Oct. 20th Berkshire Beacon by Berkshire Beacon

October 20, 2011 Volume II, Issue 22

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www.berkshirebeacon.com Lenox, MA 01240

Cranwell settles tip case for $7 Million George C. Jordan III Beacon Staff Writer

View from the Tower - Page 6

LENOX - 700 employees past and present will collect some $7 million in tip money that was “skimmed off ” by management at Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club over a period of 10 years. Management has acknowledged the class action lawsuit over allegations its management illegally withheld tips owed to workers between May 25, 2001 and May 1, 2011. Carl R. Pratt, general manager, told The Berkshire Beacon, Wednesday that the next court date is Nov.10 at 2 p.m. in Berkshire County Superior Court, Pittsfield at which time a final decision in the Fairness Hearing will be announced.

Preliminary approval by parties was agreed to in September. “It was a joint action agreement by the parties,” according to Atty. Paul Holtzman of Krokidas & Bluestein Boston, who represented the plaintiffs in the case. Cranwell Management Corp., the owner of the resort, denied any wrongdoing. “In the course of this ownerships 18 year history, Cranwell believed and continues to believe that all gratuities were distributed to it employees and was in compliance with the law. “After these questions arose, Cranwell clarified its policies to ensure that there was no confusion on these issues.

Farley-Bouvier pulls out close win Pittsfield Jazz Fest in 3rd District hits all the right notes see CRANWELL page 7

Armen Trio a hit at Baba Louie’s The Berkshire Beacon

Bera Dunau Beacon Staff Writer

Index

The Armen Donelian Trio played to an enthralled crowd at Baba Louie’s in Pittsfield as part of the 2011 Pittsfield CityJazz Festival. The trio consists of acclaimed Jazz Pianist Armen Donelian, Bassist David Clark and Drummer George Schuller. At the performance, the group played a wide variety of pieces; from jazz standards, to Mr. Donelian’s own compositions, to Armenian folk songs, reworked with jazz styling by Mr. Donelian. The common thread that connected all of these numbers was the liveliness and technical mastery displayed by the three musicians. This grace and mastery was readily apparent to those attending the performance and the attention of almost every audience member was squarely

1 Local News 5 College Sports Report 6 Editorial 6 From the Tower 11 Movies 12 Fun & Games 10 Calendar 15 Girl-2-Girl 16 Election Results

Photo Credit / Bera Dunau

Tricia Farley-Bouvier announces that she has won the election to supporters at Crown Plaza in Pittsfield.

focused on the trio for the two sets and two and a half hours of the concert. Indeed, despite a healthy crowd, the room was almost completely silent, as nearly all those in attendance concentrated on the music being played. Berkshires Jazz, the organization that puts on the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, President Ed Bride was very pleased with how the evening went. “In a room like this with a special crowd … this has been a thrill,” said Mr. Bride. “This surpassed our expectations. I could die on my way home tonight and I’d be happy.” The Pittsfield CityJazz Festival began in 2005, and brings world-class Jazz musicians to Pittsfield for two weeks every year. With the exception of the Armen Donelian Trio’s performance and the Grace Kelly Quartet see JAZZ page 14

Bera Dunau Beacon Staff Writer

Democratic Party candidate Tricia Farley-Bouvier has won a close fourway race to become the representative for Massachusetts’ 3rd Berkshire State House of Representatives District. A mere 192 votes separated Tricia Farley-Bouvier from the runner-up, Green Rainbow Party candidate Mark Miller. Turn out for the special election was low, as was expected. In total, 5,992 votes were cast, or 23.9 percent of all registered voters in the district. Approximately the same voter turn out occurred for the last special election in the 3rd Berkshire District, when former Democratic Representative Chris Speranzo won the seat in a March 2005 special election. With all precincts reporting in, Tricia Farley-Bouvier had 1,940 votes and 32.8 percent of the vote to Mark Miller’s 1,748 votes and 29.2 percent of the vote. Independent candidate

Pam Malumphy came in third with 1,325 votes and 22.4 percent of the vote while Republican Party candidate Mark Jester came in fourth with 899 votes and 15.2 percent of the vote. Of the 12 precincts in the 3rd Berkshire district, Tricia Farely-Bouvier won seven, while Mark Miller won four and Pam Malumphy won one. “I can’t possibly thank you enough in words, but I can thank you enough with my actions,” said Tricia FarleyBouvier in her victory speech. “I pledge to you, right here and right now, to represent you well in Boston, to be there for you when you need me, and to be a strong voice for Pittsfield families.” “I think it’s a victory for multiparty democracy,” said Green Rainbow Party candidate Mark Miller, when asked for his reaction to being the runner-up. Mr. Miller expressed frustration that the race was covered more for the see ELECTION page 16

The Berkshire Beacon

October 20, 2011

Lenox committee meets one last time EDAPSC wraps up final issues

Bera Dunau Beacon Staff Writer

Photo Credit / Kameron Spaulding

MCLA has not built a new building in decades but the science center will be open in 2013.

MCLA breaks ground on new science building Kameron Spaulding Beacon Staff Writer

NORTH ADAMS - Governor Deval Patrick recently joined state and local officials to break ground at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Center for Science and Innovation in North Adams. The project is possible because of $54.5 million in capital funds provided by Governor Patrick’s 2008 Higher Education Bond Bill. The groundbreaking ceremony celebrates the start of construction for the new center, as well as renovations to MCLA’s existing Bowman Hall. “Investing in education, innovation and infrastructure is investing in our future,” said Governor Patrick. “MCLA’s Center for Science and Innovation represents a powerful commitment to our students, our economy and the region.” “Massachusetts has a rich history in innovation, which continues to be represented in the many growing companies as well as higher education institutions across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “With this new Science and Innovation Center, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will boast state-of-the-art technology that will help advance student learning and workforce develop-

ment in the Commonwealth.” According to MCLA President Mary K. Grant, this is an exciting time for MCLA and the Berkshires, “We have been so fortunate to have had great support from our legislators and advocacy from countless friends and supporters in helping to realize the vision of the Center for Science and Innovation,” said Grant. “Governor Patrick has been a tireless champion of this project and of MCLA and our students. With this investment from the Commonwealth, students will have new opportunities to work with faculty in the classrooms, on research projects, and explore careers in high demand science fields. The center will also serve as a valuable resource for the community and our education and innovation partners across the region and beyond.” “As we break ground we are one step closer to opening the doors of a facility that will continue to advance the College’s role as the Commonwealth’s public liberal arts college and the important work of the Patrick/Murray administration in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives,” Grant continued. “There is much work ahead, but the groundbreaking is a significant milestone as we look down the road to cutting a rib-

bon and welcoming the first students into the classrooms and labs.” Funding for the Center is possible because of $54.5 million in capital funds through the Governor’s 2008 Higher Education Bond Bill and $1.7 million in additional funds from MCLA. It will be the first new publicly funded building on the campus in 40 years and is expected to be completed in 2013. The Center for Science and Innovation will position MCLA to support innovation and entrepreneurial programs in Berkshire County and across the Commonwealth. The Center will be a resource for students, faculty, K-12 educators, and employers in the region, and will connect MCLA more closely to the research and innovation pipeline in biotechnology, nanotechnology, engineering, health care, and other fields. The Center will serve as a hightech laboratory that will be used by the college’s science programs. It will be a unified interdisciplinary facility that will promote research-intensive, discovery-based learning and serve as a community resource. The 65,000 square foot Center will house nine flexible laboratories and research space for biology, environmental science, chemistry, physics, psychology and the Berkshire Environmental Resource Center.

