Berkshire Penny Saver by Hersam Acorn

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Berkshire

Penny Saver www.berkshirepennysaver.com

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August 8, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE: Auto ....................................... 15 Business Directory ................ 10 Classiﬁeds .............................. 11 Sudoku Puzzle ....................... 16 Help Wanted .......................... 16 Real Estate ............................. 14

editorial email berkshire@hersamacornma.com advertising email art@hersamacornma.com Editorial Deadline: 20th at noon the month before publication. Classiﬁed Deadline: August 27, 2012 Display Deadline: August 27, 2012

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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 Kitty Lewis, Advertising Sales Mark Payton, Web Sales Jen Hathaway, Production Director Chris Sobolowski, Art Director Barbra Retzlaff, Graphic Artist ■

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

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It’s official. I am a Yogini, although my husband likes to call me a yogurt. A yogini is someone who practices yoga. Yes, that’s right, I am doing yoga. I can’t believe Renee Tassone, it either. I started General Manager it two months ago after a few friends urged me to try it. It took a lot of urging because I did not think I was going to like it. I taught aerobics for twelve years and always thought yoga was too slow for me. Plus, I thought all they did was meditate and stretch all day. Boy was I surprised to find out I was totally mistaken. Yoga is extremely challenging and very beneficial to your health, body and mind. I have been doing yoga at least five days a week. If I am near home then I go to Frog Lotus in Clarksburg, Massachusetts. It is a peaceful, beautiful studio. If I go directly from work I go to Karma Cat in Bennington, Vermont, which is also very nice. I love both places and wish I could go more. I have read about a dozen books on yoga, trying to wrap my head around it and

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.

understand the philosophy of it all. I am amazed at how every muscle hurts when I am done. I am using muscles that I did not know existed. I often wonder who in their right mind made up some of these poses because they really hurt. Just when I think I have a pose nailed the instructor tells everyone to make one (what seems like small) adjustment then it makes the pose even more difficult. It is such an intense workout. It is really a yin-yang effect because it is strenuous and challenging yet it relaxes the mind and makes you feel good inside. All of the instructors are great! Towards the end of class everyone lies on their back and prepares for shirvasana, where you let your body relax for ten minutes after putting it through this insanely tough workout. During this time my thoughts are always directed to how wonderful I feel and usually I make promises to myself that I will continue to take good care of my body. I think of ways I can be kinder to my body. One of the instructors sings a song during shirvasana. She has a beautiful voice that totally relaxes me. Yoga is all about connecting your spirit, mind and body and making them work in unison for optimum health. Yoga is also about energy.Using our energy from within to give us strength and good health. Yo u

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

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Berkshire Penny Saver

typically do not think of yoga as being aerobic but boy you can really work up a sweat. I have been taking some level two and three classes and my muscles are shaking by the time I am done. I notice that the people who practice yoga seem to be calmer, happier and not to mention extremely fit. They seem connected to themselves and to the earth. I have to admit the first few classes I had a hard time continued on page 10 August 8, 2012

Adoptable Pets The following pets are available from the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Contact them for more information on adopting these and more pets at 413-447-7878 or online at http://berkshirehumane.org. Hi, I am Catherine. I am a quiet and beautiful girl. I was found wandering outside. Now that I am warm, I’ve loosened up. These days you’ll find me batting toys around and enjoying my cozy bed. I don’t think I would like a very active home, but I don’t mind other cats. What I want most of all is someone to love, and love me in return. Hi, I’m Shadow. I am a domestic medium hair, 6 year old female. I am black and white, spayed and declawed.

by Carol Lew

more details.

