Dennis Griswold (Capt. Grizzy), founder and Chairman of Friends of Lake Pocotopaug died unexpectedly Aug. 27th, 2008 from a short-term illness. Owner of The Happiest Paddler & West Shore Marine on Lake Pocotopaug, Dennis dedicated a great deal of his time and energy to the lake and those that used it. He always had a smile and a kind word for those that visited the marina. Once you met Dennis there was an attraction that drove one to know him better. Perhaps it was his love of the lake, knowledge of East Hampton and its residents or just his quirky sense of humor that kept you coming back for more. He was a people person with a eye for business opportunities and a passion for our beloved lake.

Dennis organized Friends of Lake Pocotopaug (FLP) with a goal of restoring the health of our lake water and improving the environment that surrounds it. Starting with a single fund raiser in 2004, a small group of FLP volunteers raised $9,000 which funded improvement at Sears Park. Under Dennis' direction, FLP has grown to be a non-profit public charity corporation that sponsors several events each year in support of that same goal. Since it's inception FLP has raised over $125,000 to improve Lake Pocotopaug and its environs. Dennis' contributions to the Lake and this community are truly immeasurable. We were very blessed to have him lead our efforts for the past 5 years.

In honor of our late chairman, FLP will continue to strive for Dennis' vision of a clean and vibrant Lake Pocotopaug. FLP has established a Dennis Griswold memorial fund. Donations to this fund will be used to support specific lake oriented improvements that the entire community will benefit from.

Donations to the Dennis Griswold Memorial Fund may be made through this website or by mail to:

Friends of Lake Pocotopaug
c/o Nikki O'Neill
P.O. Box 360
East Hampton, CT 06424
                                                                                  Stephen Diemer
                                                                                  FLP Chairman

Friends of Lake Pocotopaug is proud to announce the winner of our major 2008 raffle. Susan Broadhurst of Norwalk, CT drove home the new 2008 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet convertible. The drawing was held Saturday August 16th at Angelioc's lakehouse as part of the groups Princess of the Lake Pageant event.

The Smart ForTwo was purchased from the East Hartford Smart Center, a division of Hoffman Motor Group. Without the support and cooperation of its owner, Jeff Hoffman, this raffle would not have been possible. We'd like to thank all those that purchased tickets and the volunteers that sold them for making this raffle such a success. The raffle raised over $16,000 for the Friends lake improvement projects.

While Susan lives in Norwalk, she spends her summers in East Hampton at Nelson's Campground. She is pictured above with family and representatives from the Friends of the Lake.

  2008 4th Annual Boat Parade

Once again the Friends of Lake Pocotopaug (FLP) held their 4th Annual Princess of the Lake Boat Pageant. The parade began at Angelico’s Lakehouse on Saturday, August 16th at 2:00. 17 decorated boats were lead by Captain Grizzy in his Mighty Tug Boat. Crowds along the shore and afloat were entertained by the creatively decorated boats as the parade ventured around the perimeter of the lake. Master of Ceremonies, Red McKinney, narrated the parade from the O’Neill's lakefront home.

Following the parade, spectators and participants gathered at Angelico’s eagerly awaiting the pageant results. Red McKinney introduced the winners at Angelico's and lead the raffle & auction that followed. The event raised over $4200 for FLP lake improvement projects. It was a spectacular day and the Friends of Lake Pocotopaug want to thank all those that were involved.

 Winning Boats:

1st - Belltown Hillbillies  - Steve Peterson & Steve Nowakowski
2nd - Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Simonow
3rd - Noah's Ark - Joe Michaud & Paul Barbour & Tim Andregg

Honorable Mentions:

It's My Party - Gail Cavanaugh
Up, Up and Away in Our Beautiful Balloon 1967 - Mark &  Shelly Cibula
Margaritaville - Bob Kilpatrick

Children's Award:

Brookhaven Park Kids 2012 Future Olympians - John Bozzi