Berkshire Penny Saver by Hersam Acorn

There’s Something In It For You!

Berkshire

Penny Saver Volume 44 Number 81

December 8, 2010

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CLASSIFIEDS 413.243.2341 or

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888.307.0839 Auto ....................................... 21 Business Directory .................. 2 Classiﬁeds ................................ 3 Help Wanted .......................... 24 Real Estate ............................. 18 Sudoku ................................... 23 Berkshire Greetings ............... 12 Lenox Greetings..................... 13 Lee Greetings ......................... 14

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editorial email berkshire@hersamacornma.com

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advertising email art@hersamacornma.com

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Editorial Deadline: 20th at noon the month before publication.

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Classiﬁed Deadline: December 20, 2010

Display Deadline: December 20, 2010

Manager’s Memo I want to personally thank all of our readers and advertisers,. This issue marks our one-year anniversary since we put the Yankee Shopper and Berkshire Penny Saver back in cirRenee Tassone, culation. I cannot believe one entire General Manager year has gone or should I say flown by. I personally am glad to ring in 2011 since this year was very eventful for me. It has been wonderful to have our papers and special publications back in circulation in Massachusetts; they compliment our Vermont products very well. Even though it has been a tough year for a lot of businesses, everyone has been so supportive of us and we appreciate it. The last two years have been challenging for the newspaper industry as well. Even though advertising is the last thing that a business should cut in tough times it is often the first. I think this quote explains it best “Advertising is a conversation with consumers. If you’re not talking...they’re probably wondering if there is something wrong.” Finding a balance between Internet, digital and print has also been a challenge for a lot of newspapers. We have done well with online; all three of our sites (www.ishopeberkshires, www. tspennysaver.com and www.vermontnews-guide.com) get a lot of traffic. People are able to read our publications, read or submit a classified ad and subscribe to our papers. There is so much happening with technology at lightning speed that sometimes it is hard to stay up with it all. I don’t really understand the big craze with social media like Facebook and Twitter. Maybe I am too old, but I like to email or call someone if I want to get in touch with them and I do not like the idea of the whole world being able to see every move I make. My two daughters go on my Facebook page and respond to people, confirm friends because I do not really know or care how to do it. They get so frustrated with me and don’t understand how I can ignore my page. We do however have Facebook for our publications and employees. It is nice to have and good for us to be seen there but I am not sure there are any other benefits yet. I hope you all have wonderful, safe and happy holidays. Take some time for yourself and take some time to volunteer and help others. If you are someone who likes to start the year off with some new year resolutions, then sit down and write out what they are and what is important to you in 2011. As always, losing weight will be on my list for next year. Hopefully this will be my year. I truly thought that when my diet changed to gluten free that the weight would just fall off me, but that has not been the case. Unfortunately, my body seems to resist any kind of weight loss but I am going to keep trying. One of these days I think my body will respond. I will also have some professional resolutions for next year and will work hard to succeed at those. I look forward to it. Check out our Holiday Greetings section and our pet pictures in this issue. Last issue we ran a special section honoring the Veterans, because we had a good response we were able to donate $130 to the Veteran’s Home. As always we encourage your feedback. Feel free to send us your press releases to yankee@hersamacornma.com or berkshire@hersamacornma. com. Check us out online at www.ishopberkshires.com. Renee Tassone, General Manager

Berkshire Penny Saver

December 8, 2010

Christmas in the Berkshires DVD is now on sale for this Holiday Season!

Berkshire

Penny Saver 800.234.1432 Classiﬁeds 800.234.1432 editorial email berkshire@hersamacornma.com advertising email art@hersamacornma.com

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Renee Tassone, General Manager Linda Devlin, Circulation Manager Sarah Masiero, Advertising Sales Carrie Devlin, Advertising Sales Linda Perry, Advertising Sales Melissa Miller, Art Director Jen Hathaway, Artist Chris Sobolowski, Artist

Beautifully filmed and masterfully assembled, Christmas in the Berkshires is bound to evoke all your favorite Christmas memories. Shot during and after one of New England’s heaviest snow falls, these images will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.

