Berkshire Penny Saver by Hersam Acorn

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Berkshire

Penny Saver www.berkshirepennysaver.com

March 3, 2010

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888.307.0839 Auto ....................................... 20 Business Directory ................ 17 Help Wanted .......................... 22 Real Estate ............................. 18

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POSTAL CUSTOMER POST OFFICE BOXHOLDER STAR or RURAL ROUTE BOXHOLDER

PITTSFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 122

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editorial email berkshire@hersamacornma.com advertising email art@hersamacornma.com Editorial Deadline: 20th at noon the month before publication. Classiﬁed Deadline: Wednesday, April 20, 2010 Display Deadline: Wednesday, April 20, 2010

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Penny Saver 888.633.0333 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 Sheryl Gibson, Advertising Sales Carrie Devlin, Advertising Sales Melissa Miller, Art Director Mary A. Garcia, Artist Jen Hathaway, Artist Chris Sobolowski, Artist

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

Manager’s Memo We l c o m e March! So nice to leave these winter months behind, although it seems more like winter now than it did in January. I hope everyone has been having a nice winter and Renee Tassone, General Manager that you are all looking forward to spring. I would be thrilled if I never saw another snowflake again. I hate shoveling it and hate driving in it. I am one of the lucky ones with a Toyota that has been recalled for the accelerating gas pedal. I got thirteen speeding tickets last year that I could have gotten out of, if only I knew it wasn’t my fault. For those of you wondering, I did not win anything in the Super Bowl but it was a great game. If the Colts had made that touchdown in the last two minutes of the game we would have been booking a flight to Florida, but no such luck. My husband and I hit every local bar that day then went home to watch the game. If there was anything I was disappointed with it was the commercials. Not so great this year. I was really looking

forward to some more baby E*Trade commercials but they don’t seem as funny as the ones from last year. This month we have St. Patrick’s Day, another one of my favorite days. My husband and I both take the day off and spend it at Carmody’s in Bennington, Vermont. This year our daughter will be of age so she will be with us. She used to be our designated driver now she will need a designated driver. Carmody’s is a blast, the owner, TJ, dresses as a leprechaun and stands on the bar every hour and sings three Irish songs. There is a band, a guy playing the bagpipes, green beer and lots of food. I hope you enjoy the Furry Friends section in this issue. A portion of the proceeds will be given to Berkshire Humane Society, so thanks to all of the advertisers that are included in this section. Keep an eye out for our Massachusetts Resource Guide that will be out later this month. The Resource Guide is a very successful publication that is out all year. If you would like space reserved or would like copies of the Resource Guide or this publication please give us a call at 800-234-1432. We hope you enjoy this publication. As always we encourage your feedback. Feel free to send us your press releases to berkshire@hersamacornvt.com. -Renee Tassone, General Manager

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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. ©2008, Hersam Acorn Newspapers. All contents of the Berkshire Penny Saver News are copyrighted, and any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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

Berkshire Penny Saver

March 3, 2010

Union Block Bakery Offers Good Food and Warm Atmosphere â&#x20AC;&#x201D; By Mary Ann White I may not always be on the ball and catch a new business when it first opens, but I do try to get there as soon as I can. So on my last visit to the bank, I stopped in at the Union Block Bakery. I found out that the bakery, which is located on Main Street in Dalton, opened in August under the ownership of Jane Lussier, who also owns the Dalton Restaurant next door. When the space became available, Jane saw this as an opportunity to expand on something that was already being done for the restaurant and give her sister, Laurie Boulais and her assistants more space to bake, as the kitchen area in the Dalton Restaurant was getting kind of tight. The back room of the former insurance agency is now a full-service bakery and the front holds an area for customers to sit and enjoy their baked goodies and coffee or the light lunches that are served. This sunny, comfortable area also has free wifi for those laptop carrying business people in need of a latte and sustenance. A display area for baked goods and a ser-

March 3, 2010

vice counter are set toward the back. Behind the counter is Doreen Jewell who handles the sales and customer service operations. She

Doreen Jewell, manager of the bakery showing off a variety of baked goods.

Berkshire Penny Saver

said that some of the items offered are several types of muffins, bread loaves, danish, cookies, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls. Specialty coffees, tea, cocoa, hot cider, and lattes are served and the lunch bunch can stop in for soups, quiches, and stuffed croissants. There is a sandwich special that changes daily and the bakery also has a coffee club card, where after 8 coffees are purchased, you get one free. Doreen stated that everything is baked on the premises and that it works out really well for the restaurant with bakery products being sold there also. Several kinds of cakes and pies are available by the slice or whole. Advance orders are also taken for parties and special events including Dalton Restaurant favorite, chocolate cake with butter cream frosting. My husband and I were impressed with the danish (very flakey and delicious). The Union Block Bakery is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Orders can be placed by calling 413-684-4600.

From my Corner

— by Susan J. Coons ...full body scan... When I first started flying I was 18 and that flight was on a seaplane. I love to fly. In the 1960s when I was flying from Los Angeles to Chicago, Miami, New York, Washington D.C. or the Bahamas, I carried a make-up overnight case, garment bag, hair dryer, and Samsonite suitcase. All my luggage was checked except my garment bag, which I handed to the stewardess when I boarded the plane. Motion pictures on

the 1930s, 40s, and 50s created a mystique and drama of flying. My husband always wore a suit, sometimes three-piece, and tie and I wore a dress, nylon stockings, heels, hat and gloves. Flying was a special and somewhat formal event. No jeans, shorts, or sneakers. We had drinks in the lounge while we waited to board the plane. Once boarded we sat in leather seats that were wide and comfortable with only two on each side of the aisle. The pull-down trays were larger, and when they were pulled down, there was still room to move around in your seat. (Of course, I was thinner then!) We were served magnificent meals that included dessert, and two drinks. Flying was still fun in the 1970s. I took the kids along to the airport to see my husband off on business trips. They watched as the plane taxied down the runway and ascended into the sky. By the time I flew to Albany, from Los Angeles in 1983, the plane then sat three seats on each side of the aisle, the trays were smaller, and the distance from seat to seat front to back, was narrower. Pity the guy who had a window seat and had to use the lavatory. They still served a meal on cross-country flights, but it was meager. Today the planes are not only cramped with many more seats per aisle, but there are no

meals. You can’t bring your own beverage on board. We have to take off our shoes, pass everything through the scanners, sometimes we’re patted down after going through screening, we open our suitcases for investigation, and now we’re going to be exposed to a full body screen. Holy Cow! There are so many ways to “look” at the prospect of “exposing” myself to a full body scan. First, I will tell you that from viewing one naked body after another in an eight-hour stretch the scanner will surely be aghast at the sight and eager to punch out at the end of the day. I think if I had that job I would sit in the dark when I get home, and try to put the memory of what I’ve seen out of my mind with a good, strong Rusty Nail. There are very few well-toned bodies in the world. Ninety-nine percent of us are out of shape with the natural sagging of age, the addition of pounds, surgeries, wrinkles, and the scars and scrapes of living. Screening offers an unlimited supply of naked body jokes. Just sitting here, at the computer I can think of several which I won’t tell you. This is a family paper, after all! My son did say that next time he comes to visit, he’s going to wear his underwear on the outside. continued on page 5

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continued from page 4 I don’t know anyone my age who has a perfect body, man or woman. Shakespeare spoke of the old duffer wearing hose on shrunken shanks. Sagging socks. Aging gracefully? Well, I guess so. My mind is still good. I have a good attitude about life. If I was young and lovely, I don’t think I would mind the full body scan except for the sake of modesty. Now it’s no longer only modesty that rules but extreme embarrassment. Oh well. If they can stand it, so can I. I feel like I should buy the screener a drink or something for exposing her to such a catastrophic view. ...amusement parks... My hairdresser took last week as an all expenses paid trip to Santa Monica, California. She was attending special classes, and was very excited to be returning for another visit. She had spent a week there a couple of years ago and loved every minute of it! I don’t blame her! The smell of the salt air and the breeze off the Pacific Ocean hitting your face as you stand facing the world renowned entry to the Santa Monica Pier is truly exhilarating! You know from frequently reading this

column, that I love the beach. I was fortunate enough to grow up during the time when beach movies reflected the real thing. Well, sort of. Boys did bring their surfboards to the beach and stand them up in the sand, and girls did make a fuss over them. But we didn’t stand around singing and dancing, there was no moondoggie! Instead we threw one another in the water, chased each other around, and brought sandwiches, chips and coke for food and beverage. We listened to music on the radio, gossiped and told stories until 11 or midnight around a fire. The following Saturday we did the same thing all over again and never got tired of it. Annette and Bobbie made the movies, we had all the fun! Most of the time we went to Malibu Beach or Zuma Beach. When we had a little cash, we went to the Santa Monica Pier. You could get a real, hand-patted hamburger and fries for $1.25 and a coke for a dime at Al’s Kitchen. Not bad. Sometimes we’d just order a cup of fries and eat them as we walked up and down the pier. There was an arcade with take-a-chance games along the left side of the pier interspersed with several palm readers who lived in little shacks along the way. There were a couple of dusty

gift shops with windows so dirty from the salt air you could barely see in or see out. The most nostalgic ride was on the handcarved carousel housed in a over-sized yellow building that is now on the National Register of Historic Places. In the center of the carousel stood the original calliope pumping out all the wonderful tunes that can’t be forgotten in a lifetime. Gives me goose bumps to think of it now. No amusement area could be without bumper cars and as teenagers without drivers’ licenses, we loved to crash and bump! When developers began buying up beachfront property during the 1970s, and converting homes to condos, raising the rent (throwing out the poor souls with fixed incomes who had lived there for many years, and some of them becoming homeless), there was an effort by the City Council to tear down the pier. Developers wanted to create an “island” where the pier stood and erect a high-rise, exclusive resort hotel. We were living in Pasadena at that time, and became involved with the group that wanted to save the pier. A fierce battle continued on page 6

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continued from page 5 ...amusement parks... Among those who wanted to save the pier were folks left homeless by the developers, actors, writers, local artists, and many long-time residents of Santa Monica. In the mid-seventies, a terrible storm ripped out nearly one-third of the pier, leaving the project to save the pier doomed. But better sense prevailed and the pier was rebuilt. I still have a menu that was printed by Al’s Kitchen in the mid 70s. The cover became the poster for the cause. It’s a photograph of a naked man struggling to hold up one of the pilings of the pier as he faces the storming ocean swirling about his body. I learned recently that the Santa Monica Pier had been restored. I checked it out on the Internet, and it looks great. The amusements and arcade are referred to collectively as Pacific Park. Gone is Al’s Kitchen (a marker stands in its place); Sinbad’s is gone, too. An aquarium and Ferris wheel have been added, as well as other rides. I know I would love to walk the pier next time I visit Los Angeles. I’ll be sure to do that. (Two amusement parks that I have cherished in my memories and that have been paved over are River View in Chicago, Illinois, and Pacific Ocean Park in Venice Beach, just below Santa Monica. They were magical, a little seedy, exciting, and had so much more color and character than the over-sized amusements parks of today. Because the entrance fee was minimal we went there often. One was allowed to wander the dusty grounds and watch with amazement as children of all ages enjoyed themselves playing. I listened to the barkers in the arcade and girls screaming above the roar of the roller coaster, smelled pretzels baking and hot dogs steaming, heard laughter all through the park. The Pinball Arcade was always dark with neon lights flashing through the smoke-filled air. That was no place for a little kid. Aladdin’s Castle held excitement and mystery for me. Yeah, River View and POP live on in my memories.)

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Easy Ways to Stage Your Home For Sale

(ARA) - You’ve made the decision to sell your home. But before you put the “for sale” sign in the yard, make sure it’s ready to make a good impression on prospective buyers and clearly stands out among the many other homes on the market. There are many easy and inexpensive ways to clearly differentiate your home so that it appeals to a wide range of buyers ... and in return, yields a fast and profitable sale. To begin, purge. Nothing makes a home look smaller than cluttered countertops, cupboards and closets. Plus, buyers want to envision a home with their own possessions - not yours. As you start cleaning, sort items in three categories: donate, sell or keep. Soon, your home will look neater and you may add some cash to your wallet or gain a tax write-off. continued on page 7

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...easy ways to stage your home for sale... continued from page 6 Next, consider tackling projects that are easy, fast and inexpensive - but will significantly boost your home’s appeal. Magazines are a great source of inspiration, and brands such as Krylon even have Web sites (www.beamoverandshaker.com) that offer practical advice and dozens of projects specifically designed to stage your home for sale. Some indoor and outdoor projects that are quick, inexpensive and guaranteed to get your home noticed include: Focal point finishes Lighting fixtures are the focal point of many rooms - but replacing them can cost hundreds of dollars. With a little elbow grease, $20 and less than two hours, you can update your existing ones with a new, more attractive and popular stainless steel finish. Directions: Cover your work area with newspaper and disassemble the fixture. Clean the pieces and tape off areas that don’t need to be painted. Following the instructions, apply indoor/outdoor primer followed by the new metallic paint. Once dry, remove the tape and reassemble the chandelier. Cover the smallest details When sprucing up your home for sale, sometimes it’s the small details that can make the biggest impact. Painting dull, dirty or chipped register covers or light switch plates can give any room a quick pick-me-up, in less than an hour. Directions: Remove register covers or light switch plates and place them on newspaper. Sand the surface lightly and wipe clean. Clean all pieces to remove any built up dust and grime. Following instructions, apply a number of light coats of primer, followed by a couple coats of gloss or metallic spray paint. Once dry, reinstall and enjoy.

mum impact. Directions: Turn off power to the lights and detach the fixture from the house. Remove the light bulb and mask off any parts that should not be painted - including wires. Place the fixture on newspaper and lightly sand. Clean all pieces and wipe dry. Following the directions on the can, spray several light coats of Krylon’s Outdoor Spaces Metallic Finish. Make sure to evenly apply paint to the entire fixture. Once paint is completely dry, reattach the parts, reconnect the lightning fixture and turn the power back on. Freshen up with flowers The right landscaping and use of plants and flowers can greatly improve your home’s curb appeal for prospective buyers. Brightening up your flower boxes is a quick and easy way to add some color to the front of your home in just a few hours. Directions: Place a clean flower box on newspaper, sand the exterior to create a smooth surface. Apply several light coats of indoor/outdoor primer to help ward off drips. Next, apply a few coats of indoor/outdoor paint in your favorite color. Once dry, the box is ready to display your favorite flowers. Whether you’re prepping your house for sale or fixing up your new home, you’ll find dozens of fast and easy projects at beamoverandshaker.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Illuminate the exterior Exterior lighting showcases the beauty of your home, so make sure that your light fixtures are just as attractive. Update faded, rusty or outdated finishes with a fresh new finish for a minimal price and maxi-

