Presenting a New Blog/ Website Experience!

MPF's Beaton Farm Property with Manchaug Pond in background

Dear Readers,  MPF is making web improvements you will love!

This week Thursday, when you visit this blog, it will automatically bring you to the new Manchaug Pond Foundation/Manchaug Pond website/blog.

You'll not only find this blog section, complete with all eight years of posts and photos, but an easy, expanded format, vivid photos, an expanding calendar of events, and educational sections about the lake, visiting, and living best in its watershed. 

The goal is to put forth a stunning informative educational experience for all our readers both at the lake and away showcasing beautiful Manchaug Pond and the important conservation work of the Manchaug Pond Foundation. 

Over the years we’ve been made aware of how important the blog is to readers around the world:  with our new setup readers can sign up with an RSS Feed Reader if they like, or they can sign up for direct e-mails whenever the blog is updated.  Additionally, if you follow us on Facebook or Twitter you’ll see that new blog posts are automatically updated to both services.  Basically we’re trying to make it as easy as possible for you to stay in touch with us and Manchaug Pond.

We would love to hear from you as we continue to put this together!  We look forward to receiving your comments and suggestions as to what you would like to see. So be sure to comment on the new site!
Contact us buttons are available for more information and you will be able to send in your photos for placement in our galleries.

So spread the word and check out manchaugpond.org...    I'll see you there!

Join us for the Spring Social!

Stop in tomorrow morning after 9 AM to the dining hall at the YMCA's Camp Blanchard for the MPF's SPRING SOCIAL to chat with lake friends and neighbors over a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast buffet.  This year we'll have the excitement of the reverse drawing of our Big Spring Raffle where the losers are drawn first!  See who will take home either a 55" Bose home theater system or $4,000 ca$h.

MPF t-shirts and more will be on sale,  the water quality exhibit will bring you information on the latest grant project, rain gardens, and more, and all members who have paid their dues will receive a complimentary flare for use during the Lighting of the Shoreline July 3rd!

All are welcome to join the Manchaug Pond Foundation to be part of the effort in the preservation of Manchaug Pond!  Sign up for a committee, offer a new idea, or just come in to say hello!
See you there!

A special thanks to our Events & FUNdrai$ing Committee for organizing.

Gearing up for spring on Manchaug Pond!

If you have had enough of ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports, or have spent the winter just looking out the window longing for summer, take heart! 

The snow and ice are melting fast in and around Manchaug Pond and the Manchaug Pond Foundation has been working all winter on a whole calendar of fun and worthwhile events and projects to involve you and benefit you, the lake, the watershed, and the greater community!

Let's take a look at a few for April:

• Spring issue of SPLASH! our colorful, print newsletter with 8 pages of info is at the printer!  Get on the mailing list by hitting our PayPal donation button for any amount or send a donation to MPF, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA  01526.  Special thanks to our Newsletter Committee: Alice our Editor, and committee members, writers and photographers Andy, Dave, George, Karen, Marty Jo, Wendy, Phyllis, Russ and Paul, Bill L.  Want to join the committee?

• BIG SPRING RAFFLE tickets on sale now!  Get your ticket today with only 100 chances to win a $6,600 Home Theater, the 55" Bose VideoWave III with delivery, setup and installation  OR the CA$H prize of $4,000! Tickets price is $100 and directly benefit Manchaug Pond.  Special thanks to our FUNdrai$ing Committee: Karen our chair, George "Gig" our raffle, and members Andy, Paula, Ted, Mike, Dave, and Phyllis.  There's a seat and a coffee for you at their meetings!

•  Opportunities for YOU TO GET More INVOLVED: 
•  Learn how to take a water sample and do site evaluation once a month as part of a larger river system water quality effort.
• Give a morning of your time on Saturday, April 26 for our Spring Cleanup of Ramp, Roadsides and Shoreline: 9 AM to Noon, State Boat Ramp, Torrey Road, Sutton.  Start with coffee and donuts, work with neighbors and friends, and end the morning with the satisfaction of a job well done!  Rake, pick up paper, boat the shoreline... it's better than a morning at the gym!
• Join a committee or team!  Bring your ideas to help plan the Boat Decorating Contest; develop a learning lake resource "toolbox" for kids of ages; take photos or write for the newsletter; share your time and expertise with us!  We have a place for you just tell us your interest!
• "LIKE" us on facebook @ Manchaug Pond Foundation and post with Manchaug Pond.
• Use GoodSearch on the internet when you search the internet.

