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Editor’s ReportThe pounding has ended and peace and quiet have returned to Steeplechase. The Board asked residents to be patient during the time our roofs were replaced. What I found most remarkable was how quickly the work was accomplished and how smoothly the roofing project proceeded. Watching these guys work 12 hour days under dangerous, hot and back breaking conditions was amazing. Yes, there were stray nails that didn’t get swept up, but from my perspective it was a job very well done. Let’s hope the road construction on Woodland Drive progresses just as smoothly.

Each spring we extend our thanks to retiring Directors and welcome new members to the Board. The terms of John Reiter, Donna Kessenich and Deb Herr expired in May. John served for 4 years while Donna and Deb both served for 2 years. A good deal of time is spent managing Steeplechase affairs and responding to residents’ issues and concerns. We appreciate what John, Deb and Donna accomplished during their terms. Without their hard work, Steeplechase wouldn’t be the wonderful community it is today.

All of us should be grateful to those who say “yes” when called upon to serve. It takes a lot of time and energy from the people who take on this responsibility. So thank you to Colleen Comeau, Joy Schwert and Del Wenger for volunteering to serve as Directors. We appreciate your commitment to the

success of Steeplechase.

Don’t forget to check out the Recommendation Corner. Frank Thompson highly recommends Action Plumbing. After contacting them about a problem with his air conditioning unit, they arrived quickly and corrected the problem. There was no charge for travel time or mileage.

We have new neighbors in two of the condo units. One unit has been sold and the other rented. All of the newcomers

are featured in the New Residents section. The resident telephone directory has been updated and is attached.

You’ll also find attached the Minutes from the Annual Meeting.

Stay cool and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Ellen Selle

eselle@thepylegroup.com

Volume 11, Issue 1April 2010Editor: Ellen Selle Publisher: Mary Stoltz

If you have any

questions or

concerns, please

leave a message at

the clubhouse.

850-4494

Volume 12, Issue 2August 2011

Editor: Ellen SellePublisheer: Mary Dwyer

Hail Damage Update

We all owe a debt of gratitude to Del Wenger, John Reiter, Gene Vosberg, Jim Schmitz and Mike Van Keuren for their invaluable assistance with the insurance work that is being completed on the property. Del has headed up this ad hoc committee

making sure that everything on the claim is being finished. This has been a huge undertaking, and we thank Del and his committee for their hard work.

Del informs me that we are getting down to the last few items on the insurance claim. Before we authorize final payment to the contractor, we want to make sure that everything has been completed as appropriate.

Remaining items which need your attention:

Please make sure all of your screens are re-installed. Some

of the screens did not get labeled, and we need to walk the property to see which ones are missing so the extras can be matched up.

If you have had work done and are not satisfied with the results, please call the clubhouse phone and leave a message. We will then address your concern(s) with the contractor.

Road Work on Woodland Drive

Beginning in mid-September for approximately 3 weeks, Woodland Drive will be closed to traffic going south to County M. During that period when exiting from Steeplechase, it will be necessary to drive north on Woodland and then choose an alternate route to go south (either over to County Q or Hwy 113). If all goes well, Woodland Drive will be back open by mid-October.

Tom Brooke

There are so many beautiful colors around our pond. Right now hundreds of Marsh Milkweed plants are in full bloom with their pink blossoms attracting monarch butterflies. Please walk down to take a look at them before those flowers fade.

There are several paths through the flowers around the pond so you can enjoy most of them close up. Many species that I planted in the last few years are blooming now and others will continue to bloom until frost. Spend some time relaxing under the oak trees on the bench which Deb and Dan Herr placed there, and which Joe recently dressed up with a coat of dark brown stain. Next year shade plants, including Jack in the Pulpit and Wild Blue Phlox, will be blooming around the bench.

The pond was quite dry earlier which gave me the opportunity to cut down some of the cat-tails which grow very tall and hide many of the colorful flowers. The dry conditions have kept the mosquito population to almost zero this year. However, if they are a concern

of yours, you may want to try “Cutter Mosquito Wipes.” They have a Deet ingredient of only 7.15% and are found at Menards in aisle 244. Mosquitoes love me so I much prefer the wipes rather than using a spray of any kind.

