Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Oct-Nov 2015

Oct - Nov 2015 vol 22

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October - November 2015 Our BerkshireTimes™ PUBLISHERS Kathy I. Regan publisher@ourberkshiretimes.com Kevin J. Regan kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com _______________ EDITORIAL Kathy I. Regan editor@ourberkshiretimes.com Rodelinde Albrecht rodelinde@gmail.com Copyeditor/Proofreader Rodelinde Albrecht _______________ DESIGN Magazine Design/Layout Kathy I. Regan Ads–Independent Designers Christine Dupre cedupre@msn.com Elisa Jones, Berkshire Design Studio elisa@berkshiredesignstudio.com _______________ TO ADVERTISE CONTACT Our BerkshireGreen, Inc. P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236 Phone: (413) 274-1122 advertise@OurBerkshiretimes.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com _______________ COVER ILLUSTRATION

by Danielle Mailer, Artist www.daniellemailer.com Danielle graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in art. She is represented by the Berta Walker Gallery in Provincetown, MA, and the White Gallery in Lakevile, CT. Danielle has completed four permanent, giant public art installations in Boston, Connecticut, and New York City (thanks to state and local grants). She lives in Goshen, CT, with her husband, jazz trombonist Peter McEachern, and their three adult children who visit often.

She is going on her 15th year of teaching art at the Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, CT.

Contents 4

art, culture & entertainment

22

EVENT SAMPLER THE ELIO

6

get ready for the holidays GIFT GUIDE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

10

food & drink BEYOND ORGANIC GLUTEN-FREE EXPLOSION

14

home, garden & landscape GET THE POWER UNCOVERING THE PAST

18

24

fashion & beauty ALMOST AYURVEDA

26

happy autumn!

SPECIAL THANKS

28

health & wellness BAKING SODA

30

mind & spirit NOT TO BE LEFT OUT

31

animal talk UNRAVELING THE HISTORY

20

education & workshops LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

business services COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE

Our BerkshireTimes™

featured advertisers THANK YOU!

This publication is printed with soy ink on Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper.

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Our BerkshireTimes magazine was first published in 2009 and is enjoyed by community members and visitors alike. We distribute bimonthly (six times per year) starting each February. Most of our editorial content is contributed by our readers. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback, and encourage you to submit original material for consideration through our website. To find out more about advertising and submitting editorial, see our website at left, and join our mailing list to receive our free eNewsletter.

All content in Our BerkshireTimes™ is accepted in good faith. We do not necessarily advocate and cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by our authors, illustrators, and advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. For printing errors of the publisher's responsibility, liability is limited to the cost of the ad space in which it first appeared. Unless otherwise noted, we use a Creative Commons License in place of a standard copyright.

To see more of Danielle Mailer's art visit www.daniellemailer.com.

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art, culture & entertainment

autumn event sampler SEE MORE EVENTS OR POST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE AT WWW.OURBERKSHIRECALENDAR.COM Chili, Cheese & Cider Fest Date: Saturday, October 10, 2015, 12-4pm Place: Henry Hudson Waterfront Park, Hudson, NY - (518) 432-5360 Price: $5-$10. Join us for a gastronomical celebration of the fall harvest season featuring the best the Hudson Valley has to offer: our region’s highly competitive chili chefs, award-winning artisanal cheesemakers, and renowned cider makers. It will be a fun-filled palate-testing day, all set against the magnificent Hudson River and the scenic town of Hudson, which will be bustling with local artists featured in the Columbia County Council on the Arts’ annual ArtsWalk. The event will feature: Eighth Annual Hudson Valley bounty chili contest; farmstead cheese and farm cider tastings and pairings, beer & cider bar presented by Gaskins, live music, kids’ entertainment, food vendors, and more. www.hudsonvalleybounty.com Hawthorne Valley Fall Festival Date: Sunday, October 11, 2015, 10am-4pm Place: 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY. Price: Free. Rain or shine. Join us for our annual celebration of agriculture, ecology, and education! Activities for all ages include hay mazes, slides, jumps, and rides, apple cider pressing, meeting the horses, chickens, pigs, and sheep, scarecrow making contests, storytellers, carving pumpkins, and more.

Also, enjoy delicious, organic, local foods and live music while visiting local vendors. www.hawthornevalleyassociation.org

Arlo Guthrie: Alice’s Restaurant: 50th Anniversary Tour Date: Sunday, October 11, 2015, 7pm Place: The Colonial Theatre, 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA - (413) 997-4444 Price: Tickets: A: $75 B: $60 C: $40 Arlo Guthrie�s career exploded in 1967 with the release of the album, Alice�s Restaurant, whose title song helped foster a new commitment to social awareness and activism. www.berkshiretheatregroup.org 6th Annual Berkshire Drum & Dance Fest Date: Friday, October 16, 2015, 7pm Place: Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, Berkshire Community College, Boland Theatre at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA. A benefit for the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center’s “Raise the Roof ” Project featuring over 75 performance artists from the Berkshires & Beyond! 7pm for Silent Auction and Tamarack Hollow Trading Marketplace; event 7:30pm. www.tamarackhollow.com Craft Brew Festival Date: Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 1-5pm.

Place: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-2810. Join us for a barrel of fun and a wonderful feast at our Craft Brew Fest Fundraiser. www.berkshiresouth.org

o c to b e ❧r f e s t Saturday October 10

�

2015 12-4

Monterey Community Center • 468 Main Road ccmonterey.org

BEER FOOD MUSIC FU N! BRATS

4

October | November 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

"A Supernatural Evening" at the Athenaeum Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 7pm Place: Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA - (413) 499-9480 Price: Free. Jeff Belanger sets the mood for Halloween with tales and legends. www.pittsfieldlibrary.org The Naumkeag Pumpkin Trail Naumkeag House and Gardens Date: Saturday, October 24, 2015, 5:30-8:30pm Place: 5 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA Price: Member: adult $5, kids free; Nonmember: adult $10, kids $5.

Come enjoy a magical treat along our pumpkin-lit garden trail where nocturnal woodland creatures from our local Berkshire forests will emerge to share their stories and educate families in a fun and unique way.

This is a non-scary event for all ages! Tours will be leaving every 10 minutes from the carriage house where participants can enjoy crafts and activities and costumes welcomed!

Reservations encouraged. www.thetrustees.org Halloween Costume Dance Date: Friday, October 30, 2015, 6:30-8:30pm Place: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA Price: $6 at the door. Come join us for the spookiest dance of the school year! Enjoy dressing up and dancing with your friends!

Snacks and drinks will be provided. For grades 5 through 8. www.berkshiresouth.org

Celebrate Our Forty-third Year!

Wonderful Things

Largest Selection of Yarns and Unique Handcrafted Gifts in the Berkshires Gift Certificates S Free Knitting Lessons Open Mon-Sat 9:30-5, Sun 12-4 Harry and Debbie Sano 232 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230 (413) 528-2473 • www.wonderful-things.com

art, culture & entertainment

the elio

A

AMERICAN INGENUITY BRINGS YOU A UNIQUE $6,800 VEHICLE THAT GETS UP TO 84 MPG

few short years ago, automotive enthusiast Paul Elio sized up the prevailing status quo of personal transportation.

He saw the soaring cost of fuel and of the vehicles we drive. He saw Americans struggling with an economy that was taking too much and giving back too little.

Paul Elio decided that the world was ready for something radically new. The result? A three-wheeled, two-seater masterpiece of automotive brilliance that bears his name.