Adopting From a Shelter

Looking for a new pet? Think about adopting a homeless animal from a shelter. There are many wonderful animals in shelters waiting to be part of a loving family. When looking to adopt a pet, first discuss with your family what kind of pet suits your home and lifestyle. Not all pets do well in an active household for instance, and some animals might require lots of exercise while others may be content to spend their day snoozing. Keep in mind the time it will take to care for your new furry friend and make sure the family is up for the responsibility. Cats require less time than dogs, and puppies need lots of attention and training. If you’re getting an animal for your children, remember that you will need to supervise any pet-care chores you assign them, and it may be necessary to monitor playtime between young children and pets. When you’ve decided you’re looking for, visit your local shelters in person or on line. Most shelters have web sites where you can see photos of available animals. You can also visit www.petfinder.com where shelters all over the country showcase their animals; it’s easy to search based on how far you’d be willing to travel, and for types, breeds, and ages of animals. Shelters want their animals to find a great match as much as you want to find your perfect pet, so explain to them what you’re looking for; they will help you find your new best friend. August 8, 2012

Hi, I am Baloo. I’m a 4 1⁄2 year old female German Shepherd/Labrador Retreiver mix. My Favorite things: playing with soft toys, going for long walks (I need to loose a few pounds), being around my human friends. My Least favorite things: not getting enough time and attention, fleas (I’m allergic). I was surrendered to Berkshire Humane as a stray. I’m Chase. I’m a 4 year old male Maltese/ Miniature Poodle mix. My Favorite things: going for walks, having pen time, barking for attention, playing with soft toys. My Least favorite things: not getting enough attention. I was surrendered to Berkshire Humane because my owners could no longer afford me. Please Note: I have special medical needs; the shelter staff will be trying to find me the best suitable home. Please call the shelter for

Hi, I’m Boots! I’m a 1 year old male short coat Chihuahua. my favorite things: short walks, food!!, people who slowly introduce themselves to me. my least favorite things: quick movements, vet procedures, strangers that don’t give me enough space. i’m learning how to be more comfortable with vet procedures, and basic commands. i was surrendered to Berkshire Humane as a stray. due to be being very shy, the shelter staff feels i would do better in an adult only home!

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Robert Schechter’s “American Fauve”

Bobby Sweet & Adam Michael Rothberg Together in Concert

The Good Purpose Gallery is honored to exhibit the work of this prestigious artist. Robert Schechter celebrates life in big bold strokes with his vibrant abstract paintings and sculpture. He lives and works in Manhattan, NY and Lenox, MA. 75 of Robert’s works are on permanent display in New York City- Columbia Presbyterian, NYC Cornell, Beth Israel, Alan Pavilion. 2 large monoprints made on Monster Press, North Adams, are exhibited at the entrance of the Berkshire Medical Arts Building, Pittsfield, MA. Robert Schechter’s sculpture is on exhibit June 30 - October 8 at the 2012 Contemporary Sculpture at Chesterwood. Kendra Lichtenwalner, Beaver Mill gallery director says, “All of his work that’s done in New York City is made with dark colors,” she said. “The work that’s created here, in the Berkshires, just has this explosion of color.

Saturday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. at The Spectrum Playhouse. A Berkshire native and sixth-generation musician, Bobby Sweet began his perfoming career in his father’s band at age 7. As a performer, he has shared the bill with some of the top country and folk artists, including Vince Gill, Bill Staines, Bill Morrissey, Deana Carter, Bryan White, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Jonathan Edwards, and Sawyer Brown. Bobby toured in 2008-2009 with Arlo Guthrie’s Lost World Tour, and again with Guthrie in 2010-2011 on his Journey On Tour. Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer Adam Michael Rothberg’s credits include a European tour playing guitar and mandolin with Joan Baez, co-producing Dar Williams’s seminal CD ‘The Honesty Room’, and backing many well-known singer/songwriters including Nashville’s Amy Speace, Boston’s Jacqueline Francis, Kat Goldman, and children\’s performer Vanessa Trien. Event is free with $10 suggested donation.

Improv Comedy by Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. Every third friday the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe (RBIT) will perform an Improv Comedy Night at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, MA. If you liked the TV show ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’, you’ll love this event!

“RBIT has been entertaining crowds in the Berkshires for the last ten years” says Frank La Frazia, RBIT member and co-founder, “We are delighted to bring our improvisation to the new Spectrum Playhouse in Lee for six months of third Friday Improv Comedy Nights-it’s going to be a great time”. Mark your calendars now for fun for the whole family!

