Eagle Soars Manchaug Pond

While we shovel out the few inches of snow received overnight, an adult bald eagle soars just above the treetops of Manchaug Pond's shoreline.

Ice forms on Manchaug Pond

 

Display Flags for Hurricane "Sandy"

Coastal Warning Display Signals

DAYTIME SIGNALS

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY

GALE  WARNING

STORM WARNING

HURRICANE WARNING

  “Frequent gusts”are typically long duration conditions (greater than 2 hours).

For a list of NWS Weather Offices by Region, refer to the following website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/organization.php
 
GALE WARNING: To indicate winds within the range 34 to 47 knots are forecast for the area.

STORM WARNING: To indicate winds 48 knots and above, no matter how high the speed, are forecast for the area. However, if the winds are associated with a tropical cyclone (hurricane), the STORM WARNING indicates that winds within the range 48-63 knots are forecast.

HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

NOTE: A "HURRICANE WATCH" is an announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

NOTE: A SPECIAL MARINE WARNING is issued whenever a severe local storm or strong wind of brief duration is imminent and is not covered by existing warnings or advisories. No visual displays will be used in connection with the Special Marine Warning Bulletin; boaters will be able to receive these special warnings by keeping tuned to a NOAA Weather Radio station or to Coast Guard and commercial radio stations that transmit marine weather information.

Lake Clean Up This Saturday From 9-12

Pack your gloves, our semi annual lake clean up will take place this Saturday October 20th.  Meet at the boat ramp at 9 for some coffee, doughnuts and cider!

AND......

Don't forget the Monster Mash later at the Dudley Gendron Post from 7 - 12!!

THE DAM RACE 2012! The winners!

The start:

1st Men's - 0:20'26 39  Andrew Wommack #51 of Jamaica Plain

2nd Men's - 0:22'30 56  Jake Murray #21 of Uxbridge

3rd Men's - 0:23'20 66  Tyler Vance #56 of Waltham

1st Women's - 0:24'52 64  Tara Wommack #62 of Jamaica Plain

2nd Women's - 0:25'00 60  Nicole Salmonsen-Gantt #9 of Uxbridge

6th - 0;25'33 09  Jack Schreiber #23 of Uxbridge
7th - 0:26'13 47 Scott O'Toole #1 of Clinton
8th - 0:26'19 95 Howard Bottomly #3 of Sutton
3rd Women's - 0:27'19 25 Nancy Ryan #4 of Sutton

10th - 0:28'06 76  Jose Aponte #57 of Southbridge
11th - 0:28'29 52  Rich Costa #27
12th - 0:28'35 46  Kaitlin Lesko #18
13th - 0:28'42 71  Sarah Hartman #55
14th - 0:28'53 45  Jason Johnston #41
15th - 0:29'16 80  David Brown #24
16th - 0:31'54 36  Chris Sene #58
17th - 0:32'06 92  Nicole Robbins #45
18th - 0:32'11 91  Jill Bronson #26
19th - 0:32'31 17  Danielle Salmonsen #8
20th - 0:32'58 68  Kevin Stockhaus #22
21th - 0:33'42 23  Angela Powers #5
22nd - 0:35'42 81  Kathleen Laperle #2
23rd - 0:36'27 61  Paul Eklund #15
24th - 0:36'38 30
25th - 0:37'17 85  Chris Deluca #50
26th - 0:37'51 28  Mary Mulrenin #59
27th - 0:37'51 66  Kathleen Rocha #29
28th - 0:38'12 71  Sherry Roe #32
29th - 0:38'59 49  Patti Eklund #16
30th - 0:39'24 73  Melissa Shaw #54
31th - 0:39'57 19  Jessica Denison #25
32nd - 0:42'13 26  Donna Cote #61
33rd - 0:44'12 73  Jayne Hildick #53
34th - 0:48'54 00  Angela Evers #40
35th - 0:48'55 53  Kelly DeMeo #39
36th - 0:51'34 68  Rose Charpentier #97
37th - 0:51'45 65  Christine Pinto #17
38th - 0:51'46 30
39th - 0:56'03 61  Patti Frankiian #60
40th - 0:56'05 91  Paula DeMeo #35
41st - 0:59'14 85  Dawn Wilson #52
42nd - 0:59'15 19  David Wilson #28
43rd - 1:01'04 01  Kathy Lyons #30
44th - 1:01'04 52  Judy Castonguay #10
45th - 1;01'20 96  Jeanne Berkowitz #36
46th - 1:01'21 51  Alice Smith #37
47th - 1:02'26 63  Kim Mosher #48
48th - 1:02'31 55 Christine McLaughlin and 2 children #49

Thanks to all 60 runners who registered for supporting Manchaug Pond and making The Dam Race 2012 a success!

Run, Walk, Cheer' em On!

Today's The Dam Race 2012

Today's Manchaug Pond's 6k, THE DAM RACE, happened rain or shine! With 61 registered we had 50 finish the race including 2 young ones in the stroller division.

Here's a look at the lead runners speeding by the water station at the Old Holbrook Place!

