Upcoming Events
Friendsgiving 2026
For the past several years, Judy and Skip Nielsen have done a wonderful job coordinating QQLA’s annual Friendsgiving celebration. This year, they’ve asked Margaret Post to join them in helping organize this special QQLA tradition.
Friendsgiving is simply a chance for all QQLA members—old friends and new—to get together, enjoy a great meal, and spend an evening with neighbors from around both ponds. It’s close to home, easy to attend, and being held at a wonderful Publick House Historic restaurant that provides a warm and welcoming setting in a private room for our group.
Again this year QQLA will have a separate room dedicated to this event. So, come on down and enjoy a night of friendship and comradery with your QQLA neighbors.
Whether you’ve attended every year or have never joined us before, we hope you’ll come this year. Friendsgiving is about good food, good conversation, and enjoying the friendships that make QQLA more than just a lake association.
Holiday Food Drive 2026
Help Make the Holidays Brighter
Summer has passed, fall is in the air, and QQLA is now accepting donations for the 2026 Holiday Gift Card Food Drive.
Grocery store gift cards are especially helpful because they allow food pantries and schools to support each recipient’s needs without storing or distributing frozen turkeys. Gift cards of $20 to $50 are preferred, and cards from the following stores work especially well:
Sixteen Years of Community Support
This is our 16th year helping local agencies provide gift cards and turkeys to people in need during the holiday season.
We are pleased to partner again with Willow Brook Academy and the Friends of Brookfield. Last year, this collaboration collected and distributed more than $6,000 to local agencies serving our neighbors. With everyday expenses and food costs continuing to rise, we anticipate an even greater need this year.
Ways to Donate
We welcome the Grocery Gift Cards and Frozen Turkey Products.
All donations are forwarded to local agencies that support people in need. In the past, we have supported:
· Brookfield Food Pantry
· Brookfield Council on Ageing
· Brookfield Elementary School
· East Brookfield Food Pantry
· East Brookfield Senior Center
· Sturbridge Senior Center
· West Brookfield Senior Center
· Burgess Elementary School in Sturbridge
· St. Vincent de Paul in Sturbridge.
Frozen Food Storage and Delivery
If you would like to donate a frozen turkey, turkey pie, or turkey breast, I have freezer space for approximately 12 large turkeys at a time. Donations are distributed and delivered frequently to participating agencies through the holiday.
Drop-Off, Mailing, and Deadlines
Gift cards and turkey donations may be dropped off or mailed to:
20 Lane 21 (off Allen Road)
Brookfield, MA 01506
Donations will be accepted through Friday, November 20, 2026. The final distribution is planned for Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Coordinate Your Donation
To arrange a time to drop off turkeys or gift cards, please call 508-274-9492 or email dtaft9492@gmail.com.
Every donation is greatly appreciated and goes directly toward helping a local person in need.
Thank you for your continued support.
Don Taft
Saturday Night Raft Up
North Pond and South Pond Friends and Neighbors are looking forward to the first monthly Saturday night raft up of the 2026 boating season. Starts at dusk.
Poker Paddle 2026
Compete in a Kayak, Canoe, Row Boat or Paddle Board to have a chance at winning!!
Illumination Night
Wrap up the warm days of Summer with light along your shore. See how many lights you can display!
30th Anniversary Annual Meeting
Find out the latest plans and a review of the accomplishments of 2026 Summer season. Enjoy a presentation from Guest Speaker Heather Gablaski of the East Brookfield History Commission.
August Saturday Night Raft Up
North Pond and South Pond Friends and Neighbors are looking forward to the first monthly Saturday night raft up of the 2026 boating season. Starts at dusk.
Annual Wild Bill Swim
Join the Wild Bill Yorzyk Swim & Paddle Challenge
Hosted by the WaterWise Foundation, this open water event is designed by swimmers, for swimmers. With plenty of buoys, a welcoming vibe, and strong safety support, it's a great way to enjoy the water while taking on a challenge.
July Saturday Night Raft Up
North Pond and South Pond Friends and Neighbors are looking forward to the first monthly Saturday night raft up of the 2026 boating season. Starts at dusk.
July 4th Boat Parade - North Pond
Join the celebration of 250 years of Independence.
12:00 North Pond kicks Off from the Quaboag Pond State Boat Ramp
July 4th Boat Parade - South Pond
11:00 South Pond Kicks Off from the Brookfield Beach
Join the celebration of 250 years of Independence.
RED - WHITE - BLUE THEME
Awards and snacks at the South Pond Beach
Watermelon, muffins, popsicles and lemonade, water
June Saturday Night Raft Up
North Pond and South Pond Friends and Neighbors are looking forward to the first monthly Saturday night raft up of the 2026 boating season. Starts at dusk.
Sunday Morning Kayak
Join us on North Pond on SELECT Sunday mornings.
Look for updates on FACEBOOK
Quaboag Pond (North Pond) Community
Spring Fling
Join QQLA friends for our Spring Fling potluck gathering
As usual, we will enjoy each others' company and a delicious potluck buffet with a cash bar.
Please inform Anne Falvo or Marita Tasse if you will be attending and what food you'd like to contribute.
Anne: (717) 578 8478 - annelaceyfalvo@gmail.com
Marita: (508) 612 4912 - maritatasse@gmail.com
Please call, text or email It helps to know in advance so we can fill in any glaring gaps
QQLA Lake Cleanup Day
QQLA Board members will be available to coordinate cleanup efforts around both lakes and the surrounding road networks as well provide garbage bags and gloves. To maximize our efforts we will have designated cleanup areas.
Volunteers will pick up trash along the roadways and the deposit the bags along the side of the road. A pickup team will collect the bags and deliver them to the Brookfield Transfer Station.