Friends of Winter Pond

New Addition to Winter Pond...Holden Matthews Gray

2010-05-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

The latest member to the Winter Pond Community is Holden Matthews Gray. Born at 9:17am. on May 5, 2010 at 6lbs 11oz. Kai and Vanessa are tired, but happy, both mother and baby are healthy. http://twitpic.com/1l9v98

Annual Winter Pond Regatta and BBQ - July 12, 4-7 pm

2009-07-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

You're Invited to the
Annual Winter Pond Regatta
July 12 from 4-7 pm
@ 85 Pond Street
Boat races, BBQ and more !

Winter Pond welcomes our newest member - William Christopher Hopcroft

2009-05-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

We heard this afternoon that Tom and Victoria Hopcroft gave birth to William Christopher Hopcroft. William was born at 6:56 pm on May 27 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

He weighed in at 7 lbs, 5 oz and is 20.5 inches long. Mom and baby (and dad) are healthy and happy, albeit somewhat tired. Here are some photos...

2009-05-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

Friends of Winter Pond
Mahoney’s Shopping Day
June 17, 8am—5pm
Help preserve Winter Pond for future generations. Shop for anything from furniture to flowers to gift cards at Mahoney’s Garden Center (242 Cambridge St ,Winchester) and 5% of your purchase will be donated to the Friends of Winter Pond.

8th Annual Winter Pond Regatta
July 12, 4-7pm
Bring a dish to share and join us for boat races, dinner, drinks and fun. More info. coming soon.

To receive general Friends of Winter Pond news and updates, send us your email at: kateandjosh@kjreynolds.com or call 781-729-9618.

FWP April 6, 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-05-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Friends of Winter Pond
April 6, 2009
7-8 pm
Winchester Public Library
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Jason Lewis, Prassede Calabi, Barbara Copas, Bob and Carolyn Cumings, Michelle and Alan Robbat, Judie Muggia, Ann McGovern, Richard McKenna, Kate Reynolds and many others

Treasurer Report
Judie Muggie presented the Balance sheet and reported that FWP has $33,807 in assets, $22,521 in total checking and savings and $11,285 in a certificate of deposit. She will be attending a 501-c3 course to learn effective strategies for managing a non-profit organization.

$2,000 will be put toward Aquatic Technologies chemical treatments
$2,000 will be put toward chemical treatment of the pond to be completed in early and late summer. Bob Conway has signed the $4,000 agreement, DPW to cover difference.

Woodside Road Drain Upgrade
The cost to replace this drain is now estimated at between $6,000 and $10,000. The DPW will be ready to start work on this on April 15.

Nominating Committee
Ann proposed the following slate:
President: Barbara Copas
Vice-President: Richard McKenna
Secretary: Kate Reynolds
Treasurer: Judie Muggia

Board of Directors: Michelle and Alan Robbat, Francis Lichtenberger and Ann McGovern, Roger Berman, Peter Durlach. The slate was unanimously approved.

Update on Drain Marker Program
Ann passed around a sign-up sheet and received many offers to help with implementation of this program. She will contact volunteers when ready to place markers and door hangers around town.

Other Business
Ann reported that Louisa Hern was in the news for an award she received.
Prassede Calabi’s presentation
Prassede presented a slideshow of Native plants for Winchester and suggested where you might plant them and how they fit into a nice habitat that will be frequented by desireable birds and animals. She handed out a list of trees and plants and info on native plantings that can be found at Mahoney’s. More information can be found by following this link: http://www.mahoneysgarden.com/naturallybeautifulnatives.aspx. She offered some beautiful and practical suggestions for everyone. She has also arranged a Mahoneys shopping day on Wednesday, June 17 as a benefit day. 5% of the day’s profits will be donated to FWP. She also handed out a list of other nurserys in the area to support as far south as Connecticut and in Carlisle and Westport, MA.
To learn more about The Friends of Winter Pond and what’s going on visit our blog @ http://winter-pond.blogspot.com/ or our website @ www.winterpond.org
8:00 p.m. Meeting adjourned
Notes respectfully submitted, Kate Reynolds, Standing in as Secretary

The Geese think it's real and that's good enough for me!

