Lake Beseck Living

~All things Lake Beseck brought together in one informative space~

MIDDLEFIELD, CT

Whether you are interested in family activities in the area, efforts being made toward issues such as weed control and algae of the lake, becoming a volunteer, or you want to stay on top of crime events in the area, this is the place to be.

FREE Breakfast Gardening Workshop - Sat. April 22nd 9-10:30 am - Learn How to earn the lakeSmart Award

April 17, 2017  /  Amy Poturnicki

Annually, on Earth Day, the Town of Middlefield Lake Beseck Environment Committee tries to put together educational offerings in the interest of protecting the lake that we all know and love!

This year as gardening season approaches, the Town of Middlefield Lake Beseck Environment Committee is very excited to be launching a program that will award homeowners for participating in Best Management Practices that support lake protection and improve quality of life for community residents. Many are already picking up after pets, have been avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers, are mindful of our storm drain systems - why not be rewarded for your efforts?  Come out and learn how to earn your very own LakeSmart Home plaque!  This program is a great program for anyone living in the watershed near a lake, stream, etc.

Experts from:
Aquatic Ecosystem Research, Milone & MacBroom, CT Federation of Lakes
Learn about the lake and efforts underway, what LakeSmart is all about, how to receive your LakeSmart Home plaque, eco-friendly gardening, selecting the best native plants.
 
Resources
You'll receive some pretty cool resources for FREE!
FREE 148 page Milone & MacBroom Shoreline Management Manual, and several other guides. Learn of upcoming plant sales, places to go for native plants and additional workshops, receive offerings from local businesses, info about a handy gardening app you can download on your phone.

We will also have copies of what is being called “the most extensive guide to natural lawn care ever published” for only $15 -proceeds benefit CT River Coastal conservation and education programs.

This will be a great opportunity to meet up with friends, have coffee and a bite to eat, receive FREE stuff, and learn from the experts!

Watch your mailboxes for a postcard mailer early this week!

We'll have your coffee waiting for you!

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Middlefield Sesquicentennial Cardboard Boat Race SUNDAY June 5, 2016 from 10 A.M. - 12 P.M.

February 19, 2016  /  Amy Poturnicki

 

IT ALL STARTS at 10 A.M.  

An event you won't want to miss - all ages welcome to join in the fun!

9:30 A.M.  - Registration & line up your boat for bragging rights and photos

10:00 A.M. - Kick off the race with The National Anthem - Sierra Manning

 

 Boat Construction & Rules

1.    Use cardboard and duct tape to build boats.

2.     Duct tape may be used to reinforce seams and the bottom of your boat.

3.     No pre-treated or waxed cardboard is permitted.

4.     Use of paint is permitted as a decoration only, not to waterproof hull.

5.     Oars may be made of any material to propel your boat.

6.     The crew compartment cannot be enclosed to interfere with escape

Suggestions

·        Be creative, costumes and boat decoration encouraged.

·        A PFD (Personal Floatation Device) is strongly recommended.

·        Cardboard can be found at appliance store, dept. stores, discount clubs, electronic stores, etc

·        All ages encouraged to join the fun!

Awards                                                                                                                    

- 1st, 2nd & 3rd PLACE FINISH – age 12 and above & below age 12

- Most Creative

- Most Spectacular Sinking

- Best Team Spirit

Winners will be featured on Lake Beseck Living website!

 

 

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Lake Beseck Winter Festival January 23, 2016

December 10, 2015  /  Amy Poturnicki

 

Celebrating Middlefield's 150th Anniversary!  

brought to you by

Lake Beseck Association and Middlefield Parks & Recreation

We are planning lots of fun for the entire family including  CT DEEP C.A.R.E. Ice Fishing, Middlefield Fire Department Ice/Water Safety Demo, Ice Carving Demonstrators, Sledding Activities, Games, Kids Work Shop, Hay Rides, Photo Booth, Doogie Costume Contest & Photos, Food, Music, Warming Stations &  FREE Hot Chocolate, Full Moon Viewing Event and Lighting of the Lake at Close of Celebration.  The event will take place at Beseck Beach from 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.

For more details:  http://lakebeseckliving.com/lake-beseck-winter-ice-festival-2016/

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Lake beseck association Holiday Party December 12, 2015

December 02, 2015  /  Amy Poturnicki

The 2015 Lake Beseck Association Holiday Party will be Saturday December 12th at 6:30 PM at The Sibley Residence, 92 Lake Shore Drive.  

