Our BerkshireTimes Magazine Holiday Issue, 2017

Holiday Issue 2017, vol 45

Complimentary

Our BerkshireTimes

™

Local Events | Art & Culture | Home & Garden | Vibrant Living Cover Art by Jeffrey L. Neumann / www.neumannfineart.com

“

CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957 Convenient Location with Ample Parking on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guido’s

PET WELLNESS IS OUR SPECIALTY. RAW-FEEDING IS OUR PASSION.

BENSDOTTER’S PET

940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 413-528-4940

Cats, like butterflies, need no excuse.

- Robert Anson Heinlein -

Nov 15, 2017 - Jan 15, 2018

Our BerkshireTimes™ PUBLISHERS Kathy I. Regan publisher@ourberkshiretimes.com

Contents 4

Kevin J. Regan kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com _______________ EDITORIAL Kathy I. Regan editor@ourberkshiretimes.com Proofreader Rodelinde Albrecht _______________ DESIGN Magazine Design/Layout Kathy I. Regan Brianna I. Regan _______________ TO ADVERTISE CONTACT Account Representatives Kevin J. Regan kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com Debra Johnson debra@ourberkshiretimes.com _______________

COVER ILLUSTRATION

“Railroad Street” By Jeffrey L. Neumann www.neumannfineart.com

Jeffrey L. Neumann, born 1953 in Cedar Rapids, IA, was educated at Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1973-1974, and Springfield College, B.S. 1981, M.Ed. 2008. During a 20year career in the fine art papers industry he continued to make and exhibit his art.

He has taught art in high school and adult classes. Jeffrey currently has a studio and gallery in Hillsdale, NY. Visit his website at www.neumannfineart.com.

FUN THINGS TO DO JEFFREY L. NEUMANN

8

in the spotlight HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

10

food & drink WARMING SQUASH BISQUE

12

home & garden

1

UTILITY METERS MATTER WINTER HOME CARE 6 WAYS TO GIVE BACK

17

animal talk ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

18

business to business COACHING SESSIONS BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

20

Our BerkshireGreen, Inc. P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236 Phone: (413) 274-1122 advertise@ourberkshiretimes.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com This publication is printed with soy ink on Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper. _______________

art, culture & entertainment

health & wellness PARLIAMENT BANS MONSANTO GATEWAY TO A HEALTHY BODY

4

KILL HIDDEN BAD BUGS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA PROLONGED INDEPENDENCE

27

mind & spirit ASK VICKI

28

education & workshops GENEROSITY AND GIVING

31

featured advertisers THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

10

S ON THE COVER - Jeffrey L. Neumann’s winter-themed painting “Railroad Street” features our local Railroad Street in Great Barrington, MA. Painted in 2011, this watercolor measures 34” x 47”. It is now in a private collection.

Our BerkshireTimes magazine was first published in 2009 and is distributed bimonthly.

Most of our editorial content is contributed by our community members. We encourage you to submit original material for consideration through our website.

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.

3

Explore the Berkshires AND BEYOND - FUN THINGS TO DO!

Holiday Market When: Saturday, November 18, 2017, 10:30am-5:30pm Where: Greylock WORKS, 508 State Rd, North Adams, MA Cost: $5, children 12 and under are free A new holiday market at Greylock WORKS on State Road celebrates the unique magic of the Northern Berkshires. Set in an expansive, light-filled mill, the festival marketplace offers music performances, food crafters, local farmers, fermenters and distillers, and the region’s best artisans and textile curators. Stay for demonstrations and workshops that invite visitors to share in the stories and skills of our artisans. www.greylockworks.com

Berkshire Museum’s Festival of Trees When: November 18, 2017, through January 7, 2018 Where: Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street (Route 7), Pittsfield, MA Cost: $13 adult, $6 child, free for members and children 3 and under Tap into your dreams! Fueled by imagination and tales of fantasy and whimsy, visit Berkshire Museum’s Whimsical, Wonderful Festival of Trees. See holiday trees depicting a spectacular toy land, an amusing fun house, or even an enchanted castle. An added feature this year is a treasure hunt inspired by the childhood game of “I Spy” – each tree will have a unique object or ornament that will become part of a fanciful treasure hunt. www.berkshiremuseum.org

Bright Nights at Forest Park When: November 22, 2017, through January 1, 2018. Sun-Thurs 5-9pm, Fri, Sat, and holidays 5-11pm. Closed Nov 27 and 28 Where: 300 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA (just off I-91 on Route 83) Cost: $18 per car Mon-Thurs, $21 per car Fri, Sat, and holidays Since 1995, Bright Nights has welcomed more than 3.8 million visitors 4

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

through its nearly three-mile display area, as the Northeast’s premier holiday lighting experience. It has been named seven times as one of the Top 100 Attractions in North America. Bright Nights is proud to be making the transformation to LED bulbs in many of its displays. Expansions since the first season include the Winter Garden, Jurassic World, Kwanzaa, Everett Barney Mansion, Happy Holidays Springfield, as well as additions to Toy Land, and so much more. www.brightnights.org

The Tinseliner™ Hoosac Valley Train Ride When: November 24, 25, 26, 2017; December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 2017 Where: Hoosac Valley Train Rides, 98 Crowley Avenue, North Adams, MA Cost: $14 adult, $12 senior (65+), $10 youth (4-14), children under 4 no charge. Tickets for this event are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.

This exclusively themed train ride, Celebrating a Mid-Century American Christmas, will celebrate and evoke the nostalgia of Christmas circa 1955 and includes a visit from Santa Claus. One hour roundtrip departing from downtown Adams, complete with classic holiday music, retro decorations (yes, a silver tree!), and a Christmas tree lot. The train ride offers beautiful views of Mount Greylock and the surrounding Hoosac Mountain Range. www.hoosacvalleytrainride.com

The Wizard of Oz (1939) When: Saturday, November 25, 2017, 4pm Where: The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA. Cost: $7 The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center continues its annual tradition screening The Wizard of Oz over Thanksgiving weekend. Join Dorothy and her eccentric band of friends gathered along the way across Oz, a curious world far from her home in Kansas. This 1939 fantasy is a celebrated staple in American culture. www.mahaiwe.org

art, culture & entertainment

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas When: Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3, 2017 Where: Main Street, Stockbridge, MA Cost: See website for details The town of Stockbridge, made famous by Norman Rockwell’s painting of the village during the holidays, becomes a magical New England setting decorated with holiday wreaths and festive lights, as the town celebrates Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. A full range of activities including holiday readings, house tours, caroling, and a holiday concert will be available. On Sunday, Rockwell’s painting comes to life with vintage automobiles parked in the spots occupied in the painting. The day’s activities include horse-drawn rides, a visit from Santa, Roger the Jester, lunch at the Christmas food booth, and much more. www.tinyurl.com/y9cqtha8

Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School Yuletide Fair When: Saturday, December 2, 2017, 10am-4pm Where: Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, 330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY. Cost: Free Join us for our 40th annual Yuletide Fair as we celebrate the holiday season!

Dozens of artisan vendors will fill the school’s classrooms with beautiful handcrafted items – you’re sure to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list! The school assembly hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland with dozens of original gingerbread creations on display. Bid on your favorite entry at the gingerbread auction and take home an original work of gingerbread art. Enjoy activities for children, visit the Community Craft Room for handcrafted items and the Hand to Hand Room for gently worn wool clothing and wooden toys, and stop for a tasty treat in the Cozy Café. www.hawthornevalley.org

2017 Elf Express™ When: Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17, 2017 Where: r. k. Miles Depot Station, 670 Depot Street, Manchester Center, VT Cost: $25 Adults (13 & over), $20 Kids (2-12), free under 2 (lap rider) This whimsical holiday train will take its riders on aa enchanting one-hour journey through the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. Passengers will be entertained with holiday melodies and dance routines by the elves of the theater and dance program of Burr and Burton Academy under the direction of Broadway and Hollywood song-and-dance man Jim Raposa. Refreshments will be served on decorated trains. Hear a special story about Christopher Pop-In-Kins, who will also be hidden on every train in the greenery peeking to see who’s been naughty and nice! Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will make a surprise visit to provide every child with a special gift. www.manchesterlionselftrain.com

GRAND MOVING SALE Everything At The Store

40%-70% off with this ad Don’t You Deserve the Best?

ELECTROLUX | 90 Years of Innovation ● Best

Vacuums ● True HEPA ● Best Vacuums ● Best Service ● Best Air Purifiers 40% ● Best Warranty ● Healthy Home O FF! ● Laundry Solutions with this

How many vacuum cleaners have ● Healthy Home Products you had for the last 25 years? ● Best Air PurifiersHow about one?

ad

383 North Street, Pittsfield, ● www.aerusonline.com Don’tMAYou Deserve the Best?

(413) 442-1544 | (413) 743-0985 | (802) 442-9560 ELECTROLUX | 90 Years of Innovation ● Best

Vacuums ● True HEPA ● Best Service ● Best Air Purifiers ● Best Warranty ● Healthy Home

Open

How many vacuum cleaners have you had for the last 25 years?

How about one?

Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4

383 North Street, Pittsfield, MA ● www.aerusonline.com (413) 442-1544 | (413) 743-0985 | (802) 442-9560

A Whimsical Holiday Train is arriving in Manchester, VT December 16th & 17th The Elf Express™ ● Holiday

music ● Refreshments ● Visit

from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus ● Special gift!

To purchase tickets go to www.ManchesterLionsElfTrain.com

These family-friendly event listings were

submitted in part by Seniors Helping Seniors. www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/berkshires

Online sales end 12/13 at 6pm.

It’s like getting a little help from a friend. ®

(413) 822-9988 SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/Berkshires SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/WesternMass

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

5

art, culture & entertainment

Jeffrey L. Neumann OUR BERKSHIRETIMES MAGAZINE'S HOLIDAY 2017 COVER ARTIST

M

y aim is to create deeply personal work that speaks about the soul of America.

My art is a reflection on an America that is rapidly disappearing. I have spent a great deal of time on the road. The paintings I make are distilled from that experience. Although there is an aspect of cultural anthropology in my work, I have to experience a profound personal connection with my subject.

~ Jeff Neumann

Bus, oil on linen, 42” x 30”, 2016, by Jeffrey L Neumann

Jeffrey L. Neumann explores the profound meaning one may find in overlooked places. For Neumann, the act of painting serves to preserve unique aspects of American cultural history while reflecting on the spirit that lives on in our built environment. His oil and watercolor paintings take the viewer on a journey down the two-lane highways of the twentieth century. They allow us to experience a part of our past that is being swiftly replaced by the widespread influence of corporate conformity.

