Liberty Lakes Condominium Association

Arbor Day Tree Planting

2011-05-22T16:37:00.004-05:00

Two Announcements -- Tree Planting and Garage Sale

2011-04-27T12:16:00.004-05:00

Arbor Day Tree Planting -- May 21st

(Click to enlarge)

(with healthy snacks, beverages, nature activities and planting of a few trees.)

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Neighborhood Garage Sale -- June 17th and 18th
(NOTE: These represent a change in date.)

(with followup of Salvation Army picking up unsold items the following week)

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And for your calendar:

Saturday, September 10th from 12:30 to 3:30pm

Block Party with food, beverages, entertainment, games, prizes, visit from Officials, Fire & Police Department and family/pet parade

(flyer to follow mid-summer)

Block Party Photos

2010-09-19T10:34:00.002-05:00

...from the September 12th gathering can be found here.

Community Roundup

2010-08-22T20:08:00.003-05:00

Today the Wauconda Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Community Roundup for the Liberty Lakes community in Fieldbrook Park, which featured vendor booths, Bike Safety Rodeo, live bands, Maxx the Police Dog, a bike parade, and free games and activities, and ice cream all afternoon.

They also sponsor a Farmers' Market every Thursday from 3-7 PM through October 7th on Main Street in downtown Wauconda!

Annual Block Party on September 12th!

2010-08-14T06:32:00.003-05:00

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Neighborhood Garage Sale June 25th & 26th

2010-06-12T14:12:00.004-05:00

--Click to enlarge--

Homeowners Annual Meeting and Board Election

2009-05-26T21:23:00.000-05:00

...was held Tuesday, May 26. 2009. The newly elected Board is comprised of (l to r) Chris Stec, Nicole Zanon-Tocke, Bruce Phillips, Mark Chavin, and Thomas Preston.

Congratulations to all five board members, and thanks for your willingness to continue serving on the board!

Annual Meeting and Election...

2009-05-16T16:14:00.002-05:00

... is Tuesday, May 26, 2009, starting at 6:30pm, and will be held at the Wauconda Public Library.

The purpose is the election of new Board of Directors, and 20% of owners must vote to hold this meeting (by attendance or proxy.)

Proxies are available if you can't make it. Call 847-882-1696 for information or answers to questions.

Liberty Lakes Condo Association Neighborhood Garage Sale

2009-05-16T16:10:00.002-05:00

... is Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th, from 8am to 4 pm.

The association will provide the advertising and obtain the village permit. Each association member is responsible for your own sales.

For info, email LibertyLakes@aol.com

Arbor Day Tree Planting - April 25, 2009

2009-04-26T19:31:00.002-05:00

The Arbor Day tree planting has been captured in photos here.

The Seven Wonders of Illinois...

2009-03-21T09:52:00.006-05:00

...were chosen in 2007 from thousands of nominations by citizens. The Illinois Bureau of Tourism whittled the list down to 84 destinations representing 12 from each of the state's seven regions, and Illinois residents then voted online for their favorite locales, which are:

Northern: Starved Rock State Park near Utica
Central: Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello
Western: Black Hawk State Historic Site near Rock Island
Southern: Rend Lake, Benton
Southwest: Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway (Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers)
Chicago: Wrigley Field
Chicagoland: Baha'i House of Worship, Wilmette

(More photos of Illinois are available here.)

======================

Did you know Illinois is an Algonquin Indian word that means “tribe of superior men”? Following you'll find interesting facts about Illinois along with up-to-date Illinois visitor and economic impact information.

2007 Illinois Tourism Visitor Information

The largest drawing tourist destination is Chicago's Navy Pier
In 2007, Illinois welcomed nearly 89 million domestic visitors, 20.5 million for business and nearly 68.2 million for leisure purposes. The top five states providing visitors to Illinois were Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Missouri.
More than 1.1 million overseas visitors traveled to Illinois in 2007 ranking Illinois tied for 6th most popular U.S. state. The top five markets for international visitors to Illinois were Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany and Japan.
Illinois ranked 9th in the U.S. in its share of total domestic travel and 6th in traveler spending.
The average age of Illinois leisure visitors was 45; the majority were married and they had an average annual household income of $73,000.
Primary activities for leisure travelers to Illinois included shopping, dining, entertainment, touring/sightseeing,

(from Illinois Bureau of Tourism)

Liberty Lakes Arbor Day Celebration 4/25/09

2009-03-20T12:58:00.003-05:00

(Please click on the announcement to enlarge)

Millennium Trail extensions of Fall, 2008

2009-01-07T16:29:00.002-06:00

The Millennium Trail, which abuts our community, opened 2 extensions this fall.