Do take a walk through the pond area and enjoy the many colorful wildflowers.

Donna Kessenich

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President’s Report

Page 2

Down at the Pond

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Committee Reports

Page 3

Grounds Committee ReportMeets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.Dan Madden, ChairCommittee Members: Don Rines, Gary Hougland, J. Bob Nicholson, Bill Ballard, Jack Arvold (Board Liaison Colleen Comeau)

The Committee has worked recently on the following issues:

Snow Removal: Gary Hougland and J. Bob Nicholson worked closely with the Board and obtained an agreement for a 3 year contract with Cuttin’ Time for $18,000 per year. This is a considerable savings over the past few years. The Board president, Tom Brooke, has signed the new contract.

Walk Around: The yearly walk was better organized and more productive than in past years. This year, we noticed 144 items that needed attention. Ten were referred to the Building Committee or to the Board itself.

Thirty (30) related to trees and bushes, and more than half of these have already been addressed by Dennis or a committee member. Eighty-eight (88) will be part of one of our two annual contracts with the Handyman. The first has already been completed and verified. More than 50 splash rocks have been placed so as to prevent further erosion, and drain extensions have been coordinated with the known needs of each unit. Jack Arvold and Bill Ballard have been leading this huge effort.

Meanwhile, Gary Hougland and Don Rines are leading our effort

to address the remaining 16 larger projects. These involve such items as repairing drain cracks, road cracks and potholes, and addressing leaks that unit owners experience. Within the next month, we expect all will be under contract.

Watering of Bushes: We remind residents that the Association does not have a sprinkler system to water our grounds. Plants will die if not watered, and we rely on residents to water nearby plants that are stressed. Please check out the nearby plants and talk with your neighbors to insure they are watered!

Japanese Beetles: We have been alerted to an infestation by Japanese Beetles on our 17 Linden Trees. These beetles can destroy trees in 3-4 years. Dennis is currently spraying the affected trees.

Calling the Clubhouse: We need your help in keeping the grounds looking great! Our volunteers are always looking for items needing attention, but we know we miss a lot. If you notice something we may have missed, please just call the item into the Clubhouse phone for efficient handling.

Committee: The chair is very grateful for the efforts of this entire Committee. They do a lot of very valuable work on behalf of the Association.

Pond Sub-Committee Report Meets as NeededCommittee Members: Jack Arvold, Donna KessenichSee “Down at the Pond” on Page 2.

Building Committee Report Meets as NeededJoe Ash, ChairMembers: Dennis Dokken, (Board Liaison, Del Wenger)No report for this issue.

Social Committee ReportMeets as NeededEllen Selle, ChairMembers: Diane Bryan, Sherry Michaels Brooke, Sharon Hougland, Sharen McCormick, Barb Morasky, Dianne Rines, Mary Stoltz Dwyer, Mary Thompson, Lori Ziemann (Board Liaison Tom Brooke)

Our annual picnic was held on Tuesday, August 9, at the Clubhouse. It was a chance to catch up with the neighbors and hear about their summer activities. It was also an opportunity for many people to meet Mark and Karen Boettner for the first time – our newest residents. We appreciated having so many of you attend and enjoyed sampling your favorite summer dishes. A special thank you goes to Gary Hougland and Don Rines, our resident chefs, who did a great job grilling the brats for us. Donna Kessenich provided a wonderful assortment of fresh cut flowers from the Steeplechase pond. They looked lovely on each of the tables as our centerpieces.

The Steeplechase Golf Outing was scheduled for Sunday, June 5, at The Bridges. Unfortunately, the golf outing was cancelled because not enough golfers were available to participate on that date. This event has always been enjoyed by our resident golfers so we plan to organize it again next year.

Earlier this spring we asked residents to submit their ideas for additional activities. The committee decided to implement two of your suggestions.

A game night will be held monthly at the Clubhouse. Penny Haugen has offered to help organize this event. The first evening will feature word games and is scheduled for Saturday, September 17, at 7:00 in the Clubhouse. A flyer providing additional information has already been sent to the residents. Please respond to Penny if you are planning to attend.

The second suggestion was to have a Packer party in the Clubhouse. Due to the lack of comfortable seating in the lower level, we decided to hold the Packer party at the Midtown Pub in Middleton. The date for this event will be Sunday, November 6, when the Packers take on the Chargers at 3:15. We’ll contact you in the fall to determine how many people plan to attend and provide further details.

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE – The Holiday Party was originally scheduled for Sunday, December 4. We recently realized Green Bay is playing at 3:15 that same afternoon. Obviously, we do not want to compete with the Packers. So the annual Holiday Party will be held on Sunday, December 11, starting at 4:00. Please mark the revised date on your calendar and join our holiday celebration. It’s a great way to ring in the season. Your Holiday Party invitation will arrive in November.

Clubhouse Committee Report

Meets as NeededShirley Dokken, ChairMembers: Kaye Stickney, Donna Kessenich (Board Liaison Joy Schwert)

There is a plan to have the carpeting in the Clubhouse cleaned after the condo projects are completed and any traffic by workers into the Clubhouse has been eliminated.

Currently there are three committee members, Donna Kessenich, Kaye Stickney and the Chairperson, Shirley Dokken. We do not meet regularly and the time commitment is minimal. Thus, if anyone has any interest in being on the committee, contact the Chairperson.

Upcoming projects will include some general fall cleaning as none was done this spring. We will also be decorating for the Christmas/Holiday Gathering which involves putting up the two trees and decorating them. Please consider this commitment to our condo Clubhouse. Thank you.

In Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy to Kaye and John Stickney (unit 5686). Kaye’s twin sister, Karen, passed away on Monday, June 27, after a difficult battle with Ovarian cancer. Karen and her family lived in Portland, Maine. We express our condolences to the Stickneys on the loss of their loved one.

Dan Teetzen’s (unit #5614) mother, Elsie Ida Louise Teetzen, passed away on July 6 in Shawano. We extend our deepest sympathy to Dan and his family on their loss.

John Reiter’s (unit 5627) youngest brother, Roger, died while the Reiters were vacationing in Norway. He was only 56 and was diagnosed with bladder cancer the beginning of July. He lived in Eau Claire. We express our condolences to the Reiters on the loss of their loved one.

Baby News

Gordy and Chris “Astrid” Faust (unit 5665) became grandparents again on June 7. Hannah Virginia Faust is their 6th grandchild. Gordy and Chris went to Hays, Kansas for two weeks to meet the latest addition to their family. The weather was even warmer than here. Temps were in the 100’s every day they were there. Their

son, Brian, is the head of housing at Kays University, so the family might be down there for a while yet. Gordy and Chris hope he can get back to a U.W. campus again. Their daughter Karen and three grandkids from West Lafayette were in Waunakee for 10 days in July. It was their yearly trip here, especially for Waunafest and a chance for Karen to see old friends.

Wedding Bells

On May 14th, Mary Stoltz (unit 5719) became Mrs. Thomas P. Dwyer II. The wedding took place at Old Hickory Golf Club in Beaver Dam, with Rev. Karen Locken of Peace Lutheran Church, Waunakee, officiating. Though the weather was rainy and cold, friends and family celebrated this beautiful day with Tom and Mary. They will remain at Steeplechase until their new home in Sun Prairie is completed.

Resident News

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Committee Reports (cont.)

Smitty’s Veggies

And speaking of Smitty . . . Jim Schmitz’s (unit 5720) garden is going strong this summer. Of course, Jim and Linda would really love more rain. They have already put cucumbers and green beans in their food stand with more to come. Help yourself to the free vegetables located near their unit. Thanks Jim and Linda for sharing the “fruits” of all your hard work.

Other New Neighbors . . .

A pair of Sandhill Cranes have become frequent (and noisy) visitors to Steeplechase.

New Residents

Mark and Karen Boettner (pictured below) moved into unit 5652 (Tom Hadfield’s former condo). Mark is a long-time American Family Insurance employee, and Karen works for Transportation Security Administration. Prior to moving to Steeplechase in July, they lived in Waunakee for nine years. They have two children – their daughter lives in the Madison area and their son in Milwaukee.

The Trujillo’s (unit 5629) rented their condo to Shelley Moffatt. Shelley and her daughter Sara moved to Steeplechase in May. Shelley works at a local business in Waunakee.

We extend a warm welcome to all our new neighbors. We hope you enjoy living in the Steeplechase community.

Anniversary Celebration

Gary and Sharon Hougland (unit 5662) celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with three celebrations. The first one occurred this March when they took their children and grandchildren to Riviera Maya, Mexico. The second was on June 17, the actual date, at a dinner with family and friends at Anchors Away on Lake Wisconsin. The third, held on July 9, was a real surprise. Their children hosted a party at the home of their daughter that was attended by many friends and relatives. They were totally shocked to see their best man and other people they had not seen for a long time. A great time was had by all at all three celebrations.

July 17, 1961

July 17, 2011

Big Birthday

Jim Schmitz (unit 5720) reached a milestone birthday on July 25th. Anyone having trouble doing the math, he’s 75. What an adorabe baby -- the big smile and mischievous glint in his eyes continue to this day!

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Resident News (cont.)

Mallards BaseballSteeplechase residents attended the Mallard’s game on Saturday, July 23. It was an opportunity for many of us to see the newly renovated ballpark for the first time. As you might know, the Mallards struggled the first part of

the season and trailed the Eau Claire Express by one run at the top of the 7th inning. But the inning proved to be the

turning point when the Mallards scored 2 runs to lead at the bottom of the 7th. They hung on to defeat Eau Claire 3-2. It was a well deserved victory for the Mallards and a well deserved win for the Steeplechase fans who braved record heat and humidity to cheer on their team. We hope you enjoyed the close game and all the antics at the Duck Pond!

Steeplechase Picnic

Submitted by Frank Thompson (unit 5628)

Good News! I suggested the Waunakee Senior Center show the 2001 film “Green Fire” about the life and message of naturalist Aldo Leopold. They have scheduled it for Tuesday, October 4, at 6:00 pm at the Waunakee Senior Center. Curt Maine who was involved in the making of the movie, and Stan Temple who is a Leopold scholar, will be there to introduce the film and lead a discussion after the showing of the film.

Sandy and I were in the audience at the Barrymore Theater a

few months ago to see the film. There were over 500 folks in attendance. The ticket prices were $8 per person. It was well worth the admission price. The showing at the Waunakee Senior Center is free.

This is a great way to learn more about this world renowned naturalist who did a major portion of his work in Wisconsin, taught at the University of Wisconsin and wrote “The Sand Country Almanac.”

Please put this date on your calendar and plan on attending!

Film About Aldo Leopold

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Vacation NewsSubmitted by Penny Haugen (unit 5610)

Watch out Matt Kenseth!

Steve follows NASCAR primarily because driver Matt Kenseth is a Wisconsin native. Our children have endured countless hours watching, as they say, cars go round and round a track.

For Christmas this year, the children presented Steve with a gift of driving a NASCAR vehicle 20 times around a track in California. So we traveled to California around July 4th. Our son Lee and his wife, Diana, live near Los Angeles (Marina Del Rey) so it provided a nice opportunity to visit with them. Our oldest son, Brian, lives near Sacramento (Nevada City), and he flew down to join us.

This gift included the opportunity for four people to drive. Unfortunately, our daughter Paige and her husband, Brian, could not join us, so that meant there was a spot open. Diana had no desire to drive, so I was selected!

On July 5th, we traveled about one hour into the mountains and desert of California to Irwindale. It was over 104 degrees. We attended a 45 minute instructional class - which scared the (blank) out of you. We signed away our lives, geared up in flame retardant suits (increased heat by at least 30 degrees), put in earpieces to hear the “driving coach” (there is no one in the car with you), squeezed on a very solid helmet, and put on gloves. We gave each other the thumbs up -- nervous energy all around!

