July 30, 2025
by rob
0 comments
Hello Neighbors,
On Thursday, July 31st, Pond and Lake Connection will be treating the algae on the lake.
For those of you that irrigate your lawn with lake water, we suggest waiting a day to resume — but there are no swimming restrictions.
June 25, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Lewisboro’s Comprehensive/Master Plan Published August 12, 2024
From the Preface to the document:
The Town of Lewisboro’s Comprehensive Plan is a living document that outlines a vision for the community’s future.
It was created by the people, for the people who live and work in Lewisboro through a robust and inclusive public input process that began in the winter of 2021 and closed in the winter of 2024. Residents and stakeholders – through a variety of methods including online surveys, virtual workshops, and in-person workshops – provided both broad input and specific, targeted feedback on the draft vision statement, goals, objectives, and the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan itself.
The vision statement and supporting goals, objectives, and implementation opportunities presented in this Comprehensive Plan will serve as a roadmap that will guide the actions of Lewisboro’s Town Board and its agencies until the Plan is reviewed again. As per New York State Town Law, Lewisboro’s Zoning Code must also be in accordance with the goals and objectives laid out in the Comprehensive Plan.
In executing the public outreach and participation strategy and developing this Comprehensive Plan, Lewisboro’s Town Board and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee worked with a team from Nelson Pope and Voorhis, a professional planning consultant. This working group agreed that, going forward, the Town Board should make an annual assessment of the Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives that have been accomplished and plans for those that still need to be implemented. The final chapter of this Comprehensive Plan contains an implementation matrix to guide this work, which outlines the goals and objectives, categorizing them as short, medium, long-term, or ongoing priorities. The Town Board should revisit the Comprehensive Plan in approximately ten years identify any changing conditions in the Town, including new technology and sustainability considerations.
In the pages that follow, residents and stakeholders will find a wide range of information that will answer the following questions:
Each of these questions has been answered with thorough consideration of the needs and aspirations of Lewisboro’s residents and stakeholders, including local organizations, committees, and business owners.
June 13, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Fertilizer and the Lake
Fertilizer that contains phosphorus is prohibited in westchester county. This has been the law since 2009.
https://truesdalelake.com/2009/04/westchester-county-passes-phosphorus-fertilizer-ban/
If you use fertilizer you MUST choose one that has 0% phosphorus.
If you use any other fertilizer, you must keep it at least 20 feet away from the lake – otherwise you just end up fertilizing the lake weeds (no thank you! we pay tens of thousands of dollars a year to keep that stuff from getting out of hand!).
Note: Pet waste also contains phosphorus and should be cleaned up and disposed of in trash to keep it out of our lake’s water column. https://truesdalelake.com/2014/09/get-the-scoop-on-poop/
Below is a generic brochure about phosphorus fertilizers and the harm they can cause. Keep the phosphorus out of our lake – DON’T USE PHOSPHORUS BASED FERTILIZER!
And tell your lawn care company this as well if you don’t do it yourself. They should know it if they are licensed in Westchester — but they may not be aware if they are coming from Connecticut.
May 20, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on The Lake is Not A Pool
The first thing people say when they move to a lake is “It is so beautiful!”
Many times the second thing is (depending on the season) “Can we get rid of the weeds in the lake?”
The short answer is: No – It is a lake, not a pool. You should expect life — plant and animal — to thrive in a healthy ecosystem.
What happens when you get rid of all of the plants in a body of water? Other things start growing, primarily algae.
Why does this happen?
The plants grow by creating energy from sunlight by a process called photosynthesis. One of the byproducts of photosynthesis is oxygen. When the plant is in the water, this oxygen tends to stay in the water. That is good for fish since they breathe the oxygen through their gills. It is generally bad for algae (especially blue-green algae).
So when things are in balance, plants grow in the lake and algae growth is slowed by the presence of the plants (and eaten by the animals in the healthy lake).
But sometimes things get out of balance — the plants get too thick and weeds grow and interfere with residents enjoying the swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake.
What causes this? Nutrients (principally phosphorus and nitrogen) from the soil and surrounding houses. Sometimes it is fertilizer, sometimes it is a large storm that brings in grass clippings, leaf litter and soil. Sometimes it is a failing septic system.