Paul Elio envisioned a vehicle for everybody, and its inflation-defying $6,800 sticker price ensures that nobody will be left out. Elio is American made, it gets up to an incredible 84 MPG highway, and it�s engineered to deliver the highest safety standards including three airbags, a reinforced roll-cage frame, and antilock braking system. The vehicle is great for minivan and SUV owners who want a second, economical commuter car, for students looking to get around campus, for

those who’d like an affordable new vehicle under warranty, and for pure enthusiasts, who just want something new and fun.

How are they able to get such good gas mileage? Simple physics. Wind drag has a negative impact on fuel economy. Elio gets up to 84 MPG highway because its unique design is half the width of a regular car, and half the vehicle pushes half the air.

You might assume that the Elio�s low cost means stripped-down features. Not so. Every Elio will come off the line (launch date late 2016; s o reserve yours now) with a lot of standard stuff like AC, heat, power windows and locks, AM/ FM, high-quality safety system, 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, and more. So even if you don’t add extras (like leather seats), you’ll have an impressive vehicle to start with.

Finally, Elio�s innovative zero-money-down payment

plan may catch your attention. Eligible customers have the option of standard financing, or can walk away with the vehicle for zero money down plus a special credit card with which to buy gasoline. Each time they fuel up, there will be an extra charge equal to twice the fuel amount and the excess is automatically applied as the vehicle payment. So for about what they had been paying to fuel their existing vehicle, they can fuel their Elio and buy it too!

eliomotors.com

● Classes for ages 4 - adult ● All

levels of training to find out specific, days, times, and class availability

● Call

Free programs September through July

visit our website for listings ~ all are welcome

Alternative Fuel and Fuel-Efficient Chauffeured Transportation Alternative Fuel and Fuel-Efficient Chauffeured Transportation

Top quality limo service with a minimal impact on the environment.

Serving the Serving TheEntire EntireNortheast

and Beyond!

JFK, Boston, and Hartford, Northeast beyond!

Albany, Anywhere, Anytime.

The Hotchkiss School 11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, ct 860.435.4423 | hotchkiss.org/arts

JFK, Boston, Hartford, Albany, Anywhere, Wine Tours and Anytime.

Ride Shares Wine Tours and Available!

Ride Shares available! www.OurBerkshireTimes.com October | November 2015 413-637-1224 www.tobislimo.com tobislimo@aol.com

5

get ready for the holidays

gift guide Our Berkshire Marketplace

GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

TASTE

Les Trois Emme Vineyard & Winery Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Wine / Now is the time

to plan for the holiday season – guest lists, the dates, food, and drink. Les Trois Emme Vineyard and Winery has a special wine to meet the taste of every guest. This is the perfect time to provide Stingy Jack's Pumpkin wine with your main course of roast turkey or duck. Try cranberry wine before your meal, and finish with a delicious after-dinner port wine, Entourage – a sweet wine made from Old Vine Zinfandel grapes. Of course, there are many more wines to choose from. Come and visit our winery on any Saturday or Sunday between 12-5pm to enjoy a tasting.

8 Knight Road, New Marlborough, MA. www.ltewinery.com

shop local Wine, Beer & Spirits CELEBRATE Cellarbration We can help you find just the right wine, beer,

and spirits for your special occasion. Just stop in to see us and we will be glad to help. Join our Savvy Wine Club to taste wines from diverse regions, learn about wine and food pairing, and enjoy access to special pricing on select wines. Take advantage of our 20%-off wine sale at Cellarbration Wine, Beer & Spirits on the first and third Thursday of each month (some exclusions apply). The offer includes all 750ml bottles of wine from our hand-picked selections. If you can't make it to the store to order, just visit our website and give us a call and we will put your order aside for you. Gift cards available. Our store is located inside Great Barrington's Big Y World Class Market. Open seven days a week, Mon -Sat 9am-9pm and Sun 12 -8pm.

(413) 528-6600, www.cellarbrationwinebeerspirits.com 6

October | November 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Organics Market FEAST Berkshire & Delivery Service Gift Box

Give someone a Best of the Berkshires gift basket this holiday season! Send your friends, coworkers, and loved ones the perfect holiday greeting with our new gift box. It's ideal for businesses or as a hostess gift. Berkshire Organics offers several sizes and varieties of gift baskets for the holidays filled with local, organic, and non-gmo items from the Berkshires and surrounding area. This season, Berkshire Organics offers an easier way to order gift baskets online. Orders can be picked up at our market or FREE DELIVERY is available in Berkshire County. Gift baskets can also be shipped across the USA. Baskets start at $29.

813 Dalton Division Road, Dalton, MA. (413) 442-0888, www.berkshireorganics.com

get ready for the holidays!

get ready for the holidays

limited edition SAMPLE

Oliva! Gourmet Olive Oils & Vinegars – Six Bottle Sampler

Pack / Several Sampler Packs to choose from including our

New England, Best Sellers, Foodie, or Sensational Salads. Or create your own, for a personal touch. Each bottle is 2 oz. and the set retails for just $34. Oliva! is a family-owned business and we sell only the finest, freshest, extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world. We personally sample and select each product in our store and we hope that this personal touch is reflected in the quality of our products. Order online or visit our Berkshire store located at 27A Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA. (413) 637-0080, www.olivaevoo.com

PAMPER

Face Haven brings you jane iredale's Hydrating Rose

Facial Spray / Treat yourself or someone you know to this limited edition hydration spray with organic Rose Damascena flower water. The flower oil and extracts nourish, tighten, cleanse, detoxify, increase blood circulation, calm, and support the skin’s functions. It is recommended for any skin type, especially dry and sensitive skin. The rose fragrance is uplifting and provides an overall feeling of well-being. This hydration spray was developed by jane iredale exclusively for Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which receives 100% of profits from sales. Face Haven's owner, Sherie K. Ross, provides the ultimate jane iredale mineral cosmetics experience with her excellent service. Visit Sherie's stylish spa-like store at 323 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA, (413) 528-4053

DECORATE

Sidetracks Fern Candle / Sidetracks is your one-stop shop for unique and affordable gifts.

A charming store located in the heart of Stockbridge on Elm Street, this shop has a little something for everyone. Whether a unique product from around the world or handmade here in America, all of our merchandise is well made, fun, and sure to please. Our featured two-piece curved candle set is made by pressing natural ferns and leaves into wax. Beautiful in any décor, these American-made candles are a beautiful gift for the holidays. Stop by today for a fun and relaxing shopping experience at 8 Elm Street, Stockbridge, MA. (413) 298-5100 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

October | November 2015

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get ready for the holidays!

beautiful things UNUSUAL, INTRIGUING, LIFE-CHANGING GIFTS

Unusual, Intriguing, Life-changing Gifts Open Mon-Thurs 10-6 ` Fri 10-8 Saturday 10-6 ` Sunday 11-3 299 North Street, Pittsfield, MA (in Hotel on North)

(413) 553-4200 www.doryandginger.com

Charge your Cell Phone

12v power tool battery charging from “Direct Solar”

portable solar POWER YOUR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AND SO MUCH MORE

I

Buy Portable Solar and Save!

978-400-6904  www.woodland-energy.com

Celebrating 20 Years of Knowledgeable, Friendly Service.

