commented a few days ago he/she was glad March was almost over in hopes the posts on Dan Quick's retirement would end. Folks - we live in a world, country, state, county, township and village of constant change. We all have varying opinions, ideas, likes and dislikes and sharing and discussion of our differences is ok! Even residents of my neighborhood disagree if there should be a stop sign on one of our long busy streets! And, we get along! Who knows what topics the blog will bring in April! They certainly won't be focused on election results as all but the Park District were known the day people filed to run. And, I highly doubt they'll be about what a great ice cream cone our local Dairy Queen serves! Anyone know the origination of April Fool's Day?

march madness

2011-03-01T00:33:00.004-06:00

The end of winter is within sight, municipal elections are a non-event, the Cubs again can live and breathe "this is the year", bball ncaa tournament begins, Lovie will have a couple more years to bring us the trophy of all trophies and District 118 teachers recently agreed to a pay freeze. Think Dairy Queen will open this year??

February - Tea Party, CERT, Valentines Day & Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-01T02:01:00.001-06:00

The Super Bowl would have been my headline had the Bears just won one more game! Just one!
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes begin Thursday, 2/3, 7-10pm. My neighbor is a graduate of the CERT group and takes pride in the various volunteer assignments he's completed for the community. If you're interested in learning more about the group or want to sign up, contact Mike Wahl at the Fire District or mwahl@waucondafire.org. An informational meeting for the Liberty Street Tea Party movement is being held at the American Legion, Thursday, 2/10, 7pm. A couple members of the national group will be in attendance. The website link in listed on the left side of this page.
Last month one of the posters contacted me to suggest requiring user names for posts rather than allowing anonymous posters. The reason for the suggestion would be to make it easier to respond to a poster by his/her specific name used rather than referring, for example, to anon. poster 4th from the top, etc. The writer also said many of the local papers also will accept someone's user name from a blog and he/she'd be willing to help anyone who needs it in setting up a name. As always, I thanked him/her for the suggestion (uses a nondescript gender name on the blog) so I'm now asking you, the readers/posters your thoughts on this suggestion. Let me know.
Remember your sweet heart on the 14th!

January 1.1.11

2011-01-01T01:01:00.002-06:00

Year 2011 is unique! This new year will witness dates having only one number in its date, month and year four times. This makes 2011 the most unique year of the century and the first time since 1911, the birth year of my mother's father. Add a date with its month and year, the total digit reads one six times. The First day of the year will be written as 1.1.11, while on January 11, it will be 11.1.11. On November 1, the figure will be 1.11.11 and on November 11, it will be 11.11.11.
The December blog activity was also unique - smallest number of postings since it began over two years ago. Appears not much in town is going on that pleases or displeases readers.

December

2010-12-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

Chanukah (Hanukkah) starts this evening at sundown and goes through the 9th. Much later this year than last. For those who celebrate Christmas, as in past years, the first Saturday of the month always offers craft bazaars, the holiday walk on Main Street and the 6pm arrival of Santa and tree lighting in Cook Park. All to get us in the mood for the Christmas season and prepared to welcome in a New Year. Hope we all enjoy a safe and happy season with our family and friends.

november

2010-11-01T01:11:00.002-05:00

Being thankful for my family, friends, good health and full-time employment goes without saying. Being thankful that the general election will over, elected positions and referenda outcomes will be decided, political ads, signs and door hangers will disappear within a few days gets a big thanks from me. Tired of it all. A direct link to the Lake County Election return site is posted to the left, first link.