The first extension extends the trail a mile beyond the Fish Lake Road/Gilmer Road Trailhead parking lot. The segment is under the auspices of the Forest Preserve District though at least part of the extension was paid for by the Village of Volo as part of a land-swap agreement. As seen in this photo, the trail is paved, indicating horses will not be allowed west of the trailhead.

The trail weaves across a former corn field and then travels between the Autumn Grove and Symphony Meadows sub-divisions as seen below. Though unfinished in this photo, the trail was paved a few month later.

As I understand it, the Village of Volo is responsible for this segment through the sub-division, then up a wooded hillside and down the other side as it circles in front of the new Volo Village Hall. It then parallels Fish Lake Road, crosses Route 60, over to and across Route 120, and then north along Fish Lake Road to the as yet undeveloped Marl Flat Forest Preserve. The new paved extension at this point is built atop the new buried Nicor gas pipeline. Continuation into Marl Flat Preserve will be a future construction project, hopefully in 2009.

The second extension is a 2 mile long spur trail heading east from the Route 176/Fairfield intersection, with the new trail running between Route 176 and the dog exercise area, ...

... and then into and through the former Four Winds Golf Course property to Gilmer Road. A future underpass will take the trail under Gilmer and into the undeveloped Ray Lake Farm Forest Preserve. The section of the trail through the golf course is sited on a magnificent wooded hillside of mature trees and includes water features. A bridge is being constructed over a finger of the lake, and the former golf cart paths add additional mileage to a ride or walk there.

Thanks to the Lake County Forest Preserve District for acquiring and developing these new lands!

December Board Meeting

2008-12-03T19:30:00.000-06:00

Liberty Lakes Condo Association
Board of Directors Meeting

is scheduled for

Tuesday, December 9th, 6:30 P.M.

at the

Wauconda Public Library-Lincoln Room

Food Drive A Success!

2008-11-15T22:16:00.001-06:00

Thank you to everyone who donated to the 2nd Annual Liberty Lakes Condo Association Food Drive. Through a number of generous neighbors we will be delivering over 25 bags of groceries to the Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry which is a huge sucess. Even through these difficult economic times this year many people opened their hearts and their pocket books to give to the less fortunate in our community. Thanks again to all who participated.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Sincerely,
The Liberty Lakes Condo Association Social Committee

Food Drive

2008-10-24T13:22:00.002-05:00

Liberty Lakes Condo Association will be collecting donations for the Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry

During this holiday season, it is time to give back and help the less fortunate in our community

Items Needed:

Paper Goods (paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, baby wipes), Canned Goods, and Nonperishable Items

Drop Off Date: Saturday, November 15th

When: 10:00pm-4:00pm

Where: 2835 B Cattail Court

If you have any questions please email the Liberty Lakes Condo Association Social Committee at
LibertyLakes@aol.com

Ice Cream Social and Pooch Party

2008-07-19T16:10:00.001-05:00

Driveway Sealing

2008-07-15T11:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks, Board, for taking care of this important maintenance issue. The process was pretty painless despite the uncooperative weather. Here's a look at the results:

Wauconda Rodeo

2008-07-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly -- a rodeo in suburban Chicago! In fact, it was the 45th Annual Wauconda Rodeo, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. I'd love to show you all sorts of great photos of the events using my 300mm telephoto lens, but the "production company" prohibits cameras from even being brought into the facility, much less used to snap pictures. What bullshit! I did, however, get a shot of the stunning sunset from the stands, using my dinky 2MP iPhone camera...

Featuring cowboys from the International Professional Rodeo Association, we watched steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding. A troupe of 8 ladies also performed an equestrian precision riding demonstration. And of course, the clowns were there, too. Again -- I'm sorry I can't show you action shots from the events. I guess you'll just have to go to next year's rodeo and see it live yourself.

Annual "Give Back to your Community Day"...

2008-07-10T16:35:00.000-05:00

... is scheduled for Saturday, November 15th.

