Feb-Mar 2016 vol 24

(35)

Complimentary

Our BerkshireTimes

™

Local Events | Art & Culture | Vibrant Living | Home & Garden

Love Is in the Air / Visit us at www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February - March 2016

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

Contents

Kevin J. Regan kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com _______________

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EDITORIAL Kathy I. Regan editor@ourberkshiretimes.com

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT Our BerkshireGreen, Inc. P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236 Phone: (413) 274-1122 advertise@OurBerkshiretimes.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com _______________

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Food For The Soul by Deb Koffman, Artist www.debkoffman.com Deb Koffman is an artist, illustrator, writer, and teacher. She also hosts an open mic on the first Tuesday of every month at her gallery in Housatonic, MA, where anyone from the community can share their poems, songs, and stories. For more information about events and her work visit www.debkoffman.com.

b "There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance." ~ John Lennon

education & workshops SIMPLE PLAY

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love is in the air

animal talk

GIFT GUIDE BEYOND CHOCOLATE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

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mind & spirit

home & garden

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health & wellness

LOVING A SENIOR DOG

SMART STUFF

FOR THE LOVE OF STUFF

DESIGN Magazine Design/Layout Kathy I. Regan _______________

COVER ILLUSTRATION

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EVENT SAMPLER

Rodelinde Albrecht rodelinde@gmail.com Copyeditor/Proofreader Rodelinde Albrecht _______________

art, culture & entertainment

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food & drink

A NECESSARY OF LIFE RECIPE

INTERVIEW WITH KEN ROHLA

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fashion & beauty

beyond the berkshires

featured advertisers THANK YOU!

COMFORT & STYLE This publication is printed with soy ink on environmentally friendly Forest Stewardship Council ® certified paper.

Our BerkshireTimes™

Like Us On

Our BerkshireTimes magazine was first published in 2009 and is enjoyed by community members and visitors alike. We distribute bimonthly (six times per year) starting each February. Most of our editorial content is contributed by our readers. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback, and encourage you to submit original material for consideration through our website. To find out more about advertising and submitting editorial, see our website at left, and join our mailing list to receive our free eNewsletter. All content in Our BerkshireTimes™ is accepted in good faith. We do not necessarily advocate and cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by our authors, illustrators, and advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. For printing errors of the publisher's responsibility, liability is limited to the cost of the ad space in which it first appeared. Unless otherwise noted, we use a Creative Commons License in place of a standard copyright.

Food For The Soul

by Deb Koffman www.debkoffman.com

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February | March 2016

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art, culture & entertainment

late winter event sampler

"The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size." ~ Gertrude S. Wister

Couples Bodywork: Thai for Two with Your Sweetheart! Date: Friday, February 12, 2016 Place: Eastover Estate & Retreat, 430 East Street, Lenox, MA - (866) 264-5139 Rub your partner the right way this Valentine�s weekend and rediscover the pleasure of loving touch. Delight your beloved with a blissful massage. Surprise yourself with how easy and satisfying it is to give soothing Thai stretches and Shiatsu acupressure points for energy and relaxation. www.eastover.com/ken-nelson-february.html Music by TEN at Berkshire Music School Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2016, 4pm Place: Berkshire Music School, 30 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA - (413) 442-1411 Price: $10. Showcase of BMS faculty and students as part of Downtown Pittsfield

10x10 Festival, Taft Recital Hall. From jazz to classical to rock. www.berkshiremusicschool.org Pollinator-Attracting Landscapes . . . Beyond the Garden Border Date: Saturday, February 20, 2016, 1-3pm Place: Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA (413) 298-3926. Price: Members $20, Nonmenbers $25 (registration required). Landscape and habitat designer Tom Sullivan offers practical advice for making a landscape welcoming to a variety of beneficial insects and pollinators. www.berkshirebotanical.org Growing an Organic Vegetable Garden Date: Starts Monday, March 7, 2016, 6-9pm Place: Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA (413) 298-3926. Price: $230 full course. Get a deeper understanding of soil and

nutrient management, seed selection, crop rotation schemes, bed preparation, seed sowing and planting, pest management, and specific plant cultivation. Each week, the class will investigate a different vegetable family to ensure that all questions are answered about cultivation of these important crops for the home vegetable gardener. March 7 to April 4, 2016. Mondays. www.berkshirebotanical.org Save the Date! Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show Date: Sunday, April 24, 2016, 1-4pm Place: Copake Community Center, Mountain View Road, Copake, NY. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea and stylish fashion show this April. The event is organized by Lynne Chmurzynski, owner of Mirror Mirror Clothing Consignment & Retail Shop in Hilldsale, NY. For more information call (518) 325-4000, www.mirrormirrorclothingshop.com.