2009-04-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

Eagle protects Winter Pond

2009-04-18T08:26:00.001-07:00

Photo of the bald eagle at 91 Pond Street protecting the lawns from the geese. This eagle was attacked last week by a hawk which stole the fish from its claws.

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

Winter Pond Annual Meeting Monday April 6

2009-04-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Next Winter Pond Annual Meeting is Monday, April 6th at the Smith Room in the Winchester Public Library.

Prassede Calabi on " Native Beauties: Choice Plants for You and Your Wildlife"
Treasurer's ReportPond treatment update
Drain replacement update

February 2, 2009 Agenda @ Winchester Library @ 7 pm

2009-01-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Treasurer’s Report-Bank Choice Info-CB Donation-Judie Muggia

Update on DPW Plans-State Fund Remainder of $1,800- Any add’l funds needed to complete tasks scheduled for this Spr./Summer-

Storm Drain Update-Woodside Drain Priority, Paperwork completed to be ready to Go in Spring, FWP Needs to gift funds to the town to install the Drain-Judie and Ann

Update on Nominating Committee Findings -Ann McGovern and Committee

Plans for Drain Marker Program-Ann

Detailed Proposals Presented on Alternative Ways to Clear Lilypads and Voted on Which Ones to Purchase-Jon, Ann, others (?)

Pros and Cons on Re-instituting Membership dues, logistics, vote

Next Meeting Tuesday, April 14-Prassede Calabi, PhD and Lecturer @ Umass Boston to speak about “Native Beauties: Choice Plants For You and Your Wildlife”

Save the Date - February 2, 2009 FWP Meeting @ the Winchester Public Library @ 7 pm

2009-01-15T08:49:00.001-08:00

Agenda Coming Soon . . . . .

November 13 meeting @ Library Notes

2009-01-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

Friends of Winter Pond
November 13, 2008
7-8:20 pm
Winchester Public Library
Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m.

Present: Judie Muggia, Ann McGovern, Barbara Copas, Barbara Murphy, Michelle Robbat, Jonathan Lang, Al Muggia, Kate Reynolds

Treasurer Report
Judie Muggie reported that nothing has changed on the balance sheet since our last meeting on Oct. 15.

Organizational Structure
Ann McGovern passed out copies of the By-Laws, Articles of Organization and Articles of Amendment for all to read. The structure of the organization was discussed and a steering committee proposed. Ann McGovern supported the traditional organizational structure mainly because it is stated this way in the by-laws and would take at least a letter to the state to change this. Many hours were spent applying for and receiving our non-profit 501C3 status and we do not want to jeopardize this in any way. Judie explained that the League of Women Voters switched to a steering committee format and it has worked well so far. Ann proposed that a Nominating Committee be formed and offered to ask Bob Cumings to be on the committee along with Barbara Copas, Jon Lang and herself to meet with people who might be interested in the president and vice-president positions. Committee Findings to be presented at the next meeting.

Recommendations from Bob Conway on Drain Upgrade Priorities, Woodside and Cambridge Street
Judie and Ann reported that Bob recommends the Woodside rd drain as a priority. This drain receives the highest amount of water runoff into the pond and needs a better catch basin. A new storm drain could cost up to $16,000. The Mass Highway Authority has committed to fixing the drain on Cambridge St. as part of their project when they add the traffic light at the Pond and Cambridge St. intersection. If FWP funds the woodside rd. storm drain, a maintenance plan could then be put in place where a contractor would commit to cleaning the drain annually for a fee funded by FWP. This new drain would help keep a variety of pollutants out of winter pond. Judie will follow up with Bob Conway. (Note: Judie did follow up and heard from Bob on 11/17 with the following reply: “ I think its too late for this fall. We have a roadway moritorium effective Nov 15 which prohibits roadway excavation except for emergency repairs. If the project was ready to go, we could make an exception, but by the time we put together a bid document, solict bids and award,,we'd be into December. Lets do the paper work this winter and be ready to go in the spring. Another issue is the funding. The way I understand it, FWP would need to gift the funds to the Town. So, lets get the bids so we know the cost. By the way DPW has the vacumm truck comming in soon and they are going to try and open up the line on Inverness more/ completely. Judie Muggia and Ann McGovern will look into the specifics of purchasing this drain and will propose a plan at the next mtg.