October

2010-10-01T10:01:00.005-05:00

What a blogging month September was! And, for the most part, posts surely weren't much ado about nothin' but rather focused on the very important upcoming Village referendum. No need for me to delve in to the details, posters have taken care of that! I hope registered voters exercise their right and vote.
Check the Wauconda area calendar for a variety of upcoming events along with details, etc. Library is having their annual friends book sale; the Wauconda Fire District is hosting an open house. Think DQ will open this month? Getting somewhat cool for ice cream.....Victorian Lady is having big sales before closing her doors this month. Stop by for early holiday shopping.
Monday, the 11th, isn't just Columbus Day - no, it kicks off the week long brush pick-up throughout the Village. Get your brush, etc. out to your curb by 7am on the 11th so it's ready for whenever your area of town is taken care of. Snooze you lose - if public works comes by your house and you haven't gotten your brush to the curb, they're not coming back.
Beginning Oct. 9th through early January the Discovery Museum is hosting the exhibit "Give Peace a Chance". Opening day is in honor of what would have been John Lennon's 70th (!) birthday. The exhibit focuses on John and Yoko Ono's 1969 Bed-in for Peace. Rather special the exhibit is opening its USA tour here! The article I read about this event said it is perfect for anyone who is/was a Beatle fan as there will be a lot of Beatle memorabilia. www.lcfpd.org/peace gives all the details.
If your property assessment is too high (or low!) the deadline to file an appeal is Oct. 18th. To assist property owners with questions, etc., the assessor's office will be open each Saturday, 8-noon, through the 16th. Quite accomodating.
Don't get spooked on the 31st!

September

2010-09-01T09:01:00.001-05:00

Seems every month our Village has at least one party to broadcast! Name change: Partyville?? Stop at an ATM Saturday morning, get some cash and spend the afternoon at Lindy's for their 9th annual cardboard boat race on the lake. Although no one in my family has ever entered, it's a fun event to watch. When leaving there, either run to the grocery or back home to gather some food or back to school items to donate that evening on your way to the Jammin' on Main Street fest, which starts about 6. The annual event is the largest drive for the Wauconda/Island Food Pantry and all items are appreciated and given to those in need. The Chamber hosts Jammin' on Main and the Village provides services, such as shutting down Main Street from 176 to Slocum Lake so the crowds can mingle, listen to great music, wander from food vendor to food vendor, enjoy brews and wine from a variety of sources and buy raffle tickets.
Keep posting - I'd hate to lose this high paying job!

August

2010-08-01T08:01:00.003-05:00

The offerings for all ages of the Park District has really grown. We think the brochure listing fall classes is a work of art plus filled with a variety of classes for all age groups and interests. Lauri, my other half, frequents the fitness first facility, hoping by her example I'll join her in exercising. She wears off the calories consumed at our local watering holes. I do not. First weekend in August will be a real weight challenge - again Mill Street is closing for the first "blues, brew & burger fest" co-hosted by Bliss Wine and Bulldog Grill on Friday, 8/6, at 6:30. Get your advance ticket ($15) at either location to save a couple bucks on your meal and brews and assure yourself a spot. Attendance is limited. Why? No idea. If you suvive that event, you'll be primed for the annual Main St. Pub Crawl the next night! No cost - no advance reservation - just show up from 8pm on Saturday, the 7th, at any participating bar (most are) and crawl to the next bar with 'closing' events at 11pm at Lindy's. I don't remember all that is going on but do know it brings together a gang of drinkers having fun at many of our bars. If anyone knows of any more 'cultered' events going on, post. Just returned from ten days of camping in the UP so not up on all local happenings.

July - watch for Beano coupons and sales

2010-07-01T00:07:00.003-05:00

The fireworks happen one day this month (3rd, Cook Park) whereas the entire 31 days of July celebrate National Baked Bean month with Michigan holding the US award for growing the most beans. If you decide to join in the celebration and eat a ton of beans, do the family, your coworkers and yourself a favor and stock up on Beano! Discovered July 19th is Flitch Day - an old custom from long ago whereby bacon was given to married couples who could prove they had lived in harmony and fidelity for one year. Very few "took home the bacon". Bet it'd be even less now if it was still celebrated. Avoid traffic jams on Rt.12 around 5pm on the 10th & noon on the 11th as the Rodeo is back in town. A huge event, drawing people from all over. Whether you eat beans or not this month, if you want to blow smoke about good or bad in Wauconda, post.

June - if your libido is in a funk....

2010-06-01T06:01:00.003-05:00

Pay two bucks and go to Wauconda Fest on Friday, June 25th, 9pm to hear Libido Funk Circus, one of the most popular cover/dance bands in the midwest. You'll leave forgetting about your funk... the Fest runs from Thursday, the 24th - Sunday, the 27th. Check the Park District link to your left for all the Fest specifics...including a new Wine tasting tent hosted by none other than Bliss Wines & Gifts. The kick-off to the fun filled final weekend in June is the Farmers Market on Main Street Thusday afternoons beginning on the 24th. If your legs tire of walking, grab a window seat at the Bulldogs Grill with one of their great milk shakes and people watch.