Free programs September through July

visit our website for listings ~ all are welcome

Celebrate Our Forty-third Year!

Wonderful Things

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

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

love is in the air SHOP LOCAL

giftguide

ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR!

SAVOR

Chocolate Gift Box / Chocolate Springs

Treat your friends, loved ones, coworkers (and yourself!) to a decadent chocolate gift box assortment this Valentine's Day. 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 online or visit Chocolate Springs Café in person at 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA. (413) 637-9820, www.chocolatesprings.com. $5-$50

PAMPER

BeautyPrepTM Moisturizer / Face Haven

Prep. Set. Go! Optimize the benefits of the jane iredale mineral makeup you love with this high-performance BeautyPrepTM daily moisturizer designed to help makeup go on smoother and last longer. This beautifully formulated lemongrass-scented product is designed to make it easy to nourish and protect your skin. Face Haven offers all services related to makeup including bridal and special occasions, color matchings, makeovers, consultations, and lessons for every level. Visit Face Haven at 323 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA, for customized service and superior products. (413) 528-4053. $45

DECORATE

La Urna Romantica / Campo De' Fiori

Choose La Urna Romantica ­– The Romantic Urn when the occasion calls for a touch of elegance and when the potential for romance is in the air. This charming centerpiece is often the favored choice of well-respected floral designers. We hope you’ll agree. Come visit with us at Campo de’ Fiori and witness our wide selection of mossed terra cotta planters, cast stone critters, forged iron garden accessories, candles and gilded potpourri, furniture, distinctive lighting, and books. Mention this ad now through March 31st and receive a 15% discount. (413) 528-9180, www.campodefiori.com. $78

/ Sweet romantic ideas . . .  Recreate your first date. Maybe it was dinner and a movie, a ball game, or a walk on the beach – create a setting that will bring back fond memories and feelings.  Bake something delicious. Make your loved one feel special with home-baked goodness. Try a new decadent dessert or an old favorite, and take the time to light some candles when you serve it. Consider trying a recipe for a savory bread or pie. The aroma alone will help set the stage for a cozy evening of romance!

 Leave a small present on the dashboard of her car. It need not be a big present – it�s the surprise and thoughtfulness that count in romance. Consider a gift certificate to her favorite gourmet coffee shop, a small stuffed animal, or a chocolate flower. Don�t forget a pretty gift bag and bow!  Replace the bookmark of his latest novel with tickets to a concert or a movie, a love note (dab on a little of your sensual perfume), a poem, or an invitation to dinner. www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

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love is in the air Beyond Chocolate LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND LOVE IS TOO PRECIOUS By Rodelinde Albrecht

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y mother used to object to my calling my husband “Baby.” It diminishes him, she would insist. He is a big strong man. But I knew better. To me, a baby is a being you cherish and nurture and treasure, and that�s how I felt about Jack. I wanted him to know it. Conveying love is such a tricky proposition. It�s hard to believe that something so pure and gentle can be so scary to share. The most vulnerable moments of our life can be while trying to speak those three simple, extraordinary words. And sadly, some decide never to take the plunge. But if there were ever a risk worth taking, especially at this time of year, it�s making sure that special someone knows. Being certain that we are loved can mean everything. It�s so easy to begin to doubt such things. Maybe being reminded of how vital it is can make us courageous enough to get the creative wheels turning. “Love is as love does.” It�s the action that really sends it home. Buying a card or sending flowers is always going to be better than nothing, but with just a few more steps in a slightly more creative direction you can really light someone�s life up for a moment or two. You�ll never regret it.

