Yankee Shopper by Hersam Acorn

Yankee

www.yankeeshopperonline.com

Shopper

We Don’t Sell Advertising… We Sell Results!

December 8, 2010

Guide to the Inside Crossword......................... Page 11

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Business & Services ........... Page 2

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Classiﬁeds ........................... Page 5

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Real Estate ........................ Page 15

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Auto ................................... Page 14

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Help Wanted..................... Page 16

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editorial email yankee@hersamacornma.com

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advertising email art@hersamacornma.com

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

Classiﬁed Deadline: December 20, 2010

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Display Deadline: December 20, 2010 ��

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Manager’s Memo

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800.234.1432 Fax 802.447.3270 Classiﬁed 800.234.1432 editorial email yankee@hersamacornma.com advertising email art@hersamacornma.com ■

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

Editorial Deadline*: 20th of month prior Classiﬁed Deadline*: 20th of month prior Display Deadline*: 20th of month prior *Deadlines will change due to Holidays. See special deadline notices published before major holidays. ■

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

Notice: The Yankee Shopper 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. ©2010, Hersam Acorn Newspapers. All contents of the Yankee Shopper are copyrighted, and any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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 circulation. I cannot believe one entire 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 Renee Tassone, challenging for the newspaper industry as well. Even though advertising is the General Manager 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.

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

Renee Tassone, General Manager Yankee Shopper

December 8, 2010

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December 8, 2010

Yankee Shopper

Featured Pets

Citrus

Ginger

Abby

Hannah

Salem

Sam

Jill

Tux

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Gift List Cheat Sheet: Ideas for Personalized Gift Baskets • Looking for a hostess gift sure to please? Consider bringing all the fixings for dessert - including ingredients for fresh, homemade hot fudge. Combine a gallon of vanilla ice cream and holiday cups or bowls with the ingredients below, festively displayed in a clear glass jar from which the finished hot fudge can be served. Once the fudge sauce is simmering on the stove, you’ll have the host, and all the guests, happily awaiting dessert. (ARA) - Does it seem like your gift list gets longer every year? Even for the most creative gift-giver, coming up with unique and meaningful gifts for family, friends, coworkers and hosts can quickly drain your reservoir of gift ideas. Personalized, homemade gifts - and an early start - will result in memorable gifts for your entire list this holiday season. Creating a gift basket with homemade goodies and corresponding recipes to match the entertaining personality or holiday palate of the recipient will be a sure success, and may create new holiday traditions for years to come. Here are some ideas to get you started: • For those who like their coffee with a little extra personality, consider combining spices, Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew Italian Roast coffee and tumbler glasses with a serving pitcher and the following recipe: Spiced Coffee Liqueur Ingredients: 2 cups hot water 4 packets Starbucks VIA Italian Roast 3 cups sugar 2 cups vodka 1 vanilla bean 2 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 1 bay leaf 20 whole coriander seeds Directions: Dissolve coffee and sugar in hot water. Add vodka. Split vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape and add beans and pod to liqueur. Break cinnamon stick into pieces and add. Stir cloves, bay leaf and coriander into liqueur. Do not crush cloves or coriander. Chill for two weeks and allow spices to infuse into liqueur. Strain and serve by shaking equal parts coffee liqueur and milk with ice. Keeps well, refrigerated, for one month. December 8, 2010

Adding the below recipe and ingredients to festive baking supplies makes a sweet holiday gift indeed - just don’t forget a candy thermometer. Coffee Toffee with Milk Chocolate and Pretzels Ingredients: 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup water 1/8 cup corn syrup 8 ounces unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup almond slivers 1 cup chopped pretzels 2 packets Starbucks VIA Italian Roast 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup chocolate (milk chocolate is preferred)

Mocha Malted Hot Fudge Sauce Ingredients: 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1/2 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup light corn syrup 1/8 teaspoon cider vinegar 3 ounces semisweet chocolate 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 tablespoons malt powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 packets Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Italian Roast Directions: Finely chop chocolate and set aside. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together cocoa, sugar, salt and milk until mixture forms a smooth paste. Place over medium heat and stir in the cream, corn syrup, vinegar and 2/3 of the chocolate. Bring mixture to a boil, whisking or stirring frequently. Boil, whisking frequently, until the sauce reaches 220 to 225 F on a candy thermometer, about eight minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter, malt, vanilla, coffee and the remaining chocolate until the sauce is smooth. Strain and set aside for a few minutes before serving. If not using right away, chill sauce in airtight container. Re-warm before serving. Keeps well, chilled, for three weeks.