Our Our Superior Superior Quality Quality Lenses Lenses and and Our Superior Quality Lenses and Staff Staff Expertise Expertise Exemplify Exemplify Our Our Commitment Commitment to to You. You. Staff Expertise Exemplify Our Commitment to You.

www.berkshireeye.com www.berkshireeye.com www.berkshireeye.com

We Have a Variety of Designer Frames to Fit Your Individual Style and Fashion Needs

WW eW eCC arry PP rimary rimary eyeWear eyeWear &&S&unWear SunWear earry C arry Primary eyeWear SunWear •D •D igital igital ProgreSSiveS PMA rogreSSiveS •t•t ranSitionS ranSitionS •D igital ProgreSSiveS •t ranSitionS Pittsfield, Great Barrington 740 Williams Street 342 Stockbridge Road •t•t rivex rivex •P•P olarizeD olarizeD & &g& g lare lare Free Free enSeS lenSeS •t rivex •P olarizeD glare Flree lenSeS

Our Superior Quality Lenses and 413-445-4564 413-528-8911 Staff Expertise Exemplify Our Commitment to You. Adams, MA

1 Berkshire Square www.berkshireeye.com State of the Art Facility for Cataract and Laser Surgery

Valatie, NY

2967 Route 9 Hannaford Plaza 518-758-9276

We accept most insurance.

We Carry Primary eyeWear & SunWear •D ProgreSSiveS •tranSitionS Ourigital Superior Quality Lenses and Staff Expertise Exemplify Our to You. •trivex •P olarizeD & gCommitment lare Free lenSeS www.berkshireeye.com October | November 2015

ight in the center of downtown Pittsfield is a unique gem of a store, Dory & Ginger, filled with beautiful home décor and gifts. You can find that special something for holiday shopping, or a no-occasion little something that brings a smile to your face. Owners Laurie Tierney (“Dory”) and Cara Carroll (“Ginger”) will help you make shopping fun, exciting, and meaningful once again. Located next to Hotel on North and Eat on North, you can dine, drink, and shop all in one stop!

Power your holiday lights!

12v flashlight plugged into “Direct Solar”

8

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www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

f you are looking for a unique holiday gift, consider a HUBERT® Constant Direct Solar portable electric generator from Woodland Energy. It’s a smart choice for home utilities, job sites, camping, and boating, and an even better choice for our planet. Just roll your rechargeable electricity from room to room and place it in the sun to recharge again and again.

What could be easier? We have a unit to fit your electrical needs. Call us – we welcome questions.

festive focus

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Pittsfield Pittsfield Pittsfield with vision? Here at Berkshire Eye Center we will discuss 740 740 W W W S .S .S .

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get ready for the holidays! holiday sparkle THANK THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE

C

rown Jewelers has been a solid jewelry business for more than 35 years, in our Allendale Shopping Center location. We have earned our stellar reputation by adhering to our motto: “Treat every customer better than you expect to be treated; to include respect, honesty, and impartiality.”

This philosophy, combined with an extraordinary selection of jewelry – from $25 to $25,000 – makes holiday shopping truly joyful! Pandora jewelry, LeVian chocolate diamonds, and many other wonderful designers will make your holidays bright!

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Everyone likes clean, sparkling jewelry for the holidays. The best option is to bring your jewels to a reputable jeweler to be cleaned and checked. Prongs break off, components wear out, and you chance losing your jewelry. If you prefer to clean your jewelry at home, there are specific jewelry solutions available for gold or silver jewelry.

There are many options now to buy jewelry on line, but we can’t stress how important personal, face-to-face service is at Crown Jewelers. You know what you’re purchasing and customer service doesn’t end after the purchase is made.

Allendale Shopping Center | Pittsfield, MA | 413-442-9073 *Ask about our interest free financing.

gift certificates TREAT YOUR LOVED ONES TO A USEFUL, PRACTICAL GIFT

W

inter and the holiday season are fast approaching.

Before the rush begins, why not check off even the most difficult people on your list with a gift that brings convenience, safety, and security to their vehicle!

While many recipients may dream of something fun and fancy for the holidays, our useful gifts not only show that you care but will also help save your loved ones money down the road. A gift certificate for one of Haddad’s services will make shopping easier for you and ensure that the recipient gets a smart gift they will appreciate.

Some of the many services that a Haddad’s gift certificate can provide includes getting their vehicle detailed to help protect the value of their investment, or helping to cover costly repairs. No matter the make or model, the Haddad Auto Group can service, repair, or detail your loved one�s vehicle.

Haddad’s award winning customer service will be sure to leave your loved ones grateful for the thoughtful gift. Not to mention it is easy to wrap!

gift for t c e f r e p e h T your list! everyone on

com

. haddadauto

Gift Certificates Available

Complete Vehicle Detail With quality and convenience you can trust, our Service Department offers the best in automotive service to our customers . . .

Hyundai | 413-997-2277

Subaru | 413-442-1584

Nissan | 413-997-9399

Toyota | 413-445-4535

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

October | November 2015

9

food & drink

beyond organic

ARE YOU INADVERTENTLY SUPPORTING HAZARDOUS AND UNHEALTHY GMO FOODS?

By Maya Greene

M

• • • • •

As a small company whose mission it is to support a sustainable, GMO-free, local food system, we have made it our goal to offer alternatives to those brands that trace back to food-industry giants.

Some examples of this corporate ownership include several natural and organic labels that can be found in grocery stores around the country:

Offering these “organic” brands at Berkshire Organics would mean that we’re giving money right back to the food giants – which also means that we are ultimately contributing to their support of GMOs in the food system. Instead, we offer a wide selection of food that is grown or made by companies who support a GMO-free food system. In many cases this means the food is certified organic, but it might also mean that it is grown and/or made sustainably and without GMOs – even if it isn’t organic. Our commitment to excellence in this regard is what placed us among the Organic Consumers Association’s Top 12 Grocers in America in 2013, and it is a title which we are proud to uphold.

• •

~ This article was written for Berkshire Organics by Maya Greene, professor at Columbia-Greene Community College. www.berkshireorganics.com.

any years ago, Berkshire Organics started to do extensive research into the origins of organic foods.

What we discovered was a web of ownership that often pointed back to enormous corporations who have adopted the “organic” label in an effort to be more marketable (in other words to make more money). These large corporations are most often the ones who support genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food system (and the lack of labeling for foods with genetically engineered ingredients), as well as lobbying against sustainable practices and the protection of smaller farms and companies.

Horizon Dairy (owned by Dean Foods) Muir Glen and Cascadian Farms (General Mills)

Kashi and Morningstar Farms (Kellogg�s) R.W. Knudsen and Santa Cruz Organic (Smucker’s) Applegate meats and cheeses (Hormel) Green & Black’s chocolate (Kraft Foods) And many, many more

Chickpea Salad with Pesto

T

his delicious chickpea salad comes together quickly, and is a great way to use the garden-fresh veggies that are prolific this time of year (like basil, zucchini, onions, and peppers). It keeps well for several days, and is delicious both as both a side dish and on its own.

Ingredients 1 can drained and rinsed organic chickpeas (preferably from a brand using BPA-free lining) 1 cup homemade pesto (blended basil, garlic, romano cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, salt) 1 finely chopped fresh zucchini 1 finely chopped sweet onion Finely chopped sweet bell pepper, preferably a mix of small red, orange, and/or yellow Salt and pepper to taste Crumbled feta cheese Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and let marinate for an hour or two.

Taste for seasoning, and top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

food & drink

Cellarbration Wine, Beer & Spirits Conveniently located inside Big Y for all your one-stop shopping needs

The 1st and 3rd Thursday of Each Month 20% Off Wine Sale

Visit cellarbrationwinebeerspirits.com to find out more about our Savvy Wine Club Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm

700 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA ♦ 413-528-6600

Hawthorne Valley Farm Store

From Our Hands to Your Table

NORTH EGREMONT COUNTRY STORE

A full-line natural foods store featuring organic bread, cheese, kraut, yogurt, raw milk and other foods made fresh on our farm!

