Memorial Day Salute, Manchaug Pond

Flag flying at Blueberry Island, Manchaug Pond.

Gun salute heard at 10:15 a.m. from Fuller Cemetery, Sutton.

Sacred Sunday: Pink Lady Slippers in the Watershed

Boating Basic Course in SUTTON Held!

The end of last month a Boating Basic Course was offered by the Environmental Police and held at the Sutton Fire Department's Station #2 down on Manchaug Rd in Manchaug. (the village not to be confused with the pond)

4 nights, 2 1/2 each night, 52 attendees - both adults and children.

The result:  all passed the 50 question exam held the last night and all came out with a increase knowledge of the rules and regulations of our waterways  and of boating safety. A certificate is received by all securing a 70 or above which allows children to drive a motorized boat and 16 and 17 year olds to operate a jetski. 

It is a great program with laughs shared as Environmental Police instructors tell their stories of law enforcement on the Connecticut and Charles Rivers, at Quabbin and on other inland lakes and along the coast - Check out the link for the next class:  http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/dlecours.htm

or adults can try the online course:
http://www.boat-ed.com/ma/index.htm

Under 18 must receive classroom instruction and take the proctored exam.  This is required for all 16 and 17 year olds wanting to drive a jetski/personal watercraft.



May 22 - 28   Safe Boating Week!   Be careful out there!

	BOAT SMART FROM THE START, WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET!

What's in the water? Just more pollen from the trees.

Boating Safety Week ~ Sutton Police boat NOT in winter storage!

The Sutton Police Lake Patrol boat is pictured here as it wintered in the Sutton Fire Department's Manchaug Station.

But is was cleaned up, inspected and readied for the season back in April and has bee sighted on the waters of Manchaug Pond recently.  Officers will work to educate the many weekend boaters who visit our waters this season as to the practices which keep boating safe and fun.

Need a quick review of the boating rules and regs?  Try these:

• Any size motor boat needs registration, numbers on bow hull (MS  ####  WS), life jackets, fire extinguisher, horn, whistle or bell, anchor with line, and bailer.
• Any boat with a motor MUST be registered. Registration MUST be in the boat.
• You need one life jacket (that fits!) for every passenger on the boat. (out of the package, accessible, and in good condition- no rips or cracks!)
• Children under 12 MUST wear life jacket at ALL times.
• You must be 18 or over to drive a jetski/personal watercraft or be 16-17 AND have passed the Boating Basic Course with your certificate on your person. NO ONE CAN OPERATE UNDER 16.
• Kayak/canoe MUST have a whistle or other signalling devise.
• No waterskiing or tubing through or in the channel.  Maintain headway speed - no more than 6 mph.
• At night: all boats with a motor need red/green bow light and white stern light. Non-motorized need flashlight, lantern or headlamp worn in back.
• No drinking or possession of an open container of an alcohol beverage on the water.  See Sutton's  Open Container Law.
• Common sense.

May 22 - 28   Safe Boating Week!   Be careful out there!

	BOAT SMART FROM THE START, WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET!

Boating Safety Message from Captain Keith Colburn of "Deadliest Catch

Here's a message for you from a Captain on the show of "Deadliest Catch"...






May 22-28   National Safe Boating Week

	BOAT SMART FROM THE START, WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET!

Thank you to the Inspectors...Safe Vessel Check a SUCCESS!

The safe vessel check was a success! Thank you to the Worcester County Sail and Power Squadron for bringing us two inspectors from Rhodes Island to give us 4 hours of individual boat safety education! Thank you too to our MPA volunteers Don, Ted and Kevin for holding boats. We had a steady stream of boats coming in to keep us pleasantly busy.

Close to 20 boats from all but one of the 8 areas around the lake participated as well as a few from the ramp. The big "I didn't know that!" was the need for 3 flares in a motorboat on coastal waters AND on some inland lakes as well as the need for a whistle/signaling device in a canoe or kayak was not known by a couple owners.

The MPA realized is was a bit early in the season - we'll try to get those inspectors when the boats are in for the season, the campers are all here, and you had a chance to clean up those motorboats and check for loose wires!   Next year we hope more of you will participate!

and the refreshments did arrive! Thank you to the family who made the coffee run for us!

http://www.safetyseal.net

May 22nd- 28th National Safe Boating Week

	BOAT SMART FROM THE START, WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET!

Sacred Sunday: Flowering at the Dam

Remember: TOMORROW Safe Vessel Check!

If you haven't clicked on the new Calendar of Events tab you might not know that tomorrow we have a free and open to all event:

SAFE VESSEL CHECK!

Does your boat have this sticker?

Bring your vessel(s) - canoe or kayak, sail or motorboat- for a free inspection by the Worcester County Sail and Power Squadron. Receive your official sticker certifying your vessel is safe.