This event is for all paid members of the Lake Beseck Association. LBA dues are $10 per person or $20 per family.

Potluck details:

If your last name begins with A through G bring a main dish or appetizer, H through M bring any type of salad, N through Z bring a dessert.

Drinks and entertainment will be provided by the Association.  

Details for our annual Grab Bag Gift Exchange!  (optional)
Bring a gift of approximately $10.  You can go in as a couple or individual.

If you need to pay annual dues, send check to:
Lake Beseck Association
c/o Pete Sibley
92 Lake Shore Drive
Middlefield, CT 06455

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Cardboard Boat Race being held at the Lake Beseck Association Picnic July 11 2015

June 17, 2015  /  Amy Poturnicki

Start collecting cardboard for a cardboard boat race coming to the Lake Beseck Association Picnic on July 11, 2015!  An event you won't want to miss - all ages welcome to join in the fun!

 

It all starts at 11 A.M. on July 11th

~Food, Family Fun, Music, Awards~

 Boat Construction & Rules

1.    Use cardboard and duct tape to build boats.

2.     Duct tape may be used to reinforce seams and the bottom of your boat.

3.     No pre-treated or waxed cardboard is permitted.

4.     Use of paint is permitted as a decoration only, not to waterproof hull.

5.     Oars may be made of any material to propel your boat.

6.     The crew compartment cannot be enclosed to interfere with escape

Suggestions

·        Be creative, costumes and boat decoration encouraged.

·        A PFD (Personal Floatation Device) is strongly recommended.

·        Cardboard can be found at appliance store, dept. stores, discount clubs, electronic stores, etc

·        All ages encouraged to join the fun!

Awards                                                                                                                            

- 1st, 2nd & 3rd PLACE FINISH – age 12 and above & below age 12

- Most Creative

- Most Spectacular Sinking

- Best Team Spirit

Winners will be featured on Lake Beseck Living website!

 

 

 

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Outreach Project - Storm Drain Stenciling June 13 2015 at 8 A.M.

April 23, 2015  /  Amy Poturnicki

This outreach project is to raise community awareness about stormwater runoff that washes pollutants into storm drains that flow directly into Beseck Lake.

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Rainwater can wash debris, chemicals, pet waste, street litter, oil, leaves, grass clippings, dirt, fertilizers and more into over 200 of our storm drains that flow into the lake.  These pollutants do not get treated before emptying into a water body, and have a negative impact on water quality.

A storm drain is typically attached to a network of underground pipes designed to control flooding by transporting storm water to a water body.  Many people are unaware that these type of drains flow directly into rivers, lakes, streams, sounds, or oceans.

By stenciling messages on or near them, it helps to raise awareness about storm water runoff.  

Click on the map to locate storm drains on your street.  

 

 

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Green plants and clear water: A gardeners guide for the environmentally conscious

April 14, 2015  /  Amy Poturnicki

That eyebrow raising "F" word within lake communities...
"F e r t i l i z e r"
Friend or FOE?  Can it be both?  
Join us and learn more!

 

EARTH DAY WORKSHOP
Wednesday, APRIL 22
6:30 P.M.
hosted by Lake Beseck Ad Hoc Advisory Committee
 
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

will help to sort it all out and teach us about available soil testing, proper fertilizer techniques, buffer zones, rain gardens and more!  


It's FREE, join us!
Middlefield Community Center
405 Main St.

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The Turion Project

April 25, 2014  /  Amy Poturnicki

Invasive Aquatic Plant Education

& 

Environmental Activity

 

A DEEP C.A.R.E. (CT Aquatic Resources Education) event

A coordinated lake management effort of the Town of Middlefield, Lake Beseck Ad Hoc Advisory Committee, Mark June-Wells, P.h.D, Lake Beseck Association, Middlefield Parks & Recreation and CTDEEP.  The DEEP C.A.R.E. program increases public awareness of aquatic resources, introduces students to fishing, promotes environmental stewardship, encourages responsible behavior among citizens by fostering a respect and knowledge of our State’s natural resources.

