Nonprofit Center Offers Webinar to Help Boards Strengthen and Succeed

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires has partnered with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to host a webinar series entitled "Empowering Berkshire Nonprofit Boards for Success." 
 
The sessions take place virtually on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sept. 5, 12, 19 and Oct. 3. The cost is $150 per organization with unlimited participation by staff and board.
 
This training series is designed to strengthen nonprofit leadership and governance. Topics include: board roles & responsibilities, financial oversight and fiscal accountability, recruitment, nominations and retention, fundraising and development, orientation and training for new board members, alternative governance models and nonprofit life cycles. There will be opportunities to exchange ideas, explore best practices, and build connections with other nonprofit leaders—helping organizations create strong and effective boards. Participants will leave with several practical tools and actionable steps to increase the effectiveness of their boards.
 
Presenter Andy Robinson provides training and consulting for nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. Over the past 30 years, Andy has worked with clients in 47 US states and across Canada. He is the author of six books, including Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money. He lives in Plainfield, Vermont.
 
For more information and to register, visit npcberkshires.org.
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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