In this Season of Thanks, our focus shifts to our wonderful volunteers right here in Arbor Grove. The committees highlighted below (in random order) are essential, beneficial, and as hard-working as the next. A complete list of volunteers is at the end of this article.

 

Maintenance Committee: The maintenance committee is vital to keeping our infrastructure in good condition.  We are blessed in Arbor Grove to have so many knowledgeable folks with incredible professional experience in electricity, plumbing, heating, and construction.  Their response to requests is fabulous, with 34 requests addressed so far in 2025.  As many of you know, they have also addressed some issues just by folks raising concerns. Please keep in mind that you use the website so that we can track issues!!  If someone on this committee can’t get it done, they know who is the best option for securing a contractor.  For large projects, they also go through the oh so important process of issuing RFP’s (Request for Proposal), so Arbor Grove knows the price is fair and reasonable and that proper insurance and licenses are in place.

 

Landscape Committee: As Arbor Grove ages, the efforts surrounding landscape issues continue to grow.  Just this past year, there were 44 new landscape requests; some were really large and involved. The number of shrub replacements has grown. Area-wide projects, such as pavers, rocks, and general community landscape areas, continue in progress. Most recently, the bagworm infestation of our beautiful evergreen trees was addressed.

 

To aid our neighbors who cannot get out to address issues in their immediate landscape areas, Weed Warriors was formed.  The weed warriors all went out and about to weed and help keep our community tidy. This committee was instrumental in getting our irrigation system schedule altered to watering in the evening hours for healthier lawns.  It has made a difference.

 

Unknown to many is the fact that the Landscape Committee also oversees snow removal.  Remember, as the temps drop and snow flies, keep your cars parked in or at your garage, not in the turnarounds, so our snowplows can be effective.

 

Pool/Clubhouse Committee: This committee has had a great year, a year without any major breakdowns (knock on wood!). Reservations for clubhouse rentals were managed and facilities checked after parties were made, cleaning services, and maintenance needed were all handled without issue.  As a bonus, through the charity of fellow neighbors who wish to remain anonymous, great additions and upgrades were made. Our pool table was repaired and re-felted, two new round tables and chairs for the living room, two more folding round tables and more folding tables were donated.  All have made a great difference.  The Committee can’t wait to get new carpet in 2026!!!

 

On the pool side of things, our pool volunteers were absolutely fabulous about ensuring the pool was clean, had proper chemical levels for your health and safety.  Many may not realize the pool chemicals are checked twice a day, shocked once per week, with the hot tub being drained every 2 weeks.  

 

Social Committee: Who doesn’t look forward to receiving an email or reading the Arbor Grove website to learn about an upcoming fun event.  Well, it is this essential committee putting the fun times in Arbor Grove.  The events keep growing in number and variety, with even some new, great excursions added to the mix. This committee is unique in that it is 100% self-sustaining financially by donations from attendees.  They do a tremendous amount of good for zero cost to the Association coffers. Putting on a social event at Arbor Grove takes quite a bit of effort and talents. From planning, decorating, and getting volunteers to host, the list goes on.  Every year just gets better and better! We’re personally looking forward to seeing what 2026 brings.

 

It is a group of Social Committee members who also volunteer their time welcoming new residents, spending time to give them a new owner orientation to ensure everyone is familiar with Arbor Community Guidelines, Use of Amenities, and how to navigate the website.

 

Rules Committee: This group volunteers their time to annual review of and sometimes recommend changes to our Covenants and Conveyances, By-Laws, and General Guidelines for Arbor Grove. They also try to keep on top of changes to Illinois condo laws to ensure we are in compliance.  No sense complaining if you don’t like the way a guideline or rule is in place within the subdivision because all suggestions are welcome. Doesn’t mean there will be a change, they will consider and discuss recommendations made.  The Covenants and Conveyances, By-Laws and Guidelines are lengthy, detailed documents, but don’t worry, you don’t have to be an attorney to join this group.  Legal guidance is provided by our wonderful attorneys. 

 

Finance Committee: The bedrock of keeping Arbor Grove a financially sound homeowners association is our Finance Committee.  Yes, every committee does their part to keep within budget, but this amazing group contemplates and works to create the annual budgets for each fiscal year. Once the budget is approved, it is monitored regularly to ensure we are keeping within budget. Yes, emergencies happen, but this group is amazing at finding a way to manage our funds incredibly well on our behalf.  Residents are able to look up our financials just by accessing this website and searching under the “Documents” tab.  This committee also reviews our reserve study to discern if changes need to be made.  Many may be unaware, but State of Illinois requires that an HOA must have reserve fund. Being so financially sound, makes Arbor Grove a much more desirable homeowners association in which to buy.

 

Board of Directors: While technically not a committee, they are the folks who work with the committees to ensure we are on a good path.  The board established policies on dollar amounts each committee is allowed to spend (within budget of course) before going to the board to request approval.  Each board member is assigned to a committee as the “Board Liaison” to ensure communication flows between the board and the committees on a regular basis. Every member of the board takes their responsibility seriously and puts time, attention and effort into all things Arbor Grove.  

