A 55+ Community in Grayslake, Illinois

March - April 2023

Edition No. 45

Welcome!

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Manager's Corner
 

Larry

With spring right around the corner, we can start looking forward to some community events! Keep reading to find out what’s planned.

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Manager's Corner

Larry

Greetings Friends,

It’s going to be a busy spring here at Saddlebrook Farms. We plan to host the Village of Round Lake Park for the vehicle sticker distribution on Saturday, March 11 at The Lake Lodge. Additionally, we will be hosting a Spring Craft Show on Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26. We also have the Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 9 and the Adopt-a-Highway event on Thursday, May 18. Our long-standing traditions of the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 20, and the Grandchildren’s Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 17 are also back.

The fun does not stop there! We are still finalizing the dates for the Hot Dog Day, Ice Cream Social, Trick or Treat, Veteran’s Day celebration, and the Fall Craft Show. There will be many opportunities to enjoy time with friends and neighbors.

The Community Office team is here for you to discuss any concerns or questions. We value all of you as our residents and appreciate the opportunity to help you to continue enjoying living at Saddlebrook Farms. Thanks and Stay Safe!

Yours Truly,
Larry Waco Jr.
Community Manager

Office Closed
 

We're closed sign

The Community Office will be closed on Friday, April 7, in observance of Good Friday. Garbage and recycling pickup will not be affected.

Food

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Banana Pudding on a Budget

This banana pudding is creamy and delicious, but even more so because it doesn’t break the bank! At only $1 per serving, you can’t go wrong with this sweet treat.

Capital Improvements

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We will be busy in 2023 with numerous projects to improve our community. Read on for what’s in your future.

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Capital Improvements

Tools

We will continue to employ safe social distancing practices by our employees and outsourced partners while completing our projects.

Here are a few of the projects we have scheduled for 2023:

  • Road repairs
  • Seawall replacement and repairs
  • Drainage projects
  • Curb repairs
  • Walking path repairs and modification
  • Pickleball court
  • Additional patio area/gathering space at the Lake Lodge
  • New social and gaming area on the Lake Lodge campus
  • Bocce court renovations
  • Interior and exterior upgrades at the Fitness Center and Lake Lodge

We will provide more updates about our 2023 Capital Improvements in the May/June 2023 newsletter! Hometown America continues its commitment to providing new amenities and improvements to the Saddlebrook community.

Upcoming Events
 

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It’s time to replace your vehicle stickers. Find out more details on that and other events.

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Upcoming Events

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Vehicle Stickers Pick Up

Saturday, March 11, 8:30 a.m. - noon

As a convenience to our residents, representatives from the Village of Round Lake Park will be at the Lake Lodge on Saturday, March 11, from 8:30 a.m. to noon to sell vehicle stickers. To help with the process, applications forms will be available at the Community Office after March 1. If you are unable to attend on this day, mailing instructions are available at the Community Office or you can purchase stickers at the Village of Round Lake Park after March 1. Stickers must be displayed by April 30, 2023.

The Cost is: On or before April 30 May 1 and after
Seniors aged 65 & older (per driving senior) $3.00 $6.00
Age 64 and younger $15.00 $30.00
Trucks ½ ton & under/RVs $25.00 $50.00
Motorcycles $10.00 $20.00

St. Patrick’s Celebration
Saturday, March 4, 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day potluck dinner and entertainment from the Hogan Irish Dancers. Bring a main dish, salad, side dish, or dessert to share at 5:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., the Hogan Irish Dancers will perform. You won’t want to miss this group of talented young guys and gals! More details to come.

Spring Craft Show
Saturday & Sunday, March 25 & 26, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Annual Craft Show will take place on Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Lodge. If you are interested in participating and would like to reserve a table for the show, forms are available under the canopy at the Community Office and the Lake Lodge. Here are more details:

  • This show is open to residents with their own handmade crafts only.
  • One resident per table must be present during the entire show but may have help from a relative or friend.
  • Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 38 reservation forms turned in.
  • One six-foot table will be assigned per reservation form.
  • Forms must be turned in by Thursday, March 16, and can be dropped in one of the green drop boxes or brought into the Community Office.
  • Table assignments will be posted on Monday, March 20, at the Community Office.

Potluck Sing-Along
Saturday, April 1, 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a potluck sing-along! We will be singing springtime and Easter songs. Potluck dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. and singing at 6:00 p.m. Song sheets will be available. Location to come.

Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday, April 9

Easter Sunrise Service at the Lake Lodge. More details will be provided in the March/April issue of the Residents’ News Notes.

Restaurant Review
 

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Lauretta’s Italian Bake Shop & Café in Grayslake is an authentic Italian bakery offering delicious, homemade meals. Keep reading to find out more about this culinary gem.

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Restaurant Review

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Family-owned and operated, Lauretta’s offers genuine recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Lauretta’s owner and chef, Lori, is a first-generation Italian who brings the flavor and taste of Italy straight to your plate. Using only locally sourced products and produce, every dish is fresh and made-to-order for you. Their big, beautiful pastry case is full of freshly made cannolis, desserts, and pastries to ease your sweet tooth. If you’re looking for good eats, our lunch and dinner menu is diverse from paninis to our popular Linguini & Vongole.

Lauretta’s serves both lunch and dinner and is located at 33157 N US Highway 45 in Grayslake. Call (847) 566-0883 for more information.

