sherwood scene
January - March 2025
Board of Directors
Tom McBride: President 6724 SW Aylesbury Rd. Topeka, KS 66610
Kurt Bossert: Vice President 7544 SW Blue Inn Pl. Topeka, KS 66610
Randy Forbes: Corporate Secretary 7619 SW Robinhood Ct. Topeka KS 66614
Mike Kongs: Treasurer
7261 SW Fountaindale Rd. Topeka, KS 66614
Jo Hunt
7031 SW Fountaindale Rd. Topeka, KS 66614
Rob Seitz
7061 SW Fountaindale Rd. Topeka, KS 66614
Paul Feist
3624 Blue Inn Rd. Topeka KS 66614
Janell Mergan
7623 SW Robinhood Ct. Topeka, KS 66614
Joe Mans
7430 SW Falcon Topeka, KS 66610
Board member contact information is available at sherwoodlakeclub.org in the member’s only section. Email manager@ sherwoodlakeclub.org if you need help signing in.
Calendar of Events
Clubhouse Rentals
03/19 – Sailing Club Social
03/20 – LQEC Meeting
03/24 – SLC Board Monthly Meeting
03/29 – Jerry Desch
04/08 – Sherwood Improvement District
04/10 – Bridge Club
04/16 – Sailing Club Social
04/19 – Ana Perez
04/27 – Kevin Pelton
04/28 – SLC Board Monthly Meeting
05/03 – Tony Wolf
05/08 – Bridge Club
05/10 – Mark McMillan
05/13 – Sherwood Improvement District
05/17 – Merrick Wiles
05/21 – Sailing Club Social
05/22 – LQEC Meeting
05/25 – Debbie Pryor
05/27 – SLC Board Monthly Meeting (changed to Tuesday)
Other Events
04/19 – Easter Egg Hunt 04/26 – Spring Clean-Up Day
THINGS TO KNOW
Lake Patrol Schedule
Until April 1: By appointment only. Please call 785.221.2628 if you need assistance.
April 1 – May 9:
M-F 2:30pm – 7:00pm. Saturday and Sunday 9:00am – 9:00pm.
Starting May 10: M-F 2:30pm – 10:00pm. Saturday and Sunday 7:00am – 10:00pm.
Food Trucks
We are currently scheduling food trucks for this summer. If you would like to recommend a new food truck, please forward the name to office@sherwoodlakeclub.org.
Updated Bylaws and Rules and Regulations
New versions of our Bylaws and Rules and Regulations were approved by the Board at the December 23, 2024 meeting. They incorporate changes approved by the Board over the past several years. The following are links to the new versions.
https://www.sherwoodlakeclub.org/docs/SLC_ByLaws_ Board_Approved_Final_12232024.docx.pdf
https://www.sherwoodlakeclub.org/docs/SLC_Rules_and_ Regulations_Board_Approved_Final_12232024_1.docx.pdf
Access to Sherwood Scene
Know a member who cannot access the Sherwood Scene online? Have them contact manager@sherwoodlakeclub.org or 785-221-3248 to have a hard copy provided.
Shoreline and Dock
Any dock or shoreline additions or improvements must be approved by SLC. KDWR and Shawnee County Planning require a permit for any NEW improvements. Repairs or replacing existing shoreline without changing the layout do not require permits. When in doubt, give the SLC Lake Manager a call at 785-221-3248. For new docks or lifts contact Rob Seitz at 785-478-1745.
Boater’s Safety Course
You can watch the video and take the quiz via the website. If you do not have access, contact the Lake Club Manager 785-221-3248 or email manager@sherwoodlakeclub.org
Member Wait List (Top 5)
Andrew HInkle
Bruce Kahre
Ashley & Toni Grady
Whitney Baker
Leslie Riegsecker-Murata
Marina Slip Wait List (Top 5)
Greg Umscheid
Mark Degroff
Holly Johnson
Hollie Meek
Dan & Katie Milburn
Welcome New Members
Debbie and Jared Beam
Brad Lindstrom and Jessica Aebi
Cody and Logan Martinek
Letter from the SLC Board President
Spring is Almost Here!