Should all restaurant/bars in town offering live outdoor music be held to the same noise standards by the WPD? I hear they are not. Soon you can get help with any relationship problems (with yourself, family, others or your higher being) by going to the soon to be open Relationship Center on Main Street. Won't help with our sales tax shortage but judging by watching our public works people laying mulch on Saturday before the parade and probably collecting overtime, it appears financially all is well under control at Village Hall. Kudos

May in Mayberry

2010-05-01T17:01:00.003-05:00

The last half of May (14 - 29) violation of the "occupant protection laws" in town could get you a ticket from the Police Department. My initial thought when reading this in a news rag was the Department was going to enforce multiple families living in one house or apartment. About time. Sure sounded good and worthwhile not only for safety reason but also for the poor souls who are neighbors of those living in this situation. Whoops - my bad - occupant protection laws is, I guess, a newfangled way of referring to wearing seat belts and using children's car seats. Never understand why a spade just isn't called a spade.
If you're looking for an atypical Mother's Day gift, pack up to three containers (per person!) of documents you've been stashing in or under your home office desk because you feel it wouldn't be safe to pitch them in the waste basket. Take them to the Wauconda Community Bank on Sat., May 8th, 10 - Noon. FREE shredding offered. Bring a smile to your wife's face showing you can be proactive in cleaning stuff up and not add to an identity theft risk!
Our favorite local wine shop, Bliss, is hosting a wine drinking fundraiser outside on Mill Street Friday night the 21st. Tickets are $25 with proceeds earmarked for Main Street renovations. For tickets and add'l info, stop in the shop. Maybe next a business owner will hold a fundraiser with martinis as the featured drink....mosey on Mill with a martini....sounds delicious!
Based on a comment in April's post saying negative comments about people should be deleted, etc., I counted the number of comments relating to specific individuals - 10%. This means 90% of posts were about events or items of interest, etc. so at this point I don't feel it's warranted to make any changes. Since starting the blog about 18 months ago I deleted 3 or 4 posts that were, in my opinion, pushing the envelope too far . I didn't take doing that lightly, however, as I completely respect our right to freedom of speech.
Remember to buckle up as a minimum from the 14th - 29th!

April - Arbor Day (Saturday, May 1st)

2010-04-01T04:01:00.005-05:00

Thought it'd be too predictable to delve in to the obvious "why is the 1st called April Fools day" or "what's the story on hiding Easter baskets". Our kids are on Spring break and they're glad to be out riding bikes with friends. We're more glad. April brings enough predicability with the dreaded tax filing deadline and flyers stuck in the door advertising the best local and least expensive yard maintenance services. April is Alcohol Awareness month - not sure if our local PD does anything 'special' for it but...don't make them 'aware' of you by driving after drinking. April 30th brings a couple notable anniversaries - 1939 - Empire State Bldg - first public broadcast of television. Also on the 30th - 1975 - the Vietnam War ended with the South surrendering to the North.
If you need any trees or shrubs and want a great deal, visit Acres Group on Sat., May 1st, 8am. Don't sleep in as the inventory sells out quickly - I say this from experience as we went three years ago late and missed getting what we wanted. The Chamber website gives more details on Wauconda's Arbor Day event.
The Township annual meeting is Tuesday the 13th at 6:30pm.
Be a good egg...