Update on Drain Marker Program
Ann brought in the drain marker kit and demonstrated what needs to be done to apply the markers to the drains and place door hangers @ people’s houses to raise awareness on how they can help keep the pond clean. A sticker with “Friends of Winter Pond” and subtitle “Save Winter Pond for the Next Generation” would be added to the door hangers. Michelle Robat, Barbara Copas and Kate Reynolds offered to help Ann apply the markers to the drains and hang the notices at houses abutting the pond. Since this project involved glue that needs warmer weather to harden it was voted on and agreed that this program would be implemented in the Spring.

Proposal on Alternative Ways to Clear Lilypads
Jon Lang presented many options for keeping the pond clean, mostly found on the website: www.WeedersDigest.com. Jon proposed that we apply for a standing order of conditions so individuals can work on removing the weeds with specific tools some of which can be found @ WeedersDigest. Ann McGovern also proposed some options from a brochure she had. The options ranged in cost from $145 to $3,000. Jon recommended the “Beach Buddy” for $369 and “Rake and Knife” combo for $250 and or a “weed razor” for $135. Michelle and Ann requested specific product recommendations and references from people/organizations who have used these tools and their success rate. Any weed harvesting would take place in the Spring/Summer time period. A proposed plan with itemized expenditure will be presented and voted on at the next meeting.

Election results, State Funding, Potential Century Bank grant, funding going forward
Judie Muggia happened to be at a meeting of the Board of Selectman , when Selectman Roger Berman inquired about Winter Pond news. When Judie reported our loss of state funding for $15,000 for treatment of invasive

weeds , the Century Bank representative seated in the audience offered to contribute to make up for this loss. As of 11/14 they are still figuring out the details of the gift.

Loosestrife Popping up Again, Beetles and Other Issues
Judie Muggia reported that George Diller said that many beetles are still around but due to the high water levels last summer some may have drown. George recommended waiting until the Spring to see if the remaining beetles start eating up the loosestrife again.

To learn more about The Friends of Winter Pond and what’s going on visit our blog @ http://winter-pond.blogspot.com/ or our website @ www.winterpond.org

Homework, Proposed Meeting Times and Agenda for Next FWP meeting
Homework for next time: Read Articles of Organization and By-laws before next meeting. Write proposals/plan to bring to next meeting as noted above. Possible next meeting dates: January 13,14,15. Place TBD.
8:20 p.m. Meeting adjourned
Notes respectfully submitted, Kate Reynolds, Standing in as Secretary

FWP Meeting November 13, 7 pm @ the Winchester Library

2008-11-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Friends of Winter Pond Meeting
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Winchester Public Library- Meeting Room ON THE RIGHT - Look for the sign!
7:00 p.m.

AGENDA
1. Organizational planning, review needs for leadership, appt. FWP contact person for new members
2. Recommendations from Bob Conway on drain upgrade priorities - Judie Muggia/Ann McGovern
3. Pansy Patch update, potential upgrade of storm drain on Cambridge St - Judie Muggia
4. Update on Drain Marker program, volunteers needed - Ann McGovern
5. Proposal on alternative ways to keep pond clean, WeedersDigest.com ideas/costs - Jon Lang
6. Election outcome, state funding, funding going forward
a) Century Bank grant
7. Other issues, beetles etc.