 

More photos to come from the official race photographer.  If you snapped a few, email them in and we'll post them!

Thanks to all who ran to benefit Manchaug Pond!

Warming up for The DAM Race!

Recognize these two?  They were spotted this morning on the Manchaug Pond dam getting ready for The Dam Race!  Don't be outdone...

If you haven't registered, there is still time and t-shirts!  First come first serve  - just use the Paypal button to the right of this post. 

We have 52 runners pre-registered:  back with us again this year are a couple past top winners as well as many new runners, a good many walkers, and even 3 "stroller" teams! 

Come join us!  The foliage season is at peak, the air crisp and clean, the views around the lake are beautiful, and we have a great group of volunteers to cheer you on!

Scenic Manchaug Pond's Fall Foliage Begins

An early morning ride around Manchaug Pond gave a number of surprises: a mother deer and her two sets of twin following behind her, one from last season and the other from this spring, crossing near Camp Blanchard; the beauty of the fall foliage putting color to the shoreline; and a flock of turkeys at the forest edge at Lackey Road.

Where do you go when it rains?

As the rain comes down this morning,  a group of cormorants are huddled on the old causeway.

Ready, Set, Go! Register for The Dam Race!

Have you registered for Manchaug Pond's 6k, 
The Dam Race?

Sign-up today in order to get your free tech t-shirt!
 Mail your Registration form to MPF, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526 or use the Pay Pal button to the right of this post or give us a call or email!

This year we have:

• a race during the peak of New England fall foliage!
• the same great scenic course!
• a load of volunteers ready to cheer you to the finish line!
• Central Mass Striders running club of Worcester providing the timing and scoring!
•  sponsors, trophies, goody bags, and more!

Besides having a good time, your participation assists the members and
friends of the Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF) in promoting the welfare
and correct use of Manchaug Pond and its watershed through initiatives
targeting the dam, the waterlevel, water quality, invasive aquatic
weeds, safe boating, and more!  All dues/donations/contributions are
fully tax-deductible or for this event you may seek reimbursement with
your health insurance company.

Thanks again and see you there!

Cool Manchaug Pond Morning

This photo was posted on Facebook by a seasonal camper at one of Manchaug Pond's campgrounds. It captured Monday's cool morning temperatures and pink sunrise on Manchaug Pond.

Kudos to the photographer and thank you for posting!

Misty Morning on Manchaug Pond

Sacred Sunday: A Picture-Perfect Day on Manchaug Pond!

While the boats are away... the seaplane!

With summer vacations over, the children back in school, and the campgrounds not as busy, we see Manchaug Pond return to quiet with few boats during the weekdays.

The seaplane used the opportunity to buzz down the channe, land on lake and boat around from one end of the lake to another. 

   


It was a grand sight!

TONIGHT: 8:30PM Lighting of the Shoreline

Manchaug Pond Association and now the Foundation have a long history of lighting the shoreline on the eve of July 4th and Labor Day. 

Tonight MPF members and friends will light flares, campfires and tiki torches at 8:30 PM at their beaches and shoreline in a show of solidarity and appreciation.

Join us!

A flight of cormorants!

You've often seen this lone bird on Manchaug Pond, but have you ever seen a whole group of them?







This week, over 20 cormorants  were seen as a group on Manchaug Pond.

Tonight's sunset on Manchaug

Annual Meeting of the Members This Saturday!

Saturday, AUGUST 18TH at 10:30 AM    ~    ANNUAL MEETING  of the MEMBERS

45th Annual Manchaug Pond Association (MPA) Mtg.

3rd Annual Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF) Mtg. 

at the YMCA Camp Blanchard, Manchaug Road, Sutton

The Agenda:

10:30 AM ~ Welcome & Opening Comments ~ President Dave Schmidt  

• Treasurer's Report
• Committee updates: 
• Dam Ownership and Waterlevel
• Fundraising
• Water Quality 
• Invasive Weeds
• Boat Safety
• Closing remarks ~ President

11:30 AM ~ Guest Speaker ~ Metacomet Land Trust

Noon ~ Lunch served!  This year members will enjoy a new menu of pulled pork sliders, BBQ chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, corn-on-the cob, watermelon & dessert.

Also available:   

• New embroidered t-shirts, fleece hats and vests, sweatshirts, and golf shirts will be on sale!
• Educational exhibit and handouts!
• Committee sign up sheets so you can join the fun! 
• 50/50 Raffle$
• Updated maps
• Tickets on sale for the MONSTER MASH ! Register for The DAM Race
• Pay your dues! All dues and donations are fully tax deductible! 

This meeting is only open to paid members!  Join using the PayPal button on the sidebar,  pay directly at this meeting or send your tax deductible donation to MPF, PO Box 154,  Manchaug, MA  01526

MPF is a 501c3 nonprofit public charity.