Thanks for stopping by!

MPF effort "most incredible outdoors story of 2013"

Article on Manchaug Pond Foundation:  December 31, 2013 Worcester Telegram

Outdoors: Saving of Beaton Farm in Sutton offers inspiration of what's possible

Mark Blazis Outdoors

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  For me, the most incredible outdoors story of 2013 was the improbable saving of Beaton Farm.

Phyllis Charpentier, secretary of the Manchaug Pond Foundation, president David Schmidt, and treasurer Andrew Mosher proved to be the tireless inspiration behind the spectacular wild land's preservation. Charpentier shared for the first time last week the unlikely sequence of events and "the rest of the story" that led to its miraculous, last-minute rescue from the bulldozer.

With no local board or commission, state agency, land trust or other conservation group willing or able to save the farm, the town of Sutton left it up to the Manchaug Pond Foundation to try to raise the needed $1.925 million in just 90 days. Buoyed by its recent victory after a six-year fight to save the dam, which preserves beautiful 380-acre Manchaug Pond, the foundation, with naïve optimism, hoped to save the farm, too.

During the long dam battle, the foundation strengthened itself, learned how to fight, broadened its scope from a lake association to a nonprofit and forged a strong relationship with Sutton's town leadership, which proved critically important.

Charpentier said Holy Cross had a purchase-and-sales agreement in place that would have developed and changed forever the spectacular hillside of Manchaug Pond's west cove. The plan was to secure the 100-plus acres, end current agricultural use, demolish the existing stable and construct a two-story, 60-bed facility with dining hall, conference rooms and chapel. Whatever was wild would have been at best park-like. The stage was set for a David-against-Goliath contest.

Charpentier recalls the Feb. 11 meeting of the Sutton Planning Board:

"Where Holy Cross architects, lawyers and a priest impressively presented plans for the property. The stable tenant and neighboring residents countered with concerns over the loss of the agricultural use and spectacular views, as well as increased traffic problems for the tiny neighborhood."

The battle might well have ended that night. But the Sutton Planning Board unanimously recommended to the Board of Selectman the preservation of this Chapter 61 A land if alternate funding for its purchase could be found. So began the emotional roller coaster of envisioned success and the reality of funding failure.

Despite great effort, the nearly $2 million needed couldn't be raised. On March 12, the town administrator was going to have to recommend that the selectmen go with the Holy Cross proposal.

For Charpentier, it was figuratively the bottom of the ninth, two out, two strikes. Fans were leaving, and the stadium lights were dimming. But the foundation persisted, inserting itself with greater involvement and asking for more time to raise funds. At the March 16 public hearing, the Board of Selectmen voted to give the foundation the right to purchase if it succeeded, a shocking reprieve.

I sometimes wonder about fate. When by total chance I learned about the Beaton Farm's imminent demise, I had just come from viewing development in my town of Grafton. I was incensed by the bulldozing of a beautiful wild parcel where I used to hunt and bird-watch. Feeling Sutton's pain, I passionately wrote a column, hoping to find donors to save the farm. The power of the pen never ceases to amaze me.

Charpentier recalls the amazing morning after the May 14 column appeared: "The story resulted in a frenzy of calls from potential donors as far away as California! Ted Williams of the Grafton Land Trust & Norcross Foundation, and Lois Fay of Common Ground added their advice and encouragement. And then came the winning home run, hit by a 'white knight,' who came out of nowhere. Despite no previous knowledge of or ties to the lake or property, he offered funding without restrictions — other than maintaining his anonymity. His stunning seven-figure donation made Manchaug Pond Foundation the little team that could."

I'd personally like to shake that gentleman's hand — if I knew who he was. Only a few people, pledged to secrecy know his identity, and that's the way he'd like it. But I know what he is, and what he's done. He's the hero who preserved a beautiful part of our wild world forever.