“It was her compassion that was so pretty.” Close your eyes. open your heart. concernedsingles.com 6

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Skywriting is always nice. But if your crop duster�s in the shop, think along the lines of the guy on YouTube who stayed up all night writing “I love you, Kathy” in the backyard with his footprints in three feet of February snow. (She cried.) Or the hundreds of gorilla suits rented on Valentine�s eve. (They laughed and then cried.) There have been burly men who�ve cooked soufflés for the first time and ladders flung up and climbed for a kiss through a window. It�s the doing that�s never forgotten. So this year, touch someone. Whatever you think you�re saving it for, this year think again. Life is too short and love is too precious. So get online and buy that plane ticket and show up at her door. If it can�t be a plane ticket then make it a train ticket, even a bus ticket. Heck, grab a backpack if you have to. But go to her; she�s waiting. Clean his house from top to bottom and let him find you up to your ears in bubble bath. Secretly learn to dance for one night�s date. Break a few rules, leave it on the field, shout it from the highest mountain. This year let it all hang out. Baby. ~ Rodelinde Albrecht is the director and a cofounder of Concerned Singles. Contact Rodelinde at (413) 243-4350. www.concernedsingles.com

seeing without eyes NOT A GLOSSY PROFILE PIC FOR MILES

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n this “instant everything” world there’s one real secret left. You can find real love by listening to your heart first. At Concerned Singles, members discover one another from the inside out, over time, learning about character and caring first, slowly, politely, delightfully. If you don't hurry love it’s amazing how long it can last. All it takes is a bit more patience and an open heart. Come, discover us. Stay. Let something beautiful happen. www.concernedsingles.com

love is in the air

unique jewelry & gifts CONTROLLED FIRE CAN CREATE BEAUTIFUL THINGS!

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f you love unique jewelry and gifts, this little shop is for you! Cheshire Glassworks is a hidden gem. This artist-owned studio and gallery has everything from glass earrings, bracelets, and rings, to whimsical glass sculptures and vases. It is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or a friend. Each piece is created by local artist Jill Reynolds using handmade glass and sterling silver. Stop in for a truly unique shopping experience! jill@cheshireglassworks.com, www.cheshireglassworks.com

enhance your ritual WITH NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

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etting ready for a romantic evening? Preparing your skin is as important as finding the right dress. Everyday stress can do a number on your skin, so at Face Haven we�ve just made life a little easier with three simple steps. Prep. Set. Go!

BeautyPrepTM Face Cleanser, Toner, and Moisturizer is a trio of high-performance skin care products that work to optimize the benefits of the mineral makeup you love. These lemongrassscented products prepare and protect your skin so makeup goes on smoother and lasts longer. BeautyPrepTM Face Cleanser and Toner attained ECOCERT certification, so you know these products love the earth as much as they love your skin. Face Haven has been providing quality cosmetics in Great Barrington, MA, for 12 years, and owner Sherie K. Ross says, “Our focus is on service and providing the ultimate jane iredale mineral cosmetic experience.” Face Haven offers all services related to makeup including bridal and special occasions, color matchings, makeovers, consultations, and lessons for every level. Sherie guarantees they can transform your look in minutes and transition you from day to night in seconds.

the gift of relaxation COME AND FEEL THE DIFFERENCE REIKI CAN MAKE

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his Valentine�s Day, or any day throughout the year, give the gift of relaxation, serenity, and increased well-being from White Light Healing. Enjoy a 60-minute reiki session and unblock the areas that are preventing you from experiencing true joy and love. This investment in yourself or your significant other is worth it. Come and feel the difference a reiki session can make in your life. Evening appointments available. Contact Sheri Biasin at (413) 822-2070, or sheribiasin@hotmail.com.

Prep. Set. Go!

Beauty Begins Here with BeautyPrepTM Optimize the benefits of the mineral makeup you love with our high-performance BeautyPrepTM daily micellar water cleanser, daily toner, and moisturizer designed to help makeup go on smoother and last longer.

Face Haven, 323 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA | (413) 528-4053

White Light Healing

Sheri Biasin, Reiki Master * intuitive guidance * angel cards  Increase your life force.  Unblock energy.  Create a feeling of serenity & improve your

overall wellbeing. Experience lasting results.

A unique experience. Gift certificates. Evening appointments available.

413.822.2070  Do this for yourself, today! www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February | March 2016

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home & garden

For the Love of Stuff  CLEVER TIPS TO HELP YOU LET GO OF CLUTTER / By Julie Ulmer

