Dec - Jan 2013, vol 5
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Our BerkshireTimes
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Special Winter Events To see more events or to post your event for free go to www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com
Holiday Reception 2012
Date: Sat, Dec 8, 2012, 2-4 pm Place: DeVries Fine Art International, Inc., 62 Church Street, Lenox, MA - (413) 637-3462 Price: Free. “A Festival of Angels,” our 2012 Holiday Reception. The gallery is open from 11am-4pm; reception is from 2-4pm. Featuring bronze sculptures and pastel drawings of angels. Light Refreshments. Come meet the artist! www.andrewdevries.com
Shire City Sanctuary Holiday Sale
Date: Sat-Sun, Dec 8-9, 2012, 10am-6pm Place: Shire City Sanctuary (the former Notre Dame Church), 40 Melville Street, Pittsfield, MA (413) 236-9600 One of the largest special events being held at Shire City Sanctuary in 2012 is the Holiday Shindy. Forty strikingly accomplished, mainly regional, artist/makers are working tirelessly to stock their coffers for our festivities. www.shirecitysanctuary.com
Holiday Craft Sale - West Stockbridge Date: Sat-Sun, Dec 8-9, 2012, 10am-4 pm Place: Cafe Space, Old Train Station, Depot Street, West Stockbridge, MA Local artists: Ben Evans (ceramics), Jess Fitzgerald (jewelry), Margie Skaggs (ceramics), Emily Wilson (weaving). Tragicomedia - A Baroque Holiday Celebration
Date: Sun, Dec 9, 2012, 2pm Place: Mahaiwe Performing Art Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-0100 Price: $42/$32. Tragicomedia offers the repertoire of the Italian Cantata with its unique constellation of leading instrumentalists and singers presenting rarely heard baroque instruments. Tragicomedia, Baroque Ensemble; Stephen Stubbs, director. www.cewm.org
Norman Rockwell: Humorous Tales and Little Known Facts
Date: Fri, Dec 14, 2012, 2:30pm Place: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Rte 183, Stockbridge, MA - (413) 298-4100 Price: Free with Museum admission, members free. Celebrate Norman Rockwell’s unique brand of humor during this engaging, enlightening series
exploring the artist’s adventures in illustration, with Curator of Education Tom Daly. www.nrm.org
Dede Wilson, Bon Appetit Contributing Editor at Verdigris Tea in Hudson
Date: Sat, Dec 15, 2012, 6pm Place: Verdigris Tea, 135 Warren Street Hudson, NY (518) 828-3139 Price: Free. Come hear Bon Appetit’s Contributing Editor Dede Wilson as she discusses tips and techniques for making two of America’s favorite things: doughnuts and – the newest dessert rage – cake balls. This well-known food expert has made frequent appearances on TODAY, Dr. Oz, and the Home Shopping Network. www.VerdigrisTea.com
The Elf Express
Date: Sat-Sun, Dec 15-16, 2012, check for times Place: r.k. Miles, 670 Depot Station, Manchester Center, VT - (802) 362-1645 Price: Adults: $25 Children: 2-13, $20 Under 2 Free (advance ticket sales only) This whimsical 2012 holiday train will leave r.k. Miles Depot Station taking its riders on a one-hour enchanting journey through the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. Holiday melodies, dance routines by the elves of the theater and dance program of Burr and Burton Academy, hot chocolate and button cookies will be provided. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will make a surprise visit to provide every child with a special gift. Buy tickets at www.ManchesterLionsElfTrain.com.
Nowell We Sing Clear
Date: Sat, Dec 22, 2012, 7:30pm Place: Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School Auditorium, 35 West Plain Rd, Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-4015 Price: Donation. Nowell Sing We Clear is a fourmember musical group that performs an annual yuletide concert including yuletide stories and music, and often a Mummers Play. This is a fundraiser for the GBRSS eighth grade, with a donation suggested. www.gbrss.org
Hoffmann Bird Club Field Trip
South Berkshire Christmas Bird Count
Date: Tue, Jan 1, 2013, 7am Place: Location TBA, Lenox, MA (413) 637-0320 Price: Free. Join a team and welcome the new year with some winter birding. Contact René Laubach (637-0320, rlaubach@massaudubon.org) to sign up or for more information about time and place. www.hoffmannbirdclub.org
Yoga and Deep Relaxation Retreat: The Gift of Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra with Jennifer Reis
Date: Fri-Sun, Jan 11-13, 2013 Place: Kripalu Center, 57 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge, MA - (800) 741-7353 For all levels. Experience deeper levels of inner freedom than you ever imagined possible, giving yourself permission to rest, balance, restore, and tap into new sources of energy. This nourishing retreat is the perfect combination of revitalizing yoga postures, breathing, hand mudras, and the profound healing rest called yoga nidra. www.kripalu.org
Mornings @ Matrushka
Date: Sat, Jan 26, 2013, 10:30am Place: Matrushka Toys and Gifts, 309 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-4015 Price: Free. Delightful puppet plays for pre-K and toddler-age children, presented by an experienced Waldorf early childhood teacher. www.gbrss.org
GBRSS Science Fair and School Open House
Date: Wed, Jan 30, 2013, 7pm Place: Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School, 35 West Plain Road, Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-4015 Price: Free. In their independent science fair projects, GBRSS middle school students partner with a mentor to explore their chosen topic from Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, or Biology via experiment, exploration, or project. Come hear students demonstrate their outcomes; a fascinating way to learn how children learn. School tours also available (please call ahead). www.gbrss.org
Linda Dockey Graves, www.lindagravesartist.com
Our BerkshireTimes™ PUBLISHER Kathy I. Regan publisher@ourberkshiregreen.com _______________ EDITORIAL Kathy I. Regan editor@ourberkshiregreen.com
December - January 2013
Contents 2
Rodelinde Albrecht rodelinde@ourberkshiregreen.com
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DESIGN Magazine Design/Layout Kathy I. Regan
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Christine Dupre cedupre@msn.com Elisa Jones, Berkshire Design Studio elisa@berkshiredesignstudio.com Shirley Sparks, Graphic Design on a Dime sms234@aol.com _______________ ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Patty Strauch patty@ourberkshiregreen.com ______________ EVENT COORDINATOR Patty Strauch patty@ourberkshiregreen.com _______________ CONTACT Our BerkshireGreen, Inc. P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236 Phone: (413) 274-1122, Fax: (413) 541-8000 www.OurBerkshireGreen.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com
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COVER ILLUSTRATIONS & PAGE 1
By Melody Lea Lamb
Is Melody an artist who can also talk to animals – or a lover of fur and paws who draws like a dream? The combination has led to some interesting life circumstances, from teaching art in a chicken coop to composing watercolors on horseback. Having done her time at art school and the gallery scene, Melody now paints miniatures in the Berkshires while tending to a husband, a horse, three cats, two kids, and a dog. She donates 10 percent of all her art sales to animal charity. You can read more about Melody on page 2 of this issue and purchase her affordable miniature masterpieces at www.MelodyLeaLamb.com, www.Miniature AnimalArt.com, Etsy, and more. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
10 Back to Nature
Publisher Letter
11 Our Berkshire Marketplace
Good Tidings: Awakening in 2013
Copyeditors/Proofreaders Rodelinde Albrecht Patty Strauch _______________
Ads–Independent Designers Katharine Adams, Rural Ethic Studio katmail@ruralethicstudio.com
Publisher's Page
The Art of Melody Lea Lamb
11 In Business
Art, Culture & Entertainment
11 Fashion & Beauty
Event Sampler
12 Community Spotlight Stockbridge, MA – An Incredible History
Food & Drink Conscientious Meat-Eating
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14 Health & Wellness
Roast Pork Pate Recipe
The Healing Power of Detoxification
Home & Garden
Is Breast Thermography the Answer?