March 20th can’t get here soon enough!
The Sherwood Board welcomed three new members in January---Janell Mergan will be in charge of the Sherwood 4th of July event and Social Events, Joe Mans will be the Board’s liaison with the Lake Quality and Environ Committee, Lake Safety & Fishery and Mike Kongs is the new Treasurer.
Thanks go to Megan Clay and John Wendling for their time and efforts on the Board.
Rob Seitz, Jo Hunt, Kurt Bossert, Paul Feist and Randy Forbes will continue serving on the Board.
Please remember to contact Eric or Travis when you want to launch your boat back on the lake. Also, take a moment to visit the Sherwood Lake Club Web Site to reserve the clubhouse or beach pavilion. The beach pavilion has new picnic tables and a TV.
I hope you will take some time to review the rules and regulations concerning operating a boat on the lake so everyone will have the best boating experience this year.
Thank you, Tom.
Lake Manager's Report
Hello members, management is gearing up for a new safe recreational season at Sherwood.
• The Boater Safety course is available on the website to watch the video and take the quiz. It is required for all new members and within a year of any members turning 16.
• Members who have not currently paid their dues need to review Bylaws (Article XVII DUES) on the website. Members invoice states $25.00-dollar late fee will be added for late payment. This also includes insurance payments, and marina slip rentals.
• Lake Patrol:
• Will be available for launch assistance by appointment till April 1, 2025.
• April 1, 2025, to May 9, 2025. Hours MondayFriday 2:30pm to 7:00pm. Saturday-Sunday 9:00am to 9:00pm.
• Summer hours May 10, 2025. Monday-Friday 2:30pm to 10:00pm. Saturday-Sunday 7:00am to 10:00pm till after Labor Day. Schedule will be adjusted by weather conditions.
• Bouy's will be set in April.
• Beach facilities will be available in the middle of April, weather permitting.
• New registration stickers will be available after dues have been paid and no watercraft will be launched without new stickers.
• Members with lake front property who stored their boats on lift for winter contact lake patrol for new stickers.
• Lake Patrol will have an updated spreadsheet of members not current.
• Spring cleanup scheduled for April 26, 2025, starting at 10am. Please email manager@sherwoodlakeclub.org or office@ sherwoodlakeclub.org if you can participate.
• The more members participating, the less time it will take. Hope to see you there! The manager will send an email out for assignments a week before. Members can request an assignment. Please bring gloves, rakes, wheel barrels, blowers, shovels. Trash bags will be provided.
• Clubhouse:
• Clean windows inside and out
• Clean gutters
• Blow leaves out of bushes
• Pick up walnuts and limb debris
• Spread mulch
• Remove rotten split rail fence
• Beach volleyball court:
• Rake sand cleanup any debris
• Install net
• Marina:
• Check for any loose decking boards and secure with screws. Remove and install new decking boards (materials and tools provided)
• Manager will evaluate boards needing replacement prior to date
• Beach:
• Power wash beach hut, pavilion, and tables
• Remove sand from drains
• Clean up any debris on beach and dock
• Water Samples tests will be completed by the manager and sent for processing lake water quality. May, June, July and August.
Eric Bauer Manager
28th & Wanamaker,, 5990 SW 28th St Topeka, KS 66614
Bus: 785-272-8858
chip.munk.b6g6@statefarm.com
Get great service & great rates.
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Lake Quality and Environment Committee
Timely reminders from the Lake Quality & Environment Committee:
• Trees, shrubs, and sleeping perennials can all benefit from a slow, deep drink of water in March. Avoid watering around times of frost, but in warm breaks in the weather or if we do not experience a deep rain, all your plants will appreciate a drink.
• Apply crabgrass preventer between April 1-15 or when redbuds are approaching full bloom. If using a product with prodiamine (Barricade), apply two weeks earlier. Crabgrass preventers must be watered in before they will start to work.
