Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Dec 2015-Jan 2016

Dec - Jan 2016 vol 23
(34)
Complimentary
Our BerkshireTimes
Local Events | Art & Culture | Vibrant Living | Home & Garden
Special Holiday Issue / Visit us at www.OurBerkshireTimes.com
BERKSHIRE MOUNTAIN DESIGN BUILD, LLC
DESIGNED & HANDCRAFTED IN THE BERKSHIRE MOUNTAINS

COMPLETE DESIGN SERVICES
PHONE: (413) 441-6990
COMPLETE BUILDING SERVICES

APSAMALE@GMAIL.COM
December - January 2016
Our BerkshireTimes
PUBLISHERS
Kathy I. Regan
publisher@ourberkshiretimes.com
Kevin J. Regan
kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com
_______________
EDITORIAL
Kathy I. Regan
editor@ourberkshiretimes.com
Rodelinde Albrecht
rodelinde@gmail.com
Copyeditor/Proofreader
Rodelinde Albrecht
_______________
DESIGN
Magazine Design/Layout
Kathy I. Regan
_______________
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT
Our BerkshireGreen, Inc.
P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236
Phone: (413) 274-1122
advertise@OurBerkshiretimes.com
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com
_______________
COVER ILLUSTRATION
Photo by Matt McCurdy.
Torch Vessel
by Jennifer C. McCurdy, Artist
www.jennifermccurdy.com
Jennifer McCurdy
was born in Newport,
Rhode Island, on
October 13, 1955.
She earned her
Bachelor of Fine Arts
degree at Michigan
State University.
Jennifer throws the
porcelain on the
potters wheel, and
alters the form while it is still wet to achieve a
sense of volume and movement. When the
piece is leather hard, she carves designs in
the clay to add energy and counterpoint.
It is then fired to 2350 degrees, where the
porcelain becomes nonporous, translucent,
and very hard. Porcelain bisque has long
been admired for its purity, brightness, and
bonelike smoothness. The cover photo of
Jennifer's work was taken by photographer
Gary Mirando. To see more of Jennifer's work
and a schedule of her upcoming events, go
to www.jennifermccurdy.com.
Contents
4
art, culture & entertainment
22
EVENT SAMPLER
shop local for the holidays

GIFT GUIDE
food & drink

RECIPES
home, garden & landscape

LED
NEW ENGLAND,
WHERE TRADITIONS RUN DEEP
19
26
28
beyond the berkshires

health & wellness
STAND ON YOUR OWN TWO FEET
30
mind & spirit

INTENTIONAL GIVING
31
featured advertisers
THANK YOU!
business services
SAVING THE WORLD
20
education & workshops
INTERVIEW WITH KEN ROHLA
RAISING THE BAR
14
24
CONNECTION BEFORE CORRECTION
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
10
animal talk
UNRAVELING THE HISTORY
This publication is printed with

soy ink on Forest Stewardship
Council certified paper.
fashion & beauty

THE HOLIDAY HUNT
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
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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.
Torch Vessel
by Jennifer C. McCurdy
www.jennifermccurdy.com
Photograph by Gary Mirando
Jennifer's work can be found at the Wit Gallery in Lenox, MA
winter event sampler
WE WISH YOU A HAPPY & HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON AND NEW YEAR!
Intro to Beekeeping
Date: December 9, 15, 16. See detailed
information below about dates and location.
Price: Free.
Berkshire County Beekeepers presents
Intro to Beekeeping. Presenter Russ Wilson
will share information with you about
how to choose the proper beekeeping
equipment to fit your needs. To register
or for more information contact
berkshirecountybeekeepers@hotmail.com.
Meeting: Wednesday, December 9, 2015,
6pm, Evening Star Lodge, 195 Laurel Street,
Lee, MA. Next to the State Police Barracks.
Meeting: Tuesday, December 15, 2015,
5pm, Mason Public Library, 231 Main Street,
Great Barrington, MA.
Meeting: Wednesday, December 16, 2015,
6pm, Berkshire Bank, 99 North Street,
Pittsfield, MA.
Mountain Road School's
17th Annual Holiday Fair
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2015, 11am-4pm
Place: Mountain Road School, 4565 County
Route 9, New Lebanon/East Nassau, NY
Price: Free and open to the public.
The event features local vendors and artisans,
arts and crafts for all ages, and food and
drink. From the Pocket Lady to crafts and
activities that delight all ages, to beautiful
hand-made gifts and foods from local artisans
and vendors, the Holiday Fair is the perfect
way to celebrate the holidays and buy gifts.
www.mountainroadschool.org
Please join
us at Ventfort Hall
The Berkshire Children's Chorus

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2015, 4pm
Place: Old Parish Church, Sheffield, MA
Price: Free. Donations gladly accepted.
Join The Berkshire Childrens Chorus for
their festive holiday concert. Beautiful young
people, singing beautiful music. Dont miss
it! The Berkshire Childrens Chorus is a
not-for-profit community chorus comprised
of children in grades 2-12 from western
Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut.
www.berkshirechildrenschorus.org
Behold a Star Christmas Concert
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2015, 7:30pm
Place: St. Stephens Episcopal Church,
67 East St, Pittsfield, MA
Date: Sunday, December 20, 3pm
Place: St. Peters Roman Catholic Church,
16 Russell Street, Great Barrington, MA
Price: $20, children free
Berkshire Lyric presents Behold a Star, a
Concert of Christmas Music. The 85-voice
Berkshire Lyric Chorus will be joined by the
35-voice Blafield Childrens Chorus in two
identical choral programs of some of the
most beloved music of the season.
www.berkshirelyricinfo.org
The 2015 Elf Express
Date: Saturday, December 19-20, 2015,
10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm
Place: r. k. Miles Depot Station, 670 Depot
Street, Manchester Center, VT
Price: Adults (13+) $25, kids (2-12)
for these
upcoming events:
Berkshire Concert Choir & Tea, Sun., Dec. 13,

2:00 pm presents Voices of Christmas, led by
conductor Paula Nuss and accompanist Aurora Cooper.
Rapunzel Marionette Shows, Mon., Dec. 28 &

Wed., Dec. 30, 3:30 pm. Puppeteer Carl Sprague
returns to charm all ages.
Songs of the Flow of Life and Love: Schuberts

Romantic Water Music & Tea, Sun., Dec. 27,
3:30 pm, performed by tenor Doug Schmolze and
pianist Larry Wallach.
Hail and Farewell to Downton Abbey Tea, Sun.,

Jan. 3, 4:00 pm. Please join us for trivia and High Tea.
December | January 2016
Couples Bodywork:
Thai for Two for the New Year!
Date: Friday, January 1-3, 2016
Place: Eastover Estate & Retreat, 430 East
Steet, Lenox, MA - (866) 264-5139
Price: See website for rates.
Enjoy a deeper sense of intimacy and
appreciation for each other. Couples
Bodywork is a healing blend of yoga stretches,
Thai massage, and shiatsu bodywork
methods, with a slow, meditative, easy-to-learn
approach. Its a reminder to make time for
touch in your relationship, and a gift the two
of you can share throughout your lives.
www.eastover.com/ken-nelson-january.html
It was her
compassion that was
so pretty.
Event seating is limited. Please call for reservations.
104 Walker Street, Lenox, MA 413-637-3206 GildedAge.org

4
$20, under 2 (lap rider) free.