So to help keep a balance for the lake life and the residents, we treat the lake with herbicide in the spring to get rid of some (but not all) of the weeds. The weeds get knocked to the bottom of the lake. If we overdid it on the herbicide or other factors combine (heat wave, drought, etc), algae growth can multiply.
Other factors include increased air and water temperatures leading to less dissolved oxygen – prime conditions for algae blooms. Less water circulation due to late summer mini-droughts can also be a factor (algae like still water). Usually it is a combination of factors making simple “just fix it” notions impossible.
Later in the summer we usually treat the lake with an algaecide to make the conditions less suitable for algae growth. By the time the algae cycle is over, it is usually near the end of the summer. The algae blooms are mitigated by the cooler nights and shorter days (less sunlight = less photosynthesis). Fall comes then plants and algae go dormant for the winter. In the spring the cycle starts again.
This is a very simplified view of life in the lake which considered only plant life. We also have amphibians (frogs, salamanders, newts), reptiles (turtles, snakes), birds (geese, heron, ducks, eagles, hawks, loons, a multitude of migratory birds, etc.), mammals (deer, muskrat, otter, fox, coyote, mice, voles, skunks, raccoons, weasels, mink, etc.), insects (too many to list), and of course fish (bass, perch, pike, etc.).
All of this can and does have an impact on the lake and the shoreline. And we can impact them. More on this in another article.
The key word is “Balance” – we need to avoid pushing too hard in any direction. And we need to be constantly vigilant and adapt as conditions change.
As homeowners, we can greatly impact the flow of nutrients into the lake by the type of shoreline we maintain. The ideal shoreline for protecting the lake has a shoreline buffer of plants to slow nutrient and water runoff into the lake. Most people would like access to the lake so you don’t usually see a complete vegetation buffer. But you can get the best of both worlds with a small access to the lake through the vegetation, oftentimes leading to a dock.
Minimizing the turf grass coverage of lakeside properties is also useful in many ways. To a Canadian Goose, a well manicured lawn is a tasty buffet. They find it irresistable. And with a clear path the the water they see little reason to leave and can stay for hours. Putting in a vegetation buffer at the water’s edge makes them fear for their escape route and they will not stay as long if they come ashore at all.
May 15, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on NYSFOLA Lower Hudson Regional Conference June 13, 2025 – 9:00am to 12:30pm
NYSFOLA Lower Hudson Regional Conference
June 13, 2025 – 9:00am to 12:30pm at The Sedgewood Club on China Pond, Kent, NY
Speak with experts. Connect with local lake users. Share ideas and experiences.
Registration is $15 and includes networking lunch.
Registration required. No walk-ins please!
Planned agenda:
Speaker sessions run through 12:30.
Lunch will follow with a chance to network with the speakers and other attendees.
Looking forward to seeing you there! Janet Andersen and Ina Cholst
Presented by: New York State Federation of Lake Associations, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County, Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation, Town of Kent Lakes Association, and The Sedgewood Club.
May 14, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on First Lake Treatment May 15, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
Pond and Lake Connection will be doing their first treatment on the lake for 2025 on Thursday, May 15th. As in the past, there is no recreational restriction.
There is, however, a 24 hr irrigation restriction since this application is an herbicide treatment. If you draw water from the lake to irrigate your lawn or garden, turn it off during Thursday-Friday.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
May 12, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Spring 2025 TEA Beach Cleanup – May 17
The annual pre-season beach cleanup and beautification at the Truesdale Estates Association beach on Truesdale Lake Drive is set for Saturday, May 17 from 9am-12noon.
We will be putting out the swimming dock, putting out swim ropes & buoys, raking the sand out, cleaning any winter damage, gardening, and generally making the beach ready for the summer.
Even if you can only come for an hour or so it will help out the overall effort! Many hands make light work. Bring rake, shovel, and any other tools you think will be useful.
Please RSVP to Sarah Polizzotto at politrell@hotmail.com.
Thanks!
May 10, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Dam Committee Memo April 30, 2025
Memo
To: Dam Committee
From: Lucille Munz
Date: April 30, 2025
RE: Summary & Updates on Site Meeting on March 25, 2025 Attendees:
Meeting Summary:
Updated information:
April 29, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on TLPOA Sponsored Lake-Wide Tag Sale
On Saturday, May 31st from 10am to 4pm the TLPOA will be hosting a community-wide Tag Sale.