Directions: Bring sugar, water, and corn syrup to a boil. Stir in the butter when temperature reaches 280 F. When temperature reaches 315 F, stir in the salt, almonds and 1/2 cup pretzels. Cook the mixture until it reaches 320 F. Remove from heat and stir in the coffee and vanilla. Immediately pour the toffee into greased pan. Let toffee cool for 15 minutes and sprinkle on finely chopped chocolate and spread to evenly cover the surface. Sprinkle on remaining 1/2 cup pretzels and gently press. Break toffee into squares and store in airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature. Duplicate these gift ideas as frequently as you need for delicious holiday gifts. And be sure to keep an extra recipe or two around for your family to enjoy as well.

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• What dessert lover wouldn’t adore personalized baking supplies, perhaps a baking pan with his or her name etched on the side so it’s not lost at parties, and a new recipe to wow guests?

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Celebrity Chef Offers Tips for Inspired Holiday Entertaining (ARA) - Holiday stress has a significant impact on women who, according to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, often take the lead in planning holiday celebrations and decorations. With all of the additional holiday responsibilities, 69 percent of women surveyed identify lack of time as the leading stress increaser, and only 27 percent report the ability to relax during the season at all. But a few key tips can help hosts plan - and even enjoy memorable holiday events. No one understands the challenges of holiday entertaining better than celebrity chef, best-selling author and event planner Lulu Powers. As a chef to Hollywood’s top stars, Powers knows smooth entertaining means the perfect balance of preparation and innovation - both on the menu and in the decor. “Holiday gatherings can be one of the most stressful types of events to host,” admits Powers. “As I tell my celebrity clientele, the key to success is selecting unique, yet convenient, short-cuts for recipes and decorations. This leaves a host plenty of time to dazzle guests with event details that complement the delicious food.” One of Powers’ go-to entertaining ingredients is Sargento Artisan Blends natural shredded cheeses because they make for old-world taste with easy preparation - perfect for holiday occasions and making everyday meals more special. Similar to all Sargento premium cheeses, Artisan Blends are never processed and always made from 100 percent natural cheese to ensure authentic quality and taste in every recipe. Powers also offers these additional tips, which she suggests for her own celebrity clientele, to ensure memorable holiday entertaining:

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• Cocktail ornaments: Store cranberries in the freezer and later use to adorn cocktails. These frozen delights will give any gathering the holiday spirit. • Jack-of-all-toppings: Always have a bag of Sargento Artisan Blends Shredded Parmesan cheese on hand. Sargento Artisan Blends are made with handcrafted artisan cheeses and combined with Sargento premium shredded cheeses. The Parmesan variety is perfect on soup, pasta, salad, chicken and so much more. • Back-up libations: Unexpected opportunities to entertain come up - especially during the holidays - so ensure guests are never thirsty by keeping a few bottles of wine and champagne in the house. • Festive details: Details as small as festive cocktail napkins can make a big impact, so be prepared for any occasion by having a few readily available. • Quick-fix hors d’oeuvres: Keep Sargento Artisan Blends Shredded Double Cheddar cheese and tortillas in the freezer for any last minute guests. Quick quesadillas are always party pleasers. To view more information on Sargento Artisan Blends natural cheeses or for holiday recipes, visit www.sargento.com.