2nd Annual Block Party...

2008-07-10T16:34:00.000-05:00

... is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 13th.

Board Meeting 7/21/08

2008-07-10T16:30:00.001-05:00

The next board meeting is at 6:30 pm at the Wauconda Library. All homeowners are invited to attend.

WaucondaFest 2008

2008-07-02T06:43:00.004-05:00

WaucondaFest 2008 was another hit! We attended all 4 days, and here are a few of the highlights we managed to catch while we were there (click on photos to enlarge):

The big tent always hosts a Taste of Wauconda, featuring nearly a dozen local restaurants, from Oriental to BBQ to burgers and brats to ice cream sensations, and more!

The rides are always popular with the kids and teens, and the games of chance also drew participants...

... but the adults were enjoying the annual appearance of American English, the premier Beatles cover band in Chicagoland, and according to Sam Leach, the original promoter of the Beatles, "The best Beatle band on the planet!" and "The Beatles Incarnate" after hearing them -- and now he promotes them. Although Chicago is their base of operations, in August they highlight International Beatle Week in Liverpool, England.

The Rockaholics featured our mayor on bass guitar...

Saturday we caught the first performance by the All American Lumberjacks Show. They compete in 10 events with this "on the road" tour group, and five were demonstrated for us at this performance (the other 5 would be at the next performance.) The two competitors were both young guys, both college grads (Univ. of Minnesota and Winona State), and both World Champs -- one five timer and one a seven-time champ -- so these were high profile competitors. One competition was chainsaw cutting while on a spring board up on a pole. Normally they'd be way up a tall pole, but not today...

Another race used high-performance chainsaws and they made 2 cuts through 10 inch hardwood -- one downward and one upward -- in 4 seconds! Jamie is finishing his down cut and about to cut back upwards...

Another competition was axe throwing, but my favorite was the log boom run. Five lathe-rounded cedar logs were tied together and floating in a 10,000 gallon tank, and each guy had to dash 50 feet across and the 50 feet back against the clock. As the logs bounced and rotated and became wet, it became tougher to complete...

... and each fell several times into the 50 degree water, which of course wet their $300 shoes which have 30 spikes each. Here Jamie falls, but Jamie's 3rd run was round-trip in 7 seconds (he is the world record holder at 6 seconds.)

Sunday we enjoyed the music of Stockwood, a returning group to the Fest, known as the "World's youngest Beatle tribute band." I saw them here last year and had to see them again.

The four guys met as students at Dean Street Elementary School in Woodstock, Illinois in May of 2004. They do not lip sync, and yes they play their own instruments (quite proficiently, I might add) as well as all four contributing as vocalists. They really are a wonderful and remarkable group despite their young ages -- 11, 13, 14, and 15! Keep up the good work, fellows! (BTW: Their roadies include proud parents and grandparents.)

Don't miss next year's WaucondaFest, and don't forget the Wauconda Rodeo coming on July 12th and 13th.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL & POOCH PARTY

2008-06-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

Date: Saturday, july 19
TIME: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Where: Cattail court cul-de-sac
EVERYONE IS INVITED, INCLUDING YOUR DOG (IF YOU HAVE ONE)
Water FOR THE POOCHES will be provided.
All dogs must be LEASHED & supervised

2008 General Meeting

2008-04-29T22:32:00.002-05:00

The 2nd Annual General Meeting updated residents on the past year's activities and marked the end of the terms for our first Board of Directors. It was evident from the reports and discussions that their first term was packed with huge problems and many significant accomplishments by this tireless group of dedicated residents who tackled the weighty issues facing our young association. The group met 25 times during their 12 month tenure to serve the residents and help forge a solid foundation for our new community. We residents owe a debt of gratitude and heartfelt thanks to these talented and dedicated people! Below are (l to r) treasurer Bruce Phillips, president Mark Chavin, secretary Nicole Zanon-Toche, vice-president Thomas Preston, and director Chris Stec.

Election results for the 2008-2009 term found (l to r) Vicki Stewart, who has served on the Social Committee this past year, joining Mark, Nicole, Thomas, and Chris on the next board.

Plans to amend the association Declarations so all 5 positions do not expire every year had to be postponed since 75% of homeowners need to ratify such a change. Having terms last longer than 1 year and having directors' terms staggered would provide needed stability to the board. More on this issue with be forthcoming.