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Berkshire Penny Saver

How You Can Help a Pet in Need

(ARA) - Imagine waking up every morning wondering if you’ll someday be able to find a home to call your own or how you’ll find your next meal. For so many pets, not having enough food in their bellies or a safe home are harsh realities. Fortunately, there are simple ways pet lovers can be heroes in the lives of pets. To help in this important effort, Purina ONE has teamed up with Martha Stewart for social network fundraising and the Tour For Heroes, a mobile tour visiting animal shelters coast to coast, providing pet food, supporting pet adoption and helping pets in need. “My pets are important members of my family and I am deeply committed to helping homeless animals,” says Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. “I’m pleased to be working with Purina ONE to support pets in need because I believe this is a

worthy cause that can help so many animals across the country.” All Pet Lovers Can be Heroes While not every pet lover is able to adopt an animal, people can still help pets in their own community and across the country through online social networks. Purina ONE and Martha Stewart are helping pet lovers make a difference and raise funds for shelters by simply sharing photos of adoptable pets on Facebook. Sharing is easy. Start by searching for an adoptable pet anywhere in the United States by visiting tourforheroes.marthastewart.com. Choose a pet to help and click to share his or her profile with friends on your Facebook page. Every time a photo is shared, Purina ONE will donate $1 - up to $50,000 - worth continued on page 9

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How You Can Help a Pet in Need of food to feed pets in need in local communities. Pet lovers can share photos until March 31. Food for Fluffy and Fido Throughout the month of February, the Purina ONE Tour For Heroes will travel from San Francisco to New York and stop at local animal shelters in 11 cities along the way to set up temporary food banks and hold adoption events. More than 63,000 pounds of dog and cat food - equaling 11,000 bags of food - will be given out to help pets in need. Whether you’ve lost your job, have large veterinary or medical bills or

continued from page 8 are struggling to pay your mortgage, no one will be turned away at any of the Tour For Heroes events. “In tough times, a source of constant companionship can often be your dog or cat,” says Mark Stoddard, brand director for Purina ONE. “We want to lend a hand to pets in need, and by assisting their owners who may need a little extra help these days, we help their pets, too.” For more information about the Tour For Heroes and to find a tour stop near you, visit tourforheroes.marthastewart.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Save Money While Loving and Caring for Your Pet (ARA) - Pets are members of our families. They are our best friends and love us devotedly. Pet care can be a major line item in the family budget, as food, medicine, grooming tools and toys aren’t cheap. But there are ways to save money on pet supplies while keeping your pet healthy, happy and looking good. * Check the mailbox for fliers, inserts and community newspaper ads from pet stores in your vicinity. You may score a discount on food, treats or grooming from a neighborhood merchant or a national chain. * Look in the back of your local area phone book for coupons, which are typically valid for a long period of time. If you check the phone book when it first arrives at your house, you may have an entire year to redeem some

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brick and mortar store. * Keep up with preventive maintenance, and shop online for prescription pet medicines through CouponHeaven.com. Most online pet pharmacies offer free shipping, and you can save even more with pet prescription coupons that are valid for heartworm medications, flea and tick preventatives, and more. * Use the power of the Internet to save on most pet items. The exception to the rule is pet food, which is often too costly to ship because of weight. Shopping online allows you to browse different stores, comparing the quality and prices for all of your pet supplies, like a bed for your dog, a tank for your fish, toys for your cat or a kissing mirror for your bird - just to name a few. When you use CouponHeaven.com to find coupon codes for pet products, you can save money on the purchase, or get free shipping. * Buy food in bulk at the discount stores. Yes, you will have to find an appropriate storage space, but the cost per ounce will be much cheaper, and you’ll also save by not making as many trips to the store. �� * Take care of your pet’s groom�� ing at home whenever possible. If �� that won’t work for your family, �� consider asking your groomer if �� there is a customer loyalty program for discounts on services �� or treatments. �� * Make sure your pet gets the �� appropriate amount of exercise, �� which contributes to overall �� well-being and cuts down on �� potential vet bills. Happy pets make happy pet owners, and you can be even �� happier by combining pet care �� and cost-reducing strategies.

of the discounts. * Contact the companies that manufacturer your favorite pet brands and sign up for their mailing list. Be sure to include your e-mail address. That way, you’ll be able to receive coupon codes to use online as well as coupons for preferred products to bring to your local

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Courtesy of ARAcontent

March 3, 2010

Put a Stop to Cat Litter Dust and Tracks and has no chemical additives or artificial fragrances. Cat litter tracking can also be particularly harmful to home furnishings. Clay litters contain an extremely abrasive substance, silica, that can damage hardwood and even some tile flooring. One way to protect your floor is by using a mat at the front of the litterbox; also switch to an all-natural litter, such as a pine litter, that touts less tracking and has smoother surfaces than gritty clay litter. Most floors are made of “hardwoods” -- maple, oak or cherry; they’ll lose the scratching battle with clay every time. Cat litter made of ‘softwood,’ such as pine, is nonabrasive and will keep your floors looking their best.