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Deadline*: 20th of Prior Month *Deadlines will change due to Holidays. See special deadline notices published before major holidays.

Traditional New England architectural styled buildings are nestled in powder white landscapes full of snow laden spruce and hoar frosted branches. Visions of snowmen, angels and nutcrackers all add that special childhood touch for the holiday season.

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Submission Guidelines: Those wishing to submit event listings or editorial content may email berkshire@hersamacornma.com. ■

Notice: The Berkshire Penny Saver will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise, or reject any and all advertising, with or without cause being assigned, which in the publisher’s judgement is contrary to the interests of this publication. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

A collection of traditional Christmas carols blend seamlessly with all these magical images. Sit back watch and enjoy choral and instrumental arrangements of such classics as: Joy to the World, Deck the Halls, The 12 Days of Christmas, Angels We Have Heard On High, Silent Night and Ave Maria.

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”...WHERE FAIRYLAND LANDSCAPES MELT INTO WINTRY WATERFALLS. THIS VIEWING AND LISTENING PLEASURE WILL LEAVE YOU SPELLBOUND AND WISHING FOR SNOW.” December 8, 2010

Martin Hersam, Chief Operating Ofﬁcer Thomas B. Nash, Publisher

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Berkshire Penny Saver

Get Your Home Ready For The New Year (ARA) - For many, the new year means a fresh start and there is no better place to begin than in the home. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result inefficient systems and less than perfect conditions.

To keep your home looking and operating like the day you purchased it, Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, suggests completing a few easy maintenance projects that will make a big impact in the end. Touch up your baseboards with a sturdy enamel especially made to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. Re-caulk your bathtub or shower to avoid costly leakage problems down the road. Clean your carpeting every 90 to 120 days to prolong its life. Replace your air filters with pleated options to ensure the air quality in your home is the best it can be. Keep your gutters clear using barrier systems to make sure your home stays dry. For more home maintenance projects and tips, visit www.acehardware.com or stop by your neighborhood Ace Hardware store.

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Simple Tips To Quickly Finish Your Last-minute Shopping (ARA) - As you cross the days off your 2010 calendar, have you noticed that you haven’t yet crossed many names off your holiday shopping list? It’s been a busy holiday season, and you can be forgiven for putting your gift shopping at the bottom of your to-do list. Finding an eleventh-hour gift doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Here are some tips to make your last-minute holiday shopping simple so you can get your list checked off quickly: Beautiful scents all year long No matter what season it is, fresh flowers are always a great gift. You can give special roses to your significant other, or a bouquet of favorite flowers to your mom or grandma. Consider signing your loved one up to receive a bouquet every month, so she can keep celebrating your holiday gift throughout the entire year. Online flower companies have seasonal specials, and you can find flower coupons for discounts or free delivery at CouponHeaven.com.

Browse for ideas online You don’t need to dig through the leftovers on the store shelves in a last-ditch effort to find the perfect gift. Online stores clearly outline the last date an item can be shipped to have it arrive on time, and you may be able to find a coupon code through CouponHeaven.com for free or reduced rates on the expedited shipping. The days are passing quickly, so don’t delay too long in your holiday shopping. Take a deep breath, set aside a little time, and put some of these tips to use. Before you know it, you’ll have checked the last name off your list.

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Fun and educational opportunities If you have a friend or relative with a special interest - a love of machines or a passion for cooking recipes, for example - thousands of magazine subscriptions are available to help them glean more knowledge in their field of interest. From topics like woodworking to knitting, and travel to world politics, you can personalize your gift perfectly for the recipient. Buy the subscription online, and you may even find a magazine coupon to sweeten the deal, along with a printable announcement.

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Let the recipient find a specific gift You know your sister loves to play golf, but you aren’t certain what equipment she already has in her golf bag. You can give her a gift certificate to a golf store so she can easily pick out what she wants. Printable gift certificates are becoming more popular, allowing you to give your loved one a great gift with no worries that she’ll exchange it. If you would rather �� purchase a physical gift card, check �� your local supermarket or drug�� store. Many chain stores have a �� display where you can choose a gift card from a variety of popular stores.