Sea Turtles, Day Light Savings and NCAA Tournament

2010-03-01T03:01:00.004-06:00

March is probably my family's favorite month. When our kids were younger we drove to Florida for Spring break a few times and did the expected Disney World visit but also hoteled it in Stuart a couple days for the specific reason to do night searches of sea turtles coming in from the Atlantic to build nests for the up to 100 eggs they'd lay. If you've never experienced this and will be in Florida some time from March 1st - October, check it out. All you need are flashlights and patience. For any female egg that survives (most do not) the two month nesting phase to begin adult life in the ocean, she will always return to the same spot she nested to lay her eggs. Wish our friends and employers showed as much allegiance as female sea turtles!
If the School District's curriculum, administrator wages, student fees or number of secretarial and janitorial positions is important to you, attend the budget discussion meeting on March 4th, 7pm. Get heard before the final budget vote. Fast forward your clocks on the 14th! March Madness, my favorite tournament, begins on the 16th.
Thanks to a notice from a poster, the Wauconda Police Department (WPD) has a new website. Check it out! It's been added as a convenient link on the home page of the blog. It is, in my opinion, the most user friendly of all the sites listed.

February - ah, the month of the purification festival

2010-02-01T14:01:00.002-06:00

The "purification festival" was a pagan event held annually on the 15th which ultimately became Valentine's Day celebrated on the 14th. After breezing through the purification day history using Wickipedia as my trusted source, I'm more than willing to spend a couple of bucks supporting Hallmark to recognize my adoration of my wife. Signed up for the Anglers Unlimited Fishing Derby at Lindy's on the 6th. Last year it was held at the end of the month and the weather was warmer than it is expected to be this year. I am more excited to have the primary elections over than I am to know the prediction of the Ground Hog on the 2nd. The number of phone calls soliciting for votes drove us crazy, especially since we voted early. Don't drink and drive, do remember to live heart healthy (Nat'l Heart month) and post something if you feel it's newsworthy.

January Jabbings

2010-01-01T13:01:00.002-06:00

January is named after Janus, the god of the doorway, since our first month of a new year is considered the 'door of the year'. I consider it the coldest month of the year despite daylight hours gaining ground every day.
Mark Twain mumbled years ago "if you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed and if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed." In todays environment I suppose the same words ring true for blogs. I am always surprised what you visitors either know or find out and report on this blog. More often than not reports are right on the mark. Who would think to read the Lake Forest edition of the Pioneer Press and further more find a drinking while driving report on one of our local leaders as reported last month? Who would know the Country Ridge subdivision can be confusing to get around so it is easy to get houses/streets mixed up? Who then would guess intruders would greet you at your door in this sleepy town not knowing they were at the wrong house on the wrong street and furthermore the victim would have a gun and use it? We're on the village alert system so received Chief Larsson's message assuring residents this unusual incident was not drug or gang related. I commend him for being proactive. He brings an outside view and more professional flavor to our police department.
Happy, healthy and prosperous 2010 to you.

December Doings

2009-12-01T12:01:00.000-06:00

Events this Friday and Saturday (4th/5th) focus on family fun with one arrival of Santa at Cook Park Friday night and his second coming on Saturday at 11:30am at the Village Hall gazebo. The Park District and Chamber links on the left give many details of both happenings. Roasted chestnuts served at Honey Hill coffee shop aren't free but are a treat. Sounds as if freebie treats will be served at the open houses at both the Village Hall and main Fire Department.
If you need to make room for new electronic gifts Santa is bringing, take advantage of taking the old equipment to the Township on Saturday for their monthly recycling drive. Their web link gives more info on this as well as on a meeting Thursday, 12/3 with elected officials of both the Township and Village to discuss progress on a bike path on Garland Road leading to Main Street.
If you can spare some cash or extra canned food items, the Food Pantry would welcome your generosity. Until next year - Merry Christmas!

November, my month to give thanks

2009-11-01T11:01:00.003-06:00

Although Thanksgiving is my favorite annual holiday, this is not the intention of the subject matter of November. No, I want to give thanks to those who have kept this blog going for a year by contributing. Other than taking a few minutes each month to introduce the 'new' month, little time on my part is needed to keep it going. You do! The activity, topics discussed and posters opinions were hopping last month...from the working cash bond issue of District 118 to the additional Village layoffs. To date, I haven't read any official information if an appeal is going to be filed against the School Board ruling to issue the 16.9 million in bonds but do feel a special thank you is warranted thusfar to the petitioners, objectors and electoral board for allowing the process to work. What picqued my interest is how many signed petitions who said they were registered to vote and were not. Are they that stupid or is it embarrassment that they were not registered and did not want to admit it? With all the blogging about the Village and in the spirit of the World Series, Casey Stengel's quote "If we're going to win the pennant, we've got to start thinking we're not as good as we think we are" could be fitting.
Happy Thanksgiving.

