This Monthly Matters is coming to you earlier than normal, but for a particularly good reason:

 

Changes have been announced regarding our recycling with Republic Services, Inc. Specifically, the change requires that no garbage bags be placed with any recycling.

 

Effective immediately, all recycling garbage collected at our clubhouse must be emptied into the recycling bin, but NOT the garbage bag used as a can liner. That bag should then be placed in the regular garbage bin.

 

Failure to do so can result in fines imposed on the Arbor Grove Homeowner’s Association. This new policy affects all homeowners as well. Some folks got emails, and others did not.

 

Remember, the only recyclable items are glass, clean cardboard (no pizza boxes), and plastic labeled with a recycling number of 1, 2, or 5.

 

Here is the exact message from Republic Services:

 

Dear Valued Republic Services Customer,

 

We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding recyclable materials placed in recycling containers.

 

Effective immediately, plastic bags of any kind—including clear bags—are not permitted inside recycling containers. All recyclable materials must be placed loose in the container.

 

Plastic bags create significant operational issues at recycling sorting centers. Bags become tangled in sorting equipment, causing shutdowns, safety concerns, and processing delays. Even clear bags interfere with automated sorting systems and cannot be properly processed.

 

Please be advised that contamination charges will apply for bagged recyclables in accordance with your agreed-upon service rates.

 

We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain safe, efficient, and sustainable recycling operations. Proper recycling practices allow us to continue providing reliable service while protecting our processing infrastructure.

 

Thank you for your continued partnership with Republic Services. If you have any questions regarding acceptable recycling materials, please contact your local Republic Services representative.

 

Sincerely,

While you may be inundated with TV, emails, and texts from political candidates from all over the country, there is one election – nonpolitical – the editors of Monthly Matters want to call your attention to: Arbor Grove Elections.

 

Every August, ballots are sent via mail or email to elect a new slate of board members. While we have been blessed with dedicated and talented board members, there is always good reason to welcome change and new ideas from a variety of folks in our community.

 

A recent exceptional article on the attorney firm Kovitz, Shifrin, Nesbit's blog highlighted what makes a good board member. The following are direct quotes from their blog:

 

Beyond titles and specific duties, effective board members share key qualities that strengthen community governance.

 

Not only did their blog address what makes a good board member, but it also highlighted the most important factor: the role of a community association's board. Their comments included….

"Board members are elected to represent the community and act in the best interest of the association as a whole. Regardless of title, all board members share three foundational fiduciary duties:

To read the full article on their blog, click here.

We ask everyone to take a bit of time to consider stepping into the ring and doing your part in keeping Arbor Grove the wonderful community we all know and love today.

 

Thanks so much to any and everyone who takes serving our board into consideration because: "The choices you make today will determine the quality of every tomorrow." — Robyn Norman.

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.

 

 

 

Because insurance can be confusing and complex, this Monthly Matters article is a recap of an article written by Sandi Frenzki from three years ago, updated to reflect current requirements. We've had new neighbors join in as Arbor Grove neighbors who may have questions, plus….a refresh isn't a bad idea once in a while.  

 

Anyone reading this article should know that once you purchase a home in Arbor Grove, a planned unit development, the Arbor Grove Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Easements and Restrictions voted in by you, the homeowner, is the guide to insurance requirements for both the HOA and the Homeowner.  Arbor Grove's and the homeowner's insurance policies work together to ensure your investment is fully covered.

 

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) is as follows:

 

·        Commercial Property Insurance – a policy that covers AG's common property, such as buildings from drywall out, shared roofs, clubhouse, swimming pool, etc.  Coverage provides for the replacement cost of the townhouse buildings, from the drywall out, including the building's exterior.  In layman's terms, nothing inside your home is covered by Arbor Grove – that's for your homeowner's insurance policy to cover!

·        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. None of us can imagine ever needing this coverage, but alas, it is required, and the Board will fulfill its obligations.

 

Last, but not least, we focus on you and your homeowner's insurance policy. (Again, for those so inclined, please refer to Article XV, 15.2 for Personal Liability Coverage and Unit Owner Insurance Responsibility.  This section of our Declarations and Covenants requires all of us to hold the following coverage:

 

Personal Liability coverage in a minimum of $1,000,000 - this coverage protects you from paying out of pocket if you (or another member of your household) are held legally responsible for injury or property damage to a third party.  Of course, you, the homeowner, can purchase more than $1,000,000 of liability coverage. Many do. 

 

Before we go any further in this article, we cannot stress the importance of meeting with your insurance agent enough and sharing the Declarations and Covenants with them to make sure you have proper coverage.  Hopefully, you will never need them, but as some of us have seen, the unimaginable sometimes becomes reality.

 

Several folks have questioned, "What if I have an umbrella policy to get my personal liability to $1,000,000?  Well, the reason it is unacceptable to have it outside your homeowner policy is that you may have been very unlucky and have to use part of that million-dollar policy for an automobile accident or personal liability outside your home.  So, yes, $1,000,000 personal liability within your actual HO6 policy is a must. 

 

 

·        Building Property Insurance – in some insurance company policies, but not all, this is where coverage for cabinets, counters, trim, sinks, toilets, flooring, patios, HVAC systems (heating and air conditioning), water heater, etc. is covered.  Ask your agent!

·        Personal Property – coverage for furniture, kitchen appliances, clothing, electronics, and other removable property items. While this is typically not the case, with some insurance companies it may include coverage for cabinets, counters, A/C unit, furnace, water heater, sinks, toilets, showers, flooring, trim, etc. Again – ask your agent!

·        Medical – provides for medical payments designed to reimburse your guest for medical expenses they incurred while in your unit, whether or not you are at fault.  

·        Loss of Use – helps pay for you to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired after a covered loss.

·        Loss Assessment – Homeowners of units may be liable for their share of the costs for repairs or large insurance deductibles on the HOA's master policy.  Building deductibles can be high and could be in the thousands of dollars per building. When a deductible becomes payable in a claim, the amount might be divided among all of us as unit owners, who benefit from everything being repaired properly.  Speak with your agent about Loss Assessment coverage.

 

Upon home insurance policy renewal, the insurance company provides a new Declaration sheet listing each category and the specific dollar amount of coverage.  Again, we recommend you review your annual declaration sheet with your insurance agent to ensure the dollar limits provide you ample coverage to protect your investment here at Arbor Grove.  Remember, as an owner in Arbor Grove, you are responsible for replacing everything in a unit, from drywall, in the event of an incident that damages the interior of your unit.

 

To ensure the HOA's master policy and the Homeowner's policy work together, you, as a homeowner, are required per the covenants to list the HOA as an "Additional Insured" on your homeowner's policy. Being listed as an Additional Insured not only ensures the Association receives a copy of your annual declarations page but also assures the Board that, in the event of a claim, all parties are considered and protected by our policies. The Additional Insured should be listed as: Arbor Grove Homeowners Association, 709 Arbor Parkway, Bourbonnais, IL 60914.

 

Not to sound like a broken record, but please, speak to your agent and share Article 15.1 and 15.2 regarding the insurance coverages both Arbor Grove and you are required to have! Insurance can be confusing.

 

God willing, you will never need it!

 

Stay Safe!

Sandi Frenzke

Arbor Grove Board Member

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! 

 

 

       ii. A minimum liability coverage of $1 million dollars is required on the insurance policy. (This coverage is independent of an umbrella policy)

 

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. 

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.