Mr. Pecatonica High School Fund Raiser
ongratulations to our WLV resident, 18 year old
PHS 2025 at the 8th annual event held on Saturday, February 1. Josh, a Senior, has been a Key Club member for his 4 years at Pecatonica HS. The candidates were chosen by each class picking 3 male candidates to represent them. His older brother, Sam, won the title 2 years ago.
For the event there are 5 judges, most of which are PHS teachers. Josh spent many hours in preparation, including 5-6 rehearsals. Each contestant chooses an escort for the evening. Josh chose WLV resident Brooklyn Connell. The competition consists of 5 categories. For the “Formal Wear” category, Josh was proud and honored to wear his late Grandpa David
’s tuxedo with a cravat. For the “Fun
he
continued from page 1Brooklyn, dressed as Rapunzel. During the “Talent” category, Josh acted out scenes from several movies using Elmo from Sesame Street as his “side-kick”.
During the “Dash for Cash” event, each contestant is given a bucket and a short amount of time to race around to the attendees to secure as much cash as possible. Fundraising for the event begins one week prior to the event with a Go-Fund-Me site as the main
They collectively brought in over $9500 which exceeded their goal of $5000! Proceeds go to Feeding America to which the Pecatonica Food Pantry is affiliated.
The final category was the “Fishbowl Question”.
Josh picked out “Sing a verse from your favorite song”. His vocal rendition from a verse of the song One Thing” by One Direction led to his winning the category!
Josh has lived in WLV all of his life with his parents and 3 siblings, an older brother, a younger brother, and a younger sister. He is fortunate to live just several doors away from his Grandma Dana Geigle. Josh has been participating in the Rock Valley College “Running Start” program so when he graduates from Pecatonica High School in May, he will also receive his Associates Degree from RVC. He plans to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah for one semester before entering the mission field for 2 years. For fun, Josh enjoys playing the piano, reading, writing fantasy stories, running (he participated in Cross Country on the PHS team), and interacting with his siblings. Josh, from your WLV neighbors and friends:
“Wishing you continued success, Josh, on your journey to impact and serve others!
As we turn the calendar to March, we have several weather related events to look forward to: Sunday, March 9 through Sunday November 2; Daylight Savings Time. Thursday, March 20; 1st Day of Spring. Monday, March 24 through Friday March 28; Spring Break for our children.
With the beginning of Spring, we need to focus our attention on what the changeable weather and time change can mean. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
As the days get longer, let's be extra careful when driving on our Village streets, longer days mean more activity outdoors later in the day.
The temperature outdoors can easily flick between dry and deluge, and hot and cold, dress appropriately and be prepared to change.
It’s time to adjust our lighting, inside and outside and save energy too, reset your outdoor timers to turn on later in the evening.
During the week of Spring Break, be watchful of children playing outside. And parents, remind your children to stay safe by watching out for cars and other vehicles and to be aware of their surroundings. Have a wonderful Spring and Stay Safe !
Thursday: June 12th - 5PM - 8PM
Friday: June 13th - 8AM - 5PM
Saturday: June 14th - 8AM - 3PM
Any Garage Sale leftovers will be picked up After 3PM Saturday by (TBD)
Volunteer Opportunity
Looking for volunteers to help fill several hundred eggs for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. All are welcome to join us on April 7th starting at 11 AM.
We are accepting donations of individually wrapped candy and (age appropriate) trinkets/toys to fill the eggs. Please drop off donations at the WLV Community Center Office prior to April 7th
There are tiny, small, medium and large eggs to fill.
A Special Note to the Easter Bunny: Please come out of hiding so we can tell you when to be there!
Please contact Gina at WLV office: 815 available to give a helping hand…
“Many hands make light work!
We appreciate you!
WESTLAKE VILLAGE BOARD
President: Julie Nampel: janampel@hotmail.com (920) 319-0562
Treasurer: Jim Klinger: milkman50@comcast.net (815) 742-5021
Secretary: Donna Heffern: donnaheffern@gmail.com (847) 902-0268
Board Members: __________________________________
Eric Moe: moeman4462@gmail.com (309) 333-8028
Cindy Beyer-Rienhardt: beyerrienhardt@icloud.com (815) 988-8982
Next WLV HOA BOARD MEETING:
March 11, 2025 @ 6:30 PM
Westlake Village Community Center 3677 Westlake Village Dr. Winnebago, IL 61088 815-335-4007
Please note that financials are available to all residents at the WLV Office at the Community Center or the Westlake Website: https://www.wlvhoa.com/home.asp or Scan QR Code : If you do not have access to the website, please call WLV office 815-335-4007 to request a log-in.