Wholesome ● Homestyle ● Delicious Warm & Friendly Service

Fresh • Organic • Local • Delicious

We offer a full line of groceries and spirits.

Let us help you with your holiday needs!

Open 7 Days 7:30 am - 7:00 pm Photo by John Phelan

Route 71, North Egremont, MA (Near Prospect Lake)

Call (413) 528-4796

“Antichi Sapori” Come taste the “ancient flavors” of authentic Pompeian brick oven cooking & grilling, savored in an elegant, romantic ambiance in downtown Pittsfield.

413-499-1192 p trattoria-rustica.com 26 McKay Street, Pittsfield, MA Dinner daily from 5pm to closing.

Closed Tuesdays. Reservations suggested.

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

October | November 2015

Two photos to far left by Caroline Alexander

FARM STORE | www.hvfstore.org | 518-672-7500 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075

Monday-Thursday: 6a-6p Friday-Saturday: 6a-7p Sunday: 6a-4p

11

food & drink

gluten-free explosion THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN� / by Mary Makuc & Peggy Silva

T

wenty years ago I remember looking at an aspirin bottle and seeing the words “gluten-free” pop up.

I wondered what gluten was and why I should care about it. Then I read about Jane Swift, our former governor, trying to thrive on a campaign trail laden with pancake breakfasts, muffins, and donut-only events. She explained that she had celiac disease (also called celiac sprue) and was safe eating corn, potatoes, and other grains, but had to avoid all glutenous foods or she would be very ill. Gluten is synonymous with the gliadin protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and certain oats (oats processed in the same plant with one of these can become contaminated with gluten). This gliadin protein helps make the particles in breads and cakes stick together, but can be difficult or impossible to digest by some.

Ten years ago my oldest daughter, Gabriella, at the ripe age of 11 was having a series of mysterious illnesses and symptoms such as horrible stomach pain, joint pain, and yellowing teeth. She lost about 10 pounds without trying. When she developed the worst pain after eating spaghetti, I remembered the story of Jane Swift. I pushed her doctor to give her the simple blood test for celiac sprue, and my theory was confirmed by a blood test and endoscopy.

My daughter, like Jane, found out she could be healthy and thrive as long as she avoided eating foods with gluten since she was lacking the enzyme to digest it. Gabriella was the only one at family parties who needed to eat this way so while everyone else had regular bread, pasta, and desserts, Gabriella’s portions had to be prepared and served separately. Whether homemade or store bought, her foods must contain brown or white rice flour,

or other flours or starches like tapioca, sorghum, quinoa, millet, garbanzo, or ground nuts in place of gluten-containing flours.

Xanthan became a staple because you can add that to glutenfree flour to make it bind in almost anything. It took a while but finally the whole family understood Gabriella could still have fruits, meats, vegetables, nuts, eggs, fish, and other grains as long as they were lacking gluten and had not been contaminated by gluten during preparation or processing.

Just four years ago my youngest daughter, Nadia, was also diagnosed with celiac but by then there was much more awareness about eating gluten free – gluten-free smartphone apps for dining out, gluten-free menus, and even a gluten-free Communion host.

To find out more about living with celiac go to the Celiac Sprue Association online, www.csaceliacs.org. There has literally been a gluten-free explosion and the books Gluten Free Revolution and Wheat Belly have been read by millions of people, making them think twice about grabbing that once traditional dinner roll.

Now in 2015 my little one, Nadia, shares the gluten-free buffet items not only with her sister but with my sister-in-law, a nephew, and a niece of mine. Only about one in one hundred persons have celiac disease but many others are eating gluten-free because of a tested wheat intolerance, or they just feel better, less tired, or less bloated through trial and error. Some swear it helps with autoimmune disorders, weight loss, fibromyalgia, MS, chronic Lyme, learning disabilities, and the list goes on. The holidays will be here soon. Following is an apple pie recipe that gluten-free folks can share with the rest of the clan.

Gramma Peg's Gluten-free Apple Pie Recipe Crust Ingredients (for 2 pie shells) 2¼ cups gluten-free flour (plus extra for rolling) 1 tsp (rounded) xanthan gum ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup shortening 1 T vinegar 1 large egg, beaten 4 T ice water Crust Instructions In a medium bowl, blend the dry ingredients until well blended. Cut in the shortening until coarse crumbs form. In a small bowl, beat the vinegar and egg together, then add the ice water and combine.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a fork and keep blending until the dough forms a ball. Work the mixture with your hands to obtain a smooth texture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more before rolling out.

Next, divide the dough in half and roll out on waxed paper dusted with flour (do not use toxic plastic wrap). Roll out to an 11" circle using flour to prevent sticking. Place the dough in a 9" pie plate. Repeat with second piece of dough and cut steam vents in top 12

October | November 2015

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if making a two-crust pie. Fill with pie filling (recipe follows), and place second piece of pastry on top; adjust to fit. Roll under and crimp pastry. For a baked single crust, prick the pastry with a fork on sides and bottom. Bake the crust in a preheated 450°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until slightly browned. Cool before filling.

Apple Pie Ingredients (for one pie) 1 T tapioca 8-10 apples peeled, cored, and sliced about ⅜" thick (4-5 Yellow Delicious, 2-3 McIntosh, 1-2 Granny Smith) ½ cup cranberries (optional) 5-6 drops fresh lemon juice dash allspice ⅓ cup raw sugar dash ground cloves 3 T cornstarch 4 tsp butter 1 tsp cinnamon 2 T milk ⅛ tsp fresh ground nutmeg 1 tsp large-grain sugar Apple Pie Instructions Smooth one pie crust round into the bottom of a 9" or 10" pie pan. Sprinkle tapioca on top of the bottom crust. Pile apple slices high (don’t skimp) into the prepared pan with some cranberries

food & drink

to fill the crannies if you wish. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the apples. In a separate bowl mix the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the apples. Slice the 4 teaspoons of butter and scatter on top of the apple mixture. Put the top crust over the apple mixture and seal and crimp the edges of the crust in your own style. I like to pinch every inch or so with my thumb and index finger. My mother liked to press with the tines of a fork. Look at different methods and choose one that suits you.

Next, brush a thin layer of milk over the top crust with your fingertips or a pastry brush. Avoid getting milk on the outer crust area. Then sprinkle the large-grain sugar on top of the crust, again avoiding the edges. Cut some vents on the top crust near the

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center to vent steam. Be creative: I like to form an apple shape, or sometimes leaves; my mom made about six straight lines about a half inch long in the center of the pie.

Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF for close to an hour. Check after half an hour; if the outer crust is starting to look too brown, cover that part with foil to avoid scorching while the apple filling cooks and gets soft. Enjoy the smell as you go about other things.

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October | November 2015

13

home, garden & landscape

get the power BE READY BEFORE THE FIRST LEAF HITS THE GROUND / by Sandra Henault

P

ittsfield Lawn & Tractor was founded in 1986 by Albert, Andy, and Richard Wojtkowski, three brothers in their late teens and early twenties from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The business took flight in their father’s old milk1 FAMILY processing plant, which is where the expanded company still operates today.

The Wojtkowski brothers were the youngest people to become a certified John Deere compact equipment dealer in

New England and have grown the store from a specialty shop to one of the largest and most trusted power equipment, construction equipment, and recreational vehicle dealers in Western Massachusetts.