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mericans have soft spots in their hearts for their loved ones, their pets, their vehicles, and most definitely for their stuff. Since post-WWII days there has been a love affair with consumption going on in this country that has only waned in recent years with those interested in minimalism and the tiny house movement. Millennials want to be travel ready – they don’t want all of the material possessions that their older loved ones are trying to pass on to them, and they are definitely trying to be more environmentally conscious of what they purchase. More people are catching on to the idea of having more experiences and fewer material belongings. Couples who may have fought about who gets more closet space and the number of decorative pillows on the master bed are realizing they don’t need as many clothes, and those pillows are pesky when it comes to making the bed. It’s still true that most arguments in relationships revolve around money, but as a professional organizer I’ve worked with plenty of clients who bicker with partners about messy garages, packed basements, and attics heavy with castoff possessions. Crowded spaces affect every household member including children who have trouble picking up their bedrooms and play spaces because of the abundance of toys, books, games, and stuffed animals. Children who aren’t used to occasional purges end up having difficulty making independent decisions about belongings as they age. When I’m helping clients declutter there are several keywords I use to help them identify their true feelings about belongings. We talk about passion, treasures, positive energy, respect, commitment, and love. A spouse often wants the other to change their ways, which really has to come from within. So, all we can do is create logical systems, set an example, and appreciate any attempts at supporting everyone’s goals. Here are some tips to help you let go of possessions that aren’t useful and don’t make your heart go pitter-patter:  I ask myself four questions about a belonging to identify if it’s a keeper. Do I use it? Do I need it? Do I want it? Do I love it? Most of us get hung up on whether we need something because after all, we can’t predict the future. Then I consider whether that item could be easily replaced or borrowed, or something else could do the same job. Remember, want is different from have. Do I have to have an essential oil diffuser? No. I could find other ways to diffuse oils.  Oftentimes there are sentimental reasons or a sense of obligation attached to our belongings. Things are handed down or gifted to us and therefore we have to honor those presents forever and ever. Nope! Once something is given to us, it’s ours and as the owner of said item, it’s up to us to do whatever we see fit with it. If it’s something you use, need, want, or love, 8

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great! If it’s sat in a cupboard or on a shelf for years, think about embracing the intention that the gift was given with, and sending it on to another home. You might be able to donate it, offer it to someone you think might want it, even toss or recycle it. I think regifting is fine if you’re considerate about it.  When you are considering donating something, I suggest identifying whether you are giving a charitable organization a gift or a curse. Out-of-date reference books, board games missing pieces, and 25-year-old Tupperware are curses. Books in good shape that don’t smell musty from being in a basement, shoes that are almost like new, and gently used home goods are gifts.  Don�t yuck another household member’s yums. Unless their stuff is causing harm, duress, crowding out areas of daily living, or breaking the bank, respecting someone’s collection of antique salt cellars or baseball cards is only fair. If their collecting or just general accumulation is eating up lots of square footage, it may be time to find better homes within the home or declare some areas no-clutter zones. In other words, pick your battles. When my daughter was a teenager, her room was like a disaster area. I did everything I could to show her how order is better than chaos, to no avail. Finally I realized it was a losing battle. I set some criteria: no food; a pathway had to be kept clear of obstructions at all times; if she lost something in her room, it was up to her to find it; and the door needed to be shut. When she went off to college she became very aware of her dorm mate’s constant mess and how little space they both had to share. She started turning around her thinking about clutter and is now a neatnik!  Lastly, let’s think about the ones we truly care for and the legacy that we will all eventually leave behind. When a loved one passes that�s difficult enough to deal with; imagine being responsible, on top of dealing with grief and arrangements, to have to make sense of a home filled with drawers, cupboards, and shelves stuffed and overflowing. Baby boomers have dealt with trying to disperse of their parents’ estate and I hear over and over “I don’t want to leave a huge job like that for my kids.” Proactive planning is a substantial act of love. It’s preventing a huge burden and is the ultimate gift – the gift of peace of mind. ~ Julie Ulmer is a professional organizer who founded Minding Your Manor in 2003. Julie is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. Please visit her website at www.mindingyourmanor.com or call (518) 821-4682.

home & garden

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food & drink

a necessary of life WINE IS AS SACRED, AS COMPLEX, AS PROFOUND, OR AS SIMPLE AS YOU WANT IT TO BE By Xavier Letteron

