Westlake Village Villager
hronicles are historical accounts of events. The informational sources for chronicles vary. They represent accounts, in prose or verse, of local or distant events over a considerable period of
It was approximately 1994 when William Hoyt approached the investment firm of William Charles with his vision to develop the Village that we know and love today. Sometimes we take for granted all that goes into the making of a community such as Westlake Village; the financial investments, the time and dedicated fortitude by all who saw it through.
of Westlake Village or know someone who was, we would love to talk to you! We are very open to receiving any memories, pictures or stories you may have. We hope you will follow along on what we think is a very interesting journey of 3
This month we have the good fortune to publish an article researched and written by one of our very own WLV Lake Commission residents, Greg Surufka! He has spent countless hours digging through old dusty files and interviewing key people responsibl Thank you,Greg,foryourtime and dedication to Westlake Village!
Westlake Village: From Vision to Community
Aerial view of entire development showing all individual lots overlayed. Wetland ponds on the South end and water treatment ponds adjacent to the dam on the North end are clearly visible.
1990’s, Bill Hoyt, vice president at William Charles Investments, came up with the idea of developing a local lake community based on hearing and reading about the Westlake Village community development near Thousand Oaks, California. That project was started in 1965 and completed
Hoyt acquired a hard copy of a case study about the California project published by the Urban Land Institute in 1977. The 112-page bound book detailed every aspect of the project, including planning, design, land procurement, financing, drainage & silting, chemical & biological weed control, aeration and fish & wildlife management.
The lake had a unique design contour featuring a series of peninsula “fingers” that created multiple water bays. This plan allowed for a maximum number shoreline homesite lots within a limited area.
Hoyt was always impressed with the look and feel of Disneyland. He envisioned a similar look for the new development with a carefully designed common architectural style for the golf course clubhouse, community center
On a spring day in May 1996, community leaders, developers, and residents gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony that symbolized years of planning and debate. Hoyt stood at the center of that moment, marking the formal beginning of what would become Westlake Village a planned residential community east of Pecatonica, Illinois.
Laying the Groundwork (continued on Page 6)
Westlake Village ~ VILLAGER -
Westlake Village HOA, Committees, and Contacts
WESTLAKE VILLAGE HOA BOARD of DIRECTORS
Contact: Email Address: Phone:
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
Cindy Beyer-Rienhardt: beyerrienhardt@icloud.com (815) 988-8982
Dani Saboe: danisaboe@gmail.com (406) 437-4200
Office Manager: Gina Mays: WLVemail@comcast.net (815) 335-4007
Westlake Village Committees
Contact Email Phone
Communications Committee - wlvVillager@comcast.net
Petronella Boose ARTopics@yahoo.com (253) 606-1822
Donna Heffern donnaheffern@gmail.com (847) 902-0268
Val Jewell vjvjewell@gmail.com (815) 291-8016
Nancy Peistrup nancnrich@yahoo.com (815) 335-4067
Susan Weber smweber1983@gmail.com (847) 489-1459
Lake Commission
Michael Lambert jiffyrock@gmail.com (815) 275-3182
Greg Surufka glsurufka@gmail.com (815) 543-1313
LaVerne Weber laverne@gradesolutionsllc.com (847) 489-1457
For information regarding: Pool, Architectural Review and Redbook: Julie Nampel janampel@hotmail.com (920) 319-0562
For information regarding: Finance, Grounds & Maintenance: Jim Klinger milkman50@comcast.net (815) 742-5021
For information regarding: Community Social Events: Donna Heffern donnaheffern@gmail.com (847) 902-0268
For information regarding: Community Center Reservations, Golf Cart Fees, Fishing Buckets & Parking Stickers, HOA Dues and other questions:
Gina Mays (WLV Office) wlvemail@comcast.net (815) 335-4007
Westlake Village Community Center
3677 Westlake Village Drive Winnebago, IL 61088
815-335-4007
Monday - Thursday from 8 am-5 pm
CLOSED FRIDAYS
- open every other Saturday: March 7th and 21st ~ 9 am- 12 noon.
OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACTS FOR OUR AREA
Each of the following numbers will take you to recorded options for all emergency or non-emergency issues ~
Pecatonica Sheriff’s Dept. ~ 815-319-6300
Pecatonica Fire Station ~ 815-335-2651
ComEd ~ 800-334-7661
Nicor Gas ~ 888-642-6748
Prairie Path ~ 800-831-2359
Pecatonica Schools ~ 815-239-2550
Township of Pecatonica Supervisor ~ 815-239-1555
Township of Pecatonica Road Commissioner ~ 779-207-9652
Burritt Township Supervisor & Road ~ 815-988-0871
Burritt Township office ~ 815-218-6740
Winnebago County Highway Dept.– (roads) 815-319-4000
Lynx Golf Course ~ 815-335-4031
Please note that WLV Financials and HOA Minutes are only available to all residents, 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 login.
All Golf carts operating in Westlake Village must be registered!
To Register, please drive to the office at the WLV Community Center with your golf cart. A $30.00 fee is charged for new golf carts. No charge for golf carts registered in prior years, but all golf carts must be registered every year with Westlake Village. Proof of Insurance is need at time of registration.
Important Notice from:
Jeff R. Meyer, Pecatonica Township Clerk: “To the legal voters, residents of the Township of Pecatonica in the County of Winnebago and State of Illinois, the Annual Meeting of said Township will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Pecatonica Township Building, 410 Reed St., Pecatonica IL.”
Daylight Saving Time
In 2026, daylight saving time starts on Sunday, March 8th.
As of 2026, 48 states and Washington, DC, participate in daylight saving time. If states do not want to change their clocks twice yearly, they can opt to remain on Standard Time permanently, as Arizona and Hawaii do. However, it would literally take an act of Congress to stay in Daylight Saving Time permanently. 19 states have laws or resolutions to move to daylight saving time permanently.
What parts of the US get the most daylight during working hours?
The amount of daylight varies by location. Northern cities get more dark days in the winter and more sunlight in the summer due to the Earth’s axis relative to the sun. Plus, the further west a city is in a time zone, the later its sunrises and sunsets will be.
The Blue Book voting is still open and can legally remain open until at least two third’s of all resident’s ballots are received. Each issue stands alone. At least 376 of our 565 residents (or 2/3) must vote, in order to change any blue book rule. Many resident’s have voiced: the Blue Book needs updating
YOU HAVE NOT VOTED YET
If you have lost your ballots, please obtain another at the WLV Community Center office.
Critical Deadlines
• March 1, 2026: Last day for Online Voter Registration
• March 12, 2026: Deadline for your local election authority to receive your Vote-by-Mail application
• March 16, 2026: Last day for Early Voting in person.
• March 17, 2026 (Election Day): Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Ways to Vote
Illinois offers several flexible options for casting your ballot:
• Early Voting: This is already underway in many counties! You can visit any designated early voting site in your jurisdiction.
• Vote by Mail: Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot. It must be postmarked by Election Day (March 17) and received within 14 days to be counted.
• Grace Period Registration: If you missed the standard registration deadline, you can still register and vote simultaneously at your election authority's office or at a designated early voting site right up through Election Day.
What’s on the IL Primary Ballot?
This is a major election year for Illinois. Depending on your specific precinct, you’ll be seeing:
• U.S. Senate: One seat is up for election.
• U.S. House of Representatives: All 17 of Illinois' congressional districts.
• Statewide Executives: Governor (Incumbent J.B. Pritzker is running in the Democratic primary), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer.
• State Legislature: All seats in the State House and many in the State Senate.
Note on Party Ballots: Illinois has an "open-style" primary. You don't have to be registered with a party to vote, but you must declare which party's ballot you want (Democratic or Republican) when you check in at the polling place.