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December 8, 2010

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From my Corner — by Susan J. Coons

...potpourri...

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A Halloween Story: My daughter and her husband took their dogs for a nice long walk in the park just before dark on Halloween. The dogs ran and romped about running through piles of leaves, sticking their heads in deep and sniffing and digging. After the nice long walk, they ran upstairs and waited at the door for Cathy and Dave. Once inside, they calmed down and the kids removed their leashes. Little Leelu was holding her mouth funny, so my daughter pried it open to see what she was hiding. Leelu’s cherished prize from her walk was the head of a dead crow! As far as Halloween candy goes, Leelu only eats blue Skittles. ...blown off... The antagonism created by the sound of multiple leaf blowers has reached such a crisis in California, that it has been reported in the New Yorker magazine. I don’t like leafblowers either. I have a neighbor who blows off his porch every evening. It doesn’t matter so much now as I have my windows closed, but early fall it drives me crazy when I’m trying to listen to the news. A few years ago he got so carried away with his new leaf blower that he blew his leaves all the way across the street to our side! The municipalities in California are trying to work something out keeping homeowners, gardeners, and the manufacturing industry that makes blowers, mowers, weeders, etc. happy. There are several cities that already have regulations in place. Gardening is a big industry out there, given the amount of wealth and celebrity. Each homeowner wants his or her own property to appear pristine, but doesn’t want to hear it when his neighbor is having his place manicured. I imagine that the decibel level can rise pretty high as you add up the number of gardeners per neighborhood. The story was fun to read, although frivolous. I enjoyed it because I lived in California for so many years. The story took my mind off important things like war, jobs, economy, what I’ll fix for dinner, what I’ll wear to work tomorrow...

Berkshire Penny Saver

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Featured Pets

Citrus

Ginger

Abby

Hannah

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Tux Berkshire Penny Saver

Give Homemade Gifts From The Kitchen This Holiday Season (ARA) - Buttery chocolate cookie dough with chocolate chunks, nuts and marshmallows. Creamy caramels with apple cider and warm spices. These are just a taste of some of the irresistible sweets you could be gifting this holiday season. Homemade holiday gifts deserve special presentations, but these finishing touches don’t have to mean a lot of extra time or money. Break out the crafting supplies, hit up a vintage shop or venture online to gather an inspired collection of packaging materials. With a few simple tips, you can create a memorable presentation worthy of the sweet, buttery goodness inside.

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* Create a candy cone. To package small, individually-wrapped candies such as Spiced Apple Caramels, find some festive paper at a craft or scrapbook store. Roll it into a cone and tape it shut at the seam. Add ribbon or other decorations and then fill the cone with candy.

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* Think outside the cardboard box. Consider packaging your gifts in a simple wooden box with a festive bow tied around it. Visit your local craft store for interesting containers to help you break free of the typical cardboard variety. * Take and bake. A ready-to-bake treat such as North Pole Cookie Dough is the perfect hostess gift. Consider presenting it in disposable pint-sized ice cream containers. You can find them online or simply ask for a few from your local ice cream shop. Just don’t forget to add a festive tag with baking instructions. * Be sure to label. Use festive gift tags with the name of your recipe so your lucky friends and family know what a special treat they’re receiving. Custom complimentary gift tags can be found at butterisbest.com.