The Power of Incremental Change
17 Mind & Spirit
Education & Workshops
18 Directory of Advertisers
Learning as Natural as Breathing
10 Animal Talk Animal DREAMS Feline Rescue
About Us
19 Featured Advertisers Tell Them You Saw Them in Our BerkshireTimes!
NEW! Follow Us On
Our BerkshireTimes™ is an Our BerkshireGreen™ publication. We are dedicated to supporting our local economy and creating an ever-expanding, unified network of community-minded individuals, businesses, and organizations in our area. We give more than 75,000 readers per issue the opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and inspire one another through our publication, networking events, and growing online services. Our bimonthly publication (six issues yearly, starting in February) is free to the public and distributed throughout western MA, northern CT, eastern NY, and southern VT, and is enjoyed by community members, second home owners, and visitors alike. Most of our editorial content is contributed by our community members. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback, and encourage you to submit original material for consideration through our website. You will find complete instructions on our online form. Our popular networking events are held at fine locations throughout our region. There is no admission charge or reservation required for most events, and you will find great company, interesting speakers, delicious free appetizers, and a cash bar. It’s all about community! To find out more about advertising, submitting editorial, attending one of our popular free networking events, and posting events on our free community calendar, see our websites at left, and join our mailing list to receive our free monthly eNewsletter. All content in Our BerkshireTimes ™ is accepted in good faith. We do not necessarily advocate and cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by our authors, illustrators, and advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. For printing errors of the publisher's responsibility, liability is limited to the cost of the ad space in which it first appeared. Unless otherwise noted, we use a Creative Commons License in place of a standard copyright.
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From the Publisher
Good Tidings
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re you passionate about what you do? Are you excited about sharing your knowledge and the joy you experience with others? That is what Our BerkshireTimes is all about, and that is why most of the editorial we choose to publish is contributed by you, our community members. Our BerkshireTimes is the voice of our community. My personal interests are family (my husband Kevin is a cabinetmaker and I have a seven-year-old daughter, Brianna), vibrant living, and small business. But whether your passion involves the arts, health & wellness, education, building & landscape design, kids & family, or food & farming, I believe that amazing things can happen when community members with diverse interests connect with one another and share their knowledge and creative, positive energy. And the best part is that it’s contagious! Whether you live in our beautiful Berkshire region year round, are a second home owner, or just enjoy visiting the area when you can, we look forward to learning more about you, sharing stories, and discovering our common goals and values. Do you have something to share? Please go to www.OurBerkshireTimes.com and submit your material through our convenient online editorial form. I also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook. This is a time of awakening – a time of expansion, growth, and change. I am deeply grateful for being able to connect with you through Our BerkshireTimes at this time. I wish you peace, joy, good health, strength, and fulfillment during the holiday season and throughout the upcoming New Year. Blessings. Kathy I. Regan Our BerkshireGreen Publishing (413) 274-1122, publisher@OurBerkshireGreen.com
Awakening to Our Full Potential in 2013
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By Susan Jameson
ood Tidings is celebrating the opportunity to awaken to our full potential as individuals, as a community, and as a humanity. With a confluence of cosmic cycles all beginning anew, I believe 2013 promises to be a year of transition, renewal, expansion, and growth. Below are four quotes from organizations in the Berkshires committed to human and economic development, pioneering refreshing new concepts, launching new initiatives, and taking dedicated actions to reach and connect with our community. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and may Good bless you now and always!
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Berkshire (a collaboration of the Berkshire Chamber, Berkshire Visitors Bureau, and Berkshire Creative) believes that 2013 will be a year known for expansion and growth - great news for all of us who live, work, play, and create in the region! With recent funding from the State, 1Berkshire has a renewed commitment to economic development throughout the Berkshires. ~ Lauri Klefos, President & CEO, Berkshire Visitors Bureau, Pittsfield, MA. 1berkshire.com, www.berkshires.org
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onprofit organizations in the Berkshires should make sure to submit an application for a GoodWorks Grant from GoodWorks Insurance, a leading agency in this region that makes substantial financial contributions every year to help tackle issues related to healthcare, education, and public safety. Eligible nonprofits that would like to be considered should send an email to NWorden@GoodWorksInsurance.com or call (413) 528-5509 ext. 117. ~ Nat Worden,
Vice President, GoodWorks Insurance
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erkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF), which works to improve the quality of life for area residents through charitable giving, has reached two milestones: the Foundation will turn 25 this December
and it has reached $100 million in grants to the community. BTCF’s community leadership initiatives address important local issues such as affordable housing, emergency economic assistance, and support for nonprofits. In 2013, the Foundation will launch a new initiative to address the needs of young children from birth to 5 years. ~ Jennifer Dowley, President, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Sheffield, MA
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he Women’s Interfaith Institute in the Berkshires (WII) celebrates 20 years as an organization and now hosts its monthly potluck programs at the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge. WII is comprised of women of different faiths and diverse traditions who practice their beliefs through dedicated action. Monthly potluck programs are opportunities to learn about different traditions and faiths, deepen conversation, and find new ways to reach out to the community. WII’s theme for 2012/2013 is “Sustainable Peace.” ~ Alison
Gaines, Stockbridge, MA. www.womensinterfaith berkshires.org, wiiberkshires.blogspot.com
~ Susan Jameson is the founder of Humanity in Concert, and the co-founder of Healing Winds and the Rock, Rattle & Drum Pow Wow. www.HealingWinds.net
S O The Art of Melody Lea Lamb – Miniature Masterpieces and Tiny Treasures O
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elody Lea Lamb’s vibrant, detailed, lifelike miniature paintings of woodland animals and whimsical fairies (as well as a wide array of other creatures great and small) capture the vitality and essence of her subjects. Working mainly with a combination of rich-toned colored pencils, India ink, and acrylic, Melody’s love of art, animals, and nature is evident (see our cover art this issue). This talented artist grew up in Bakersfield, CA, went to college at Sonoma State University, and then continued art training at Maine College of Art. Melody is married, has two teenage kids, and currently lives and works from her home in North Egremont, MA. She has been painting collectible, diminutive, 3.5 inch x 2.5 inch works of art, known as ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions, and Originals) for more than eight years. 2
December / January 2013
In addition to the ACEOs, Melody has illustrated the children’s book Moonlight Memoirs, written by teen author Maggie Mei Lewis (which has won multiple awards and is now in its second printing) and is currently working on her second book, Thomas and Autumn, written by Jana Laiz. She also creates unique collectible art gifts including holiday card sets, pendants, ornaments, tiles, beaded art, magnets, and bookmarks. There is even a pocket gallery of Melody’s art for your iPhone – this app reached the #20 most popular spot out of 4,334 the very first week it launched! An avid runner, Melody regularly supports worthwhile animal charities by racing in the annual Memorial Day 10K Race, Run for the Critters, in Lenox, MA. The next race, on May 26, 2013, will benefit Old Dog Haven, www.olddoghaven.com. Become a sponsor at www.MelodyLeaLamb.com/critters.html.