• Check your registration:
Illinois State Board of Elections
Here is everything you need to know to be ready for the Illinois Primary: https://wincoil.gov/departments/
In Winnebago County, the March 17, 2026, primary includes a major county-wide sales tax proposal and several local district-specific questions.
Since all voters can vote on referendums (even if you don't choose a Democratic or Republican ballot), these are often the most direct ways your vote impacts your wallet and local services.
Major County-Wide Referendum
1% County School Facilities Sales Tax (CSFT) The most significant item on the ballot for all Winnebago County residents is a proposed 1% sales tax increase.
• The Goal: Revenue would be used exclusively for school facility improvements, hiring school resource officers (SROs), and funding mental health professionals within the schools.
In Burritt and Pecatonica Townships, your ballot for the March 17, 2026, primary will feature the broad county issues we discussed, but Pecatonica residents, in particular, have a very significant local tax question to decide.
Here is the specific breakdown for your townships:
Pecatonica
Township: Major Fire District Referendum:
Residents within the Pecatonica Fire Protection District will see a binding proposition to increase property taxes.
• The Question: The district is seeking to increase its "limiting rate" under the property tax cap law.
• The Cost: If approved, the tax rate would increase from approximately $0.51$ to $1.20$ per $100$ of assessed value.
• The Impact: For a home with a fair market value of $100,000, this is estimated to be an additional $132.65 per year in property taxes starting in the 2026 levy year.
• The Goal: These funds are intended for constructing an addition to an existing fire station and maintaining emergency services.
You can find the sample ballots and full referendum text on the Winnebago County Clerk’s official election page.
The Clerk provides a "Publication Ballot," which is a single document showing the layout for the Democratic, Republican, and Non-Partisan/Referendum-only ballots.
Election Day Polling Place
Westlake Village Community Center 3077 Westlake Village Drive Winnebago, IL 61088
815-335-4007
March 17, 2026
Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Because Westlake Village is located in Pecatonica Township (precinct 4), your polling place for the General Primary on March 17, 2026, is located right in your neighborhood:
EarlyVotingOption(Now Open)
If you’d rather not wait until March 17, you can vote earlyatthemaincountysite.
• WinnebagoCountyAdministrationBuilding 404ElmStreet,5thFloor, Rockford,IL61103
Current Hours: Monday– Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Quick Checklist for You
• Ballot Type: Remember to specify whether you want the Democratic or Republican ballot when you arrive.
• Referendum: Even if you choose a nonpartisan ballot, you will still be able to vote on the Pecatonica Fire Protection District tax increase and the 1% County School Sales Tax
• ID: You generally do not need a photo ID to vote in Illinois if you are already registered, but it’s always a good idea to have one handy just in case there is a question about your registration or if you need to update your address (Grace Period Registration).
Illinois State Board of Elections
THE PECATONICA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR OPEN HOUSE
• ASK QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE UPCOMING REFERENDUM FOR THE NEW ADDITION
• SEE RENDERINGS OF THE PROPOSED NEW ADDITION
• TAKE A TOUR OF THE FIRE STATION
• MEET THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO VOLUNTEER
For your convenience, two times and places have been reserved to discuss the referendum being proposed by the fire district.
More importantly they want to visit the Westlake community to answer any questions residents have about the referendum.
Open House and Discussion: 1221 Main St, Pecatonica, IL 61063 March 7, 2026 ~ Noon to 4pm
Open Discussion for Westlake Residents: 3677 Westlake Village Drive Winnebago, IL 61088 March 12, 2026 ~ 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED
Westlake Village: From Vision to Community
By Greg Surufka
Laying the groundwork - continued from Page 1:
The development journey toward Westlake Village began earlier, in March 1995, when the Winnebago County Board approved William Charles Investments’ petition for a planned community development by a decisive 19–7 vote. The approval followed months of public hearings, feasibility studies, and environmental reviews. These included lake and dam analyses, wetlands determinations, threatened and endangered species evaluations, and historic site surveys.