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homas Jefferson once referred to wine as “a necessary of life.” I am sure he wasn’t implying that we need to drink wine as we drink water: for survival. But this statement of his, which is mentioned in a letter requesting a shipment of his favorite Montepulciano, got me thinking: What is necessary about wine for our life? What comes to mind when I reflect on this point, for my own life and in my work as the wine buyer at Nejaime�s Wine Cellars, is wine’s profound social dimension and sensual potential. I believe wine is “a necessary of life” because wine connects us. It connects us to each other, to something greater than us, and to a sense of place. Wine is communion. It also lends us the opportunity to open up our senses, our mind, and our spirit. Wine is meant to be shared: it then becomes a porthole to a plethora of experience, social as well as personal. Wine is as sacred, as complex, and as profound as you want it to be. It can also be as simple as you want it to be. Tasting wine will reveal the relationship you experience with your own senses and self. You can keep the experience a pure, simple pleasure by casually letting yourself float along tasting/sipping/drinking. Or, you can dive into the depths of each bottle of wine to make the experience complex, interesting, and educative. The key is to keep it fun and enjoyable. Something I love about my job is to make sure that wine is never intimidating or inaccessible. I often hear “I don’t know anything about wine.” My philosophy is that everyone who is willing to dive into the experience of trying/tasting can witness what wine has to offer them. So much of our enjoyment of wine has to do with where we are, who we are with, and what we are doing. I think of Thomas Jefferson and his Montepulciano: where he was, who he drank it 10

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with and, even further, how many aspects of the founding of this country were inspired by a glass of that very same Italian juice. I personally love the experience of tasting wine more than I like drinking it. Tasting different wines is like . . . having different friends! They each bring something unique to your life and you like them for different reasons. And, like friends, you may have your favorites (but keep this to yourself – about the friends, I mean – you can tell me what your favorite wines are!). The way a wine is made and where it�s from can add complexities to its flavor and aroma, providing a more elaborate journey as you seek to discover them. Some wines are more ethereal, others have a more developed bouquet (aroma), depth, length, and finish. Regardless, every wine is to be tasted (you may not want to drink it, but at least taste it . . .), enjoyed, and honored. Some wines will resonate more with you than others but the only way to find out is to taste them and see how you personally experience it. What do your senses say? That�s all that really matters. Cheers to a future of sharing fabulous wines! ~ Xavier Letteron, the wine buyer for Nejaime�s Wine Cellars in Lenox, MA, loves coming up with different formats and themes, and collaborating with wonderful matched venues in order to bring the vast world of wine to your palate. The sky is the limit when it comes to tasting wine, which is why Xavier also customizes personalized tastings that you can bring to your own home to share and discover your choice of wines among friends and family. Nejaime�s offers in-store tasting opportunities every Saturday as well as larger community tasting events from time to time, in addition to seminars and wine dinners. Check their website and their Facebook page for details. (413) 637-2221, www.nejaimeswine.com

food & drink

● Espresso ● Scones ● Hand Pies ● Soup ● 31 main street, stockbridge, ma 413.298.7271 ● info@sweetsavourymain.com www.sweetsavourymain.com

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

Mon-Thu: 6a-5p ● Fri-Sat: 6a-6p Sun: 6a-3p

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Call (413) 528-4796

½

entrées available

M-m-m-yum! casual french dining

dinner only • 150 Main St., Lee 413.243.6397 cheznousbistro.com

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id you know? According to Natural News (www.naturalnews. com), one of the best and simplest things you can do to stay healthy is to drink a glass of organic lemon water first thing each morning. Lemons help digestion (the acetic acid in lemons aids the stomach in breaking down food). They strengthen immunity (rich in vitamin C and antioxidants). Lemons are also surprisingly great for joint health because they can break down and remove uric acid that can build up in joints, causing pain, stiffness, and discomfort. www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

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home, garden & landscape

Imnmdm

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home, garden & landscape

e g l u d ...

mm

Rich, Delicious, Luxurious Hot Chocolate From Guido’s Fresh Marketplace's Own Dietitian, Rachel Alves

Ingredients

Serves 4-6

4 1/2 cups whole milk 4 oz. chopped hazelnuts Zest of one orange 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips 1 tbs. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tbs. instant espresso powder (or powdered coffee) Nutella Fresh whipped cream Frangelico or Grand Marnier liqueur Directions Heat milk with hazelnuts and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium low heat until just simmering (do not boil), about 10 minutes or so. While milk is heating, add chocolate chips to a medium, heatproof bowl. Remove milk from heat and pour into a sieve over the bowl with the chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Pour back into medium saucepan and add sugar, vanilla, and espresso powder, and stir until smooth. Heat gently to desired temperature and serve hot. Garnish with a dab of Nutella and whipped cream and, for the adults, a splash of liqueur. Enjoy!

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

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fashion & beauty

comfort & style

are we missing out on the full experience of dressing?