When asked about his art, Neumann said “My aim is to create deeply personal work that speaks about the soul of America. My art is a reflection on an America that is rapidly disappearing. I have spent a great deal of time on the road. The paintings I make are distilled from that experience. Although there is an aspect of cultural anthropology in my work, I have to experience a profound personal connection with my subject. This emotional response is what I try to convey through my paintings. I’m seeking to evoke a certain mood through the limitations of paint. Although I’m interested in the craft of painting and try to create well-executed art, my paintings are not just about painting. They are also very much about the subject. Not necessarily a literal representation, but one that contains a feeling, which comes from the heart.

Neumann has had eight solo exhibitions and participated in group shows dating to the 1970s, most recently at the 2017 Blanche Ames National Juried Exhibition, Borderlands State Park, North Easton, MA. He will be featuring his work in a solo show entitled 6

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Hometown, which will be on display during November and December 2017 at Neumann Fine Art, Hillsdale, NY. In addition to his own gallery, where he represents a select stable of regional and national artists, Neumann is represented by Lawrence Fine Art, East Hampton, NY; Fine Art New Mexico, Arroyo Seco, NM; and Art Exchange Gallery, Santa Fe, NM. His work is in numerous corporate and private collections including Mass Mutual Life Insurance Co., Baystate Medical Center, U.S. Congressional Offices, and The City of Springfield, MA. His signed giclée prints are published by Neumann Media LLC, www.neumannfineart.com.

Artist Jeffrey L. Neumann working on his Railroad Street painting.

art, culture & entertainment

Cove Bowling, oil on canvas, 24” x 36”, 2012, by Jeffrey L. Neumann

NE BUY O E N GET O LE! SA FREE

Join us for Sit & Knit!

Wed & Fri 2-4pm and Wed 5-7:30pm All skill levels welcome.

Open Wed-Thurs 12-5pm, Fri-Sat 10-5pm

130 Water Street, Lower Level, Williamstown, MA

www.spinoffyarnshop.com ● (413) 344-6257

TOONERVILLE TROLLEY

RECORDS & CDs New ● Used ● Imported Stop by for a visit!

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

413-458-5229

131 Water Street, Williamstown, MA www.toonervilletrolleyrecords.com

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

7

Wonderful Things IN GREAT BARRRINGTON, MA

STRATEGIZE

Chessboard and Pieces / Wonderful Things

This solid wood chessboard, designed and created by David Levy from Hardwood Creations, is made from African sapele (edges), American maple (light squares), Peruvian black walnut (dark squares), rosewood (dark pieces), and maple (light pieces). Wonderful Things is well known for its extensive collection of pottery and American-made and artisan gifts. When you visit you will also find the largest selection of yarn, needlework, and craft supplies in the Berkshires. Find the perfect present for any occasion, or give the creative person in your life a gift certificate. 232 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA. Open seven days a week. (413) 528-2473, www.wonderful-things.com / $300

SHARE

Chocolate Gift Boxes / Chocolate Springs

This holiday season, stop in and experience Chocolate Springs fine, European-style chocolates, and be sure to bring home their chocolate gift box assortments to share with others. Chocolate Springs is a European-style chocolate and dessert café with decades of experience in crafting the finest handmade bonbons. Milk and dark chocolate, truffles, amazing ganache, and award-winning hot chocolate are made fresh every day using only the finest seasonal and organic ingredients whenever possible.

Buy gifts online, or visit Chocolate Springs Café at 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA. (413) 637-9820, www.chocolatesprings.com / $5-$50

CREATE

Artist Gift Bundle / JWS Art Supplies

Our special gift bundle contains everything an aspiring artist needs to get started painting with acrylics. Included is a set of 12 acrylic colors, a set of 4 bristle brushes, 2 canvas panels, a palette, and an exclusive JWS tote bag for the artist on the go. For $50, this is the perfect starter set for the creative person in your life. Visit JWS today and explore our wide variety of art supplies, from charcoal and pencils to oil and acrylic and everything in between. We carry supplies for professional artists, students, and even kids’ crafts. Also, be sure to check out our unique gift section.

JWS Art Supplies is located at 38 Railroad Street, Great Barrington, MA (413) 644-9838, www.jwsartsupplies.com / $50 8

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

ADORN

Handspun Glass Necklaces / Cheshire Glassworks

If you love eye-catching jewelry, or are looking for a special gift, don’t miss these beautiful, handcrafted, handspun glass necklaces. Cheshire Glassworks, run by artist/ owner Jill Reynolds, is an independently owned studio and gallery located in the northern Berkshires filled with everything from sparkling pendants, earrings, bracelets, and rings to whimsical glass vases and imaginative sculptures. Jill lovingly creates each one-of-a-kind piece with the magic of fire, glass, and brilliant color. Visit Cheshire Glassworks at 24 South Street, Cheshire, MA. (413) 743-7828, www.cheshireglassworks.com / gifts from $25-$300

DISCOVER

Binoculars / Wild Birds Country Store

Vortex Diamondback binoculars are fog- and waterproof, have the widest field of view, and excellent close focus for watching birds, butterflies, and dragonflies.

They deliver amazingly bright, clear images and superior low light performance, have a lifetime warranty, and are always on sale. Owners Dave and Jody Soules carry a complete line of products to enjoy bird watching, bird feeding (21 kinds of premium seed, suet, and custom mixtures), including unique birdfeeders, birdhouses, birdbaths, and many one-of-a-kind, distinctive gift items. Wild Birds Country Store, 783 South Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 644-9007, www.wild-birdstore.com / $199-$243

BRIGHTEN

Dream Luminizer Trio / Face Haven

An innovating twist on a cult classic, Face Haven loves this Limited Edition Dream Luminizer Trio by Jane Iredale. Three pearlescent multipurpose finishing powders create a soft-focus finish that smooths and brightens the skin’s appearance. Can be worn alone or mixed to create a custom glow; it’s perfect for highlighting cheeks, eyes, and brow bones. The compact is great for travel, as each color folds up and under the other and will fit into the palm of your hand.

Visit Face Haven’s studio and store at 323 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-4053, www.facehavenbeauty.com / $45

DELIGHT

Gift Baskets / Berkshire Organics

Our signature gift basket highlights the finest the area has to offer with locally made jam and granola, honey and maple syrup, Ooma Tesoro homemade marinara sauce, Klara’s cookies, Berkshire Bark, a nice assortment of freshly picked local apples and pears, and much, much more. Beautifully arranged in a wicker basket, wrapped with a bow, and delivered to their door. Help support our local community of farmers, producers, and artisans while delighting everyone on your list! Available in three sizes year round to suit your gift-giving needs.

All of our gifts are available for shipping and will be shipped in a gift box with the Berkshire Organics logo. (413) 442-0888, www.berkshireorganics.com / $29 and up

ENJOY

Subscriptions / Our BerkhireTimes Magazine

Don’t miss a single issue! Enjoy the convenience of home delivery with a one-year subscription to Our BerkshireTimes magazine. Our vibrant, community-focused publication is independently published, “locally grown” (in the Berkshires since 2009), and offers six print issues per year starting each January. Each issue displays local art on its cover, and is printed with soy ink on quality 80#, FSC-certified satin paper with satin aqueous coating. Most of our editorial content is contributed by community members, and we welcome your editorial and artistic contributions.

We publish content that informs, educates, enlightens, entertains, and inspires. Share your passion!

(413) 274-1122, www.ourberkshiretimes.com / $5.95 per issue, bimonthly www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

9

Warming Squash Bisque

By Guido’s Fresh Marketplace

T

his creamy, nourishing, easy-to-prepare soup from Guido’s Fresh Marketplace makes a great lunch or starter for any holiday meal. Serves six.

Ingredients 1 acorn squash 1 medium butternut squash 2 delicata squash 4 T extra virgin olive oil 2 yellow onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced

1 T fresh thyme 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced 1 13.6-ounce can coconut milk ½ cup Guido’s Own fresh orange juice 1 quart vegetable stock

Directions Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the squashes in half vertically, scoop out the seeds and arrange the halves face-up on a parchment-lined sheet pan.

Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and bake until tender, about an hour.

In a large soup pot over medium heat, combine the onions, garlic, thyme, celery, jalapeño, and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the coconut milk, orange juice, and vegetable stock. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove the squashes from their skins by scooping out the flesh.

Add the cooked squash to the soup and stir. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.

Puree the soup in a food processor or with an immersion blender until the soup is smooth. Adjust seasonings to your taste. ~ For thirty-eight years and counting, Guido’s Fresh Marketplace (located in Great Barrington and in Pittsfield) has been the premier purveyor of quality produce in Berkshire County and neighboring areas. Be sure to see their website for events and specials. www.guidosfreshmarketplace.com 10

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

food & drink

NORTH EGREMONT COUNTRY STORE NEWLY EXPANDED DELI - FOOD MENU!

Wholesome ● Homestyle ● Delicious SoCo Ice Cream ● Local Free-Range Eggs Milk ● Liquor ● Beer ● Wine ● Pastries Lotto ● Post Office ● Fishing Bait Photo by John Phelan

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

Call (413) 528-4796

WE SELL LOCAL FOOD BERKSHIRE

CO-OP MARKET www.berkshire.coop

½

entrées available

D-e-e-licious!

Tues-Sat dinner only • 150 Main St., Lee 413.243.6397 cheznousbistro.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

11

Massachusetts: Utility Meters Matter

By Patricia Burke

W

ireless/cellular gas, water, and electric meters (modified wireless and full smart meters) that emit harmful radiation are being installed all over the country and in Massachusetts, but they are also being opposed nationwide by informed residents. Community members are concerned about green washing, increased security risks, cost, privacy, fire safety, explosions, environmental impacts, and serious health risks.

Opposition is justified for many reasons, and a lot of communities have attempted to pass a moratorium or opt-out provision.

Massachusetts investor-owned utilities have not yet deployed a full electric advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), but sadly our Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healey, has endorsed smart meters, suggesting that municipalities and aggregators also be approached to enable time-of-use billing. We do, however, currently have a bill proposed in Massachusetts that would allow residents to opt out of all wireless meters (gas, water, and electric). This bill is in committee and has had a hearing, but it has not yet passed.

Reliance on Tobacco Science The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MA DPU) addressed smart meter health concerns in its order MA DPU 12-76-B in June of 2014. The MA DPU relied on career tobacco scientist Peter Valberg of Gradient (an environmental and risk sciences consulting firm) to support their argument. Valberg testified for Philip Morris cigarettes the same week he testified for the MA DPU. He was featured in the Center for Public Integrity’s award-winning 2016 series Science for Sale for discounting the largest ever-reported cluster of occupational brain tumor deaths at a Texas chemical plant, and for publishing tainted research for the chemical industry. Like Monsanto, it appears that Gradient may have ghostwritten the MA DPU’s health testimony.