Additions to Singing Hills Forest Preserve

2008-03-30T06:18:00.001-05:00

Singing Hills Forest Preserve abuts our Liberty Lakes community and 2008 began with the Lake County Forest Preserve District purchasing 75 additional acres for the preserve, bringing its total acreage to 687. The purchase price for the 2 new parcels was $4.49 million. The photo below (click on photo to enlarge) shows the entire preserve, with Gilmer Road diagonally bisecting the preserve and red boxes marking the recent purchases...

... and the photo below shows the 2 new parcels outlined in red. The lower red line marks the Com Ed power corridor, and our townhomes lie just below that line.

These photo are from the LCFPD powerpoint presentation available online.

Board of Directors Meeting

2008-03-03T10:06:00.002-06:00

Tuesday, April 29th, 6:30 pm at Wauconda Library in the Lincoln Room. Please come to the meeting and bring any questions or concerns you may have. Elections will take place for the new Board of Directors. You may vote with a proxy if you are unable to attend.

Tree Program

2008-01-09T07:21:00.000-06:00

The landscaping committee has worked very diligently in creating a shared tree program. This program will continue in the Spring. If you wish to participate, or if you have any additional questions, please contact Vanguard Community Management at (847) 882-8206 or e-mail at helpme@vanguardcommunity.com.

Sod Replacement

2008-01-08T16:08:00.000-06:00

Sod that has been damaged due to plowing will be replaced in the Spring.

Holiday Packages For Combat Soldiers

2007-11-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

The Village Of Wauconda, under the direction of Trustee Jean Mayo, is putting together holiday packages to be sent to Wauconda soldiers serving in combat zones. We are asking Wauconda residents to please help by sending us the names and addresses of soldiers from Wauconda fighting overseas. You can send me their addresses or email me at ssaccomanno@wauconda-il.gov. (from Mayor Salavtore Saccomanno)

Singing Hills Forest Preserve

2007-10-06T19:35:00.001-05:00

Our Liberty Lakes community abuts 610 acre Singing Hills Forest Preserve, and while the magnificent prairie grass filled "singing hills" adjacent to the townhomes is the obvious feature of the preserve, as seen below...

... there are two densely wooded sections at the northwestern corner of the preserve, one of which is seen to the right of the Millennium Trail as you near the 180 degree curve approaching the trailhead parking area...

... and as seen from the trail before passing under the power lines.

The name "Singing Hills" dates back to 1942 when Dan Nelson, Sr., purchased the property as a country retreat for his family. Nelson's son, Cliff, relates that his father named the site for the "many birds on that land... a Great Blue Heron nest in the trees along the north edge of the farm... pheasants, grouse, songbirds of all kinds. The land was so musical that my father called his farm 'The Singing Hills'."

But did you know that half of the preserve is on the south side of Gilmer Road, west of Callahan Road? No user amenities are in that section yet, and the only real amenity in the main segment is the Millennium Trail. However, there is a hiking trail in the wooded section mentioned above -- a mile loop trail through dense forest, along wetlands, and through several meadow sections. In January of 2005, I began bushwacking and exploring through the wooded area and discovered several segments of old farmer access roads, heavily overgrown but still discernible. I cleared the encroaching vegetation back and then cut connector trails to cobble the old paths together into a useable hiking trail, seen below.

After completing the work, I contacted the Forest Preserve District office and ultimately took three of their officials on a tour of the trail. They praised the trail and admitted that the trail dovetailed with their long-range plans for the preserve. Then, after more conversation, they discovered that there were no official guidelines for hiking trails. There were such guidelines for multi-use trails (Millennium and Des Plaines River Trails) and also for nature trails, but not for hiking trails. So the last I heard (Spring of 2005), they were going to have to hold committee meetings and develop guidelines, and so they said "we'll get back to you." I'm still waiting.

But the trail awaits users, and each winter/spring I hike the trail and cut back newly encroaching wild rose plants to allow safe passage.

Millennium Trail

2007-10-04T08:25:00.000-05:00

The Millennium Trail, which circles around Liberty Lakes, extends from Fish Lake Road to Mundelein High School, with the bulk of the trail running through Singing Hills and Lakewood Forest Preserves. Wildlife and wildflowers abound within the preserves, as seen from these photos: