TLIA Board Meetings

TLIA Board Meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at the new
Tower Lakes Village Hall at 400 Illinois Rte 59, Barrington, IL 60010.
Click for Directions.

The TLIA Board plays a central role in maintaining and enhancing the quality
of life in the Tower Lakes community. As a licensed homeowners association
under the Illinois Common Interest Community Association Act, the Board
manages shared amenities, ensures compliance with association guidelines,
coordinates community events, and oversees facilities available to TLIA
members and Recreational Family Pass Program participants. It also supervises
committees focused on beach maintenance, beautification, communications,
finance, grounds upkeep, lake conservation, long-range planning, member
services, and youth programs, thereby enabling resident participation,
volunteerism, and collective stewardship. Through these efforts, the Board
fosters a well-maintained, vibrant, and connected community.

Meet the Candidates Running for the 2027 TLIA Board

Mary Magro for President

My name is Mary Magro. I moved to Tower Lakes in 1989 with my parents (Carol and Len Kuskowski - former Village President) from Long Island, NY. I was lucky enough to fall in love and marry the boy across the street in 1994. Nino and I have been blessed to raise our three children, AJ (30), Julie (28), and Gina (23), with both sets of grandparents across the street from each other in Tower Lakes. Being a beautiful place to live, I decided to give back to the community that has brought our family so much joy. I have been a part of TLIA (Treasurer, VP, Events, Grounds Beautification, Tennis, and more) for about 20 years. It has been a pleasure to be a part of TLIA, and I would be honored to run as President again.

Rachel Sprague for Treasurer

My husband Scott and I moved to Tower Lakes in early 2020. We found our house and absolutely fell in love with our property and the feel of the lake community. We jumped onto the Events Committee, eager to get involved, and I co-chaired the committee my second year. We love the outdoors and all the areas in Tower Lakes. We enjoy kayaking, walking with our two dogs, and playing tennis.

Debi Mitchell for Recording Secretary

My name is Kristi Nash, and my husband Bob and I have lived in Tower Lakes for 18 years on North Lake. We have a family of four grown children with seven beautiful grandchildren. I served on the Social Committee for two terms and have been recording secretary for the last two years. I have an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management with an undergraduate degree in Business from Indiana University. I am currently retired and spend some of my time as a substitute teacher in District 220. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and power walking around the whole of Tower Lakes and appreciating the beauty of our community.

Eric Marotta for Member-at-Large

Our family wakes up every day amazed at our fortune to live in this amazing community and setting. My wife Natalie, and our four children moved here from the northwest side of the city over four years ago and can often be found enjoying our weekend on the beach or working around our house. For the last two years, I've been part of the Board, picking up on the good work others began before me on maintaining the grounds of TLIA. I enjoy getting dirty and beautifying our property as an outlet from my day job behind a desk. Thank you for supporting my nomination, and our community.

Brad Stanek for Member-at-Large

My wife Debra and I moved to Tower Lakes with our two boys, Gavin and Joel, in July of 2021. Growing up, my family had good friends in Tower Lakes, Joe and Sue Kainz. It felt like vacation when visiting the Kainz family, and 40 years later, we are grateful to live here now. We moved here for the lake and have come to love the community. We were told that you know when someone isn’t from Tower Lakes when you wave, and they don’t wave back—how true! What a wonderful community, and I am looking forward (if elected) to giving back in any way I can. Thank you for considering me for a leadership role in the community.

Start Planning for your 2027 TLIA Dues Plus Tips to Avoid the $100 Late Fee

The TLIA Board is currently working on the 2027 budget and the annual dues amount will be announced in December. For reference, the 2026 total annual dues were $900 ($700 dues and $200 lake special assessment). Senior discounts are available for members who are age 65+.

Important Payment Information

• Invoices Distributed: Mid-January 2027 via email from QuickBooks
• Payment Due Date: April 1, 2027
• Late Fee: A $100 late fee will automatically be charged to any invoice paid after April 1, 2027.

Tips to Avoid a $100 Late Fee

Each year a number of TLIA members wait until March to pay their dues and invoices are overlooked/forgotten about, resulting in late fees. Once you receive your 2027 TLIA Dues Invoice, we recommend taking a few steps to plan for a timely payment.

• Set a calendar reminder: Add reminders for the end of January, March 1 and March 22, 2027 to check your invoice and make sure payment is scheduled.
• Schedule payment in advance: If using your bank’s online bill pay, schedule your payment ahead of the due date and allow enough processing and delivery time for the payment to arrive by April 1.
• Use the QuickBooks payment link: Consider paying online right away or scheduling your payment ahead of the deadline.
• Watch your email: Look for your QuickBooks invoice in mid-January and check your spam or junk folder if you do not see it. If you continue to receive reminder emails from QuickBooks regarding your dues payment, do not ignore the emails, it means we have not received your dues payment.
• Plan ahead if paying by check: Mail your check early enough to ensure it is received and processed by the April 1 due date.

Payment Options

Payment can submitted in one of three ways and these options will be noted on the invoice:

• ACH transfer using the link in your QuickBooks invoice (HIGHLY preferred method).
• Mail a check to: TLIA, P.O. Box 405, Barrington, IL 60011-0405
• Mail a check using your bank’s online bill pay options. Make check payable to: Tower Lakes Improvement Association

Note: Payment is not made through the TLIA website.

DO NOT mail or leave your payment at the Tower Lakes Village Hall since we are separate entities.

Remember, invoices will be emailed mid-January so watch your emails.

Questions: Send an email to Dues@TLIA.org.

Dues Payment Obligations Still Outstanding

Progress has been made with our TLIA property owners in paying their dues, and as of October 13, 2026, $4,859 is due to TLIA from unpaid 2025 and 2026 dues invoices (this includes dues, special assessment, late fees and legal fees).

Currently, there are three properties not in compliance with their payment obligations of dues/SA/late fees for 2025 & 2026:

• 315 Devonshire Road
• 25202 N. Edward Lane
• 215 W. Lake Shore Drive (2025 and 2026 Dues)

These property owners are in violation of the TLIA By-Laws and are considered Members Not in Good Standing by the Association. They are not eligible to vote in the upcoming election or attend the annual meeting, nor do they have any rights to participate in any TLIA events or access any TLIA properties in the community until their dues are paid in full.

November 3rd General Election Day

November 3 is your opportunity to cast your vote for federal, state, and local elections including:

• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Representative
• Governor/Lieutenant Governor
• State Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Controller
• State Treasurer
• State Senator
• State Representative
• Lake County Clerk
• Lake County Treasurer
• Lake County Sheriff
• Regional Superintendent of Schools
• Lake County Board Members: Districts 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19
• North Shore Water Reclamation District: Wards 2 and 3
• Referendum

Want to avoid potential lines to vote on November 3? You can cast your ballot by visiting the early voting sites or voting by mail. Click here to request a ballot or track your request.

Early Voting: October 19–November 2

• Early voting sites throughout Lake County list
• Evening and weekend hours are available
• Early Voting Wait Times

Vote by Mail

• Ballots started being mailed on September 24.
• Oct 29 was the last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot for this election.

Election Day Voting

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. NOTE: a Lake County voter may vote in person at any voting site in Lake County - you no longer need to go to your “election day” site. Every site is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant and handicap accessible.

Learn more about the election, including offices to be elected, candidates, and all voting options by visiting the County Clerk's Office’s November 3, 2026 General Election website.

Local Tower Lakes Artist Exhibition in Lake Zurich

Our very own local artist, Kristi Nash, has several of her art works featured in the windows of the Mainstreet Art Center in Lake Zurich. The pieces highlight scenes from trips she has taken and favorite images she has captured over the years.

Kristi has been a student at Main Street for two years after retiring from her career. She wished to pursue her love of art and learn about oil painting and other techniques. Kristi loves impressionist artists and wants to emulate that style in her paintings. You might remember that her painting of one of the Tower Lakes bridges by the islands is on the cover of the latest TL yearbook. Many of her paintings are created from her travel photos that capture and save her special memories.

We hope to see much more of Kristi’s artwork in and around Tower Lakes!

In Memoriam: Ken Vondrak

Kenneth M. Vondrak, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on July 25, 2026.

Born in Chicago on May 25, 1939, at Walther Memorial Hospital, Ken was one of two sons of Frank and Marie Vondrak.

Upon graduating from Morton West High School in 1957, he studied Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Illinois before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1959.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a captain in the United States Air Force. His passion for flight continued into civilian life as he joined Delta Air Lines in 1969, and enjoyed a fulfilling career until his retirement in 1994.

On February 4, 1961, Kenneth married the love of his life, Patricia Riordan. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage until her passing in May 2023. As longtime residents of Tower Lakes, Ken and Patsy built a home centered on the essence of family.

A devoted father to Amanda (Jan), Christopher (Patti) and Kevin, he was generous with his time, love, and support for both his children and his beloved grandchildren: Austen, Eleanore, Corinne, Connor, and James.

Ken enjoyed aviation and classic muscle cars, rare books and philosophy, and the music of Frank Sinatra. His intellectual pursuits culminated in writing and publishing his book, ‘Conception’, an endeavor that brought him great personal pride.

Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Marie, his brother Benjamin, and his beloved wife, Patricia, Kenneth will be dearly remembered and missed by his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

The family hosted a private interment in lieu of a service.

Welcome New Neighbors

Rob & Lauren Carlykke
229 Tomahawk Lane

We are so excited to welcome this new family to North Lake. The Carlykke Family has moved here from the Village of Barrington. Lauren grew up in the Barrington area and attended Barrington Schools. Rob is from the town of Windsor in England. He is in the field of finance, and Lauren is a stay-at-home mom for 4 ½ year old Quinn and 2 ½ year old April. Lauren is an artist who makes jewelry and does photography. The family enjoys game nights, nature walks, and attending concerts. They have moved into the perfect community!

Jose & Mary Paz Cervantes
27238 W. Lake Shore Drive

The Cervantes Family is moving here from the West Bucktown area of Chicago. Mary Paz is in the travel and hospitality industry and is Partner and Vice President of Sales for GPS Destinations. Jose is in hospitality, sales, and guest experience leadership. Their daughter, Mary, is 9 and in the 4th grade. Julian is 6 and in 1st grade. They both attend school in Chicago and will eventually transition to the Barrington Schools. The family enjoys traveling, cooking, entertaining, spending time outdoors, and enjoying time as a family. They are looking forward to using their new pool at the house and the lake, along with all of the events and amenities in Tower Lakes. They are most interested in meeting new neighbors and friends here. (A little birdie told me that Jose and Mary Paz are incredible cooks. They have come to the right town!) Welcome the Cervantes Family!!

Charlie & Sam Resch
268 Scenic Drive

We have new neighbors on the West Side! The Resch Family has moved here from Cary. Charlie is originally from Barrington, and Sam is from Buffalo Grove. They have a 5-year-old son, Clark, who attends the Kindergarten Lab Program at Barrington High School and will be going to North Barrington School in the fall of 2027. They enjoy the outdoors and will be enjoying our beach, fishing in the lake, and golfing at the many courses in the area. Welcome to our beautiful community!

Tower Lakes Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 29 |  3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rest Island

3:45 p.m. Kids Crafts, Cookies*, and Warm Drinks

4:15 p.m. Christmas Carols

4:30 p.m. Tree Lighting

*Bring cookies to share, and don’t forget a flashlight!

2026 Veterans Holiday Giving Program

For our giving program this year, the Tower Lakes Grounds Beautification Committee has once again chosen to benefit the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. Many of us have a family member, friend, or co-worker in our lives who has served in our military. The veterans were so grateful last year and appreciated the cards and presents that our community was able to gift. This year, we have the opportunity to provide gifts for the residents living in the Greenhouse Home at the Center. We hope you will consider purchasing a gift for one of the veterans. You can choose to wrap the gift(s) and include a card for the veterans to open. Please include the house number and name (ex., GH 201-Bernard K) with your gift. The veterans enjoy receiving cards for the holidays.

Please drop the gifts off at the home of Mary Magro, 230 Tomahawk Lane, in North Lake by Monday, December 15. This allows us time to get them delivered by Christmas.

Click here to access the sign-up. Note that we are still awaiting the list of veterans and their holiday wish lists. Please check the list after November 15 and e-mail Mary Magro with any questions at magrofamily230@gmail.com.

Thank you for making a difference in people’s lives!

Grounds Clean-Up: Path Improvements + More

Our Fall Clean-Up, organized in partnership with the Long-Range Plan, saw fantastic community participation with around 30 volunteers coming together to tackle various Grounds’ projects. Key accomplishments included reopening the East-West Bridge to Bridge path, adding tons of stone to rebuild the pathways along the islands, and cleaning up key areas such as the tennis court swale, Barsumian Park, Lewis Park, and the west side path to the dam. Additionally, two long-abandoned boats were finally removed from the lake and the kid’s table at the beach now comfortably welcomes adults.

Thanks to the partnership with Alluvium Landscapes and the community, our shoreline naturalization plant sale was a success resulting in over 250 native plants being planted across participating member properties and TLIA property. Thank you all who participated and contributed to shoreline stabilization, erosion control, and improved natural water filtration across low-lying areas.

Again, thanks to all who contributed to this community event, including Conscious Cup and Grounds Beautification for powering and re-energizing this crew. To see some of the work in the photos - click here.

Floating Wetlands, an Eco-Solution Option

Floating wetlands are buoyant, planted platforms that mimic natural wetlands on ponds, lakes, canals, and stormwater basins. The native plant root systems hang in the water underneath the platform, creating habitat for beneficial microorganisms that absorb excess nutrients and help break down pollutants. This nature-based solution can improve water quality, support birds and aquatic life, and reduce algal growth. (See stock image of the structure of a typical floating wetland below.)

One of Tower Lakes’ own, BHS student Kate Vraniak, after studying many water quality improvement ideas, approached the Lake Committee to determine interest in testing the floating wetlands concept on our water. After educating our committee and demonstrating similar solutions that have been helping in other lakes and rivers (click here for a similar local solution), she recruited a dozen 8th grade students from Mr. Bryson’s extended science class at Station Middle School to help her build three floating wetland frames (4’x6’) this summer. She also worked with the high school to stratify five varieties of native plant seeds, which are now planted and growing in the BHS greenhouse. The goal is to plant them into the frames in Spring 2027.

When that time comes, the Lake Committee will determine the best location to install and monitor the floating wetlands progress over time to determine their success. The objective is to identify whether a more extensive deployment would be beneficial to our lakes’ health! Hats off to Kate for such a great initiative and sharing in the responsibility we all have for the health of our community assets, the lakes of Tower Lakes!

Last Day to Remove Boats

Reminder, ALL boats must be removed from TLIA grounds by November 1st. Boats that remain on or after November 1st will be disposed.

Please direct all questions to memberservices@tlia.org.

Chili Cook-off Recap

Thank you to the Events Committee, TLCF, and this wonderful community for running such a spectacular event! Despite the Bears loss, we had 30 chili entries, perfect weather and some great memories made.

Congratulations to the following chili cook off winners:

• First place: Frank Radogna “Braised Shortrib Chili”
• Second place: Jose Cervantes “Chicago Smokehouse Chili”
• Third place: Susan Ricaurte “Bean down”
• Judge’s Choice: Patricia Miyake “Bear Down Bacon Chili”
• Best name: Carrie Funk “Funk around and Find Out”

TwinkleFest Contest

‘Tis the season of festivities, feasts, and twinkling lights! Decorate your home and yard and enter the Twinkle Fest contest. The Events Committee judges will be out and about this year on Friday, December 11. The top three entries will win a special prize and bragging rights!

To enter the contest, email events@tlia.org by December 7. Entries will be incorporated into an interactive map so that all TLIA members can tour the TwinkleFest homes.

Gardens & Beyond Presents: Honey Lake Bee Co.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Tower Lakes Village Hall

Meet the Beekeepers

Karen and Brian Thomson are graduates of Iowa State University with degrees in Horticulture. North Barrington, IL has been their home for 30 years. As of 2026, the Thomsons have 250 hives and are growing. Their son, Colin, joined the business full time in 2025. Together they participate in many farmers markets in the area along with teaching classes and selling their products online (local, raw natural honey, honeycomb, 100% beeswax candles, lip balms, etc.). They are also in the process of opening their first storefront in Lake Barrington.

Karen and Brian will discuss how they developed their business and highlight the benefits we derive from having honey in our diets. Various products will be available for sale as well.

Sponsored by Gardens & Beyond

Gardens & Beyond is an Educational forum for the Village of Tower Lakes residents to gather at the new Village Hall and hear speakers on various subjects. Gardens & Beyond is for all Tower Lakers to learn about our community.

A Friendly Reminder to All Dog Owners!

Please remember to not only pick up after your dog, but also to take the bag with you and dispose of it in a garbage can.

Leaving a bag of dog poop along the sidewalk, trail, or someone’s lawn with the intention of picking it up on your way home doesn’t always work out. Sometimes those bags get forgotten or left behind for others to see and smell.

Let’s all do our part to keep our neighborhood clean, pleasant, and enjoyable for everyone. If you bag it, please throw it away properly. Thank you for being considerate neighbors and please ensure children who may do this chore are aware as well!

Turkey Trot

Thursday November 26

8:30 a.m. Arrival; 9:00 a.m. Start.

Village Hall

This event is a fundraiser for the Youth Committee to help fund the events throughout the year that Youth hosts for our community. Suggested donations for participants age 13+ are:

• Standard Registration: $20 each
• Race Day (Nov 26): $25 each

Please use the QR code to register and/or purchase a beanie!

TL beanies are also available for sale this year, priced at $20 each.

Please submit registration by November 7 at 12:00 p.m. to guarantee your TL Beanie order.

Let’s gather and turkey trot our way around the 5K track this November!!

Photos with Santa

Sunday, December 13

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Village Hall

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 13th.

Jolly ol’ Santa will make his special appearance in Tower Lakes from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at Village Hall, along with Mrs Claus.