Insufficient FCC Guidelines By implying that there is no evidence that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines are insufficient to protect against both thermal and nonthermal impacts, the MA DPU has fraudulently misrepresented the scope of exposure guidelines (they never tested for the chronic, cumulative, and juxtaposed exposures that our population is being exposed to today). The FCC only addresses thermal impact. But measuring thermal effects addresses only one form of risk and is not a measure of biological safety. Frequencies, peaks, pulsing, and other signal characteristics are also biologically active. The longer one is exposed, the greater the risk. If you want to be safe it is important to use hard-wired connections.

12

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Corrupted Smart Meter Pilot Program In Massachusetts, Worcester’s National Grid smart meter pilot overran the process of community consent, was behind schedule, and over budget. In testimony to the Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals, tobacco scientist Peter Valberg misrepresented the scope and enforcement of RF frequency limits in other countries.

In truth, U.S. radio frequency guidelines are unfortunately higher than those in many other countries. Yet, the outcome-oriented design and inaccurate results reporting in Worcester is being used to justify the deployment of smart meters in the rest of the state.

Reports of Harm According to www.bioinitiative.org (a report by 29 independent scientists and health experts from around the world) wireless technologies may pose significant long-term health issues for everyone (children in particular), but vulnerable populations are already experiencing noticeable adverse health effects in connection to essential water, heat, and electric wireless/cellular metering services. Reliable biomarkers for electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) have been identified. Individuals who were previously healthy have reported the acute onset of EHS after smart meters have been installed, with headaches, anxiety, and loss of sleep as the leading complaints (see www.tinyurl.com/lvsskxk).

People with Lyme, multiple chemical sensitivity, previous head injuries or electric shock, neurological conditions, auto immune illness, methylation challenges, and other underlying health conditions appear to be particularly vulnerable for EHS onset. DNA damage and fertility challenges have also been linked to radio frequency exposures. Dr. Joseph Mercola (www.mercola.com) states “In a nutshell, nonionizing microwave exposures are a major source of mitochondrial dysfunction, and we’ve now come to appreciate that this is at the heart of virtually all chronic disease.

It’s no wonder, really, that so many are reporting serious health problems after having a smart meter installed in their home.”

The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) has said, “electromagnetic and radio frequency field exposure may be an underlying cause of a patient’s disease process.” Based on numerous studies showing harmful biological effects from EMF and RF radiation exposure, people with medical conditions and disabilities would more than likely benefit from avoiding exposure.

The electromagnetic frequencies generated by smart meters harm the health of humans, animals, and insects (including bees) by disrupting cellular communication, promoting stress hormone production, and disrupting many other biological processes in the body. See www.tinyurl.com/yb828vpq.

home & garden

Mechanism of Harm Dr. Martin Pall identified a nonthermal mechanism of harm caused by radio frequency exposures involving the voltagegated calcium channels in cell walls. In testimony before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy he testified that smart meters have been linked to lifethreatening heart rate alterations and arrhythmias, widespread neuropsychiatric effects, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

Expert testimony in Arizona indicates that the switch-mode power supply in electronic meters introduces damaging high voltage transients (dirty electricity) onto the clean 60 Hz cycle.

TCA 1996 vs. ADA The Telecommunications Act (TCA) of 1996, Section 704, protects the growth of the wireless industry by prohibiting consideration of health and environmental impacts. In 2013, lawyers for the Cities of Boston and Philadelphia noted that the inherent conflict between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the TCA of 1996 remains unresolved. The FCC has never addressed more than 900 testimonies submitted in 2013 regarding the inadequacy of the FCC guidelines, characterized by the Department of the Interior as being 30 years out of date. With the impending rollout of the 5G network, lack of attention to health, environmental considerations, and zoning overrides is an immediate concern.

33 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

It's time for your winter tune-up.

We'll be happy to check your wipers, tire pressure, and anti-freeze.

Alignments ● A/C ● Brakes ● Timing Belts ● Much More!

W

ILLIAMS & KINGSLEY

AUTO REPAIR, INC.

413-442-1620 ● 763 East Street, Pittsfield, MA

The Challenge In the Berkshire area of Massachusetts, Sheffield voters unsuccessfully attempted to establish the state’s first smart meter moratorium. Some Massachusetts cities and towns have temporarily accommodated residents who request a nontransmitting water meter; others threaten that they will shut the water supply off if a smart water meter is not installed.

The Massachusetts legislature is considering seven bills that pertain to radio frequency exposures, including the wireless meter opt-out bill that addresses the problem of previously undisclosed meter installs.

Massachusetts Bill S1864 – an act relative to utilities, smart meters, and ratepayers’ rights that includes gas, water, and electric meters – is sponsored by Senator Michael Moore. The bill faces significant opposition from the clean energy economy sector. Rep. Stephen Kulik sponsored Bill H3400 – an act clarifying authority and responsibilities of the department of public utilities – with support from many groups including gas pipeline opponents.

Until the committee takes action on a bill, testimony and input (calls and emails) can be submitted to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. For contact information go to www.tinyurl.com/jmjze3g. CeCe Doucette of Ashland has created a research depository with directions and templates for submitting testimony for the radio frequency bills at www.tinyurl.com/kwrwq6x. Our collective voice can make a difference. continued on page 30

CHRISTMAS TREES ● KISSING BALLS WREATHS ● GARLAND ● CEMETERY BOXES BOTH LOCATIONS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 9-5.

Locally owned

business since 1881!

736 Crane Ave, Pittsfield  (413) 443-7180 West Road, Adams  (413) 743-3896

Mountain Goat Artisans Local, One-of-a-Kind Handmade Gifts

Mary Merselis-Proprietor Pottery ● Furniture

Jewelry ● Original Art

Weaving ● Carvings Photography ● More!

(413) 884-5339 Open 12-5pm Wednesday - Saturday

130 Water Street, Williamstown, MA

www.mountaingoatartisans.com

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

13

home & garden

Winter Home Care THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE THIS WINTER / By Joyce Harsch

iving in Northern New England can be a very chilling experience, especially in areas where the temperatures fall below zero. Did you know the most important home investment you can make is preventing damage from frozen and burst pipes? We recommend following these guidelines to save money and keep safe and warm this winter.

L

supplier to turn on your furnace and propane heaters to verify that they are in good working order before they leave your property.

On the cooler side - Air conditioners need attention too.

Prevent damage from frozen and burst pipes.

1. Keep the temperature inside your home at 55◦F or above

Partially cover freestanding units, ensuring they can still breathe.

For window units, cover them tightly and caulk the gaps between the unit and the frame to prevent leaks. Or, remove them altogether until the nicer weather arrives. If you have a home air exchanger it also needs a filter change and cleaning.

2. Leave faucets on with a tiny trickle of water when

Look up - It’s also important to inspect your roof. If you don’t

even when you are gone.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

temperatures drop below zero.

Locate the main water shutoff valve before you need it.

If you do not have it already, add insulation to your crawlspace or basement when the weather warms up.

Install battery-powered leak alarms (around $15 each).

Make sure that your sump pump is working.

Make it a habit to check pipes for tiny leaks before they become major issues.

Look for pipes exposed to cold (especially hidden pipes in unheated attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages), then insulate them before they freeze and burst.

Check with your local home supply store for heated pipe wrapping, especially if the pipes are in an exposed crawlspace.

Seal the deal - The easiest way to keep the heat inside your

home is to seal air leaks, particularly if you live in an older home. Mass Save offers no-cost home energy assessments to help homeowners make home improvements that save money, electricity, and heating fuel. CET (www.cetonline.org) currently conducts Mass Save’s energy services in Western Massachusetts.

You can also hire a professional to test your home for leaks for about $150. To do it yourself, ensure the caulk around windows and weatherstripping around doors is in good condition, and replace where necessary. For unused or older windows, seal them using a plastic window-sealer kit, available from most hardware stores for about $20. Installing storm windows will also give you another layer of protection from the elements.

Get ready to heat - Furnaces should be checked every year especially if you live in the Berkshires where they get a real workout during blustery winter days. Have your furnace serviced yearly to change the filter and nozzle in the burner to make sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. For those using oil, the annual checks may be tied into your contract with your oil provider – call to see if you qualify for a free furnace check. Top off your oil furnace and propane fireplace tanks before the snow and ice come. Ask your 14

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

have a ladder, use binoculars to visually inspect the roof, making sure there are no sagging or missing shingles. Alongside the house, ensure gutters and eaves troughs are clean. You can have your eaves troughs cleaned professionally. Or you can invest in the Gutter Blaster, an eight-foot extension for your garden hose.

The U-shaped end fits into the trough and blasts out unwanted build-up using the regular pressure from your hose.

Look for holes - Plug every hole you can find. For electrical

outlets, buy liners that fit between the wall and the cover and acts as extra insulation. And even if you don’t have kids, plug the outlets with plastic socket inserts when not in use.

Check your insulation - The largest amount of heat that escapes your house leaves through the attic – almost 45 percent, in fact. So, to prevent your warm air from taking off, ensure your house has adequate insulation. Experts agree that an R-30 rated insulation is the minimum requirement.

Pack an emergency kit - Don’t be caught without supplies for you and your family. The Red Cross recommends that every kit include four liters of water per person per day, enough canned food to last for a few days, a first aid kit, blankets, sleeping bags, and a crank-operated radio. Don’t forget the flashlight and extra batteries. You may also wish to consider buying a gas generator.

~ Joyce A. Harsch is a real estate broker who has lived in the Berkshires since 2008. She also has a masters degree in nursing. Joyce and her husband, Paul, live in Williamstown, MA, and own Harsch Associates Berkshire Real Estate. She and Paul blog about real estate interests on a regular basis as a way to reach out to homeowners to help them safeguard their investment in their homes. They also love gardening, wildlife, and hiking. And of course all things real estate. www.harschrealestate.com

home & garden

Dress Up Your Windows Window Treatments

Hunter Douglas ● Graber ● Norman Shutters Upholstery, Draperies, Fabric & Wallpaper

Window Treatments

Flynn VW Audi BMW in Pittsfield, MA, treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time.

Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence! We encourage you to browse our online inventory, schedule a test drive, and investigate financing options.

(413) 443-4702 ● 600 Merrill Road, Pittsfield, MA

Hunter Douglas • Graber • Comfortex • Norman Shutter For all Your Decorating Needs Upholstery, Draperies, Fabric & Wallpaper

BerkshireFabric Fabric & Wallpaper Berkshire & Wallpaper 274 Wahconah Pittsfield, 274 Wahconah St.,St., Pittsfield, MA MA

(413) 442-4420 413-442-4420

Open 10-5, closed Open dailydaily 10-5:30, SatSat 10-4,10-4, closed SundaySun

flynnvw.com ● flynnaudi.com ● flynnbmw.com

www.berkshirefabricwallpaper.com

Emergency Water & Fire Remediation

STUNNING BERKSHIRE CONTEMPORARY The perfect combination of privacy and luxury

ServiceMASTER of the Berkshires ServiceMASTER of Columbia County, NY 413-445-5678 800-707-1441 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

800-707-1441

24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

EMERGENCY ON CALL SERVICE ● Emergency Water Damage Remediation Locally Owned ● Emergency Fire, Soot and Smoke Remediation and Operated. ● House Wide and Post Construction Cleaning ● Floor Maintenance ● Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning ● Animal Debris and Odor Clean Up ● Mold and Odor Remediation ● Sewer and Septic Clean Up ● We Will Use Green Cleaning Products Upon Request

Certified & Trained Technicians With More Than 15 Years Experience.