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...Give Homemade Gifts From The Kitchen This Holiday Season... Visit ButterIsBest.com to find more holiday cookie and candy recipes courtesy of America’s Dairy Farmers. While there, sign up for the daily holiday cookie e-newsletter, “Better Baking with Butter,” available to subscribers from Nov. 22 to Dec. 25. Spiced Apple Caramels Makes about 75 caramels Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider 2/3 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (If you cannot find apple pie spice, substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon allspice.) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup (one stick) butter, cubed Freshly ground cinnamon or course sea salt (optional)

Directions: Pour cider into small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/3 cup; approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Set aside to cool. Line 8-inch square pan with buttered parchment paper or aluminum foil. In small bowl, combine heavy cream, salt, apple pie spice, cinnamon and reduced cider; set aside. In large, heavy-bottom saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Cook over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Insert candy thermometer and simmer until syrup reaches 234 degrees. Remove from heat, remove thermometer and very slowly whisk in cream mixture (mixture will foam and may spatter). Add cubed butter and stir or whisk until cream and butter are fully incorporated. Return pan to heat, reinsert thermometer and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until temperature reaches 250 degrees. Remove from heat and pour caramel into prepared pan; let mixture cool slightly, then sprinkle with freshly ground cinnamon or sea salt, if desired. Cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until set. Once set, remove caramel from pan lifting out by parchment paper or foil. Cut caramel into 3/4-inch squares. Wrap each piece in small wax paper square, twisting at each end. Store caramels in airtight container in cool place or refrigerate up to two weeks.

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Berkshire Penny Saver

...Give Homemade Gifts From The Kitchen This Holiday Season... North Pole Cookie Dough Makes three “pints” of dough or two dozen cookies Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 2/3 cups flour 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (two sticks) butter, softened 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks 1 cup roasted almonds or toasted walnuts, roughly chopped 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows Directions: Place 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips in microwave-safe dish. Microwave 30 seconds on high, stir and continue to microwave in 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Set

bowl aside and cool to room temperature. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and both sugars using electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add melted, cooled chocolate and vanilla, blend until fully incorporated. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture slowly; mixing until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chunks, nuts and mini marshmallows. Fill pint containers with cookie dough and refrigerate up to four days or freeze up to one month. When giving as a gift, attach following baking instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons, or using small cookie scoop, onto parchment-lined baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Flatten dough slightly using back of spoon. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are lightly cracked but centers are still soft. Remove from oven and cool slightly on baking sheet before transferring cookies to wire rack to cool completely.

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Make Your Holiday Season Safer In A Minute Or Less (ARA) – This winter, Americans are expected to spend approximately $7.5 million every minute on holiday-related items, including gifts and festive decorations. Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading independent safety organization, is urging families to dedicate just a fraction of the time and attention spent shopping for gifts and decor on making sure their purchases are being used safely. The following tips – taking as little as one minute each – can help families recognize, identify and prevent hazards that too often can result in accidents or tragedy: Check your lights: Before hanging light strings, inspect them for damage and wear. Cracks, frays and bare wires can pose fire or shock hazards. Decorate with a safe eye: Cords should not be run under carpets or tacked up with metal nails or staples. Small decorations can be choking hazards and should be kept out of the reach of toddlers. Be flame aware: Always blow out unattended candles and teach children to stay away from lit candles or fireplaces. Prevent a spark: Only use light strings and other electrical decorations that bear the UL Mark near the plug, signifying that safety standards have been met. For additional ideas and activities on how to “Commit a Minute” this holiday season, visit www.SafetyAtHome.com.

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Holidays! ��

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Berkshire Penny Saver

Heartfelt Holiday Greetings From The Berkshires ��

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Merry Christmas from all of us at Formel Motor Co. Inc.

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21 Van Deusenville Road Great Barrington, MA 413-528-9424

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Happy Holidays from all of us in

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Five Tips To Simplify Your Holiday Shopping On Any Budget (ARA) - The holiday season is upon us. That means the stress that comes with shopping for that perfect gift is not far behind. So, what’s the best way to go about making a list, checking it twice and sticking to a budget? Audrey McClelland is the founder of Mom Generations, an online destination for moms. She is an expert at holiday shopping for her tech-savvy husband, four boys all younger than 6, and a large extended family. McClelland offers her top five holiday shopping tips and gift ideas that will help you conquer your holiday shopping - on budget - for everyone on your list. 1. Keep a master list. It can get overwhelming around the holidays when you are trying to decide whom to shop for. Outline everyone you need a gift for, and remember to incorporate any unexpected lastminute gifts. Then write down a realistic number on what you want to spend on each person and stick to it. Seeing it on paper will make it easier to knock items off your list while keeping your budget in check. 2. Be sure to have gifts on hand that can be given to anyone ‚Ä¶ regardless of their tastes. For example, Staples carries colorful Omnitech mini speaker pods in jewel tones for only $10 that can plug into any iPod, Sony PSP, or MP3 player, and are perfect for kids and grown-ups on the go. Digital photo ornaments in the shape of decorative balls or snowflakes make another universally likeable gift for less than $15. These are also time-savers to have on hand for office Yankee swaps,