Calling All Vendors, Crafters, Artisans, Growers The Lenox Chamber of Commerce has expanded space for the 33rd Annual Apple Squeeze and is accepting applications from area groups and vendors for participation in our annual Apple Squeeze Festival to be held September 22 and 23, 2012. Children activities, live music, hay rides, shows, crafters, artisans and shopping bargains and foods from around the world and of course, apples, fill the streets of Lenox. In its 33rd year, The Lenox Apple Squeeze Festival is one of the largest Autumn Harvest events in New England. For more information and applications please call the Lenox Chamber of Commerce office at 413-637-3646 or get your application by email: info@lenox.org. 4

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August 8, 2012

The Mount Launches Berkshire WordFest 2012

Nationally Acclaimed Authors to Appear September 14-16; Tickets Now on Sale LENOX, MA--The Mount announces the launch of its second literary festival, Berkshire WordFest 2012, to be held at Edith Wharton’s historic estate in Lenox during the weekend of September 14-16, 2012. The festival will bring nearly twenty nationally acclaimed writers-John Berendt, Adam Gopnik, Heidi Julavits, Matthew Pearl, Francine du Plessix Gray, and poet Mary Jo Salter among them--to The Mount for panels, interviews, and public conversations. The festival will also include many free readings by writers and poets with ties to the Berkshire region. “We are thrilled to present the second Berkshire WordFest, and honored to host some of the nation’s finest contemporary writers,” said Susan Wissler, The Mount’s executive director. “For decades, the Berkshire region has been a proud showcase of world-class music, art, theatre, and dance. Since the area has a rich literary heritage as well, we felt it was time to celebrate books, writers, and readers. This lovely property, designed and occupied by Edith Wharton-the first woman to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction-is the perfect venue in which to do it.” “Berkshire WordFest is an exciting addition to this year’s cultural calendar,” said Christine Hensel Triantos, the 2012 festival director. “It creates a terrific opportunity for readers and writers to come together for an intimate ‘literary house party’ at The Mount, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful settings in the Berkshires.” Berkshire WordFest builds on The Mount’s history of successful literary programming and deepens its commitment to celebrating the written word and legacy of Edith Wharton. The festival is generously supported by The Amy Clampitt Fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation; Blantyre; Cranwell Resort, Spa, and Golf Club; and Berkshire Magazine. For more information about the festival, visit BerkshireWordFest.org or call 413-551-5100.

Cynthia Gardner, Michelle Gillett, Jessica Greenbaum, Daniel Hall, Joshua Henkin, John Hennessy, Susan Kinsolving, Jeffrey Levine, Kevin O’Hara, Lisken Van Pelt Dus, Irene Willis, and Mark Wunderlich. Brief biographies of participants and a full schedule of events are available at the Berkshire WordFest site at BerkshireWordFest.org. Tickets for the festival can be purchase online or by phone at 413-5515100. For more information, call 413-551-5100. Admission, Tickets, and Festival Passes Many events are free, including: readings by local poets and writers; a reading by renowned poet Mary Jo Salter on Saturday afternoon; Music After Hours on Saturday evening; and book signings. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend all ticketed and free events.

Berkshire WordFest Speakers About twenty nationally acclaimed writers and a renowned poet will speak at Berkshire WordFest in a “Main Stage” lineup over the course of the festival weekend. Speakers include: John Berendt, author of the bestselling books Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and The City of Falling Angels; New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik; bestselling novelist Matthew Pearl; novelist Heidi Julavits; journalist Kate Bolick; fiction writer and Wharton scholar Roxana Robinson; novelist Megan Abbott; novelist Jonathan Santlofer; novelist and memoirist Dani Shapiro; novelist Alexander Chee; author Suketu Mehta; novelist Claire Messud; writer Mary Morris; fiction writer Elissa Schappell; Nancy Novogrod, editor in chief of Travel + Leisure magazine; writer Francine du Plessix Gray; Noreen Tomassi, executive director for the Center for Fiction; writer, editor, and translator Harold Augenbraum; author and foreign correspondent Anne Garrels; and writer, actress, and comedian Alison Larkin. The featured poet will be Mary Jo Salter, whose reading on Saturday afternoon will be free and open to the public. Berkshire WordFest will also include a lineup of local poets and writers, each of whom will read from published works or works in progress. These readings, which will be free and open to the public, will take place on the terrace throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. These poets and writers include James Arthur, Richard Berlin, Karen Chase, Cassandra Cleghorn, Amy Dryansky, Gerald Elias, Peter Filkins, August 8, 2012