DATE:  Saturday May 3, 2014

TIME:  8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

LOCATION:  Beseck Lake - Middlefield, CT 

Meet at the Beseck beach pavilion at 8:00 A.M. to register for an educational lake bed tour with Limnologist & Plant Ecologist, Mark June-Wells, Ph.D.  Mark will teach participants about invasive aquatic plants and talk about his involvement with the lake.  Educational photo boards will be displayed in areas that invasive plants have been mapped out by CT Agricultural Experiment Station.  Due to the significant drawdown, the program will provide a rare opportunity for participants to be a part of a crucial environmental activity that will prevent thousands of new invasive plants from growing by raking up the tiny pine cone shaped turions of the invasive Potamogeton crispus (Curlyleaf Pondweed) plant – perfect for students in need of community service hours.

BRING:  Boots, gloves and a rake!

For early registration or more information contact:

Amy Poturnicki - DEEP C.A.R.E. instructor
RAHR25@comcast.net
860-638-8830

 

 

 

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April 22 2014: Save the Date & Learn about the Lake

April 11, 2014  /  Amy Poturnicki

If you swim, boat, fish or just enjoy the view...

 ASK a SCIENTIST
WORKSHOP
EARTH DAY TUES. APRIL 22
6 P.M.
hosted by Lake Beseck Ad Hoc Committee
 
 

FREE community workshop!



Ask & learn about Beseck Lake from scientists at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Mark June-Wells, Ph.D.- Limnologist and Plant Ecologist, New England Environmental, Inc. and Ed Bailey, Middlefield Second Selectman.

Middlefield Community Center
405 Main St. 

Schedule 

6-7:00 pm: CT Agricultural Experiment Station will talk about threats to CT lakes, teach you to Identify live invasive aquatic plants and differentiate from native species. Ask scientists questions and learn about lakes and management practices. 

7-8:00 pm: 
-Mark June-Wells, Ph.D. - New England Environmental, Inc. will talk about his involvement with Lake Beseck as our Lake Manager, exciting studies that are going on, risks to our lake and grants that have been applied for to help. Mark will answer questions that you may have.
-Second Selecman, Ed Bailey will talk about town efforts to assist with the challenges that Lake Beseck faces.

I encourage everyone living around the lake to join us.

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Lake Beseck Association Holiday Party - December 15

December 12, 2013  /  Amy Poturnicki

The 2013 Lake Beseck Association Holiday Party will be held on Sunday December 15th at 6:00 PM at Dick’s house in Rockfall.  

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This event is for all paid members of the Lake Beseck Association.
LBA dues are $10 per person or $20 per family.

This is a potluck affair.

If your last name begins with A through G bring any type of salad or appetizer, H through M bring a dessert, N through Z bring a main dish.

Drinks and entertainment will be provided by the Association.  

We will have an optional grab bag gift exchange.  The cost of the gift should be around $7.  You can go in as a couple or individual.

If you haven't paid dues yet this year, please send check to:

Lake Beseck Association
P.O. Box 33
Middlefield, CT 06455

Sincerely, 

Amy Poturnicki, President

Lake Beseck Association


To get to Dick’s house, go past 
DaVinci Pizza, toward Rockfall/Middletown on Rte 157. Keep going about 100 yards where driveway on right says BOYNTON. Turn right into driveway and go down the hill, past the upper garage, to the main parking lot.
 

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Lake Beseck Cleanup November 17 2013

November 11, 2013  /  Amy Poturnicki

 A 16’ drawdown of Lake Beseck has exposed years worth of garbage that has been lying on the lake bed.  The Town of Middlefield, Troup 33 Boy Scouts, Middlefield Park & Rec, and the Lake Beseck Association are working together to kick off a series of cleanups. The effort will begin this Sunday November 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The community is invited to join in. 

 

The first cleanup will focus on the outer perimeter of the lake.  Additional efforts will be announced when wetter areas firm up to walk on.

Suggested attire:  dress for the weather, bring rubber boots and gloves. 

Middlefield Park & Rec will provide refreshments.

Meet at the beach pavilion at 8:30 a.m.  Garbage bags will be provided.

For more info contact: 

Amy at RAHR25@comcast.net or Jerry at JRussllc@gmail.com

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Lake Beseck Association Parade & Picnic

July 12, 2013  /  Amy Poturnicki

LBA PARADE & POTLUCK PICNIC JULY 27TH

Come join the Lake Beseck Association as we celebrate summer, great food and great friends at our annual Lake Beseck parade and picnic on Sat. July 27th!

The Lake Beseck Association will provide the burgers, hot dogs, and drinks.  

