Finally, spring has sprung. So far, we’ve had a wet spring, which has helped in getting our lawns off to a great start. This really helps and reduces the early running of our irrigation system.

 

As lovely as spring has been, we all know what’s coming next with the summer heat and dry periods, so it seems like a good time to remind everyone that our irrigation system does nothing to help the landscaped rock areas around the perimeter of your homes. Please, if you can, water the shrubs and plants; it really helps. Replacing dead trees and shrubs due to a lack of water is a huge cost. If you cannot water but have a hose, please ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to help.

 

Also, the landscaped rock area tight to the perimeter of your home is where we need your help. Our mowing vendor is contracted to perform spring and fall cleaning and shrub trimming in those areas. They do not address the weeds.

 

A couple of years ago, a team of volunteers came together, our AG Weed Warriors. These volunteers help with the common areas throughout the property. They can also help owners who cannot pull weeds themselves. If you need help with this, please let me or any landscape committee member know, and we will try to have someone assigned to help.

 

Our 2027 AG Weed Warriors are:  Cathy Allers, Alice Argyelan, Larry Beeman, Lana Berns and Karl Berns, Sandi Frenzke, Jan Ford, Art Fox, John Hart, Diedra Richards, Sharon Shiller, and Lois Ware.

 

In addition, I want to thank those who sent landscape requests that identified shrubs or trees that did not make it through the winter. We have a list compiled and continually updated.  The committee is working with our vendors on getting the old out and the new planted.  This is a work in process, so please be patient.  We want to be sure we make the right choice to ensure our plantings thrive and future success.

 

We hope to turn on the irrigation system very soon.  We are working to fix one issue and then will start it up ASAP.  We will continue watering in the evening hours, each zone done twice per week (unless we have enough rain).

 

Thanks to every homeowner for your help with landscaping, as well as our entire Landscape Committee Members:

 

Cathy Allers, Alice Argyelan, Larry Beeman, Lana Berns, Sandi Frenzke, Jan Ford, Brenda Randazzo, Diedra Richards, Donna Scott, and Lois Ware

 

From almost the exact moment Arbor Grove Homeowner’s Association was formed, neighbors stepped up to volunteer to help ensure our 22-acre community and the land surrounding our buildings are well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. The goal is healthy lawns, plants, shrubs, and trees – resulting in good curb appeal.

 

The original Landscaping Chairpersons were Sandy Davis and Lois Ware. These two Master Gardeners rolled up their sleeves, pulled out their shovels and wheelbarrows, and did an amazing job with a variety of neighbors volunteering here and there, including Wayne Tholen, who offered sage advice.

 

Over the years, our subdivision has been completely built out, with so much more to take care of. As we grew, more and more neighbors jumped on board to become part of this active community, which, to this very day, invites all members to help keep it in tip-top shape. Recently, the committee welcomed Bob Bond as our new Landscape Committee Chairperson. But of course, former chairpersons Lana Berns and Brenda Randazzo, and our entire committee, will be at his side to lend support.

 

The Landscape Committee is, as always, wanting to welcome new members! Anyone interested in lending a helping hand, offering their expertise and time, or just experiencing the sheer joy of working in the sunshine while keeping our greenspace looking great, reach out to Bob and join our fine committee.

 

         Members include:

                          Cathy Allers                          Alice Argyelan             Larry Beeman
                          Lana Berns                           Jan Ford                     Brenda Randazzo

                          Diedra Richards                     Sandi Frenzke             Donna Scott

 

•   Spring survey of all trees and shrubbery, late March/early April, to note any winter damage, dead bushes, and declining shrubbe 
•   The landscape vendor will be on site for Spring cleanup again in late March/early April.
•   Mowing will begin in mid-April/May.
•   The irrigation system will be opened typically at the beginning of May.
•   And anything else that comes our way.