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Tax Free Days August 11 & 12 in Massachusetts

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Tickets for each panel, interview, and the Friday night “Literary Laughs” performance are $25 ($23 for Mount members). All-access passes and one-day passes are also available. All-access passes, which afford access to all public events including “Literary Laughs” on Friday night, are $175 ($165 for Mount members). One-day passes, which allow access to all public events on either Saturday or Sunday, are $90 ($85 for Mount members). Tickets and passes can be purchased online at BerkshireWordFest. org or by telephone at 413-551-5100.

able for purchase. Free. Readings by Berkshire Poets and Writers 10:00 - 5:00 pm, The Terrace Come hear well-known local poets and writers read from their published and about-to-be-published works. Curated by poets Peter Filkins and Michelle Gillett, these prized presentations will introduce new work and celebrate longstanding favorites. Book signings follow most readings. Free. When Bad is Good: The Literary Lure of Self Destruction 10:00 - 11:00 am, The Glen Program Details A panel discussion with Alexander Chee, Elissa Schappell, and Dani Shapiro, with moderator Noreen Tomassi. Friday, September 14 In life and fiction, personal choices matter. The decisions we make Alison Larkin Literary Laughs determine the paths we take. All humans are prone to bad judgment 5:00 - 6:15 pm, The Stables on occasion, but some misbehavior is more destructive than others: Join us for opening night humor with a transatlantic twist! Local cheating on a spouse, habitual drug use, stealing from friends, killing a writer Kevin O’Hara shares his Irish-influenced insights, then internastranger. Hear leading authors of today discuss why literary characters-tionally acclaimed comedienne and bestselling author of The English and, in some cases, writers themselves--elect to embark on not-so-noble American Alison Larkin takes the stage to present her own revealing journeys that alter lives irrevocably and forever. Book signings to follow. and hilarious journey to unearth her American roots. Reception and $25 general; $23 Mount members. book signing to follow. $25 general; $23 members. In Conversation: Adam Gopnik with Kate Bolick 11:15 am - 12:15 pm, The Glen Saturday, September 15 Listen in as writer Kate Bolick engages in a lively conversation with Books and Bagels Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker. Book signing to follow. $25 general; 9:00 - 10:00 am, The Terrace $23 Mount members. Start the day on The Mount’s beautiful terrace with a book-browsing Matthew Pearl In Conversation: Matthew Pearl with Joe Donahue session. Titles by all participating writers will be available for purchase, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, The Glen including some signed editions. Bagels, pastries, and coffee will be availBestselling novelist Matthew Pearl joins WAMC’s Joe Donahue to talk about unraveling historical mysteries, teaching creative writing, and giving voice to shelter animals. Book signing to �� follow. $25 general; $23 Mount �� members. �� From Insider to Informant: �� Conveying Culture Through �� Literature �� 1:45 - 2:45 pm, The Glen �� A panel discussion with Adam �� Gopnik, Suketu Mehta, and �� Roxana Robinson, with modera�� tor Harold Augenbraum. �� Like Edith Wharton, who �� laid bare the social dynamics �� of wealthy New Yorkers of her �� time, contemporary writers find �� inspiration in distinctive set�� tings. By either circumstance or �� design, these writers are afforded �� access to interior worlds. What �� motivates writers to convey these �� personal spheres? Is this a privi�� lege or a responsibility? How do �� essayists and memoirists struc-