This whimsical holiday train will leave r.k.
Miles Depot Station taking its riders on an
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.
Adding to the memories of this holiday ride,
the elves will be reading a special story about
Christopher Pop-In-Kins, who will also be
hidden on every train in the greenery peeking
to see whos 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
Close your eyes. open your heart. concernedsingles.com
Free programs September through July
visit our website for listings ~ all are welcome
Fantastic Light-Filled
Studio Space Awaits
The Hotchkiss School

11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, ct
860.435.4423 | hotchkiss.org/arts
THE BERKSHIRE CHILDRENS CHORUS
Celebrating 25 years of song

HOLIDAY CONCERT
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015
4:00PM
Old Parish Church
Sheffield, MA
ADMISSION IS FREE
DONATIONS GLADLY ACCEPTED
Massachusetts Cultural Council
WWW.BERKSHIRECHILDRENSCHORUS.ORG
holiday
giftguide
BUY LOCAL
1
Give, receive,
indulge, inspire with
gifts from these fine
local retailers.
Enjoy!
January - December 2016
ETHERIC WEAVERS / ASCENDING SHERONA
Enjoy calmer emotions, more vitality, positivity, and an overall

sense of well-being with daily use of these powerful healing tools.
Etheric Weavers are used for meditation; personal, animal, and
planetary healing; color therapy, and more. Made with beautiful
double-terminated crystals with two strong magnets wrapped
in copper, and silver- or gold-filled wire, weavers come in the
full spectrum of colors and three sizes. Watch as the weavers
magically spin, transmuting negative energy and imbalances.
Available at Asending Sherona in Cheshire, MA. See website for
video on how to use them at www.ascendingsherona.com. $88-$140
HURRICANE LANTERNS / CAMPO DE' FIORI
The handblown glass coupled with the aged terra cotta base
of these hurricane lanterns charms wherever they are placed.
They come in four sizes and are beautiful in arrangements. You
can use true candles or artificial votives. This holiday season,
stop by Campo de Fiori for inspiration and to view their unique
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
Dec. 31, 2015, and get a 15 percent discount. 1815 N. Main Street,
Sheffield, MA. (413) 528-9180, www.campodefiori.com. $61-$222
BERKSHIRE BASKET / GUIDO'S FRESH MARKETPLACE

Love local? Bella Floras Berkshire Basket is a standout
choice filled with lots of fabulous local goodies. Give Bella
Floras gift basket pros a call . . . theyll make sure your gifts
are unforgettably delicious. Located within Guidos Fresh
Marketplace in Pittsfield and Great Barrington, MA. Owners
Annie and Chris Whalen enhance all their floral work with
creativity and freshness. Browse their gift shops, loaded with
home accents and personal accessories. Local delivery available.
Order today! (413) 442-9912 x 148. See the entire holiday basket
collection online at www.bellafloraberkshires.com. $35-$200.
IN THE BLINK OF A SMOKY EYE KIT / FACE HAVEN
A wonderful gift for your favorite makeup mavens. This

limited edition kit by jane iredale holds eight shades to create
your favorite smoky eye, from elementary to sophisticated.
Five step-by-step looks are included on a foldout how-to guide.
The highly pigmented shadows are simple to blend, sensitivity
tested, and stay put for gorgeous, crease-free, long-lasting eye
color. Packaged in an artful travel box, this kit is perfect for
busy women wanting to look their best during the hectic holiday
season. Available at Face Haven at 323 Main Street,
Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-4053. $50.
SARI RUGS / PASSIFLORA
Make a colorful statement in your home with these gorgeous,

luxuriously thick, and durable rugs from India. Breathing new
life into vibrant saris, curls of the recycled garments swirl and
curve to create colorful motifs. Sizes are 2'x3', 3'x5', and 4'x6'.
Passiflora offers a treasure trove of exceptional pieces from home
and abroad selected for their individuality and affordability. An
eclectic mix of all things contemporary, quirky, and chic, they are
brimming with great stuff stuff to give, stuff to keep, stuff for
Home and Garden, Mind and Body, Spirit and Soul stuff
youll fall in love with! 2638 State Route 23, Hillsdale, NY.
(518) 325-6559, www.passiflorahome.com. $68-$250
holiday
giftguide
BUY LOCAL
10
10
DIAMOND RINGS / LENNOX JEWELERS
If you are looking forward to surprising that special someone

during the joyous holiday season, Lennox Jewelers is the place
to go. You will find a wide selection of stunning, unique, and
distinctive rings to choose from in a price range that will suit every
budget. Lennox Jewelers is proud to be a full-service jeweler they
are experts at jewelry repair, restoration, and design Whether you
are looking for an engagement ring, an important anniversary or
holiday gift, or merely a new strap for your watch, you will receive
personalized customer service and attention to detail.
165 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 717-4239.
CHOCOLATE GIFT BOXES / CHOCOLATE SPRINGS
Treat your friends, loved ones, coworkers (and yourself!) to

decadent holiday chocolates and chocolate gift box assortments
this season. Chocolate Springs is a European-style chocolate and
dessert caf 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 Caf
in person at 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA. (413) 637-9820,
www.chocolatesprings.com. $5-$50
SMARTCAT PEEK & PLAY / BENSDOTTER'S PET
The SmartCat Peek & Play Toy Box requires cats to paw and
pull their toys out to play, satisfying their desire to hunt and
stalk, providing much-needed mental stimulation. The toy box
comes with two toys, but can be used with any appropriately
sized toy or treat. Durable wood construction. BensDotters
Pet carries a full range of foods (including granular and raw
food diets for both cats and dogs), equipment, and supplies for
dogs, cats, and parrots. 940 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA.
(413) 528-4940, www.bensdotters.com. Specially priced for this
holiday gift guide at just $20.
GIFT BOXES & BASKETS / NEJAIME'S WINE CELLARS
Tis the season to give . . . and thats why weve created these
irresistible gift boxes and baskets, perfect for showing someone
special just how much you appreciate them. Pick one from our
list of choices, or customize your own! Delivery available (some
restrictions apply). Nejaimes Wine Cellars is a full-service wine,
liquor, beer, specialty foods, and handcrafted cheese shop. Call
or stop by either of our stores, or order online. Also be sure to
look for our schedule of wine tastings online. 60 Main Street,
Lenox MA, (413) 637-2221, and 3 Elm Street, Stockbridge, MA.
(413) 298-3454, www.nejaimeswine.com. $24.99-$194.99
GIFT BASKETS / BERKSHIRE ORGANICS
Send your friends, coworkers, and loved ones a Berkshire

Organics Best of the Berkshires gift basket this holiday
season! Berkshire Organics Market & Delivery Service offers
several sizes and varieties of gift baskets for the holidays filled
with local, organic, and non-gmo items from the Berkshires
and surrounding area. Orders can be made online and picked
up at our market, or free delivery is available in Berkshire
County. Gift baskets can also be shipped across the USA.
813 Dalton Division Road, Dalton, MA. (413) 442-0888,
www.berkshireorganics.com. Baskets start at $29.
the gift of health
SANDRA KNOX, P.T
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
take pleasure at Sandra Knox Physical Therapy providing

services to promote fitness, wellness, and injury prevention for
all my clients. Our one-hour sessions will create a balance between
mind, body, spirit, and a healthy lifestyle. My primary goal is to offer
individualized care and return my patients to an optimum state of
well-being and an active lifestyle. You are welcome to get in touch
with me to explore your possibilities and reach your goals. Gift
certificates available give the gift of health this holiday season.
Physical Therapy Plus
A hands-on approach to healing
Spinal pain/dysfunction
Shoulder/elbow pain/dysfunction
Hip/knee/ankle pain/dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction
174 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA. Follow us on Facebook.

office: (413) 358-4740, cell: (413) 329-1120, knox991@gmail.com
www.SandraKnoxPhysicalTherapy.com
carhartt headquarters
Carhartt Gear
For Everyone
On Your List
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST!
tadium System is your Carhartt Headquarters for mens and

womens jackets, vests, baselayer, hats, socks, sweatshirts, pants,
and dog beds too! Muck, Merrell, Kamik, and Red Wing boots and
shoes. Purchase $150 worth of Carhartt this season and receive a free
gift while supplies last. Join us for a free gift, beverages, food, and chair
massages during Mens Night, Dec. 23, 6 to 8pm. Call to ask about
extended holiday hours. 297 Ashley Falls Road (across from Stateline
Pizza), Canaan, CT. (860) 824-4300, www.stadiumsystemstore.com
it's like a vacation

TREAT YOURSELF AND A LOVED ONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
weating is one of the bodys safest and most natural ways

to heal and maintain good health. Traditional saunas were
invented in Finland more than 2000 years ago. The earliest saunas
were dug into an embankment in the ground and later they were
built above ground with wooden logs. Saunas were first brought
to America by Finns who settled in what is now the state of
Delaware in 1638. Modern saunas have evolved quite a bit since
that time, especially with the addition of infrared light.
sauna
therapy
46 Main Street
South Egremont, MA
Behind Zorn Chiropractic
Convenient | Private | Single Sessions | Packages
Infrared Sauna
Health Benefits
Lyme Symptom Relief
Detoxification
Pain Relief
Enlighten Sauna Therapy utilizes infrared technology, which

has been shown to raise core temperature, lower blood pressure,
and aid in weight loss. Traditional saunas heat the air to extremely
high temperatures, which can make it unbearably hot and difficult
to breathe. Because infrared technology heats the body directly
instead of simply heating the air, infrared saunas are seven times
more effective for detoxification. At Enlighten you will experience
the deepest, most detoxifying sweat of your life.
Sauna therapy is known to deliver many health benefits for many
conditions including Lyme disease, weight loss, relaxation, pain
relief, improved circulation, skin purification, detoxification,
wound healing, and more.
Pre/post operative patients