 

About a year ago, an edition of Monthly Matters covered the ability for folks here in Arbor Grove to log in to our website and update their Directory contact information to include Emergency Contact Information. 

 

Since then, some people have taken advantage of that.  Thank the Lord, we have not had to utilize any of that information! This month, we want to re-encourage everyone to please complete their Emergency Contact Information.  If you don’t believe us on how important it can be, take a look at some of the bullet points the Illinois State Police wrote to explain why they believe it is important.  They even have a site where you can register with the ISP! 

 

Before we get started on this month’s topic, a huge thanks and shout out to our Maintenance Committee, Co-Chaired by Rich Allers and Scott Stevenson; ably assisted by committee members Rick Balthazor, Joe Donovan, Sandy Frenzke, Mike Magruder, Terry Schaafsma, John Wieliczko, with pond maintenance members John Hart and Bob Bonds.

 

Just as your health is best maintained with a bit of exercise and regular check-ins with your physicians, and your cars need regular oil changes, tires, and maintenance, the same applies to your home. Our homes require regular and preventative maintenance, too.

 

Interestingly, according to a study conducted by Sears Home Services in 2024, when they looked at home maintenance habits, maintenance isn’t a “top priority for American Homeowners.”  Not waiting until something leaks or breaks is very important!

 

Between maintenance recommendations from Rich Allers, American Home Inspectors Trainers, and lots of recommendations available online, there is a plethora of great suggestions for home maintenance, including schedules.

 

Some of the schedules available online, like the one from AHIT, include exterior maintenance, which thankfully, our Maintenance Committee and Landscape Committees take care of on your behalf. One recommendation for the exterior of your home did catch our eye – the suggestion was to walk around the outside of your home and just observe what is going on. If something doesn’t look right – complete a Maintenance Request Form to report a concern.  We need to keep our exteriors in great condition.

 

The same can be said about your home’s interior. Walk around and make a note of anything that looks off. If it needs attention, take care of it if you cannot; be sure to contact your favorite vendor or visit the Arbor Grove Website to look at the recommended vendors we have used throughout the years.

 

If you are away from your home for an extended period, especially during the winter months, please remember to have someone regularly check the interior of your home. Regular interior checks help prevent costly damage and provide peace of mind while you are away.

 

Before you leave for an extended period: 

·       Arrange for a trusted neighbor, friend, or professional service to inspect your home at least once a week.

·       Ensure they check for signs of water leaks, temperature changes, or any unusual occurrences inside the house.

·       Keep your emergency contact information up to date on the Arbor Grove website. 

·       Have a Knox box installed outside your home to provide a way for first responders to access your home if needed. A Knox box is a secure and trusted rapid access device for First Responders, removing barriers to entry and minimizing property damage in case of a 911 emergency.

 

All that being said, we have tried to put together a comprehensive checklist. It is not the be-all-end-all by any means, just a compilation of information available. Click Here for a suggested “interior” maintenance checklist.

Arbor Grove is a thriving community. We have good, caring neighbors and many opportunities for activity if we choose to join; we have a well-kept, clean pool, and a lovely community space for social gatherings… all in all, we have a wonderful place to call home.

 

All of this is thanks to the many, many neighbors who volunteer their expertise and time. The Board of Directors, the Maintenance, Finance, Pool, and Social committees. This article, however, is going to focus on landscaping, and the many hands it takes to keep our properties looking so nice.

 

Is everything perfect? Seldom, but we have a team here in Arbor Grove that tries very hard to make it so. Budgets. Now there’s a troubling word. Rising taxes. rising insurance. rising labor, materials, etc., etc.  Here in the Grove, we have come to expect a certain standard, verdant, dandelion-free lawns, manicured shrubbery, healthy trees, yet this all comes at a cost.  