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The Mount Launches Berkshire WordFest 2012 ture their points of view; how do novelists fuse fact and fiction? Listen to our panel of “insiders” talk about the worlds they know, and why they’re compelled to write about them. Book signing to follow. $25 general; $23 Mount members. Mary Jo Salter Poetry Reading with Mary Jo Salter 3:00 - 4:00 pm, The Glen Join us for a special reading by one of the nation’s leading poets, Mary Jo Salter. The reading will be followed by a book signing featuring her book A Phone Call to the Future (2008) as well as The Selected Poems of Amy Clampitt (2011), edited by Ms. Salter. Book signing to follow. Free. John Berendt In Conversation: John Berendt with Joe Donahue 4:15 -5:15 pm, The Glen Pulitzer Prize finalist John Berendt joins WAMC’s Joe Donahue for a captivating dialogue about the lure of eccentric personalities and casting light on the shadows in beautiful places. Book signing to follow. $25 general; $23 Mount members. Music After Hours 5:30 - 7:30 pm, House and Terrace Join festival authors and attendees on the terrace to relax, converse, enjoy the view, and listen to Music After Hours. Books and refreshments, including wine and beer, will be available for purchase. Free admission. Sunday, September 16 Books and Bagels 9:00 - 10:00 am, The Terrace Start the day on The Mount’s beautiful terrace with a book-browsing session. Titles by all participating writers will be available for purchase, including some signed editions. Bagels, pastries, and coffee will be available for purchase. Free. Readings by Berkshire Poets and Writers 10:00 - 5:00 pm, The Terrace Come hear well-known local poets and writers read from their published and about-to-be-published works. Curated by poets Peter Filkins and Michelle Gillett, these prized presentations will introduce new work and celebrate longstanding favorites. Book signings follow most readings. Free. Take Me There: The Power of Place 10:00 - 11:00 am, The Glen A panel discussion with John Berendt, Claire Messud, and Mary Morris, with moderator Nancy Novogrod. Place is potent. Where we are influences who we are: musings and lifestyles are shaped by our surroundings, altered by the happenstance of landing at particular geographic coordinates. Writers--and the characters they create, the scenes they portray--transport readers to places unknown, or give broader dimension to familiar settings. Join us for a lively discussion of why and how place has long been, and will likely long be, a leading literary force. Book signings to follow. $25 general; $23 Mount members. Heidi Julavits In Conversation: Heidi Julavits with Kate Bolick 11:15-12:15 pm, The Glen Heidi Julavits sits with writer Kate Bolick for a candid conversation about writing fiction, editing a magazine, psychic connections, and summering in Maine. Book signing to follow. $25 general; $23 Mount members. In Conversation: Francine du Plessix Gray with Anne Garrels August 8, 2012

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12:30-1:30 pm, The Glen Pulitzer Prize nominee Francine du Plessix Gray joins author and foreign correspondent Anne Garrels to share her stories about intriguing historical figures, glamorous parents, and choosing the rural life. Book signings to follow. $25 general; $23 Mount members. A Sense of Menace: Fears, Foes, and Felons 1:45-2:45 pm, The Glen A panel discussion with Megan Abbott, Heidi Julavits, and Matthew Pearl, with moderator Jonathan Santlofer. What draws writers-and their readers-to the literary dark side? Since before Wharton’s time, novels fraught with frightening undertones have captured public attention; Wharton herself was lured to the genre. Why do people find a delicious thrill in reading spine-tingling ghost stories or grisly tales of heinous crimes? Join us for a revealing discussion of why writers create narratives infused with a sense of menace, and why readers continue to embrace them. Book signings to follow. $25 general; $23 Mount members. About The Mount The Mount is both a historic site and a center for culture inspired by the passions and achievements of Edith Wharton. Designed and built by Edith Wharton in 1902, the house embodies the principles outlined in her influential book, The Decoration of Houses (1897). The property includes three acres of formal gardens designed by Wharton, who was also an authority on European landscape design, surrounded by extensive woodlands. Programming at The Mount reflects Wharton’s core interests in the literary arts, interior design and decoration, garden and landscape design, and the art of living. Annual exhibits explore themes from Wharton’s life and work. In the summer of 2010, The Mount launched Berkshire WordFest, a vibrant gathering of writers and readers in one of the most beautiful settings in the Berkshires. The Mount is located at 2 Plunkett Street in Lenox, Massachusetts.