Out of all the turmoil and anguish in the battle to save the Beaton Farm emerged several lessons. One is that there's a great difference between truly wild land and that which is built on, paved and structured to permanently alter the view, landscape and wildlife. We can be architecturally sensitive and try to minimize our human footprint, but once we build, land is no longer wild. Although Holy Cross would have been a good tenant, for Charpentier and the Manchaug Pond Foundation their plan was unacceptable. Hopefully, Holy Cross one day will get its retreat without diminishing any of our dwindling wild lands.

But the biggest lesson, Charpentier feels, "is about how regular people like us can sometimes do extraordinary things. Driven by a great cause, we can occasionally win even against overwhelming odds." Conservation groups and lake associations throughout the state should be inspired by this victory.

Happy New Year to all who continue to fight to save our wild land. May we have more successes to celebrate in 2014.

Contact Mark Blazis at sports@telegram.com.

Doplar says rain will pass... tonight is the Lighting of the Shoreline!

With the official end of summer, Labor Day weekend,  the Manchaug Pond Foundation hosts the Lighting of the Shoreline.

At 8:30 pm light your flares, tiki torches and/or campfires tonight around the shoreline to show your solidarity. 

A Manchaug Pond tradition since the 1970's.

Manchaug Pond Foundation Makes Worcester Telegram Again!

Amazing, phenomenal, epic! was the 90 day land acquisition by the MPF! 

Today's Sunday Telegram lists this real estate transaction in Section F page 1 under Douglas and page 7 under Sutton. Make no mistake - all parcels were secured for only one $1.925m price tag.

Our sincere appreciation to

• the administrators of the Bradford T. Beaton Estate for selling all parcels of the entire 100 acres estate to the Manchaug Pond Foundation for preservation; 
• to the legal/accounting teams which got the job done; 
• to our largest, most significant contributor: the Anonymous Donor whose gracious and generous gift made "the improble, if not the impossible" a reality. A humble and true hero, a "gallant White Knight" making this conservation crusade victorious!
• for the Town of Sutton Board of Selectman who voted to give this small but mighty Manchaug Pond non-profit a chance with their First Right of Refusal assignment.
• and the Sutton Town Administrator who brought us in to the situation.

Well Done !

Next Issue of SPLASH Is In the Making!

Do you love our newsletter? Well, the next issue of the MPF's Splash is slated to hit your mailbox within a month.  It is currently in committee with our officers and committees putting together articles, updates and notices of future events with plenty of photos for your information and enjoyment.

If you have a photo you would like to share, a story from the days of old, a great cookout recipe, a lake joke, or fishing tip - whatever!  send it in to MPFsplash@gmail.com.

If you are not on our mailing list, let us know or send a donation large or small to MPF, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA  01526 with your name, address and email address (so you can receive our email notices!)

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Calling All Friends of Manchaug Pond: MPF SPRING SOCIAL This Saturday!

It is time for the MPF Members and Friends SPRING SOCIAL and BIG RAFFLE Reverse DRAWING!  So if you love Manchaug Pond and would like to support our efforts, join us this Saturday morning between 9 and 11 am to be a part of the fun! 


A BIG BREAKFAST will be served followed by the reverse drawing for our BIG RAFFLE. The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, baked french toast, homemade muffins and breakfast breads, bagels, fruit, and coffee, juice and bottled water.  This year's raffle features a prize of a travel voucher up to $5,000 or $4,000 ca$h! Tickets will be drawn, losers first, as with our past Big Boat Raffles.

Free to all paid members and friends of MPF! Bring your donation to the social if you haven't yet sent it in or hit the Paypal button on the right of this post.

MPF t-shirts and more will be on sale!  Our Water Quality Educational Exhibit will be available so you can obtain information on our newest grant project, rain gardens, and more!

Questions?  Ask an officer, area representative, or email us!

Sunday Telegram Tells Beaton Farm Story

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Group races to save Sutton landscape

A robin takes flight from a fence post on land the Manchaug Pond Association wants to save from development. (T&G Staff/RICK CINCLAIR)
 
The Manchaug Pond Foundation is racing to raise $1.32 million by July 16 to buy the Beaton Farm Property overlooking Manchaug Pond. (T&G Staff/RICK CINCLAIR)

By Susan Spencer TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
susan.spencer@telegram.com

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SUTTON —  There is hardly a more classic rural New England landscape than in Sutton.

