















President: Julie Nampel: janampel@hotmail.com (920) 319-0562

moved to this wonderful community almost two years ago. We -
time, and we are truly enjoying every moment. It was the beauty of the community and the lake that initially drew us to this

Environmental Monitoring and Micro biological analysis associated with Bio-pharmaceutical production. I also oversee an extensive departmental budget which involves varying degrees of procurement responsibilities.
I have over 29 years of community involvement experience associated with numerous major special events in the Rockford area ranging from operations management to various advisory positions. I moved to Westlake Village in 2004 during the height of development. Shortly after moving to Westlake, I was appointed to our Westlake Village Homeowners Association Advisory Board. During my tenure in this position, I oversaw and participated in many infrastructure developments and beautification improvements, on both the recreational and operational side.
As we continue growth, a clear focus on sustaining consistency, building our financial reserves, maintaining and updating our aging infrastructure, lake development and continuing to keep our common areas fresh will be an important element to what draws future homeowners to Westlake Village.
I look forward to representing all the residents of Westlake Village and in conjunction with the WLV Board of directors… supporting and updating our governing documents that uphold the continuity, security, and integrity of our community.
I am very proud and honored to be a resident of this fantastic and beautiful development that we call home. I look forward to sharing the relaxing, recreational, and wonderful lifestyle that Westlake Village has to offer with the many friends, neighbors, and future families for many years to come.
We are blessed with seven grown children and three grandchildren. My husband is retired and loves spending time fishing from our boat. I work in the software industry and have been with the same employer for over 20 years. Before my career in software, I was a doula and studied midwifery.
Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on various nonprofit boards, HOA committees, and engaging in fundraising efforts for causes that are close to my heart. I enjoy working collaboratively, continuously learning, and connecting with others. I love engaging in meaningful conversations, especially on topics that I’m passionate about, and I am deeply committed to my community.
I’m excited to become more involved with my neighbors and to build new friendships. Currently, I am working on starting a weekly paddleboard and kayak group as a way to foster more connections and enjoy the outdoors together.
I believe that volunteering is one of the most impactful ways we can support our communities, friends, and families. Even if I am not chosen for a specific role, I am always eager to contribute and help where I can. Thank you for yourtime and consideration.





This is a sample of the original ballot mailed to homeowners in July 2025 . . . Page 4


The


5



… to clarify:
Ifyouhave aDlicense plate and yourvehicle weighs less than 12,00pounds youmaystillpark inyour driveway.
CurrentLimit:
The HOA board can approve capital expenditures up to $10,000 without requiring unanimous owner approval.
ProposedLimit:
The proposed limit is 3% of the annual budgeted Association Fees. Based on the 2025 budgeted fees of $619,040, translates to approximately $18,500.
History shows that the dollar experienced an average annual inflation rate of 2.53% between 2000 and 2025. This means that the purchasing power of $10,000 in the year 2000 is equivalent to approximately $18,668 today.
The proposed increase to approximately $18,500 (3% of current year’s assoc. fees) aligns closely with the inflationadjusted value of the original $10,000 limit set in the WLV BlueBookmorethan20yrsago. This suggests that the increase primarily aims to maintain a capital spend limit relative to the effects ofinflation.
Current homeownerswith dogs over100#wouldbe grandfatheredin. Allrealtors andtitle agencies wouldbe notified ofthe 100#weight limitandenforcedonallnew home sales.


In this month’s Bookworm’s selection, we will be delving into a timeless, historical fiction by the literary acclaimed author:

Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca


The multi-million-copy bestseller that has enthralled generations of readers.
In Monte Carlo, our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady’s maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at Manderley, her husband’s cavernous estate on the Cornish coast, that she realizes how vast a shadow his late wife, Rebecca, will cast over their lives. Ancient, beautiful Manderley, between the rose garden and the sea, is the county's showpiece. Rebecca made it so - even a year after her death, Rebecca's influence still rules there. How can Maxim de Winter's shy new bride ever fill her place or escape her vital shadow? A shadow that grows longer and darker as the brief summer fades, until, in a moment of climatic revelations, it threatens to eclipse Manderley and its inhabitants completely introducing a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their love from beyond the grave. This universally acclaimed novel has remained consistently in print since its original publication in 1938 and has frequently been adapted for television, radio, the theater, and film most notably in 1940 by Alfred Hitchcock, whose Rebecca received the Academy Award for Best Picture, and in the 2020 Netflix film starring Lily James and Armie Hammer.
“Excellent entertainment...Du Maurier created a scale by which modern women can measure their feelings.” Stephen King
Who doesn’t dream of having a second home to escape to this time of year? Here are a few book suggestions to help everyone live that summer-house lifestyle - vicariously - in your own library...

