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sherwood scene

July-September 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

09/18 – LQEC Meeting

09/20 – Judy Feist

09/22 – Sherwood Lake Club Monthly Meeting

10/03 – Judy Feist

10/09 – Bridge Club

10/11 – Kristi Pelton

10/14 – Sherwood Improvement District

10/15 – Sherwood Sailing Club Social

10/27 – Sherwood Lake Club Monthly Meeting

11/08 – Craft Show

11/11 – Sherwood Improvement District

11/13 – Bridge Club

11/19 – Sherwood Sailing Club Social 11/20 – LQEC Meeting

11/24 – Sherwood Lake Club Monthly Meeting

THINGS TO KNOW

Lake Patrol Schedule

M-F 2:30 to dusk if no one is at the beach. On call until 2:30.

Saturday-Sunday 7am to dusk if no one is at the beach or B member has a boat on the lake.

Facebook Group

The Facebook Group “Sherwood Lake Club Inc. A/B Members” is our official private group for members only. To join, go to groups in Facebook and search for our group. Answer the two questions and select join. Once we confirm your lake club membership you will be admitted to the group.

We also have a public Facebook Page “Sherwood Lake Club Inc. – Topeka, KS”. This will be used periodically to promote the lake and share activities of interest to the non-member community.

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

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

Welcome New Members

Tina Reed & Stephen Scott

Thomas Rebein

Anthony & Sarah Towle

Mark & Lisa Slyter

Member Wait List (Top 5)

Haley Wingerson

Clay Delbiaggio

Kristen & Brett Martinek

Stacy & John Polzar

Brandon Ramirez

Marina Slip Wait List (Top 5)

Greg Umscheid

Dan & Katie Milburn

James Hicks

Sharad Doshi Christopher Butler

Chip Munk, Agent 28th & Wanamaker,, 5990 SW 28th St Topeka, KS 66614

Bus: 785-272-8858

chip.munk.b6g6@statefarm.com

Get great service & great rates.

You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Letter from the SLC Board President

Terrific Summer Gone Too Soon…

Pickleball/Tennis

The new courts will be ready to use around November 1st! A Ribbon Cutting announcement will be out soon, I hope you will attend. For the Rules Regulating Play, please go to the Sherwood Web Site.

Thank You

Thank you to Chris Towle who again this summer did a marvelous job organizing the Food Truck Wednesdays!

Also, a Big Thank You to the Sherwood Lake Patrol for their dedicated work keeping the lake safe for all the water sports, clean from storm debris and taking care of the Sherwood Beach area and Pavilion.

Annual Dues

Located elsewhere in the Scene is a Sherwood By-Law change concerning Annual Dues. Please read the explanation and the new by-law. There will be Member Meetings to discuss any concern you might have.

Much was Accomplished, More to be Done

Much has been accomplished this year including the new pickleball/tennis courts, updating the By-Laws, Rules, Regulations, Operating Manual and Lake Patrol Manual, many new tests on the water quality, a new accounting system, Sherwood’s Easter Egg hunt, Sherwood’s First Trivia Night and a wonderful 4th of July Celebration.

More to be done includes the dam and two spillways to be completed (Dam FEMA), ideas and action to address the low water levels in several coves and continued maintenance on the Clubhouse, Marina, Beach, and Pavilion.

Remember to call Eric or Travis when you plan to remove your boat for the winter.

Again, I urge you to attend at least one Sherwood Board Meeting the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00pm at the Sherwood Clubhouse.

Thanks to all of you for making Lake Sherwood a unique and pleasant place to live and play.

Thank you, Tom

Member Notice of Proposed Bylaw Change

Keeping Sherwood Lake Club Afloat…

The last time the Annual Dues were raised was January 1, 2021, and it was a significant amount going from $650 per year to $950 per year for A Members.

No one likes to raise dues, especially on themselves. It’s especially unpleasant when the amount represents a large increase.

However, The Sherwood Lake Club needs to keep ahead of inflation. The Lake Club’s expenses are increasing in salaries, maintenance, gasoline, supplies, accounting services, fireworks, water testing labs, mowing, cleaning and utilities.

The Board of Directors have arrived at a method which seems fair and not overwhelming.

The Board proposes tying an increase in annual dues to the Inflation Rate of the Previous Year.

A full explanation and example are located below, along with the proposed new By-Law. Please read, please come to one of the Member’s Meetings, please call if you have questions, and Please Vote. The shareholder vote will take place at the annual meeting on January 27, 2026, 7:00pm, at the Sherwood Clubhouse.

Thank you,

Tom McBride

SLC President

ARTICLE XVII DUES

SECTION 1. The annual dues for members of the Club shall be established by the Board of Directors in accordance with this Article. The Board of Directors may impose a monthly penalty charge for nonpayment of dues or other accounts owed by members of the Club.