Sports/repetitive stress injuries
Postural deficits/distortions
Headaches
Weight Loss
Relaxation
Improved Circulation
Skin Purification
Treat Yourself!
Call or go to our
website to make
an appointment.
(518) 965-3315 www.enlightensauna.net

food & drink
raising the bar

GLUTEN FREE CAN BE GRAND
By Rodelinde Albrecht
W friend offered me a
ay back when, if a
gluten-free treat, Id decline

politely, suppress a shudder
(thinking Bleah! Sawdust!),
and thank my lucky stars that
Im not allergic to anything.
Matt Albert had the same
reaction when he started
looking around five years ago
for gluten-free goodies to buy.
There might have been some
out there, but he couldnt find
any that really tickled his palate.
Like the man who decided to
write his own detective story
because he couldnt find a
really good one to read, Matt decided to bake his own treats for a
friend who could not tolerate gluten.
But lets go back to the beginning, around 1989, when
Matt was in massage school. (When I asked Matt whether he
was already learning massage therapy at age five, he just smiled
sweetly.) Thats when he discovered he was allergic to wheat.
And so began his exploration of other grains such as barley
and corn that are tasty as well as nutritious.
All that research stood him in good stead when he created
his first Matts Cookie Bar, Chocolate Chunk. His first outlet was
Berkshire Organics. Since then he has introduced three more
flavors: Triple Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Oatmeal Chip.
(I didnt sample Matts treats until after the interview. What a
marvelous surprise! They were tender, moist, and full of flavor.
A tasty treat even if theres nothing you cant eat.) Hes thinking
about adding other cookie flavors and maybe even some glutenfree breakfast breads such as pumpkin.
Matts Cookie Bars are made with organic ingredients. Matt
believes this is healthier both for people and for the planet, and
is more sustainable. Coconut sugar is also used, as a way of
reducing the glycemic index while providing important nutrients
such as iron, zinc, and calcium.
Nowadays, Matt sells his products around the Berkshires
and in the Pioneer Valley. You can find retail locations and order
online on his website, www.mattscookiebars.com, and sampling
dates, times, and locations on his Facebook page.
Matt is a charming man. Hes also protean, switching with
ease from buying ingredients and supplies to baking, packaging,
labeling, marketing, and making deliveries (weather permitting,
on his motorbike). And hes resourceful: When he could not
find a knife that would easily cut each large sheet of cookies
into bars, he designed and fabricated his own two-handled
knives. He bakes the organic cookies in Rod and Tina Clarks
Berkshire Harvest Rental Kitchen. And hes peripatetic: He lives
in Pittsfield with his cats, Moo & Pearl (hes also the landlord
of the duplex where he lives), is a massage therapist at Canyon
Ranch and a hiking guide at Kripalu in Lenox, and produces his
cookies in Lee.
In his spare time (don't ask me where he finds it!) he cycles
in warm weather and hikes in the cold, especially around Mount
Greylock. Matt sees absolutely no conflict between a healthy
lifestyle featuring exercise and weight maintenance on the one
hand and, on the other, eating sweet treats when they are made
with wholesome ingredients.
When I asked Matt where he saw himself five years from
now, he had a cogent one-word answer: Bigger! ~ Rodelinde
Albrecht, Concerned Singles, www.concernedsingles.com
A Few Words from Matt . . .

I am truly passionate about my cookie bars and dedicated to producing
the most delicious-tasting, gluten-free cookies available anywhere.
I promise to provide you with a high-quality, beneficial treat using
ingredients that are organic and as close to whole food as possible.
Using the lowest glycemic sugars gives my cookie bars a more foodlike
quality with no sugar highs, lows, or headaches. They are just sweet
enough for everyone's different tastes. Organic means no hormones,
antibiotics, GMOs, insecticides, pesticides, or herbicides. This makes for
a healthier YOU, and a healthier Earth. Youll never find hydrogenated
oils, refined sugars, or artificial flavors in my gluten-free cookie bars.
But the best part is the TASTE! I have had people of all ages, glutenfree or not, say they love my cookie bars because of how moist and
flavorful they are. ~ Matt Albert, www.mattscookiebars.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
Mon-Thu: 6a-5p Fri-Sat: 6a-6p Sun: 6a-3p
Route 71, North Egremont, MA (Near Prospect Lake)
Call (413) 528-4796
Gourmet Olive Oils & Vinegars

For your holiday gift giving needs, choose from several sampler packs including our
New England, Best Sellers, Foodie, or Sensational Salads. Or create your own, for a
personal touch. Oliva! is a family-owned business and we sell only the finest, freshest,
extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world. We personally
sample and select each product in our store and we hope that this personal touch is
reflected in the quality of our products. Order online or visit our Berkshire store.
Visit our stores at 27A Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA,

and in Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY.
(413) 637-0080 www.olivaevoo.com
entres
available
M-m-m-yum!
casual french dining
dinner only 150 Main St., Lee 413.243.6397 cheznousbistro.com
V
F
egetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake,

zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. ~Jim Davis
ood reveals our connection with the earth. Each bite

contains the life of the sun and the earth. We can see and
taste the whole universe in a piece of bread! Contemplating our
food for a few seconds before eating, and eating in mindfulness,
can bring us much happiness. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
11
food & drink
coconut pudding pie

YUMMY! WHEAT AND DAIRY FREE / by Rebecca Schirber
Crust Ingredients
1 cup almonds
tsp salt
tsp almond extract
3 Medjool dates, pitted
Pudding Ingredients
cup arrowroot or cornstarch
7 oz water
1 14oz can coconut milk
tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Maple syrup
Crust Instructions
Grind almonds, salt, and almond extract coarsely in a food
processor or blender. Add dates one by one until incorporated.
The texture of the crust can be as rough or fine as desired. Press
almond-date mixture into pie plate or other form pan.
Pudding Instructions
Dissolve arrowroot or cornstarch in the water. Heat coconut milk
and salt in a pan over moderate heat, bringing to a boil. Whisk
in arrowroot mixture, lower heat, and cook until thick. Remove
from heat, add vanilla, and maple syrup to taste.
To Assemble
Cool pudding briefly; pour
into crust. Serve warm,
room temperature, or chilled.
This pie keeps well in the
refrigerator for some time.
~ This recipe can be found on
Guidos Fresh Marketplaces website
at www.guidosfreshmarketplace.com.
Rebecca Schirber is an acupuncturist
(with a history as a personal chef)
practicing in Lenox, Massachusetts.
www.goingbeyondwellness.com
banana bread
ORGANIC, GLUTEN FREE, AND DELICIOUS / by Matt Albert
Ingredients (organic if possible)
1 cup gluten-free flour mix
buckwheat flour
1 tsp guar or xanthan gum
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
tsp nutmeg
tsp cinnamon
tsp cloves
cup coconut oil, melted
1 cup mashed banana
cup coconut sugar
cup whole-milk yogurt
1 egg
cup walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flours, guar or xanthan gum, baking
soda, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, cream together the
12
coconut oil, banana, coconut sugar, yogurt, and egg until well
blended. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, add
walnuts if desired, and pour into the loaf pan.
Bake at 350F for one hour or until skewer comes out clean. For
variety, you can substitute cooked pumpkin, apple, or zucchini
for the banana. ~ Matt Albert, www.mattscookiebars.com
food & drink
no-bake linzer cookies