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com
Come meet Melody, celebrate the holidays, and collect her miniature art at The Magic Fluke Company, 292 South Main Street, Sheffield, MA, on December 8 and 15, at 10am-3pm. Also see her work on Etsy, Art Fire, Zazzale, and at www.MelodyLeaLamb.com.
“When I begin a painting of a particular animal (or landscape) I find myself becoming slowly and completely enamored with God’s perfect creation. With each stroke I am more in awe of this spirit and throw myself into capturing what inspires me. It’s a process filled with heart and my hope is that I can convey at least some of this feeling.” ~ Melody Lea Lamb
Art, Culture & Entertainment December - January Event Sampler To see more events or to post your event for free go to
www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com Holiday Fair
Date: Sat, Dec 8, 2012, 11am-4pm Place: Mountain Road School, 4565 County Road 9, New Lebanon, NY - (518) 794-8520 A holiday fair with fun for the whole family local artisans with fine handcrafts, tiny treasures room for the little ones, children’s seasonal games and crafts, gourmet cafe for hungry tummies, a visit from pocket lady, and much more. www.mountainroadschool.org
Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers’ Markets
Date: Sat, Dec 15, 2012, 10am-2pm Place: Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School gymnasium, 318 Monument Valley Road, Great Barrington, MA Price: Free. Locally grown, produced, and prepared food for the holiday table from farmers and food producers in the region, including produce, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, bread, pies, and other baked goods, plus pickles and jams. www.berkshiregrown.org
A Christmas Carol
Date: Sat-Sun, Dec 15-16, 20-23, 27-30, 2012, 7:30pm Place: The Colonial Theatre, 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA - (413) 997-4444 Price: $25-$50. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - adapted and directed by Eric Hill. Pittsfield. www.berkshiretheatregroup.org
The Elf Express
Date: Sat-Sun, Dec 15-16, 2012, check for times Place: r.k. Miles, 670 Depot Station, Manchester Center, VT - (802) 362-1645 Price: Adults: $25 Children: 2-13, $20, Under 2 Free (advance ticket sales only). This whimsical 2012 holiday train will leave r.k. Miles Depot Station taking its riders on a one-hour enchanting journey through the Green Mountains of Southern
Vermont. Holiday melodies, dance routines by the elves of the theater and dance program of Burr and Burton Academy, hot chocolate and button cookies will be provided. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will make a surprise visit to provide every child with a special gift. Buy tickets at www.ManchesterLionsElfTrain.com.
Annual Messiah Sing
Date: Sat, Dec 22, 2012, at 4pm Place: First Presbyterian Church, 4th Street and Warren, Hudson, NY - (518) 828-7513 Price: $8.00 advance/$10.00 door Celebrate the season by singing the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah (plus the Hallelujah Chorus, of course) with family, friends, and neighbors! Join this nonsectarian, festive annual holiday tradition – listeners welcome, too! www.claveracklanding.org
Comic Creations!
Date: Wed-Sun, Dec 26-30, 2012, 1-5pm. Place: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, MA - (413) 298-4100 Price: Free with Museum admission, members free. Envision your own story lines and design unique comic book characters during this lively series of drop-in art workshops inspired by the work of comic book master Alex Ross. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and other favorite superheroes will be on view! www.nrm.org
My house is my refuge, an emotional piece of architecture, not a cold place of convenience. Luis Barragan
Dana Bixby Architecture www.danabixby.com 413-232-7834
OurBerkshireCalendar.com will give you instant gratification! it’s smart ✓ it’s popular ✓ it’s fun ✓ it’s free ✓ and it’s extremely easy to use ✓
It’s YOUR calendar. See what’s happening around town. Advertise your events for free! 1. Register 2. Fill in your event information 3. Post!
www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com Enjoy Winter Fun and Bennington's Holiday Spirit!
Reiki Healing Exchange
Date: Tues, Jan 22, 2013, 6:30pm Place: TriYoga Berkshire, 1224 North Main Street (Rt 7), Sheffield, MA - (413) 854-3177 Price: $3 suggested donation. Welcoming all hands-on healers (Reiki or other modalities), as well as anyone interested in learning energy work, to share in a delightful exchange of healing energies together. On the fourth Tuesday evening of every month! www.triyogaberkshire.com
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Around the World Festival of Trees
Bennington Museum BenningtonMuseum.org
The Bennington Winter Festival & Penguin Plunge North Bennington Bennington.com
The Downtown Holiday Festivities
Downtown Benninton BetterBennington.com
Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce (802) 447-3311 • www.Bennington.com
A Whimsical Holiday Train is arriving in Manchester, VT December 15th & 16th The Elf Express ™ to purchase tickets www.ManchesterLionsElfTrain.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com
December / January 2013
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Food & Drink
BTW save room 5pm dinner only, seasonal hours
150 Main Street Lee, Mass. 413.243.6397 cheznousbistro.com
Conscientious Meat-Eating By Schuyler Gail
O French chef, American baker, real food
n our farm the lambs are born in spring. They grow on summer’s green, green grass. In the fall and winter they are our food, and we eat them. Tonight, while barbequing lamb sausage, I was looking out over the pasture while my husband moved the sheep. They were baaing, and the flock was sprawled out in a great, bucolic chain across the hillside following their shepherd. Our flock is small. Needless to say, with children around, each sweet new lamb gets a name. Tonight I grilled Cartman, a big, strong guy that we’ve known since he was a baby.
carton would have you believe: Many have deplorable conditions, and most young dairy bulls are fed into the commercial veal market, which isn’t known for animal welfare. I’m guaranteed (and so are you) that the animals at Climbing Tree Farm live well, because we’re taking care of them, and their welfare matters to us, the farmers. In short, if I am concerned with the environment and with animals being treated justly, it makes sense for me to raise my own protein in the form of meat. (We do grow soy in our garden too, but there’s only so much edamame you can eat!)