Manchaug Pond Boat Ramp on Saturday, 22 May from around 9:00 A.M. to around noon.
Boats can be on trailers or in the water. Bring one or bring them all!
The ramp is located on Torrey Road in Sutton MA.
42* 05.473' N
71* 46.118' W

What's in the water?

Pollen from the trees - Eastern White Pine trees

Spring Cleanup a Huge Success!

Saturday's Spring Cleanup was a HUGE success! Less trash collected, more roads covered, more families joining in, and more work completed at the state public access boat ramp!  Thank you to our event coordinator, to all that joined in and to the Town of Sutton Highway Department for the use of the truck and to the Sutton Transfer Station for disposal of the trash collected!

Sacred Sunday: May Star Flowers at the State Boat Ramp

Star Flower
Trientalis borealis
Family Primulaceae 

*Native

Support Manchaug Pond... BUY a raffle ticket!

2010 BASS TRACKER PRO 16 PACKAGE 

or 

$8,000 GIVEAWAY!    

Boat raffle to benefit Manchaug Pond!

Win the boat, motor and trailer! or take the CA$H or upgrade for the boat of your choice at USA Marine on Rte 20!

 
Boat Raffle to benefit the formation of a 501c3 non profit foundation for the preservation of Manchaug Pond.

Only 100 tickets sold! $200 per ticket. Buy a ticket yourself or go in with a friend or two.  Can share the boat or split the cash!! or use it for the upgrade to a pontoon boat or something else!

Drawing held Saturday, June 19, 2010 at a chicken BBQ on the  Manchaug Pond shore.        Boat will be on-site the day of drawing.    You do not have to be present to win. Winner gets to use the boat this season! 

 

Reverse drawing (losers first!) begins at 11:30 a.m.  ... which will prove to be hilarious!  An introduction to the Manchaug Pond Foundation will be given at 11 with food served at noon.

For tickets call George Cammuso, Co-chairman of the MPA FUNdrai$ing Committee at 774-280-2328 or email manchaugpondsecretary@gmail.com (email me today as I have 5 tickets to sell!!)

Boat package courtesy of USA Marine, 200 Southwest Cutoff - Rte 20, Worcester, Massachusetts 1-800-370-BOAT or www.MarineUSAinc.com.

Members of the MPA Fundraising Committee and their families and MPA Board members and their spouses are ineligible to participate.  But we can eat chicken and fixins, watch the fun and bring our neighbors and friends to win!

Winner is subject to federal and state raffle tax and if boat package is selected is subject to sales tax and registration.   Prize winner's name will be published in the local newspapers and on the website and blog.

Thunderhead is History, Blue Skies and Sunshine Today!

The weekend rain storms are but a memory today as the sun is shining and the sky is blue and clear.

Hope the weather holds for Saturday morning's MPA cleanup!

Sutton Voters Approve Bylaw Allowing HYDROPOWER

Last night Sutton voters APPROVED a bylaw allowing the installation of small hydropower generators in the 17 dams in town by special permit of the Planning Board and by approval of the Conservation Commission and in accord with DEP and other state agencies which may regulate the flow.

This bylaw will offer dam owers a source of income through the generation of electricity to help offset  the costs involved in the ownership and maintenance of a dam.

Thank you to the Sutton Town Administrator and the Planning Board for continued consideration of the issues and needs of our lakes and streams offering a very proactive and "green" solution.

Last Week Rain - Today Cool, Crisp Sunshine!

k

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! May 10th Sutton Town Mtg! TONIGHT

Sutton Town Meeting TONIGHT has article(s) of interest to the friends of Manchaug Pond. No problems are anticipated with their passage. If you can attend, here's the details:

Sutton's Annual Town Meeting
May 10, 7:30pm
Sutton High School - Romasco Gym

http://www.suttonma.org/Pages/index

Check the link for a message from the town administrator and a full list of the articles on the warrant for consideration.

Article 12:
MANCHAUG BOAT RAMP BUDGET: Annual appropriation for boat ramp - allows for gatekeeper and port-o-let. Gate receipts actually fund the line item.

Article 14:
HYDROPOWER: With 17 dams in town and all the talk last year over the Manchaug Pond dam and the importance of its water, the Town Administrator asked the Planning Board to develop and propose a zoning bylaw change which would allow for small installations. A public hearing was held April 12 with no individuals speaking in opposition. (also no dam owners in attendance either!)

The change will allow small hydropower generation in all districts and require dam owners to apply for a special permit before the Planning Board. Because of proximity to wetlands, filing with the Conservation Commission will also be required.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S MESSAGE also notes the preservation of the Whittier's Farm nearly 400 acres - a very important step in preservation of open space and wildlife corridors in the Manchaug Pond watershed and couple this with the existing preservation of the Waters Farm property, Stevenson Farm and the Lake Manchaug Greenway and Wildlife Corridor.

Sacred Sunday: A Day for Mothers

Thank you to the MPA member for sending in today's photo!

Rain Garden Blossums

Our new perennials are blooming in the "made possible by an s. 319 stormwater grant from the EPA/DEP" rain garden at the state boat ramp.