October

2009-10-01T10:01:00.002-05:00

Each new month I never know what direction posters will take this blog. What I do know is that there have been almost 17,000 hits since its inception last November. There have been far less who have posted comments during these past eleven months. Nothing to say? Fear of expressing your opinion? No goblin or ghost will haunt you if you blog here!
There are other unknowns beginning today, such as: will Chicago get the 2016 Olympics? will enough signatures be gathered to force a referendum on the February ballot for voters to decide if District 118 should issue 16.9 million in bonds for a working cash fund? will the two hour window (10 - noon) on the 3rd that the Library has allocated for residents to shred up to two boxes of old documents, etc. be enough time? will the Bulldogs win their homecoming game? will we feel the need to turn on the air conditioner before month's end?
If you have any unknowns, post your question. If you have knowledge, post your answer.

September

2009-09-09T09:09:00.002-05:00

If you want a better understanding of your property assessment, like why your taxes keep going up even though the value of your property has significantly decreased the last couple years, attend a meeting at Wauconda High School at 6:30pm on Monday, September 14th. The Township website (link on left) gives more information.
Red light camera hasn't gotten me yet on my daily commute westbound on 176 and Main! Before speaking too quickly...I'm not sure how long the process is between a violation and a ticket being issued. Attended our second Street Dance and thought the music, food choices and attendance was great.
If you're in the job market be sure to check out the Library website (link on left) to learn more about the weekly networking meetings as well as few programs about job search tips being held over the next three months. I'm getting piles organized to take to their document shredding service being held in October!

August - only month without a federal holiday!

2009-08-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

And, unless it's a leap year, no other month in a year starts on the same day as Aug. 1st. (Before you ask, if it's a leap year Feb. 1st will be the same day as Aug. 1st.).

Be sure to check out the link to your left for the Community Round-Up on Sunday, Aug. 23rd. The flyer gives all the details for a family day of free events at Liberty Lakes at the subdivision's large park. If you want your dog to be a volunteer for a free grooming or massage that day , a number is posted to call for information! We heard about this day while waiting for the duck drop last weekend. No winnings in this family.

The Island Teen Center is having a family day on Sunday, Aug. 9th at Converse Park. Hopefully details will be posted here before the event.

July - Fireworks, Rodeo, Day at the Lake

2009-06-30T19:27:00.006-05:00

All evidence of Waucondafest at Cook Park is gone - the grounds are now set up to host the fireworks on the 3rd. Many other activities this month are scheduled so check out both the Park District and Chamber links on the left for more detailed info. I've seen a few posters at local watering holes (and at the new tiki bar!) on the Day on the Lake and think the duck drop sounds fun. The Island Teen Center continues to offer events for the kids and based on the latest report, it sounds like it's gaining steam. Hats off to the Woodhouse's for their determination and dedication to area teens.
July is typically summed up as the dog days of summer. In that spirit, be sure to post if you want to bark about something in town that bugs you or woof about things in town you like.

June....Bugs, Father's Day & Wauconda Fest

2009-05-31T19:28:00.003-05:00

Although bugs are the least important event of the new month, those large crusty ugly June bugs are all over! A little factoid - no other month of any year, leap or regular, starts with the same day of the week as either June or May. If you're really bored with continual mowing, hedging and pulling weeds, check an '09 calendar to confirm June is the only month starting on a Monday and May the only month starting on a Friday.
This year Father's Day falls on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. All three of our children/spouses and five grandkids are coming for the weekend and I do say it'd be a perfect time to buy myself a new and bigger grill! Mark your calendars for Wauconda Fest, Thurs. - Sun., June 25-28. There's a 10k challenge early Sunday morning starting at Cook Park and by the time I've had my fill of coffee it'll be over! Attend the car show also held at Cook Park Sunday morning. If the weather is good, it's great because many old and perfectly detailed cars show up, hoping to win an award or two.
Stop and shop at the new Bliss Wine store on north Main St. if you like specialty wines, beer, cheese and gifts. Free wine samples helped us select the perfect wine for dinner. Dock's mega deck and outdoor bar should be completed soon, making for a great spot to watch the fireworks next month.
Post what's on your mind, if anything, about Wauconda. May seemed to focus on the potential new Island Teen Center, Township issues and a mention of increasing water and sewer rates in the Village if passed by the board. Fly your flag on the 14th!