This is a potluck affair.  Like previous years, we are asking people to help out with desserts, appetizers and salads.

This year, those with last names beginning with: 
A through G are being asked to bring a dessert
H through M an appetizer
N through Z bring any type of salad.

The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the old bus stop parking lot on Lake Rd. and end at the beach.  

Many look forward to seeing the creative ideas that people come up with for the parade.  

Judges will select a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner. Winners will be featured on the Lake Beseck Living website.  

We will be looking for volunteers to lend a hand helping Bob Monthei set up at the beach.  We will start to set up the tents, tables, etc around 9:30 a.m.

Also, anyone willing to contribute to making the event even more fun...please send along your ideas and we will include it with other activities!

Reminder, membership dues are due.  
It would be helpful to send payment ahead of time to our NEW P.O. Box, but if you don't get to it, you can certainly pay at the picnic.  (I feel bad for the Sibley's, who spend a lot of time collecting dues at the picnic.  I think we would all like to see them have more time to enjoy the picnic, thanks) 

Dues are $10 per person or $20 per family. Checks payable to Lake Beseck Association.

Send to the attention of Pete Sibley, LAKE BESECK ASSOCIATION, PO BOX 33, Middlefield, CT 06455.  So we can maintain accurate records, please include your name, email address as well as your mailing address with your check.   Thank you.  :)

We hope to see many of you during our annual summer celebration!

Sincerely,

Amy Poturnicki, President
Lake Beseck Association
860-638-8830

 

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What's up with the shack at the beach?

June 28, 2013  /  Amy Poturnicki

 

                    "Beach Hut"

                    "Beach Hut"

Middlefield Parks and Recreation has a new "beach hut" that will be used as a beach snack bar and guard shack for the summer.  

Pass checkers will now be able to stay cool while offering up beach passes, cold beverages and snacks.

Our plan is to spruce it up and give it a fun beach themed overhaul!  

This week we will be looking for grass roof material, surf boards and fun beach themed objects! 

Volunteers are needed for this Saturday June 29th at 8 am to help give the beach hut a fresh coat of paint prior to decorating.

The concession stand was previously the Democratic Town Committee's potato booth at the Durham Fair. Many thanks go out to the DTC for their generous donation to Middlefield Parks and Recreation.

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Calendar of Events April-July 2013

April 06, 2013  /  Amy Poturnicki

FIREWORKS CRUISE JULY 13TH 6P-12A

(TRIP CANCELLED-for Tickets to see fireworks, contact Mijoy at 860-443-0663. Ticket price $40 from Waterford docks)

Middlefield Park and Rec is now taking reservations for their annual voyage to New London Harbor for another incredible Sailfest Fireworks display.

Date: Sat. July 13th  

Tickets are $60 per person. (round trip transportation from Middlefield)

The bus will leave the Middlefield Community Center promptly at 6 p.m. and will return around midnight.

To reserve tickets, send email to: RAHR25@comcast.net  (reservations by order of email)

Snack and drinks will be available for purchase on the boat.  Coolers are welcome.

Check's payable to:

Middlefield Parks and Recreation-405 Main St. Middlefield, CT 06455

For additional info contact: Amy at 860-638-8830 or Chris at 860-349-7122


 

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Lake Community Clean-up April 20th

The Lake Beseck clean-up kicks off at the beach parking lot on Sat April 20th @ 10am. Join us for a hour or so of exercise, socializing and amusement as we gather litter from the streets around the lake.   To make it fun, take a pic of you and the litter you collected.   The picture with the most votes, wins a prize!

Invasive Aquatic Plant Workshop offered-EARTH DAY April 22

Learn how to identify and prevent the ever growing population of invasive aquatic plants.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will be doing an exciting workshop that will help people identify invasive aquatic plants that occur in Connecticut lakes.  The workshop will begin with a PowerPoint presentation.  After the presentation, Ag Station scientists will teach you how to distinguish the invasive plants from native species.  Participants will identify 12 live invasive plants to become familiar with the differences among them.  Scientists will talk about different management techniques and answer any of your questions.

By training lake users to look for and report invasive aquatic plants, it will increase the likelihood that the invaders will be found soon after they arrive and before they establish.

The plant identification workshop will be held at 6pm on April 22nd at the Community Center Auditorium.   To register, contact Amy at RAHR25@comcast.net

Spring DEEP C.A.R.E. Fishing workshop May 4th 12-4 p.m.