December 8, 2010

hostess gifts or any unanticipated presents you may need. 3. Don’t waste time rushing from store to store. Try condensing your shopping visits to the fewest number of stores possible. Pick a shopping destination or two, and commit to buying as many gifts as you can for your list there. If you’re looking for the newest tech items, Staples stores offer interactive displays that allow you to get a feel of the newest tech products before you buy, whether you’re considering a Kindle for your mother-in-law or a Flip video camera for that next family vacation. 4. It’s a digital world - follow your favorite shopping places on Facebook and Twitter. Many stores reward their followers with up-tothe-minute deals via these social media outlets. Stores occasionally post exclusive print-out coupons and deals specifically for their Facebook friends, and let you know about upcoming events ahead of time. 5. Check out the websites of the stores that you plan to visit before heading into the actual store. You may be surprised by the variety of products some stores offer. It also helps you to become acquainted with the product selection and can help you to nail down specific items for each person on your list, making your trip more efficient. You may even decide to purchase some items directly on the website and have them shipped to the recipient to avoid a trip to the store or post office. For example, Staples.com offers free shipment on items over $50. “Every year, inevitably, I get caught up in the frenzy of the season,” says McClelland. “However, by sticking to these tips, I can focus on the joy of gift giving and the satisfaction of knowing I did it all under budget.”

Berkshire Penny Saver

The New Year’s Resolution You Can Easily Keep: Protecting Your Identity (ARA) - Losing weight, eating better, building your savings - what will you resolve to do in 2011? While resolutions that improve your physical or financial health are worthwhile, you might consider adding a new pledge to your list of resolutions - a vow to better protect yourself from identity theft. Recent statistics on identity theft facts show that one in every 10 Americans has already been a victim of identity theft. That means your chances of having your personal identifying or financial information stolen and misused is comparable to or greater than falling victim to some of the most common health problems in the U.S. Just as improving dietary, exercise and financial habits can improve your overall wellbeing and security, resolving to do more to protect your identity in 2011 can reduce your risk of falling prey to one of the fastest growing and costly types of crime. The good news is that making lifestyle changes to protect your identity can be a lot easier - and quicker - than dropping a few pounds, working out more or spending less. The Identity Theft Resource Center offers some tips for easily fulfilling your New Year’s resolution to arm yourself against identity theft: Physical precautions * Secure your Social Security card. This is as simple as getting it out of your wallet and storing it in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box.

* Secure your Social Security number. If a business asks for your SSN, quiz them on why they need it, who will have access to it, what they will do with it and what may happen if you decline to provide it. You should only be required to provide it for verifying identity for employment, establishing new lines of credit, participating in government benefit programs or for tax purposes. * Before tossing them in the trash, shred documents that include personal identifying information, like account numbers, your SSN, birth date or medical numbers. Stolen paperwork and wallets account for nearly half of all identity theft, according to Javelin Strategy and Research. * Invest in a locked mailbox and never leave outgoing mail to be picked up in your mailbox. That red flag that alerts the postal worker to stop at your mailbox also alerts potential identity thieves that checks or other valuable information may be waiting there to be stolen. * Open bank and credit card statements the day they arrive in your mailbox, and review them immediately. This will help ensure you notice and correct any fraud right away.

