Sacred Sunday

December 16, 2010 taken by MPA VP on a cold windswept day on Manchaug Pond

0 degrees! and a few photos from the day of the storm

This morning the temperature is 0 degrees and below depending on which side of the house you are on!

Here are a few photos sent and taken from our photographic blogger and Facebook friends around the lake during the recent storm.

Thanks to our Manchaug Pond photographers.

Outside My Window at First Light

Good morning! Our blog has been quiet here on Manchaug Pond as the end of 2010 brought a flurry of work and issues to keep us busy.  But with this major storm outside my window, I thought it was high time we brought Manchaug Pond back to the airwaves - especially for our migrating population who spends the winter offshore and in far off towns and states across the USA!

At first light, the wind is blowing around 30 mph with snow falling at a rate of 1-3"/hour and accumulating! 12 to 20" is expected....


Further, the news is reporting 64,000 homes are without power but Manchaug Pond homes both in Douglas and Sutton are still a glow.

As the day progresses, we'd love to hear from others around the lake and in the Manchaug Pond watershed.  Send us your photos either by email or on Facebook or give us a line for Twitter!
manchaugpondsecretary@gmail.com
We'll try to get them all on!

It would also be great fun to hear from those off Manchaug Pond!  How's the weather in sunny Florida, breezy California, or whereever you are wintering?

Happy New Year from Manchaug Pond!

Wishing All a Happy and Holy Christmas Season from Manchaug Pond!

The Christmas Stars shines brightly over Manchaug Pond! 

Thanks to Holbrook's Campground for this beautiful photo taken Dec. 17th.

Spent all your cash? There's a buck or two in the Manchaug Pond watershed....

Early this morning as the snow fell on Manchaug Pond, two bucks were caught on camera crossing Torrey Road south of the dam.

Thanks to photographer, Dick for mailing these in!

If you have a photo you'd like to share - do so! We would love to post it!

And if you still have a buck or two in your wallet, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to Manchaug Pond this year.  Matching donations from your place of business, in memory of and in honor of someone special can now be accepted - please send to the Manchaug Pond Foundation, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA  01590.  All donors will be placed on our mailing list and receive our sincerest thanks!

Saturday's Ice Bring's Ice Fishermen

The sound of ice augers were heard on Manchaug Pond this weekend as cold temps transformed the lake.

Thanks to our Facebook friend for sending in this photo!

New Ice!

 

From our resident photographer at Holbrook's Campground!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Big Skies and Eagles

Yesterday we saw big skies over Manchaug Pond! Today is another day to look to the sky as eagles have been observed soaring above the water.

This morning at 8:30, an immature eagle was observed sitting in a tree in Area 2 not 15 feet from the house.  A sight to behold!

Big sky from Old Holdbrook Camping

"Sky on Fire" from Holbrook's Campground

Thank you to the photographer!

Another Incredible Sunset Over Manchaug Pond

Morning surprises... SNOW!

This morning we woke to a strong, bitterly cold wind and snow!

Sacred Sunset: Autumn Color Past

Today's Visitor on Manchaug Pond

 

Thanks to our Facebook photographer for catching this one!

Election Tuesday Brings Change to Districts of Manchaug Pond

The day after election Tuesday has brought a sunrise which painted the morning sky red and blue, banding itself along the lake's horizon in imitation of the USA's Old Glory.  

The election has brought change to the districts in which Manchaug Pond and it's watershed find itself.

This morning's Telegram reports new state representatives for both Douglas and Sutton.

First, the Manchaug Pond Association extends its deepest gratitude to Representatives Callahan and Kujawski for their valiant work with us in calling for the preservation of this lake. Their words of inspiration and experience at our past Annual Meetings have been uplifting and their work on the state level invaluable.

Secondly, we congratulate Messieurs Kuros and Fattman and look forward to meeting and working with them in the protection of our natural resource.

Tonight's Sunset on Manchaug Pond

Are you missing summer ?

Sacred Sunset: Race Day Sky and Post Race First Aid!