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December 8, 2010

From my Corner — by Susan J. Coons

...staying pat... I wrote about airline security a few months ago. I was joking about the poor TSA security agent who has to do the patdowns or look at the imaging. Most of us are overweight, middle-aged, some with a leaky bladder and not smelling very good. TSA security agents have a disgusting job, but they’re doing what they’ve been ordered to do. I can imagine a confrontation brewing when the travelling public is weary after waiting for a delayed flight and is in a hurry to make connections for the next leg of their journey, and being held up with a pat down. One thing that hasn’t been mentioned as far as I recall, is that all of the terrorists who came to America since 9/11, including the underwear bomber, had their flights originate in another country. Why don’t we put these security measures into use in those countries? Recently we learned that cargo isn’t routinely screened either in America or in foreign countries. And that cargo sits in the belly of the very same plane carrying those passengers who have been screened. Let’s screen cargo just as thoroughly. My sister was pulled aside in Albany on her return to California. She took it in good stride, but it was terribly embarrassing. It’s like

being at a check-out when your credit card is denied and you know it is a mistake. Seldom are the cashiers quiet and polite. In the meantime you’re holding up the line and people behind you are taking heavy sighs in disgust and casting accusatory glances your way. You bum! If I want to fly down to see my son, I’ll have to bite the bullet. I’ll probably opt for the body scan. Too bad about the viewer, but it’s not my problem. I have my modesty but if I don’t see him/her, I’ll ignore the experience. I’ll bet the turnover rate (no pun intended) as an airport security agent is 100 percent.

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December 8, 2010

Yankee Shopper

Happy

Christmas in the Berkshires DVD is Now on Sale for This Holiday Season!

Holidays! ��

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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. 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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A collection of traditional Christmas carols blend seamlessly with all these magical images.

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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

HAPPY Holidays ��

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From Us To You ��

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McMahon & Vigeant, PC Certified Public Accountants

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December 8, 2010

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OFFERING SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS, NEW AND EXPANDING BUSINESSES

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2010’s Hottest Holiday Gift: Sharing the Savings (ARA) - The recession has taught many Americans a valuable lesson about saving money. With the holidays approaching, it’s likely many people will seek ways to continue their newfound thriftiness while still spreading some holiday cheer. Sharing the concept of saving - and the value it brings to you and your family - may be this year’s hot gift idea. Average Americans are saving a higher percentage of their income - in fact, several times more - than they did just five years ago, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis. Retail forecasters are predicting consumer spending will be flat this holiday season, and many Americans say they intend to spend less this year. From samples and coupons to managing the family budget, saving money is in style, and a holiday gift that saves cash can be a great deal for the giver and the recipient. Here are some ideas for ways to save your money and share the happiness of savings and value this holiday season: • Seek out holiday promotions that offer buy-one-get-one-free discounts or two-for-one offers that will allow you to spend some time with the recipient while he or she enjoys your gift. This could be anything from pedicures at your local salon to airfare for a trip to visit loved ones who are far away. • Turn coupons into savings. There are several ways to do this. Take advantage of coupon offers from manufacturers like Procter & Gamble (P&G) where you can use coupons found inside Crest, Gain or Duracell batteries to purchase items that make great stocking stuffers, like CoverGirl Lipstain, Pantene or Mr. Clean. Or save money on prod-

ucts - with coupon deals - that you’ll need a lot of during the holidays, including household cleansers, paper towels, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and cold remedies. Another option is to use the coupons themselves as stocking stuffers. For example, a busy mom may love the idea of saving on Pampers, but not have much time to clip coupons for herself. Sharing coupon savings can be a great way to spread some cheer and value this holiday season. Log on to www.pgeverydaysolutions. com to learn more. • Purchase a membership to a wholesale club as a gift - an especially useful gift for families with multiple children and pets. Many of the large wholesale clubs offer holiday gift memberships. Buying bulk at a wholesale store is one of the top ways for families to save money on high-cost items such as paper products, fresh produce, meats and frozen foods. •Celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends and host a potluck. Instead of ordering in, encourage invitees to bring their favorite covered dish - along with the kids. Having the kids together is a great way to celebrate the New Year while saving on extra costs like babysitting. • Share the value with your community. Check your local listings for causes that may need a few extra items during the holidays. Recycling items like clothing, baby products, toys and books keeps them out of the waste stream and puts them in the hands of people who can use them. Plus, it’s a great way to teach children the essence of the holiday spirit of giving and good will. With a little creativity, you’ll be able to retain your commitment to frugality throughout the holidays - and share the savings and value at the same time.

