Berkshire Orchid Show Returns to BCC

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Community College Foundation's 2nd annual Berkshire Orchid and Tropical Show will be held at the college on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27.

The event, which celebrates orchids, succulents, bromeliads, bonsai and other tropicals, will showcase 20 unique exhibits and a variety of vendors selling plants, accessories and artwork.

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday in Paterson Field House on the college's main campus at 1350 West St.

Workshops and educational talks, open to attendees and free with paid show admission unless otherwise noted, will include:

Saturday, Oct. 26

10:30 a.m.: "Introduction to Dish Gardens" by Jeanine Loya

Noon: "Beginning a Bonsai" by Brian Kelley

1:30 p.m.: "Creating a Terrarium" by Black Jungle Terrarium Supply

Sunday, Oct. 27

10 a.m.: "Native Orchids: a Talk and Photos" by Nancy Goodman



11 a.m.: "You Don't Need a Greenhouse to Grow Orchids" by Dr. John Sprague.

12:30 p.m.: "Nonstop Plants: A Garden for 365 Days" by Margaret Roach

2 p.m.: "Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging Demonstration" by Kaye Vosburgh ($10 materials fee per person. Attendees will have a chance to win one of the arrangements created in the demonstration).

Workshops are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Admission is $5 per person with children age 12 and under free. Proceeds benefit the BCC Foundation Annual Fund and the Ralph Hoffmann Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy Center and Greenhouse.

For more information, contact Ann Phillips at 413-236-2185 or aphillips@berkshirecc.edu.

A Preview Party will be held Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 7. Tickets are $35 and include admission to the show for the weekend, an early look at the exhibits, early vendor sales and a silent auction, along with hors d'oeuvres prepared by Ye Olde Forge Restaurant and wine and beer selected by Kelly's Package Store. For an invitation, call 413-236-2185.

For more information, including directions, a full listing of exhibitors and vendors, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/orchid.

The event is sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Charles Cardillo Plumbing and Heating, Francis Investment Consulting Group, The Guardian Insurance Co., Kelly's Package Store, Nuclea Biotechnologies and Ye Olde Forge Restaurant.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond. 
 
According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond. 
 
The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million. 
 
"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.
 
The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
 
The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.
 
The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here
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