Bring out your old items, play some music, and walk around shopping at your neighbors! Have fun with it! You are welcome to set up lemonade stands, and similar sales, at your house as well.
This year we are introducing two new options:
Meanwhile, at Gilbert Street Beach, we will be handing out maps to customers so they can locate each of the homes selling items. We will also be selling cookies at the beach!
If you aren’t participating in the tag sale and have finished browsing your neighbor’s wares, please come down to the beach to hang out with the community! Bring a picnic and celebrate the arrival of warmer weather!
In order for your home to be on the map you must fill out this survey and pay $35 if you are a member of the TLPOA. Non-TLPOA Truesdale Lake association members pay $40.
Each household will set up their own tag sales at their home. Households are permitted to collaborate and consolidate their sale to be located at a single address if both households fill out the survey and submit payment.
Please fill out the form even if you are only donating items, as well. The survey will help us create the map and direct customers to houses with running sales. The proceeds will go towards improving the Gilbert Street entrance and the Gilbert beach entrance. Your sign-up will not be considered complete until we have both the survey and payment.
You can pay via Venmo @Ted Bloch or PayPal to tlpoatreasurer0515@gmail.com
You can sign up until May 28th. Our rain date for the Tag Sale is June 1st.
March 19, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Spring 2025 TEA Membership Meeting: Mon, April 14
SPRING 2025 Membership Meeting April 14th @ Horse & Hound
The TEA Annual Spring Membership Meeting is planned for Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Horse & Hound at 94 Spring Street. We also plan to have a laptop/camera at the meeting broadcasting over Zoom for TEA members interested in watching remotely.
Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Email tea@truesdalelake.com to RSVP for in-person. If you want the Zoom Link please ask for it when you RSVP.
If you are new to the TEA or you want to update us on your information, please fill out the TEA Resident Questionnaire. Thanks!
Agenda
➡ President and other Officer reports
➡ Treasurer:
➡ Beach Report / Lake Committee update
➡ Projects Update: Drawdown / Septics / Sewer / Dock / Shed
➡ Upcoming meeting schedule for coming year.
New Boat Rack for TEA Beach – smaller one for kayaks and SUPs?
Beach cleanup weekend – Saturday May 17th (confirm) – weekend before Memorial Day.
Moonlight Regatta – Saturday June 7 9:15pm [weather permitting]
Other full moons (and regatta dates – weather/cloud permitting):
Kickoff Party – Second or third Saturday 6/7 Or 6/14? Kate and Sarah decide
Zelle – members payment – direct electronic payment went live in 2024 and worked well. Send your dues payment to tea@truesdalelake.com via Zelle after you receive your dues statement. If you want to confirm receipt, email us at tea@truesdalelake.com and let us know you are sending a payment.
The TEA Officer roles are two year terms. We have new officers for the current 2 year (2025-2026) term.
Board members cannot be in the same role for two consecutive terms so if you want to take over a role after 2026 let us know.
WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS! a lot of the same people have taken on the board and officer roles, some for many years. Fresh eyes and fresh energy is needed and valued. If you are new to the community and want to help, there are lots of ways to pitch in.
President (Rob Cummings) – organizes & runs meetings, in charge of recruiting next president and officers. Can sign checks.
Vice President (Jo Ann Ferrigno) – runs meetings when President can’t attend. Fills in other roles as needed. Can sign checks.
Treasurer (Ellen Rose) – deposits checks, writes checks, tracks and reports on income/expense and bank balances. Tax filing 990.
Recording Secretary (Howard Citron) – Takes meeting minutes, sends drafts to board and membership attendees post-meeting.
Corresponding Secretary (Debbie Fink) – Receives and replies to association correspondence.
Sergeant-at-Arms (Mike Gorman) – guards the door (or virtual door).
http://truesdalelake.com/associations/tea/tea-bylaws/
At-large Board members (7-10 members needed) attend 4 standing meetings per year. Current board members are: Mike Vellensky, Lisa Capobianco, Glenn Capobianco, Sarah Polizzotto, Kate Grieve, Harron Appleman, Melissa Scarlatto, Tom Houlihan, Ira Sanchick, Kathleen Ward Gallagher, Carol Gamez, and Wendy Daniels.