Over the years, Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor has taken on numerous different lines of equipment, including John Deere, Dynapac, Yanmar, Woods, Stihl, Wacker Neuson, JLG, CAM FORSuperline trailers, Big Tex trailers, Kawasaki UTVs, Arctic Cat, Can-Am, Ski-Doo, Honda 60 MONTHS generators, and more, making it one of AND WITH PURCHASE the most diverse equipment dealers in the $ OFF OF 2 IMPLEMENTS* 1 FAMILY Massachusetts area.

1 FAMILY • Fuel-efficient 3-cylinder diesel engines, The company has an onsite parts and 22.1–23.9 hp (16.5–17.8 kW) service department, staffed with certified/ • Standard 4-wheel drive and power steering • Category One 3-point Hitch compatible trained technicians to work on every line it FOR with dozens of implements FOR carries.

Its fleet of service trucks allows it • Quik-Park™ Loader detaches in less than 60 MONTHS to come to the assistance of customers any 60without MONTHS 5 minutes getting off your tractor AND AND • Starting at $11,748** time they’re in need.

WITH PURCHASE PURCHASE $ OFF WITH OF 2 IMPLEMENTS* $ “Customer service is our number one OFF OF 2 IMPLEMENTS* BE READY BEFORE • Fuel-efficient 3-cylinder diesel engines, concern.

We know how important it is to • Fuel-efficient 3-cylinder diesel engines, THE FIRST LEAF 22.1–23.9 hp (16.5–17.8 kW) 22.1–23.9 hp (16.5–17.8 kW) be taken care of and to have someone you HITS THE GROUND. Standard 4-wheel drive and power steering • •Standard 4-wheel drive and power steering can trust.

Our parts department is staffed Category One 3-point Hitch compatible • •Category One 3-point Hitch compatible with dozens of implements by experienced professionals who want to with dozens of implements Quik-Park™ Loader detaches in less than • •Quik-Park™ Loader detaches in less than make sure you get the right part at the right 5 minutes without getting off your tractor 5 minutes without getting off your tractor time and for a fair price. Not only can our Starting at $11,748** • •Starting at $11,748** team answer your questions intelligently, BEREADY READYBEFORE BEFORE BE they’ll help you find the parts you need. We THE FIRST LEAF THE FIRST LEAF are poised to offer service unlike any other HITSTHE THEGROUND. GROUND. HITS dealer in this area,” the company said.

About 15 years ago, Pittsfield Lawn & 3E SERIES 4M SERIES Tractor began renting heavy machinery. It Rugged, reliable diesel engine, Turbocharged diesel engine, quickly saw the earning potential and has 31.1–37.3 hp (22.3–27.4 kW) 43.1–65.9 hp (32.1–48.5 kW) been striving to expand its heavy equipment 0% FOR 60 MONTHS AND 0% FOR 60 MONTHS AND line by way of sales and rentals since then. $1,750 OFF WITH PURCHASE $500 OFF WITH PURCHASE It currently has more than 100 pieces OF 2 IMPLEMENTS* OF 2 IMPLEMENTS* of equipment on its lot and is known for its competitive prices, flexible terms, and 3E SERIES 4M SERIES outstanding customer service. Pittsfield 3E SERIES 4M SERIES Rugged, reliable diesel engine, Turbocharged diesel engine, Lawn & Tractor has a full line of rental Rugged, reliable diesel engine, Turbocharged diesel engine, 31.1–37.3hp hp(22.3–27.4 (22.3–27.4kW) kW) 43.1–65.9hp hp(32.1–48.5 (32.1–48.5kW) kW) 31.1–37.3 43.1–65.9 equipment, from plate compactors up to plt.com 0% FOR 60 MONTHS AND 0% FOR 60 MONTHS AND 80,000-lb. excavators.

0% FOR 60 MONTHS AND 0% FOR 60 MONTHS AND $1,750OFF OFFWITH WITHPURCHASE PURCHASE $500 OFF WITH PURCHASE $1,750 $500 OFF WITH PURCHASE In addition to all of its own equipment 1548 W HOUSATONIC ST OF22IMPLEMENTS* IMPLEMENTS* OF22IMPLEMENTS* IMPLEMENTS* OF OF for sale, Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor is offering PITTSFIELD, MA 01201 a new consignment deal, in which it will 413-443-2623 1548 W. Housatonic Street advertise a customer’s piece of equipment, Pittsfield, MA - plt.com sell it, and handle the entire transaction 413-443-2623 process for a prenegotiated fee. *Offer valid August 5, 2015, through October 30, 2015. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Fixed rate of 0% for 60 months on compact utility tractors. $750 off implement bonus on 1 Family Tractors, plt.com $1,750 off implement bonus on 3E Series Tractors, $500 off implement bonus on 4052M For all your homeowner, landscaper, plt.com Tractors, $1,500 implement bonus on 4044M Tractors and $2,500 off implement bonus on 4066M Tractors is in addition to low rate financing and requires the purchase of two or more qualifying John Deere or Frontier implements. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer and construction needs, contact Pittsfield for details and other financing options.

1548 Winclude HOUSATONIC STor preparation charges. Prices and model availability **Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and do not taxes, setup, delivery, freight 1548 W HOUSATONIC ST may vary by dealer. Attachments and implements sold separately. Valid only at participating U.S. dealers. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping Lawn & Tractor’s professionals at (413) 443deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

PITTSFIELD,MA MA01201 01201 PITTSFIELD, 2623 or visit them online at www.plt.com.

A0D030ECU2F64327-00010624 413-443-2623 413-443-2623

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October | November 2015

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*Offer valid August 5, 2015, through October 30, 2015. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Fixed rate of 0% for 60 months on

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P.O. Box 388, 95 Marble Street, Lee MA www.valleyrolloff.com  (413) 243-6655 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

October | November 2015

15

home, garden & landscape

uncovering the past DO HOUSES HAVE SOULS?

By Jennifer Lilienthal

I

t may be an anthropomorphic stretch to say houses have souls. But, for better or for worse, buildings have vivid memories. Renovating an old house can feel like a process of pulling back the bits and pieces of the recent past to reveal evidence of the lives of former residents, layer by layer.

Inevitably I find myself wondering about the people who left these traces of their existence. Who were they, and what were their lives like when they lived in my house?

Local writer and watercolor artist Debbie Hanson Greene undertook the arduous and unending task of renovating her home in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. When her partner, David, discovered copies of 100-year-old photos of the structure in a kitchen drawer, she was inspired to restore some of the house’s original features. Despite the prohibitive cost, she removed the aging aluminum siding, only to discover extensive rot in the clapboard siding underneath. But she also uncovered two beautiful round windows and decorative paneling, evidence of the original homeowner’s love of beauty, buried by a pragmatist from the more recent past. Her curiosity about the original owner was piqued by this and by other details, such as the Greek columns occupying precious living room space with their elegant and structurally unnecessary presence.

Until the day when the Past visited the Present, in the form of a 92-year-old visitor from Norfolk, Virginia. Debbie arrived home from work to find a note taped to her door, left by the elderly woman, saying she had stopped by, hoping to see the house where she had spent summers as a child. Fortunately she was still in the area when Debbie contacted her, and she was thrilled to be invited to tea.

The woman’s name was Janice Whiting. She was the greatgranddaughter of the original owner, Isaac George Perry, a Great Barrington jeweler from Connecticut. As Janice walked through the house, each room evoked memories. There, in the front parlor, was where they had laid out “Uncle Bill” when he died; there, in the dining room, was where the grand piano had been, used by her uncle, who played professionally; there, in the backyard, was where her grandmother was said to have played with a young W.E.B. Du Bois, according to family lore.

Debbie was fortunate to have had the chance to hear these stories, because Janice died the following year. Renovating the house took its toll in time, money, and stress – but Janice’s visit made her glad for the loving care she’d given the old structure.