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...The New Year’s Resolution You Can Easily Keep: Protecting Your Identity... Online measures * Pay attention to passwords and the protection they afford your online activities. Make sure all your accounts have strong passwords (at least eight characters long and containing capital letters, numbers or special characters) and change them periodically. Passwords should be hard to guess - not easy, like your mother’s maiden name, your pet’s name or your kid’s birthday. A random word, not associated with you or your life, is best. * Don’t share online personal information that you don’t want the world to see. Avoid accessing accounts from shared or public computers, such as those in a library, Internet cafe, workplace or cruise ship. * Be cautious when shopping online. Check to be sure the merchant is legitimate and has their own security measures in place. Using a credit card to pay instead of a debit card, or paying through a secure payment agent, adds another layer of protection to your identifying information. Install security and malware software to protect your PC and update them frequently. Another tactic to protect yourself from fraud risks is to carry identity theft insurance. Some identity monitoring products, like ProtectMyID. com, offer identity theft insurance. In addition to credit monitoring, alerts, and assistance from specially trained fraud resolution agents, ProtectMyID offers $1 million insurance to members as well. This insurance is provided through Chartis Inc, its subsidiaries or affili-

ates, and you’ll need to review the policy to understand the full terms, conditions and exclusions of the coverage. To learn more, visit www. protectymyid.com. You may find it challenging to lose 10 pounds or fit an extra 30 minutes into your workout routine, but these simple identity theft protection steps will help you easily fulfill one of the most important New Year’s resolutions you can make for 2011.

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Berkshire Penny Saver

Make Your Holidays Brighter By Tackling Seasonal Stress (ARA) - When the holiday hubbub hits your family, it can hit hard. The stress of organizing a family gathering, dealing with mall crowds while shopping for gifts and trying to keep your budget balanced can make it challenging to enjoy the holiday season. If the stress is starting to wear you down, try these simple ways to relieve anxiety so you can enjoy the holidays with relaxed shoulders and a smile on your face: * Book an appointment for a massage. Tense shoulders and gritted teeth are signs that you’re experiencing holiday stress which can leave your body feeling achy and tired. A massage can help ease tension so you can relax, unwind and face the challenges with renewed energy. On a budget? Pick up some soothing bath gels and a scented aromatherapy candle and create a spa experience in the comfort of your own bathroom. * Book a hotel for your out-of-town guests. The added stress of housing friends and relatives can really pile up. Hilton Garden Inn has adjustable Garden Sleep System beds that conform to the body, cradling your neck, back, legs and spine for pressure-free sleep. A good night’s sleep ensures your out-of-town guests will be well-rested for the holiday festivities ahead, and you’ll have more freedom at home to prepare. They can also use the fitness centers or check out the stay fit

kits available at the front desk for in-room workouts. Most importantly, they’re out of your hair. * Organize a potluck family gathering. If you’re in charge of cooking your family’s holiday meal this year, ask your guests to bring their favorite dish so you don’t have to shoulder the entire meal. It gives you less responsibility in the kitchen and the opportunity for your guests to share their signature recipes. Make sure you assign dishes so you don’t end up with several salads and no dessert. * Spend time organizing and prioritizing your holiday shopping list in advance so you don’t waste time wandering aimlessly through department stores, which can often create anxiety. Even better, try to knock out your holiday shopping online. You can do it in your PJs and slippers, and many websites offer free holiday shipping. Taking time to enjoy the holiday season is important for staying sane and truly savoring the time you have with your friends and family. With relaxed shoulders, a smile and a carefree attitude, you’ll be empowered to tackle the anxiety and stress of the holiday season.

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Berkshire Penny Saver

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How Big Is Your Human Footprint? (ARA) - “Children are our future.” It’s a phrase heard so often, that it’s easy to take for granted how powerful the sentiment truly is. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders. And just as we want to take simple steps to ensure a healthier planet for generations to come, children today are increasingly passionate about doing their part too. Parents and children alike can take small, simple steps to lead more sustainable lifestyles that save energy, save water and reduce waste both at home and beyond. And P&G Future Friendly, along with the National Geographic Society, are challenging today’s children to help lead the charge through an inschool conservation education program called Find Your Footprint. Find Your Footprint helps kids identify -- and reduce -- their environmental footprint through a custom curriculum that focuses on water, waste and energy consumption. Kids can then put this education into action when their class participates in the Find Your Footprint Contest. The classroom with the best submission wins a state-of-art grand prize valued at over $36,000. The prize includes Promethean technologies (five ActivBoards and five sets of ActivExpression); plus $1,000 worth of National Geographic educational materials; and National Geographic Kids magazine subscriptions for every student in the class. All prizes will be presented during a special school ceremony next spring.