Sarah Polizzotto and Kate Grieve are beach co-chairs. Thank you Kate and Sarah!
Standing Association Meetings are on the following schedule (Add to your Calendars!):
-TEA Membership Meetings (entire membership invited 2x/year):
—SECOND Monday of April (April 14, 2025, NEXT MEETING Spring Membership Meeting)
—SECOND Monday of November (Nov 10, 2025, Fall Membership Meeting, the one coming up)
-TEA Board Meetings (board members only):
—SECOND Monday of March (March 9, 2026)
—SECOND Monday of October (Oct 13, 2025)
Special Meetings can be called for association business.
Beach Chairperson – coordinate beach clean-up, monitor beach conditions, keep an eye on beach things like electricity and trash service. Lots more! A lot of overlap with the Social Chairperson.
Social Chairperson – Plan and get volunteers for any social events – primarily the Summer Kickoff BBQ the second weekend in June. Some events can be at our beach while others we can coordinate with TLPOA. This position is all about fun!
Volunteer Opportunities & Committees:
Beach Clean-up Day – the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend (May) each year. Lots of sand spreading, weed cleanup, general maintenance, and straightening up the beach getting ready for the first official weekend of summer on Memorial Day Weekend.
Floats and Dock installation, management, and winterizing – 2-3 people needed – at the beginning of the season, usually on Beach Clean-up Day, volunteers put out the floats and swim dock. 2-3 people. At the end of the season, this group pulls in the floats and winterizes & secures the swim dock
Lake Management Committee Member – be the TEA liaison to TLPOA Lake Manager John Gusmano and Pond & Lake Connection (James Gorman, main contact). Participate in email communications and bring any concerns to the TEA & TEA Board. More info: http://truesdalelake.com/lake-management/
CSLAP Testing Member (1 person needed) – We are looking to rejoin the New York State Federation of Lake Associations “Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program” which uses trained volunteers to sample the water conditions of Truesdale Lake and hundreds of other NY State Lakes. More info is at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81576.html
Resident Canada Geese Registration and Egg Control program volunteers (2-3 people needed to go out to the islands in March and April) – Each year we get permits from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to oil and addle eggs in the nests of Resident Canada geese. 20+ years ago there were hundreds of Canada geese that would take up permanent residence on Truesdale Lake for the summer. This causes unhealthy conditions in the lake and on lawns. More information at truesdalelake.com/goose
Truesdale Lake Dock Committee (TLDC) – We have a joint TEA/TLPOA/Vreeland/Lake Shore Drive committee that accepts applications for new and renovated docks. The TLDC process is designed to help the homeowner comply with our requirements and the Town of Lewisboro’s regulations..
Truesdale Fishing Committee – fishing guidelines and signage around Truesdale Lake. Fishing information here: http://truesdalelake.com/lake-management/fishing/
Ad-hoc Building Committee – We built two boat racks at the TEA beach. These racks have 2 spots available for TEA members. If you are interested in a spot on the rack, the season rental is $100. If you are interested in helping build an additional boat rack at our TEA Gilbert/Lake Shore boat launch property let us know. Other projects of the Building Committee in 2025 will include the new shed installation including a proposed tiki bar(!?)
Landscaping committee – anyone with ideas to beautify our already lovely beach let us know. We have ornamental grasses along the boat launch fence side. Always looking for additional ideas to make it look good.
In 2025 we are looking to replace or repair the following items at the beach:
Anything else you can think of? Let us know…
Some helpful links for lake residents new and old:
TEA Map and Other TEA Resources Online
Map available at the website here: https://www.truesdalelake.com/tea
For residents new to the lake, download the TEA Welcome and Information Packet from this link above as well.
*If you are interested in volunteering for the TEA board or a specific activity, please email tea@truesdalelake.com or fill out this questionnaire.
Truesdale Estates Association
PO Box 363
South Salem, NY 10590
tea@truesdalelake.com
*if you are not current with your TEA dues, you cannot vote until your dues are brought current.