LENOX - The Lenox Economic Development Action Plan Steering Committee has met for what may be the final time. The committee took up two items of business in a short meeting that lasted approximately 30 minutes. The first issue that the committee discussed was a request by public relations firms Bodden and Hamilton, which crafted and currently manage the Lenoxology campaign, for additional funds. The funds requested were for expenses associated with the redesigning of the font for the Lenoxology logo, at the town’s request, and for setting the groundwork on the Lenoxology website for the incorporation of a future Lenoxology app. Lenox Town Manager Gregory Federspiel negotiated the price for both of these services. The proposed bill would be $5,000 dollars. The EDAPSC voted to recommend that the Lenox Board of Selectmen approve the new expenditure. The Select Board will have to approve this recommendation before this money can be spent. The other issue that the EDAPSC took up was deciding which new font for the Lenoxology campaign’s logo to recommend the Selectboard approve. The old Lenoxology logo was criticized at a recent public forum hosted by Bodden and Hamilton as being too “childish.” Bodden and Hamilton sent four different new fonts to the

EDAPSC for the committee to look over. After discussing the issue amongst themselves, speaking to a representative from Bodden and Hamilton via speakerphone, and eliciting the opinion of Town Manager Federspiel, the only other non press member of the audience, the committee unanimously voted to recommend that the Selectboard choose “Choice A,” to be the Lenoxology logo’s font. Whether the EDAPSC meets again will depend on how soon the new Marketing and Events Committee is formed. The Marketing and Events Committee will take over the duties of the EDAPSC as soon as it is created. Interviews for the new committee are expected to begin shortly. All members of EDAPSC, with the exception of Chairman Scott Laugenour, have asked to be on the new committee. In terms of what the Selectboard is looking for in members of the Marketing and Events Committee, Selectman Fowler listed the desire to get some representation from the major room tax providers, someone from the merchants of town, a representative of the chamber commerce, an involved community member and a property owner as some of the things that the Select Board would be looking at when selecting the Marketing and Events Committee’s members. Chairman Scott Laugenour, and committee members Eiran Gazit, Bob Romeo and Billy Soto were in attendance. Committee member Mike Coggins was absent.

Photo Credit / Bera Dunau

Left to right, committee member Bob Romeo, Chairman Scott Laugenour, committee member Eiran Gazit and committee member Billy Soto.

October 20, 2011

The Berkshire Beacon

Invasive or not invasive? That is the question Zebra Mussel debate hits the boards at Norman Rockwell Museum Lunchtime Performance Series Erik Sokolowski Beacon Staff Writer

STOCKBRIDGE - A commentary on the possible value of the Zebra mussel was the topic of a preview performance of “Invasive Species,” by Mr. David Scribner, was featured at the recent Lunchtime Performance Series at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. The “first scene of a longer play,” featured Zebra Mussel, portrayed by Andrew Joffe, a fresh off the boat Russian immigrant from the Black Sea. He runs into the street-wise Loose Strife, portrayed by Mari Andrejco, with Loose wondering what brought him to The Berkshires. Zebra weaves his tale of dreaming to come to America, and upon arrival being put to work cleaning mid-western rivers of PCBs. He now wishes to settle down, in a nice place and enjoy life.

The inspiration for the show comes from the recent reports that the non-native Zebra mussel is quickly moving up northeastern waterways, such as the Hudson and Housatonic rivers. “I was bothered by the hysteria of Zebra mussels,” Mr. Scribner said. “It was analogous to the feelings about immigrants.” He went on to say that waves of creatures arriving as they are, is a natural process. “The honey bee and bullfrog were once invasive species, too,” Mr. Scribner said. “Rooting for the underdog – it’s part of the reason I wrote this.” While current research is still mostly incomplete, the physiology of Zebra mussels leaves no doubt that they can absorb certain, nasty pollutants and act as a water clarifier, however the longterm effects of that absorption on the eco-system is unknown. Zebra mussels are also a worry to some, for their possible de-

struction of native species. “Humans are the world’s worst invasive species,” Mr. Scribner said. “This is a way of taking on the presumptions about the species.” Zebra’s new found friend, Loose, is also based on another plant considered an invasive species, the loosestrife. “It’s an odd thing to have a Zebra mussel as your lead character,” Mr. Scribner said. The show will be performed in its entirety in January at the New Stage in Pittsfield, and the Mr. Scribner plans on taking it to fringe festivals after that. The series concludes Oct. 21, with The Attic, The Pearls and Three Fine Girls, from the Women’s Action Movement Theatre. The performance begins at 1 p.m., at the museum’s terrace café. Admission to the performance is free, and does not include the museum admission.

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Mari Andrejco as Loose Strife and Andrew Joffe as Zebra Mussel gave a preview performance of Invasive Species by David Scribner recently, at the Norman Rockwell Museum’s terrace café.

The Berkshire Beacon

October 20, 2011

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Kiyoko Mills holds up one of her many crafts in Pittsfield.

Photo Credit / Susan Wicker Guererro

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BEACON THE GUIDING LIGHT OF THE BERKSHIRES

Susan Wicker Guererro Beacon Staff Writer

PITTSFIELD - Kiyoko Mills, petite and welcoming, is a woman of many talents. She exudes charm, dignity, grace, loyalty, and respect for traditions such as tea ceremonies, learned in her native country. A native of Orshicho-Cho, Japan, she has lived in the United States for more than 50 years, including 30 or so in Pittsfield. Every day, shortly after the clock strikes 6 a.m., Mrs. Mills does stretches, followed by 45 minutes of what she terms,”yoga for seniors.” “I believe in yoga,” said Mrs. Mills, a tiny lady who stands just 5-foot-two-inches tall and weighs 112 pounds. It helps a person to feel relaxed and flexible, she said. Then, after breakfast, she’s off to a one-hour workout at a local fitness center. This is a routine she follows seven days a week. “That keeps me going,” she said. By 8:30 a.m., morning exercises over, she begins her regular day. She looks at least 20 years younger than her 75 years.

Golf Champion

Sells Work in Gift Shops

In the warm months of New England, one most likely will find her on a golf course. She has earned champion status in that sport and has played at the city, county and state levels. She also tries her hand at bridge. In the past, while raising a daughter and two sons, she played tennis and did cross country and downhill skiing. Mrs. Mills is an extremely creative and talented person when it comes to the arts. She fashions note cards with charming and colorful figures and designs on them, such as kimonos and Santa faces. She tucks toothpicks into handmade, colorful paper “shirts” to be placed at individual place settings. She makes stunning bookmarks and creates origami (paper folding) birds. She also makes a variety of jewelry pieces. Some of her work is on display and sold at Chocolate Springs Cafe, 55 Pittsfield Lenox Rd., in Lenox.

She sells her artistic creations in museum and college gift shops, including Williams College in Williamstown. Her Ikebana, a Japanese flower arrangement, is simple and elegant. Her favorite flower is the small, simple lily and her favorite flower color is white. She learned how to do flower arranging when she was just 14 years old. Mrs. Mills has taught this floral technique at Berkshire Community College, Berkshire Museum, the Gladys Brigham Girls Club, and in Pittsfield High School’s horticulture program. Dolores Justin has been one of her Ikebana students for decades. Ms. Justin retired from Pittsfield High School where she taught for more than 30 years but still works as an ELL tutor. She said Mrs. Mills, a valued friend as well as teacher, has always demonstrated grace, compassion, and loyalty. see MILLS page 10