 

Anyone wanting to be a board member just needs to run for election held at the September General Meeting. Anyone wanting to join a committee just needs to reach out to the committee chairperson to get involved.  The more the merrier!

 

Please take a moment to Click Here to view the committees, the chairpersons and wonderful committee members who volunteer on behalf of YOU! 

 

Again, boy oh boy, are we thankful. 

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. 

First off, Arbor Grove Homeowners Association has an incredible group of folks who comprise The Finance Committee. The finance committee assists the association board, particularly the HOA treasurer, in myriad ways. They are our quiet heroes who function all year long with little glitz or glamour. So, let’s take a quick look at what the Finance Committee does. 

 

 

Preparing the annual budget is one of the significant tasks of Arbor Grove’s finance committee. Creating a line-by-line breakdown of expenses and revenue is a tedious and time-consuming task. 

 

 

As part of the Annual Budget process, the Reserve Plan is updated to ensure monies are available when needed for major repairs and replacements, as well as unexpected expenses or emergencies. It's similar to a savings account; the funds will only be used when there is a need for them.

 

 

Under the direction of Dianne, Marlene Ganci performs the day-to-day bookkeeping needed to keep track of all the money coming in and out of our accounts. They monitor bank reconciliations to ensure everything is in order and that funds are available to pay bills and keep funds invested. Maintaining financial records to create realistic budgets and file accurate tax returns is essential. 

 

 

While the committee oversees the finances, they do not have the authority to make financial decisions on behalf of the HOA. They review and recommend the relevant information. The board will make decisions for the association on whether to increase HOA fees to cover expenses or limit spending. Those who attended the last board meeting were on hand as the budget was reviewed and discussed. Every resident will have an opportunity to review the budget prior to it being finalized at the September Annual Arbor Grove Meeting.

 

We are lucky to have Arbor Grove Finance Committee led by co-chairpersons Dianne Schaafsma, a Certified Public Accountant, and Rosemary Wieliczko, who has had an extensive career in banking. Both co-chairs have solid financial backgrounds. The remaining committee members come with a variety of business experiences and have a keen pulse on all things financial.

 

 

It may seem redundant, but the Maintenance Committee is another example of the exemplary talent and volunteer spirit we have here at Arbor Grove.

 

We have been incredibly lucky to have so many talented folks over the years with the knowledge and skill sets to assist Arbor Grove with projects and, oftentimes, save us all money when we don’t have to hire contractors.  Can’t imagine the amount of funds we have saved by volunteering at the Pool by Barry Gadbois and Garry Goselin.  Yikes! Time and again, they step up to the plate. Rich Allers, along with Scott Stevenson, co-chair this committee.

 

Even in instances where a professional needs to be hired, this fine committee has the knowledge to ensure the work is necessary, priced right, and completed in a proper manner.  Maintenance Committee members have even gone above and beyond to help repair or lend advice for a problem within the interior of a home, which is totally outside their responsibility. They’re just good neighbors.

 

Whether it is getting concrete work done, roofs replaced/repaired, taking care of the pond and fountain, and now, overseeing the rebuild of the 707 Unit, they’re on it.

 

Along with co-chairs Rich and Scott, the team is made up of Rick Balthazor, Joe Donovan, Sandi Frenzki, Gary Goselin, Jack Dorn, Terry Schaafsma, John Wieliczko, Barry Gadbois, and their very newest member and Arbor Grove resident, Mike Magruder.  Mike has already been instrumental in working with pool/hot tub issues.

 

Have an issue? Don’t call or text; go right to this website, click on the Committees tab, then click on Maintenance/Pool/Pond. This takes you to the page where the form resides so you can report your issue to be addressed by the maintenance committee. Not only is it the fastest way to get the committee involved, but the website also automatically sends your information to the appropriate person to address the issue and get it resolved as soon as feasibly possible.

 

Using the website to complete the request also tracks the issue so we have documentation and can study various inputs to determine where future issues may occur; for example, Information on the website identified that we had one of our units had significantly more issues with shingles blowing off than all others.  It turns out that the unit was constructed during the winter months, and apparently, shingles applied during cold weather don’t stick as well as those applied during the warmer months.

The maintenance committee also functions as the architectural committee. Any projects residents wish to address outside their units are subject to the committee’s approval.  Some common requests include installing or expanding a patio, putting up (or taking down) a fence, installing a generator, painting your door, installing a storm door, etc.  These issues all require approval from the committee.  Reasons for this include:

• General aesthetics – to ensure that all units maintain a level of conformity that maintains the standard of the community.
• To confirm licensed and bonded contractors do all upgrades.  This is to ensure that proper materials and methods are used.  This also protects Arbor Grove from potential liability issues due to sub-standard workmanship.

Hopefully, few of us need to report an issue to the Maintenance/Pool/Pond Committee, but if we do, it is an easy process. Best of all, you can trust this fine group to do whatever they can to rectify an issue or address a concern. 

 

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.