First, let’s address the coverage Arbor Grove is required to have (Article XV,15.1: Commercial Property Insurance if you are so inclined to look for yourself) as follows:

 

• General Liability Insurance – This coverage protects Arbor Grove in the rare instance of someone filing a claim, including bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and others that can arise from our operations.

• Directors & Officers Insurance – This insurance policy protects the board members in the event there is ever an accusation or lawsuit from a homeowner.

• Fidelity Bond – protects against theft or embezzlement by employees, directors, management personnel, or others who might have access to our funds. Not one of us can imagine ever needing this coverage, but alas, it is required, and the Board is going to fulfill its obligations.

Let’s start this month’s Monthly Matters with a little humor…..

 

 

While funny, the same can be said for anyone purchasing their home in any PUD or Condominium Association.  Yes, when you signed on the dotted line at closing, you agreed to the terms & conditions of the Association.

 

While the general by-laws, declaration of covenants, and guidelines were set at the time Arbor Grove was originally established, the first-ever Board of Directors established the Arbor Grove Rules Committee.

 

The purpose of the committee is to periodically review the declarations, covenants, guidelines, etc. The Rules Committee then makes recommendations to the Board and ensures they are kept up-to-date, all for the end result of assuring residents our community will remain attractive, well-maintained, having continuity in appearance, and continue as a harmonious place to live.

 

Only the Board has the authority to accept or reject committee recommendations for “guidelines.” Any change to “covenants” and/or “bylaws” must receive approval from 67% of Arbor Grove homeowners (referred to as “the membership”). Of course, Illinois State law can also affect the need for changes.  Please know, all changes are sent to our attorney to ensure we are in full compliance with the law.

 

Nine Arbor Grove homeowners serve on the Rules Committee.  They all take this responsibility seriously and have spent countless hours reviewing documents and discussing potential recommendations for change.  Your neighbors who serve are:

  Mark Argyelan and Jean Henley, Co-chairs

  Marlo Beeman

  Karen Denoyer

  Marlene Ganci

  Debbie Helgeson

  Donna Miller

  Lois Ware

When you run into any of these fine people, please be sure to extend a “thank you” their way.

 

All the documents relating to rules, regulations, by-laws, covenants, etc., are available on this website under the “Documents” tab.

 

While all the information in these documents is essential, the committee recommends you pay particular attention to the following:

  Article VIII – Meetings and finance

  Article XI    - Resale of units 

  Article XV   - Insurance

 

And all three pages of the “Community Guidelines” and “Use of Amenities.”

 

Finally, the rules committee was not put in place to police violations but to recommend sensible suggestions to make our Arbor Grove community the most enjoyable place to live in the county. Anyone with a suggestion for change, don’t hesitate to reach out to any committee member.

 

This article began with a little humor to bring a smile upon your face.  

 

In closing, our current By-laws and Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Easements, and Restrictions, last updated in 2022, are good for the next 39 years.  Yes, 39 years!  In the meantime, who knows what might change. If anything does change, the Rules Committee and Board will be sure you are aware. 

 

When someone has a good idea and runs with it, wow, what can be accomplished.

 

That good idea, the creation of Arbor Grove Social Committee, stems from the team of Judy Oosterhoff and Judy Balthazor, our very first Social Committee Co-Chairs.

 

According to Judy O, the inaugural Social Committee “Was FABULOUS.”  The initial group of members agreed that the top priority was to survey every Arbor Grove resident to find out what concerns they had and what activities they might enjoy. Remember, Arbor Grove is about the lifestyle!

 

The original surveys had somewhat surprising results.  The first concern was Fire Safety, Medical Safety, and Personal Safety. Hearing those concerns, Judy O met with BFPD Fire Chief. Chief St. Louis came to Arbor grove and made an informational presentation to a standing-only crowded clubhouse. Chief presented information on fires, fire safety, smoke alarms, and the ‘Knox Box’ Program. That’s when they developed a schedule for the fire department to make rounds in the Fall to those folks wanting batteries changed in their smoke alarms and annual dryer vent cleaning. Folks started signing up for the Knox Box program as well as the File of Life program.  Over 60 magnetic documentation files were distributed. More are still available in the Clubhouse! Thankfully, Linda Klette continues to organize these activities.

 

The next top category was a ‘Welcoming’ Sub-Committee to welcome new residents moving to Arbor Grove. New neighbors benefited not only from a friendly face but a great packet of information about Arbor Grove as well as our local government, educational, library, and park districts. This sub-committee is still in place today and, as many now know, an extremely important component in enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhood.

 

Now, to the more social aspects (The fun, yes, the fun!).  Initially, the regular Social Committee activities involved the monthly Movie Night, Friday Night Happy Hours, Golf Outing, Garden/Patio Walking tour, and a Christmas Get-together (Now our Annual Tree-Trimming Party/Happy Hour and Secret Santa.

 

As we now know – Arbor Grove Social Committee, now led by Judy Balthazor and Karen Denoyer, took the reins and marched forward, creating an incredible array of fun activities.  Judy, Karen, and the Committee Members are creative, full of fun ideas, and open to suggestions for new events for all to enjoy.

 

What many may not know is that this very important committee costs the homeowner’s association, not one penny!  Neighbors who choose to attend events and take part make donations to support the committee in creating opportunities for events and enhancing the fun!

 

Just think, this committee has added a spectacular array of events in a few short years.  We think you’ll be impressed and have fond memories of good times as you review the list below.  Oh, and don’t forget, there are pictures of many of these events on the website.  Look at the fun!

          

Large Events:             Kentucky Derby

                                 Summer Poolside Brunch

                                 Mocktails and Cocktails (New!)

                                 Patriotic Day

                                 Chili Cook-off

                                 Octoberfest

                                 Italian Night

                                 Wine Tasting

                                 Ladies of Arbor Grove Craft Fair

                                 Christmas Tree Decorating/Secret Santa

 

Pop-Ups                     Bingo with Bernie

                                 Trivia with Jean Henley

                                 Euchre

                                 Bean Bags

                                 Garden Walk

                                 Movie Night

                                 Canasta

                                 Book Club (typically the last Thursday of the month)

 

Weekly                       Monday Mahjong

                                 Tuesday Coffee

                                 Wednesday Lunch (rotating at local restaurants)

                                 Thursday Game Night

                                 Thursday Men’s Breakfast (Summer months at local restaurants)

 

WHEW!  There’s always something going on in Arbor Grove.  Thanks to everyone involved in the Social Committee – You make our little world in the Grove a better place to live.

 

 

Social Committee Members

 

Judy Balthazor Co-Chair

Karen Denoyer Co-Chair

Rosemary Wieliczko, Board Liaison
 

Cathy Allers

Now, let’s get social with the social committee.