Five Days in July by Cecelia Conway (Door County Dreams - Book 1) July 2, 2022
Can five days in July change your life?
Lenore Michaels has her doubts when everything seems to go wrong one morning. Her car breaks down on the highway, she loses her job, and she’s down to her last dollar. She moved to Door County for a new life, but it seems like she’s proving everyone right. Then Matt Song steps in to save the day. He’s the local mechanic, he’s hiring, and he’s smitten with the gorgeous woman he meets in line at the gas station. The handsome stranger makes Lenore feel like anything is possible. Can he convince her he’s worth the risk to have it all: a fresh start, a new job, and a new relationship?

Broken Blossoms by Jennifer N. Lloyd ...our very own WLV resident author
It was supposed to be their greatest adventure... Jade and Oliver have always embraced life with open arms, ready to chase their biggest dreams and share every adventure together. Inspired by the memory of Oliver’s close high school friend, the couple longs to start a family, believing that parenthood will be their greatest journey yet.
But as they navigate the unexpected challenges of infertility, their hope is tested in ways they never imagined. In this poignant dual-perspective romance, Jade and Oliver must face the hardest question of all: Can love endure when dreams seem out of reach?




























Poison hemlock is present in Northern Illinois, and reports indicate its population is increasing!
Here's a summary of the situation:

Widespread Presence: Poison hemlock is reported in at least 78 counties throughout Illinois, including northern regions.
Ideal Habitats: It thrives in disturbed areas with full sun, such as roadsides, railroad rights-of-way, utility corridors, ditches, old fields, and pastures. The Morton Arboretum explains that it is commonly found in disturbed sites like roadside edges but can also be found along the borders of natural areas.
Increasing Populations: Observations and public reports suggest that poison hemlock populations are on the rise in Illinois. The Illinois Extension notes that while widespread in rural areas, it's less of a threat in more developed landscapes.
Risks and Concerns: Poison hemlock is highly toxic, and ingestion can be fatal to both humans and livestock. The Illinois Extension warns that all parts of the plant are highly poisonous and ingesting even a small amount can be fatal.
Regulation: Poison hemlock is regulated through the Illinois Exotic Weed Act (525 ILCS 10), which prohibits its sale, purchase, or transport in Illinois.
Identification and Control: It's crucial to be able to identify poison hemlock to avoid accidental contact or ingestion. It's often mistaken for edible plants like Queen Anne Lace (wild carrot). You can find detailed information on its identification, toxicity, and control measures on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign website and through the Illinois Extension
Important: If you suspect you or someone you know has been exposed to poison hemlock, contact 911 or the Illinois Poison Center Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 immediately! Do not try to treat it at home!
Poison Hemlock can be deadly! Know the difference!
What to do and who to contact for removal if you find Poison Hemlock

You have a few options for addressing poison hemlock on your property in Pecatonica Township, Illinois, depending on the extent of the infestation: For small patches: You can safely remove it yourself with caution!
Protection: Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and long pants to avoid skin contact. You might also consider using eye protection and a mask to prevent inhaling plant particles, especially if you plan to cut the plants!
Removal: Hand-pulling is effective for smaller plants or individual weeds. Make sure to remove the entire taproot to prevent regrowth. Watering the ground beforehand can make it easier to pull. You can also use a hoe or shovel to dig out the plants.
Disposal: Place the entire plant, including roots and seeds, into a plastic trash bag and dispose of it with regular trash. Do not compost it or put it in yard waste!
Follow-up: Monitor the area for new seedlings, as seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years.
For larger infestations:
Winnebago County Extension Office: The University of Illinois Extension office serving Winnebago County can provide expert advice and recommendations for managing poison hemlock. You can contact them at 815 -986-4357.
Professional Weed Removal Services: Consider contacting local landscaping companies or weed control services that specialize in invasive species removal. When contacting these services, ensure they have experience with poison hemlock and are aware of the necessary safety precautions.








Oliver...what are you going to do with your first catch of the day?
“I know! Share it with my bro”

Wow!
That looks heavy! Amazing catch! Joshua!



Hey, Lathaniel! What cha got there?

Michael, what do you do when you visit your girlfriend, Samantha, in WLV? “Well, I go fishing! Of Course!”






The Teaters
Charlie and Karla Teater have lived in Westlake Village since 2021. While both admitting they have no musical talent, they have managed to raise a multi-talented musical son, Alex Teater, who was recently featured as the guest Saxophone Soloist in the last performance of this season for the Rockford Concert Band, hosted by Rockford Park District and held in the Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, Rockford, IL.

Alex started piano lessons in elementary school. Saxophone was his pick for an instrument when band was offered in middle school . He graduated from Byron High School in 2006. While in high school he played some sports but music was his passion. He lead the marching band as drum major his junior and senior years.
He earned a degree in Music Education from Illinois State University in 2011. While in college, he was active in the music program and a member of the Big Red Marching Machine (BRMM).