By Anne Lesser and Victoria Wright

B

orn on New York’s Lower East Side, current Lee, MA, resident Dominick Avellino knew from an early age that he wanted to be involved in the arts industry. After graduating from high school, Dominick started designing store windows of boutiques and quickly moved on to major department stores. By the summer of 1969, he was creating intricate and unique jewelry that he sold in the shop he opened on the Upper East Side. Dominick then expanded his designs to include a complete collection of knitwear, sportswear, and dresses, which he sold to art directors and luminaries like Cher and Carly Simon. Under his own label, DDDominick, Dominick�s fashions were featured in semiannual runway shows, and worn by top models like Janice Dickinson, Beverly Johnson, and Jerri Hall, among others. His collections were reviewed in the New York Times and in newspapers across the country, and sold in department stores such as Bloomingdale’s. Pattern makers like McCall�s would often purchase patterns from him (still available through places like www.etsy.com) and ask for suggested fabrics they could recommend to their customers. Dominick even worked as a design consultant for the government of India, specializing in fabric design exports.

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After closing his business, Dominick decided to settle in the Berkshires to relax after his fast-paced lifestyle. Eventually, he decided to offer classes in fashion design to local school districts. On the first day of class, Dominick asks his students a series of thought-provoking questions: “What do you think fashion means? Do you feel different when you’re wearing something you really like as opposed to something routine, and if so, what is that feeling? Is there a difference between style and trend, and if so, what is it?” Dominick says, “Kids today are just so smart and creative. We talk about trends being set by magazines and celebrities, and how they are useful to help people experiment and find what works for them. Style, on the other hand, is an innate understanding of who you are and what best expresses that. Style doesn’t change. Trends change. I feel it’s important to teach kids about what they’re wearing, the effect it has on them and others, and how clothing can help reveal their personalities. We also talk about comfort, which does not necessarily mean being unstylish, but also does not mean carelessly throwing on jeans and a T-shirt. “The fashion system begins with the calculated risk-taking by couture designers that invigorates the whole industry from the top down. I spend time explaining the process from couture to ready-

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to-wear, to mass and discount markets. It’s an interesting history lesson with some psychology thrown in. “In the last few years I was helping a 98-year-old woman with daily chores. In conversations we would have, she’d say, ‘I don’t feel comfortable if I’m not wearing something that makes me feel good.’ Despite her age, feeling good and comfortable included dressing thoughtfully with jewelry and accessories. She came from a time when the marriage of comfort and style were the norm. Today, we seem to have separated them to the degree that we are often missing out on the full experience of dressing. And yet, with our busy lives and little free time, the idea of taking a moment to pay attention to how we look and feel, and what it says about us, could prove to be even more rewarding. “Having said all this, it’s not to say that there is not a real place for jeans and sweats. It’s when we make it our only alternative that we miss out on other levels of comfort and style that could be a more interesting place for us to experience.” Dominick now offers two types of classes, one focused on repurposing used clothing where students can make their mark on a jacket or shirt using appliqué, embroidery, or painting on a garment, which gives them the feeling of creating something that is totally their own expression. The other class is designed to create a fashion show on paper, choosing a season and colors for four groups of clothing: sportswear, knitwear, dresses, and evening wear. Dominick says “The results of prior classes have been astonishing. When parents came at the end of the session to view the sketches, so many people commented that the work looked almost professional, a sentiment I proudly share.”

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The proceeds to benefit the Taconic Hills Elementary School Backpack Program and Churches Assisting Neighbors (C.A.N.)

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Dominick can be reached at dddominick1414@gmail.com.

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February | March 2016

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Now or ng f i l l o r En 17 0 2 6 201 ion s s i m Ad

expl ore Engaged learning for children ages 15 months through 8th grade Call or visit online to schedule a tour. 413.637.3662 BerkshireMontessori.org

education & workshops

Simple Play

ARE YOU A RULE-ENFORCING, TABLE-MANNERING, NITPICKING HARBINGER OF DOOM?