WLV Lake Commission Website: https://wlvlakelore.com/ WLV E-mails: wlvemail@comcast.net wlvmanager@wlvhoa.com
wlvvillager@comcast.net
PROPOSED CHANGES TO REDBOOK:
Section IV: Vehicle and Traffic Regulations:
4.2 Parking C: Commercial vehicles parking in driveways. Owners of Commercial Vehicles will be invited to an open meeting to discuss.
Section VI: Property Maintenance Regulations:
6.1. Street Appearance: The front (side street) of every home, condominium and townhome along with the front yard, back yard, side yard and driveway shall be kept neat and tidy to present a positive appearance. All green spaces, including lawns, flower beds, shrubbery, and areas around trees, should be kept free of debris. Debris includes, but is not limited to, trash, litter, yard waste , weeds, pet waste, and discarded items.
B: Any yard decoration(s) must be tasteful and maintained so as not to give the appearance of clutter or disrepair. All decorations and play items shall be stored out of sight when not in use.
6.2 NOTE: Vegetation and weeds exceeding (6) inches in height shall be deemed “unsightly”.
Section VII: Architectural Review Committee:
7.1 Home Construction and Landscaping requirements.
7.1 Appendix, C vi: Free standing sheds are not allowed. This will be enforced. No sheds of any type will be approved.
7.4 H Yard Lights. We are well aware a good majority of the homes no longer have the post mounted mailbox lights for a variety of reasons. We want to encourage residents to utilize solar post lights. If residents desire, the HOA could look into purchasing in a lot of these and offer to residents for cost.
7.5 B Political signs, flags or other similar media are allowable 30 days prior to an election but must be removed within 2 days after such election. Political signs, flags and other similar media shall not exceed 30” high x 30” wide. No more than one sign per candidate shall be permitted on a residents personal property. Property to include yet not limited to house, yard, mailbox, and patio/ deck. Continued flying of flags after 2 days is not permitted and will be subject to fine.
Section X: Enforcement of Red Book:
Appendix 10.3 Tiered Fine Structure: Minor Violations will be adjusted to $100 and major violations will be adjusted to $200.
If you have any concerns regarding the proposed changes, please contact the office. These Proposed Changes to Redbook will be voted on at the April Board Meeting.
Folk Wisdom: MARCH: “Comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb”
“In like a lion, out like a lamb” has always seemed a straightforward enough proverb: when March starts, it’s still winter, and by the end of the month spring has begun. True, in many climates the weather hasn’t quite reached the lamb stage by the end of the month it’s more like a surly cat, maybe, or one of those territorial honking geese. But we get the idea!
One of the earliest citations is in one Thomas Fuller’s 1732 compendium, Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs; Wise Sentences and Witty Sayings, Ancient and Modern, Foreign and British. The authors give the wording as “Comes in like a Lion, goes out like a Lamb.”
VILLAGE
If you are new to Westlake or you have a special event you would like to share with your neighbors, we would love to acknowledge that in the Villager.
Just send the information, with or without a picture, to wlvvillager@comcast.net and we will include it in an upcoming newsletter.
Picturecreditedto:NancyPeistrup
Open Session
Resident brought up the trucks on the walking path up by the dam,ThepathwasinspectedandtherebarwaslotPinsandnot damaged.theyweretakencareofandexplainedthatthePrairie Path truck have to cross over the path to get to the water station.
Residents brought up the water bill. Question; Are wells and septic allowed? Blue Book states: Wells or septic are NOT allowed.
Approval of the Agenda: February’s agenda was approved via email and posted on the HOA website.
storage room and filing cabinets are being cleaned up and
Violation Letters & Written Complaints:
Six courtesy calls and six violation letters went out for trash
Approval of Board Meeting Minutes: December’s meeting minutes were approved via email and postedontheHOAwebsite.