• To avoid over-fertilization which is not only harmful to our lake ecosystem but also our lawns, please plan to test your soil prior to applying spring applications of fertilizer for turf grasses.
• Fertilizer should NOT be applied within 30 feet of the shoreline.
• To help bees, butterflies, moths and other beneficial insect larvae, AVOID raking up leaves in garden beds until late-April to mid-May. While these leaves may appear unkempt, they are actually full of life, harboring pollinator larvae and insulating our soils, plants and insects from freezing temperatures.
• The wattles that have been covering our storm drains will be removed soon and the streets will be cleaned shortly thereafter.
Angler Survey
The LQEC is conducting an Angler Survey. If you fish at Lake Sherwood and have not yet completed the survey, please click here to complete the survey.
Wattle Volunteers
Many thanks to the volunteers that have been monitoring and cleaning around the wattles including Steve Dodd, Joy Dodd, Nelson Dean, Tracy Lynch, Paul Bossert, Wyatt Bossert, Walker Bossert, Mike Munson, Dylan Munson, Kyler Gronewaller, Travis Hirt, Chuck Towle, and Mark Gronewaller.
Sailing Club
Ahoy, Mateys, it's almost time to come out of hibernation!
Thanks are due to the Sailing Club Social Chairs, Linda Gwaltney and Julie Hein, for creating and organizing the new “3rd Wednesday of the Month Party” at the Sherwood Clubhouse. Our first party was a great success, enjoying drinks & treats while keeping score playing bridge for dummies on rotating tables.
We plan to provide Free sailing lessons again in June (more to come on that). The proposed calendar is included. Please don't hesitate to contact one of the sailing club board members if you're interested in joining.
Wishing Everyone Smooth Sailing, Jim & Joy Phelps, Commodores
Al Hunt, Vice Commodore
Chuck Towle, Treasurer
Linda Gwaltney, Social Co-Chair
Julie Hein, Social Co-Chair
What’s Biting?
(Q&A with Travis Hirt)
Q. What species of game fish are in Lake Sherwood?
A. Crappie, large and small mouth Bass, Walleye, Wipers, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Catfish (channel, blue cat, and flathead). Another fish in the lake is Gizzard Shad which all gamefish eat.
Q. What is a Wiper?
A. It is a non-reproducing fish which is a cross between a stripe bass and a white bass. Wipers can be fun to catch and pretty good to eat but must be thrown back due to the creel limits of our lake.
Q. What’s special about Catfish?
A. Catfish are the top predator. They are solitary hunters and typically eat live bait once they reach 12-15 lbs. They are smart which allows them to live a long time and flathead catfish can reach up to 85 lbs in this lake.
Q. What is good to fish for during the spring?
A. Crappie and Walleye are good to catch until the water turns warm. Both are cold water fish and spawn before the water warms up. Crappie can be caught in the summer but taste best when they are caught cold and stored cold.
Q. Describe the Lake Sherwood ecosystem?
A. The lake is very diverse for fishing. At the west end of the lake we have shallow mud bottoms and coves that mimic farm ponds. Off the south points and east end we have porous rock limestone bottoms which provide a habitat for filter feeders like shad. The shad attract fish like walleye out into open water for fishing that resembles larger reservoir fishing.
Q. At what age did you start fishing?
A. I have been fishing since I was a young boy. I would go with either grandpa or my dad whenever they had time. As I got older, I had friends that liked to fish. We would drive out to surrounding lakes to hone our skills. I will fish the rest of my life because it is a hobby that brings a lot of joy to many people from a wide variety of ages.
Sherwood Lake Club Fishing Regulations
The following creel, possession and slot limits shall apply to all fishing on Lake Sherwood.
Individuals that violate these limits shall be suspended from all Lake Club Privileges for one (1) year from date of violation, in addition to “Penalties” as may be determined under the Sherwood Lake Club Rules and Regulations which may be amended or updated from time to time.
NO WARNING WILL BE ISSUED!