By K. Meagan Ledendecker

A

fter realizing that my children seemed to consider me a rule-enforcing, table-mannering, nitpicking harbinger of doom, I decided to flip through my copy of Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen PhD. As I browsed back through the chapters, I tried to remember how we all benefit when I step out of a serious adult role and engage in some simple play. I have to be honest, though. It doesn’t come easily to me, or to many of us adults. While running an errand with my threeyear-old, I brooded in the car about how I don’t play with my kids. Yet play is precisely how children are able to sort through confusing emotions, process varied experiences, and build essential social skills. Still, the idea of buckling down for some healthy play felt a bit like getting suited up to sweat it out at the gym. While worrying about not playing enough, I mulled over incorporating playtime into my goals. I could already see my checklist: clean the kitchen (check), go for a run (check), do the laundry (check), play for 15 minutes (check). Even as I considered this option, I knew on some level that I seemed to be missing the point. Fortunately, my three-year-old broke me out of my solemnity. I don’t remember exactly what he said or did, but in that moment I realized that even while driving home I could simply be a little more playful. I could stop making a mental checklist and instead slip into silly mode. I responded to my son, pretending to be a goofy, exaggerated, over-the-top grouch with a deep grumpy voice. He promptly began to erupt into giggles. Over the next five or so minutes, we had a back-and-forth playful exchange and even got to joke around with a common dynamic that comes up for him when he gets frustrated. Once home, he bounded into the house, excited to continue the fun with his siblings. I tended to my various responsibilities, but with a smile on my face and a lightness to my approach. Play doesn’t have to be a chore; rather it’s choosing to build closeness with our children by doing something as simple as following the giggles. Lawrence Cohen uses giggles as a way to determine whether he’s on the right path towards play. As he states, “Following the giggles means simply that if something makes the child giggle, then you do it again.” Certainly this process is easier with a three-year-old and a bit more challenging with a twelve-year-old. But the spirit is the same. A little lighthearted fun and laughter can help all of us come together.

To learn more about Playful Parenting (from someone really great at it, rather than a struggling novice like me), come hear Lawrence Cohen speak about playful parenting and the emotional life of children, on Friday, March 11, from 6 to 8 pm, at the McConnell Theater in the Daniel Arts Center at Simon’s Rock. For more information, contact info@berkshiremontessori.org or visit www.berkshiremontessori.org. ~ K. Meagan Ledendecker is the cofounder and Director of Education at The Montessori School of the Berkshires, and loves when children help her reconnect through play. www. berkshiremontessori.org

Free programs September through July

visit our website for listings ~ all are welcome

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February | March 2016

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animal talk

loving a senior dog

IDENTIFY DISTRESS AND LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP By Alden Beane

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February | March 2016

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animal talk

loving a senior dog

SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP EASE THEIR AGING PROCESS By Alden Beane

T

he love we feel for our dogs is immeasurable, and watching them grow old can be heartbreaking. Identifying the possibility of distress, and knowing what you can do to help will ease their aging process for both of you. What are some easy signs to miss? Perhaps your dog has begun to lag behind on walks. It could be that arthritis and/or muscle tension are increasingly making your cherished strolls together more and more difficult for him. Have you noticed your dog�s occasional reluctance to go up the stairs? Maybe he doesn�t follow you from room to room the way he used to? These could be signs of soreness. It�s also common to assume that your dog is just plain getting old and cranky when, in fact, aches, pains, and general weakness can make him feel vulnerable, causing him to be less tolerant of normal handling or playfulness. If you�ve noticed any of these things and are concerned, call your veterinarian to set up an exam, and let them know what you�re seeing. In the meantime, what can you do? 1) If you have wood or tile floors, consider putting area rugs, yoga mats, or even rubber-backed bath mats down, allowing for a nonslip surface. When dogs feel likely to slip or fall, they�re less likely to walk around, and less movement equals more stiffness.

to use his whole body without discomfort or concussive force through the joints. He can move freely and comfortably, and gain strength and fluidity of movement. Even if your dog has been afraid of water in the past, having him introduced properly by a professional can get him started on the road to having a better quality of life as a senior. Ask your veterinarian about a facility near you. As you begin to make some minor shifts to accommodate your older dog, remember that what he wants most of all is to be with you - his angel here on earth. ~ Alden Beane lives in West Stockbridge, MA, and is the owner of True Balance Animal Wellness, offering veterinarian-referred home visits and swimming for dogs. Having worked in the canine rehab and hydrotherapy field since 2000, her profound love of dogs permeates every aspect of her life, and she has developed a particularly soft spot for seniors. If you have any questions, you can reach her at (413) 429-6879, or visit her website at www.truebalanceanimalwellness.com.

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2) Just because your dog is still eager to go on long walks despite his age, it doesn�t mean his body is capable. Keep an eye on his stamina, and how he feels the day of and the day after a long walk. If he�s slow and stiff to rise, he likely overdid it. For aching joints, short, frequent walks are much more beneficial than long walks. For example, for a dog with arthritis, three 15-minute walks per day will benefit him more than one 45-minute walk per day.