More clues emerged as the years (and the dollars) slipped by.

Newspapers from 1889 had been stuffed in the walls of the back bathroom. Shards of porcelain were found about two feet underground in the back yard. But without investing a significant amount of time at the Registry of Deeds or the Historical Society’s archives, she would probably have had to be satisfied with these vague clues.

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Have you given your heart to an old house? Contact me at jllportraits@live.com with your old house story, and it may be featured in a future column. ~ Jennifer Lilienthal, Professional Genealogist, at jllportraits@live.com is sole proprietor of JLL Family Stories. She specializes in German records research, New York State and Western Massachusetts and family history writing. Jennifer lives in Lee, MA. Photo of window at left courtesy of Deborah Hanson Greene. Photo at right ca. 1890, from the collection of Janice Whiting.

home, garden & landscape (413) 298-1051 Bus. (413) 854-7803 Cell (413) 394-4381 Home pklilienthal@gmail.com

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October | November 2015

17

animal talk

unraveling the history OF MODERN CANINE NUTRITION - PART 1

By Kristina “Tina” Dow

P

rior to the Industrial Revolution, the diets of domesticated dogs were, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, generally reflective of the diets of their owners. While some shared their owners’ paté de foie gras, others shared meager scraps. But with the Industrial Revolution, many things began to change, including how people fed their pets.

At the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, the British Agricultural Revolution heralded greatly improved agricultural productivity brought about by the mass-production of more efficient agricultural equipment. Displaced agricultural workers moved into the manufacturing sectors of the economy where water power and steam power were pumping life into factories.

Everyday life began to move more quickly, and convenience was elevated to a necessity of life.

In the midst of those changing times, Ohio businessman James Spratt took notice of stray dogs scavenging biscuits thrown by the sailors and passengers on ships arriving at British docks.

Not long thereafter, Spratt’s Dog Cake, a biscuit made from grains and vegetables held together with a bit of animal blood, became what is thought to be the first manufactured dog food.

Spratt marketed his cakes as an inexpensive, easy to serve, and nutritionally superior “modern” way to feed companion dogs.

Although the companion animals of Victorian era urban dwellers had long enjoyed and thrived on home-prepared diets of meat harvested from horses downed in city streets, increasing acceptance of manufactured dog cakes brought about much debate as to how British urban companion dogs should be fed.

While it could be generally agreed that the natural “carnivorous needs” of working dogs should be met, many argued that feeding urban companion dogs a natural carnivorous diet led to unwanted, uncivilized, and even savage behavior.

With the arrival of Spratt’s Dog Cakes in the United States in the 1870s, a similar debate began to rage on this continent. Dr. R.J. Garbutt, chief veterinarian with New York City’s ASPCA and pioneer in the use of diagnostic radiology in veterinary medicine, reported an increasing incidence of digestive upset among dogs fed a diet of manufactured dog cakes; nevertheless, manufactured dog cakes and biscuits dominated the American dog food market until the early 1920s and the introduction of canned dog food.

The invention of the automobile in the early 1900s caused horsemeat prices to drop, an opportunity which Illinois horse dealer P.M. Chappel used to his advantage, introducing canned horsemeat for dogs in 1922 under the brand name Ken-L Ration.

The manufacture of canned dog food stumbled a bit with the setting aside of tin for the WWII war effort, but as that demand

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eased, the manufacture of canned dog food picked up again.

Canned dog food was the choice of most consumers into the mid1950s, but with the development and refinement of extrusion processing, “kibbled” dog food rapidly began to gain acceptance.

Taking James Spratt’s lead, kibbled dog food manufacturers marketed their products to busy consumers as an inexpensive, easy to serve, and “modern” way to feed.

In 1942, Quaker Oats acquired P.M. Chappel’s Ken-L Ration brand, followed in the 1950s by General Mills’s acquisition of James Spratt’s American dog cake business. Those two acquisitions foretold the movement of many industrial giants into the pet food industry. Diversification of industrial giants’ holdings through the acquisition of pet food manufacturers held many advantages for those giants, not the least of which was the recycling of the by-products (inedible meats and grains) of their other holdings into pet food production, thereby converting trash into treasure.

In 1958, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) was founded with the express mission of discouraging the feeding of anything other than manufactured dog food. By engaging consumers through all manner of media (print, radio, and television), PFI saw to it that the feeding of manufactured dog food was advocated to the exclusion of everything else. With increasing numbers of industrial giants at play, the marketing of manufactured pet foods became steadily more aggressive, creative, and deceptive.

But perhaps the most masterful (and insidious) marketing strategy within the pet food industry was the introduction of modern veterinary “prescription” diets shilled only through licensed veterinarians. The industrial giants of the prescription diet industry have, to their maximum advantage but not necessarily to the advantage of our pets’ health, deliberately co-opted an important element of basic veterinary education and care, namely how our pets are best nourished.

With all that veterinarians are expected to master as general practitioners, it’s difficult to blame them for accepting the help of someone who steps forward and offers, “I can make nutrition easy for you.” Whom, indeed, can we hold accountable? We certainly cannot depend upon the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to legislate, without bias, matters involving some of their most influential sponsors. To be continued in Our BerkshireTimes Dec 2015 - Jan 2016 issue. ~ Kristina “Tina” Dow is sole proprietor of BensDotter's Pet, a pet supply store in Great Barrington that specializes in raw diets. www.bensdotters.com.

animal talk

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19

business services

committed to the future TigerPress – A COMPANY WITH A CONSCIENCE

By Jamie O'Connell

Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.

- Anonymous Greek Proverb

The impact of the Shafiis� environmental commitment grows each year as the company grows. In 1997, they established TigerPress as their commercial printing division. With dedication to quality and customer service, TigerPress grew rapidly in Northampton, Massachusetts. After two additions to the building to double the size in 2001 and 2006, TigerPress acquired a folding box printing facility in Deerfield, Massachusetts, in 2008. Today TigerPress is a sustainable eco-friendly printer, using green technology and operating in a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is equipped with the latest in green printing technology.

They offer a wide range of products that include short-run digital printing, sign making, commercial printing, folded box printing, mailing services, and secure storage and shipping of vendormanaged inventory.

I

t seems we hear every day about another corporation that is increasing its profits at the expense of our environment and our health. So it is heartening to hear stories of companies with a conscience, run by people who care about the impact of their decisions on their community’s wellbeing and that of future generations.

Shortly after graduating from college in 1985, Reza and Jennifer Shafii opened their first quick-print shop. With a commitment to outstanding customer service, their business grew within a few years from one store in Amherst to multiple locations around the Pioneer Valley and Western Massachusetts. As their business grew so did their family with the addition of their two daughters.

As parents, they naturally care about the world in which their children live. This concern has informed their business decisions as they invest in materials and equipment. It also causes them to consider what waste material leaves their facility to go back into the environment. Jennifer says, “We’ve been the leader of the pack for green printing. I think it’s important, for me personally because I have kids, and leaders in every industry should be responsible for the environment. Our customers appreciate it too!”

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The many environmentally conscious changes that TigerPress has implemented over the years include such things as the purchase of a chemical-free plate maker, the decision to use vegetablebased inks, the choice of efficient lighting, use of wind power, and responsible waste management.

Countless hours were spent researching the efficiency, quality, and environmental impact of each material, equipment, and production process. As a result of this experience Reza wrote a book to explain what is really meant by “green printing.” His book Go Green on Your Next Print is available for download at www.gogreenonyournextprint.com.

