Peddler's Pack of Spooky Tales at the Bidwell House Museum

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MONTEREY, Mass. — While researching various topics in town records, journals, and old newspapers, Dennis Picard has been surprised at finding numerous stories of the supernatural. 
 
Tales of witches, vampires and weird occurrences are mixed in with otherwise mundane daily records. Picard has saved these stories in his files and will share some of his favorites during this hour-long program, taking place on Saturday, Oct.5 at 4:30 pm.
 
Members $15, Non-members $25.
 
Dennis D. Picard has been a museum professional in the living history field for over forty years. He began his career at Old Sturbridge Village in 1978 and also served on the staff of Hancock Shaker Village, Fort Number Four, the Sheffield Historical Society and Storrowton Village Museum in West Springfield, MA, from which he recently retired. Dennis, with his background and museum experience, has authored many articles on the lifestyles and folkways of New England and has also served as a consultant for many Historical Societies and Museums.
 
Space is limited for this program and pre-registration is required. Tickets can be reserved on the Museum website, https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/peddlers-pack-of-spooky-tales-with-dennis-picard/
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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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