(MS) -- If you have a cat, undoubtedly one of the problems you face is the litter from the litter box being tracked throughout your home. You’ve probably been jarred awake on your way to the restroom in the middle of the night by a loose piece of cat litter. Not only is litter tracking a nuisance, but it can lead to frustrating problems around the home. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation, an increasing amount of scientific evidence indicates that the air within our homes can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air in even the largest, industrialized cities. Since we spend much of our time at home, it’s important to keep the air clean and free of dust and other airborne allergens. Most cat owners have encountered the plume of dust that rises when you pour litter into the litter box, or the tracks of dust that kitty has left behind. However, within recent years a new breed of natural litter has hit the market. Unlike outdated clay-based cat litters, many of the natural litters, such as Feline Pine, are virtually dust free. More information is available online at www.healthylitter.org. Taking this one small step and changing your cat litter can improve air quality and cut back on dust levels that can potentially harm your family. Filling the litter box with an all-natural pine-based litter will not only cut down on tracking and dust, but also cut back on toxins. The US National Center for Health Statistics reported that one in three people today suffer from asthma, allergies, bronchitis, or sinusitis. One suggested treatment for these conditions is reducing synthetic chemicals within the home. Search the market for a cat litter that is silica dust free

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Dogs Can Transform the Lives of People Man’s best friend certainly may be the unassuming canine. But dogs are more than pets who fetch slippers and wag their tails when their owners arrive home. Dogs can provide invaluable services to individuals who may be impaired or simply need a little companionship to live independent lives. According to Working Like Dogs, a resource for people around the world with working dogs and service dogs, assistance dogs transform the lives of their human partners with debilitating physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, aide, best friend, and close member of their fam-

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ily. Assistance Dogs can be from a variety of breeds including labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, standard poodles, and even shelter dogs. These specially trained dogs perform many tasks for their partners

with disabilities and are classified in the following ways: Guide Dogs: Assist people with vision loss, leading these individuals around physical obstacles and to destinations such as seating, crossing streets, entering or exiting doorways, elevators, and stairways. Service Dogs: Assist people with disabilities with walking, balance, dressing, transferring from place to place, retrieving and carrying items, opening doors and drawers, pushing buttons, and pulling wheelchairs. They can also aide with household continued on page 13

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Dogs Can Transform the Lives of People chores, such as putting in and removing clothes from the washer and dryer. Hearing Alert Dogs: Alert people with a hearing loss to the presence of specific sounds such as doorbells, telephones, crying babies, sirens, another person, buzzing timers or sensors, knocks at the door or smoke, fire and clock alarms. Seizure Alert/Seizure Response Dogs: Alert or respond to medical conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, epilepsy, panic attack, anxiety attack, post-traumatic stress and seizures. All of these types of assistance dogs are dedicated to their humans, who rely on them to achieve their daily function. But while there are a number of functions the trained working or service dog may master, the regular, run-of-the-mill pet can also serve special functions in his or her lifetime. Therapy dogs are often volunteer dogs who visit the elderly or those who have

experienced some other trauma. The dogs are instrumental in helping individuals come out of their shells -- something that may not yet be possible with a fellow human being. Dogs can also help with a number of medical conditions, such as relieving stress and helping with depression. They may also reduce blood pressure as well as popular medications. * Blood Pressure: According to research, while ACE inhibiting drugs can generally reduce blood pressure, they aren’t as effective at controlling spikes in blood pressure due to stress and tension. However, a recent study of hypertensive New York stockbrokers who got dogs or cats were found they had lower blood pressure and heart rates than those who didn’t have pets. * Stress: Petting a dog or cat is known to calm anxiety and promote a feeling of relaxation. This can help relieve stress as well as meditating or yoga. * Exercise: A dog will encourage you to

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get out and walk at least twice a day. This will also help with relieving stress and provide much-needed physical activity. * Companionship: If you live alone or recently experienced a loss, a dog can be the companion you enjoy coming home to after a long day. Pets can actually be there for you when people can’t. Research has shown that nursing home residents report less loneliness when visited by dogs than when they spend time with other people. * Social Interaction: A friendly dog can make you seem more approachable and also offer opportunities for conversation while out and about. Fellow dog-walkers may come up to you to chat about your dog’s breed, which could turn out to be an opening for friendship. Whether they’re professional working dogs or the everyday pet, dogs can provide many services to their human companions.