DAIRY FREE, VEGAN, HEALTHY, DELICIOUS / Makes 10 Cookies
Filling Ingredients
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp maple syrup
2 T chia seeds
1 cup raspberries
Cookie Instructions
Add the cashews and almonds, coconut flour, and salt to a blender
or food processor and pulse until it reaches a fine consistency.
Add the honey, coconut oil, and vanilla and almond extract and
pulse again until the mixture is well combined.
Filling Instructions
In a small pan, cook and mash the raspberries over medium heat
for a few minutes until the raspberries soften. Mix in the lemon
juice, maple syrup, and chia seeds. Take off the heat and leave to
cool. Place the mixture in the fridge for an hour to set.
Place the mixture in a bowl, cover, and place in the fridge to set
for an hour. Roll out the dough inch thick.
Cookie Ingredients
cup raw cashews
cup raw almonds
cup coconut flour
tsp salt
4 T raw honey or maple syrup
1 tsp coconut oil, melted
tsp vanilla extract
tsp almond extract
Chia jam
Use a star cookie cutter (or other shape if you prefer) to cut
out your cookies and place them on a plate covered with
parchment paper.
Next, use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the centers of half of
the cookies, rerolling the scraps to make more cookies.
Place the cookies in the fridge for an hour to firm up. Take the
cookies out and spread about 1 teaspoon of the jam onto the
bottom part of the cookie sandwich, then place the cut-out
cookie on top.
Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
give
deliciously!
13
LED (Light-Emitting Diode)

TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND MISCONCEPTIONS / By Robert Baerga
owadays, when a light bulb blows out in your home the

once-simple task of just replacing a bulb no longer exists.
Beginning January 2015 with inefficient incandescent
(traditional) light bulbs being phased out for energy
conservation purposes, people are challenged with confusing
choices. Energy-efficient options like compact fluorescents, halogens
(incandescent), and LEDs combined with color temperatures of
2700k to 5000k (warm/yellow to cool/white) and lumen equivalents
(brightness) instead of just wattages make choosing a difficult task,
even for those who attempt to research and learn about light bulb
specifications. Instead of just one small light bulb section at the
store, we now have an entire aisle from the floor to the ceiling with
an overwhelming number of lightbulb options.
When LEDs first came out, they were not as reliable or as
useful as those sold today. Now high-quality LEDs are by far the
most safe, efficient, durable, and beautiful sources of light available

on the market. Of course one may still find cheap low-quality
options sold on the Internet and in bargain shops that are giving
the rest a bad rep. This article will help you better understand the
capabilities of well-made LEDs that are finally affordable and
paying for themselves in energy savings within their warranted life,
as well as lasting 10 years or more. A single LED bulb or fixture
can replace, replicate, or improve the lumens (quantity of light),
lux (intensity in a specific area), beam angle (light distribution),
color rendition (lack of distortion of colors on an object), and
degrees Kelvin (color temperature/appearance) of an incandescent
halogen, high-pressure sodium, or metal halide light bulb. An LED
can be an alternative light source to a traditional bulb, using 80
percent less energy, having 95 percent less heat waste, and lasting
an average of nine years longer.
Common Misconceptions
LEDs are not safe = False
LEDs for lighting are made from semiconductors such as galliumbased crystal, which is safe for humans and the environment.
They also contain phosphorus, which is found in nature in several
allotropic forms, and is actually an essential element for the life
of organisms. Most LEDs dont even use glass, making them
safer for children if ever dropped or accidentally bumped.
LEDs are made from hazardous materials including

mercury = False
LEDs do not contain mercury or harmful gases. They can be used
without harming humans, animals, and plants. They can also be
disposed of without needing to be separated from regular garbage.
or desk lamps and E12 smaller screw-in bases for sconces. They
come in MR16, GU10, and other pin-type bases. They even come
in single-pin as well as dual-pin connectors and in sizes to replace
fluorescent tubes.
LEDs flicker and cause headaches = False
It is a common mistake to confuse swirly CFL (compact

fluorescent) and fluorescent tube lighting with LED lighting. LEDs
do not flicker at a rate causing headaches. LEDs actually reduce
headaches compared to fluorescent lighting. Also, magnetic fields
are directly related to the amount of current running through a
device; therefore considering the 80 percent wattage reduction in
LEDs, magnetic fields are greatly reduced.
LEDs are not as bright as other types of lighting = False
Sources:
www.theledlight.com/technical1.html
www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/p.htm
www.healthybuildingscience.com/2013/03/25/emf-magnetic-fieldsrecessed-led-lights/
LEDs are all white or blue and harsh on the eyes = False
~ Lotus Energy, located in Hudson, NY, designs

and installs solar energy systems to help reduce or
eliminate electric bills with clean solar photovoltaic
energy. The company began making installations in
Nepal and Tibet more than 20 years ago, and now provides residents
and businesses of New York and the surrounding states with detailed
efficient technology consultation and superior products, including
advanced LED designer lighting. You can contact Robert Baerga at
(518) 828-3105, ext 2, www.lotusenergy.com.
A small LED bulb can easily shine as bright as a 20100-watt

incandescent. In fact, a 180-watt LED can be as bright as a 400watt metal halide floodlight typically used for street lighting,
parking lots, and warehouses.
The color emitted from LEDs can range from red to blue
including orange, amber, yellow, green, and turquoise with
frosted lenses and designer diffusers that are just as soft and in
some cases more easy on the eyes than an incandescent.
LEDs will not work with my existing fixture = False
LEDs can be retrofitted for use with any fixture using E39 large
or E26 screw-in bases like outdoor HID (high-intensity discharge)
14
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Open Fridays Only from 10am - 3pm
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Weatherstripping
our personal New Years resolution list is sure to be filled with

ambitious goals for 2016, but what about that honey-do list
youve been putting off for your home? Kevin J. Regan, of Hartsville
Design Woodworking, has the professional skills and attention to
detail needed to complete the work. You can follow through with
your resolution to go to the gym, and let Kevin do the rest.
Gazebos Benches Picnic Tables

Sheds Swings Childrens Gym Sets
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Quality Work Excellent References No Job Too Small
Calls Returned Promptly
Route 8 Cheshire, MA
(413) 743-9964
Toll Free (866) 411-7433
www.berkshiresheds.com
413.274.1122, kevin@HartsvilleDesign.com
www.HartsvilleDesign.com
15
New England Where Traditions Run Deep

. . . WELL, NOT ALL TRADITIONS / By Jennifer Lilienthal
any Americans
are familiar
with Norman
Rockwel l s pa i nti n g o f
Stockbridge, Massachusetts,
seasonally decked in snow,
with brightly lit storefronts. Rockwells name conjures up images
of quaint, old-fashioned New England. And for many of us in
western Massachusetts, the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge practically
epitomizes Christmas tradition, with its blazing hearth, colorful
lighted trees, and holiday events. One of the events the Inn
embraces is a re-creation of Rockwells painting, complete with
decorations, shoppers, antique cars, and often plenty of snow.
But this scene of Christmas merriment in Stockbridge is actually
quite modern. To begin with, there is one detail of Rockwells
painting that is deliberately not re-created: the outward appearance
of the Red Lion Inn itself. Rockwells Inn certainly did not exude
holiday charm. Its windows were unlit, because rather than being
a focal point of holiday celebrations, the Red Lion closed its doors
each winter, until 1969. But the dark, somber inn in the painting
actually accurately represents how New Englanders traditionally
decorated for the season not at all.
Holiday festivity is hardly a New England tradition. The
establishment did its best to combat Christmas celebrations
throughout most of New Englands history and not out of
humanitarian sensitivity to religious diversity! Quite the contrary:
opposition to Christmas in New England was led by the religious
elite. In 1659 (long before our Berkshire towns were incorporated)
the General Court in colonial Massachusetts officially banned
the observance of Christmas, fining those who disobeyed five
shillings. Certainly, the fact that holiday celebrations at that time
generally involved drinking, singing, and exchanging of gifts, did
nothing to encourage Puritan acceptance.
Although the Christmas ban was repealed in 1681, Puritan
disapproval of both Church observances and secular merrymaking lived on. Good citizens knew they would disgrace
themselves by openly condoning a holiday with pagan roots.
For almost two more centuries, those with higher social status
in New England generally disdained Christmas as a holiday for
self-indulgent sinners, for immigrants (such as German settlers in
Pennsylvania), for the superstitious.
During most of his lifetime, if Charles Dickens had visited the
Berkshires, he would likely have found much inspiration for the
character of Ebenezer Scrooge. Though many common people
attended special church services and/or parties, they could
16
only do so on their own time. Employers expected workers to