When people hear that we are meat farmers they often say something like “I don’t think I could eat an animal I raised.” This always strikes me as funny, because I can’t imagine eating an animal that I didn’t raise. As a matter of fact, until we became meat farmers, I didn’t eat meat. At the age of seven, I became a vegetarian, citing animal rights and environmental issues (I was a kind of intense kid).
Does it feel weird to eat an animal, with a name, that you raised from infancy? I would be lying if I said “no.” It’s really weird, but anything turns weird if you think about it enough. At dinner tonight, our five-year-old son asked whether we were eating Cartman. When we said yes, his response was, oh, he’s good. Our society has been so divorced from meat production for so long that we forget that meat is animals. My hope is that as people become more involved with local, small farms, we will remember that meat comes from real animals on real farms. And that more people will choose farms, like ours, where the farmer’s kid calls his lamb sausage by name.
It took more than two decades for my vegetarianism to wane, but in the past several years, as our meat production grows, so too does my meat consumption. Here’s a brief explanation of why: As a vegetarian I often turned to beans, soy, and dairy for protein. Most beans and soy are grown half a world away, mainly in China, which means that while they are more energy efficient to produce than meat, they have an enormous carbon footprint due to transportation. Our animals (and their food) are grown right here in our valley. And dairy operations (for the ovo-lacto vegetarian) are rarely as picturesque as the side of a milk
YUM COME FOR THE
®
~ Schuyler Gail and her husband, Colby, own and run Climbing Tree Farm in New Lebanon, NY. They raise pork, lamb, poultry, eggs, and two small children on pasture. Read more about their farm at www.Climbing Tr e e Fa r m . b l o g spot.com.
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Espresso • Coffee • Tea • Juices
EXTENSIVE ORGANIC OFFERINGS! pittsfield & great barrington, ma guidosfreshmarketplace.com
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December / January 2013
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Open Weekly 7:30 - 5 (Closed Tuesday) Sunday Musical Brunch 9 - 3 www.StavingArtistCreperie.com
40 Main St • Lee, MA • 413-394-5046
Food & Drink Shop and Dine Local!
Coarse Country Roast Pork Pate or “Rillettes De Porc”
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By Martha Montgomery f you like roast pork flaking off the bone, you might enjoy this hearty appetizer. It can also be used in a sandwich or on picnics. Active prep time is about 15 minutes. Recipe may be multiplied and preserved frozen. Ingredients ¾ pound unsalted pork fat (optional) or high quality fatty bacon (optional) 2 pounds boned blade steak of pork (or other inexpensive cut) 1 clove garlic ½ cup water ½ teaspoon dried sage or a large sprig of fresh sage, minced salt and pepper to taste Instructions Preheat oven to 275ºF or set up crockpot on low. Cut the pork fat or bacon into strips. Cut up the pork shoulder – fine dicing makes less work later but isn’t necessary. Peel and crush garlic. Cut up sage if using fresh, discarding stems. Put all ingredients into a heavy crock with tight lid, or into a crockpot, and bake until the pork is tender – about 4-5 hours. Strain the meat mixture in a fine sieve over a bowl to reserve the liquid. Allow the fat to separate from juice in the bowl. Chill to remove. Pound the meat with a mallet or shred with two forks till the consistency of coarse pate. Press tightly into one large or several small ramekins. Return the non-fatty juice to the pork if desired. Melt the reserved fat and pour over the pate to serve as a preservative, if desired, or cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Food You Can Trust 320 Main Street • WilliaMStoWn Ma 413-458-8060 WildoatS.coop
Keep for up to one week in the refrigerator or freeze till serving time. Serve at room temperature with warm, crusty baguette. ~ Martha Montgomery, AIA, LEED AP, is an avid cook and an architect at Montgomery Ark. She is the mother of farmer and writer Schuyler Gail of Climbing Tree Farm, whose pork is used in this recipe, and whose article can be found at left.
S Sullivan Station Restaurant Open for lunch & dinner Tuesday through Sunday Host your special event in our historic location or let us cater at your home
Visit our historic landmark Railroad Street, Lee, Massachusetts (413) 243-2082
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian upon request Live Entertainment on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights
www.SullivanStationRestaurant.com
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December / January 2013
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Home, Garden & Landscape The Power of Incremental Change Wahida Janice Young 413.281.1804 car eer
abundance
www.youngfengshui.com
love
happiness
mmejyoung@yahoo.com
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By Laurie McLeod (writing as Lorne Holden)
ou’re busy, right? If you’re nodding your head, then the answer is yes and we have something in common: not enough time. And perhaps the sense that large things can’t be created or conquered because we don’t have the big time they require. I offer a simple solution: Make intentional ten-minute efforts every day. This idea was born out of necessity in my life. During a recent summer, I was still in the labor-intensive phase of raising my young son. I longed to put in a flower garden, but as a single parent with neither partner nor family nearby, time for such endeavors did not exist. Still, I wanted that garden. So one day, I bought a six-pack of impatiens and upon returning home, I got out of the car, dug one hole and planted a single flower. Then I went inside to attend to the many things that needed my attention. I left the other flowers in their container at the edge of the grass. And for the rest of the day, I could feel that one flower singing. All day long. Something had happened: I was back in the flow of possibility. Step by step, flower by flower, and day by day, I created a garden that knocked me out with its beauty. I never spent more than ten minutes on it, because I never had more than ten minutes. Nonetheless, its magnificence was the single most sustaining element of my world that summer. Every day, its beauty soothed and inspired me. I would look down on it from the window above and feel proud, accomplished, and . . . sane.
Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, BPVS 46 Howland Avenue, Adams, MA 01220
Tel. 413-743-0152 • www.bpvs.com MA LIC #'s HIC131996, CSL 73150
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ince 1985, recognized for careful designs, proven components and high quality workmanship, BPVS solar electric systems are user friendly, efficient and reliable.
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December / January 2013
Not only was the garden itself incredible, but every time I looked at it, I was reminded that I could make things happen, even with very small amounts of time. The flowers became my cheering squad, encouraging me to remember this new blueprint for action. I no longer felt at the mercy of my situation, and the joy I experienced inspired me to apply the technique to other corners of my life. It was a quiet, daily revolution. And what I learned was this:
Ten Minutes a Day is Seventy Minutes a Week, Two Hundred Eighty Minutes a Month, and Sixty Hours a Year. Let me say that again. Ten Minutes a Day is Sixty Hours a Year.
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com
Imagine spending sixty hours this year pursuing the experience you have dreamt of for so long, but never felt you had the time for. Imagine spending sixty hours this year conquering the tasks that you constantly avoid. Imagine spending sixty hours this year learning a new language, doing yoga, writing a novel, practicing an instrument, singing, growing your own food, or finally, finally cleaning out that cruddy basement or reorganizing those closets. Then, imagine what else you might be doing, having accomplished all of that.
Imagine. Try inviting your life forward with this mode of action. Take ten minutes right now and write down three things you long to do but think you don’t have time for. Then choose something from the list and dive in.