If you are having a runoff problem on your property causing erosion into the lake or large wet areas in your landscape consider planting a rain garden of your very own. Visit these links:

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/runoff/rg/index.htm#plant_lists

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/runoff/rg/littleone/small.htm

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! May 22nd SAFE VESSEL CHECK!

Does your boat have this sticker?

Bring your vessel(s) - canoe or kayak, sail or motorboat- for a free inspection by the Worcester County Sail and Power Squadron. Receive your official sticker certifying your vessel is safe.

Manchaug Pond Boat Ramp on Saturday, 22 May from around 9:00 A.M. to around noon.
Boats can be on trailers or in the water.  Bring one or bring them all!
The ramp is located on Torrey Road in Sutton MA.
42* 05.473' N
71* 46.118' W

Minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact while
maximizing the safe use and enjoyment of U.S. waterways by recreational boaters. The
Vessel Safety Check process is one of "prevention through education, outreach and volunteer
compliance" helping recreational boaters to gain a respect for the boating environment. 

The VSC Program also helps to achieve voluntary compliance with federal and state
recreational boating safety laws, particularly with regard to the carriage of safety equipment
while raising boater awareness about safety and environmental issues through voluntary
contact by a Vessel Examiner. Discussions with recreational boaters are designed to motivate
maintaining and operating their boats in a safe manner, taking boating safety courses to
increase their knowledge and skills in boating, and promoting safe boating.
 
WHY DO YOU WANT TO HAVE A
FREE VESSEL SAFETY CHECK FOR
YOUR BOAT?

1. It is FREE.
2. You want to be sure that your boat (sail, paddle, or power) has all the necessary
safety equipment to protect your family, friends, and the environment.
3. You want to display the sticker indicating that your boat was examined and found
to be in compliance with federal and state recreational boating laws.
4. You want to be made aware of safety and environmental issues.


WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR BOAT PASSES THE
EXAMINATION?

1. You get a sticker to display on your boat indicating to the world that you have a
safe and environmentally friendly boat.
2. You get the satisfaction of knowing that you have a safe and environmentally
friendly boat.


WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR BOAT DOES NOT PASS THE
EXAMINATION?

1. Nothing!
2. You will be informed why the boat did not pass and what should be done to bring
it into compliance with federal and state recreational boating laws.
3. That’s it! No one will record your name; no one will report you to any one. This is
a totally voluntary program, and we hope that you will do your part to make sure
that your boat is brought up to standard.

PLEASE HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE BOATING SEASON!

Program brought to you by:
the Manchaug Pond Association and the Worcester County Sail and Power Squadron

www.usps.org/worcester 

www.manchaugpond.org

(Volunteers are needed to assist the inspector by holding boats which come by water.  Email the MPA at infoMPA@charter.net or manchaugpondsecretary@gmail.com)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! May 15th Cleanup!

Join the MPA Board of Directors and members for coffee, muffins and donuts, and a little outdoor work to benefit Manchaug Pond on Saturday, May 15th  for our twice a year CLEAN-UP!
 

If you've never participated you'll be surprised as to what we find! These are the big three in roadside trash: McD's, Dunkins, and then bottles of all flavors and strengths!

We hit the road!... by car and on foot with gloves and trash bags. Hit the Boat Ramp!... with wheelbarrows, tractors and leaf blowers and this year with paint brushes (we're going to paint the ramp gate!) and we Hit the shore! in boats to just pile it in.

We'll meet at the state boat ramp on Torrey Rd, Sutton at 9:00 am and work until noon. Come for the morning or come for an hour! Pick the task you like best and bring the buddy you like to work with most! or meet a new friend!

Thank you to the Sutton Highway Dept. for joining us in this effort with the use of the truck and to the Sutton Transfer Station for disposal of the trash collected and the the MassDEP 319 NonPoint Source Pollution Grant for Manchaug Pond.

All groups, clubs and individuals sure are welcome to join in! Gloves, trash bags and refreshments will be provided by the Manchaug Pond Association (MPA).

Channel Marker Back on the Job!

Three cheers to the young men who placed our channel marker back in the vertical position!

Well done!!!

Downstream Offered Cute Fundraiser - Rubber Duckie Race

Saturday was the 2nd Annual Rubber Duckie Race (not sure of the exact title) to benefit the work in the village of their civic organization.

It was a breakaway with the winning duck making the winning little 4 year old boy very happy.

Sacred Sunday: Last Week's Spring Shower

Murphy's Law or My Dog Ate My Tackle Box... !! TACKLE BOX !!

YES, YOU HEARD IT RIGHT!

Here's the email message and photo that came in this week.  

"Want to laugh?

I just got back from the vets - Murphy ate my tackle box... with all sorts of stuff in it. 190 dollars and 6 x-rays later - no hooks! yay! What a CRAZY dog we have, huh?"

GULP!