labor all day on Christmas Day; commerce continued unabated.
Not until 1856 did December 25th become a legal holiday in
Massachusetts; it became a federal holiday in 1885, finally gaining
legitimacy from the leadership. Even so, an 1861 Berkshire County
Eagle article noted that Christmas celebrations had been scarce
in most of the country just 25 years before. Further, the articles
discussion of the holiday seemed to be trying to convince those
in doubt that Christmas was worth the sacrifice of a workday.
A major promoter of a new, improved Christmas season was Charles
Dickens himself. With the publication in 1843 of A Christmas Carol,
more emphasis was placed on the spirit of Christmas, shifting
the image away from Bacchanalian gluttony and towards familycentered celebration. Clement Moores 1822 poem A Visit from
Saint Nicholas had focused attention on children and the giftgiving aspect of the season; Stockbridge author Catharine Maria
Sedgwick built on this image. But Dickenss story gave Scrooge
a bad name; commerce on Christmas Day became despicable.
And the Church-related aspects of the celebration of the Nativity
condoned by most sects except a stalwart few were blended
nicely into the secular traditions of feasting, giving, and making
merry. Finally, by the 1860s, it was common for both rich and poor
to celebrate openly, since a wreath on a door, or a lighted tree, was
no longer targeted by the pious.
Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa, Chanukah, Christmas, or the
winter solstice, may your holiday be merry and may you not be
judged by your wreath or the lack thereof.
Sources:
Christmas in New England, Winter-Spring 2004, p. 2, historicnewengland.org
Christmas in Puritan New England, https://en.wikipedia.org
Christmas, the Berkshire County Eagle (Pittsfield, Mass.) 19 Dec. 1861;
image viewed on newspapers.com
Christmas Celebration Outlawed, December 25, 1869, Massachusetts
Foundation for the Humanities: massmoments.org
Our Story: Historical Timeline, The Red Lion Inn: www.redlioninn.com.
~ Jennifer Lilienthal is a genealogical researcher and writer. Doing business
as JLL Family Stories, she helps people discover and
write their family stories, as well as house histories.
With a BA from Mt. Holyoke College and further
studay at the University of Heidelberg in Germany,
she specializes in procuring and translating German
vital records. She also completed Boston Universitys
certificate program in genealogical research and
advanced forensic genealogy. Contact her at
jllportraits@live.com for a free estimate
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Each Office is Independently
Gift Certificates Available
No Daily Rates 10, 12, 15, 20, 30 & 40 Yards

All Rear Doors Swing Open For Easier and Faster Loading!
Valley Roll-Off Dumpster Service is a family owned and operated
business. Tom and Steve Garrity welcome the opportunity to earn
your business. Call our knowledgeable staff to help you plan your
next project or house cleanout. We can help you choose the right
size dumpster and price range that fits your budget.
P.O. Box 388, 95 Marble Street, Lee MA

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Complete Vehicle Detail

With quality and convenience you can trust,
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17
Discover Passiflora, a treasure trove of exceptional

pieces from home and abroad selected for their
individuality and affordability. An eclectic mix of
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Visit LPs website to view products. www.lpcorp.com
18
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business services
saving the world

ONE LIGHTBULB AT A TIME
By Robert Baerga
oday, nonresidential National Grid utility consumers

have a time-sensitive opportunity to combat climate
change. During what is being referred to as the
Lighting Incentive Sweet Spot, National Grids Lighting Systems
Retrofit Program, in combination with an upstate New York
lighting distributors rebate, can replace aging, inefficient lighting
equipment at 80 percent to 100 percent off. This is because in
2015 the prices of LEDs have gone down faster than the utility
incentives can catch up with adjustments. Adjustments to lower
the incentives are predicted to be made starting January 2016.
According to the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC)
power plants represent the single-largest source of carbon
pollution, spewing two billion tons into the air each year. Awareness
of this fact is growing but now effective solutions to reduce energy
are easily available and can be quickly implemented.
Sources:
www.nrdc.org/climate/default.asp
www.energy.gov/eere/femp/energy-incentive-programs-new-york
www1.nationalgridus.com
~ Lotus Energy, located in Hudson, NY, designs and
installs solar energy systems to help reduce or eliminate
electric bills with clean solar photovoltaic energy. The
company began making installations in Nepal and Tibet more
than 20 years ago, and now provides residents and businesses of New York
and the surrounding states with detailed efficient technology consultation
and superior products, including advanced LED designer lighting. You can
contact Robert Baerga at (518) 828-3105, ext 2, www.lotusenergy.com.
Lotus Energy, as a National Grid Energy Solutions Partner,

will provide LED products and lighting upgrade services for
nonresidential utility customers and assist with incentive applications.
Small business owners are rushing to take advantage of this nocost offer to save up to 80 percent on energy costs with designer
LED bulbs lasting 10 years or longer; while improving the lighting
conditions of even the most upscale retail and office environments.
Just in Hudson, NY, alone, more than 50 antique shops, art galleries,
and office spaces have begun eliminating 141 tons of carbon emissions
annually without investing a single dollar. Lotus Energys website has
a user-friendly referral program to allow any person or environmental
organization to pass along this knowledge while offering commissions
and acknowledgments with carbon saving certificates.
Other utility companies may also offer significant incentives. Lotus
Energy will be available to process these as well as provide product
consultation. To find out if this program is available in your area
with your local utility company, share this opportunity now.
Direct website link for lighting upgrade applications:
www.lotusenergy.com/index.php/shop/incentives-rebates-form
Testimonials and case studies:
http://www.lotusenergy.com/index.php/shop/incentive-testimonials
19
fashion & beauty
Take Her
Breath
TakeAway!
Her
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the holiday hunt!
for those who love a
Fine Jew
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Est. 1985
Za
15 Main Street, Lee
413-243-0508
www.zabians.com
Open 7 days a week until Christmas.
NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE
NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE
S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S
S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S NOW ON SALE S
20
avvy shoppers appreciate

the opportunity to buy
fabulous fashion, attractive
accessories, jazzy jewelry,
distinctive decor, and bountiful building
and remodeling materials at bargain
prices. From the old to the new, from the
unique to the divine, there are tantalizing
treasures hidden all over Berkshire
County and the surrounding area. Resale
shops come in all shapes, styles, and sizes
(as do the items they contain), but the
one constant you can count on is the
thrill of the hunt!
Catwalk is an upscale
womens resale boutique
that was founded to
benefit the Berkshire Humane Society.
The clothing, accessories, and jewelry
are hip, fashionable, and affordable,
with all proceeds going to help
the homeless animals of Berkshire
County, MA. Shopping at Catwalk
is the ultimate guilt-free shopping
experience. Follow them on FB. Visit
them at 325 Stockbridge Road, Great
Barrington, MA, (413) 717-4005,
www.catwalkboutique.org
If you are looking for a curated collection

of fashion, art, jewelry, antiques, and
more, you wont want to miss exploring
NEXT! Select Consignment, featuring
quality labels such as Chanel, Gucci,
Prada, Louis Vuitton, Herms, and more.
684 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA,
(413) 248-7778, www.facebook.com/
nextconsign
fashion & beauty
good treasure hunt, explore

these fine resale shops below
FACE HAVEN
NATURAL COSMETICS & MAKEUP STUDIO
Our focus is on service and providing the ultimate

jane iredale mineral cosmetics experience. I guarantee we
can transform your look in minutes and transition you
from day to night in seconds. ~ Sherie K. Ross, Proprietor
Located in the newly renovated

historic Althouse-Higgins
House in Hillsdale, NY, you will
discover Mirror Mirror Clothing,
a consignment and resale shop
offering pre-owned and new
clothing, shoes, and accessories for women, men, and teens.
In todays economy, consignment shopping is a fun and ecofriendly way to put green in your pocketbook while adding
quality, creative clothing, and accessories to your wardrobe!
2666 State Route 23, Hillsdale, NY, (518) 325-4000,
www.mirrormirrorclothingshop.com
(413) 528-4053
323 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Natures Closet is an outdoor specialty retailer that carries

only the highest quality brands designed to make the most of
every minute you spend outdoors. You will find new and used
clothing, footwear, and accessories for active lifestyles. The
Gear Den at Natures Closet sells clean, gently used brand
name outdoor-inspired apparel and gear when available from
Patagonia, Prana, L.L. Bean, Teva, Eddie Bauer, and more.
61 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA, (413) 458-7909,
www.naturescloset.net
Berkshire Baby has created a
year-round consignment boutique
for children that offers sale prices
every day. Their comfortable
and convenient child-friendly
environment, where young ones can stay and play, makes
shopping a pleasure. As one happy customer said, This was
such a nice store, and everything was in beautiful condition!
I will definitely shop here again! 8 Stockbridge Road, Great
Barrington, MA, (413) 329-7208. You can follow Berkshire
Baby on Facebook.
Babies in Bloom, a childrens clothing
and consignment store, offers quality,
gently used clothing at an affordable
price. Sizes range from preemie to
junior. Babies in Bloom also sells
maternity wear and nursing items as
well as a variety of baby gear and toys. Their inventory is ever
changing and they enjoy helping their customers find exactly
what they are looking for. 11 Maple Avenue, Sheffield, MA,
(413) 229-8022, www.babiesinbloom1.com.
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21
11/11/15 12:01 PM
animal talk
unraveling the history