Adopted 05/2021
Remembering our Members
Lake Sherwood remembers and says “Good-bye” to three incredible friends and neighbors –
Keith and Dea Olson built and moved into their New England saltbox-style home on Aylesbury Road in 1977. Their yard was meticulously gardened with a beautiful array of plants, trees and flowers; complete with walking paths, wooden and stone sculptures, and a woodpile which was used to fire up their huge wood-burning furnace on cold winter days. Keith and Dea met while attending Kansas State University. Throughout their lives, they were devoted Wildcat fans, avidly attending football and basketball games in Manhattan or on the road. They moved their young family to Topeka when Keith joined and became a partner at the firm that is now Mize CPAs, Inc. Dea was an Interior Designer by profession and filled their home with exquisite art, antiques and family heirlooms. To enter their home was to step back into time and hear tales of family history and bygone ways of life. Every displayed item had a story to tell and a history worth hearing. It was a magical home. Keith would joke that Dea was a hooker. Yes, rug hooking was a passion of hers and her creations were exhibited throughout their home and often gifted to beloved family and friends. Serving on many community boards, she shared her talents and love of all things “design” with her family, friends and community. She loved her decades of involvement with the Junior League of Topeka; most especially notable was her work on the annual Next to New Sale which raised thousands of dollars which were used to fund JLT projects. Both Keith and Dea had big personalities which endeared them to all who had the pleasure knowing and loving them. They were generous with their time, talents, and resources. Keith died on March 12, 2023 after a short illness. Shortly after Keith’s death, Dea moved to Kansas City and died peacefully on February 25, 2025. They are survived by their children Cami and Tyler and their spouses and children.
Peg Wittmer moved to Aylesbury Road in 2002 along with her beloved partner in life, Maggie Mahood. Peg was an incredible bundle of energy, exuberance and just plain fun! There were no strangers in Peg’s world, only friends and relationships to discover and nurture. According to her beautiful obituary, she walked through life lighting up the world. Peg had many gifts in life but what stands out the most was her ability to make everyone around her feel heard, loved and valued. Carrying these indomitable traits into a profession, she worked her entire life in sales. When she singlehandedly created the first KU women’s basketball radio show, Peg became the first voice of the Lady Jayhawks. Peg sold sponsors on the idea of a women’s basketball game day program in the 1970’s, a time when such a thing just wasn’t done. Also referencing her obituary, Peg was “Momma” of the Topeka Capital Journal coupon book, “Make Momma Happy.” At WIBW, Peg created “Helping Make Topeka Great,” a way of honoring companies and individuals that still make Topeka a better place. If you were blessed enough to work with Peg, you frequently received small gifts and treats from her just because. Peg and Maggie loved to entertain visitors in their home and you would often see them out on their pontoon with friends, always accompanied by a canine companion or two. There were lots of special dogs in her life and one certainly hit the jackpot when it became family to Peg and Maggie. The neighborhood dogs were frequent visitors and always returned home with treats in their bellies. Peg died peacefully in her home on January 18, 2025.
These precious neighbors will be remembered fondly as people who made Lake Sherwood a better place to live and raise our families. There are many people doing great things out there and we would love to hear about them. If you would like to contribute an article to be included in The Scene, please contact Jo Hunt.
Toys for Tots Donation
Abig thank you to Scott and Sherry Hunsicker for organizing a Toys for Tots bicycle campaign in December. Bicycles are one of the most requested items but least donated items.
Family, friends, and neighbors donated 87 bicycles and over $1,000 in cash to purchase helmets and other necessary items. The Marines said it is one of the most successful toy drives they help with.
Thanks to all who donated.
Sherwood Lake Club Board of Director Minutes:
All minutes can be found on the website, sherwoodlakeclub.org. Members can use the links below to retrieve them.
November 25: http://www.sherwoodlakeclub.org/docs/20241125_Boar d_Minutes.pdf
December 23: http://www.sherwoodlakeclub.org/docs/20241223_Boar d_Minutes.docx-combined.pdf
January 27: http://www.sherwoodlakeclub.org/docs/2025012725_Bo ard_Minutes_1.docx.pdf