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FROM MY CORNER

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— by Susan J. Coons ...love the heat... I was talking to my son last Wednesday who lives in Naples, Florida. He noticed that we were in for a two-day heat wave. I told him I was looking forward to it! Yes, there was humidity along with the heat, but I can’t help but think about the short days and darkness of winter, shivering when I get up in the morning; freezing outside when I have to pump gas into the car; rolling out trash cans through a narrow shoveled out but lumpy space from the gate to the street; lugging in pellets; cleaning the fireplace; paying $1,000 just to fill the tank with 200 gallons of fuel (this will probably cost more by the time you read this!); crossing my fingers that the car will start; crossing my fingers that the pipes won’t freeze; crossing my fingers that I won’t fall down on the ice, Yes, I don’t mind the heat and humidity at all. ...in the news... A woman who happens to be a former Transportation Safety Administration employee and knows about pat-downs at airports, gave it right back to a woman who patted her down at an airport in Texas. She is being charged with a misdemeanor. I’m sure pat-downs are unpleasant. I haven’t flown in about two years and so haven’t had the “pleasure” of the experience. Knowing how I feel about these things, it will embarrass me to have it done just as itself but in front of everyone makes it worse even though it will happen to everyone in line in front of and behind me. Creeps me out just thinking about it!

...my dad... Some of you may remember that a few weeks ago I wrote about my Dad calling in on my radio program. I was so shocked at hearing his voice! I hadn’t given him the information about how to call, or stream the program through his computer, etc. But my sister in California who is a frequent caller and is no relation to my Dad, told him how to do it. I had no idea she had talked with him. He told me he was proud of me. Even at my age it meant so much to me to hear his say that. This is a little update to let you know that he passed away on Father’s Day last week. He was 91. ...responses... I received many responses this week from last week’s column regarding America becoming a nation of slobs. It’s kind of like which came first? The chicken or the egg? How did we get this way? It’s always so easy to blame the economy, peer pressure, cartoons, the school system, government. I think it’s just plain laziness on the part of parents. It’s so much easier to put a plug in a babies mouth to stop their fussing and crying than it is to try to find out what’s bothering them. Children are born innocent. Those first few hours, days and months are critical to who they become when they grow up. We learn what we’re taught. We learn by example. Respect yourself and you will be able to respect others. Teach this to your children. Teach this to yourself. Do things that you can be proud of, even it it’s just opening the door for someone, saying thank you, take a good look at yourself before you walk out the door. And smile! Always remember to smile!

Twilight World of Bats

Serving Berkshire County Since 1945 Homeowners / Business • New Contractors Market Auto • Boats • Flood Life • Long-Term Care Fax: 413-243-4622 71 Main Street, Lee

413-243-0105 413-243-0109 Frank A. Consolati Jeff J. Consolati

The Twilight World of Bats, sponsored by Berkshire Sanctuaries will take place Friday, August 10, 2012 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Instructor will be Rene Laubach - Director, Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries. This event is open to all and suitable for children 5 - 15 years. Adults $5.00 Mass Audubon member / $7.00 non-member, children $3.00 member / $4.00 non-member. Bats are the only flying mammals and among the most misunderstood animals. Join Rene Laubach to learn about bats found in our area. The program will begin indoors for an overview of the ecology and diversity of bats, and will conclude outdoors with a search for bats, weather permitting. A bat detector will be used to eavesdrop on the bats as they hunt for food. Instructions and Directions: Wear long sleeves, pants, and a hat. This program is universally accessible. This program is not suitable for children under 5 years of age. Registration not required. For more information, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240, 413-637-0320, www.massaudubon.org.