October 20, 2011

The Berkshire Beacon

College Sports Report Stannard wins award

Ephs score 48 in big win Williams College (2-2) battled through inclement weather to secure a 48-28 victory over the Middlebury Panthers (1-3) behind a strong ground game highlighted by three rushing TDs from junior Tom Wohlwender and two from sophomore Marco Hernandez. The Ephs won the race to the scoreboard eight minutes into the game, with a 62-yard touchdown by Wohlwender. Wohlwender who charged through a wall of Middlebury defenders to race up the right sideline and into the end zone, marking Wohlwender’s seventh rushing TD of the season. Though Middlebury was able to threaten all day with a no-huddle offense, the Ephs commandeered control when senior defensive back Dan O’Mara intercepted a McCallum Foote pass and blazed up the field with five minutes remaining in the quarter. The Ephs weren’t able to capitalize on this momentum and the first quarter closed out 7-0. The Ephs opened the second quarter in a tough position, punting out of their own end zone into the wind, which gave the Panthers great field position when the ball ended up on the Williams

38-yard line. This advantage paid off for Middlebury, and despite defensive pressure from the Ephs’ sophomore DL Ernest Higginbotham, the Panthers came knocking at the door. The Eph linebackers struggled to get a hold of Panther Billy Chapman, and he snuck into the end zone just a little over two minutes into the second quarter. After a PAT by Mike Dola, the Panthers had tied up the score at 7. Quickly responding, Wohlwender proved himself unstoppable once more as he ran with authority into the end zone for this second touchdown of the game. The Panthers’ offense battled back with a rushing play that allowed Remi Ashkar to ramble into the end zone. With a successful PAT from Dola the Panthers and Ephs were knotted at 14 with six minutes to go before halftime. The Ephs answered the second Panther touchdown on a drive begun by a huge rush by Wohlwender to the Middlebury 33yard line. Marske was then able to deliver a pass to Darren Hartwell to get the Ephs closer to their goal. Then, with a minute left in play, Hernandez made a huge block for Wohlwender, sending

him soaring into the end zone for the third time on the day. This is the third time this season that Wohlwender has rushed for three touchdowns in a game. Mallock failed to convert the PAT attempt, and the Ephs were able to take a lead of 20-14 into halftime. The Ephs initiated their second half performance with a touchdown catch by Darren Hartwell in the first minute off a soaring 56-yard pass from Marske. Mallock hammered home the PAT and the Ephs upped their lead to 27-14 just two minutes into the second half. Marco Hernandez then capped off another Eph drive running the final three yards to the end zone for the Ephs’ fifth touchdown, giving the Ephs 14 points on their first two possessions of the second half. The lead was now up to 20 at 34-14 with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Panthers got the Ephs’ attention when Remi Ashkar burst through the line for a 41-yard TD. With the Dola PAT Middlebury cut the Eph lead to 34-21 at the end of the third quarter. Late in the fourth quarter, Marske connected a 42-yard TD pass

to Darren Hartwell, which was followed by another successful PAT by Mallock, boosting the Ephs to a twenty-point lead, 41-21. Marco Hernandez sealed the deal with the Ephs’ seventh touchdown, gliding into the end zone off a five-yard run. Mallock sent the PAT between the goal posts and the Ephs closed out the game with a final score of 48-28. “Our defensive line got a good pressure in the back today…they were much better overall this week,” Coach Kelton noted. Hernandez led the Ephs’ ground game with 24 attempts, 133 yards gained and two touchdowns; Wohlwender was a close second with 13 attempts for 122 yards and three touchdowns. Kelton said of the pair, “Just getting our running game going was pretty important for us today. Tommy did a really great job, as did Marco.” Ashkar topped the Panthers with 31 attempts for 132 yards and two touchdowns. “Overall, I told the boys today that I’m very proud of their performance on that field,” Kelton stated The Ephs will next face Tufts October 22 at home on Weston Field.

MCLA Freshman forward Janelle Stannard has been named the MASCAC Women’s Soccer player of the week. Stannard becomes the second Trailblazer to earn the honor this fall joining Jen Wehner. Stannard tallied her first two collegiate goals, both game winners, in a 2-0 week for MCLA. She knocked home the game winner with just seven seconds remaining in double overtime at Sage helping the Trailblazers earn a road win. She would follow that up with the lone tally in the 85th minute in a win at MASCAC front runner Fitchburg State. Stannard and the Trailblazers have put themselves in a position to earn a postseason berth in the MASCAC playoffs. They don’t return to the pitch until Saturday when they host rival Westfield State University at 1pm.

MCLA drops another MCLA dropped their final MASCAC match of the season to Westfield State 3-0. The Trailblazers finish 2-4 in the MASCAC and our 10-17 overall with six matches to play overall. The Trailblazers lost by scores of 2510, 25-13 and 25-16. Westfield is 10-17 and 4-0 in the MASCAC Kelley Bryant led the team with six kills and Kayla Bromback added five.Brittany Kish added nineteen assists. Allie Chang had seven digs and Bryant added six. Freshman Taylor Warnock had three kills on nine attempts. MCLA travels to Hamilton College this weekend for the Continental Classic tournament; they will face Keuka, Cobleskill St., Trinity and Hamilton.

The Berkshire Beacon

T H E

View From the Tower

B E R K S H I R E

BEACON THE GUIDING LIGHT OF THE BERKSHIRES

George C. Jordan III editor & Publisher

George C. Jordan III

Kameron Spaulding EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Janel Harrison, Bera B. Dunau, Susan Wicker Guerrero Contributing WRITERS Susan Robinson Graphic designer Janel Harrison ADVERTISING SALES The Berkshire Beacon is published weekly. The Beacon is distributed throughout Berkshire County, MA. The Berkshire Beacon assumes no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or typographical errors published. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. The Berkshire Beacon reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. All contents copyright ©2011 The Berkshire Beacon. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

October 20, 2011

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Editorial:

Compliance? Tips should always belong to workers

While Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club defends its position noting that it is in “compliance” and agrees to the $7.7 million payment for squandering tips from its employees, the question of compliance remains. Wouldn’t a company who has agreed to a settlement in a civil case mend its ways and offer an apology with the money owed to its 700 employees? And to the credit of three women- Stacie Wechter of Great Barrington, Kim Kimple of Lanesboro and Carli Bourassa of Lee—once again the dark side of restaurant management appears. However, through their efforts a wrong has been made right. The unwarranted seizure of tips should be treated as a crime. State Sen. Benjamin Downing, who filed a bill to alleviate a corporation from responsibility, should consider making a wrong a right for the protection of labor. By filing a bill to make the withholding of tip monies a punishable crime to protect labor from the skimming of monies by management would be a step in protection along with signaling in a public relations context a fair doctrine for all. We should expect our restaurant owners (corporations) to adhere to a moral code if not a legal code that all tips are the property of labor. When a customer offers a tip be it 10, 15 or 20%, they believe it is going to the person, who provided the service-not to the owners of the business. Former server Hanna Harbour said it all: “It’s our money.”

LEE- On a remote road high above the village of Lee, once referred to as Dodge town, sits a hide-a-way that has become an entertainment center for family and friends. This location exists at the end of Lander Road and after passing a chained point, the road narrows to a oneway but wide enough for a large pickup truck to maneuver the ruts, curves and still avoid the trees along both sides of the road. It a path-way to a camp known as Garrity’s Hunting & Snowmobile Lodge on October Mountain. It might be better described as a cross between a hunter’s cabin and a house in the woods. Its location is on the old Stage Coach Road in the Dodge town settlement of Lee. From the outside, it appears to be a non-descript building. But once inside, it turns into a well-decorated warm hide-away. For the record, this reporter was invited to the annual Garrity’s Luau which consisted of venison stew, homemade meatballs, clam chowda, macaroni, and six bushels of steamed clams with drawn butter, 140 pounds of prime roast beef cooked in a massive cooker fired by propane gas. There were plenty of beverages for more than the hundred plus guests from soft drinks to beer to alcohol. Plenty of fresh pies to finish off the evening complete with a bon fire. It was a moon lit night this October 8th. It was a night of companionship of story-telling, meeting friends and acknowledging new one before and after the meal. The weather was warm until the sun went down then

the chill of October Mountain cast itself along with a light sprinkle. Some of the guests who were chatting outside moved inside to be near a wood burning fire and shared in their own stories while playing a round of cards. A couple of dollars on the table brought on some other people to try their luck. Meanwhile, groups of men of vari-

ous ages and some who are employed by the various Garrity enterprises. However, the Garrity family responded in kind to many of their friends and offered them an opportunity to share in a festive “Pilgrim hoedown.” As one who walked between the various groups, to get a plate, a can of beer and/or to check out the “cabin,” many of them offered some words of welcome. (Note: It has been 34-years since I rented an apartment in South Lee. Many of the Lee residents, I see from time to time with a welcome hello. Meanwhile, one can hear a motor running off a power generator to light the cabin, operate a refrigerator etc. Soon an updated propane gas-generating unit will be hooked up. The interesting thing about the current generator is its location: It is located in a small octagonal building adjacent to the cabin, which was once the home of the Stockbridge Informa-

tion Center. The Garrity clan-when the Stockbridge officials decided on the need for a new informational center-carted away the old building for their own use. Today, it muffles the sound of the gasoline motor and generator. Once inside the cabin, one can tell a finished carpenter did much of the work. Like days of old, the interior is finished in knotty pine with a clear coat finish. The cabin complete with well water-said to be as good as Poland Spring along with a septic system for the wastewater from the sink and toilet. On this date, there is a gathering of employees and friends by invitation. It is the annual Garrity Luau with hospitality and conversation along with good food and drink. This is one of those stories that are done to share some kindnesses within The Berkshire community. It is not about a boss and his employees. It is about sharing a concept of family that has had a vision, a work ethic and goal to help make Lee a better place. In a word: It was a Garrity event. Tom R. Garrity is one of those businessmen, who has been able to see a concept, develop it and make it work for his two sons, Tom M. and Steve A. Garrity. Then there is the third generation, Brian, who is Tom M. son. Together they own, L B Corporation, Berkshire Marble & Granite, both of Lee, Lenox Valley Waste Transfer Facility, LenoxDale and the Valley Mill Industrial Park, aka the former Crescent Cardboard factory, Lee.

October 20, 2011

from CRANWELL page 1 “We value the relationship with our employees and patrons are interested in moving forward. “As one of the major employers and economic drivers in the Berkshires we will continue to provide a special place for both our employees and visitors as we have for the past 18 years,” Mr. Pratt said in a statement. Mr. Pratt was named general manager in March replacing Lewis Kiesler, who retired after 11 years at Cranwell. Prior to that he worked at Canyon Ranch from 1989 to 2006 and noted that he was not involved with a previous tips issue that later confronted the Ranch. Suit filed four years ago This is a result of two class action suits filed against Cranwell Management Corp. more than four years ago that allege employees were denied full service charges that were added to people’s hotel bills, as required by state law. Meanwhile Massachusetts State Senator Benjamin B. Downing filed bill # 920-“An Act Relative to the Pooling of Tips”-at the request of Daniel A. Burack, president of the management team at Cranwell. Sen. Downing’s bill would have weakened any civil action of claim of reimbursement from management. Sen. Downing admitted that he made a mistake in filing the bill without doing some preliminary research as to its proposed impact. “I filed the bill in January which was later heard by the Labor and Work force Development Committee in June. At that time, I asked the committee not to take any action. “In March, I met with Atty. Shannon Lisa-Riordan to discuss the bill. Atty. Lisa-Riordan practice concentrates on class action litigation involving failure to pay wages, overtime, gratuities, minimum wage, and misclassification, according to the website. “In retrospect, Section Four of the bill should have not been included which would have limited recovery of tips, “ He said. According to Atty. Shannon Lisa-Riordan, a partner at Lichten & Liss-Riordan, said the bill would prevent a class action suit against an individual owner of a company by its employees, and allow a business to claim as a defense that it had intended to pay a worker even when it has not and

The Berkshire Beacon

eliminate common-law protections that provides a six-year statue of limitations. One of the goals of the bill, filed by Sen. Downing was, according to Liss-Riordan, would have made that action to 2004 and thus limit the liability of a corporation or management for the past seven years. “This would be a clear attempt to undo all the contrary court decisions that have occurred during that period,” she said. Sen. Downing in pulling the bill after a group of former and current employees met with him to address the issue, claimed that the section of reduction in time sequence of seven years should never have been there and claimed it was a “drafting error.” The Senator admitted that he filed the bill based in part by Mr. Burak. “In retrospect,” Sen. Downing told The Beacon “That he made a mistake in drafting it…. “I learn two major issues: I learned that you can’t talk about policy while there is a (pending legal) suit and perhaps when one filed a bill it appears as though you support the bill which in this case boxed me into a corner while the civil suit was pending,” the Senator said. The lesson he said he learned is to have a series of conversations with people in support as well as those opposed before filing a bill. In essence, he needed to reach out and get other people’s opinion, which admittedly he did not do in this case. Violations in Berkshire County Violation of the tips law has occurred over the years in Berkshire County from the days when a Lenox restaurateur, would withhold partial tip earnings noting it was an “accounting cost of doing business” to a settlement by The Orchards Hotel, Williamstown for $250, 000 involving 150 employees to Canyon Ranch, Lenox which settled a $14.75 million suit brought on behalf of 600 employees back in 2008. Patrick’s Pub was fined more than $30,000 by the attorney general for taking tips from the waitstaff. The owners David, Micah and Bruce Powell paid $25,343 in restitution in September to 46 employees and have been assessed a fine of $4,800. They were found in violation by the office’s Fair Labor Division during the period of May 2008December 2010.

In the Cranwell case, the suit was filed against Mr. Burak, his son, Peter, who serves as secretary of the corporation, Allen Movesian, treasurer; Kevin Kloc, the company’s former food and beverage manger and Lew Kiesler, the resorts former general manager by Stacie Wechter of Great Barrington, Kim Kimple of Lanesboro and Carli Bourassa of Lee on behalf of the other employees. Atty. Holtzman and Atty. Richard Bluestein of Krokidas & Bluestein of Boston represented them in the class action suit. “These are mandatory tips, and it’s a widespread issue in catering companies, restaurants, and resorts. This sends a strong message to other employers to comply with the law,” Atty. Holtzman said. “Fortunately, Cranwell decided to settle. We were pleased they were willing to work with us, and we commend them for that.’’ Cranwell spa employees filed suit in April 2007, and the food and beverage workers followed the next month after employees did not receive the entire 20 percent service charge customers pay instead of tipping workers individually. Settlement negotiations, which began two years ago, agreed to a $2.7 million settlement in the food and beverage workers’ case, and $4.3 million for spa workers. According to one former employee, management charged 20 percent gratuity but paid the employees only 15 percent—not the 20 percent as required by law. He is expecting to receive close to $20,000 from the settlement. Hanna Harbour, 29, of Sandisfield, who worked as a server at Cranwell from 2002 to 2006, earning $2.63 an hour, plus tips, said she expects to receive a “couple thousand dollars’’ from the settlement. Ms. Harbour, now a Massachusetts state trooper assigned to the Cheshire barracks, said “I’m happy I’m getting some money, but really it was my money to begin with.’’ Ms. Harbour said she received tips from working at banquets, but not the full 20 percent the resort charged customers. She typically received no more than 15 percent, she said. “But it’s not right for a corporation to skim off the top of people who work hard for it. That $2.63 an hour is some people’s livelihood,” said Harbour.

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The Berkshire Beacon

Photo Credit / Susan Wicker Guererro

Brad and Sara Stewart believe in offering good quality, organic baby food as well as adult meals. Owners of a new business, Organico’s Market at 119 Elm St., they are shown here with their son, Nico, 19-months old.

Local market hopes to help The Berkshires eat more healthy food Susan Wicker Guererro Beacon Staff Writer

PITTSFIELD – Organico’s Market, a new family-run business at 119 Elm St., offers healthy frozen baby food made with local and organic ingredients as well as a “grab and go” food case stocked with fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads. In addition, one can pre-order take home meals for the entire family from the new neighborhood market, which is a boon for parents who work all day but still want to come home to a healthy home-cooked meal. The sandwiches, soups, and salads, all made from local and organic ingredients, are from The Berkshire Coop Market in Great Barrington and The Berkshires Green Grocer in Lee. More Than Food Offered The market had a soft opening at the end of September. Besides food products, the market also has organic body products and sustainably harvested wooden baby toys. The mastermind behind the business is Sara Stewart, a young, petite, and dark-haired Italian woman who welcomes customers the minute they walk through the door. She owns the market with her husband, Brad. Nico Is The Inspiration Their little dark-eyed son, Nico, 19 months old, is the “inspiration behind the operation,” she said. She wanted to give him the best quality, healthiest baby food possible, made from local ingredients and grown by area farmers. Wanting to provide that same kind of quality food for other babies, she started a business called “Goo Goo Gourmet.”

For the past year, families throughout Berkshire County have been able to order baby food through Goo Goo Gourmet, made by Mrs. Stewart, in the Nutrition Center in Great Barrington. From that successful venture, Organico’s Market evolved. The Stewarts knew they wanted to have a storefront. Then the 800 square foot space at 119 Elm St., formerly a baseball card shop, became available. Lime Green Painted Walls The walls of Organico’s are painted a bright lime green color. While there is a kitchen on the premises, plumbing to meet regulations must still be installed so the Stewarts are taking it slow. “We don’t want to have any debt,” she said. The Stewarts are financing the entire business without bank loans. They do have some friends and family financial backing. Mrs. Stewart has a BS degree in Health Promotion and a Master’s in Child and Family Studies, with a concentration in Family Support and parenting Education. Fully aware of how hard it is to come home from work tired and have to cook a meal, she offers an entire line of healthy fall family meals. Variety of Meals Available Some of the offerings include “Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Hidden Veggies,” “Acorn Squash Stuffed with Butternut Squash Risotto,” and “Smokey Turkey Chowder with Roasted Root Vegetables.” It’s possible to buy several meals, keep them in the freezer, and have them on hand. A full list of meals offered, as well as some ingredients used to make them, is available on Oragnico’s Market website at www.organicosmarket.com. When the store offers “Eggplant Parmigiana,” it’s

October 20, 2011

from a recipe used by Mrs. Stewart’s grandmother, Bonnie Mele. Mrs. Mele is also one of the many family members who help with the businesses. The “Pasta Fagioli” is her recipe, too. Mrs. Stewart’s mother, Christine DiCenzo, her father, Mike and a nephew have also been very supportive of the new business. Her mother-in-law, Linda Stewart, helps out by sharing babysitting duties with Mrs. Stewart’s mother. Children Welcome At The Market Mrs. Stewart wants young families to come into the market with their children. She’s even preparing spaces where the children can play. She wants the store to have a “local neighborhood vibe.” “We want to spread around the love,” she said. All of the cheeses, fruit, squash, beef, breads and other products at Organico’s come from local businesses. For instance cider donuts are from Bartlett’s Apple Orchard’s and apples for the baby food are from Hilltop Orchards; grass-fed ground beef from Kinderhook Farm in New York; green beans from Holiday Brook Farm in Dalton; and soon to come fresh meats from The Meat Market in Great Barrington. Co-Owner is Golf Professional Mrs. Stewart’s husband, Brad, is a PGA Golf Professional and holds a BS in Professional Golf Management and Marketing. He has bee very involved in the development of both Goo Goo Gourmet as well as Organico’s. He works a full time job outside of the market, too. Organicos, by the way, means “organic” in Italian.

5 Reasons to Eat Organic Genetic Modification (GM) Free • One of the many Benefits of Organic Food is the fact that it has not undergone any genetic modification. A life form is said to be genetically altered when genes of other species have been mixed into its own genes. This is performed to improve the qualities if the subject. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Free • Synthetic animal feeds have the potential to cause the development of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in animals which in turn may lead to the development of Creutzfeld Jacob Disease (CJD) in humans who eat the meat of animals that have BSE. Fewer Artificial Additives • Unrefined provisions are produced in a natural environment without any help from synthetic or industrial substances. This means that they carry no risks of having toxic substances that can be hazardous to human health when consumed. More Nutritious • Of the various Benefits of Organic Food its higher nutritional content is considered to have the biggest impact. Plants that are grown without fertilizers or pesticides adapt to the harsh environment by producing more proteins and anti oxidants to help them resist bugs and collect nutrients from the surroundings more effectively. Better for the Environment • Using no pesticides and fertilizers means that no toxic chemicals are released into the surroundings. Crop rotation which involves the planting of different types of plants throughout the year also helps preserve the natural fertility of the soil. The absence of chemical solutions also allows the sustenance of wild plants and animals and therefore supports biodiversity.

October 20, 2011

The Berkshire Beacon

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Otter Creek’s Black IPA was one of Parkes great beers.

Otter Creek Black IPA

As a New England brewmaster opens his own company a look back on one of his classics Kameron Spaulding Beacon Staff Writer

Beer industry veterans are probably familiar with the name, Steve Parkes. Parkes started out as the brewmaster at Humboldt Brewery and then went on to become the brewmaster at Otter Creek Brewing/Wolivers, spending a decade in those roles between the two breweries. Parkes is also the owner of the American Brewers Guild. Now he is setting his sights on a small brewery of his own that he’s calling Freestyle Brewing. The brewery already has a location in Middlebury, Vt., near Otter Creek. According to recent Facebook updates, things seem to progressing smoothly, both on the facility end and logo/identity end. Parkes hopes to open up shop early next year. Parkes can sure brew it; back in his days with Otter Creek he was the man behind their Black IPA. The beer was one of the last new brews Parkes made for the company and it only hit shelves back

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Community Calendar Thursday, October 20th SOLEDAD O’BRIEN TO DELIVER HARDMAN LECTURE

North Adams, 7:30 p.m. Journalist and author Soledad O’Brien, who serves as an anchor and special correspondent for CNN, will speak at this fall’s Hardman Lecture Series event at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), on Thursday, in the MCLA Church Street Center.

A LECTURE AND SELECTED READINGS OF NOTED CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

North Adams, 6:30 p.m. The North Adams Public Library will present a lecture and selected readings of noted children’s literature author/ illustrator, Thorton Burgess. Please join local historian, Paul Marino, as he commemorates the 90th anniversary of Mr. Burgess’ visit to North Adams with a lecture and display.

THIS THAT THEN EXHIBIT WILL BE OPENING SOON

Pittsfield Nicholas De Candia will show a career-spanning potpourri of photography work at Gallery 25, 25 Union Street, Pittsfield’s final “3rd Thursday” of the season. An artist reception will be held at the gallery the following week on Friday, October 28, 5-7PM. Free and open to the public.

GENDERED IDENTITIES, MIGRATION, AND POPULAR CULTURE AMONG LATINA TEENS

Williamstown, 4 p.m. Lucila Vargas, professor at the School of Journalism and Mass

Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will deliver a lecture titled “Gendered Identities, Migration, and Popular Culture Among Latina Teens”, on Thursday, The lecture will take place in Griffin Hall, room 3.

Friday, October 21st THE TARTAN TERRORS

Pittsfield, 8 p.m. Berkshire Theatre Group is proud to announce that The Tartan Terrors, a unique blend of Celtic music, Highland dance and bellyfuls of laughter, will be performing at The Colonial Theatre, on Friday. Tickets are $15-$35 and may be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street.