Rolling hills unfold in a patchwork of fields and stone walls. Weathered barns stand against the wind. Orchards, dairy and horse farms dot knolls sloping to sparkling ponds.

That view — and the town's cultural heritage — is changing, as open space succumbs to development.

Selectman Michael A. Chizy, who serves as board chairman, has lived in town almost 60 years.

“Where cornfields used to be, now there's houses,” he said.

Another quintessential parcel, the 100-acre Beaton Farm Property that was once part of historic Waters Farm, overlooking Manchaug Pond, may be the next to be developed.

The current owner, who has received property tax benefits for 73 acres on the site under the state Chapter 61A program for agricultural land, plans to sell the property. Under state law, when land comes out of agricultural, forestry or recreation space protection, the town has the right of first refusal to buy the land.

Selectmen agreed April 16 that the town was not in a position to purchase the parcel, but assigned the nonprofit Manchaug Pond Foundation to act on its behalf to try to raise $1.32 million by July 16, the deadline set by law, to buy the 73 acres.

“Taxes have gone up,” Mr. Chizy said. “People can only afford so much. I don't think the town would purchase it (if money couldn't be raised privately).”

The College of the Holy Cross has submitted a $1.9 million proposal to purchase the full 100 acres, including 73 acres under Chapter 61A, plus roughly 26 acres along the pond in Douglas, on which to build a 30,000-square-foot retreat center.

Ellen M. Ryder, director of public affairs for Holy Cross, said, “It is so beautiful. It's what attracted us to it in the first place.”

She said that retreat and contemplation are an integral part of a faith-based education. The college used to hold one-day or overnight retreats, often conducted in silence, at a facility in Narragansett, R.I., but that site was no longer available. Since the 1980s, students and staff have had to travel at least an hour to other locations.

Phyllis M. Charpentier, corresponding secretary for the Manchaug Pond Foundation, said the group has nothing against the college.

But she wants to preserve the scenic open space that is enjoyed by visitors from all over, the historic quarry in the woods that once supplied Blackstone Valley mills with stone, the pristine trout ponds and brooks that run through the property to 875 feet of shoreline on Manchaug Pond, and the working stables that house 19 miniature horses.

“If we do not succeed, everything will be sold: the house, the barn, 26 acres abutting the pond and the fields,” Ms. Charpentier said. “We're looking to keep it undeveloped so the streams feeding Manchaug Pond stay as they are now. It's the last quiet cove.”

Marty Jo Henry, Manchaug Pond Foundation's first vice president, said the land was a priority habitat for endangered species and served as a wildlife corridor linking Sutton State Forest and Douglas State Forest. She has photographed bald eagles, osprey and heron soaring overhead there.

“It's a big stopping point for migrating ducks heading up to Canada,” Ms. Henry said.

The stone-wall-bordered overlook at the top of the fields, with a panoramic vista of the 380-acre Manchaug Pond below, provides an ideal viewing spot for bird watchers and others, including wedding couples who have portraits taken there.

That “viewshed” was highlighted a dozen years ago in the master plan for Waters Farm, a living-history farm preserved to portray 19th-century agrarian life. The Waters homestead, which was built in 1757 by Stephen Waters and is on the National Register of Historic Places, is across the road from Beaton Farm and looks out onto the fields and hillside to Manchaug Pond.

National Park Service Ranger Chuck Arning said, “You'd like to see the way it might have been in the 1800s.”

He cited passages from the Waters Farm master plan: “This amazing view is a powerful experience for the first-time visitor because it is so unexpected and so dramatic. The view is evocative of how the land may have looked more than 250 years ago — regardless of its actual appearance. The momentary sensation of being in another time anchors Waters Farm in the mind of the visitor as an important place, a place where you can feel connected to the past through the power of this unique setting and experience. Preservation of views should be a primary goal.”

But preservation takes money, time and a lot of hard work.