For Ten Minutes. Each Day. For Seven Days. After a week, check in with yourself. I guarantee you will find yourself in a new swing of activity. Something will have shifted. You will be gently mobilized in a way that makes continuing feel like a breeze. You will have made something happen and learned you can make it happen. In ten minutes a day. ~ Laurie McLeod (writing as Lorne
Holden) is an award-winning artist and author living in the Berkshires. You can reach her at lorneholden1@hotmail.com and order her book through www.makeithappenintenminutesaday.com.
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Education & Workshops
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Serving The Berkshires, Hudson Valley & Litchfield Hills
id you know? Rather than adhering to a single educational philosophy, teachers at the Mountain Road school in New Lebanon, NY, draw from many great teachers and approaches, including Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, John Dewey, Vygotsky, Piaget, and the schools of Reggio Emilio and Wilderness Awareness. As a result, their curriculum has depth, variety, and the ability to engage children meaningfully in the learning process.
(413) 298-0610 Easily Search Over 9,000 Listings
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December / January 2013
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Education & Workshops
Expect more. The Montessori School of the Berkshires
Independence
Innovation
Intellect
An Education for Life. Toddler • Early Childhood • Elementary • Adolescent • Summer Program
Lenox Dale, MA
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(413) 637-3662
December / January 2013
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BerkshireMontessori.org
Education & Workshops Learning as Natural as Breathing
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By Robyn Coe
day in pre-k and kindergarten at the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School is a rich progression of activities, flowing from one to the next, hallmarked by natural transitions and the fulfilling consistency of a cherished routine. For instance, after being quietly absorbed in a puppet show, the children expand into free play and full-body movement; similarly, their daily, all-season nature walk is followed by a more focused indoor activity such as watercolor painting or chopping vegetables for soup. Steiner teachers describe these classroom rhythms as “in-breaths” and “outbreaths.” Like the essential act of breathing, a healthy rhythmical balance to their day allows children to feel nourished, centered, and fully engaged in life. A strong rhythm also allows children to relax and learn. “Young children are happiest living in the moment,” says teacher Jo Valens. “Our whole purpose as early childhood teachers is to be with them in the moment, because that’s when learning happens.” Young children learn through imitation, imagi-
Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School
nation, and integration of their initiative through activity. At the Steiner School, the children’s days are designed to take full advantage of this age-appropriate learning. The curriculum nourishes the child’s physical, emotional, and intellectual development and fosters the basic skills necessary for later academic excellence, such as sequencing, sensory integration, eye-hand coordination, task-focus, listening, and appreciation for the beauty of language. A Steiner early childhood teacher’s gift to her students is to create a sense of wonder, reverence, and play that makes each day a delightful journey to the next level of learning. She does this by providing opportunities for the children to learn through the senses, through discovery in and out of the classroom, and through being part of a community. Children develop balance, initiative, creativity, and imagination. They experience goodness and beauty, and learn how to care for the world and one another. This is the work of early childhood; to fulfill it is to provide the strongest possible base for joyful lifelong learning. Visit www.gbrss.org.
Parent-Baby • Pre-K • Kindergarten 1st-8th grade • Summer Programs
January Openings for Pre-K and Kindergarten Curiosity, imagination and the ability to think creatively— the basis of a healthy and lively intellectual life— take root in early childhood. To learn more visit, www.gbrss.org 35 West Plain Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230 admissions@gbrss.org (413) 528-4015, ext.106
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Berkshire Country Day School
Where you belong.
HANDS-ON SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION Sustainability tours by appointment:
• Ecological wastewater treatment • Wind and solar energy • Organic gardening • Composting & recycling • Sustainability Education Experience Days (SEEDs) for grades 7-12 Fourth Annual Sustainability Symposium:
“Joining BCD mid-year was the right choice for our family - there was no reason to wait!” Preschool through Grade 9
Stockbridge MA
BerkshireCountryDay.org
April 23, 2013
Darrow is a college-preparatory, coed, boarding and day school for grades 9–12 located on the Massachusetts–New York border. 518-794-6000 • www.darrowschool.org
Call or email to set up your campus visit today!
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December / January 2013
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Animal Talk Animal DREAMS Feline Rescue
CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957
Your trusted source for quality foods and supplies. Your trusted resource for raw-feeding information and advice.
BENSDOTTER’S PET 413-528-4940 940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 01230
Convenient Location with Ample Parking on route 7 less than a minute south of Guido’s
Monday-Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-4 Sunday 10-2 www.bensdotters.com
The very cute
Patch Mandeville!
By Yvonne Borsody
T
here are few things that say contentment better on a cold day than a cat snuggled in front of a woodstove or soaking up the sun’s rays on a windowsill. Such blissful repose is even more special if we’re aware that the cat was once a starving, shivering waif just trying to survive outdoors in the Berkshire winter, so frightened or traumatized that it spent most of its hours in hiding. All of Animal DREAMS’ rescued cats fall into this category. We know their histories because we were the ones who saved them. Thirteen winters ago, I was thrust into the role of feline rescuer quite by happenstance, when I discovered a tiny wild kitten huddled next to a dumpster in downtown Great Barrington. It’s not that I didn’t want to help – I had been an animal lover and veterinary technician for years, so helping animals was in my nature – but the kitten wouldn’t let me get close. It was feral (born wild), and as I approached, it fled. When I tried to find someone or some group to assist me in my efforts, I was surprised to have door after door slam in my face. No agency, no animal control officer, no animal shelter would go out to where cats like this lived. Cats living outdoors, and feral (untamed) cats in particular, fell through the cracks as far as help went. I had no choice but to take matters into my own hands. My research led me to learn about the trapneuter-return (TNR) movement. Before the advent of TNR, there were only two options: do nothing and walk away – leaving the cats to dumpster-dive for food, procreate, and die – or round them up to be killed. TNR is a humane and nonlethal way to manage the staggering number of cats forced to live outdoors because of abandonment, failure to spay or neuter, or indifference toward animal suffering.
440 Stockbridge Road • Gt. Barrington, MA
413-528-8020 www.vcaallcaring.com Please visit our website for current promotions and discounts, such as the Free First Exam for New Clients.
December / January 2013
~ Yvonne Borsody is the founder and director of Animal DREAMS and a specialist in feline emergency rescue and TNR.