Financial Statements & Reserves:
Our current checking account balance is $187,709.12 with replacement reserves at $438,401.72. Jim went over CD’s and earnedinterestandmaturitydates.TherearetwoCD’sthatwill be maturing this year. The finance committee will research additionalinvestmentoptionsandsubmitthemtotheboardfor review. To satisfy our 2025 reserves goal, a motion to move $36,689.25 from our operating account to our CapitalOne360 accountandthenmove$37,000.00backintoourMidlandBank accountwillsatisfyourprojected2025reservesgoal. Motionby Jim,secondbyCindiallapproved.
Property Inspection Reports:
Dam Reports for January and February were reviewed and approved.
Office Report:
Office has updated paperwork and forms to reflect 2025. The
damaged trash can and bench down by the courts. North end light is having issues and ComEd has been contacted to see if they are responsible for the repair. Windscreen for the courts and grass planting around the area will be considered in the spring.
Jim Klinger-Board member
Lake Management:
WLV has Department of Natural Resources actively monitoring ice fishing on Westlake. May 18th will be the Family Fishing Clinic from 8:30am-11:30am. More information closer to the event. A lot of Fish are trapped down at the dam. We are workingongettingthembackupintothemiddleofthelake.
Eric Moe-Board member, Mike Lambert
Pool Commission: Poolclosed
Julie Nampel- Board Member
Social/Events:
Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday April 12 from 9am-11:30am. Garage Sales will be held June 12,13,14. The Summer Beach Party will be held on July 26th . Donna Heffern-Board Member
Communications Committee / Villager:
Section VI: Property Maintenance Regulations:
The Communications Committee continues to publish the Westlake Villager and meet monthly except for February, which finds a number of committee members out of town. The February Villager is out. We were able to secure 10 ads for 2025 for a total of $1,000. Petronella Boose has been able to secure a dedicated website for our newsletter through Issuu.com, which allows residents to access the newsletter directly from the email blast that Gina sends. This has been requested by our residents from the beginning. There is every expectation that having this option will reduce our printing and mailing costs, since it will be easier for residents to access online.
6.1. Street Appearance: The front (side street) of every home, condominium and townhome along with the front yard, back yard, side yard and driveway shall be kept neat and tidy to present a positive appearance. All green spaces, including lawns, flower beds, shrubbery, and areas around trees, should be kept free of debris. Debris includes, but is not limited to, trash, litter, yard waste, weeds, pet waste, and discarded items.
B: Any yard decoration (s) must be tasteful and maintained so as not to give the appearance of clutter or disrepair. All decorations and play items shall be stored out of sight when not in use.
6.2 NOTE: Vegetation and weeds exceeding (6) inches in height shall be deemed “unsightly”.
Section VII: Architectural Review Committee:
7.1 Home Construction and Landscaping requirements.
discuss.
3/8/2025 6:00 PM Jazz Band Fundraiser Dinner, Music & Silent Auction. Performance by Winnebago Middle School Winnebago High School
3/10/2025 4:00 - 5:30 PM Wee Nats (Register: www.go.illinois.edu/ WeeNatsPec) 815-986-4357 - No Charge. 4H Youth Educator Kelly Lafferty
Meets every other Thursday in Community Room. Rockton, IL ready to have fun! Registration Required: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/4h-fun-day-2025-winnebago .
Forest Hills Country Club 5135 Forest Hills Rd
Rockford, IL 61114
Pecatonica Public Library
400 W 11th Street
Pecatonica, IL 61063
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! $40 per person. (Name & Number of Seats) Contact Email: winnebagomusicbooster@gmail.com . Accepting Silent Auction Items (please email contact.) Bar will be open for CASH ONLY. Enjoy a night of Music, Food & Silent auction items. All proceeds go to Winnebago Music Boosters.
Held on 2nd Monday each month. This month's topic: Trees. Join Univ. of Illinois Extension for Wee Naturalists, a fun, interactive program for youth ages 4-7, to learn about environmental topics through story, activities, crafts and hikes.
3/10/2025 6:30 PM Winnebago Book Club Winnebago Public Library "The Little Princes" by Connor Grennan
3/12/2025 6:00 PM Pops Concert by the Winnebago Indians Band
Winnebago High School
200 E McNair Winnebago, IL 61088
SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO…
Pops Concert. The Winnebago bands start with students in 5th grade choosing instruments and extend through senior year of high school. The Winnebago bands offer concert band, jazz band, beginning band, pep band, and marching band.