“The problem is, we need such a large amount of money in such a short time,” said Andrew J. Mosher, Manchaug Pond Foundation treasurer.

“The situation the foundation finds itself in, scrambling to pull together funds to purchase open space before it is sold for development, isn't uncommon, according to Rob Warren, Massachusetts director of protection and policy for The Nature Conservancy.

“I think it's important for people to understand that lands that are enrolled in Chapter 61 programs are not permanently protected lands. That's at the discretion of the landowner,” he said.

Mr. Warren said that because these properties typically become available on short notice, many land trusts work with landowners ahead of time to get them thinking about placing their property in permanent protection, through conservation restrictions, donation or sale to a conservation organization.

Towns that have adopted the Community Preservation Act, which Sutton has not, may be in a better financial position to acquire open space. The Community Preservation Act creates local funds, through a surcharge of up to 3 percent on real estate levies, for preserving open space and historic sites, promoting affordable housing and developing outdoor recreation facilities.

Open space committees can also plan strategically for land acquisition.

“Any of that sort of foresight is helpful, Mr. Warren said. “Having planning in place ahead of time helps a community respond. The 'white knight' is a true rarity,” he said, referring to a donor who swoops in to help buy land.

He added that towns should be aware of the economic benefits of protecting land, which costs far less over time than providing services for developed parcels, despite the additional tax revenue.

Contact Susan Spencer at susan.spencer@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanSpencerTG.

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!

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!

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.

Annual Spring Social is ON for Saturday Morning!

Calling all members and friends of Manchaug Pond Foundation!

 

 Come together this Saturday morning at 10:30 am for our Annual Spring Social!

meet old and new lake neighbors and friends;

get an update on MPF issues/action from the waterlevel and dam to the new water quality grant app

and on upcoming events from the Boat Decorating Contest to the Weed Id Training;  

elect the Board of Directors, purchase flares and t-shirts

 and all over a cup or two of coffee and pastry!

Meeting will be held at the YMCA Camp Blanchard Dining Hall, Manchaug Road, Sutton.

Old members and friend may renew their membership while new, may join at this time. :)

See you there!

Want to celebrate with us?   

Did you enjoy our Rockin' Spring Fling?

...well, hold this date for the

MANCHAUG MONSTER MASH

Saturday, October 29th 

Dudley-Gendron Post 414
Boston Road, Sutton


 From 7 pm-12 midnight, 

be entertained by the live band, 
FINAL NOTICE. 

 

Prizes for the best costumes, extraordinary raffle items, 
and light fare will be served.

 

$10 admission charge to benefit Manchaug Pond.

AND!!  Special Patriots raffle drawing at the Manchaug Monster Mash:

! WIN ! ~ PATRIOTS RAFFLE ~ ! WIN !

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

WIN 4 TICKETS ~ $20/chance
 Seating just 8 rows behind Coach Belichick on the Patriots' 50 yard line.

NE Patriots Vs. Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, December 4, 2011 @ 8 pm.

Proceeds benefit Manchaug Pond

Drawing: at the Manchaug Monster Mash!

! WIN ! ~ PATRIOTS RAFFLE ~ ! WIN !  

 

Thank you to our FUNdrai$ing Committee for organizing another great event and activity to benefit Manchaug Pond!

Thank you to our generous donor for these incredible tickets! 

MORE WINNERS: Brothers Split MPA $10,000 Giveaway Award

The 2nd BIG Boat Raffle/$10,000 Giveaway proved just as exciting as the first!

 With the reverse drawing held at our Spring Social in June, ticket holders and MPA/MPF families shared in the excitement over a delicious chicken dinner.

Children lined up to pluck, one by one, the one hundred and nineteen loser ducks from the little duckie pool in the reverse drawing.



Leaving the winner, # 117, held by winning ticket holders Ken and Mel Winquist.

The two brothers, who own a summer cottage on Manchaug Pond, had the choice of the 2011 Pontoon Boat package valued at over $12,000 from USA Marine or $10,000 cash...

They each chose to receive a check for $5,000!

Congratulations and a huge thank you to all of you who participated in this fundraising event by buying a Big Boat Raffle Ticket.  Your support of our efforts to preserve Manchaug Pond is invaluable!