Hand Harvesting Lilly Pads

2008-10-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

John Lang had suggested that we get a standing order from the conservation commission to remove the lillys via hand harvesting.

This is what our speaker from the other night said that they do.

Here's a link to a Website called "weeders digest" that sell various machines that are not too expensive that we can operate ourselves.

That would be a very useful use of funds and we wouldn't be at the mercy of the state for their funding.

Here are some pictures of these tools and a video of how it's used...

Minutes Oct 15 Lecture on Dredging

2008-10-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Friends of Winter Pond John Clarke Memorial Lecture
October 15, 2008 @ 7 pm
Winchester Public Library

Presentation by Marc Rudnick (VP of Hardy Pond Association).
Topic: The Process of Permitting and Financing the Hardy Pond Dredging Project

Present: Carolyn & Bob Cumings, Michelle and Alan Robbat, Althea Shirley, Moira Ounjian, Barbara Murphy, Jan Dolan, Jane Boland, Susan Fennelly, Ann McGovern, Barbara Copas, Kay Sundberg, Jonathan Lang, Judie Muggia, Kate Reynolds

Presentation by Marc Rudnick about Hardy Pond Dredging
Marc Rudnick was introduced. He has been involved in reshaping Waltham for the past 30 years. He has founded numerous non-profit organizations and projects in the Watch City, including the local Land Trust, the farmers' market, the community garden and the affordable housing organization. He has served the city in many capacities, including on the city recycling committee, the downtown revitalization committee, the affordable housing partnership, and for the past 5 years, on the zoning board of appeals.

In 1991, after years of inaction on the planned dredging of Hardy Pond, Marc joined with a group of neighbors to form the Hardy Pond Association, where he served as president for 14 years, and now continues as vice-president of the group. Besides getting the dredging project back on track, the pond association has organized wetlands clean-ups, carried out water-monitoring activities, developed local signage to prevent dumping, guided access improvements, shaped current weed control programs, and educated residents about Hardy Pond, its history and its stewardship. In 2008, Marc was recognized as "Waltham's Environmental Activist of the Year" by Senator John Kerry and the Third Middlesex Democrats.

Marc spoke about how 28 of the total 45 acres (2/3rds) of Hardy Pond was dredged between 1999 and 2003 and all the work leading up to the dredging including when and how they received funding and permit approvals from the state and city of Waltham beforehand. See handouts attached for details on timeline and costs. In summary the project started in 1984 and was finally completed in Fall ’03. Waltham got all the first set of millions under the “Clean Water Act” which is no more. Total Funding came to $4,805,000, $3.43 million from the state and $1.38 million from the city. They had also done a lot of fundraising on their own.

The actually dredging cost was $1.78 mill, dewatering $1.15 million, transportation and disposal $1.4 mill and a contingency of $324,900. Before the entire project could even be approved 3 root causes had to be addressed: septic systems had to be removed or moved to front yards, gross particle separators had to be installed in 9 catch basins totaling over $300,000 and a farm’s runoff had to be addressed.

Once these “water runoff/filter” problems were fixed, the proposals for funding could be considered. Marc mentioned that the sludge/mud remains were resold to a topsoil supply company in Concord. The only time dredging could take place was between March and September. The pond is on the corner of Lake and Princeton streets just past Trapelo Rd. For more information Hardy Pond has a website @ http://www.hardypond.org.

Marc’s Recommendations to our group

1. Get involved and get involved early-and be especially involved in the Town’s choice of vendor
2. Outlast them all-personalities and officers in town departments will come and go with varying degrees of interest and expertise
3. Identify your enemies
4. Most important: address the root causes of eutrophication and show the state you have done so. Hardy Pond Assoc. financed catch basins in all storm sewers and used gross particle separators, dealt with farm runoffs etc. Pond Association did fund raising for this but not for the dredging.