Saturday, October 22nd HANCOCK SHAKER SUPPER

Hancock Shaker Village, 5p.m. Suppers include live music, costumed interpreters, a guided tour, and plenty of candle-lit ambiance, all giving diners a taste of Shaker traditions at the most beautiful time of year.

VENUS FLYTRAP: A JOINT RECITAL

Great Barrington, 8 p.m. Berkshire Bach begins its 21st performance season with a program for harpsichord and flute featuring the renown Music Director, Dr. Kenneth Cooper on the harpsichord, and the equally renown Carol Wincenc on flute.

FALL BOOK SALE

Sheffield, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. More than 15,000 book bargains, 70% hardcover, in a wide

range of non-fiction and fiction categories will be available at the Sheffield Library 2011 Fall Book Sale.

DANCE WITH A CLOWN

North Adams, 11 a.m. Please, come to the North Adams Public Library on Saturday, for the Nutshell Playhouse performance of Dance with a Clown. This free performance will be held in the NAPL third floor meeting space and is suitable for ages three and up.

FALL HARVEST “OKTOBERFEST” DINNER

Williamstown, 6 p.m. Williamstown American Legion Post 152 is hosting a community Fall Harvest “Oktoberfest” dinner on Saturday, at the Post home, 117 Latham St. The menu consists of a roast pork dinner with sweetened red cabbage and apples, German potatoes, homemade applesauce, pumpernickel bread and a delicious Black Forest cake for desert. Social hour starts at 6 pm with dinner served at 7 p.m.

STRIVING FOR TONE

Lee, 8 p.m. ‘Striving for Tone’- The dynamic duo of Jeanne Laurin and John Sauer play tunes ranging from Cole Porter and earlier to Norah Jones and Nelly McKay. Free with Suggested $10 Donation. Spectrum Playhouse, 20 Franklin Street.

ANNUAL ICE GLEN WALK

Stockbridge, 5:30 p.m. The Stockbridge Fire Department is sponsoring the annual Ice Glen walk will be Saturday, Meet at the Park Street Park, Bring a flashlight and join us for cider, donuts and a bonfire after the walk.

October 20, 2011

“I’ve learned so much from her,” Ms. Justin said. She and Mrs. Mills have taught each other a great deal about their respective cultures. In Japan, there are fresh flowers in the house all the time, Mrs. Mills said. Parents Gave Tea Service Young girls must learn flower arranging as well as how to conduct tea ceremonies as part of the requirements to get married, she said. She carefully brings out a tall wooden case, opens it, and shows the tea set her parents bought for her. There is a special holder for the spatula used in pouring tea into bowls, instead of cups. Napkins are folded in a special way, too. “There is a purpose for every piece,” Mrs. Mills said. The entire Mills family, who also lived in Guam, studied judo. Mrs. Mills has a brown belt in that sport. She has done cake decorating, is an excellent cook, including making sushi, and loves to travel. Her husband worked as a field engineer with General Electric Company and when he traveled, she often accompanied him. Met On Blind Date A lot of time has passed since Mrs. Mills, as a young woman, just 20 years, and met Robert Mills on a blind date. He was then a tall U.S. Air Force man serving in Japan. When she married him a year later, it was without her traditional parents’ blessing. They had an “arranged marriage” in mind. Mrs. Mills and her husband traveled to the United States by ship.

In time, Mrs. Mills’ parents accepted her decision to marry an American Air Force man. They also loved the three grandchildren who were eventually born. Every couple of years, Mrs. Mills would travel with just one child to visit her parents and siblings. She’s very proud of the fact that her late father was the first man in his country to receive an award from the Emperor of Japan, for helping to develop the nations agriculture after World War II. Survived Culture Shock The youngest of five children, Mrs. Mills lived through being severely homesick and adjusting to a culture that had different customs, food, and ways of doing things. She and her husband eventually had a daughter and two sons. They stressed the importance of education to all of them. If a person is an architect, buildings can be their legacy, Mrs. Mills said. A sculptor leaves works of art. For her, raising three children and now being a grandmother to seven grandchildren are the greatest accomplishments of her life, she said. All three of their children excelled at top levels in Pittsfield schools and went on to graduate from colleges Their daughter, June, is a teacher in Amherst. James, an electronic engineer who attended MIT, holds a PhD, and works in Boston. Jeffery, a Williams College graduate, has a Master’s Degree in finance. He lives in San Francisco and works for a large company. “My life was very full,” Mrs. Mills said. “I want a few more years.”

If you have an event you would like listed in our calendar please email us at Calendar@berkshirebeacon.com!

October 20, 2011

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Killer Elite shines as an elite film Bera Duanu Beacon Staff Writer

Killer Elite is a slick and stylish action thriller with an all-star cast of actors at the top of their game. The main character of Killer Elite is Danny (played by Jason Statham), an elite international hit man in the early 1980’s who along with his mentor Hunter (played by Robert Deniro) makes a living dealing death around the globe. After killing a man in front of his son, however, Danny forswears killing, and retires to the Australian outback. Danny is lured out of retirement when Hunter is taken prisoner by an Oil Sheik. British SAS members killed three of the Sheik’s sons during a civil war, and the Sheik was banished from his homeland by his tribe for refusing to take vengeance. Now a dieing man, the Sheik wants Danny to get the SAS members confessions, kill them, and make their death’s look like accidents. To save Hunter, Danny reluctantly agrees to take the job, and reassembles his old team. Standing in their way, however, are the Feather Men, a secret society of former SAS members tasked with protecting retired SAS

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menOne of the most striking things about Killer Elite is its consummate professionalism. While it is not the deepest movie, the story and plot of Killer Elite are never shortchanged. There are always clear stakes in place for the characters onscreen, and the audience is made to care about the conflicts these characters are involved in. Another thing that Killer Elite should get credit for is that it avoids tedious fight and chase scenes. The action in Killer Elite is tight and exciting, and expertly avoids the tedium one often feels in such movies as Transformers and Conan the Barbarian. Killer Elite would not be half the movie it is, however, without its three stars. Robert Deniro probably could have phoned in his role as Hunter. Instead Deniro chose to play the character as a fascinating and nuanced figure, and steals the show in every scene he is in. Likewise, Clive Owen’s Spike is also a compelling figure. A man driven by duty to protect his comrades, he is a persistent and tenacious opponent of Danny and his team. Yet Spike has far more in common with Danny and the hit men that one might at first think.

Danny, who is portrayed in a masterful performance by Statham, epitomizes this conflict. Because of his physical prowess, and penchant for being cast in action roles, Jason Statham doesn’t get enough credit for being a good actor. But, even while playing the most basic of roles, such as in the Transporter and Crank films, Statham always seems to animate his characters with a compelling humanity. This humanity is at the core of Statham’s performance as Danny, which is one of his finest yet. Danny sincerely wants to get away from the business of hired killing, even when the kidnapping of his mentor forces his hand and causes him to wade back into the life. That the men he is tasked to kill are people with violent demons in their past as well, is an irony that is not lost on Danny, and the doubts this fact engenders are pivotal to the film’s plot. Killer Elite is not a movie for everyone. If you don’t like action movies, chances are you will not enjoy it. But if you do, you’re in for a treat. Killer Elite knows exactly what it’s trying to be, an exciting and engaging action movie, and it accomplishes this mission flawlessly.