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August 8, 2012

The Connection Between Forest Fires and Climate Change Roughly 35 forest fires raged in the terns have raised questions. The Natural state of Colorado in June of 2012, oblitResources Defense Council offers that erating homes and thousands of acres of while local temperatures fluctuate natuland in the process. While these devastatrally, over the past 50 years the average ing fires were blazing, much of the central global temperature has increased at the United States was under record-breaking fastest rate in recorded history. And heat, with some temperatures consistently experts think the trend is accelerating. reaching the triple digits. The 10 hottest years on record have all The National Climate Data Center occurred since 1990. reported that 41 heat records were broScientists say that hot temperatures ken at the time, most in Kansas, Nebraska in Colorado are one factor that may and Colorado. Such high temperatures have contributed to the forest fires. are typical in these areas. Many scientists However, low levels of precipitation have questioned if the forest fires and the throughout the year and the lack of heat waves tend to go hand in hand. very cold nights throughout the winter According to the “Heat Waves and may have contributed to a drying out of Climate Change” report from Climate the forests. In essence, the forests were Communication, a nonprofit scilike stacks of kindling just waiting to go ence and outreach project funded by up in flames. the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Dr. Steven Running, a University of ClimateWorks Foundation, as of the June Montana forest ecologist, predicts that forest fires, there had been nearly 10 times extreme events like immense forest fires as many high-temperature records as lowwill only become more prevalent and Devastation of forests may be another casutemperature records through the midway accelerate every year as warming trends point of 2012. In the last 10 years, high- alty of global climate change. continue. TF129471 temperature records have outnumbered low-temperature records by a two-to-one margin. This has led many �� people to firmly believe that the climate is growing warmer. �� The prospects of global climate change have prompted the assumptions of many different ecological changes. Ecologists and scientists �� have said that a mere two degree change in temperature can have pro�� found effects. Some of those effects include: • Intense warming over land, exacerbated over the Arctic. Retreating �� sea ice in this area reflects less light and therefore results in less cool�� ing. • Ice caps and glaciers melt, causing an overall rise in sea levels. �� • Rising sea levels force many coastal areas, and those already below �� sea level, to be covered in water. • Although day-to-day weather may not seem to change much, when �� extreme weather events do occur, they will be much more intense. • Long dry spells combined with earlier snowmelt will increase the risk of wildfires, according to Kevin Trenberth, senior scientist and head of the climate analysis division of Colorado’s National Center for Atmospheric Research. �� • A study published in 2007 in the journal Climate Dynamics pre�� dicted wetter winters for the northeastern United States -- with 10 to 15 percent more precipitation -- and hotter summers. Residents of �� the Northeast witnessed this firsthand when the 2010-2011 blizzards �� essentially shut down major cities like New York and Boston. �� Many more people have taken notice of weather abnormalities that �� have occurred in the last several years. Fiercer hurricanes and other �� storms around the world and alterations of normal seasonal patAugust 8, 2012

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Manager’s Memo

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serious when she is there. I have fallen over during many poses from our laughter. During most classes we take about fifteen minutes and do what are called inversions. These include head stands, hand stands and forearm stands. I am not very good with these, plus I am prone to vertigo so it is usually best if I don’t spend too much time upside down. I use the excuse that it is the vertigo that makes me so dizzy but anyone who knows me knows that is just how I am. Although I taught aerobics for a long time I don’t have any desire to instruct yoga. I would imagine you would have to perfect inversions in order to teach a class. I believe that when you work your body hard like you do in yoga you in turn treat it better by eating healthy and taking care of yourself. These days I am all about branching out and trying new things. It is always good to get out of your comfort zone and try something you would not normally try. I suggest everyone try yoga at least once, you will love it. Well, I think I better go ice my muscles now class is in an hour. Shantay Shantay Shantay, may you go in peace. Namaste Our next Celiac support group will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 16 at North Adams Regional Hospital in North Adams. There will be two speakers discussing How to Cook Gluten Free and a local doctor talking about the Various Symptoms of Celiac Disease. If you have questions or would like more information, please call me anytime at 413-329-4710. Hope to see you there! Also, if you read my June or July column and are interested in learning more about the cleanse that I lead people through to reach their optimum health please call me at 413-329-4710 or email rtassone@hersamacornvt.com. Check out our great pet section this month. If you are looking for a pet, please adopt! Please remember to tell our advertisers you saw their ad in the Yankee Shopper and Berkshire Pennysaver. Check out the list of gift certificates we offer for sale at a 20% discount. You can purchase them online at http://www.gooddealsne.com. We have sold over 550 gift certificates people love buying them at such a great discount. 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

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