Although there is a place for short-run digital printing, Reza says that offset printing is more amenable to eco-friendly practices than digital printing. “A lot of people feel that digital printing is green, but it’s not that green. With offset printing, we use vegetable ink as our house stock. We use chemistry-free plating systems, so we’re not putting chemicals into the environment.

With digital, you’re very limited in paper stock, and you have to buy the toner, which is not green.”

Reza says that customer response to the company’s green initiative has been heartening, “but a lot of our success is due to the quality of our products and the quality of our service. We get a lot of

business services

repeat business because people are happy with the service they get at TigerPress.”

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Include Our BerkshireTimes magazine in your marketing plan

The most recent addition is Hybrid-Ultra Violet or H-UV printing. UV printing has been around for a while. It is a printing technology that uses special UV inks that cure when exposed to UV light. The H-UV technology accomplishes this with highly sensitive UV inks that require fewer UV bulbs than conventional UV printing. H-UV offers the benefits of UV inks while eliminating some of the drawbacks, such as the generation of heat and high energy consumption.

Call one of our independent account representatives for more information.

Kevin Regan . . . 413-274-1122 Mary Makuc . . . 413-429-1169 Sharon Vidal . . . 413-232-7069 Sheri Biasin . . . . . 413-822-2070

advertise@ourberkshiretimes.com

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Sharper images, brighter colors, and a larger color gamut are among the additional advantages of H-UV printing. Customers can clearly see the difference on uncoated sheets as the H-UV inks cure on top of the sheets and provide much more vivid colors than the conventional inks. More contrast is achieved with H-UV while using up to 30 percent less ink.

Compared to older conventional printing, there are environmental advantages to using H-UV printing. The H-UV does not discharge ozone and it contributes tremendously to a better environment inside the printing plant because it does not require the use of powder that conventional inks require, plus it is nearly odorless. H-UV is also believed to be more environmentally friendly than some of the older conventional printing methods.

To learn more about the services, green initiatives, and history of TigerPress visit www.tigerpress.com.

Jamie O’Connell, salesman at TigerPress, has worked for TigerPress since 2003. He has worked in the printing industry since 1979.

Jamie is very enthusiastic about Reza and Jennifer’s commitment to quality, customer service, and the environment.

Oct-Nov ry Aug - Sept 2014, vol 15 (26) 2014, vol 16 (27) Take One, It's Free!

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Take On e, It's Fr ee! ™

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Local Ev ents | Art Community News | Local Events | &Personal rant Livin| gVibrant Living Cu| VibGrowth ™ Real Es & eGarden lture | Home e tat | Hom & Garde & Profes Art & Culture sionals | n | Vib nts Eve  Get rant Living Local Ready for the Holida ys!

O O O Food & Drink and Education & Workshops Special Features OO s O Online Coupons at www.OurBerkshireTimes.com/Coupons! lness Feature Special Art,

& Wel t and Health om Entertainmen shireTimes.c Culture & www.OurBerk Visit us at

OO

Our BerkshireTimes magazine is printed by TigerPress with soy-based ink on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper. TigerPress's green initiatives, high tech equipment, printing quality, reasonable prices, and ability to produce our publication on site from start to finish was the main reason we chose them, but without a doubt our ongoing loyalty is because of the superior service we receive from our salesman, Jamie O'Connell. We highly recommend Jamie and TigerPress for all of your printing and packaging needs. ~ Kathy and Kevin Regan, Publishers, Our BerkshireTimes magazine.

Great Barrington | Lenox | Pittsfield North Adams | Lee 413.528.4111 www.nbtbank.com

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education & workshops

learning opportunities

THE GIFT OF SELF-AWARENESS & DISCOVERY

By K. Meagan Ledendecker

R

ecently I missed a perfect opportunity. I was feeling proud of myself because I had successfully redirected my three-year-old from his desire to eat Goldfish for breakfast. He had just finished happily pouring Goldfish into a container to save for snack. The sunshine poured into the windows and seemed to beam down on the lovely scene.

A few moments later, my son had scooped up both the full container and the quite large Goldfish box and moved across the kitchen to put them away. In the process of juggling both items, he managed to drop the not-quite closed container and the entire contents scattered across the floor.

The effect was startling. I think I may have even let out a little gasp. I quickly swooped in and helped him clean up the spill.

After hearing his reply, I could have asked him how he felt about what happened. Maybe I could even have asked what he learned from the experience, or what ideas he had for preventing that kind of spill in the future. Then finally, I could have asked, “How can I help?”

By giving a child the opportunity to reflect, we give the gift of self-awareness and discovery, as well as a sense of competence.

A big part of our jobs as adults is to help children learn to think for themselves. I want my son to grow up being able to reflect on his mistakes and figure out another course of action. Next time, I’ll be sure to give him the opportunity. ~ K. Meagan Ledendecker is a Certified Positive Discipline Educator, Director of Education at The Montessori School of the Berkshires, and is always on that seemingly unattainable quest to become a better parent. www.berkshiremontessori.org

As I scooped up handfuls of snack, though, I realized that I had let a golden opportunity slip away.

I saw my son’s face right after he dropped the container full of Goldfish. He was shocked. What had happened?

I was pretty sure I knew what had happened. He was carrying too much at once and hadn’t even closed the container completely. But did he know?

I wonder what would have happened if I had merely taken a deep breath, paused, and gently with genuine curiosity asked, “What happened?”

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What would he have realized?

As we raise and guide children, it can be so easy to want to smooth the paths ahead (for them and us). We help clean up spills. We deliver forgotten items. We pack snacks. Sometimes we lecture, thinking . . . if they’d just listen and remember.

In smoothing the paths, however, we rob our children of the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

If I had asked my son, “What happened?” we would have been able to explore the situation. If he had been able to verbalize a response, and if I had really listened without formulating a comeback, I would have had the opportunity to ask another question. “Why do you think that happened?”

The Hotchkiss School 11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, ct 860.435.4423 | hotchkiss.org/arts www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

October | November 2015

23

fashion & beauty

almost ayurveda

5 borrowed tips from ancient

A

re you familiar with Ayurveda, the 5000-plus-year-old system from India that provides guidelines for leading a balanced, healthful life? To quote Dr. Alkaitis (owner of an organic skin care products company), “health is the essential foundation for beauty.” Ayurveda excels at offering techniques to increase and support health and beauty. The great news is that these techniques are easy and cheap, or free! Here are five tips that can improve the health and beauty of your skin.

1. Dry skin brushing This simple exfoliating technique will make your skin softer and keep your lymphatic system moving. Gentle daily exfoliation insures your newest, shiniest skin cells are making a good impression on the surface and supports your lymphatic system, which is critical for a well-functioning immune system. It smooths the skin and feels invigorating; I’ve seen clients successfully reduce keratosis pilaris from upper arms and thighs and it is rumored to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Ready to try it yourself? I like the Yerba Prima Skin Brush with the removable handle. Using long, light strokes, run the brush over the surface of your skin, always in the direction of your heart. Take each leg separately and begin at your feet and move upward until you have covered every area of your body with a few strokes. When you’ve finished, shower to wash off all those loosened dead skin cells.

2. Make oil your moisturizer

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15 Main Street, Lee 413-243-0508

October | November 2015

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The only way I can survive winter in the northeast is to moisturize with oil after every shower, but it also keeps skin looking and feeling great at all times of the year. Ayurveda offers a technique called abhyanga which is a self massage with heated oil. While I seldom take the time to do this traditional massage, I believe the principle of treating the skin to a daily

fashion & beauty

wisdom for beauty and skin health

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drink of oil is important. Common oils used are coconut or sesame oil and, of course, herbal oil blends work well too.