SECTION 2. Purpose and Scope. To ensure that the Lake Club's annual dues remain in line with the economic conditions, particularly inflation and to maintain the financial health and sustainability of the organization, the annual dues will be adjusted each year based on the inflation rate over the previous calendar year, with adjustments taking effect at the beginning of each calendar year.

SECTION 3. Annual Dues Adjustment Formula

1. Current Dues: The current annual dues for membership are $950 for Class A and $400 for Class B as of January 1, 2025.

2. Inflation Rate Reference: The inflation rate used to adjust the dues will be the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Midwest Region-Mountain-Plains CPI as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from November of the previous year to November of the current year.

3. Dues Adjustment Calculation:

The annual dues will be adjusted each year by multiplying the current dues by the inflation rate for the preceding year, then adding that amount to the current dues.

The formula for calculating the new dues will be: New Dues = Current Dues × (1 + Inflation Rate)

Example: If the inflation rate for the previous year is 3%, the new dues will be calculated as follows:

o New Dues = $950 × (1 + 0.03) = $950 × 1.03 = $980

o New Dues = $400 x (1 + 0.03) = $400 x 1.03 = $412

Member Notice of Proposed Bylaw Change

4. Annual Review: Each year, no later than November 30, the Treasurer shall calculate the new dues based on the CPI-U or equivalent inflation measure, and the dues for the upcoming year will be communicated to all members by January 1.

SECTION 4. Duration and Annual Review

1. This bylaw formula for annually adjusting the dues shall remain in effect for five (5) years from the date of adoption.

2. After five (5) years, these adjustment provisions will be reviewed, and the Sherwood Lake Club Members shall vote on whether to continue, amend, or discontinue the inflation-based dues adjustment based upon the Board’s recommendation.

SECTION 5. Exception to Annual Adjustment

1. In the event that the inflation rate is 0% or negative (deflation) in a given year, the annual dues will remain the same as the previous year's dues.

2. If the CPI or equivalent inflation measure experiences extreme fluctuations or if the inflation rate exceeds a threshold of 10%, the Board of Directors may call for a special review of the dues adjustment formula and consider a cap or modification to ensure fairness.

SECTION 5. Ratification

These dues adjustment provisions shall become effective upon approval according to the Lake Club ByLaws Article V, Section 9 and shall be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting.

SECTION 6. Example Timeline of Dues Adjustments (assuming a 3% inflation rate)

• Year 1 (Current Year): $950

• Year 2 (Adjusted for Inflation): $950 × 1.03 = 980

• Year 3 (Adjusted for Inflation): $980 × 1.03 = $1,009

• Year 4 (Adjusted for Inflation): $1,009 × 1.03 = $1,039

• Year 5 (Adjusted for Inflation): $1,039 × 1.03 = $1,070

• Year 1 (Current Year): $400

• Year 2 (Adjusted for Inflation): $400 × 1.03 = $412

• Year 3 (Adjusted for Inflation): $412 × 1.03 = $424

• Year 4 (Adjusted for Inflation): $424 × 1.03 = $437

• Year 5 (Adjusted for Inflation): $437 × 1.03 = $450

After five years, if the annual adjustment provision of this Article is extended, the dues will be adjusted based on the inflation rate for that year and following years, as per the foregoing procedure. If after five years, the annual adjustment provision of this article is not extended, the future dues will remain the amount to which the dues were last adjusted pursuant to the annual adjustment provision.

Any amendment to this Article will require the approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the membership who vote pursuant to the provisions of Article V. Section 9 of these Bylaws. An amount of $100 included in the annual dues from each member shall be accounted for by the Lake Club in a separate accounting fund, and shall be used solely for the care and maintenance of Lake Sherwood. Any member who is delinquent in payment of dues and/or assessments shall immediately become ineligible to use any facilities of the Sherwood Lake Club, Inc., and such ineligibility shall continue until such dues and/or assessments are brought current, including all penalties.

SECTION 7. Dues, assessments, and other indebtedness are a lien on the stock and no transfer can be made while the holder is indebted to the Lake Club.

The Directors shall have the power to forfeit membership of any member who shall neglect to pay dues or other indebtedness within forty (40) days after the same became due. Fifteen (15) days notice in writing by mail or personal delivery shall be given before a forfeiture is declared by the Board of Directors.

LQEC Update

Water Quality Testing Update

We completed the first round of water sampling for the 2025 season on May 21. The results showed that the lake is overall healthy and clear, with excellent visibility across most areas. The only exception was the West End cove, where water clarity was lower. Following a rain event, E.coli levels were very high for about 4–5 days. At that time, we sent an email alert to members recommending extra caution with water activities such as swimming or tubing in the cove, since exposure during high E.coli periods can cause illness.