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Recent Lenox power outage blamed on tree George C Jordan III Beacon Staff Writer

LENOX - A spokeswoman for WMECO attributed the four-hour outage last week to a tree that fell on the Woodland Road sub station in Lee. About 3,500 customers of National Grid in the Lenox, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge communities’ loss electrical power Wednesday night. The power put Lenox Town Hall into darkness as both the Occupy Wall Street protestors and those from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs were there to host a meeting to seek details and feedback on the state agency’s plan to remove PCBs aka polychlorinated biphenyls from the Housatonic River allegedly at the behest of General Electric Co. There were several hundred in attendance. The outage occurred at 6:07 p.m. when lights flickered and then went out, according to David D. Graves, spokesman for National Grid. Most of the Lenox community was without electricity, from the historic downtown center north to the Pittsfield line at Haddad’s. Most of Stockbridge and West Stockbridge were also affected. Mr. Graves said power was restored, but by early evening there were still 2,600 without electrical service. Most of the National Grid customers had their electricity restored. According to some residents they heard a loud “boom” that sounded like a transformer or transformers blowing apart. There were no reported injuries.

The Berkshire Beacon

October 20, 2011

The Berkshire Beacon

October 20, 2011

Photo Credit / Bera Dunau

The Armen Donelian Trio. From Left to right David Clark, Armen Donelian, George Schuller. JAZZ from page 1 show with NEA Jazz Master Phil Woods, Greg Caputo and the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble at the Colonial Theatre, all of the festivals other performances were un-ticketed. Mr. Bride believes that the $20 cover charge for the Armen Donelian Trio show helped to create the intimate atmosphere that the group played in. “Only serious fans, or at least the seriously curious would come to something like this,” said Mr. Bride. “I enjoyed it very much,” said Mr. Donelian, when asked his thoughts on the concert. “I felt that the audience was very attentive and respectful and into the spirit of the music.”

Mr. Donelian has regularly performed at the Castle Street Cafe in Great Barrington for years, both separate from and with the Armen Donelian Trio. The Trio’s performance at Baba Louie’s, however, marked the first time that Mr. Donelian has performed in Pittsfield. Mr. Donelian is a resident of Hudson, N.Y. and teaches music at New School University in New York City and William Patterson College in New Jersey. The recipient of six Jazz Performances Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, he has performed in 23 different countries around the globe. Mr. Donelian was also the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship in 2002, which allowed him to teach in Armenia, the country of his eth-

nic extraction, for three months. Armenian music is a distinctive part of Mr. Donelian’s jazz repertoire. “I was listening to not only classical music and jazz but Armenian music when I was a child … (it) kind of found a resting place in my consciousness,” said Mr. Donelian Mr. Donelian will return to The Berkshires in early December for a performance at the Castle Street Café in Great Barrington. The Pittsfield CityJazz Festival will conclude with a Jazz themed Third Thursday block party on Oct. 20 in Pittsfield. Berkshires Jazz hopes to put on events next year in the spring and summer in addition to the 2012 Pittsfield CityJazz Festival in the fall.

Sunday, October 16

Friday, October 14

Thursday, October 13

Football Lee 22, St. Joseph’s 6 Hoosac Valley 50, Pittsfield 20

Boys Soccer Pittsfield 3, Greenfield 0 Lenox 5, Taconic 0

Saturday, October 15

Football Wahconah 33, Monument 13

Boys Soccer Monument 6, St. Joseph’s 0 Taconic 5, Hoosac 1 Greylock 10, Drury 1 Wahconah 2, Lee 0 Everett 4, Putnam 1

Boys Soccer Mount Greylock 3, Cathedral 2 Monument 6, Hoosac Valley 1 Hoosac School 3, Mt Everett 2 Pittsfield 1, St. Joseph’s 0

Volleyball St. Joe’s 3, Taconic 0 Wahconah 3, Pittsfield 0

Girls Soccer Football Drury 1, Lee 1 Mount Greylock 36, Drury 0 Wahconah 3, Taconic 2 McCann Tech 59, Dean Tech 12 Mount Everett 2, St. Joe’s 1 Taconic 8, Commerce 0 Girls Soccer Pittsfield 1, Monument Mountain 0

Golf Monument 173, Everett 200 Lee 165, Lenox 168 Pittsfield 157, Drury 195 McCann 16, Greenfield 8 Volleyball Lenox 3, Everett 1

The Lenox U-12 Team: Front Row,(L to R)-Tristan Collins, Alec Jordan, Nick Monteleone, Noah Kalischer-Coggins, Andrew Conlon; Second Row: Michael Abdalla, Zi Santos, Matt Tibbetts, Nic Baruch, Matthew Heim; Back Row; Coaches Phil Baruch, Matt Heim & Chris Coggins; Missing from photo: Homer Winston.

Lenox U-12 team wins Natick tournament over 300 other teams Kameron Spaulding Beacon Staff Writer

The Lenox U-12 boys travel team won the Natick soccer club’s 30th annual Columbus Day tournament, which was held on October 8th - 10th. Lenox defeated: The Needham Dynamos 1-0; Salem 1-0; Medway 2-0; and then moved on to the semi-finals where they beat Lincoln 3-0; and then bear out the Needham Strikers, 3-1, in the finals. After being issued a penalty in the early minutes of the final game, Lenox was forced to play a man down for the entire final match. Needham was awarded a

penalty kick, which goalie Matt Tibbetts was able to stop and the Lenox boys went into halftime tied at 0. Nick Monteleone broke things open in the second half with a diving header that found its way to the back of the net. Alec Jordan and Andrew Conlon added goals to bring the score to 3-0. Needham tried to rally and did capitalize on a breakaway, slipping one by Lenox goalie Matt Tibbetts in the late minutes of the game, but Lenox was able to hold strong with a 3-1 victory. The Natick soccer tournament had more than 300 teams participate this year.

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B E R K S H I R E

BEACON THE GUIDING LIGHT OF THE BERKSHIRES

October 20, 2011

The Berkshire Beacon

Is that a ghost in frame? On a recent tour on The Mount, a Beacon writer found some strange marks in the photos Erik Sokolowski Beacon Staff Writer

LENOX - Supposed paranormal activity manifesting itself on film is a phenomenon that has existed since the early days of photography. In some of its earliest forms, pictures of ectoplasmic formations seemingly erupting from the bodies of mediums baffled and fascinated the public. Quickly being revealed to have been hoaxes, most photos of ghostly apparitions were looked on with a skeptical eye for years. Some still spark debate as to whether a picture is evidence of an actual supernatural event, or the work of a fame-seeking trickster. One such photo, The Brown lady of Ryanham Hall, considered one of the most famous examples, seems to capture the ghostly image of Lady Dorothy Walpole, who lived on the British country estate. The legend states that after an affair, Lady Walpole’s husband punished her by locking her in the rooms of the home. She died at the estate in 1726 from smallpox, and has since haunted the house. Photographers Captain Hubert C. Provand and Indre Shira, on assignment for the magazine Country Life, took the photo, on Sept. 19, 1936, and the negatives of the photographs supposedly show no sign of tampering. Soon, photos of supposed haunts were cropping up all over, showing anomalies that were hard or impossible for the layman to decipher, but as technology improved it became easier to sort out common misidentifications and hoaxes and only a handful of “genuine” photos remained. Personally, I’m on the fence. Maybe it is the spirit of someone long lost manifesting itself, maybe it’s a trickster or mistake. On a recent ghost tour at The Mount, I took one such photo that seems to display the more recently discovered phenomenon of spirit orbs. Spirit orbs are small round objects, undetectable to the photog-

Girl-2-Girl Hello Cheater Janel Harrison Beacon Staff

Photo Credit / Erik Sokolowski

A small white orb can be seen in the upper-left middle of the photo. Some might say it is the manifestation of a spirit, whil others would say it’s moisture. rapher’s naked eye, that have been appearing in photos for a relatively short period of recent history. Some spirit orb photos show a furry of activity from multiple orbs, some, like mine, are single points, almost unrecognizable in the photo. Our guide for the Friday Night Fright Tours, Ms. Anne Schuyler, said there have been many instances of casual photographers capturing spirit orbs at The Mount. Following the conclusion of the tour, the amateur ghost hunters were shown several photos sent in from former ghost tour guests that showed, well, something. The most dramatic of these photos, taken on the tour in Wharton’s drawing room, seems to show a dark, opaque shadow sitting in one of the chairs. So there is precedent for the manifestation of paranormal activity on photography at the

house. After a little research of my own, I found that wet and humid conditions may cause these mysterious orbs to appear. It was humid and rainy the night of my tour, so that is a very good possibility. However, upon closely scouring my other photos from the night, I found one or two other examples, which are clearly a result of the humidity and wetness. They are misshapen and clearly the result of more terrestrial phenomenon. Yet when I re-reviewed the particular photo in question, the orb was perfectly round, and had a solidness to it, the other seem to not have. I don’t claim to know what it is, but it could be that the spirits of “Maxwell” and “Belmont,” two horses that reportedly, still enjoy the stalls of The Mount’s carriage house, getting ready to go out on another ride.