OF MODERN CANINE NUTRITION - PART 2
SHAMELESS SHILLS - THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

By Kristina Tina Dow
o one should ever fault Hills Pet Nutrition for its

marketing savvy. Its early capture of public trust
through the introduction of veterinary prescription
diets sold only through licensed veterinarians, its
multi-million dollar support of the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA) and its annual conventions, and its steady
flow of donated equipment, supplies, and foods to veterinary
schools and rescue organizations, has poised Hills Pet Nutrition
with maximum leverage over the veterinary and pet-owning
communities, holding great sway over what is learned (and what
is not learned) about companion animal nutrition.
Hills Pet Nutrition, a Colgate-Palmolive holding, has, to their
maximum advantage but not necessarily to the advantage of
our pets health, deliberately co-opted an important element
of basic veterinary education and care, namely how our pets
are best nourished. One is hard pressed to find a veterinarian
(or even a board-certified veterinary nutritionist) who
knows much of anything about companion animal nutrition
beyond that which Hills Pet Nutrition has taught them or
has published on the subject. And the very sad fact is that
Hills Pet Nutrition dog and cat food, sold and endorsed by
countless veterinarians and veterinary clinics, isnt food fit for
long-term maintenance of a dog or a cat.
22
While somewhat grudgingly accepting that cats are carnivores,

dogs, by Hills standards, arent. Hills observes that dogs are
omnivores with flat-crowned teeth for grinding grains and
vegetables. The problem with that assessment is that dogs do not
have flat-crowned teeth, nor do their jaws move side to side for
grinding. Yes, our dogs can eat pretty much anything and manage
to survive, but, without a diet rich in meat, they cannot thrive. Our
companion dogs are indeed carnivores, but Hills Pet Nutrition,
through its generous Diamond Sponsorship of AVMA annual
conferences, has been allowed unchallenged authority to convince
countless veterinarians and their staff otherwise. Money grants
access, and access grants influence.
But Hills Pet Nutrition is not the only industrial player to whom
the AVMA has bowed for funding, and to whom it has granted
access and influence. In addition to Hills Pet Nutrition, the AVMA
has had a number of Platinum Partners, including Fort Dodge
Animal Health (vaccine producers) and Meriel Pet Products
(producers of vaccines and parasite control). Together, the big
P3 of Hills, Fort Dodge, and Meriel have pledged a total of $4.5
million dollars in support of AVMA programs and services.
In return for their $4.5 million dollars pledged, Hills, Fort Dodge,
and Meriel each have received unprecedented opportunities to
animal talk
Nature Brings You Joy,

We Bring You Nature
birdfeeders birdseed gifts and more!

783 South Main Street
Great Barrington, MA
(413) 644-9005
interact with AVMA members, leaders, and staff, as well as
having been recognized as elite partners with the AVMA
while benefiting from promotional efforts on the AVMA
website, at the AVMAs annual convention, and in the Journal
of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA),
with spotlight advertorials. One can only guess how those elite
partnerships have affected what veterinarians have learned (and
have not learned) about the necessity, efficacy, safety, and side
effects of products and treatments.
www.wild-birdstore.com
Love them more, worry about them less.

We can help brought
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brought to you by
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800-732-3181
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not-for-profit business in a manner befitting an organization
2015 Invisible Fence, Boundaries
Inc. All rights reserved.
2015
Invisible
Fence,
Inc.
All
rights
reserved.
800-732-3181
800-732-3181 brought to you by
acting as a collective voice for its members and their clients?
2015 Invisible Fence, Inc. All rights reserved.
For Pets
2015 Invisible Fence, Inc. All rights reserved.
Boundaries
www.boundariesforpets.invisiblefence.com
Is this an organization that is prudent in avoiding potential
800-732-3181
For Pets 2015 Invisible Fence, Inc. All rights reserved.
conflicts of interest as it conducts its business? Can there be B4Pets_1_5x2_5_MAR2015_Pawprint.indd
B4Pets_1_5x2_5_JUN2015_Pawprint.indd
6/1/201513/6/2015
8:10:32
AM
B4Pets_1_5x2_5_MAR2015_Pawprint.indd
3/6/2015
1
2:57:53 PM
1
2:57:53 PM
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any reasonable assurance that our pets will be protected fromB4Pets_1_5x2_5_MAR2015_Pawprint.indd3/6/2015
2015
Invisible
Fence,
Inc.
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rights
reserved.
1
2:57:53 PM
prejudicial conduct, unbiased judgments of scientific research,
CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957
B4Pets_1_5x2_5_MAR2015_Pawprint.indd3/6/2015
1
2:57:53 PM
and fair, honest, and balanced presentations of all facts and
debates? Can we trust such an organization to function in the
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1
2:57:53 PM
best interest of our pets? I think not.
Your trusted source

for quality foods
~ Kristina Tina Dow is sole proprietor of BensDotters Pet, a
and supplies.
pet supply store in Great Barrington that specializes in raw diets.

www.bensdotters.com.
Your trusted resource

for raw-feeding
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Call or visit online to schedule a tour.
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education & workshops
Connection before Correction
ARE WE FORGING RELATIONSHIPS OR CUTTING OFF CONNECTIONS?
By K. Meagan Ledendecker
recently watched a video parody* of three moms in

conversation, periodically talking to each other as if
to their children. The effect, although humorous, was
also disturbing.
After watching the video, I began to pay closer attention to
what we sound like when we communicate with children. Are
we issuing directives or asking for cooperation? Are we forging
relationships or cutting off connections? Are we belittling or
kindly reminding?
One way to become more aware of talking with our children,
rather than to our children, is to practice the Positive Discipline
principle, Connection before Correction. Connection before
Correction means that we create closeness and trust instead of
distance and hostility. If I notice my child has left his coat on the
floor, its most effective to connect with him first in a loving way
before reminding him to clean up after himself.
Basic brain science explains why this is the case. Scolding,
nagging, lecturing, blaming, shaming, yelling all cause the
recipients brain to shift into flight, fright, or freeze mode.
Children (and adults, too) function best when they feel safe,
trusted, and accepted.
Connection before Correction can be as simple as first getting
to a childs eye level and smiling before addressing the need at hand.
Or perhaps its saying, I love you, and the answer is no.
Other ways of making a connection include really listening,
spending special time together, validating feelings, asking
questions, and giving hugs. Effective connections are made when
everyone involved feels significance and belonging.
I recently had a chance to practice Connection before
Correction with some older students who hadnt been the best
role models during a class meeting. Although I was upset about
their choices, I took time to reflect upon how I would want
to be treated if I hadnt been my best self. In the process, I
sheepishly realized that I had, in fact, been snippy during a recent
administrative meeting. If a colleague were going to talk to me
about my behavior, how would I like the conversation to begin?
With a humble heart, I took each student aside and privately
checked in about what was going on. I acknowledged each students
kindness and sense of responsibility, and wondered aloud how
their choices had affected others. Rather than lecturing, accusing, or
punishing, I came to the conversations with compassion and concern.
As a result, the students didnt shut down, offer excuses, or point
fingers. Their hearts were open and we could problem-solve together.
When children feel a connection, their sense of belonging

and significance increases. Often this connection is enough to
stop misbehavior and facilitate cooperation. The real bonus is
that when we take the time first to connect rather than correct,
we actually end up feeling better ourselves. Everyone benefits.
*Video from The BreakWomb: If Moms

Talked to Each Other the Way They Talk to
Their Kids
~ K. Meagan Ledendecker is a Certified
Positive Discipline Educator, Director of
Education at The Montessori School of the
Berkshires, and is always on that seemingly
unattainable quest to become a better parent.
www.berkshiremontessori.org
December at
Hawthorne Valley
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School
Yuletide Fair & Gingerbread Auction
Saturday, December 5
10 am to 5 pm
The Magical Puppet Tree Presents

Winnie the Pooh Goes Visiting
Saturday, December 5
Performances at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, & 2 pm
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School