Taken from Old Holbrook's Campground, our 2 mile water station, yesterday morning at the start of Manchaug Pond's 6K THE DAM RACE

Those who participated in the race, runners, walkers, wheelers and volunteers, please take extra care of yourself today:

• drink plenty of water (not soda, coffee, or tea as they dehydrate)
• soak, ice, massage and stretch sore muscles (add a little Epson Salts or foot soak to the water!) 

"Pain relief can helped by icing, massage, light activity and slow gentle stretching. All of these things work by increasing the circulation to the area. The increased circulation takes away waste and extra fluid and brings new nutrients. Drinking fluids will help flush the waste products from the body."

• walk today, even just 15 minutes to keep the circulation going and loosen stiff muscles
• eat well to replace carbs lost
• get plenty of rest - go to be early
• check in to the blog tomorrow to plan for next year's race!  We loved your participation and want you to come back to THE DAM RACE 2011 !

 Check in for more detailed advice at:
  http://www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/marathon/recovery.asp

THE DAM RACE, Manchaug's 6K a success!

THE START:  
Historic Waters Farm, Sutton Massachusetts

The former home of Dorothea Waters Moran, past MPA secretary who donated this property high in the Manchaug Pond watershed to the Town of Sutton.  A living history museum cared for and enhanced by the Waters Farm Preservation, Inc.

56 runners registered

THE FINISH:
The Manchaug Pond Dam, Sutton Massachusetts.

 The dam was built in the mid 1800's, reconstructed in 1960, and vital today in 2010 to the preservation of Manchaug Pond: the waterlevel, the wetlands, for the user community,   for downstream use, flood control and more. The cause for which we ran/walked today!

THE WINNERS:

Men's

1st Place - #47 Jake Murray at 24:06

2nd Place - #56 Eric Shrayer at 24:30

Women's:

1st Place - #17 Jill Bronson at 30:32

2nd Place - #44 Sarah Caseneda at 30:36

AND the rest of the winners:

Place    Time     RUNNER
1   M     24:06   Jake Murray        (First Male)
2   M     24:30   Eric Shrayer        (Second Male)
3   M     24:40   Howie Bottomly
4   M     26:54   Kane Bachand
5   M     26:55   Brandon Castaneda
6   M     27:54   Nicholas O'Mera
7   M     30:20   Mwai Ndegwa
8   F      30:32   Jill Bronson         (First Female)
9   F      30:36   Sarah Castaneda (Second Female)
10 M     32:00   Don Desio
11 F      32:28   Diane Smith
12 F      33:05   Sandra Kuipers
13 M     33:55   Henry Lane
14 M     34:59   Brad Gustafson
15 F      35:26   Elizabeth Emanuelson
16 M     36:10   Brandon Bouchard
17 F      36:12   Liana Desio
18 F      38:00   Melody Nydam
19 M     39:30   Carlos Neves
20 M     39:51   Matt Emanuelson
21 M     42:50   Alex Desio
22 F      44:34   Paula DeMeo
23 M     44:34   Ted DeMeo
24 F      47:18   Linda Bachand
25 M     47:19   Alan Bachand
26 F      49:35   Nancy Ryan
27 M     49:35   Mark Ryan
28 F      49:35   Patricia Eklund
29 M     49:35   Paul Eklund
30 F      51:13   Leesa Bickford
31 M     51:15   Kevin Bickford
32 F      55:03   Jackie Isble
33 M     53:04   Timmy Isble
34 F     1:04:40 Susan Moran
35 F     1:04:41 Aileen Striker
36 F     1:04:50 Carol Shrayer
37 F     1:05:24 Karen Sherlock
38 F     1:05:25 Alice Smith
39 F     1:09:18 Christine McLaughin
40 F     1:09:18 Wendy Bickford
41 F     1:09:18 Kimberly Mosher
42 F     1:09:40 Aimee Hibbard
43 F     1:10:02 Rose Charpentier
44 F     1:10:02 Monica Gauthier
45 F     1:10:54 Karen Bronson
46 F     1:11:33 Phyllis Charpentier


See more photos on Facebook! 

Thanks to everyone who made this event a success! Congratulations and we'll see you next year!