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Keep Kids Healthy As Winter Gives Way to Spring When days get longer and the weather begins to warm up, it’s a sure sign that spring is around the corner. After months of cold temperatures and gray skies, just about everyone looks forward to spending time outdoors taking in the sights, sounds and scents of the season. But with temperatures rising and flowers, trees and grasses beginning to bloom, it’s also time to protect kids from seasonal allergies and sun exposure. Here are some tips for keeping kids healthy all spring long. * Look out for signs of seasonal allergies. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common problem in both infants and children. Common symptoms include repeated sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose with clear drainage or congestion, itchy eyes and nose, throat clearing, sore throat, and/or a cough that tends to worsen at night and in the morning. Kids with seasonal allergies also tend to breathe through their mouth a lot and may have dark circles under their eyes. * Limit kids’ exposure to common allergens. While it’s impossible to keeps kids clear of all outdoor allergens, there are some common-

sense steps that can help minimize their impact, such as keeping kids indoors and closing windows in the early morning when the spring tree pollen count is highest, not hanging clothes outside to dry and bathing kids at bedtime to help minimize nighttime allergies.

The return of spring marks the return of allergy season. Parents can keep kids healthy by looking out for signs of seasonal allergies.

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* Protect skin from the damaging effects of spring sun. After being indoors for much of the winter, kids are eager to spend as much time outdoors as possible. To protect their skin during the spring months, break out the sunscreen and their favorite hats. When choosing a sunscreen for a baby, toddler or young child, look for a product that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with a minimum SPF of between 15 and 30. Also consider a product that is water resistant and one that is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance. * Don’t forget about eye protection. The lenses of children’s eyes are extremely sensitive. Just as taking care of kids’ skin can help prevent skin cancer in adulthood, eye protection can protect kids’ eyes from developing certain conditions, like cataracts and macular degeneration, later in life. Everyone, including kids, should wear sunglasses year-round, but especially during spring and summer. Make sure to choose sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. Hats with brims large enough to shade the eyes, while not as effective as sunglasses, also offer moderate protection from the sun.

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e-mail your community news and events to: berkshire@hersamacornma.com

Berkshire Penny Saver

March 3, 2010

Pruning Tips for Trees and Shrubs * Deciduous trees. Deciduous trees are Homeowners typically spend lots of time and early spring, so this can be done as the generally only pruned for shaping. For those caring for their property. Be it a modest weather begins to warm up as part of your looking to shape, mid to late winter is the early season spring cleanup. ranch house or a mansion on top of a hill, a ideal time to do so. * Evergreen trees. In general, evergreen home’s outside appearance is often a point of * Deciduous shrubs. Mid to late spring trees do not need to be pruned. It’s generally pride for homeowners. is often the best time to prune deciduous obvious when an evergreen does need to be One commonly overlooked element of shrubs. That’s generally after they have flowpruned, as the tree will be noticeably larger an aesthetically appealing home is the role and in obvious need of pruning. Evergreens trees can play. Trees can add an element of ered, and it will be obvious when they are in that do need to be pruned typically need it beauty to a yard while also playing a practical need or pruning, as they will likely have lots in late spring or early summer, and they will role, such as shading the grass from intense of unsightly branches evident to the naked likely not grow much after a good pruning. summer sun and acting as great support for eye. hanging a hammock. While trees can add appeal to a homeowner’s property, they can also be an eyesore if not properly pruned. Homeowners hoping to get the most out of their trees should consider some pruning guidelines. * Fruit trees. If the buds on a fruit tree have already started swelling, you’ve waited too long too prune. In general, fruit trees are best pruned in late winter or early spring. When pruning, be sure to remove all branches growing inward as well as limbs growing straight up. * Berry bushes. Berry bushes are typically pruned in late fall or early winter, once you have finished harvesting the berries. When pruning berry bushes, keep in mind the importance of shape with respect to a berry bush’s aesthetic appeal. When trimming bushes and trees in the yard, homeowners should be mindful that * Rosebushes. Rosebushes are the best time to trim often depends on the type of bush, tree or shrub. generally best pruned in late winter, with early spring the latest possible cutoff date. Remove any older shoots and leave between �� four and eight canes while remov�� ing any that are growing inward. �� When cutting them down, try to cut them to right around two feet �� above ground, and cut close to an �� inch above a bud or strong shoot. �� * Evergreen shrubs. Evergreen �� shrubs won’t flower, but they can �� be pruned after they have produced cones or shrubs. That typi�� cally occurs between late winter March 3, 2010

Berkshire Penny Saver

• WEEKLY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS • Monday •

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9:30 a.m. Caregiver support group, for those who provide care to a loved one, sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. Phone: 413243-1212 Lee Regional VNA Offices, 32 Park Street, Lee. 6p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Knitting/ Crochet North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St., North Adams. For information phone 413-6623133 or visit www.naplibrary. com.

health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. and the Becket Board of Health, at the Becket Town Hall. Information: 413-243-1212 •

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Wednesday •

Tuesday •

9:30 a.m. Toddler Time. For one to twoand-a-half years. North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St., North Adams. For information phone 413-6623133 or visit www.naplibrary. com.

Board of Health. Phone: 413243-1212. Lee Regional VNA offices, 32 Park Street, Lee.