In 2017, Alex earned his Masters degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois. While studying for his masters, he worked with the summer music program for 3 years. Alex’s primary instrument is the saxophone but he can play many other instruments as well. Currently, he is a band instructor at Emerson Middle School in Park Ridge, Il.
Alex resides in Lombard, IL with his lovely wife and they have blessed Charlie and Karla with 3 beautiful grandchildren. Needless to say, they are proud parents and enjoying life in Westlake Village as well!







Lynx Golf at Westlake Village only course in Rockford history closed for years to re-open.

When golf courses wither away, they stay dead… with one exception, the course at Westlake Village. Westlake Golf Course was the home course for Winnebago and Pecatonica high schools, until it closed September 2018 and stayed closed for four years, not re-opening until 2022.
The course was so dead farmers were bailing hay on the property - a change that actually helped lessen the $55,000 property tax bill. Westlake residents never thought it was going to re-open.
At the time, the original course, designed by David Esler and owned by Peter Beaves, president of Midwest Irrigation of East Dubuque, the same company that built Swanhills just northeast of Rockford, had some of the same selling points as Swanhills - it is a feel-good, golfer-friendly course, suitable for all skill levels, from novice to avid golfers. But, the greens weren’t as good. Not even close.
“The greens used to be so slow they were like putting on a corn field,” said Dave Claeyssens, who oversaw Rockford Park District golf courses for almost four decades.
Westlake G.C. experienced a significant decline in rounds played since it’s opening in 1990, losing around $135,000 annually for six years, and the last time they broke even was in 2012. Beaves offered to sell the course to the Westlake Homeowners Association for $800,000, but the homeowners were not interested in collectively buying or operating it. This led to its closure in 2018. The closure sparked concerns among homeowners in Westlake Village, a 550+ home community built around the golf course, about the potential impact on property values as it was central to the area’s appeal.
Then came along Steve Leathers and his brother, Scott, who brought the course back to life in 2022, renaming it Lynx Golf Course at Westlake Village. “We brought something back to the community that was dead,” Leathers said. “That’s why we renamed it Lynx Golf Course at Westlake. I didn’t want the old past coming back.” “The course still had its normal sculpture of the course when we bought it, “ Leathers added. “It’s just like growing a lawn. It can always come back. You just don’t know how fast it will grow. It actually came back a lot quicker than I thought.”

The golfers came back, too. Lynx Golf Course at Westlake Village set a course record with 20,500 rounds last year. This year, it is 700 rounds ahead of that pace so far. With 550 upper middle class homes in the development, it has a built-in base to draw from. And Leathers says his course is a popular place to play for golfers from Byron, Oregon, Freeport, Rockford, etc. on days when their usual course is hosting a playday.
Lynx Golf Course is an 18-Hole Regulation Par 71 Course, with four sets of tees from 5,376 yards for Red Tees, 5915 White Tees, 6337 Blue Tees and to 6,881 yards for Gold Tees. The trees are bigger and more defined than when the course first opened in 1990. And the greens are far better!
After being dormant for four years, Steve and Scott Leathers undertook extensive renovations; rebuilt greens, and refurbished bunkers. The tees, fairways and greens are all Bentgrass. The greens are described as large and undulating, and they are rigorously maintained for smooth putting. The clubhouse improvements includes a bar, a kitchen and gaming. Lynx Golf Course at Westlake Village has been a positive for the Westlake Village community, as it provides valuable amenities and helps maintain property values. Lynx Golf Course represents a successful effort to bring a beloved local golf course back to life, offering a challenging and enjoyable experience for all golfers in the region.





Summer Sun Safety
We all want to enjoy summer, and that includes more time in the sun. Staying safe in the sun is critical for everyone. What is UV radiation? UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun. Two types of UV light provide a risk for skin cancer; They are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB), both can damage our skin and our eyes.
To make sure you and your family are safe, here are a few tips:
Use sunscreen and follow the instructions on the label.
Wear protective clothing including wide brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Avoid prolonged Sunlight exposure during peak hours of the day.
Move to the shade whenever possible.

Historical Society Work Day - 08/04/2025 - 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Historical Society Work Day - 08/07/2025 - 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Historical Society Work Day - 08/11/2025 - 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Historical Society Work Day - 08/14/2025 - 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Historical Society Work Day - 08/18/2025 - 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Pecatonica Historical Society Presents Chicago Stockyards08/21/2025 - 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Historical Society Work Day - 08/21/2025 - 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Historical Society Work Day - 08/25/2025 - 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Historical Society Work Day - 08/28/2025 - 1:00 - 5:00 pm

400 W. 11th Street
Pecatonica, IL 61063
























































