3 Westview Road, Pittsfield, MA

www.ServiceMasteroftheBerkshires.com

GREAT BARRINGTON ● GUEST WING ● DRAMATIC GUNITE POOL ● $1,800,000

Steve Erenburg Associate

(413) 663-0457

A resident of the Berkshires for 16 years, Steve has always been deeply involved in his local community. He has strong business and negotiation skills – an asset to anyone looking to buy or sell real estate. Steve has been married for 43 years, loves the Berkshires, and enjoys fishing and golf.

COHEN + WHITE ASSOCIATES

DISTINCTIVE TOWN & COUNTRY PROPERTIES

Lenox, MA ● (413) 637-1086 www.cohenwhiteassoc.com

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

15

home & garden

6

Ways to Give Back During the Holidays

A GREAT WAY TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT GIVING

By Kelly Bevan McIlquham

T

he holidays are a great way to teach your children about the benefits of giving back to their community, helping to create a lifelong tradition of giving that will bring value not only to their lives, but also to the families they will help along the way. Below find seven ideas for how your family can give back to others in the Berkshires this season.

1) Clean out your child’s toy box and donate the gentlyused toys they no longer use to a local shelter.

When my kids were younger, one of our Christmas traditions involved cleaning out the toy room, throwing out broken toys, and gathering others to donate. This way there was room for new toys from Santa, the playroom was organized for the briefest of moments., and our kids learned early that giving to others feels good.

Suggestion: Louison House, 149 Church Street, North Adams: Accepting limited toys, games, and so forth for children (especially those over age 7), during shelter hours.

Louison House is also in need of twin sheets and towels, kitchen items, paper goods, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. Call (413) 663-6323, ext. 4 for more information.

2) Participate in a local coat and/or clothing drive.

Kids grow up fast, and out of their clothes even faster. Donating last year’s winter wear is a great way to make room in your closets and keep families warm for the winter.

Suggestion: Wahconah Rotary Interact: Donations of winter coats, boots, gloves, taken at Dalton CRA, 400 Main Street, and local schools, Nov 20-Dec 1. Community families are then invited to CRA Dec 2, 9am-3pm, and Dec 3, 9am-1pm, to pick out free items.

The Family Center, 210 State Street, North Adams: Drop off your coats, newborn to size 8, at the center. Call (413) 664-4821 for hours.

3) Sponsor a local child at the BCAC Giving Tree.

The Berkshire Community Action Council in Central and Southern Berkshire has partnered with a number of organizations this year to provide families with warm clothing, toys, and food during the holidays. As part of that program families can stop by the Giving Tree at the Berkshire Mall on select Saturdays and Sundays during the season, or call (413) 358-1060 to choose the name of a child from the tree, as well as a list of items to shop for. You’ll be surprised at the joy it will bring your children to 16

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

browse the toy and clothing aisles picking out the perfect gifts to give to their “new friend” during the holidays.

4) Instead of a lemonade stand, set up a hot chocolate stand or a bake sale in your neighborhood, and give the earnings to a local charity.

When it’s warm kids sell lemonade for a cause, so why not sell hot chocolate in winter? My kids did this once and raised almost $100 to buy items for a local animal shelter. Recently two young girls did something similar in Becket, holding a bake sale to raise funds for breast cancer. There are so many worthwhile organizations to donate to, many of them holding drives at this time of year.

Suggestion: Learn more about some local funds in need of your support (there are more than 500 in this area alone) at www.berkshiretaconic.org.

5) Go caroling at a local senior center or nursing home.

Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” So bundle up the kiddos, jump in the car, and get ready to sing your holiday favorites. As a bonus, bring some holiday treats to share. Believe me, your kids will never forget the feeling they get after one of the residents smiles and/or thanks them. Call ahead first, to find the best time for your visit. You can also contact your local Council on Aging to find a Senior Center near you.

6) Make cards together for kids and families who will be spending their holidays in the hospital this year.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets to spend their holidays at home.

An easy way to make cards, like my son had us do one year, is to have everyone in your family draw a simple picture (snowman, Christmas tree, Santa). Scan them into the computer and create a simple holiday card with photo and a message on the front, then print. Now deliver them to Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center, or donate your cards to Moments House in Pittsfield for them to give to a Berkshire resident living with a cancer diagnosis. ~ Kelly Bevan McIlquham was born and raised in the Berkshires, and is the publisher of Berkshires Macaroni Kid (formerly Berkshire Family Focus). She currently lives in Hinsdale, MA, with her husband, three teenage children, two not-so-bright dogs, and a very needy cat. www.berkshires.macaronikid.com

animal talk

Alternative Therapies for Your Canine

O

FIND OUT WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE / By Alden Beane, CCRA

ur dogs lead extraordinary lives: playing frisbee, hunting, herding, hiking, swimming, rescue and therapy work . . . and loving us. They perform invaluable services and provide such joy and pleasure! How can we possibly return the favor?

When an injury occurs or as aging begins, do your research and take advantage of the many alternative healing therapies available.

Here are just a few options that are easily accessible in this area.

through the joints. Depending on the dog’s personality, as well as their diagnosis, either an underwater treadmill or a heated pool can be used to reduce their recovery time, and improve their quality of life. Dogs with arthritis, hind end weakness, and symptoms related to aging in general respond extremely well to water therapy, even if they’ve never been a fan of swimming in the past. Contraindications: open wounds, uncontrolled seizures.

● Therapeutic laser has been used in human medicine for more than 30 years, and is currently being used in veterinary practices as well. It’s a nontoxic, noninvasive, nonpainful form of treatment using light energy. Therapeutic laser triggers a cascade of events in the body including decreased inflammation, improved circulation, and a release of beta-endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers). It can improve neurotransmission and lymphatic drainage, as well as promote healthy tissue growth. It doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t make a sound. It doesn’t vibrate. For this reason, specifically with dogs, it’s tolerated very well, and has been successfully used to help treat pain from ACL tears, muscle and soft tissue tension, stiffness associated with arthritis, and even to speed up wound healing. Contraindications: pregnancy, cancer.

My take-home message to you is this: don’t be afraid of unfamiliar things. Find out what options are available to you and if you have questions – ask. Ask your veterinarian, ask your rehab practitioner. There is so much out there that can help keep your canine companion comfortable and happy. Each pup is an individual; you just need to find out what is right for them.

● Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a

relaxing modality that can reduce the need for pharmaceuticals if your dog suffers from discomfort of any kind. It’s often administered through a bed that the dog lies down on. Magnetic energy is pulsed through coils of wire, into the body, to initiate and restore normal cellular function. These therapeutic, healthy magnetic fields, unlike unhealthy electromagnetic fields (EMFs), will stimulate and cause an increase in the motion of ions and electrolytes in the tissues and fluids throughout the body, helping them to rebalance or heal themselves where necessary. This can reduce tension, bruising, and discomfort, as well as increase appetite, and speed healing in general. Contraindications: pacemakers or other electrical implants.

● Therapeutic ultrasound (not to be confused with diagnostic ultrasound) is a modality that is used to provide deep heating of soft tissue, improving the elasticity or “stretchability” of muscles and tendons, and decreases pain. When applied to a joint it’s possible to improve range of motion, and when applied to a tense or painful muscle it often provides relief. A handheld device is applied with conductive gel to the designated area and moved in a circular direction. The general goal is to warm the tissue, improve blood flow, and accelerate healing. Contraindications: cancer, pregnancy (as a therapy), metal implants of any kind. The jury is out regarding fractured bone; that is best left up to your practitioner. ● Hydrotherapy (therapy done with the assistance of water) is

an invaluable tool when treating musculoskeletal issues in dogs.

When done correctly, it provides a pleasant, safe way for a dog to exercise and stretch without any weight bearing or concussion

~ Alden Beane, True Balance Animal Wellness, specializes in canine support and guidance through the aging process. Wellness and rehab home visits are offered, as well as indoor swimming for dogs in Great Barrington, MA. She offers Class 3B cold laser, preop prep and postop rehab, home exercise plans, and injury prevention for both young and old canines. Alden aims to empower dog owners in taking a more active and effective role in their dog’s health and wellness, ensuring that each dog lives its fullest, highest quality of life. www.truebalanceanimalwellness.com

CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957 Your trusted source for quality foods and supplies.

Your trusted resource for raw-feeding information and advice.

BENSDOTTER’S PET 413-528-4940 940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 01230

Convenient Location with Ample Parking on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guido’s

Mon-Fri 10a-6p

Sat-Sun 10a-4p

www.bensdotters.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

17

in business

Get the Most Out of Your Coaching Sessions ANOTHER TOOL IN YOUR TOOLBOX OF RESOURCES

By Mary Lou Meddaugh

M

any people hire a business coach thinking that the coach will be able to give them answers as to what they should do next. In reality, a coach is someone who acts as a trusted advisor and will ask the powerful questions to help you determine what the next best course of action is for you. A coach can help you clarify your goals and collaborate with you to put action steps in place to achieve them. A coach will give you honest, direct feedback and help you create a timeline to keep you on track. A coach will act as a mentor and help you brainstorm ideas to gain perspective.

To Get the Most Out of Your Coaching Sessions ► Come to your coaching session prepared and focused. It’s always important to have a specific agenda for your meeting, whether in person or on the phone. This type of structure will keep you on track working continuously toward your goals. Your agenda can take the shape of something as simple as a beginning, a middle, and an end to the conversation, which will keep your discussion focused and make your next steps clear. ► Finish the session with an outline of the next steps that you wish to take. These next steps then become the basis of an agenda for your subsequent sessions depending on their level of priority.

Keep in mind that your conversations may not always follow a linear path because things can come up that perhaps change the order of what is top-of-mind. ► As you develop a rapport with your coach, each session should move you closer to your stated outcomes. You will know if you 18

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

have had a successful session when you feel like there has been a shift in your thinking about a particular objective. It’s the “aha” moment that spurs you into action. ► It is always good to have a set time for each session to help with continuity and accountability. You will get the best results from coaching when both parties are engaged, ideas are flowing freely, and you feel inspired to move forward.

