“A very special boat raffle is being held to benefit the preservation of Manchaug Pond, a favorite fishery of many local bass anglers….” Mark Blazis, Outdoors columnist, Worcester Telegram June 8, 2010. A HUGE thanks to Mr. Blazis for his kind words today promoting our first fundraiser for the Manchaug Pond Foundation. It is truly an honor to be included in his column with the many educational pieces about Massachusetts wildlife and the anecdotes of the many people who work and enjoy the woods and waters of our communities.
Thoughts on the Raffle – with ONLY 10 TICKETS AVAILABLE !
Here’s a heads up for all you faithful readers: there are ONLY 10 RAFFLE TICKETS LEFT – yes, only 10! – so if you’ve been meaning to email me about getting a ticket you had better do it right now! When the list of supporters/participants is posted – and your name or company is not listed – don’t say you didn’t have a chance! So here we go – email: ManchaugPondSecretary@gmail.com or infoMPA@charter.net or call George at 774-280-2328. If you are in the area, we’ll deliver your tickets. If you are not, just let me know and we’ll hold your ticket. You can put your check, made payable to “Manchaug Pond Association”, in the mail to MPA, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526. I’ll send you your free chicken barbecue ticket and your raffle ticket! We have received some wonderful responses and support! Here’s a few comments: “This isn’t about winning a boat, its about supporting the lake.”“My husband and I enjoy going to Manchaug Pond and would like to purchaseraffle tickets and attend the barbeque.” “I need a ticket this time around so I’ll be on the list for next year!” “Only 100 sold – I like those …
Water Quality? Here’s results for the entire Blackstone River system
Check out Manchaug Pond on the Blackstone River Coalition’s water quality map. Be sure to check out different years and times of year, the inlet and outlet. http://zaptheblackstone.org/interactive_map/index.php Manchaug Pond is the headwaters of the Mumford River which is a tributary of the Blackstone River. JUNE IS NATIONAL RIVERS MONTH!
Memorial Day Salute, Manchaug Pond
Flag flying at Blueberry Island, Manchaug Pond. Gun salute heard at 10:15 a.m. from Fuller Cemetery, Sutton.
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 …
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 …
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 …