7 Years in the Making- DAM ISSUE RESOLVED!

The Town of Sutton, in a unanimous vote of the Sutton Board of Selectman, signed an agreement largely negotiated by the Manchaug Pond Foundation, to acquire ownership of Manchaug Pond and its dam for $1.00 and receive $350,000 from owner Interface Fabrics for future dam needs.  This brings the 7 year issue to a successful close preserving the 380 acre lake for this and future generations.

  

by Russel Spain, MPF Board Member

Last night's signing was attend by MPA/MPF President David Schmidt, Treasurer Andrew Mosher and Corresponding Secretary Phyllis Charpentier representing the 22 member Board of Directors and the membership at-large of the 100-member organizations.  The three formed the MPF contingent who had met numerous times in the last 2 years with Interface representatives from Georgia, Maine and Boston to identify a workable solution for the company who looked to divest of their remaining Massachusetts assets.  Prior options explored by the lake association include the researching of a watershed district, and successful formation of the now formed 501 c3 non profit Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF).

MPA and MPF appointed a Fundraising Committee, under the leadership of George Cammuso and Karen Bronson, to raise the monies needed to work this issue over these near 7 years: maintaining our waterlevel, researching the district, forming the non-profit, and in the last two years funding the legal team key to mediating negotiations.  Thanks to our members, friends, and the community at large for participating in our social fundraising events, big boat raffles,  road races, etc to make this effort possible.

Interface Fabrics' action in releasing the dam with a strong maintenance fund is commendable as it ensures the preservation of this 380 acre Great Pond of the Commonwealth.  Guilford/Interface dam caretaker Don Rudge and his predecessor Fuddy Colonero are greatly thanked for their 24/7 watch of the dam and waterlevel over these many years.

Read for yourself in today's Worcester Telegram article of the Selectman's meeting: 

Sutton administrator praised as Manchaug Dam, pond are saved

August 8, 2012
SUTTON —  Selectmen wrapped up contentious negotiations that stretched back nearly a decade with Guilford of Maine’s Interface Fabrics Inc. by voting last night to buy Manchaug Dam and pond from Interface Fabric’s Manchaug Reservoir Corp. for $1. 

The town will also receive $350,000 from Interface Fabrics for long-term maintenance of the dam.  The funds will be placed in an escrow account.

Town Administrator James A. Smith said he planned to invest the $350,000 to grow it, he hoped, to $500,000 to protect the town from costs of significant repairs.   Biennial dam inspections and routine maintenance will be paid for out of the town's operating budget.

Interface Fabric representatives had petitioned the state to breach the dam when the company left the area about eight years ago.  The dam forms the 380-acre Manchaug Pond a the headwaters of the Mumbord River, a polpular recreational spot with campers and a state boat ramp.

Mr. Smith said town officials are exploring developing hydropower at the dam.

Selectman Michael Chizy, board chairman, prasied Mr. Smith, his staff and the Conservation Commission.  He said, "It was a tough seven years.  We were threatened by the dam owners -they'd break up the dam... He (Mr. Smith) stood up to these people and called their bluff."

Phyllis Charpentier, secretary of the Manchaug Pond Foundation, thanked the board and town officials for "sharing our vision" of the pond's natural beauty, its wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.

- Susan Spencer

Manchaug Pond dam

Judges Comments are in...

In the 2012 Boat Decorating Contest, the judges loved all the entries! Trophies and prize money for the top three winners.  The following comments were noted:

1st- Jaws! -Great acting put her in first place!

2nd- Christmas in July -Excellent! well done!
3rd-  Breast Cancer Awareness - Very emotional entry.

Support the Troops- Patriotic presentation!
Bath Time- Good clean fun!
Chaug Vegas- Great energy- but not in the cards this year.
Flintstones- Great car!
Construction- Clever idea!
Blueberry Island cruise ship- Characters were spot on!
Sports- Good regional presentation!

Our Spectators are the Best! in the 2012 Boat Decorating Contest

Our Manchaug Pond spectators were spectacular!

From the shore came salutes and thumbs-up to the lead boat,  more than one Yabba Dabba Doo!, blasts on the air horns, and the D.J. at King's announcing there was a shark in the water!

Here's a few photos of our spectators:

Floating dock at the Old Holbrook's Campground

Holdbrook's Campground and the Bathtime entry.

The floating dock at King's Family Campground.

They loved all the entries and we loved all the enthusiasm!

3rd Annual Boat Decorating Contest 2012

Our 3rd Annual Boat Decorating Contest was another real crowd-pleaser!

The judges have made their decision..

1st Place goes to JAWS!  

The screaming, flailing, "bleeding" victim won the judges with her extraordinary and continuous performance!

JAWS!

JAWS! seen later in the day...

2nd Place goes to Christmas in July with Santa sleigh pulled by two red jetski reindeers!

Christmas in July

Christmas in July

and 3rd Place to Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness

and the other great entries...

 beginning with the 28 ft lead boat, Support Our Troops Flag Ship

Support Our Troops Flag Ship

Bath Time

The Flintstones

Blueberry Island Cruise Ship

Chaug Vegas with Elvis

Construction

Patriotic Bentley with Sports!

Stay tuned... judges comments and more details to come  :)