There is no set time or number of sessions that works for everyone. You need to determine how often you want to meet with your coach to keep on track to achieve the objectives you set out for yourself. It may just take a few sessions, or it can take many months, depending on your goal. It is not uncommon to have a relationship with your coach for many years as your business objectives develop and grow.

You can think of coaching as another tool in your toolbox of resources that you choose to help you create a successful and purposeful life; a life you love. The more thought and time you put into your sessions the more you will accomplish. ~ Mary Lou Meddaugh is a writer, a certified life coach, and currently the cochair of the Western Mass Coaching Alliance, www.westernmasscoaches. com. She has taught workshops on marketing strategies and embracing change. Mary Lou specializes in working with people who are looking to change or enhance their careers, create a better work/life balance, start a new venture, or want to make significant changes to move forward in their life. She lives in Western Massachusetts and draws on her own life-changing experiences to help others through their journey of selfdiscovery. www.creativecoachingmethods.com

business to business

Business Services

treat your staff

H

Bagels ● Muffins Soups ● Wraps Hot Dogs ● Coffee 30 Types of Doughnuts!

Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches

LET US BAKE YOUR HOLIDAY TREATS

ome Sweet Home Doughnut Shoppe can brighten any home or office holiday gathering with delicious homemade goodness. Treat your guests and office staff to 30 varieties of doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Add a 96-oz Java Jug to your order, which serves 10 hot cups of coffee and includes cream, milk, sugar, and cups. Apple cider doughnuts made with local cider are available through November. Stop in to enjoy their freshly brewed hot and iced coffees and signature Berkshire Bomb.

S PLU Cider le App ghnuts Dou

Call (413) 528-3168

952 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

www.sewardstires.com

Studless Winter

Safely tackles even the most demanding winter conditions.

protect your business

S

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS FLEET ROLLING

S

eward’s Tires has provided premium tire and auto service since 1973. They are dedicated to giving you the very best customer care, with a focus on upfront and honest quotes, timely response to issues, and quality products and parts. In addition to selling all the top tire brands available and doing extensive tire work, Seward’s Tires offers other specialized affordable services including 4-wheel alignments, brakes, shocks/struts, batteries, routine maintenance, and more in their convenient Great Barrington location.

With FARM FAMILY , you’ll get an agent who has the knowWith FARM FAMILY , you’ll get an agent who has the knowhow and products to help you properly manage your family’s how and products to help you properly manage your family’s risks. An open appointment book, along with options for risks. An open appointment book, along with options for home, auto and life coverage, means you can feel good that home, auto and life coverage, means you can feel good that you’re getting more an ally than just an agent. you’re getting more an ally than just an agent.

MORE YOUR ALLY THAN YOUR AGENT

LET’S MEET TO DISCUSS YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS

inopoli Insurance Agency is a local family-run insurance agency in Berkshire County, MA, that has provided reliable service for more than 20 years. We are a client-driven agency with comprehensive products for your personal, agricultural, and commercial needs. We can help you prepare for every stage of life with financial products tailored specifically for you including life, annuity, and disability insurance. Call today to find out more about how we can help you protect what matters most.

(413) 717-4144 258 Stockbridge Rd (Rt 7) Great Barrington, MA

avoid winter downtime

SEWARD’S TIRES, INC. BRAKES ● TIRE REPAIRS ● WHEEL ALIGNMENTS ● ROAD SERVICE TRUCK / FARM TIRES ● RELIABLE SERVICE ● SHOCKS / STRUTS

“Homemade Goodness From Our Home To Yours”

SINOPOLI INSURANCE AGENCY DOMINIC SINOPOLI DOMINIC SINOPOLI Agent Agent 30 STOCKBRIDGE RD 30 STOCKBRIDGE RD GT BARRINGTON, MA 01230 GT BARRINGTON, MA 01230

dominic.sinopoli@farm-family.com dominic.sinopoli@farm-family.com 413.528.1710 413.528.1710

https://mlagents.americannational.com/dominicsinopoli-8398 http://www.farmfamily.com/agent/dominicsinopoli http://www.farmfamily.com/agent/dominicsinopoli

American National is a group of companies writing a broad array of insurance products and services. Products and services may not be National is a group ofeligibility companies writing a broad array of insurance products and services. and services may not be available in allAmerican states. Terms, conditions and requirements will apply.

Life insurance and annuity productsProducts are issued through available in all states.

Terms, conditions and eligibility requirements will apply.

Life insurance andNew annuity American National Insurance Company, Galveston, Texas; or Farm Family Life Insurance Company, Glenmont, York.products Property are andissued through American Nationalare Insurance Company, Galveston, Farm Family Life Insurance Glenmont, casualty products and services made available through FarmTexas; FamilyorCasualty Insurance Company,Company, Glenmont, New York.New York. Property and casualty products and services are made available through Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York.

93674.V1.12.2015 93674.V1.12.2015

brand yourself!

PERSONALIZED CORPORATE & WORKWEAR APPAREL

B

uild your brand with customized apparel from Stadium System in Canaan, CT! Winter is here and the holidays are coming so this is the time to order sweatshirts and any other apparel you may need. We offer Carhartt and many other lines of work apparel. We also offer free digitizing on hat orders of 12 or more pieces. We will match any competitor’s pricing.

Call Wendy today at (860) 824-4300. She will be glad to answer your questions. www.stadium-system.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

19

European Parliament Bans Monsanto

By Maya Greene / Berkshire Organics

T

here’s certainly a lot of big news on the GMO (genetically modified organism) front these days, both good and bad.

For instance, the impending acquisition of Monsanto

by Bayer – over a year in the making – has many wondering about the future of food. The speculation about how this might negatively impact farmers, producers, and consumers is enough to concern just about anyone who cares about our nation’s food supply. Other recent events, however, have actually brought a bit of hope to the situation, creating change as more people begin to stand up to corporate agriculture (Big Ag).

For instance, in early fall The Arkansas State Plant Board proposed a ban on dicamba, a Monsanto-backed herbicide.

The proposal includes fines of up to $25,000 for anyone who violates the prohibition. Monsanto is fighting the ruling, using their own research in the attempt to prove that the product is designed to stay where it’s sprayed. Common sense seems to indicate otherwise, however, as drift from dicamba application is impacting neighboring crops, wild vegetation, home gardens, wildlife, and honeybees. Pending approval from the governor, this legislation could be a game changer for those who are trying to fight Big Ag’s stronghold on the farming community.

Also worth noting is the recent unanimous decision by leaders of the major parliamentary blocks to ban Monsanto lobbyists from entering the European parliament. After the corporation refused to attend a hearing regarding allegations of influencing regulatory studies on the safety of glyphosate, the members of parliament decided to put the ban in place – effective immediately.

Monsanto officials will now be unable to meet members of parliament, attend committee meetings, or use digital resources on parliament premises. Green party president Philippe Lamberts said of the ban, “Those who ignore the rules of democracy also lose their rights as a lobbyist in the European parliament.”

Considering that parliament plans to make a decision before the 20

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

end of the year regarding the relicensing of glyphosate, this ban puts Monsanto in a tough spot. The corporation’s lobbyists had mounted an advocacy campaign after glyphosate was linked to cancer by an expert panel at the World Health Organization.

The inability to meet with members of parliament or attend committee meetings means that their influence will be limited as a decision is reached.

The hearing (originally scheduled for October 11) was intended to explore allegations that Monsanto had influenced the findings of the herbicide’s safety studies through outreach to regulatory agencies in the United States and Europe. Monsanto’s arrogant decision to decline attending the hearing may prove to be the nail in the coffin for glyphosate in Europe. We can only hope that some people in American government find this move inspiring, and take similar measures to limit the power of corporate agriculture in our nation’s food supply.

• Charles, Dan. “Arkansas Defies Monsanto, Moves to Ban Rogue Weedkiller.” NPR. 22 September 2017.

• Crampton, Liz. “Farmers, Environmentalists Push to Stop BayerMonsanto.” Bloomberg BNA. 7 July 2017.

• Nelson, Arthur. “Monsanto Banned from European Parliament.” The Guardian. 28 September 2017. ~ Originally from Greenfield, MA, Maya Greene is now a professor of Communication Studies at Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson, NY, and a part-time resident of Chesterfield, MA. She has been doing research and writing for Berkshire Organics in Dalton, MA (www.berkshireorganics.com) for more than seven years, and many of their weekly newsletters are the culmination of her passions for information and food. When Maya is not writing, teaching, or cooking, she can be found facilitating workshops on personality and relationships. www.relationalself.com

health & wellness

The Gateway to a Healthy Body BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY – THE SAFEST, HEALTHIEST WAY TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

Y

our eyes may be the doorway into your soul, but did you know that your mouth is the gateway to your overall health and well-being? Research shows that the condition of your teeth and gums can greatly effect many systems in your body, and even your mental health. But with the help of a caring and skilled dentist, and thorough at-home care, great dental health and a beautiful smile can be yours.

The dental practice of Drs. Jeffrey and Maureen Viglielmo provides high-quality biological holistic, cosmetic, and general dentistry to patients across the Hudson Valley area and the Berkshires. They love to see patients who are interested in maintaining or restoring their health through timely, customized, and minimally invasive dental care. Their friendly staff embraces their philosophy, and their office environment is professional, clean, efficient, and comfortable.

What Makes Us Unique

“At Drs. Viglielmo Biological Dentistry, we want our patients to know that for your benefit we have chosen to practice the art of dentistry at a new level, taking into consideration your individual biological makeup. That’s why we offer innovative treatments such as biological periodontal therapy. We also utilize mercury-

safe amalgam removal, the latest in general and cosmetic dentistry technologies, and are proud to be known as a green dental office.”

Customized Treatment

“Just as every smile is different, we recognize that every patient has individual treatment needs. Whether you seek a cosmetic dentistry procedure like porcelain veneers, general dentistry, or one of our biological dentistry treatments, we take the time to create a customized treatment plan for your specific health requirements. We will carefully listen to your concerns and tailor all efforts (yours and ours) to make the experience as comprehensive and comfortable as possible.”

We are proud members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. IAOMT is a trusted global network of more than 800 dentists, health professionals, and scientists who share the principles of science-based biological dentistry, providing resources to support new levels of integrity and safety in health care.

We are excited to join you in the quest for a healthy mouth and body.

Contact our office today. We look forward to hearing from you!

~ Drs. Viglielmo Biological Dentistry, (845) 339-1619, www.drvigs.com

Drs. Maureen & Jeffrey Viglielmo Biological Dentistry The beautiful smile we can help you create is the gateway to a healthy body.