Winter Concert
featuring selections from Handels Messiah
Thursday, December 10 at 6 pm
Friday, December 11 at 7 pm
St Marys Church, Hudson
WALDORF SCHOOL |
www.hawthornevalleyschool.org
330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 | 518-672-7092
25
beyond
the berkshires
Interview with Ken Rohla
Part 1 / By Kathy I. Regan
en 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, reprogramming of limiting
unconscious beliefs, ancient esoteric techniques, and cutting-edge
science. With a background in electrical engineering and computer
science, Ken worked for 23 years in the medical industry.
In 1993, at the age of 32, Ken was first exposed to natural healing
in a search to cure severe hypoglycemia and other health problems
he had acquired from a lifetime of poor diet and lifestyle. Eight
years and many thousands of dollars later, after trying a litany of
diets, products, potions, and pills, he found permanent success with
living food nutrition and detoxification. Ken has studied with many
pioneers in the natural health movement, including Gabriel Cousens,
MD, Drs. Brian and Anna Maria Clement, David Wolfe, Dr. Robert
Morse, Viktoras Kulvinskas, Brenda Cobb, and many others.
In 2005, Ken became certified as a natural health educator by
Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. Currently
his focus is developing natural solutions for new severe threats to our
health such as nuclear radiation, geoengineering pollutants, genetically
modified foods and microorganisms, electromagnetic pollution,
nanotechnology, biowarfare agents, depleted food, and other issues.
A tenacious researcher and experimenter, Ken uses and tests
everything he recommends to find the most effective solutions for the
least amount of money. I consider him to be one of the luminaries of
our time and appreciate his generosity in spending time with me for this
interview. Please look for other interviews with Ken on www.gaia.com,
Red Ice Radio, and on his website, www.freshandalive.com.
26
Q: Ken, one of the things that impresses me most about

your work is that you seek to empower people. What do you
feel is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
A: Its when I see people who are in dire circumstances, typically
with life threatening diseases, get well. It changes their lives and
then they go out and do things like help humanity themselves,
either by sharing what theyve learned, or by creating natural
heath centers, or healing retreats, or raw food restaurants, or
similar things. I know that if I empower and teach other people
they are going to spread it.
Q: Because of the pace and structure of our society and the
increase in Schumann resonances [the resonant frequencies
of the Earth], many people live in various states of fight or
flight [acute stress response] on a daily basis. Why are the
Schumann resonances speeding up and what can we do to
help restore balance and harmony within ourselves?
A: We are passing through a part of the galaxy where these
energies are accelerating and creating shifts on the planet. Overall
its a shift in consciousness thats a beneficial one, but it can
cause our physical destruction if we dont raise our vibration
enough to the point where we can counteract the negative
effects that occur from this cosmic radiation. But we have to be
aware enough to do so.
Here are some very simple practical things you can do to
help. Get off your cell phone or keep it away from your head,
minimize its use to about 90 minutes a month or so, and put an
electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) protector on it to help reduce
the effects from it. Also protect yourself from EMFs everywhere
you go by wearing a static EMF (scalar) pendant. And then in
beyond the berkshires
your home or wherever you spend a lot of your time you

need to have a [scalar-emitting] device like the Rest Shield*
[a powered scalar-energy device that promotes deep sleep,
stress reduction and relaxation, and increased energy; note the
pyramid-like device in this article header]. This shield puts out
a field that will protect you from EMFs and the increased
Schumann resonances.
So, if you do these kinds of things, as well as maintaining
health and proper diet, this will help. There is also a technology
called Holosync and Hemi-Sync, known as binaural beat
audio CDs. Listening to these will slow down brainwave states
to help destress and relax you. In addition, comprehensively
detoxifying your body physically a couple of times a year will
go a long way towards improving your stress levels. Detox
emotionally, detox physically, and protect yourself from
electromagnetic frequencies.
Q: Please tell us exactly what scalar energy is and how we
can use it to our advantage?
A: Really what it is, is God Consciousness. Its this faster-than-light
energy [also known as prana, chi, radiant energy, zero point energy,
qi, or orgone] that is flowing from the center of galaxies through
our entire universe and we are transceivers of it we are receivers
and transmitters that pick it up like an antenna and rebroadcast it. So
in that sense we are the hands of God. Practical things you can do
to utilize it are the old tried-and-true ways we already know about,
like meditation and yoga kundalini yoga in particular doing
energy work, bodywork, reiki, and other similar modalities. With
all of these kinds of methods you can capture scalar energy with
your biology, and with your focus and intention you can use it to
manipulate matter and energy. You can, for example, heal the body
by restructuring matter. These are very simple and empowering
things you can do that are ancient, tried-and-true methods, but
they take a lot of time and discipline.
Q: I would imagine that scalar-producing products like your
Scalar Energy Rest ShieldTM, OrmusitTM discs, and pendants
would be very helpful to people?
A: Exactly, because we are all living in this modern life. If we
were monks living in Tibet and we had 12 hours a day to meditate
we could take very good care of ourselves completely with that,
but we dont, so we need these cheats to get done what we need
to get done. When you are able to get the physical and emotional
toxins out of the body and youre immersed in the old Schumann
resonances, you are like Forrest Gump: youre happy all the time
for no particular reason. This does not necessarily make logical
sense but you just are and thats our natural state.
Q: For someone interested in using your scalar-energyproducing products, where is the best place to start?
A: The best place to start is to get EMF protection on your
cell phones and cordless devices [Aamoraa Balancer*]. We also
have an Aamoraa device you can put on the main breaker of the
electric panel of your building that will help reduce EMF fields
immensely. Cell phones are a major, major health threat these
days. Cell phones accelerate brain waves, heat tissue, and interfere
with cellular communication, so you can wind up with a serious
disease and shortened lifespan. Putting these EMF protectors on
will help immensely, but it does not give you carte blanche. You
have to use your phone [and wireless devices] smartly dont
use it as a computer, dont use it to surf the web or do email [or
to watch videos or play games]. Avoid them as much as possible
and keep protection on them. It is just as important to protect
yourself from cordless phones these days, because particularly
the DECT 6 phones, which are the standard now, are just as bad
as cell phones. Using EMF protection on these devices is one of
the most important things you can do to see an improvement in
your health, particularly with focus, memory, and sleep issues.
And when you are out and about, pretty much anywhere
you go these days in a public place, it is going to be immersed
in multiple Wi-Fi fields. Keeping an EMF pendant [Aamoraa
Balancer Pendant* or Quantum Balance Crystal Pendant*] on
you is very important to help with that. Another important place
to put EMF protection is in your car, especially if you have a
hybrid car, because these vehicles are very high in EMFs.
The next thing is sleeping with a device like the Scalar Energy
Rest ShieldTM. This will actually have the most impact on people
because they will be protected from EMFs and will also be able to
get into deep brainwave states of delta, theta, and gamma when
sleeping. As a result, they will be really well rested and refreshed,
and need less sleep. This has a positive impact on relationships,
work, brain function, and everything else in life.
Q: How do theses devices work?
A: The way these pendants and static devices work is that they
act like an antenna, much like a pyramid, to capture the scalar
energy that is flowing around us, bringing it into a localized
field. That field structures the electromagnetic waves that are
chaotically bouncing around through the body, interfering with
the cells communication. The pendants and static devices
make all of those waves become parallel, which is known as
coherence. And when those waves are coherent, they are much
quieter when they pass through the body.
Q: Some people do not feel comfortable purchasing EMF
protection devices that cannot be measured with handheld
meters. Can the therapeutic value of your products be
measured in any way, and if so, how?
A: It is true that you cannot measure these types of EMF
protective devices with a handheld meter, but there are biological
tests available, varying in degree of simplicity and expense, to
confirm their therapeutic value. The effect of the Rest Shield
is very obvious, though. When people use one they dont need
any tests because they can easily tell that it works!
*These products can be found on www.freshandalive.com.

~ In Part 2 of this interview, coming in the February - March
issue of Our BerkshireTimes magazine, we will pick up where we left
off with more about the lowdown of testing these devices, along with
additional wisdom from Ken Rohla. I will also share with you my own
personal experience with the Rest Shield and other products. In the
meantime, to learn more about Ken Rohla, to order his products, to
watch informative videos on his blog, or to sign up for Kens free
eNewsletter, go to www.freshandalive.com.
27
health & wellness
DR .
Dr.
J a y
W i s e ,
D D S
Casey Jones, DMD
33 Park street, suite 6, lee, ma 01238

( 4 1 3 ) 2 4 3 - 1 2 2 2 D r j ay w i s e d d s .c o m
T h i s i s wh e r e h e alt h , b e au t y
a n d we l l b e i n g b eg i n .
T hat s O Ur B u s i n es s .
Naomi Alson
LIC. ACUPUNCTURIST & HERBALIST
For general wellbeing . . .