Back to Nature E& SNOWSHO LS SKI RENTA
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Now, 13 years later, more than 3,500 Berkshire cats and kittens have been helped by Animal DREAMS (Dignified Rescues, Education, Advocacy, Medical Services). Animal DREAMS is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We are always in need of donations, volunteers, cat food and other supplies, and fellow cat lovers willing to speak up for these beautiful, misunderstood, and forgotten creatures. We are not an animal shelter; we are a rescue organization. We work in the trenches – going into barns, derelict buildings, alleyways . . . the places these cats find refuge. We work in subzero temperatures, at night, and on weekends, and many of our emergency rescues involve injured cats. We rely on the community to help, since we receive no public funding or government support. Every cat and kitten we rescue receives comprehensive veterinary care, including spaying/neutering and vaccinations as needed. Kittens, and adult cats who were once pets and can be adopted, are given loving home-fostering by volunteers. Feral cats who will be forever wild, and can therefore be returned to their home colonies (in a particular neighborhood or barn, for example), are provided food, water, and insulated sleeping boxes by dedicated caregivers. To learn more about TNR, our rescued cats available for adoption, or to volunteer or drop off donations, call (413) 997-2287 (CATS) or stop by our headquarters at 441 North Street, Pittsfield, MA. www.berk shireanimaldreams.org
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Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing with Amenities � Warm up by the fireplace � Enjoy delicious mulled cider, hot chocolate and fresh baked goods � Taste any one of our wines for FREE Professionally groomed trails designed by Olympian John Morton. Hilltop Orchards, home of Furnace Brook Winery Open daily 9am-5pm 508 Canaan Rd/Rt 295 • Richmond, MA 01254 Snow conditions: 800-833-6274 / Hilltoporchards.com Check website for details of full moon snowshoe treks!
In Business
Our Berkshire Marketplace
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id you know? According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (www. mass.gov), a “Big & Growing” and “High Wages & Growing” cluster in the Berkshires has added more than 350 jobs in the past few years and is projected to grow 2.25% annually. Some 2.5 million visitors travel to the Berkshires each year.
Ornament This beautiful porcelain mouse Christmas ornament is printed with the image of Melody Lea Lamb's tiny painting. She created the original Christmas Mouse using colored pencil and India ink. The painting was a mere 3.5" by 2.5". This flat oval-shaped ornament measures 2 7/8" across and is just over 1/8" thick. It is made of high-quality porcelain in a classic holiday shape with a red ribbon included. Each ornament is signed and dated by Melody and costs $13.99. www.miniatureanimalart.com
Genne M. LeVasseur CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
Business & Personal Accounting
Email: genne.levasseurcpa@gmail.com P.O. Box 599, Hinsdale, Massachusetts Ph: (413) 655-8548, Fax: (413) 655-2059
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Fashion & Beauty
Monolaurin
Monolaurin is a derivative of coconut and a powerful wide-spectrum antimicrobial agent, but it does not appear to have an adverse effect on the good bacteria that live in our digestive tracts. Studies have found that numerous maladies – including the common cold and influenza as well as Epstein-Barr and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, shingles, and RSV – are lessened or eradicated by regular intake of monolaurin capsules. Monolaurin is a potential replacement for traditional herpes treatments, as it's been found to tackle herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. Be sure to consult your doctor. Request Monolaurin at your local health food store, co-op, or from your health care practitioner. List Price $16.95.
S Magnets These beautiful ceramic tile magnets, featuring paintings inspire by Van Gogh, make great stocking stuffers! These super-strong magnets measure 1 7/8” x 1 7/8” and are available for purchase at the CATA Boutique in Great Barrington, MA, and online. A set of three magnets is $15. Community Access to the Arts (CATA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts. Visit their boutique and online store for unique gifts at www.communityaccesstothearts.org.
...the farm store off the farm Experience the Exquisite Luxury of Alpaca Apparel, Accessories, Home & Hobby. Handcrafted soaps, jewelry, knits & gifts from local artisans.
Always something new! Meet the alpacas, visit the farm. Contact the shop at
Poseidon
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com
20 Main Street, Millerton, NY 518-592-1414 Hours: Th-M, 11:00-5:30
December / January 2013
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Community Spotlight: Stockbridge
Stockbridge – An Incredible History
I Divine Mercy Gift Shop 10% Off Coupon Except already discounted items.
National Shrine of Divine Mercy OPEN DAILY 9 to 5
Eden Hill, 2 Prospect Rd Stockbridge, Mass
Toll Free 888-484-1112~www.divinemercygiftshop.org
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December / January 2013
By Gary Leveille
t was the end of the ice age in North America. The massive glacier that scoured our landscape had finally retreated. Abundant plant and animal life returned to the Housatonic Valley rather quickly, geologically speaking. Mastodons and woolly mammoths roamed the turf, and human visitors known as Paleo-Indians followed their prey here. Little is known about these prehistoric Berkshirites, but they lived here at least seasonally. Radiocarbon dating of artifacts found near Kampoosa Bog in Stockbridge indicate a Native American presence here at least 4,000 years ago. For unknown reasons, the ancient aboriginal settlements were abandoned, but later the Housatonic Valley and surrounding hills became part-time hunting grounds for Mohican Indians who drifted over from their Hudson River settlements. At some point after Henry Hudson first sailed up the Hudson River in 1609, the Mohicans established small, seminomadic, but permanent settlements here in South Berkshire. The Stockbridge area was settled by a few Dutch traders in the early 1700s. English missionaries then established a Christian mission and township here for the Mohican Indians who lived nearby. First chartered as Indian Town in 1737, the village was officially incorporated two years later as Stockbridge. Most importantly, the town was owned by the Mohicans. Only a few English families were allowed land titles – it was their “job” to educate the Mohicans about Christian life and convert them to a more “modern” lifestyle. The Reverend John Sergeant became the first missionary in charge of the settlement. Most accounts suggest he was protective of the Mohicans, and tried his best to guard their interests. Sergeant was succeeded in 1750 by Jonathan Edwards, a prominent Christian theologian. Over time, trickery and legal maneuvers were used to separate the Stockbridge Indians from their land. Yet tribe members voluntarily served as American soldiers and patriots during the Revolutionary War. Despite the goodwill, honesty, and patience exhibited by the Stockbridge Indians toward their white neighbors, they were generally treated poorly at home, and were later “encouraged” to relocate to New York state, and eventually to Wisconsin. Stockbridge was also the home of Elizabeth Freeman, a former slave who helped change the course of Massachusetts history. Also known as Mum Bett, she convinced attorney Theodore Sedgwick to file a freedom suit on her behalf. The trial served as precedent to a later case before the State Supreme Court, effectively ending slavery in Massachusetts.
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With the arrival of the Housatonic Railroad in 1850, Stockbridge became more easily accessible to wealthy residents of New York and Boston. Visitors were initially attracted to the scenic beauty of the area, and decided to build their large “Berkshire Cottages” here. The most popular hotel in town, then and now, is the handsome Red Lion Inn, which has graced Main Street since the late 1700s (the exact date is subject to ongoing debate). Stockbridge claims one of the first village beautification societies in the United States. Created in 1853, the Laurel Hill Association has worked hard to protect and improve the town’s scenic and cultural assets. The Stockbridge Bowl Association strives to maintain and preserve the natural beauty of Stockbridge Bowl and the neighboring Bullard Woods. During the latter half of the twentieth century, Stockbridge became well known as the home of artist Norman Rockwell. He painted many of his later works here, and was a beloved neighbor and friend to many Stockbridge residents. Stockbridge has two other hamlets within its township. Interlaken, once known as Curtisville, was home to one of the first practical wood-pulp (used for newsprint) mills in the United States. During the early 1900s, St. Helen’s Home, an innovative summer retreat for poor city children, was also located here. Near the hamlet of Glendale, sculptor Daniel Chester French created the Lincoln Memorial statue at his studio and home called Chesterwood. The popular Norman Rockwell Museum is also nearby.
