January 2025 Update

We want to wish everyone a joyful start to 2025 and look forward to another great year ahead!

Pond Maintenance Update

As many of you know, this group primarily consists of those who live on or near Twin Islands Pond. Last year, we made significant progress by forming the Friends of Stonebridge Ponds, a non-profit organization with a dedicated board of directors and proper accounting systems in place. This structure enables us to collect funds and pay for professional pond treatments effectively. In 2024, we partnered with LakePro, who did an excellent job keeping Twin Islands Pond free of the unsightly and unhealthy algae that had plagued it in previous years.

Looking ahead to 2025, we plan to begin working with the new boards of our parent organization, the SCA (Stonebridge Community Association), and the Estates and Twin Islands HOAs. We’re optimistic about finding a more coordinated and sustainable approach to pond maintenance in Stonebridge. However, it’s unlikely that any long-term solution will be finalized before treatments for Twin Islands Pond need to begin this year. As a result, we may need to “pass the hat” once again to fund the necessary treatments for the upcoming season. Rest assured, we will keep you updated as plans develop and new solutions take shape.

Lastly, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has gone above and beyond over the past year to clean up trees, shrubs, and the shoreline around Twin Islands Pond. Your efforts have made a noticeable difference, and the improved appearance is greatly appreciated by all!

Here’s to a fantastic 2025, and thank you for your continued support!

Danger—Thin Ice

This was published in a recent Tidings newsletter, but it bears repeating for residents around Twin Islands Pond:

A couple of weeks of cold weather can freeze the surface of the ponds in Stonebridge, usually between Thanksgiving and Christmas. HOWEVER, with last year’s mild winter and another mild winter predicted this year, you cannot assume the ice will freeze to a safe depth.

Venturing onto pond ice is extremely dangerous. The larger ponds are fed by aquifers beneath the surface. These aquifers NEVER freeze and cause the pond ice to remain thin, even in very cold weather.

If you see someone on the ice, call them to shore immediately. CALL 911 if you see someone fall through the ice. They have approximately one hour to be rescued before they become unconscious and succumb to hypothermia—even if they can stay afloat. Tragically, some incidents also result in the drowning of a rescuer.

Every year, we witness people walking out on pond ice. It’s frightening to think anyone would risk their lives for such a dangerous activity. Please understand the risks and exercise extreme caution.

Parents, please discuss the dangers of thin ice with your children and set a good example by staying off the ice yourselves.