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Blood Pressure Clinic: Blood pressure and

9 to10 a.m. Blood pressure and health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. and the Lee

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11 a.m. - 12. Blood Pressure Clinic: Blood pressure and health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. and the Chester Board of Health, at the Chester Town Hall, Chester, MA. Information: 413-243-1212 6:30 p.m. - Bingo - Non-Smoking - Refreshments Available Progressive Jackpots. Info: 413-4437135 - ITAM Lodge #564, 22 Waubeek Road, Pittsfield.

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10 a.m. Preschool Story Time. North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St., North Adams. For information phone 413-6623133 or visit www.naplibrary. com.

Thursday •

10 – 11:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure Clinic: Blood pressure and health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visitng Nurse Association, Inc. at the Stop and Shop, Merrill Road Pittsfield MA. Information: 413-243-1212

Friday •

4:30 p.m. Bingo - with food, Speedball, Horserace and Bingo Nut 2 Tickets. Weekly progressive game prize of $1,199, plus weekly door prize. St. Mary’s School, 115 Orchard St., Lee.

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6:30 p.m. – Bingo every Friday. Doors open at 4:30, games begin at 6:30. St. Mary’s School, 115 Orchard Street, Lee. 413-2431079.

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6:30 p.m. – Bingo every Friday. Doors open at 4:30. Elks Lodge #487 in North Adams, Ma, 413664-9039

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e-mail your community news and events to: berkshire@hersamacornma.com

Berkshire Penny Saver

March 3, 2010

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March 3, 2010

Berkshire Penny Saver

Traditional Irish? Think Breakfast Some people have trouble pinning down traditional Irish cuisine. As with many cultures, the stereotypical foods that come to be associated with a people tend to outshine the more authentic fare that is more indicative of a culture as a whole. For example, the Greek gryo or the Italian spaghetti are generalized “authentic” foods of these regions. Chinese should not be measured by their General Tso’s chicken, nor the Turkish for their meat on a stick. When it comes to the cuisine of Ireland, many people immediately think potatoes, corned beef and cabbage -- foods that have become synonymous with the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. However, there are many other delicacies that are representative of Irish descent, particulary the Irish Breakfast. A visit to the inns or bed and breakfasts of the Emerald Isle will most likely provide a glimpse into the traditional Irish Breakfast.

Historically, farmers’ wives would prepare and serve these foods to ensure their husbands would be satiated throughout the morning working hard on the farm. This hearty meal is so filling, that often there is little need for lunch later on in the day. Irish Breakfast consists of a few different menu items: Rashers: A type of Irish bacon that is more like Canadian bacon than American bacon. It is not cooked to a crisp, and is softer in texture. Bangers: These are Irish sausages made of beef or pork, spices and rusk (bread crumbs). The bangers get their name from their propensity to bang or burst open while frying at high temperatures. Black pudding: American’s think of pudding as a dessert food. However, pudding to the Irish is another type of sausage. This dark variety is made from oatmeal, spices and pig’s

blood. White pudding: This consists of pork meat and fat, suet, bread, and oatmeal formed into the shape of a large sausage. It is like black pudding without the blood. Beans: Irish baked beans are similar to American baked beans cooked in a tomatobased sauce. However, they’re not sweetened. Potatoes: Boiled, sliced potatoes are served with sliced tomatoes, all warmed in the pan used to cook the puddings and other meat products. Eggs: Several eggs served sunny-side up and cooked with Irish butter. Brown bread: This is an Irish soda bread made with whole-wheat flour. This traditional Irish Breakfast can be served with strong Irish tea. Chances are it will be so filling you won’t need much food later on.

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Berkshire Penny Saver

March 3, 2010

Leprechaun Crafts Share the Luck of the Irish Dress up your home, room or desk in time for St. Patrick’s Day. With a few materials that you already have around the house, you can create a Leprechaun to help you celebrate this special day. Lucky Leprechaun Materials: One toilet paper tube (or several if you want a few leprechauns) Green construction paper White construction paper Black construction paper Scissor Crayons, markers, pencils Glue, tape Computer printer (optional)

Directions: 1. If desired, print out leprechaun template (below) and use it as the base for your leprechaun figure. Or draw individual parts of the leprechaun on the different colored construction paper (face, hat, shoes, hands, etc.).

chaun figure. Embellish with any other craft accessories you desire, such as wiggle eyes or a pompom nose. 4. Attach feet to the bottom

and display. You may want to draw a rainbow and pot of gold alongside your lucky leprechaun.

2. Cover the toilet paper tube with a piece of green construction paper cut to size and adhere with tape or glue. 3. Assemble your leprechaun pieces and attach to the tube to create your lepre-

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Continuing our publication geared toward our seniors in the community. Great editorial, great news, packed with information on local events and local people!