Lesser-Known Historic Sites There are so many amazing places to visit in Stockbridge! This abbreviated list features several of the less-publicized sites. Cat and Dog Fountain: Set in a triangular park just west of the Red Lion Inn is an unusual animal fountain. The stone canine and feline have been frolicking since 1862. Whimsical sea creatures decorate the basin. Stockbridge Library: Located on the corner of Main and Elm streets, this library is one of the oldest in Western Massachusetts. Better still, it is also home to an exceptionally interesting local history museum, which is found downstairs. Watering Trough: This smiling gargoyle has been spitting water at the top of Elm Street since 1881. Originally designed for thirsty horses, the marble base reads: “Merciful man is kind to his beast.”
away at the end of a quiet country lane, th CommunityTucked Spotlight: Stockbridge Call Our Stockbridge Office 413-499-7490 Soldier’s Monument: The bottom of Pine Street is host to a monument dedicated to local citizens who gave their lives to preserve the Union during the “Great War of Rebellion.”
Cyrus Field: The first to successfully lay a trans-Atlantic cable in 1866, revolutionizing communications between Europe and America.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: In addition to spiritual enrichment, this beautiful church offers a baptistery by Louis Saint-Gaudens, as well as special windows by La Farge and Tiffany.
Elizabeth Freeman (Mum Bett): One of the first slaves in Massachusetts to successfully sue for her freedom. Mum Bett’s trial helped end slavery in Massachusetts.
Mission House: At Main and Sergeant Streets stands the Mission House. It was built for Rev. John Sergeant, the first missionary to the Mohican Native American Indians. Originally located on Eden Hill, the Mission House was moved to its Main Street site in the 1920s.
Daniel Chester French: Sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial and The Minute Man statue.
Sedgwick Pie: Located in the historic Stockbridge Cemetery is the ancestral plot of one of Stockbridge’s most prominent and accomplished families. Also buried here is Mum Bett (Elizabeth Freeman) whose legendary trial challenging slavery took place in the Berkshires.
Agrippa Hull: African-American patriot who served as an aide to General Tadeusz Kosciuszko during the American Revolutionary War.
Children’s Chime Tower: Located in front of the old town hall near Main and Church Streets, the 1878 Carillon tower rings every evening between “apple blossom time and the first frost on the pumpkin” (now Memorial Day through Labor Day). The tower was built by prominent lawyer David Dudley Field to honor his grandchildren.
Story Musgrave: Physician and astronaut who helped develop the Skylab program and flew on all five Space Shuttles.
Indian Burial Ground Monument: The roughhewn stone obelisk along West Main Street was quarried near Ice Glen and erected in the 1870s to commemorate the Mohican burial ground. Ice Glen and Environs: Take Route 7 south and turn left at the gas station onto Park Street. Follow this road to the end. A lovely suspension footbridge over the Housatonic River will lead you to three trails. The Mary Flynn trail is a paved walkway along the Housatonic River. To reach the other two trails, carefully cross the railroad tracks. The trail eventually forks. The right trail leads you into the mystical Ice Glen, complete with glacial boulders and oldgrowth trees. The left fork (a challenging hike) takes you up to Laura’s Tower where you will discover a magnificent three-state view.
William Gibson: Novelist and playwright whose best-known work was The Miracle Worker.
7 south street (rt. 7) stockbridge, ma 01262 413.298.0117
www.sevensalonspa.com
Chief Konkapot: Eighteenth-century Sachem of the Mohican Native Americans during the early development of what is now Stockbridge.
Arthur Penn: Movie and theater director known locally for his Stockbridge-based film Alice’s Restaurant. Norman Rockwell: Beloved artist and illustrator famous for his Saturday Evening Post covers. Catharine Sedgwick: Perhaps the most notable and popular female novelist of the nineteenth century. John Sergeant: First missionary and minister to the Mohican Native American Indians. Viewed as a guardian and protector of the Indians.
Serving The Berkshires, Hudson Valley & Litchfield Hills
Prominent Residents Stockbridge has always been home to accomplished citizens. Here are just a few of them: Joseph Choate: Lawyer, diplomat, Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Jonathan Edwards: One of America’s most important eighteenth-century theologians. Erik Erikson: Legendary developmental psychologist, psychoanalyst, and author.
WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
(413) 298-0610 ~ Gary Leveille is the author of several books including Eye of Shawenon (Egremont history), Around Great Barrington, and Old Route 7 – Along the Berkshire Highway. Gary is principal of Berkshire Creative Communications and has more than 30 years’ experience as a copywriter, editor, author, and newspaper columnist. He is also an avid local historian and manager of a vintage photo archive. www.BerkshireArchive.com, garyleve@verizon.net
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Health & Wellness Hydro Health of Western Massachusetts The Healing Power of Detoxification
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he Secret - If you are serious about healing, regenerating, and revitalizing your body, starting a detoxification program will be the most important paradigm shift of your life. The Reality - On a daily basis, we are exposed to and steadily accumulate diseaseproducing toxins through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Even negative emotions can add to our toxic load. In this age of environmental stressors, these toxins must be removed on a regular basis or we set ourselves up for chronic illness. The Answer - Connie and her husband,
Bruce, both I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapists, own Hydro Health of Western Massachusetts. They can help you reduce your “toxic body burden” in their highly personalized, private, clean facility, using state-of-theart FDA-approved equipment. The body uses many pathways to eliminate toxins. The pathways that Hydro Health taps into are the gastrointestinal tract, the lymphatic system, and the integumentary system (skin). The experience is relaxing and restorative.
How It Began - After many years of suffering with gut issues including colitis, constipation, IBS, fatigue, and severe diarrhea (which at times left Connie unable to work), she consulted with numerous Boston doctors with no hope. She finally opened the doorway to healing by adopting a grain-free diet and was introduced to colon hydrotherapy by a therapist in Kansas who had also regained her health after being chronically ill.