M&Ms x 2

2009-05-01T07:43:00.002-05:00

May baskets, Mayor change, Mother's Day, Memorial Day parade, to name just a few of the local and otherwise events this new month.
May Day is something I'm not terribly familiar with but my mother-in-law told us that in the 'olden' days it was a lot of fun. Friends would bring a basket of flowers or treats to a home, put it on the porch, ring the doorbell and run so as not to get caught. Tradition has it if the giver got caught, the catcher would kiss the giver. Life certainly was simpler than it is now!
Mayor Sal Saccomanno will hold his last board meeting on Tuesday, May 5th at 7pm at Village Hall and when done pass the reigns to Mayor-elect Mark Knigge who will lead the Village for four years. Trustee Cathy Scott will also step down and Trustee elects Pam Wahl and John Barbini will be sworn in. I've heard this meeting of change usually causes a packed Village Hall for residents to bid farewell to those leaving and say hello to the new leaders. We'll be attending.
Either call or send a card to your Mother on May 10th! The potential wrath of not doing one or the other isn't fun, I speak from an experience years ago.
Wauconda holds the best Memorial Day parade we've ever attended. The entire community comes out and either is in the parade or standing on the curbs cheering everyone on. The kids love gathering the candy the groups throw and the adults support our troops, past and present, serving our country.

black jelly beans

2009-04-12T09:47:00.002-05:00

They're the best and no one else in the family fights me for them!

All the elections are over, life moves on. Added some new convenient link sites to the blog for ease in quickly finding out what is going on in town or in the area, whether it be concerning the Village, Township, Library, School District, Chamber, etc. Please let me know if you would like any additional sites added.

The Chamber, Village and Acres Landscaping are sponsoring the annual Arbor Day Tree sale on Saturday, April 26th. http://www.waucondachamber.org/pdf/Arbor-color-Flyer09.pdf
We attended last year and bought a couple shrubs. Advice - if you need any trees or shrubs, this is a perfect event to purchase them at a great price with free delivery by public works personnel(if you live in the Village). We discovered the early bird gets the worm - don't wait until noon to go as things go very quickly.

Election Results from Lake County website tonight!

2009-04-07T16:42:00.004-05:00

This link will take you to the County site election page. Results begin coming in after 7pm - hit refresh button for updated numbers
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/IL/Lake/10296/15332/en/summary.html

With 5 results to a page, Village results are on page 28, Wauconda Township on pages 44-45 and Fremont Township on page 35, District 188 on page 56.
On the bottom of each page you can review precincts and voter turnout.
I wish all the candidates the best and regardless of who wins where, based on flyers we've received, some more than once, appears everyone of them worked hard. If your man or woman didn't get elected AND you did not vote, look at yourself in the mirror and promise you'll never miss a local election voting opportunity again.
When I started this blog over four months ago, I had no idea it would grow in to an election blog! But then, this is my wife's and my first real experience with a small town local election so didn't know what to expect. There are over 6000 hits (counter on bottom)! By tomorrow this should all be over and I'll post the results. Then.....can we move on to other Wauconda happenings?? I know this town isn't a one trick pony so prove it to me and start posting whatever is on your mind.

Egg Hunt, ESL Cafe, NCAA Finals, Election results decided

2009-04-01T09:06:00.002-05:00

A lot going on the first seven days of April. On the 4th, Egg Hunt at the Park District and Semi-finals between Mich St/Conn St. & Villanova/NC. NCAA finals on the 6th. On the 7th an ESL Cafe at the Library and finally, the day to determine who will lead our town and township. I'm for Michigan/NC for the finals playoff. I think it's great our library has an English as a Second Language gathering for those of any ethnic background to practice their English with a moderator and their peers. Tells me our community does reach out to help those who want help learning English. Personally, I do not think it's up to the Village or Township to print resident materials in any language other than English. Although this has been an exciting election season, I'm glad it's almost over. We decided to vote on election day. My wife and I are voting for:
ha, ha april fool!

