North Quabbin Notes, March 8

ATHOL — This Saturday, March 11, at 6 p.m. the community is invited to enjoy a traditional New England favorite—corned beef and cabbage. This complete, family-style meal includes generous portions of tender corned beef, boiled potatoes, cabbage and carrots, fresh baked Irish soda bread and their famous home-baked pie, all for $12. Reservations are required, will be accepted through Friday, March 10, at noon, and can be made by calling 978-249-9561.

Monthly suppers at Starrett Church are a longstanding tradition and the congregation is delighted to welcome old and new friends to dine in Fellowship Hall. Meals are prepared and served by dedicated volunteers and the kitchen is overseen by ServSafe certified head-cook Paul Maier Jr. In addition to in-person dining, a limited number of full dinners (including pie) are available for takeout/pickup as well as local delivery. Reservations are required for all meals. Takeout meals will be ready for pickup at 5:45, and guests should use the Marble Street parking lot and back door for easy access.

The church, located at 40 Island St. in downtown Athol, is fully accessible using the Marble Street parking lot entrance. Additional parking is available at Athol Public Library. For more information on church suppers, weekly worship services and upcoming programs, visit the church on Facebook @StarrettMemorialUMC.

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued new fish consumption advisories to provide guidance for people who catch and consume freshwater fish from 13 water bodies at state parks operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Recent testing of fish from these locations found levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above DPH-recommended levels for regular consumption.

During recent testing of recreational water bodies, elevated levels of PFAS were detected in fish sampled from:

■Ashland Reservoir in Ashland

■Chicopee Reservoir in Chicopee

■Lake Cochituate in Natick

■Dennison Lake in Winchendon

■Dunn Pond in Gardner

■Fearing Pond in Plymouth

■Houghtons Pond in Milton

■Pearce Lake in Saugus

■Pequot Pond in Westfield

■Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester

■Walden Pond in Concord

■Wallum Lake in Douglas

■Watsons Pond in Taunton

DPH also sampled surface water at these locations, and PFAS was not found at levels that would be unsafe for swimming or any other recreational activities at these locations.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals manufactured and used in a variety of consumer products and industries worldwide. Based on studies of laboratory animals and people, exposure to certain PFAS has been associated with changes in liver and kidney function, changes in thyroid hormone and cholesterol levels, and immune system effects. In addition, PFAS exposure has been shown to cause developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy. Some studies also suggest an increased risk of developing cancer following long-term exposures to elevated levels of some PFAS.

PETERSHAM — The Orthodox Congregational Church of Petersham will hold its annual

corned beef dinner as a to-go meal, with pickup starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 18. The church is located at 21 North Main St. (Rt. 32). Menu includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, more veggies and a dessert. Cost is $15 per meal and proceeds will be used to cover repairs for weather damage to the church. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 978-724-3362. For more information, visit https://www.loc8nearme.com/massachusetts/petersham/orthodox-congregational-church-of-petersham-naccc/7261225/.