The most recent sampling, conducted on August 14, also confirmed that the lake remains in good condition. Once again, the West End cove showed elevated (though not high) levels of E.coli and fecal coliform, which was likely related to another rain event. Runoff from upstream sources after heavy rain can temporarily raise bacteria levels.

As a reminder, we recommend extra caution with water contact activities in the West End cove for several days after significant rainfall. Outside of these brief periods, the lake continues to be healthy and safe for recreation.

Fall Lawn & Leaf Care Reminder

Fall is the best time of year to fertilize your lawn. However, please remember to fertilize only if a soil test shows it is needed, and always follow your product’s recommendations. Over-fertilization not only harms turf but can also negatively impact our lake’s ecosystem.

As we head into the fall season, leaves will soon begin to drop. When leaves are left on the ground, rain can wash them into the lake, where they contribute to phosphorus loading—a leading cause of algae growth.

We appreciate your continued efforts to bag your leaves and prevent them from reaching the water. Small actions like this help keep our lake clean and healthy for everyone.

Trivia at the Beach

Our first Trivia at the Beach was held the evening of June 20. It was a great turnout with 80 people on 10 teams! Thanks to everyone who participated!

Sailing Club

AHOY MATEYS …. The year has gone fast, considering the 2025 Sherwood Sailing Club has only four sailboat races left, ending on the last Sunday in September. It has been a great year, beginning in January when we started our new “Third Wednesday of the Month” off-season social parties at the Lake Clubhouse. They are a lot of fun gathering to play cards and enjoy treats and drinks. We had a very competitive Commodore’s Cup Regatta in July, which required tie-breaker rules for our top three finishers. Tony Towle became the 51st winner of the annual Regatta. We just completed our Treasure Hunt and Dinner Party, with a live music pool party! and are looking forward to the Last Race party, planned for September 28th. We will begin our off-season “Third Wednesday of the Month” parties in October, and hold our Annual Season Awards Banquet on December 6th.

Remember, you don’t have to sail to join the Sherwood Sailing Social Club, although we will have members encouraging you to take our free June sailing lessons and then race, or come to the beach shelter to enjoy the weekly Sunday races, treats & drinks.

Anyone interested in joining can contact a sailor or one of our board members:

Jim & Joy Phelps, Commodores

Al Hunt, Vice Commodore, Rules & Training

Chuck Towle, Treasurer, Rules & Training

Linda Gwaltney & Julie Hein, Social Committee Chairs

Lake Manager's Report

Thank you, members, for having a safe and healthy boating season. The manager is happy to report no major incidents occurred. Thank you for abiding by the rules and regulations of the lake.

Ski and sailing lessons were a hit. Thanks to Paul Fiest and Chuck Towle for volunteering their time and boats.

Lake Activities are slowing down since school is back in session. Members enjoyed a summer of fireworks, lake games, fishing tournament, and running around the lake, volleyball and horseshoes. Pickleball will be a new July 4 activity. Food trucks every Wednesday night.

A new lake patrol manual was written and adopted.

Concrete curing time is almost over. Courts will be painted and striped before nets are installed. Members interested in helping paint or installing nets contact the manager 785-221-3248.

Evergy replacing power poles and trimming trees should be completed end of September off Nottingham . Beach hut facilities will be winterized at the end of October.

Lake Patrol will be removing buoys in November. Patrol boat will be winterized in the middle of November.

Members, please help keep leaves out of the lake by mulching or bagging fall leaves.

Members assistance with wattle deployment first of November. Reminder and actual date will be sent by email.

Eric manager

Save The Date

Chili Cookoff at the Beach Saturday, October 18 4:30 – 6:30

Watch email for more details

New Tennis and Pickleball Courts

On July 7th, 2025 the revamping of our Sherwood tennis courts began. The first steps were to dig up and haul off the existing court and it took 72 truckloads to accomplish this task. Jesse Robinson of Heartland Concrete found a local business that was fairly close and was willing to take this old material, so things quickly fell into place.

After the haul off was complete, the forms, rebar, mesh and leveling materials were put down and readied for the cement. Because the courts were 120 ft X 160 ft, there was 3 separate pours to ensure each section was poured and leveled correctly. After each pour, the concrete was cut to prevent cracking. Capital Concrete, who is owned by Bettis Asphalt, supplied the concrete and it took a total of 300 yards of concrete 5 inches thick to cover the area.

Bettis suggested 3500 PSI with straight concrete to make certain the area would be able to withstand anything. We have to wait 30 days for the concrete to cure, but our next steps will be to paint the whole area, have it striped and then set the surfaced mounted poles. The courts already look great, but we’re excited to get them completed and enjoy them for many years to come. They should be completed by early to mid October.