As biological dentists we provide safe mercury removal, biocompatible restorations, and customized periodontal therapy. Our office is located in Kingston, NY– a pleasant, scenic drive from the Berkshires and well worth the trip! ● Mercury-safe amalgam removal ● Invisalign® ● Biological periodontal therapy ● Mouthguards ● Customized supportive nutrition ● Intraoral imaging ● iTero® digital goop-less impressions ● Ozone therapy ● Only a little more than one hour from the Berkshires, MA ● Cosmetic & restorative dentistry ● Phase contrast microscope ● Digital radiography

(845) 339-1619 ● www.drvigs.com ● 56 Lucas Ave, Kingston, NY www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

21

home, garden & landscape

5 Steps to Kill Hidden Bad Bugs in Your Gut that Make You Sick

By Mark Hyman, MD

D

octors are trained to identify diseases by where they are located. If you have asthma, it’s considered a lung problem; if you have rheumatoid arthritis, it must be a joint problem; if you have acne, doctors see it as a skin problem; if you are overweight, you must have a metabolism problem; if you have allergies, immune imbalance is blamed. Doctors who understand health this way are both right and wrong. Sometimes the causes of your symptoms do have some relationship to their location, but that’s far from the whole story.

As we come to understand disease in the 21st century, our old ways of defining illness based on symptoms is not very useful.

Instead, by understanding the origins of disease and the way in which the body operates as one, whole, integrated ecosystem, we now know that symptoms appearing in one area of the body may be caused by imbalances in an entirely different system.

If your skin is bad or you have allergies, can’t seem to lose weight, suffer from an autoimmune disease or allergies, struggle with fibromyalgia, or have recurring headaches, the real reason may be that your gut is unhealthy. This may be true even if you have never had any digestive complaints.

There are many other possible imbalances in your body’s operating system that may drive illness, as well. These include problems with hormones, immune function, detoxification, energy production, and more. But for now, let’s take a deeper look at the gut and why it may be at the root of your chronic symptoms.

By Treating the Gut, Symptoms Throughout the Body are Resolved Many today do have digestive problems including reflux or heartburn, irritable bowel, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and colitis. In fact, belly problems account for more than 200 million doctor’s visits and billions in health care costs annually. But gut problems cause disease far beyond the gut. In medical school, I learned that patients with colitis could also have inflamed joints and eyes, and a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that you can cure or prevent delirium and brain fog in 22

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

patients with liver failure by giving them an antibiotic called Xifaxan to clear out bugs that produce toxins their poor livers cannot detoxify.(i) Toxins from bacteria were making them insane and foggy. Remove the bacteria that produce the toxins, and their symptoms clear up practically overnight. Could it be that when things are not quite right down below, it affects the health of our entire body and many diseases we haven’t linked before to imbalances in the digestive system?

The answer is a resounding yes. Normalizing gut function is one of the most important things I do for patients, and it’s so simple.

The “side effects” of treating the gut are quite extraordinary.

My patients find relief from allergies, acne, arthritis, headaches, autoimmune disease, depression, attention deficit, and more – often after years or decades of suffering. Here are a few examples of the results I have achieved by addressing imbalances in the function and flora of the gut: ● A 58-year-old woman with many years of worsening allergies, asthma, and sinusitis who was on frequent antibiotics and didn’t respond to any of the usual therapies was cured by eliminating a worm she harbored in her gut. ● A 52-year-old woman who suffered with daily headaches and frequent migraines for years, found relief by clearing out the overgrowth of bad bugs in her small intestine with the new nonabsorbed antibiotic called Xifaxin. ● A six-year-old girl with severe behavioral problems including violence, disruptive behavior, and depression was treated for bacterial yeast overgrowth, and in less than 10 days, her behavioral issues and depression were resolved. ● A three-year-old boy with autism started talking after he was treated for a parasite called Giardia in his gut.

These are not miracle cures but common results that occur when you normalize gut function and flora through improved diet, increased fiber intake, daily probiotic supplementation, enzyme therapy, the use of nutrients that repair the gut lining,

health & wellness

and the direct treatment of bad bugs in the gut with herbs or medication. A number of recent studies have made all these seemingly strange reversals in symptoms understandable. Let’s review them.

ndy WeOPTICAL

Wendy is a licensed optician with 27 years experience fitting happy customers with beautiful frames and lenses in the Berkshires.

REPAIRS | CLEANING | ADJUSTMENTS

Research Links Gut Flora and Inflammation to Chronic Illness

Flex Spend - Use it or Lose it!

Scientists compared gut flora or bacteria from children in Florence, Italy, who ate a diet high in meat, fat, and sugar to children from a West African village in Burkina Faso who ate beans, whole grains, vegetables, and nuts.(ii) The bugs in the guts of the African children were healthier, more diverse, better at regulating inflammation and infection, and better at extracting energy from fiber. The bugs in the guts of the Italian children produced by-products that create inflammation, promote allergy, asthma, and autoimmunity, and lead to obesity.

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

www.wendyoptical.com

Naomi Alson

LIC. ACUPUNCTURIST & HERBALIST

Why Is This Important?

For general wellbeing . . .

With specialized training in: ● Alleviating the side effects chemotherapy ● Infertility ● Herbal treatments ● Regulating the immune system

In the West, our increased use of antibiotics and enhancements in hygiene have led to health improvements for many. Yet these same factors have dramatically changed the ecosystem of bugs in our gut, and this has a broad impact on health that is still largely unrecognized.

At Lee Family Practice, Lee, MA

(413) 243-3223  naomifalson@gmail.com

There are trillions of bacteria in your gut, and they collectively contain at least 100 times as many genes as you do. The bacterial DNA in your gut outnumbers your own DNA by a very large margin. This bacterial DNA controls immune function, regulates digestion and intestinal function, protects against infections, and even produces vitamins and nutrients.

When the balance of bacteria in your gut is optimal, this DNA works for you to great effect. For example, some good bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids. These healthy fats reduce inflammation and modulate your immune system. Bad bugs, on the other hand, produce fats that promote allergy and asthma, eczema, and inflammation throughout your body.(iii) Another recent study found that the bacterial fingerprint of gut flora of autistic children differs dramatically from that of healthy children.(iv) Simply by looking at the by-products (which are excreted in the urine) of their intestinal bacteria by means of a test called organic acids testing, which I do regularly in my practice, researchers can distinguish between autistic and normal children.

Think about this: problems with gut flora are linked to autism.

Can bacteria in the gut actually affect the brain? They can. Toxins, metabolic by-products, and inflammatory molecules produced by these unfriendly bacteria can all adversely impact the brain.

I explore the links between gut function and brain function in much greater detail in my book, The UltraMind Solution.

Autoimmune diseases are also linked to changes in gut flora. A recent study showed that children who use antibiotics for acne may continued on page 24

31 Williamstown Rd., Lanesboro, MA 31 Williamstown Rd., Lanesboro, MA

413-442-7007 413-442-7007

Lisa Baumgart Lisa Baumgart,, MPT MPT Restoring Function & Fitness Restoring Function & Fitness

W

e offer a different approach to physical therapy by treating the whole body to while addressing specific areasskofLisa pain or sk Lisa to dysfunction. Providing individualized care with speak to your speak to your 1:1 therapist time promotes consistency in company, club or care and full healing.company, By focusing on finding club or organization successful movement patterns and building organization on this, our patients can achieve healing with complimentary! complimentary! minimal to no discomfort.

A A

~ Lisa Baumgart, MPT, FAFS

“Lisa Baumgart “Lisa Baumgart is a very talented is a very talented healer/therapist. healer/therapist.

In the very first session In the very first she reduced mysession pain she reduced my well over 50%.

Inpain a Greylock PT isIn very well over 50%. few weeks time, Iahad few weeks time, I had proud tonoannounce its almost pain.” almost pain.”

10-yearno - anniversary!

Don Rochelo - Don Rochelo

We focus on dynamics Weoffocus on dynamics the whole body to of the whole body to determine your strengths determine strengths andyour weaknesses. and weaknesses.

Our unique approach to Our unique approach to physical therapy is called physical therapy is called Applied Functional ScienceApplied or ChainFunctional Reaction Science orTransformation.

Chain Reaction Transformation.

Improve Improve

Mobility Mobility function! function!

greylockpt.com ● 31 Williamstown Road, Lanesboro, MA www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

23

health & wellness

5 Steps to Kill Hidden Bad Bugs in Your Gut that Make You Sick CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 / By Mark Hyman, MD alter normal flora, and this, in turn, can trigger changes that lead to autoimmune disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or colitis.(v)

gut. Tending to the garden within can be the answer to many seemingly unrelated health problems.

The connections between gut flora and system-wide health don’t stop there. Studies have found that clearing out overgrowth of bad bugs with a nonabsorbed antibiotic can be an effective treatment for restless leg syndrome(vi) and fibromyalgia.(vii)

Please leave your thoughts by adding a comment on my website – but remember, we can’t offer personal medical advice online, so be sure to limit your comments to those about taking back our health!

Even obesity has been linked to changes in our gut ecosystem that are the result of a high-fat, processed, inflammatory diet.

Bad bugs produce toxins called lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that trigger inflammation and insulin resistance or prediabetes and thus promote weight gain.(viii)

References

It seems remarkable, but the little critters living inside of you have been linked to everything from autism to obesity, from allergy to autoimmunity, from fibromyalgia to restless leg syndrome, from delirium to eczema to asthma. In fact, the links between chronic illness and gut bacteria keep growing every day.

So what can you do to keep your gut flora balanced and your gut healthy, and thus overcome or avoid these health problems?

Five Steps to a Healthy Gut (and a Healthy Body) Follow these five simple steps to begin rebalancing your gut flora:

1) Eat a fiber-rich, whole foods diet – it should be rich in beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which feed good bugs.

2) Limit sugar, processed foods, animal fats, and animal protein – these provide food for unhealthy bugs.

(i) Bass, N.M., Mullen, K.D., Sanyal, A., et al. 2010. Rifaximin treatment in hepatic encephalopathy. N Engl J Med. 362(12): 1071–81. (ii) De Filippo, C., Cavalieri, D., Di Paola, M., et al. 2010. Impact of diet in shaping gut microbiota revealed by a comparative study in children from Europe and rural Africa.

Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 107(33): 14691–6 (iii) Sandin, A., Bråbäck, L., Norin, E., and B. Björkstén. 2009. Faecal short chain fatty acid pattern and allergy in early childhood. Acta Paediatr. 98(5): 823–7. (iv) Yap, I.K., Angley, M., Veselkov, K.A., et al. 2010. Urinary metabolic phenotyping differentiates children with autism from their unaffected siblings and age-matched controls. J Proteome Res. 9(6): 2996–3004. (v) Margolis, D.J., Fanelli, M., Hoffstad, O., and J.D. Lewis. 2010. Potential association between the oral tetracycline class of antimicrobials used to treat acne and inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Gastroenterol. Aug 10 epub in advance of publication. (vi) Weinstock, L.B., Fern, S.E., and S.P. Duntley. 2008. Restless legs syndrome in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: response to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth therapy.