Then we were driven to the track on a golf cart to get into our cars. Two cars were automatic and two were manual. There were three cars and one truck. I chose the truck. We had to climb into them just like you see on TV – through the windows! I slipped in with no problem – can you picture Steve? They had to place pillows behind me to help me reach the pedals. ( I was too short). Then you are strapped, I mean strapped in, steering wheel attached, somewhere there are emergency releases – but who knows where – and screen attached to window.

I was glad I selected the truck because you could actually see around you and in the rearview mirror. The cars had very limited visibility. Now the temperature must be 150 degrees in the cars. Remember, these cars are 500 horse power, 2500 lbs. machines – not your little electric Prius!

First to start was Brian with a manual. He flooded it out, had to be pushed first by people and then by a truck. Yeah – he got it going. Next was me in #5 Black Truck starting very slowly – ok

ok – I am moving – yikes. Whoa Nellie! Then Lee and Steve got the manuals going like a pro – must be those days on the farm – pop the clutch!

Around and around we go – no speedometer so you have no idea how fast you are going. I guess these cars can get up to 140 mph. Someone talks to you in your earpiece to encourage you to go faster (that would be me) or to tell you to move down to let someone pass (again, that would be me). I gave it full throttle one time on straight away and made the corner. Oh my gosh – never again!

Brian got the hang of it and was zipping around just like on TV. Lee and Steve managed to get some speed up, but speed and Steve are really an oxymoron if you know what I mean.

My odometer said between 4-6 RPM’s – the guy at the track said that translates to 80-100 mph. Really? If you see the video (oh yes, there is a video), no way am I going that fast. Maybe 2 mph. Of course, after trying to go fast one time , I settled into watching everyone else. It took about 20+ minutes to complete the 20 laps around the one-half mile track but it is a memory that will last a lifetime (especially since we all survived and did not crash).

Steve has a better appreciation for the NASCAR drivers now and is excited to have this experience to add to his collection. I have recently used this experience to “shock” a person who was interviewing me for a new job! He looked at me like – who is this 54 year old, nicely dressed woman – she drove a NASCAR car! Surprise!

Steve and Penny, with sons Lee and Brian -- ready for the track!

Memorial Garden

Mary Vickers (unit 5691) landscaped an area near her driveway and planted a variety of flowers in memory of her husband, Dick, who passed away in 2009. It is a beautiful memorial ro our former neighbor -- one we can all enjoy.

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Steeplechase Calendar of EventsUnless otherwise noted, all board and committee meetings

take place at the Clubhouse. If you plan to attend, check that no change has been made to the schedule.

Board of Directors Meetings2nd Wednesday of Every Month 7:00 p.m.

Note: The Board may occasionally need to change this schedule

All Steeplechase residents are welcome and encouraged to attend any committee or board meetings.

Board MembersPresident — Tom Brooke

Vice-President — Del WengerSecretary — Joy Schwert

Treasurer — Steve HaugenMember-at-Large — Colleen Comeau

“Recommendation Corner”Below is a listing of recommendations we have received in the past year from Steeplechase residents. If you would like to add a suggestion to this list, please send it to the Editor at any time. For additional information, please contact the person who recommended the service.

Complete Pest Control: 273-2570For getting rid of mice, ants, etc.Recommended by: Colleen Comeau

Champion of Madison: 838-6400For windows, siding and patio doorsRecommended by: Chris & Gordy Faust

Dryer Vent Pro’s: 836-8776For cleaning, installation and vent repairRecommended by: Terry Bontly

Benjamin Plumbing, Inc.: 271-7017For plumbing servicesRecommended by: Colleen Comeau

4 Senses Home Services: 843-0858Eva Pluciennikinfo@4senseshomeservices.comFor thorough and trustworthy home cleaning servicesRecommended by: Diana Backus

Brett Allaman Carpentry: 516-5396For any home carpentry and remodeling needsRecommended by: Mary Stoltz

Goldsmith Contracting (Steve): (608) 839-8899; (608) 444-4555 (cell)For painting servicesRecommended by: Donna Kessenich

Action Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical, Inc.Sun Prairie, WI -- (608) 837-3638Recommended by: Frank Thompson

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