3/13/2025 10:30 AM Coffee and Conversation Local Korean War Veterans for Our Memorial Day Exhibit
Pecatonica Historical Society held at the Pecatonica Public Library
400 W 11th Street Pecatonica, IL 61063
3/13/2025 6:00 PM Teen Advisory Board
3/14/2025 11:30 AM Pecatonica Community Potluck
3/14/2025 2:00 PM WLV Bookworms Book Club reviews book of the month: "The Story of Arthur Truluv" by Elizabeth Berg
3/18/2025 11:00 AM Movie event
3/20/2025 6:00 - 7:30 PM Game Night at the Library
3/22/2025 11:00 AM Movie event
3/28/2025 10:30 AM Local Hero Returns Home, Ruby Scheuing, shares her story.
3/29/2025 Noon - 2:00 PM Peep Diorama Workshop for Contest on April 5th.
Please join us we would like to hear what military branch you or your family members served and where. Along with any stories you would like to share. If you cannot attend in person, please submit your stories to Jill Stites, jstites7@gmail.com or leave a message for the Historical Society at the Library.
Winnebago Public Library Registration not required. Help decide what happens at YOUR library! Get volunteer hours! Snack provided! Learn more: 815-335-7050.
Pec United Methodists 528 Washington St Pecatonica, IL 61063
Westlake Village Community Center
3677 Westlake Village Dr. Winnebago, IL 61088 815-335-4007
We do fellowship in the Community 2nd Thursday of each month, sharing our favorite foods together. Free will donations $2.
The Bookworms meet on the second Thursday of each month, at 2:00 pm at WLV Community Center. All WLV residents are welcome. One member leads discussion & brings a light snack to share. Each participant brings their own beverage. Residents with questions can call Sharon Goldsand at 815-997-2609.
Winnebago Public Library Movie: Miss Potter PG (Free)
Pecatonica Public Library
400 W 11th Street
Pecatonica, IL 61063
Join us! We'll supply the room and a limited number of games, you supply the fun! (Feel free to bring: your own games, water, & snacks.)
Winnebago Public Library Movie: Peter Rabbit PG (Free)
Winnebago Public Library Ruby Scheuing, Post-op Nurse, Army Nurse Corp Vietnam, hopes by sharing her story, it will encourage others to pursue their calling. Meet one of the real life female hero's as described in Kristin Hannah's book; The Women.
Winnebago Public Library 210 N Elida Street
Winnebago, IL 61088
Pre-registration required. Pick up your kit of starter supplies to craft your diorama between 3/20 - 3/29. Submit your diorama by 4/5. Dioramas will be on display 4/07 - 4/30.
Google: "Peep Diorama" for inspiration.
Perfect for young and novice anglers. Instructors from the Illinois DNR will conduct a FREE clinic that introduces residents to the joys of fishing, including fish species identification, knot tying, baiting hooks, casting techniques and more.
A group educational session starting ON fishing session around the perimeter
Bring your own rod/reels and tackle.
A limited number of IDNR poles will be available for use. Worms and tackle (hooks, sinkers and bobbers) will also be
A small collection of live native animals, including local fish, snakes and turtles will also be on display.
18, 2025 11:30 am fountain Fisheries Division
a planned event, a committee meeting, club or social event that will take place in the Community Center, in the current month, write it into the Calendar which will be changed monthly. Please do not pin business cards to this board. If you have any questions, please contact the office.
about your Medicare options. Odis Thomas (815)222-7603 (TTY:711) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mon.-Fri. A licensed agent will answer your call.
Bookworms to Discuss The Story of Arthur Truluv
Come to the Community Center at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 14th when the Bookworms will be discussing: The Story of Arthur Truluv, by Elizabeth Berg.
This is a moving novel about three people who find their way back from loss and loneliness to a different kind of happiness. Arthur, a widow, meets Maddy, a troubled teenage girl who is avoiding school by hiding out at the cemetery, where Arthur goes every day for lunch to have imaginary conversations with his late wife, and think about the lives of others. The two strike up a friendship that draws them out of isolation. Maddy gives Arthur the name Truluv, for his loving and positive responses to every outrageous thing she says or does. With Arthur’s nosy neighbor Lucille, they create a loving and unconventional family, proving that life’s most precious moments are sweeter when shared.
The Bookworms meet on the second Thursday of each month, at 2:00 pm at the Community Center. One member leads the discussion and brings a light snack. Each participant brings their own beverage. Everyone is welcome. Residents with questions can call Sharon Goldsand at 815-997-2609