Dig Dis Sci. 53(5): 1252–6. (vii) Pimentel, M., Wallace, D., Hallegua, D., et al. 2004. A link between irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia may be related to findings on lactulose breath testing. Ann Rheum Dis. 63(4): 450–2. (viii) Cani, P.D., Amar, J., Iglesias, M.A., et al. 2007. Metabolic endotoxemia initiates obesity and insulin resistance. Diabetes. 56(7): 1761–72.

3) Avoid the use of antibiotics, acid blockers, and antiinflammatories – they change gut flora for the worse.

4) Take probiotics daily – these healthy, friendly flora can improve your digestive health and reduce inflammation and allergy.

5) Consider specialized testing – such as organic

acid testing, stool testing (new tests can look at the DNA of the bacteria in your gut), and others to help assess your gut function. You will likely have to work with a functional medicine practitioner to effectively test and treat imbalances.

And if you have a chronic illness, even if you don’t have digestive symptoms, you might want to consider what is living inside your 24

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

~ Mark Hyman, MD, is a practicing family physician, a ten-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, and an internationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in his field. He is the director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, the founder and medical director of The UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA, chairman of the board of the Institute for Functional Medicine, a medical editor of The Huffington Post, and was a regular medical contributor on many television shows including CBS This Morning, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. www.drhyman.com

health & wellness

S

Obstructive Sleep Apnea / By Messenger Digital Dentistry

noring may be more than an annoyance to those around you; it could be an alarm indicating a much more serious problem called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. Approximately 18 million Americans have OSA, yet only 20 percent have been diagnosed and treated because most people don’t know they have it.

Symptoms can include excessive daytime sleepiness, waking up feeling exhausted, interrupted breathing, snoring, gasping, choking, gurgling, headaches, depression, and bruxism (tooth grinding).

Why is obstructive sleep apnea a serious problem?

When your breathing stops, your brain will automatically arouse you enough to start breathing again. Constant interruptions in sleep caused by OSA result in fragmented sleep that robs your body of the rest it needs to function properly during the day.

How do you test for obstructive sleep apnea?

OSA is tested by performing a sleep study, either in the comfort of your home or in a sleep lab, where a medical recording device is used to record the involuntary body functions that occur during sleep.

Myth or fact?

1) Sleep apnea is just snoring. Myth: Although snoring can be a

sign of sleep apnea, there’s a big difference between the two.

People with sleep apnea actually stop breathing up to 400 times throughout the night. Each interruption lasts 10 to 30 seconds

and is often followed by a snort when breathing resumes. This breaks your sleep cycle and can leave you tired during the day.

2) Sleep apnea is not dangerous. Myth: Sleep interruptions caused

by OSA take a toll on the body and mind. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to job-related injuries, car accidents, heart attacks, and strokes.

3) A mouthpiece works for some. Fact: A dentist can make a special mouthpiece or oral appliance to ease mild sleep apnea. The mouthpiece is custom made for the individual and adjusts the position of the lower jaw and tongue. You put it in your mouth at bedtime to help keep your airway open while you sleep.

4) I can do a sleep study at home. Fact: Yes! A home sleep study is similar to a typical laboratory sleep study except that it is done in the comfort of your own home using a portable-monitoring device, such as the MediByte®. A MediByte® is a small device that records your body’s level of snoring and sleep apnea. It is one of the easiest home sleep testing devices available on the market and is now available at our office!

Sleep apnea is a common but serious disorder. If you suspect that you or your partner may have sleep apnea, contact our office today. ~ Messenger Digital Dentistry, www.reasons2smile.com

Messenger Digital Dentistry ● One visit crowns with no impressions. ● Single visit root canal therapy, post, core, and crown. ● Computer guided implant placement allows for less

Dr. Gene Messenger

Dr. Mohammed Forhad

More than 25 Years in Practice Graduate from the University Received Diplomate Status in the IDIA of Pennsylvania Has a Fellowship in ACCD and Special Training in Surgical Extractions, Laser Dentistry from WCLI Bone Grafts, Endodontics, Mentor/Trainer for Implants and Cad Cam and Pediatric Dentistry

1111 South State Street North Adams, MA 01247

invasive surgeries and precise implant placement. ● Amalgam (silver)-free fillings. ● Digital x-rays we use allow for 90% less radiation. ● On-site laboratories for denture repairs and relines. ● One visit smile makeovers, veneers, crown, and bridges. ● Computerized periodontal evaluation. ● Advanced Zoom tooth whitening. ● Six Month Smiles - clear braces. ● Extraordinary Dental Care.

(413) 664-6545

www.reasons2smile.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

25

health & wellness

Winter Opportunity for Prolonged Independence

W

WHILE YOU CELEBRATE THE SEASON TOGETHER / By Jane Apkin

inter holidays present an opportunity for us to celebrate the season together as well as a chance to be proactive to help aging relatives and loved ones continue to live as independently as possible.

Transportation

Feeding your relationship is the first priority

 Older adults may simply enjoy your company on a ride to the

Relax and focus on making the most of your time together during the holidays. While you want to keep beloved seniors physically healthy and safe, it’s equally important to maintain a respectful relationship with them. Keep the mood light and fun whenever possible. You can have serious discussions one on one at another time.

When extending an invitation to older relatives and friends in winter, offer transportation. Seniors still able to drive independently may not initiate or participate in social activities in winter. hairdresser or grocery store, and help carrying bags.  Offer an opportunity for social engagement (something that they would like to do with people they would like to see, not necessarily something that you would like them to participate in) based on your knowledge of their personality and interests.

 Organize and plan activities like cooking old family recipes Empower independence together, games, mall walking, or a drive to enjoy holiday lights.

If you’re having difficulty thinking of activities they’d enjoy, ask yourself: What did they do this time of year when you were a child?

Ensure seniors have the tools and skills to remain independent when your visit is over.

Observation

wish to share information about free, local “Matter of Balance” classes or a Medicare-covered physical therapy assessment.  Bathroom safety issues may warrant a home safety assessment with a local occupational or physical therapist. Bath safety bars and railings can be installed (typically covered by Medicare).  Consider helping them subscribe to a medical assistance service, arrange for meals, companionship, housekeeping, and/ or transportation assistance. Each local Council on Aging (COA) or Elder Services of Berkshire County can provide resources.

During your holiday visit, be observant but resist the urge to play “inspector.” Do you note changes in hygiene, haircut/shaving, clothing, weight, dentition, skin integrity, mobility, balance, vision, emotion, or cognition? While you’re visiting, subtly check:

 Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors  Quality/freshness of the food found in the fridge and pantry  Medication/vitamin management Housekeeping  Mail/newspaper management

“I’m not a child!”

Take care to be respectful and try not to embarrass the senior in your life with your observations. If you find that you must draw their attention to a safety, sanitation, or financial management issue, note your observation as you would when visiting a peer. Your calm empathy regarding their fears over loss of independence can ease the tone of a discussion from confrontational to supportive.

26

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

 If someone expresses concerns about walking or falling, you may

Plan a quiet time to have home safety discussions in a nonthreatening setting one-on-one. The topic may be upsetting to a senior working hard to maintain independence: maintain a calm, respectful tone throughout. It’s critically important to broach the subject mid-visit, rather than on your way back to the airport.

Reminisce

Reminiscing is storytelling at its best and it enables an older relative to step back in time and remember cherished relationships with people that may have passed, and once again experience the feelings of joy and comfort that accompanied those relationships.

 Provide the opportunity to share stories with the younger

generation that may be hearing the tales for the first time.  Resist the urge to break in and take over the story or correct their rendition.  Be an active listener and give the storyteller your full attention.  Bring out the old photo albums, family videos, and holiday music to help stir happy memories.

See suggested family-friendly events on pages four and five of this magazine. Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season! ~ Jane Apkin, owner of Seniors Helping Seniors® the Berkshires and Western Mass In-Home Care Services, is a medical speech-language pathologist and healthcare administrator. She lives in Lanesboro with her husband, Bill, and senior canine, Max. www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/berkshires.

mind & spirit

Ask Vicki

Send Your Questions to vicki@vickibaird.com

By Vicki Baird

F

ifteen years ago, I quit my corporate job to discover my own path. Today, I help people just like you develop your gifts, harness them, and take them out to the world. Welcome to Ask Vicki where I use my Intuitive Life Coach and Belief Re-patterning™ experience to answer your questions. If you have a concern (career path, relationships, or mind and spirit related issues) email me at vicki@vickibaird.com.

Dear Vicki,

I have often wondered how someone knows if they are intuitive.

How can you tell the difference between things in your life happening by chance compared to things happening in your life because you have a feeling or just know it will happen? Also, is this the same as having a feeling about a person good or bad before really knowing them? Thanks. ~ Amy, Great Barrington, MA Amy, The fun thing is everyone is intuitive. Everyone. I don’t believe things happen by chance to us. I do believe we line up with the energy of our experiences and then do the best we can to follow them through. They are two different areas of manifestation. So, something happening in our lives happens because of where we are energetically, emotionally, and through choice. Knowing something or feeling it will happen is the next step of that. Sort of like a movie preview. The movie has already been filmed but we don’t know about it unless we are the actors in it, so we have to wait for the preview. When we develop our intuition, we can learn to “see” events before they happen. Like when I see something in a session, it isn’t a guarantee until the person puts their energy in motion.

Feeling something about someone before you meet them is called precognition or perception. Even if I feel it, I like to go with what I am experiencing when I actually meet them. Prejudging isn’t nice. I trust my gut but ask my brain to give me some data before I decide whether I like a person. Often they agree but on the chance they don’t, I am usually pleasantly surprised. I hope this helps and you keep developing yours! ~ Vicki

help your kids live and thrive through their childhood but that isn’t all on you. They chose a soul path to come in to learn, and sometimes that can help moms to relax and realize you aren’t the be-all and end-all. They have to learn for themselves and be disappointed and frustrated without you fixing it.

I agree with the boundary issue but what if you thought of it as maintaining and strengthening yourself rather than drawing a line for others? When we respect self, it is amazing what others can figure out on their own! You could come up with some statements that help to remind you that everyone is here on their own journey, and while you can care you need not carry them. It takes practice so be patient with yourself and remind others what they are capable of! All my best, Vicki ~ Vicki Baird, Intuitive Life Coach and Certified

Belief Re-patterning™ Practitioner. www.vickibaird.com

Vicki Baird Intuitive Life Coach 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.

www.vickibaird.com

Dear Vicki,

I have a question! I work as a caregiver for the elderly. I also am a mom to two kids with special needs (autism and anxiety). How can we learn to find our energy to be caregivers in a positive way? I find myself getting frustrated and taking advantage of the power dynamic of being the caregiver, expressing annoyance and not being my best self. I think this is in some way an attempt to set a boundary and hold on to some energy from feeling so depleted. ~ Jennifer, North Adams Jennifer, That is a lot of people to take care of! I would suggest that you realize you aren’t really the caretaker but someone who cares about people. We put so much responsibility on ourselves when we take on the responsibility of others. Yes, you do have to

S

heilaa Hite Intuitive Counselor

Featured in Paulette Cooper’s directory, ‘THE 100 TOP PSYCHICS in AMERICA’

Tarot • Astrology • Palmistry • Psychometry Mediumship • Past Life Regression Hypnotherapy • Life Coach Consultations in Person, by Phone or Skype Classes, Parties and Events

413-637-0085

“SHEILAA’s accuracy rate is 95-100%.”