4th of July Activities

4th of July Winners

We apologize for any missing or inaccurate information

Volleyball

1st place – Net Ninja’s: Jenna Wendling, Caroline Wolverton, Luke Wolverton, Presley Kreter, Max Bettis, Andrew Wolverton

2nd place – Spiked Punch: Ike Hedquist, Tyler Feist, Katie Feist, Brad Hermann, Bradley Hopper, Talisa Hopper

3rd place (tie) – Fireball: Paul Feist, Zaac Mares, Rachel Mares, Todd Edenborough, Ashley Romine, Jenner Hickel

3rd place (tie) – North Side Ninja’s: Jenny Hunt, Josh Massey, Mara Lutgen, Madi Wester, Natalie Hunt, Jeremy Ayer

Horseshoes

17 Teams participated and there was a good turnout of spectators. Most matches were very close including a 17 to 21 final match.

1st place – Chris Henricks and Parker Ast 2nd place – Mick Wolverton and Eric Wendling

Fishing

Most Fish

Men: Miles Burgess (35)

Ladies: Cheryl Bromich (6)

Boys: Dax Bobo (9)

Girls: Jenna Wendling (22)

Largest Game Fish

Men: Jack O’Neal (4 lb bass)

Boys: Mason Likos (1 lb, 8 oz bass)

Girls: Quinn Trobough (2 lb, 2 oz bass)

Largest Fish

Men: Jim Thorpe (4 lb channel catfish)

Ladies: Cheryl Bromich (4 lb, 7 oz channel catfish)

Boys: Austin Marshall (15 lb, 2 oz carp)

Girls: Tealey Voelcker (9 lb, 10 oz carp)

Largest Carp

Austin Marshall (15 lb, 2 oz)

1st place – Making Waves (Hutchinson, Seitz, Gwaltney and Hunt families)

2nd place – Uncle Sam (Rempe family)

3rd place – Glazed Goose (Stewart/Glaze family)

Parade

Grand Champion – Don’t Touch Our Freedom (Ast family)

4th of July Activities

Sandcastles

Feather Castle (Leslie & Autumn Eilert, Axtell)

Turtle Castle (Dillon Millburn, Kaiden Mergan, Henry Mergan, Mason Likos)

Castle of Improvising (Hudson Dohrman, Dylan Meggison, Riley Rempe, Reese Meggison, Hudson Meggison, Rowan Martine)

American Octopus (Madi Wester, Bowen George, Colten George, Brooklyn Harrison, Abby Whitehead)

Barbies Hot Top (Margaret Robertson)

Lennys Castle (Mila Pagan, Isaak Pagan, Sarah May, Elizabeth May, Samuel May, Elijah May)

Lake Sherwood Mermaid (Kristin & Christian Robertson)

The Lion (Brody Bromich)

Man-eating Shark (Olivia & Heather Applegate)

Tibby (Allie Fullmer)

Liberty Bell (Wendling & Stamm-McBride families)

Thomas Jefferson

Turtle (Perry, Olivia, & Breck Zeyer)

Fantastic Flags (Owen Mueting, Lainey Mueting, Eli Mueting, Tucker Sigle)

1st – Andrew and Luke Wolverton 2nd – Bowen and Colten George 3rd – Madi Wester and Jenny Hunt

Run Around the Lake

1st place male – Henry Laubach 1st place female – Hannah Nielsen https://www.sherwoodlakeclub.org/docs/Run_start_ Video.mp4

Balloon Toss

Tug-O-War

14 and Under – South side (Abree Pate, Hannah Pate, Tyler Flesher, Geneviee Hason, Keaton Cox, Elizabeth May, Mila Pagan, Caroline Robertson, Eli Mueting, Owen Mueting, Carson, Sarah May, Kaiden Mergan, Henry Mergan, Addi Nash, Marshall Dillon, Elijah May, Tucker Sigle, Mason Likos, Dylon Flesher)

Over 14 – South side (Samuel May, Charles Robertson, Caleb Swim, Bud Gill, Dan Milburn, Davis Pagan, Eric May, Mila Pagan, Chris Likos, Paolo Alaves, Emily Scott)

3-5 years old

1st – Henry Seele

2nd – Madison Geiken 3rd – Hadasa Dobb

6-7 years old

1st – Evelyn Walker

2nd – Kaiden Mergan

3rd – Margaret Robertson

8-9 years old

1st – Dalton Lepol

2nd – Ryker Bobo

3rd – Tucker Sigle

10-11 years old

1st – Marshal Dylan

2nd – Elijah May

3rd – Aubree Pate

12-13 years old

1st – Esli Eilert

2nd – Colten George

3rd – Eli Mueting

14-15 years old

1st – Sameul May

2nd – Jenna Wendling

3rd – Tyler Flesher

16-18 years old

1st – Andrew Wolverton

2nd – Luke Wolverton

Adults

1st – Paolo Alaves

2nd – Christin Robertson

3rd – Jeremy Ayer

Noodle Races

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.