With specialized training in:
Alleviating the side effects
chemotherapy
Infertility Herbal treatments
Regulating the immune system
At Lee Family Practice, Lee, MA
(413) 243-3223 naomifalson@gmail.com
ou May BeYou
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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
28
health & wellness
Stand on Your Own Two Feet

By TAMIR
Alignment is skillfulness in action that brings equanimity.

B.K.S. Iyengar
he quote above, by the

founder of the Iyengar
school of yoga, sums up my
love affair with this method. Iyengar yoga,
in particular, is about posture, the way we
live inside our skin and get comfortable
with who we are physically. Lack of
alignment creates imbalance, which leads
to compression, causing stress on the
nervous system the connection between
mind and body. With proper alignment,
the nervous system becomes peaceful.
Iyengar classes begin with basics our
immediate and concrete contact with
the floor, which develops stability and
balance. How do I stand? What is my
stance in the world? Are the four corners
of my foot pressing down? What about
the toes? Feet are the fundamentals the
foundation of alignment.
In a show I performed, I played a
character whose thinking is circuitous,
and she weaves a spiral pathway across
the stage. This was difficult because her
rhetoric was similar and the mazelike
pathway I traversed made me wobbly. To
my surprise, after several Iyengar yoga
classes my walk was solid and my thinking
coherent. I was grounded and secure, in
spite of the circuitous monologue and
staged walking pattern.
Iyengar yoga emphasizes a deep
awareness of precision, using a fastidious
and dynamic approach to correct
alignment. The classes are safe, and there
is a systematic progression with clear
demonstrations, precise explanations,
and individual correction.
Although based on ancient traditions
(yogis practicing headstand hanging from
branches of trees), Mr. Iyengars approach
is uniquely his own. The use of props, for
example, allows all students to practice
safely and instills confidence even in
difficult poses. The props are guides for
accuracy and self-learning.
Not everyone can do a full classical
pose, but by using props and individual

modification, the benefits of the full
pose can be experienced. We use blocks
to assist, for example, in Uttanasana, a
forward-bending pose with straight legs
and an elongated spine. Not everyone can
touch the floor, so it is raised. By placing
the hands on blocks, one can reap the
benefits of a semi-inversion, loosen the
hips, lengthen the hamstrings, and extend
the front body. Likewise, we use chairs,
blankets, and belts to improve the asanas
and make them appropriate to each
individual.
We practice yoga for different
reasons. When I was a student of Martha
Graham dance, I needed yoga to soften,
loosen, and stretch in order to balance
the contractions of her demanding style.
Much later, as an actress, I found that,
of all the methods I sampled, Iyengar
addressed my intention to be sure-footed,
centered, and aligned with my purpose.
The Iyengar teacher training is a twoyear program, and candidates are accepted
only after demonstrating their commitment
by studying the method for several years.
The certification covers asanas, anatomy,
pranayama, and philosophy. The depth
of knowledge required, and the time and
dedication it takes to become certified,
appeal to my passion for integrity in
movement and approaching life with a
zeal for personal best.
Mr. Iyengar always emphasized that
learning to stand on ones own two feet
is the gateway to yoga.
In-home service
by SENIORS for SENIORS
No contracts, no minimums, & reasonable rates.
Call Jane Apkin for a free in-home assessment.
Its like getting a little help

from a friend
(413) 822-9988
www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/Berkshires
~ TA M I R , Jun i o r
Intermediate Certified
Iyengar Yoga Instructor,
can be reached at (212)
875-7836, rumitamir@
gmail.com. Ongoing
Saturday classes at
Eastover in Lenoc, MA.
w w w. e a s t over.co m /
iyengar-yoga.html
29
mind & spirit
intentional giving
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON YOU CAN FIND OUT HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO GIVE / by Brenda L. Burdick
eve heard of random acts of kindness. What

if we take that concept one step further and try
intentional acts of kindness this holiday season?
Take a moment to reflect on the last time you gave something to
someone and remember how good giving feels.
Linda Barten devoted her life to giving, and through
giving she realized how true it is that we receive. Once, as a
labor of love, Linda helped her friend, Doris Karsell, share
her God-given gift of painting and language, literally, with
the world. Doris painted artwork and gave it to Linda, never
asking for anything in return. Linda transformed the artwork
into beautiful inspirational 5" x 7" note cards made of quality
vellum-like cardstock, fulfilling Doriss lifelong dream of
displaying her artwork. Doris wanted to be anonymous, but
Linda and her husband convinced her to receive credit for her
heilaa Hite
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www.SheilaaHite.com
30
works. Doris expressed herself through painting and Linda

shared that gift through an inspirational card business. Unlike
other businesses, Lindas bottom line was not in making a profit,
but in sharing these gifts. Upon Lindas death, her husband, Al,
donated those cards to another friend in need, Sheri Biasin, . . .
and the gift continues to give.
Al gave the cards to Sheri, a self-employed friend from
Cheshire, MA, so that she can continue to share Lindas passion
while augmenting her income during a time of illness. The giving
doesnt stop there. Sheri is now also donating cards to raise money
for cancer survivors, religious organizations, and to a friend who
is raising money for a formerly homeless autistic artist. If you
would like to purchase one of these beautiful note cards online
you can go to www.ascendingsherona.com, or you can contact
Sheri at (413) 822-2070, sheribiasin@hotmail.com.
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Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Dec 2015-Jan 2016

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Dec - Jan 2016 vol 23

Special Holiday Issue / Visit us at www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

BERKSHIRE MOUNTAIN DESIGN BUILD, LLC

DESIGNED & HANDCRAFTED IN THE BERKSHIRE MOUNTAINS

COMPLETE BUILDING SERVICES

December - January 2016

Photo by Matt McCurdy.

art, culture & entertainment

shop local for the holidays

food & drink

home, garden & landscape

beyond the berkshires

mind & spirit

education & workshops

INTERVIEW WITH KEN ROHLA

RAISING THE BAR

CONNECTION BEFORE CORRECTION

This publication is printed with

fashion & beauty

Our BerkshireTimes magazine was first published in 2009 and is

Jennifer's work can be found at the Wit Gallery in Lenox, MA

art, culture & entertainment

winter event sampler

The Berkshire Children's Chorus

Berkshire Concert Choir & Tea, Sun., Dec. 13,

Rapunzel Marionette Shows, Mon., Dec. 28 &

Songs of the Flow of Life and Love: Schuberts

Hail and Farewell to Downton Abbey Tea, Sun.,

December | January 2016

Event seating is limited. Please call for reservations.

104 Walker Street, Lenox, MA 413-637-3206 GildedAge.org

$20, under 2 (lap rider) free.

Close your eyes. open your heart. concernedsingles.com

art, culture & entertainment

Free programs September through July

visit our website for listings ~ all are welcome

The Hotchkiss School

THE BERKSHIRE CHILDRENS CHORUS

Celebrating 25 years of song

Massachusetts Cultural Council

December | January 2016

shop local for the holidays

January - December 2016

shop local for the holidays

ETHERIC WEAVERS / ASCENDING SHERONA

Enjoy calmer emotions, more vitality, positivity, and an overall

HURRICANE LANTERNS / CAMPO DE' FIORI

BERKSHIRE BASKET / GUIDO'S FRESH MARKETPLACE

IN THE BLINK OF A SMOKY EYE KIT / FACE HAVEN

A wonderful gift for your favorite makeup mavens. This

SARI RUGS / PASSIFLORA

Make a colorful statement in your home with these gorgeous,

December | January 2016

DIAMOND RINGS / LENNOX JEWELERS

If you are looking forward to surprising that special someone

CHOCOLATE GIFT BOXES / CHOCOLATE SPRINGS

Treat your friends, loved ones, coworkers (and yourself!) to

SMARTCAT PEEK & PLAY / BENSDOTTER'S PET

GIFT BOXES & BASKETS / NEJAIME'S WINE CELLARS

GIFT BASKETS / BERKSHIRE ORGANICS

Send your friends, coworkers, and loved ones a Berkshire

shop local for the holidays

the gift of health

SANDRA KNOX, P.T