MANAGER

– MALIBU SHAMAN BOOKSTORE – MALIBU, CA

www.SheilaaHite.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

27

Now enrolling for 2018 -2019

Montessori means

Celebrating that she is unique

Call or visit us online to schedule a tour now.

413.637.3662 BerkshireMontessori.org

education & workshops

Generosity and Giving MOVING BEYOND THE “STUFF” THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

By K. Meagan Ledendecker

I

’ve been stressed out about the holidays. The season all too often becomes about “stuff ” – presents, decorations, more presents. For years I’ve been wanting to wean our children away from their focus on getting presents and instead refocus on the spirit of togetherness, generosity, peace, and goodwill.

My husband had the idea of giving gifts that were really experiences: a trip to New York City to visit a museum of choice, certificates for favorite excursions, cash and a coupon for an outing to the arcade, a day trip with a friend to the trampoline park.

Recently, when we all together as a family, I brought up the concern about having too many material possessions. My older children were open to the idea of shifting our holiday focus.

When I asked what, besides the gifts, they really like about the holidays, they thought quietly for a few moments. Then the memories started to emerge. They remembered making gingerbread cookies with Grandmom. They told about how much they enjoyed taking a walk together as a family, exploring a quiet dirt road while Granddad took pictures. We laughed about ordering take-out Chinese and the days-worth of leftovers.

Then we started brainstorming about what we’d like to establish as part of our holiday tradition. One of my daughters asked about going on a hike we often drive by but haven’t taken as a whole family. We thought about how family game nights could enliven the winter season.

We have enough things in our lives. Even though our five-yearold isn’t perhaps ready to give up the idea of getting material presents, the rest of us are.

Likely our children won’t remember a particular toy they unwrapped in 2017, but they will remember what we did and how they felt.

As our discussion about the holidays continued, we began thinking about activities that could involve giving and service to others. We decided, as a family, to explore ways to “give back” this holiday season.

Already my stress level has eased. All sorts of studies detail the mental and physical health benefits when we give to others.

The term “helper’s high” refers to the chemicals released in our brains when we engage in giving behaviors. Perhaps just planning a different kind of giving this year has brought less stress and more joy.

What better gift than that? ~ K. Meagan Ledendecker is the cofounder and Director of Education of The Montessori School of the Berkshires. This season, rather than spending time searching for presents, Meagan looks forward to having some joyful experiences with her children and extended family. www.berkshiremontessori.org www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

29

Massachusetts: Utility Meters Matter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 / By Patricia Burke

What Exactly Is a Smart Meter?

Historically, mechanical analog meters would collect your gas, water, and electricity consumption data, and a meter reader would walk up to your home or business and record the data for billing purposes only. Residents in remote areas might even submit a self-read postcard. The new smart meters are meters that wirelessly transmit signals to a central database at a minimum of several times a day, and at a maximum of several times a minute broadcasting RF microwave radiation at a power density that is generally many times that of a cell phone 24/7 (according to www.smartmetereducationnetwork. com). These include the AMR and AMI meters discussed below. It’s important to note that some old-fashioned analog meters have been retrofitted with wireless chips, so the only way you can be sure if you have one is by using RF detection devices.

First Generation Automated Meter Readers (AMR) Many Massachusetts residents are learning belatedly that they already have AMR utility meters. Their data is being transmitted wirelessly (gas, water) or either wirelessly or via the grid (electricity).

Both scenarios are associated with the aforementioned health complaints. Numerous residents still assume that wireless meters only transmit data once a month for billing purposes. The public was never informed that the meters transmit continually. Massachusetts has already benefitted from reduced truck rolls and decreases in labor associated with eliminating meter readers, but it’s a sad price to pay for the well-being of our family and loved ones.

If you are communicating with your service provider, don’t ask if you have a smart meter, ask if your meter transmits via microwave radio frequencies. Don’t ask how often it is read, ask how often it transmits, what it transmits to, what frequency is being used, and what health studies have been done to test whether the chronic, cumulative exposures are safe, especially juxtaposed with other RF sources. Ask who holds liability for any future damages.

Next-Generation Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) AMI is an integrated system of wireless meters, communication networks, and data management. Two-way meters transmit data in microbursts thousands of times per day. In addition they receive instructions from the utility, for example, to turn the power off in case of nonpayment or if the home is vacated (the remote-off switch presents systemic hacking concerns and our Massachusetts Attorney General does oppose this functionality.) Smart AMI electricity meters also communicate with micro-chipped appliances, adding an additional layer of electro-smog to homes and communities. Most new appliances are already grid-enabled.

Customers have been sold on the idea that if they forget to turn off the coffee pot, they can control it remotely through their 30

Holiday Issue, 2017 | www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

cellphone. Consumers are told that a smart meter will give them more control over their energy usage. Customers were not told that they are bearing the cost of collecting, transmitting, and storing their 24/7/365 usage data in air-conditioned data centers. As former CIA director James Woolsey has stated, “The coffee pot can also be controlled by a hacker in Shanghai.” As information about activities in homes and businesses is collected, transported and stored, smart meters enable an artificial data-driven economy with undisclosed surveillance capabilities. How far will we allow our elected officials to stray from our U.S. Constitution?

The always-on system that is transmitting data from an empty house, school, or business or from a residence where occupants are asleep wastes energy. Meters add to growing mountains of postconsumer electronic waste, while analog meters lasted for decades. The need for more control over energy usage is not caused by unruly appliances that turn themselves on and off. It is necessitated because the Commonwealth intends to implement time-of-use billing to encourage consumers to shift consumption to nonpeak times. Utility companies intend to install and use override switches on appliances like air conditioners and swimming pool pumps. These cost savings will benefit only certain classes of customers, while all ratepayers will finance the overengineered infrastructure.

At the same time, electric vehicle proponents are already calling for workplace charging, bringing the issue back to the fact that smart meter-enabled pricing discriminates against certain classes of customers. This includes the elderly, stay-at-home parents, and thirdshift workers. Former RI utility commissioner Paul Roberti stated, “Smart meters don’t come close to justifying their costs and represent a misguided attempt to modify the behavior of consumers in ways that don’t conform to the real world. You can’t get consumers to fully embrace this unless you give them economic pain, which I won’t do.”

Involuntary ubiquitous radio frequency exposure is the most significant unrecognized environmental justice issue of our time. We need to protect ourselves and our families and defend the freedoms promised to us by our U.S. Constitution. For more information you can go to: www.patreon.com/heal, www.haltmasmartmeters.org, www.emfsafetynetwork.org, www.smartgridawareness.org, www. worcesteroptsout.org, www.sandaura.wordpress.com, and www. nomasssmartmeters.wordpress.com. You can buy meters, shielding, and so forth at www.lessemf.com, and rent RF detectors at www.magneticsciences.com. ~ Patricia Burke holds a degree in Human Ecology from Cornell University. She currently lives in Massachusetts and has been advocating for biologically based radio frequency exposure limits since 2010. Patricia is also the vice president and research and education director at S.A.F.E. Helps You. Join their mailing list at www.safehelpsyou.org.

featured advertisers

BENSDOTTER’S PET 413-528-4940

An education for life.

Toddler Children’s House Elementary Adolescent Summer

e date!

Save th st Fe Winter 20

940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA

Jan 9-12

BerkshireMontessori.org

Quality Foods, Equipment, and Supplies

Tours by appointment

413.637.3662

“It was her compassion that was so pretty.”

Convenient Location with Ample Parking on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guido’s

Monday-Friday 10a-6p

Saturday-Sunday 10a-4p

Close your eyes. open your heart. concernedsingles.com

Serving ServingBerkshire BerkshireCounty CountySince Since1844 1844

GENERAL MERCHANDISE

The Areas #1 Power Equipment Dealer

“Service, in the true sense of the word, has been our business since 1937.”

At H.D. Reynolds, we always spend whatever time it takes to listen to your needs and help you match them with the right product for the job. We provide parts, sales, and service, and are here to answer questions before, during, and after the sale so you getCounty the mostSince out of 1844 your equipment purchase.

Serving Serving Berkshire Berkshire County Since 1844

1844 1844 - J.B. - J.B. Dean Dean & Son & Son opens opens for business for business

1844 1844 - J.B. - J.B. Dean Dean & Son & Son opens opens for business for business

1844 - J.B. Dean & Son opens for business

1937 1937 - Harold - Harold D. Reynolds D. Reynolds purchases purchases business business

1997 - Business - Business incorporates incorporates withwith George George and and James James Reynolds Reynolds 1967 - Stanley - Stanley Reynolds Reynolds purchases purchases business business fromfrom his his father father 1997 1937 1937 - Harold - Harold D. Reynolds D. Reynolds purchases purchases business business 1967

1937 - Harold D. Reynolds purchases business

1967 - Stanley Reynolds purchases business from his father

1997 - Business incorporates with George and James Reynolds

Since Since 1937, 1937, service service , in, in thethe true true sense sense of of thethe word, word, hashas been been ourour business. business.

Areas Areas Number Number 11 Power Power Equipment Equipment Dealer Dealer 52 Church Street, Cheshire, MA | Serving Berkshire County Since 1844

Parts Parts| Sales | Sales| Service | Service

5252 Church Church St., St., Cheshire, Cheshire, MA MA 01225 01225

413-743-9512 413-743-9512 (413) 743-9512 ● www.ReynoldsLawnMower.com H.D. H.D. EYNOLDS EYNOLDS 6 minutes 6 minutes north north of of thethe mall mall

Mon, Tues, Tues, Wed, Wed, & Fri & Fri 8-5,8-5, Thurs Thurs 8-7,8-7, SatSat 8-38-3 GENERAL GENERAL MERCHANDISE MERCHANDISE Mon, www.ReynoldsLawnMower.com www.ReynoldsLawnMower.com

1997 - Business - Business incorporates incorporates withwith George George and and James James Reynolds Reynolds 1967 1967 - Stanley - Stanley Reynolds Reynolds purchases purchases business business fromfrom his his father father 1997

Since Since 1937, 1937, service service , in, in thethe true true sense sense of of thethe word, word, hashas been been ourour business. business.

Parts Parts| Sales | Sales| Service | Service

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com | Holiday Issue, 2017

31