Daily Herald Mayoral, Trustee & Endorsement links

2009-03-21T10:04:00.005-05:00

Wauconda trustee candidate: Hispanics should learn English

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=279410

Saccomanno should continue to serve Wauconda as mayor - Daily Herald endorsements:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=280070

Wauconda mayoral candidates see different infrastructure needs

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=280016&src=115

Wauconda mayoral candidates discuss open government

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=279647&src=115

Wauconda hopefuls express their views - Trustee interview
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=279354

Dato, McHugh, Weber, Midkiff for Wauconda Dist. 118 schools
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=280890&src=

Mid-March Craziness!

2009-03-18T16:58:00.005-05:00

The last couple days I've read over 190 blogs in the Daily Herald on the Wauconda Trustee cadidate positions on having/not having the Village newsletters printed in Spanish as well as in English. Wauconda United is for it and Wauconda First against it, both for various reasons. Read about three dozen blogs on the Mayoral candidates with those promoting Wauconda United's idea of an annual report card to all residents to keep government accountable to those promoting Wauconda First to continue building on what they've started. And, today we received a flyer from Citizens Against Tax Spend (CATS). This is the first 'big' municipal/township election I've experienced since moving here as last time we were still unpacking boxes and finding our way around town.
I find this election confusing, to say the least. There are four current Trustees, two from Village/two from Township, breaking out on their own promoting more open and transparent (overused word) government. Mayoral candidate Larkin promotes putting the village weekly agendas in our quarterly water bills as a solution to communicate more effectively - a rather odd idea. Mayoral candidate Wojcicki continues to throw flyers in bags with rocks in them and mess up peoples yards - not a way to gather votes. I see houses with multiple signs for every team or candidate running, houses with multiple yellow signs for Wauconda United, huge wooden signs plastered everywhere, with Swanson's the easiest to read, red arrows pointing everywhere for Wauconda First and a few signs are now springing up for school board candidates Fereance, Dato, McHugh & Weber. The Village must remove those placed illegally or there are pranksters as one day I see signs, the next day they're gone.
Now, this CATS thing that we received today! What is this all about? It promotes no Township person specifically, just gives a ton of reasons not to vote for Swanson and suggests writing in "Lake County" for the assessor, giving examples of assessment inconsistencies we have with Assessor Oaks. I don't know if some or none of the information in the flyer is accurate but must admit I read the entire flyer as I'd never seen anything like this before. The only flyer we've received so far from a Township candidate was from Julia Tudor.
I'm looking forward to see how the remaining three weeks of election follies turns out!

March Madness

2009-02-28T22:58:00.003-06:00

March, named after Mars (the Roman God of War), is filled with madness with the NCAA tourney, probably my favorite sport event. The local Rotary Club is selling hoops mania tickets as a fundraiser and my wife bought me one from her hair place so her $20 "investment" could turn in to a $1000 win for me if my numbers win. ya right...anyway, I'm looking forward to the tournament. Selection is March 15th, another day of 'madness' - also known as Ides of March, the day Caesar was assassinated.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know it's political season. Signs are beginning to pop up and I assume our doorbell will start ringing with literature handouts. We're going to the Expo at the high school tomorrow for the main purpose to attend the Mayoral and Township Supervisor candidates forum starting at 3. Looking forward to it.
In closing, let's see if our new month comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb...

February, month of Groundhogs, Valentines & Presidents

2009-02-01T09:31:00.003-06:00

February was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 in the old Roman calendar. January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar, since the Romans originally considered winter a monthless period.
If it weren't for my neighbor's middle school daughter's school assignment, I wouldn't have known the history of Feb. Speaking of our schools, congrats to Kavita Grewal and Lauren Penny both of which received honors from the Daily Herald. Candidates are nominated by school personnel and winners to the Leadership Team are determined by a panel of judges selected by the Herald. Kavita was selected in the top ten and Lauren received honorable mention. To win, students must stand out from their peers in volunteering efforts as well as community leadership.