All proceeds benefit the Manchaug Pond Foundation ~ a newly formed 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to further preserve Manchaug Pond!

Are your sneakers ready? THE DAM RACE is almost here!!

OOOooo!  Are you excited!

Over 50 runners/walkers/families with strollers have registered and will meet tomorrow at historic Waters Farm high in the Manchaug Pond watershed at the peak of fall foliage season to run for the Manchaug Pond Foundation.

Registration is a 8:30 am. Today the rain has stopped with the breeze bringing in lovely sunshine and blue skies!

Here are some photos from the archives of this beautiful and color-filled course!


What can you expect?  Well, 30 volunteers (in safety green staff shirts) are gathering at 7:45AM to fan out along the course to ensure a safe and fun event!

Runners should plan to arrive at 8:30 for registration. Drop-off/parking is on the left before the house (look for sign). Check in with Pam and Allison at the registration table to receive your t-shirt and race bib/number (pin to the front- pins are provided).  

The Starting Line and a boat air horn will start the race!  Runners, walkers and strollers will set off down Waters Road, take a right onto Douglas Rd and another right on to Central Turnpike to approach the one mile mark. Volunteers will be at all road intersections to assist you. Right onto Manchaug Road will bring you past a wetlands in our watershed (where old beaver damage is evident), past Aldrich Mill Pond and Sutton Falls Camping, to

 the 2 mile mark at our official THE DAM RACE Water/Medical Station at the Old Holbrook's Place campground.  This stop provides:

• cups of water, 
• port-o-let/rest room, 
• nurse, 
• perhaps a band-aid or jelly bean or two
• and a couple volunteers on hand to assist you and cheer you on to the final leg of the race!

 On the road again, you'll run along the shore of Manchaug Pond, right at the water's edge for a full view of this 380 acre lake.  Don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of other reknown residents and visitors including white egrets, osprey, eagles, cormorants, red-tailed hawks and more!

Once you past the big rock and round the northeast corner of the lake you head up our little "heartbreak hill" to the YMCA Camp Blanchard and mile 3.
There's a staffed water station at the top of the hill in the roadside parking area at the ball field.

Heading down hill,
stay straight onto Torrey Road,
past the state boat ramp
to bring the Finish Line in sight!


Oooo you're almost home!






For your Victory Finish, our MPA President Dave Schmidt and other volunteers/nurse will congratulate you, take your photo, and log in your time!  
 A trophy will be awarded for the 1st place man and woman!  Medallions for the 1st and 2nd place runners!  and a hearty cheer and huge thanks for all who participated!


 All are invited to Paul and Pauline's on Holt Road (just a little cool down walk from the dam!) where hotdogs, chips and soda will be on sale ( $4 for the meal with all proceeds benefiting the MP Foundation), port-o-let, MPA logo t-shirts and hats on sale, pick up parking of friends/families cars or a shuttle ride back to Waters Farm and a few laughs over refreshments.
  

Port-o-toilets are located at Waters Farm, Holbrook's campground and after the finish on Holt Road across from the King's Store. 
Nursing staff are located at Holbrooks and the finish line.
Pick up parking or shuttle to Waters Farm after the race is on Holt Road.


Sponsored by the Manchaug Pond Association.  All proceeds benefit the establishment of a 501c3 nonprofit Manchaug Pond Foundation

Love to Run? Can you walk? Could you cheer 'em on? 

Join us for THE DAM RACE to benefit the nonprofit Manchaug Pond Foundation. Day-of-the-race registration allowed - $30.  THE DAM RACE t-shirts will also be on sale for $12 - first come first serve! Thank you for working with the MPA to preserve Manchaug Pond ~ the lake, the waterlevel, the wetlands, community access, and so much more.  If you haven't registered, show up tomorrow.  We'd love to have you join us. 

Sacred Sunset: Blue Skies, Blue Seas

Waters Farm Days

The weather is perfect and MPA is looking forward to being at the 31st annual Waters Farm Days. Apple crisp, fall foliage, views of Lake Manchaug, crafts, adorable animals, antique cars, maple sugar demonstrations, antique tractor pull, and plenty of things for the kids. Today and tomorrow from 10 - 4.