PUBLISHES: April 8, 2010 AD DEADLINE: March 30, 2010 �� March 3, 2010

Berkshire Penny Saver

Spring is Ideal Time to Get Moving After hibernating in your den or on your couch all winter, let those first warm breezes of spring be a call to action. There’s no better time of year to stretch your mind and muscles -- and launch an exercise routine that will take you through the summer and into the fall. The key to developing a fitness routine that will help you reach your health and weight goals is simpler than you may have thought. There are only two firm rules: Keep it simple and keep it up.

The important thing is to keep yourself moving for 20 minutes. The following week, add an additional 10 minutes and change up your activities. After two weeks, you will have

Simplicity is key Often, the hardest part of an exercise program is getting started -- particularly after a long and sedentary winter. So priority number one is to simply get moving by setting aside 20 minutes every day for some kind of physical activity. Spring days are great times to take a walk, go for a bike ride in the neighborhood or rake those leftover leaves from your lawn. If there’s still a bit of winter in the air, stay inside and dance to your favorite tunes or do some chores to fast-paced music. Mopping, vacuuming, dusting can be good exercise if you do them continuously and at a moderately fast pace.

developed the habit of taking time to move, which is essential to making any exercise routine stick. Consistency gets results The bottom line is this: Once you are in the habit of exercising, it’s much more likely that you will stay with it. What you do during your exercise time isn’t nearly as important as simply doing it -- and making it fun. If exercising outdoors with friends will help keep you moving on a regular basis, build an exercise routine that includes walking with others a few times each week. If it’s solitude you seek, search out two or three walking routes that are quiet and serene. Building in variety is another key to keep your exercise plan going strong. Ask for help Building new habits is hard, and you don’t have to do it alone. There are fitness resources galore both in your public library and on the Internet. It’s also a good idea to consult your physician for any exercise tips or suggestions.

Berkshire Penny Saver

March 3, 2010

Changes in Conventional Car Care Wisdom Help Your Bottom Line

(MS) -- Though we’re only one full decade into the 21st century, the amount of change that has taken place in those 10 years is phenomenal. Whereas the Internet was largely seen as something to play with a decade ago, it now serves to pay our bills, stay in touch with friends and even order our movie tickets or meals. But how we live our lives isn’t the only way things have changed in the last 10 years. How we treat our vehicles has also changed dramatically. Much of the conventional wisdom preached by our fathers and grandfathers with respect to vehicle maintenance has fallen by the wayside in the 21st century, as manufacturers of both vehicles and vehicle maintenance products have changed the way they do business. AMSOIL INC., the industry leader in synthetic motor oil, notes that many of

these changes cannot only improve how our vehicles run, but save us some cash as well.

* Petroleum motor oils are no longer the gold standard. Many vehicle owners practice the same credo with respect to vehicle maintenance. That is, “If it has worked in the past, stick with it.” Advancements in automotive technology, however, have led many to aban-

don that credo, or at least to modify it. Perhaps no technological advancement has done more to change how we view vehicle maintenance than the emergence of synthetic motor oil as a superior alternative to traditional petroleum motor oil. Once the industry standard, petroleum motor oils’ well-earned reputation for forming sludge, gums and varnishes as they break down has led industry insiders and even weekend car enthusiasts to embrace synthetic motor oils. Because of their ability to resist the stresses of high temperature oxidation and evaporation loss, synthetic motor oils are far more resistant to sludge and deposit formation, enabling vehicle engines to run more smoothly and offer greater fuel efficiency. * Cars can crack the 100,000 mile barrier continued on page 22

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March 3, 2010

Berkshire Penny Saver

Changes in Conventional Car Care Wisdom Help Your Bottom Line and still be reliable. During the recession of 2009, many vehicle owners began looking at their cars and trucks as more long-term investments. Whereas the years leading up to the recession saw many vehicle owners trading their cars in after three or four years, the post-recession vehicle owner now wants more bang for his buck. Fortunately, it’s now entirely possible to keep a car running strong for 100,000 miles or more. And many of the keys to doing so don’t require a trip to the mechanic. With the advancements in engine design, breakthroughs in engine metallurgy and the use of synthetic lubricants, motorists are now

keeping their vehicles 24 percent longer than they were in 2002. Money not spent on new vehicles is money in the pocket. * The vehicle maintenance industry wants to keep your car on the road. In the past year or so, much of America got its first real glimpse into the American auto industry, and many did not like what they saw. Popular auto lines Pontiac and Saturn were discontinued, and consumer confidence in American auto makers continued to wane. One overlooked element, however, was the positive advancements made in the vehicle maintenance industry. Synthetic motor oils, for example, greatly enhance a vehicle’s per-

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formance. The uniform molecular structure of synthetic oil helps engines operate more efficiently by reducing friction and wear, improving performance in extreme temperatures and, best of all, by improving fuel economy. So while conventional wisdom might infer the auto industry has regressed during the 21st century, the advancements made in automotive maintenance technology have enabled vehicles to perform better and last much longer, helping drivers save money while restoring their peace of mind. For more information, visit www.amsoil. com.

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Berkshire Penny Saver

March 3, 2010

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Berkshire Penny Saver

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Berkshire Penny Saver

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