Join Middlefield Park and Rec on Sat May 4th when we host a FREE DEEP C.A.R.E. Fishing Class

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CARE (Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education) is a FREE program run by the CT DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) whose goal is to introduce families to the exciting sport of fishing.  The fishing program is conducted by certified DEEP C.A.R.E. instructors. Topics will include how and where fish live, fishing laws and regulations, fish identification, fishing tackle and techniques, how to cast, sportsmanship, safety, and how to fillet and cook your catch.

All required class materials and equipment will be provided.

The class is free of charge and open to all. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: Sat May 4th 2013

Time: 12p-4p  (2 hr class time/2 hour hands on fishing at the lake)

To register:  Contact Chris 860-349-7122 Middlefieldpr@aol.com or Amy 860-638-8830 RAHR25@comcast.net

You can also visit our website at: www.middlefieldparkandrecreation.com

*anglers age 16 and older must have a valid 2013 Connecticut Fishing License

LBA Parade & Potluck Picnic July 27th

The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the old bus parking lot on Lake Rd. and end at the beach.  It's early, so you have plenty of time to come up with your coolest, craziest and most adorable ideas for the parade.  Have fun with it!  Judges will select a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner. Winners will be featured on the Lake Beseck Living website.  (prizes to be determined)

We will be looking for volunteers to lend a hand setting up at the beach.  We will start to set up the tents, tables, etc around 9:30 a.m.

This is a potluck affair.  The Lake Beseck Association will provide the burgers, hot dogs, and drinks.  We are just asking people with last names beginning with A through G to bring a dessert, H through M to bring an appetizer, N through Z to bring any type of salad.  

When sending dues this year, please make note of our new PO Box.  Dues are $10 per person or $20 per family and can be sent to LAKE BESECK ASSOCIATION, PO BOX 33, Middlefield, CT 06455.  So we can maintain accurate records, please include your name, email address as well as your mailing address with your check.  Thank you.  :)

  

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Free D.E.E.P. C.A.R.E. Fishing Class hosted by Middlefield Park & Rec

March 28, 2013  /  Amy Poturnicki

Join Middlefield Park and Rec on Sat May 4th when we host a FREE DEEP C.A.R.E. Fishing Class 

CARE (Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education) is a FREE program run by the CT DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) whose goal is to introduce families to the exciting sport of fishing.  The fishing program is conducted by certified DEEP C.A.R.E. instructors. Topics will include how and where fish live, fishing laws and regulations, fish identification, fishing tackle and techniques, how to cast, sportsmanship, safety, and how to fillet and cook your catch.

All required class materials and equipment will be provided.

The class is free of charge and open to all. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

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Class location: Middlefield Community Center Auditorium 405 Main St Middlefield

Date: Sat May 4th 2013

Time: 12p-4p  (2 hr class time/2 hour hands on fishing)

For more info contact:

Amy: RAHR25@comcast.net or Chris: Middlefieldpr@aol.com

You can also visit the P&R website at: www.middlefieldparkandrecreation.com

*anglers age 16 and older must have a valid 2013 Connecticut Fishing License

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CT Safe Boating and PWC Class being offered by Middlefield Park and Recreation

March 19, 2013  /  Amy Poturnicki

​The Safe Boating and PWC Class will teach students age 10 and up to become safe and knowledgeable boaters.

​Those who pass the class qualify for their Connecticut Boat and Personal Watercraft Certificate.

Class Schedule:  Tues April 9th, Thurs April 11, Tues April 16 and Thurs April 18

Time:  6:00-8:30 pm

Fee:  Adults 18 and up-$20   Kids age 10-17 $10

To register send email to: MiddlefieldPR@aol.com

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Location:  Middlefield Community Center 405 Main St.

Before taking your boating course, you must obtain a Connecticut Conservation Identification Number (ID). If you have a Connecticut Hunting or Fishing License, your Conservation ID will be the same ID number that was assigned with the hunting or fishing license.

If you need a Conservation ID number, go to the Online Sportsman Licensing system and complete the registration process. Follow the instructions for "New Customers".

When you take your class, your instructor/course provider will need the ID number assigned to you. You will need to provide your instructor with your name (as it was entered into the online Sportsman Licensing System) as well as your month and day of birth.

For more information call Chris at 860-349-9926

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