ExtraSpecialTeas to Hold Annual Concert Aug. 19

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The ExtraSpecialTeas singers will be holding their annual concert at the Gazebo behind City Hall, across the street from the Mahaiwe Theater, from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19. 
 
Every Monday throughout the year, our ExtraSpecial singers practice their favorite songs to perform for the community, under the dedicated guidance of Allen Timmons. 
 
ExtraSpecialTeas (EST) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our vocational day program is supported in part by the
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, grants from foundations, and contributions from committed
donors.
 
The community teahouses are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serve hot, iced and bubble teas, and gluten-free treats made by the participants and staff. Visit us at both locations: 2 Elm Street, Great Barrington AND 226 Pleasant Street, Housatonic (where we are also serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea). 
 
Contact Cherri Sanes at (413) 429-6500 for more information or go to www.extraspecialteas.org.
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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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