Photo taken during the initial excavation phase, prior to the wetland ponds creation, showing narrow Coolidge Creek running from the South under Smith Rd. On far left and flowing North through the partially excavated development. (July 1996)
of the crew members on the survey team recently recalled that this was the first implementation of the new GPS technology. It was so new that the crews had to do their work during a specific daily time window when the satellite was overhead.
Once completed, joint permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleared the way for construction. Hoyt personally oversaw the project and could be found walking the site regularly.
From the outset, the project reflected a broader trend in residential development. As noted during zoning hearings in December 1994, planned communities were gaining popularity for their ability to balance growth with rural character. Still, concerns were voiced particularly regarding the potential impact on Pecatonica schools. Supporting the Schools
To address those concerns, William Charles Investments entered into a 20-year Impact Fee Agreement in 1995 with Pecatonica Community Unit School District 321. Under the agreement, the developer committed to payments designed to offset the additional costs associated with growth:
• $1,000 for each three-bedroom single-family home
• $500 for each three-bedroom condominium or townhome
Funds from the agreement could be used for land acquisition, new school construction, capital improvements, or operating expenses. Hoyt emphasized that Westlake Village was expected to attract a mix of residents including empty-nesters and retirees and that growth would be carefully managed to avoid overwhelming the school system.
A Community Takes Shape
Westlake Village encompasses 660 acres in unincorporated Winnebago County, primarily within Pecatonica Township. At its heart lies an 82-acre lake, complemented by 47 acres of wetlands. Both the lake and wetlands are privately owned and maintained by the Westlake Village Homeowners Association.
Home development began in 1997. The plan ultimately included 770 home sites, with 545 designated for single-family homes and the remainder for townhouses or condominiums. Homes range from approximately 1,400 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet, typically set on quarter-acre lots, with some larger parcels along scenic points. Today, more than 500 homes are occupied, housing roughly 1,800 residents spanning all stages of life from young families to retirees.
Westlake Trivia
Westlake Village has two beaches named after previous landowners: Carlson and Thompson Beach
The Westlake’s dam operates by sonar sensors that automatically sense rises in the water level. If water rises a foot, then the floodgates open 2 feet. The lake can absorb 1 foot of water across 83 acres before the gates will open.
It took six weeks to fill the lake and would take less than a week to completely drain it.
The Lake and Amenities
The lake quickly became the community’s defining feature. Stretching nearly a mile in length, it varies in depth from seven to eight feet, with deeper pockets exceeding 12 feet. One area was dug 25 feet deep to provide sand for the beaches. Designed for quiet enjoyment, the lake prohibits jet skis and water skiing, creating a peaceful, country setting. It is stocked with multiple fish species, and its dam is monitored by sonar sensors that automatically regulate water levels during heavy rains.
Beyond the lake, Westlake Village offers a wide range of amenities. Residents enjoy access to a private beach, a swimming pool, a community center, basketball and pickleball/tennis courts, and a playground. A paved recreational path surrounds the lake as it meanders along the shoreline.
A privately owned 18-hole golf course, open to the public, winds through the development and adds to its appeal.
The Lake and Amenities - continued on Page 8
Village: From Vision to Community
By Greg Surufka
The Lake and Amenities - continued from Page 7:
By 1998, progress was evident. Golf course tees, greens, sand traps, and irrigation systems were in place, with homes rising along fairways and countryside lots. Amenities continued to come online, including athletic courts and plans for the community center and beach facilities, all subject to careful state permitting and safety requirements.
An area near the Smith Road west entrance was designated for a small gas station and convenience store. However, after feasibility studies were completed, it was determined that there was not enough traffic to support a retail investment.
Life at Westlake
Westlake Village falls primarily within the Pecatonica School District and has developed its own sense of identity. Community events such as picnics, garage sales, and holiday celebrations are held throughout the year. As a designated golf use golf carts on neighborhood streets, reinforcing the relaxed, close knit atmosphere envisioned in the original plans.