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3. Keep things moving with Triphala

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Triphala is an herbal formula that combines three Ayurvedic herbs. It is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, and is a gentle internal cleanser that promotes regularity and digestive health. (I’m not a doctor, of course, but this has been my personal experience.) Healthy digestion is critical for clear skin so if you feel like you could use help in this area, consider experimenting with Triphala.

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4. Get to bed before ten o'clock

REPAIRS | CLEANING | ADJUSTMENTS

This should be listed as number one to emphasize how critical it is for our total health, as well as for great-looking skin. I didn’t put it first though, because I imagine everyone kind of knows this already, but just hasn’t been able or convinced enough to make it happen. We look and feel better when we sleep well. Studies prove, and Ayurveda asserts as well, that we will get better quality sleep if we start around ten o’clock. So make the choice to support your health and beauty and form the habit of winding down your evening before ten.

5. Drink water The easiest way to keep all of your body�s elimination processes functioning is to stay hydrated. Hydrated cells and tissues have the best chance to work properly; dehydrated tissue does not.

So eat water-filled foods and drink pure water (not from plastic water bottles). I still think the old guideline of 64 ounces per day is a good place to start. For myself, I created a system that involves decanting my water ahead of time into a glass pitcher.

If you need to add a little lemon or lime and stevia (I like the Body Ecology version), or fresh herbs to make it more exciting, do it. There’s lots to be said (a whole website�s worth) about what constitutes quality water, but for our current purposes, drink from the tap if it isn’t chlorinated and drink filtered water if it is, and choose glass bottled water. ~ Ren Marasco is a skin care therapist and the owner of Renew Skin Care, Yoga, and Chinese Face Reading located in Ashley Falls, MA. Ren is also a certified yoga instructor and offers a weekly yoga class on Tuesdays at 9am at Lifeworks Studio in Great Barrington, MA. She has been working within the wellness community since 1999 and is passionate about topics related to health, beauty, and slowing down. www.renewskinwellness.com

56 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 413.445.5700 Wed-Sat 10am to 6pm

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October | November

25

Happy Autumn!

Pumpkins, hayrides, hot apple pie.

Blazing fires, family, cuddling.

Fall festivals, crisp air, cider donuts.

Hot cocoa, scarecrows, beautiful leaves.

Baking, Halloween, Thanksgiving.

Good friends, laughter, and joy.

Special thanks to our readers and advertisers.

We wish you all the good things this beautiful season brings. ~ Kathy, Kevin & Brianna Regan

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health & wellness

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October | November 2015

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health & wellness

baking soda SEVEN AMAZING INEXPENSIVE, NONTOXIC USES FOR BAKING SODA

By Alison Shore Gaines

M

y teeth have never been whiter! I have long heard of the many effective, natural, safe uses for baking soda. The other day I decided to try it out as a toothpaste. I was amazed by how clean and smooth my teeth felt. And white! My teeth had become dingy with drinking green tea. Now my teeth are becoming whiter every day.

And baking soda is cost effective – it costs less than $3 for a pound (easily five year�s worth of tooth brushing) compared to spending $7 for a tube of natural nonfluoride toothpaste. It takes a little getting used to the salty taste without the mint flavoring, but I love that it is natural and inexpensive.

Baking soda is eco-friendly and is a safe health and beauty product as well as being an effective replacement for many household purposes.

What is baking soda, anyway? It�s a chemical compound called natron or sodium bicarbonate, with a slightly salty, alkaline taste. Natron is a mineral found dissolved in many mineral springs. It was first used in Egypt thousands of years ago for home and body. Here are a few of its many uses.

Body scrub – Use the same scrub as previous. It feels great all over and softens elbow patches and heel cracks.

Toothbrush and oral appliance cleanser – Soak these items overnight in a glass of warm water with two teaspoons baking soda. The baking soda will clean and purify them.

There are hundreds of uses for baking soda that are inexpensive, effective, and nontoxic for you and the earth. Sources:

Facial cleanser – Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water.

Gently rub on face as an exfoliant. As a remedy for blackheads and acne, you can leave a thicker paste on those areas for five to ten minutes, then rinse off.

Deodorant – Since I stopped drinking coffee and eating red meat, I haven’t needed any kind of deodorant (somebody tell me if I’m mistaken!). But baking soda makes a safe, effective product – just pat a little under your arms.

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Bug bites, poison ivy, sumac, and oak – Make a paste with three parts baking soda and one part apple cider vinegar and pat on bites or rash. Leave on 15 minutes then rinse. Baking soda and vinegar absorb poisons, relieve itchiness, and cool inflammation.

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Household cleanser – A thick paste of baking soda and water will clean just about anything without the use of harsh chemicals that harm your health and the environment.

Use it as a nonscratch scrub for pots and pans, coffee pots, ovens, microwaves, sinks, tubs, and floors. For a little more oomph, add a bit of liquid dish soap to the paste. It can even be used as a silver polish.

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~ Alison Shore Gaines is a Holistic Health Educator trained in integrative nutrition, Kripalu yoga, and body-centered counseling. She leads mindful eating and Revitalizing Cleanse Retreats at Kripalu Center and across the country. www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

October | November 2015

29

mind & spirit

not to be left out BEAUTY THAT MANIFESTS ITSELF FROM THE INSIDE OUT / by Rodelinde Albrecht

W

hen I was a young girl, oh how I longed to have curly golden locks, a kissable Cupid’s-bow mouth, a pert little button of a nose. Alas: fishing in my family’s abundant gene pool had netted me all the wrong things: my father’s high forehead and his grand patrician nose (scaled down a bit but not enough); my mother’s obstinately straight hair and her poor eyesight; my grandfather’s narrow lips. I had swallowed as gospel truth the romantic novels, the songs, the movies in which the pretty girl always gets the handsome guy and they stride off, hand in hand, into happy ever after. And so I feared I would be forever left out of love.

both be so happy, together, forever.” But he could not see into my soul, he could not hear my heart. He got off at the next stop.

I never saw him again.

Deep down, I knew I had fished up some qualities of value as well: optimism, patience, tolerance, a kind heart, a creative spirit, high intelligence, a quirky sense of humor, a boundless capacity for loving. But these traits seemed invisible to the undiscerning eye.

That dream took shape in 1984, in Berkeley, California, when I became one of the founders of just such a service. Years later, I met my husband, the real love of my life, through that same organization. I now live and work in the beautiful Berkshires.

One day when I was 26, I beheld sitting across from me on a New York subway car the man I was sure would be the love of my life. He must have felt my stare, for he glanced up at me – and then quickly looked away. “Wait, wait!” I wanted to call out.

“Close your eyes and open your heart! If you could only see the real me, you would know that I could make you happy. We could

It gives me great joy to know that I am instrumental in helping others find that one vital and irreplaceable gift: true and lasting love based on commonly held values and the ability to see that what is essential is invisible to the eye. ~ Rodelinde Albrecht

At that moment, I realized there should be a way for people like me to find one another without first being distracted by externals.

They would come to know one another through their written and spoken words. They would learn enough about one another that love might begin to grow before they ever met. And when at last they did meet, they would see one another with eyes newly opened to the beauty that manifests itself from the inside out.

is cofounder and director of Concerned Singles. (413) 243-4350, www.concernedsingles.com

“It was her compassion that was so pretty.”

Close your eyes. open your heart. concernedsingles.com

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Vicki Baird *Belief Specialist Imagine what could happen . . . if you believed in you!

Experience Belief Re-Patterning to help you change your belief systems.

(413) 499-9791 Vicki is the only certified practitioner in the USA.

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