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mind & spirit

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health & wellness

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gol dm an / tripp osteopathic healthcare As osteopathic physicians, we use our comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology to promote health and healing. We work gently with our hands to help your body restore optimal function – based on optimal structure – to help solve musculoskeletal problems and health issues of all kinds. As fully licensed physicians, we have all of the full and current medical pharmacopeia, nutritional science and medical training at our disposal. Your individual treatment may include a wide range of approaches, but is always founded on our gentle hands-on work. Andrew M. Goldman, DO, Osteopathic Physician Kim E. Tripp, DO, PhD, Osteopathic Physician www.goldmantripp.net Great Barrington, ma 413-528-3334 | Sharon, ct 860-364-5990

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health & wellness

smart stuff worth trying Boiron Nux Vomica Homeopathic Medicine

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Stetzerizer Microsurge Meter Are you concerned about dirty electric? You should be! This meter connects directly to your home/office circuits by plugging into a standard outlet to obtain an accurate digital reading of the signal quality on that line. Stetzerizer filters can then be used to reduce dirty electric. www.stetzerizer-us.com

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Broccoli Sprouts

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Real Pickles Organic Beet Kvass

Delicious and satisfying, this fermented infusion of beets, onions, and savory herbs is valued for its immune-enhancing probiotic properties. Sip as a tonic or add to recipes. www.realpickles.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February | March 2016

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beyond the berkshires

Interview with Ken Rohla

Part 2 / By Kathy I. Regan

A

s mentioned in Part 1 of this article in our last issue, Ken Rohla is a natural health educator and inventor from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, specializing in rejuvenation and cellular regeneration using raw and sprouted vegetarian food, herbs, food-based natural supplements, detoxification, emotional healing, cutting-edge science, and more. I consider him to be one of the luminaries of our time and appreciate his generosity in spending time with me for Part 2 of this interview.

Q: We left off discussing how EMF protection devices cannot be measured with handheld meters. Please tell us more about the biological tests available that can confirm their therapeutic value. A: When you use quality EMF protection devices typically you will notice less fatigue when sitting in front of a computer or driving a lot. Live blood cell analysis can help you tell whether these devices are having an impact, because normally when you hold a cell phone the red blood cells in your body clump. When you place our Aamoraa EMF protection device on the very same cell phone while in use, and then perform the live blood analysis once again, you will see that the red blood cells do not clump. Q: I've seen various Schumann resonance generators on the market; can you tell us what the differences are? A: All of the Schumann generating devices that I�ve seen on the market are electromagnetic in nature, not scalar wave (like the Rest Shield) The problem with this is that they just don�t work that well. Most of them operate around 15 hertz (which actually adds stress to the body), not at the desired primary Schumann resonance frequency of 7.83 hertz (which slows the body and brain cells down and destresses them – measurable with biological testing as we discussed). 22

February | March 2016

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Q: Ken, I know a lot of people are concerned about their drinking water. What do you recommend? A: The best, but also the most expensive, solution is the Miracule WaterTM System (www.miraculewater.com), which creates living energized water as it purifies. The next best solution is using a water vitalizer (which I sell on my website) but you must place purified water into it. Q: Why are Ormus-rich superfoods and supplements helpful? A: Ormus elements create superconductivity in the body, which allows everything to heal and regenerate faster. I show people how to naturally put more of these elements into their food and water, and they are able to get amazing results. You can start by feeding vegetable plants volcanic rock powders which are high in these elements, or you can take sea minerals and vortex them in magnetic fields. Or you can simply buy Ormus-rich plant food (www.mygrowminerals. com). Another option is to buy Ormus-containing supplements. I recommend the book The Enlivened Rock Powders by Harvey Lisle. For helpful instructions for creating Ormus rich probiotic brews go to www.downloads.freshandalive.com.

S

~ Ken Rohla offers literally a wealth of fascinating information worth investigating. My own experience with his Rest Shield and OrmusiteTM discs are very positive. Shortly after I started using them I felt noticeably more relaxed before going to sleep at night. When asleep my dreams are much more lucid. Interestingly when I have trouble getting to sleep, if I place one of his OrmusiteTM discs on my chest I drift off very quickly. I'm looking forward to trying his recommendations. To learn more about Ken Rohla, to order his products, to watch informative videos on his blog, or to sign up for Ken�s free eNewsletter, go to www.freshandalive.com.

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