Klara's Gourmet Cookies Named Finalist for Award

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LEE, Mass. — Klara’s Gourmet Cookies has been named a finalist in the “Outstanding Cookie" category in the Specialty Food Association’s 2014 sofi Award competition. '

A sofi is the top honor in the $88 billion specialty food industry. “sofi” stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation and represents the best of the best from members of the Specialty Food Association.

The Coconut Macaroons were one of 109 Finalists selected by a national panel of specialty food professionals from 2,025 entries across 30 awards categories from Outstanding Appetizer to Outstanding Vinegar. Winners will be announced by noted chef Dominique Ansel at a red-carpet ceremony June 30 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.

“It is truly an honor that my family recipe is being recognized in such a way,” says Klara Sotonova. “Each cookie is truly made with love and we are excited about this recognition as we continue to share with the world the treats that have given my family so much joy for generations."

Klara’s Gourmet Cookies was founded in 2006. They pride themselves in producing classic cookies from
recipes that have been in Klara’s family for generations. Klara's rich Czech baking traditions were passed down from her grandmother, as it had been done in her family for generations.

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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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