A quick 10 minute Business meeting took place after the presentation:

Treasurers Report: Budget has remained unchanged except for a $100 expenditure for water testing.

Ann McGovern presented the recommendation of their committee to go with the “starter kit” offered by DAS Manufacturing, for a cost of $300 as voted at the 9/11 meeting, using the “Duracast” (top of the line) standard blue and green 4 inch marker with turtle, saying no dumping, flows to pond. Custom design is more expensive and takes longer. DPW has reaffirmed that they will do attachment of markers. Group moved to appropriate up to $300.00 for drain markers, the markers with a turtle were selected.

There will be an effort to notify the whole town, publicity plan, as well as the watershed residents, of the program via newspaper articles and door handle flyers.
Judie will contact Dennis Lamar to let him know that some of Margie’s memorial funds will be dedicated to Ann’s “drain marking” project. The project is considered long-term and practical.

8:20 p.m. Meeting adjourned

Notes respectfully submitted, Kate Reynolds, Steering Committee member

Proposed Meeting Times and Agenda for Next FWP meeting
Possible next meeting dates: Nov 12 or 18, 19. Please reply on your best meeting date choice. Hosting home TBD.
1. Planning for Organization
Committee/Board/Officer dilemma. Review needs for leadership, committee chairs, delegating actions and reporting back on results.
2. Storm Drains – Review Bob Conway’s Priority List for Drain Replacement
Funds should be allocated for a pro-active program. Bob Conway has reported that the state is, once again, examining the Pond St./Cambridge St. intersection and if they choose to upgrade the area, new Cambridge St. drains would be included. Bob Conway to prioritize drains for replacement based on the pollution/degradation suffered by the pond. A plan and an expenditure to be proposed and voted based on his recommendation.
3. Committee Updates – Loosestrife eating beetles update, communications (website, blog )
4. Drain Marking Volunteers needed to help distribute door hangers/flyers.
5. Other Business

DON'T FORGET -- Talk on Dredging Pond Tonite 7pm at Library

2008-10-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

The John Clarke Memorial Lecture is tonight (Oct 15) 7:00pm at the Winchester Library.

Marc Rudnick, Vice-President of the Hardy Pond Association, Waltham

Hardy Pond was dredged a few years ago. Mr. Rudnick will describe the process of permitting and financing for this as well as the dredging itself and the current results.

All are welcome to attend. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Upcoming Winter Pond Events...

2008-09-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY, OCT 5 (2pm)
WINCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL CONNECT & COMMIT

The Friends of Winter Pond and the High School members of Connect and Commit are cooperating on a project to clean up the public access shoreline of both parts of the pond.

FWP volunteers are needed on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2-4 pm. Bring rakes, gloves, clippers to the public access.

Please call or e-mail Kate Reynolds to let her know you can help. 729-9618 or kateandjosh@kjreynolds.com

WEDNESDAY, OCT 15 (7pm)
JOHN. D. CLARKE LECTURE AT WINCHESTER LIBRARY

The John D. Clarke Memorial Lecture will be sponsored by The Friends of Winter Pond on WEDNESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 15 AT 7:00 pm at THE WINCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY.

The speaker will be Marc Rudnick, environmentalist and Vice President of the Hardy Pond Association in Waltham. Hardy Pond was dredged a few years ago. Mr. Rudnick will describe the process of permitting and financing for this as well as the process itself and the current results. This program is planned to answer requests made at the FWP meeting on August 2. Information will be valuable in planning for Winter Pond. Please try to attend.

A brief business meeting will be held after the talk. Is anyone able to volunteer to bring simple refreshments?

Please Rsvp to Kate Reynolds or Ann McGovern. 729-2661 or lane.mcgovern@comcast.net

Minutes/Notes from FWP Meetings

2008-09-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Introduction to this Blog

2008-09-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

We created this Blog as a place for members of the Friends of Winter Pond to post valuable information to share with the Winter Pond community.