 

As homeowners we understand the balance between what we Want, and what we are willing to afford.  Our landscape committee has been meeting the challenge of keeping the budget under control while still maintaining our grounds in the beautiful condition we see today.  One way of achieving this is by asking for a little help, reminding each homeowner that WE, are each, “responsible for maintaining our own property to be aesthetically pleasing to the community.”  This means our rocky areas should be free from weeds.  Yes, the developers used to take care of that, but those days are past.   Therefore, rather than putting even more pressure on an already strained budget, your board and landscaping committee are asking for us all to do our part. It is a small job, a little bottle of ‘SPRUCE’ sprayed on those tough thistles, a few minutes of picking, and voila!  A tidy backdrop for your pretty potted plants.   For those that are physically unable to maintain their small areas, the landscape committee can arrange for a volunteer to help out.

 

Arbor Grove is an attractive and harmonious place to live; because we are good neighbors, we are a community, people willing to work for a common goal.

 

   * Spruce is a recommended weed killer that is safe around children and pets, available locally at Ace, Meijer, other stores in and around Bourbonnais. 

Yes, summer is upon us.  With May Day, the official celebratory day of Spring, coming later this week, there is much to look forward to.   

 

On May 5th, our pool service folks will be on hand to get the pool ready for opening. 

 

Once again, we have assembled a wonderful group of volunteers to help care for this season.  Thanks to:  Gary Goselin, Barry Gadbois, Bob and Ronda Bond, Mike and Mary Magruder, Steve Husak, Mary Schweigert, John Hart, John Wieliczko, and Mark and Alice Argyelan. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being Prepared is Just Being Smart!

 

By now, we hope every neighbor knows Arbor Grove is a great place to live!! We are lucky enough to be surrounded by neighbors who honestly care about each other. 

 

That being said, things can go sideways.  When they do, we want to be as prepared as possible.  One step to be prepared is to be sure you have an emergency contact on file with Arbor Grove. No one is prying; it is just to be sure you and your home are safe if something goes sideways.  As the song goes, “There is a season for everything.” Now is the season for our Board to gather much-needed Emergency Contact Information for all residents if you are willing to share it. All emergency contact information is kept completely and exclusively private and is only accessible by a Board member.  They are only there in case of emergency and are never to be accessed for any other reason. 

 

Everyone in Arbor Grove, especially those who live alone, is the obvious answer. It is also crucial for residents who leave for any period (yes, you snowbirds). The Board also encourages everyone, especially snowbirds and those who live alone, to have a Knox Box. A Knox Box, coupled with emergency contact information on file, can save valuable time in an unfortunate case of emergency.

Where will my Emergency Contact Information (ECI) be kept, and who can see it?

 

Your ECI will be kept in your profile on the Arbor Grove website.  That way, you can update it anytime your life situation changes. No other residents can see your information. ONLY a Board member will be able to view your ECI in an emergency. 

 

 

Family, friends, neighbors, roommates, and coworkers are great choices for emergency contacts, but it's important to consider who might be the most useful if faced with a real emergency. Ideally, your emergency contact should know your essential health information and where to find your legal documents. This information includes your medical history, current medical conditions, medications, and previous surgeries or hospitalizations.

 

Just click on this link to access your Profile. You will need to log on using your username and password. Your current profile has blank fields for Emergency Contact name and phone number. Remember the format for phone numbers is ten digits and must include the dashes (000-000-0000).   You will see a box in which you can provide additional information, including a second emergency contact if you’d like. Please remember to include their phone number. You can also enter your information by logging on to the website, selecting “Your Profile” in the upper right-hand corner, and then selecting “Update Profile.”

REMEMBER TO HIT SAVE at the bottom of the page.

How can I change the information once I’ve entered it?

You can change your EC information anytime by going to your Profile at the top right of the website and selecting Update Profile from the list of options.

 

Are you having any difficulties? Please don’t hesitate to contact Rosemary Wieliczko at rwieliczko@aol.com for help or to ask questions.

 

Please take time to complete this vital information. A couple of minutes can make a huge difference in surviving an emergency.