Program champion Dr. Mireya Mayor is a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, author of the upcoming National Geographic book “Pink Boots and a Machete,” and host of Nat Geo WILD’s “Wild Nights with Mireya Mayor” on cable TV, as well as a mom of two daughters herself. Having spent years traveling to exotic locations researching rare species, Dr. Mayor understands firsthand the importance of empowering today’s children to lead the charge for preserving our environment. “Through my work, I’ve had the great fortune to explore and experience the beauty of our jungles and rainforests. I’ve also seen how our actions, big and small, can impact our local communities and our world,” said Dr. Mayor. “Find Your Footprint is a wonderful opportunity to empower our children to be ambassadors for change, by helping them understand the link between their environmental footprint and their school, as well as the world around them.” To participate in the contest, classrooms will choose to focus on water, waste or energy, and identify their school’s environmental footprint. From there, they’ll work as a team to brainstorm and develop a unique, step-by-step plan to reduce energy, waste or water consumption at their school in an environmentally responsible way. Teachers and

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Berkshire Penny Saver

...How Big Is Your Human Footprint?... students alike are encouraged to push the boundaries of creativity, and think BIG for this project. Is it a photo essay? A video documentary? A feature television program? A mural? A digital poster? Only the most captivating submissions will make it through the first round of judging. From here, the top six finalists will have their entries posted on a special National Geographic Find Your Footprint website where the general public will vote for their favorite submission. Students and parents can encourage their teachers to participate at www.nationalgeographic.com/findyourfootprint. Here they’ll learn about the rules and guidelines, and access the Find Your Footprint Lesson Plan including teacher’s guide, student guide and posters for the classroom. Submissions are due by Dec. 3 to be eligible for the grand prize. While you encourage your local schools to participate in the contest, you can start living more sustainably at home today with these simple steps, courtesy of National Geographic and Future Friendly: * Save energy - Keeping your fridge too cold wastes energy. Keep your fridge between 37 F and 40 F and freezers at 5 F. * Save water - If your bathroom fixtures were installed before 1992, replacing your toilet with a more efficient one could save thousands of gallons of water every year, between 14,000 and 25,000 gallons for a family of four. * Reduce waste - More than 80 percent of recyclable bottles end up in landfills each year. Reduce bottle waste and filter your tap water.

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New Twists On Everyday Spices For The Holidays

(ARA) - If you’re an at-home cook looking for an easy way to expand your culinary horizons, try creating some new taste sensations in familiar dishes by using new versions of your favorite spices to liven up family favorites. Here are some ideas from the spice experts at Frontier Natural

Products Co-op for more flavorful and interesting versions to everyday spices: Cinnamon is an especially popular spice that comes from the bark of an evergreen tree. For an even sweeter seasoning, try Vietnamese cinnamon, which has a distinctly sweet flavor and exceptionally high volatile oil content, the key flavor component. If you’re a daring lover of heat in your food, you’ve learned the ways of cayenne. But for a smokier flavor, try chipotle peppers, which are actually dried, smoked jalapeno peppers. Nutmeg is the dried seed of the fruit of an evergreen tree, which most often comes in ground form. However, nutmeg, like many spices, loses both flavor and aroma after it is ground. Instead, buy whole nutmeg and grind it yourself using a special nutmeg grater or a fine grater. Look for these special spice varieties at your favorite natural foods store. If you can’t find them at your retailer, you can purchase them online at www.frontiercoop.com.

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December 8, 2010

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Berkshire Penny Saver

December 8, 2010