January half over!

2009-01-16T14:47:00.003-06:00

That's the good news for those of us shoveling! It's been a challenging month.
Speaking of challenging, appears there are going to be a few political challenges for the April election, both in the Township and the Village. Website addresses for the groups I'm aware of running who have sites for the different offices are located in the convenient link area to keep us all informed. If any more become available those also will be posted. If you know of any others, post and those will be added to the link section. If you know of anyone running without a site, post that info too. A couple listed are having "meet the candidate" functions in the near future - one on Thursday, January 29th, early evening and one on Sunday, February 8th, early afternoon. Good opportunity to learn more about those running.
Proud to say this site has gone over the 1000 visitor mark in two months! Interesting how many check What's Happening in Wauconda yet have little, if anything, to add to it. Rather odd, actually.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T15:01:00.002-06:00

Can midnight come soon enough so we can end 2008? What a year of troubles that probably affected every man, woman and child in some manner during the last year, whether due to job loss or no pay increase or fewer meals out or a huge hit to retirement funds or having to sell a home for less than it was worth in 2007 or having to admit you're from Illinois with Blago at the helm.
Anyone make New Year resolutions? Ever stick to them? My wife and I swear that 2009 will be the year for exercising, regardless of what else is happening. No excuses allowed other than we don't have to start until Monday! (Think we are already in trouble?)
Have a fun weekend welcoming our new year filled with hope of improvement in all areas. Be safe if going out tonight. I read Fox Lake Police offer free rides to anyone living there who don't want to drive home tonight. Nice service.

December Dialog

2008-11-30T08:31:00.002-06:00

Busy month with activities ranging from Santa arriving at Cook Park in the early evening on the Friday, the 5th, Holiday activities, including carriage rides, on Main Street Saturday, the 6th, begining at 11am, and three weeks to get ready for Christmas and about a month to do last minute tax planning for '08.

If you're aware of any other December doins' in Wauconda, post them. I'll do the same as I'm sure more will come about.

be safe.

Gonna get strung out on tryptophan tomorrow?

2008-11-26T19:22:00.003-06:00

Hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving! Between second or more helpings on your favorite foods, take time to tell everyone what you're thankful for in 2008! The year that can't end quickly enough...

I'm having a house full of in-laws over. The pooch will love cleaning up the floors. Watching the parade with the kids and then going to get the Christmas decorations put up outside while the weather is pretty decent.

Saw a blurb in the paper today that the Village has updated their website - I checked it out (there's a link here on the left) and it looks user friendly. Even an area to request service or report something with all department heads email addresses, etc. listed.

be safe.

News travels quickly!

2008-11-21T13:10:00.003-06:00

New Wauconda blog launches

November 20, 2008
By STEPHANIE KOHL and TONY A. SOLANO
The What's Happening in Wauconda launched on Sunday. The first entry indicates it will be a forum for discussion about local businesses, restaurants, Bangs Lake, forest preserves, the history of the village and village government. To view the blog visit www.wauconda60084.blogspot.com.

2008-11-16T21:45:00.002-06:00

Welcome! The purpose of this blog is to give residents of Wauconda an opportunity to voice their opinions of their community, the place they live, work, relax or all three. There isn't a right or a wrong direction of this blog as it will be shaped by the topics you bring to the table.

I envision light hearted discussions on your favorite eating spots, coffee shops (is there any discussion on this needed??), uses of Bangs Lake and our surrounding forest preserves, storytelling by Wauconda historians for those not originally fom here, etc. Maybe more serious discussions will brew on village operations, what's being done right and what could use some improvement. Since my doorbell rang three times this weekend for petition signatures, maybe the upcoming April local and township elections will cause healthy discussions, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about the candidates' positions during their campaigns. Maybe some or none of these topics will appear. It's your call; your choice.

My family moved here from Chicago about five years ago to shorten our commuting time for work. We were attracted to Wauconda for the small town appeal, the schools, the Park District offerings and the calmness not found in the city. We don't know a lot of its history but enjoy learning about it from our neighbors and friends. We do know we'd like to learn more as well as get involved and believe starting this blog is one way to learn as well as give residents a chance to share views, ask and answer questions.