Supervisor’s Newsletter
September 2026 Edition
Commission of Lakes Update: Working Together to Protect Our Lakes
At our September Commission of Lakes meeting, we brought together lake associations and residents from across Putnam Valley to discuss the challenges facing our lakes and explore practical, science-informed solutions to protect our waterways for generations to come.
Lake Peekskill: We discussed the unfortunate news that EverBlue Lakes, managed by John Tucci, will be winding down operations. John has provided valuable support to Lake Peekskill, including our ultrasonic units and lake management efforts. We are now exploring options for maintaining the equipment and ensuring continued lake monitoring and care. This is a reminder of the importance of developing sustainable, long-term strategies for protecting our lakes.
Harmful Algal Blooms and Lake Health: Ken Belfer of Lake Mohegan shared valuable insights into the effectiveness of ultrasonic technology, biological treatments, and nutrient management. His experience highlighted the importance of reliable data, transparency, and ongoing monitoring when evaluating lake treatment solutions. We also discussed efforts to advance legislation allowing nutrient inactivants, such as alum, in New York State.
Roaring Brook Lake: We discussed a proposed aquatic plant survey to better understand the recovery of vegetation following the decline of grass carp and the impact of last year’s drawdown. The information gathered will help guide future management decisions, including potential grass carp stocking permits in 2027, while building on existing plant and fisheries data.
Lake Oscawana: Wakeboat activity, shoreline erosion, water safety, and lake health were important topics of discussion. Residents shared their concerns about the impact of large wakes on swimmers, smaller boats, docks, and shorelines. A proposed map identifying areas better suited for wakeboat activity is being revised to account for safety and the deepest areas of the lake. Our goal is to encourage education, awareness, and responsible lake use while continuing to listen to the concerns of our residents.
We also discussed water levels, flooding, and the importance of developing a more informed process for managing the lake’s valve based on lake levels and anticipated rainfall.
I am grateful to everyone who participated and shared their knowledge and experiences. Protecting our lakes requires collaboration, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to long-term solutions. I look forward to continuing this important work together as we protect the natural resources that make Putnam Valley such a special place to call home.
Protecting Our Watershed: A Collaborative HABs Grant Application
The proposed three-year study would examine how cyanobacteria and associated toxins move from upstream lakes and reservoirs into Peekskill Hollow Creek and toward Peekskill’s drinking-water supply.
Working with GEI Consultants and UMass Dartmouth, the project would include:
- Water quality monitoring: Sampling five lakes and four stream locations during the HAB season, including storm-event monitoring.
- Scientific analysis: Examining cyanobacterial populations, toxin concentrations, and genetic markers to help identify where harmful algal blooms originate.
- Hydrologic modeling: Understanding how rainfall, reservoir releases, and water flow influence the movement of HABs downstream.
- Future risk assessment: Evaluating how land-use and climate-driven changes could affect HAB transport and drinking-water protection.
The goal is to develop a clearer, science-based understanding of which waterbodies contribute to downstream contamination and what conditions increase the risk.
Working together across municipal boundaries is essential to protecting our lakes, our environment, and the drinking water that serves our neighboring communities. This initiative represents an opportunity to bring municipalities, scientists, and watershed partners together to develop practical strategies for long-term water quality protection.
The Town of Putnam Valley is serving as the lead applicant, with the City of Peekskill as the designated project partner. Grant funding is competitive, and the application does not guarantee an award.
We Will Never Forget — Honoring 25 Years Since 9/11
This year, we marked the 25th anniversary of September 11th by honoring the courage, sacrifice, and unity that continue to define that day.
On 9/11, our first responders came together in full gear to participate in the annual Tinker Hill Climb, an inspiring tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s climb was covered by News 12, helping share the significance of this tradition with an even wider audience.
The climb was followed by the Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Town Park, where our community gathered to honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the first responders who answered the call.
Twenty-five years later, we remember the profound sense of unity that brought people together in the face of unimaginable tragedy. May we continue to carry that spirit of compassion, courage, and community forward.
Thank You for a Terrific Town Day!
What a terrific Town Day! We had a fun-filled family day at the Town Park, with free admission and rides, local vendors, delicious food and snacks, and fireworks lighting up the sky after dark. It was wonderful to see so many families and community members come out to enjoy the day together, along with many of our local elected officials.
A special Thank You goes to our generous sponsors who helped make this event possible. Our Gold Sponsors were AAA Carting, Beacon Bank, and Citywide Automotive, and our Silver Sponsors were Landworks Contractors, CEMCO, Putnam Valley Petroleum, Hudson Highlands Land Trust, and Maple Leaf Associations. We are also grateful to Fun Time Amusements for providing the rides that brought so much excitement to the day.
An additional thank you to Louis and Sheryl Luongo for their contribution, which helped provide lunch for our high-school volunteers.
And, of course, thank you to our Parks & Recreation crew, whose hard work behind the scenes helped everything run smoothly throughout the day.
Town Day is a wonderful reminder of what makes Putnam Valley special, the people and local businesses who come together to support our community and create opportunities for neighbors and families to enjoy where we live.
Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a great day!
Department Updates
Join us for these upcoming events!
Putnam Valley VFW Post 391: Paint & Sip Night
- Friday, September 25th 6-8 PM
- To RSVP Email VFWPost391pv@gmail.com
Putnam Valley Historical Society – Rev250 – The Spirit of ’76 in ’26
Saturday, October 3rd 12-4 PM at the Town Park Pavillion
Enjoy entertainment, games, tavern inspired food and refreshments, a glimpse of life in the area during the Revolutionary War and more.
Rain or Shine!
Tompkins Corners Cultural Center: https://www.
SUN., 9/27 Marc Pekowsky’s “Private Stock” Big Band – Outdoors! 2 – 4 pm
TUES., 9/29 Open Mic Night – 7:00 pm
FRI., 10/9 Rob Flax and the Boom Chick Trio – Hot Jazz!
SAT., 10/17 Harvest Fest
SUN., 10/18 Poet’s Corner featuring Jim Zimmerman** – 3 pm
Putnam Valley Library: https://
- Saturday, September 26th – 7pm Friends Trivia
- Saturday, October, 3rd – 2:30pmSoul Line Dancing Class
Our goal is simple: pursue every responsible opportunity to secure outside funding, reduce the burden on taxpayers, and continue moving Putnam Valley forward in a thoughtful and fiscally sound way.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your Town Supervisor. It is a privilege, and I look forward to the work ahead.
With gratitude,
Alison Jolicoeur
Town Supervisor, Putnam Valley