What began as a proposal debated in zoning meetings has matured into a fully realized community and a long-term vision for controlled growth. Nearly three decades after its approval, Westlake Village stands as a testament to the idea that thoughtful development can blend natural features, recreational amenities, and residential life into a lasting community.
Special thanks to Geri Hayden at AC Johnson Holdings for providing WLV development background information and access to the William Charles archive document and photo files.
I recently heard someone say, “The amount of good things in your life depends on your ability to notice them.”
And I can’t unhear it. Because it’s not always about having more, it’s about seeing more... More beauty. More progress.
More peace.
Gratitude sharpens your vision. And when you start noticing the good, life starts feeling a whole lot fuller, even if nothing outside of you has changed.
In like a Lion Out like a Lamb
This classic saying has a few different layers to its history, ranging from old-school superstitions to the actual stars in the sky.
1. The Written Record
The oldest written version of the phrase dates back to 1732. It appeared in a book called Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs, compiled by Thomas Fuller. Back then, people relied heavily on these "witty sayings" to remember seasonal patterns before we had modern meteorology.
2. The Astronomical Theory
Many historians believe the saying is actually about the constellations.
• The Lion: At the beginning of March, the constellation Leo (the Lion) is rising in the East at sunset.
• The Lamb: By the time March ends, the constellation Aries (the Ram/Lamb) is the one setting in the West.
3. The "Balance" Belief
Long ago, there was a common folk belief in natural balance. People thought that if a month started with harsh, "roaring" weather (the Lion), the spirits of nature would balance it out by making the end of the month peaceful and mild (the Lamb).
Of course, as anyone who has lived through a late March blizzard knows, Mother Nature doesn't always follow the rules!
Goose addling in WLV
Begins March 1st and ends May 19th
This activity mainly consists of walking the wetlands and/or golf course to spot nests. Anyone interested in helping should contact: John Peterson at jonpete52@gmail.com
What is Goose Egg Addling and Why Do It?
Goose egg addling is a wildlife management technique used to humanely control populations of Canada geese, where overpopulation could lead to property damage, safety concerns. The most common method used is coating the egg in foodgrade corn oil. The core idea is to stop the embryo from developing while tricking the female goose into thinking the egg is still viable so she continues to sit on the nest rather than laying a new clutch.
Laying - 1to2Weeks:
A clutch typically consists of 5 to 7 eggs, though the number can range anywhere from 2 to 12. A female goose lays approximately one egg ever 1.5 days. This means a full clutch of six eggs takes about nine days to complete.
Incubation - 25to30Days
Once all eggs are laid, the mother begins “sitting” (incubating) them, that way they all hatch at the same time.
Hatching - 24Hours
All eggs hatch within a one-day window. If a nest is destroyed or eggs are removed early in the season, the goose will often lay a replacement clutch. This is why addling is used instead of removal; it keeps her sitting on the original eggs so she doesn’t start the process over.
AggressiveParents:
Geese are notoriously protective. Addling usually requires two people - one to distract or fend off the gander (male) with a shield or umbrella, and one to treat the eggs.
Note: In the United States, most landowners do not need a specific “individual permit” to addle eggs, but you are legally required to register your property with the federal government every year before you begin. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) website: https://apps.fws.gov/rcgr/
One spring morning, a stranger arrives in the small southern city of Golden. No one knows where he has comefrom…orwhy…
Astoryofgivingandreceiving,ofseeingand being seen, Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted novel about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the invisible threads of kindness that bind us to one another.
The WLV Bookworms meet the second Thursday each month at 2PM
WLV Community Center, 3677 Westlake Village Dr. New members are always welcome! To find out more, please contact : Joleen Petit: 779-537-0814
Next meeting: March 12, 2026 - 2PM
“A smooth sea , never a skilled sailor made.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
We are thrilled to announce the following have won Pecatonica High School
February Student of the Month Award:
Senior – Cailyn Shippy
Junior – Troy Hospelhorn
Sophomore - Isabelle Zissler
Freshman – Connor Mielke
Feb. 14, 2026
Three Pecatonica High School art students have been accepted into the highly competitive 85th Annual Young Artist's Show! They are Raeleen Bryant, Allison Martin, and Alyssa Martin. The show will feature 300+ artworks from regional, private and homeschool students. The show runs from March 1 29th with the opening starting at noon on March 1st. There will be an awards ceremony that day at 1pm. Congrats to Raeleen, Allison and Alyssa!