Your Health

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Flavor The Moment

Who says routine has to be mundane? Make the most out of your morning coffee break by turning it into an act of self-care. These simple steps can allow what fuels your body to also foster your mental health.

Daylight Savings Time

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It’s time to “spring forward” on Sunday, March 12. Please set your clocks ahead one hour.

Yard Waste Collection

Yard trimmings in paper bags

The collection begins on Thursday, March 30. Here are some details you need to know.

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Yard Waste Collection

Yard trimmings in paper bags

The collection will begin on Thursday, March 30, and continue until the end of fall. Please have your yard waste in paper, recyclable bags at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Recyclable bags can be found at most home improvement and grocery stores. Plastic bags will not be picked up.

Yard Waste Guidelines:

  • Yard waste consists of leaves, grass clippings, pieces of sod, small dead branches, flower debris, and small bush or tree trimmings.
  • Root balls and large branches must be cut and tied into 3’-4’ sections and placed on the side of the driveway for pick up.
  • Do not include plastic bags, containers, pet feces, or food scraps.
  • Dirt and clay should be placed in separate bags from yard waste.
  • Do not dump yard waste in the wetlands or lakes.
  • Excessive yard waste may have an additional charge. Please call the Community Office at (847) 223-2212 if you will have more than eight bags, have cut down a large tree, or taken out several bushes.
  • Bags should not weigh more than 45 lbs.

Hydrant Flushing
 

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Hydrant flushing will take place from Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 28. If you experience water discoloration, please run your faucet until the water is clear. There is no need to boil.

Home & Garden

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Spring Cleaning

Spring is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your home. Follow this checklist to make sure you reach every nook and cranny. Remember that spring cleaning doesn’t only mean physically cleaning your space— take time for self-care!

Lawn Fertilizer
 

Bag of fertilizer

Included in this issue is our Lawn Fertilizer Program information and application. Keep reading to find out more.

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Lawn Fertilizer
 

Bag of fertilizer

If you are not on the Amenity Package and would like to sign up for our lawn fertilizer program, please fill out this form. Additional forms will be located under the canopy at the Community Office, at the Lake Lodge, and in the Fitness Center. If you’d like to sign up for one or all four applications, complete this form and drop it in one of our three green Saddlebrook drop boxes, or bring it to the Community Office.

If you are on the Amenity Package, this program is included, so you do not need to complete a form.

Boost Your Bookshelf

Bookshelf

Sometimes perusing a bookstore can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, and so little time to find the book that’s right for you. Check out the Book of the Month subscription and see how it can make choosing your reading a little easier.

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Boost Your Bookshelf

Bookshelf

Reading is one of the greatest pastimes and there is always more to read. But where do you begin? There are so many options, and you never want to feel like you’ve wasted your money on a book you end up disliking. There may be a solution to these problems.

This Book of the Month subscription box makes building your personal library easier than ever. Each month, Book of the Month selects 5 to 7 wow-worthy reads to choose from. They’re always on the lookout for the best of bestsellers, debut authors, and new genres to check out. You can trust that their selection will have something for everyone! All you have to do is pick the ones that pique your interest and it’s shipped to you.

This subscription also offers access to early releases and highly rated books for a lower monthly price. And if you ever decide that none of the month’s picks are for you, you can skip that month, free of charge. But if that’s not your speed, check out this list of the best books of 2022 and shop for yourself!

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

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Tis the season for a wardrobe cleanout. But you may want to take it a step further, and cultivate a closet of only the essentials! Here’s how you can start a capsule wardrobe for the everyday.

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Create a Capsule Wardrobe

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Ever heard of a capsule wardrobe? The idea goes that by cultivating a closet of only a select number of essential pieces, all of which match together, you’ll be able to cut out all the hassle and decision-making of getting dressed each morning. You’ll also eliminate the waste that comes from having a closet so stuffed you never even know what your options are.

The step-by-step process of creating a capsule wardrobe is super easy. First you have to think about your personal style and the clothes you actually wear day to day! If you live in a warmer climate, there’s no need for a drawer full of sweaters—your one or two favorites will do.

Staples of a capsule wardrobe include a few pairs of trousers, a skirt, dresses for formal and casual occasions, and a selection of tops from T-shirts to blouses. Throw a coat in there too and you’ll be surprised to find that you’re set! Start getting rid of stress today.

Experiences

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Picnic Pick Me Up

There’s nothing like a picnic to enjoy the fresh air with someone you love. Enjoy the smells and sounds of nature while munching on sweet treats or new recipes. These tips will help you have the best picnic possible.

Connect with Us
 

Socialize

Join us on social media through Facebook to stay updated, see pictures from the latest community event, and connect with neighbors. Our community page is also a great place to learn about sales specials and enter fun contests. Follow us today!

SafeHaven Insurance

SafeHaven

Hometown America is proud to promote SafeHaven National Insurance Agency, specializing in coverage for manufactured homeowners and renters. Many companies are difficult to work with or do not write policies that provide adequate protection for prefabricated homes. Make sure you are dealing with an insurance company that offers competitively priced policies and the protections important to you. Visit SafeHaven online or call 1-800-536-8999 for a quote.

 

Entertainment

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Podcasts To Peruse

Podcasts can be an excellent source of entertainment or even education, but with so many options to choose from, who knows where to begin. This list contains the best podcasts available right now! With a variety of genres, topics, and hosts, there is sure to be a great podcast for anyone!