O.K., so here you are in a relationship or marriage in which you’ve made a commitment to be exclusive or a vow until death and beyond. It truly is something precious to know love with all its graces. Well like with everything, nothing is perfect, but what happens when the person you love betrays you with infidelity? How do you react to this? Most when not in the situation say, “If he cheats then he can just beat it! The end, period, no more.” That’s what we say we’d do, but when you see it actually happen to a friend, sometimes the repercussions aren’t quite as we expected. Children may be a big part, a house and mortgage, or it’s just a hard thing to break up, you have become a way of life, and with out that person, that house you’ve made a home, there’s a hole and with that hole comes darkness. Yet with betrayal such as this, there’s a loss of trust, that deep loving trust that enabled you to glide into the relationship, as if skating on glorious, velvetysmooth ice in the first place. “It’s gone now, and forever!” Until a moment of healing when we either move on from the relationship or choose to make it work. Perhaps he’s not even worth your tears, perhaps he is … Love is a miraculous thing, and we have the power to make it better, it’s all in how we choose. Look into you heart and I think you will know, not necessarily right away, whether the relationship is worthy of you. And of course there’s always good old therapy, which seems to have become like butter on our bread. We all have therapists at different points in our lives, like we have physicians! How nice it is to know we have someone completely unbiased helping to sort through all the crap; not to say that crap isn’t completely worth sorting through, sometimes it just makes us feel like a pile of cow dung to

talk about it. But it’s all part of the journey girls to being healthy again. Yay! She’s on my side! It’s that great feeling of validation. Let’s discuss why men cheat, and how do we know they have cheated, and can we go on from such devastation of our souls? Cosmopolitan Magazine says, “It’s not your fault! It’s him!” They got a real guy to share the most common reasons, “dudes two-time women.” - “He already knows you.” O.K. so provide a little mystery every now and then to spice things up. - “His buddy Kevin did it.” Like the old saying “When in Rome” - “His boss chewed him out.” So grow up and deal with it! - “His fantasy football obsession doesn’t bug her.” No effort needed, new gal doesn’t know his quirks - “A hot chick just walked by him.” He quotes, “Yes, men know women check out dudes - but not in the same way men check out women. Guys immediately imagine ourselves having sex with anyone who’s at all attractive, and that constant stimulation can be overwhelming. It’s like if every good-looking guy you saw was also writing you a poem while saving injured kittens on his motorcycle.” First of all isn’t that so sweet, but get a grip buddy! My friend says that she would only look if he were rolling on a super magnum condom while saving the cat! - “He can rationalize it, and by the way being drunk and watching strippers doesn’t count.” Is he kidding? - “He realizes he’s a coward.” Amen! And now that I’ve enlightened with all this information, perhaps we’ll continue this subject next week where we can get more perspective; and the women tell all. In the mean time, knowing that with understanding, patience, and a good dose of self esteem, it’s up to you to make your days, to make your life, to forgive, and to find peace again. Ciao Bella

The Berkshire Beacon

October 20, 2011

Election Results

ELECTION from page 1

Food Day becomes Food Week Erik Sokolowski Beacon Staff Writer

WILLIAMSTOWN - Eating sustainably, and making sure those that hunger have access to nourishment. Reforming farms to protect the environment, animals and workers. And promoting healthier eating for kids, these are the principles behind Food Day. According to its Website, foodday.org, the event, held Oct. 24, “seeks to bring together Americans from all walks of life - parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, community organizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and eaters of all stripes—to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way.” Locally, Williams College junior Andrea Lindsay has organized a committee of fellow students to expand the one-day message over an entire week. “Our first meeting included faculty, staff from Dining Services and the health center, and students from the Lehman Council (a community service group), Peer Health, Williams Sustainable Growers (who coordinate the garden on campus), Gusto! (an online food magazine), student Dining Services Committee, WRAPS (a program that delivers leftover food from the dining halls to the Berkshire Food Project), College Council, and other students without any particular affiliation,” Ms. Lindsay said. “We brainstormed ideas for events and decided that we had enough to plan a whole week of events rather than just one day.”

The week’s events focus on real food, sustainable eating and farming. The Food Day Festival, on Oct. 24, will showcase the support of real food in the area. “Dining Services has invited about five local farmers and suppliers that they work with, who will be displaying their products and talking about their work and relationship with Dining Services,” Ms. Lindsay said. “Cricket Creek farm, a Williamstown farm that doesn’t work directly with Dining Services as far as I know, will also be sharing samples and talking about their farm and mission. “Student groups involved with food issues - the Williams Sustainable Growers, Gusto!, WRAPS, and the Dining Services Committee will also be tabling and talking about their work. Finally, there will be a Food Day table with information about the national event, a photo petition, and perhaps postcard petitions.” The event will be held in Baxter Hall in the Paresky student center on the Williams campus. The event is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We wanted to use Food Day at Williams as an opportunity to both celebrate what we are already doing to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way,’” Ms. Lindsay said. “And to support the national Food Day principles and educate our community about how we can advocate for further change.” To learn more about Food Day, and to sign up for events at Williams visit www.foodday.org.

conflict between Mrs. FarleyBouvier and Independent candidate Pam Malumphy by some media outlets rather than in an issues focused way. Mr. Miller also said that Mrs. Farley-Bouvier had contacted him that night and expressed a desire to work with him, a prospect that Mr., Miller seemed amenable to. “I can’t say at this time,” said Mr. Miller, when asked by The Beacon whether he would run again. “It’s going to be a family decision.” Mr. Miller ran for the 3rd Berkshire District against former Representative Chris Speranzo in 2010 and received 45 percent of the vote. “I’m thrilled, obviously, with the win. I’m so grateful to the voters of Pittsfield for turning out today and for sending a message that positive government is what we need,” said Mrs. FarleyBouvier, when asked about her reaction to winning by The Beacon. Mrs. Farley-Bouvier says that the first thing she would like to work on when she gets to Boston would be to figure out how to get future special election to line up better.

22.4%

29.5%

Farley-Bouvier Jester Miller Malumphy Write-In

32.7%

15.2%

Summary Number of Precincts...................................12 Precincts Reporting....................................12

Total Votes.............................................5,922 Tricia Farley-Bouvier..............................1,940

Mark P. Jester...........................................899 Mark C. Miller.........................................1,748

Pam Malumphy......................................1,325 Write-in Votes.............................................10

7A 6B

2B 1A 2A

5A 4A 4B 5B

Above: This map shows who won each district. Farley-Bouvier (Blue) won seven districts on the way to her win. Miller (Green) won 4 districts, and Malumphy (Purple) won one.