Yankee Shopper

December 8, 2010

How to Bring the Outside In When the Weather Cools

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(ARA) – For many folks, connecting with nature has calming and invigorating effects. However, cold and short days make getting outside a little more difficult. If you find yourself coming down with a case of cabin fever every winter, try bringing the outside in and decorating your home in a way that will make you feel more connected with the outdoors in the comfort of your own living room.

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• Bring the forest inside. There’s a reason why people go to the trouble of cutting down trees and lugging them into their homes for the holidays. The natural smell of pine is invigorating and reminds us of being outside.

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• Landscape indoors through art. From holiday-centric Santa scenes to beautiful snowy landscapes, Murals Your Way offers numerous winter murals that can transform your living room into a lovely winter escape. Murals now come with SmartStick repositionable wall fabric that allows them to be easily removed and reapplied, making seasonal decorating that much easier.

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• Making scents. In addition to scented candles, you can also use other natural elements to create scents that can tie you back to nature. For example, venture outside and collect perfect-looking pine cones and embellish them with natural oils or spices to give your home a warmer fragrance.

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Tips to Save a Lot When Planning Family Meals (ARA) - Ah, family dinner time. A meal lovingly prepared and family members gathered around the dining table sharing stories from their day. While a special meal is a time-honored tradition, the planning, time and the cost involved may leave some without an appetite. Many shoppers are on the hunt for affordable and simpler shopping routines. Regardless of whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a birthday celebration, or just day-to-day meals throughout the year, it’s easier and more cost effective if you go into grocery shopping prepared. Consider these tips from national grocery retailer Save-A-Lot before your next shopping trip: Plan for several meals rather than just one

Create a weekly meal planner This is a good idea year round, but it’s especially helpful to do so during holidays when your schedule gets more hectic. Think about what you and your family members typically consume each day. If there is a particular food item or meal idea that your whole family enjoys, make sure to stock up when it is on sale. Ask each family member to pick a meal for dinner. Make contingencies such as quick and easy lunch items for kids who may be home during a school break, or snacks for visiting family members. Visit grocery store websites for tools and deals

Many grocery shoppers make the mistake of only planning for a big special meal when they can cut time and cost by planning for several. Decide ahead of time how your family might want to use leftover meat or veggies from the meal, and buy extra ingredients to extend your meal into the following week. For example, if during the holidays your family craves the leftover turkey sandwiches as much as they love the big roasted bird, be sure to stock up on bread, mayonnaise, mustard and lettuce in advance.

Grocery retailers frequently offer tips and tools for meal planning, as well as exclusive online bargains. Check to see if your store is offering discounts in exchange for signing up for their shopping clubs year round. For example, Save-A-Lot offers a $5 coupon for signing up for its Smart Shopper Club.

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December 8, 2010

...Tips to Save a Lot When Planning Family Meals... Take advantage of store brands Many grocery stores offer their own private brands of foods and everyday items, and frequently these items are of equivalent quality as more expensive national brand names. By using store brands, you can save a little money on your grocery bill and splurge on something special, such as a celebratory dessert. Store brands are great for helping to keep your weekly grocery costs down. Keep track of ingredients to replenish You’ve got everything laid out to make chocolate chip cookies, but you forgot to buy the baking soda - nothing is more frustrating than having to make a return trip to a store. Keep track of ingredients you frequently use in your cooking. Then, as soon as you use up an item, immediately add it to your ongoing grocery list. By the end of the week, not only will your shopping list be complete, but you won’t be stuck in the store trying to remember what is or is not in your cupboard. You also won’t be tempted to buy something you don’t need. What’s more, be sure to use measuring utensils so you don’t use more ingredients than necessary - which can be costly to your family’s waistline and budget. Eliminate shopping hassles Grocery shopping can be a time-consuming hassle, especially for

busy, on-the-go families. Some retailers offer discounted, everyday prices that can help eliminate the need to map out complicated store-tostore routes, or navigate through a maze of aisles to find the best deals. Save-A-Lot’s stores not only deliver savings of up to 40 percent, compared with conventional grocery stores, but also feature, small, efficient formats designed for a quick and convenient shopping experience. With these few simple tips, you’ll not only save money at the grocery store, but you’ll have more time to enjoy cooking and celebrating with those you love.

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PAYMENT INFORMATION

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December 8, 2010