We can't wait to see you March 7th at our 2026 Mr. Pecatonica High School fundraiser!
We're excited our 9th event will raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities to help keep families together.
Please consider saving your pop tabs to drop off the night of the pageant!
3/2/2026 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Quilt Club
3/4/2026 and every Wednesday 10:30 AM Story Time and Crafts
Meets 1st Monday of every month. Join anytime. No membership, no fees! Bring your own machine or handwork and projects! Stop in when it's convenient for you.
Every Wednesday! Bring the little ones to hear a story and make a related craft. Great opportunity for moms to meet other moms, little ones to make friends and, of course, discover new
815-239-2616
https://pecatonicalibrary.org/
03/02/2026 & 03/25/2026 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Quilters Group Held 1st Monday and 4th Wednesday every month.
03/03/2026
Every Tuesday 11:00 AM Story Time Geared towards ages 2-5. The children will hear stories, do crafts, and have a snack with their story time friends.
03/03/2026
Every Tuesday 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM LEGO Group Held in the History Room
03/05/2026 & 03/19/2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Quilter’s Swap For Quilters
3/12/2026 10:30 AM Coffee and Conversation Stonewall Café with owner Dee Anderson
Coffee and Conversation With Dee Anderson Stonewall Café
Hear Dee recount her experiences owning Stonewall Café, view her photo collection, and share your own stories about visiting the restaurant.
March 12, 2026, 10:30 AM
Pecatonica Public Library 400 W 11th Street
Believe it or not, the history of Saint Patrick is quite different from the folklore we
Patrick was born in Roman Britain (likely Scotland or Wales). He ended up in Ireland after being kidnapped by pirates at age 16.
Original depictions of Saint Patrick show him wearing associated with the holiday during the Irish Independence movement in the late 1700s.
ELEBRATIONS
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival.
• The Dry Spell: For most of the 20th century, St. Patrick Ireland, which meant all the pubs were closed. It wasn't until 1970 that it became a national holiday where the taps could flow freely.
s Green River: The Chicago River is dyed green every year, but it originally started as a way to track illegal sewage discharges. Today, they use about 40 lbs. of eco
EPRECHAUNS AND LUCK
The Pot of Gold: In Irish folklore, leprechauns were actually grumpy, solitary shoemakers. The idea that they are friendly little guys who give out gold is largely a modern (and mostly American) invention.
Shamrock vs. Four-Leaf Clover: They aren't the same! St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Finding a four mutation of the white clover plant, with odds of about 1 in 10,000.
3/1/2026 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Lady and The Tramp music
3/7/2026 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Vets-Roll Fundraiser @ Rascals
LOCATION
Lena Brewing Company 9416 Wagner Road Lena, IL 61048
3/28/2026 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Westlake Village Easter Egg Hunt
SAVE-THE In March?
Turning 65?
I’m here to help. Call me to learn more about your Medicare options.
Odis Thomas (815)222-7603 (TTY:711) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mon. A licensed agent will answer your call.
Rascals Bar & Grill 5223 Torque Road Loves Park, IL 61111
WLV Community Center 3677 Westlake Village Dr. Winnebago, IL
SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO…
Pro musical duo, Lady and The Tramp, better known as your WLV neighbors, Renee and Bill Kopp. Come to the Lena Brewing Co. for a nice Sunday afternoon of light rock hits, blues & jazz standards. Great vocal harmonies and incredible guitar solos!
$10 Meal Donation Receives a Pulled Pork Sandwich w/chips & a nonalcoholic drink with ALL proceeds benefiting Vets-Roll 2026.
For WLV residents and their family. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Gina: 815-235-4007