What We Offer Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonic-Lymphatic Enhanced Detoxification) - Many people are unaware that more than half of the detoxification and immune system for the entire body occurs in the gut. Colonics help remove impacted feces, parasites, intestinal flatus, and
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December / January 2013
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cellular debris, and they cleanse and rejuvenate the portion of the immune system that resides in the intestinal tract. As a result, this therapy becomes a whole body tissue cleansing on a cellular level. Colonics can also help release the tension caused by emotional repression. The transverse colon passes through the emotional center of the body where many “undigested” emotions are stored. In fact 60 percent of the body’s neurotransmitters are found not in the brain but rather in the gastrointestinal tract. Ozone Steam Sauna - Oxygen is a basic element of life, and ozone provides one of the best methods of supplying it to the body. Ozone acts as a nonspecific antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal agent. Health benefits include stimulating the immune system, enhancing circulation, and purifying the skin. It is natural and relaxing, and does not have side effects. Ozone steam sauna therapy is a powerful method for increasing tissue and cell oxygenation, thus bringing about improvement in health and increasing longevity. Far Infrared Sauna - Far infrared saunas remove toxins from the body unlike any other method of detoxification because of resonant absorption. Combining it with another heavy metal protocol, such as a chelating agent, produces remarkable results. Sweat produced under normal conditions contains 97 percent water and 3 percent toxins on average. Sweat produced from a quality far infrared sauna is 80 to 85 percent water and 15 to 20 percent toxins. These toxins will also be expelled by the kidneys, liver, and hair due to resonant absorption. Toxins excreted due to far infrared wave’s penetration include heavy metals, pesticides, and other petroleum-based chemicals, as well as fat itself. The additional health benefits are endless, including immune system enhancement, cardiovascular conditioning, pain relief, and stress relief by triggering the production of endorphin, combating toxic overload, and more. IonCleanse Foot Bath. IonCleanse detoxifies and neutralizes tissue acid wastes inside the body.
Contact Information
Concettina Collingwood and Bruce Collingwood, I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapists, 51 Stearns Avenue, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. (413) 445-7470, ccollingwood@nycap.rr.com. See ad at right.
Health & Wellness Colon Hydrotherapy & Sauna Therapy Colonic-Lymphatic Enhanced Detoxification Far Infrared & Ozone Sauna Therapy Concettina & Bruce Collingwood I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapists 413-445-7470 • ccollingwood@nycap.rr.com Located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Energy In Motion Studio PILATES, YOGA, FITNESS Movement for renewed energy, health and well-being. Focus on alignment, back care, sports performance; special needs welcome. Private sessions or small group classes in a beautifully equipped studio. House Calls Available
Catherine Brumley West Stockbridge, MA 413-232-7838
MEDICAL HYPNOSIS Providing Holistic Primary Care, Integrative Medicine, Acupuncture & Medical Massage
Quit Smoking ❖ Weight Loss ❖ Relieve Pain ❖ Fears Stress Relief ❖ Sleep Better ❖ Prepare for Surgery SUSAN SPIEGEL SOLOVAY Free consultation 917.881.0072 Great Barrington & Hudson healingwithhypno@fairpoint.net ❖ hypnocoachny.com
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Somatic Movement Therapist & Certified Pilates Instructor PRIVATE, DUET, AND GROUP CLASS WORKOUTS WITH HOLISTIC APPROACH
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BCBS, Cigna, MVP, Medicaid Accepted for Certain Services
AVAILABLE IN GREAT BARRINGTON
413.528.2465
Winter’s Mystery Time To Go Within Spiritual Journeying Poems and Photographs by
Patricia Blumhagen www.reinventinghealthpublishing.com orders@wintersmystery.com
413-229-8179
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Healing Rhythms, Lenox Commons (413) 684-4888 | marion@fiverhythms.com Japanese Style Acupuncture • Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner Second Degree Reiki • Master Cupping
Become the best version of yourself Wellness Bound Coaching
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Jacqueline Nicholas 413.446.0691 413.298.7025
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Certified Nursing Care
Kenly Brozman, LICSW FREE Initial Certified Health & Wellness Coach Consultation www.wellnessboundcoaching.com kbrozman@gmail.com • 518-929-2050
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Low Energy Neurofeedback System
significantly helps patients with:
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December / January 2013
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Health & Wellness
Alan Inglis, md Board Certified Internal Medicine
Integrative Medicine Consults • Early Prevention • Diabetes and Weight Loss • Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment • Irritable Bowel, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Thyroid Disease • Mood and Sleep Disorders
IV Nutrition and Chelation Therapy Breast Thermography
s In clinical partnership with
Deb Phillips, ldn, Nutritionist For more information,call: 413-637-8921 or email: assistant.ihs@verizon.net 42 Summer Street, Suite 308 Pittsfield, MA 01201
Dr. Goldman, a leading international figure in the practice and continuing education of Osteopathy, has been in practice in Sharon, CT since 1992. He now brings his extensive healthcare experience to Great Barrington and the surrounding communities. As a certified specialist in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and fully licensed physician, Dr. Goldman treats the whole person not just the symptoms by emphasizing the interrelationships of structure, function, and the ability of the body to heal itself.
call for appointment and information concerning treatment protocol and insurance eligibility Great Barrington, ma 413-528-3334 | Sharon, ct 860-364-5990
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December / January 2013
Is Breast Thermography the Answer? By Alan Inglis, MD
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here is a great deal of understandable fear around breast cancer. One in eight American women will develop breast cancer sometime during their lifetime. Risk factors include family history, high density breast tissue, alcohol consumption, and obesity. A troubling array of environmental toxins and exposures also boost risk.
Mammograms Come Under Fire Recent mainstream research and analysis has called into question the effectiveness of annual mammograms. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends mammograms every other year for women ages 50 to 74. Experts interpreting the data are critical of the way the benefits of mammograms have been distorted. They are “oversold” and “the advantages of screening have been exaggerated,” according to the American Cancer Society and the USPSTF leaders. Research shows that the benefits of mammography have been overstated while the potential harm – that i t co u l d res u l t i n over d i agnosis and unnecessary treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ, which poses no immediate threat to a woman’s life – has been downplayed. Furthermore, the question of what it means to be exposing sensitive breast tissue to repeated doses of ionizing radiation over 10 to 20 years or more will not be answered any time soon. Into this tangled web of unanswered questions around breast cancer screening and prevention enters thermography – a safe, relatively inexpensive technology, approved by the FDA in 1982 as an adjunct for evaluating breast cancer risk.
In Addition To, Not Instead Of Before we go any further, let me state that I am in no way opposed to the use of mammograms. Like all such tools they need to be individualized. Evidence-based medicine was never intended to result in the slavish adherence to guidelines – yet that appears to be what many time-pressed doctors with insurance companies nipping at their heels are currently doing.
Tumors Create Heat Breast thermography, as the name suggests, detects heat, a defining feature of inflammation.
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Breast tumors emerge in areas of inflammation. Due to their increased need for nutrients, tumors require increased blood vessel support. Thermography is good at picking up these changes, which may suggest early tumor activity. Thermography identifies breast tissue at risk and allows for early prevention and rational surveillance, in conjunction with mammograms, breast ultrasound, and MRI, if necessary, plus timely office and self breast exams. Thermograms can highlight the need for closer monitoring with mammograms and breast exams. Thermography is not intended as an alternative to mammograms. You should walk away from anyone who offers it instead of mammography. On the other hand, some women are simply dead set against mammograms, because of pain issues and/or concerns over radiation exposure. For these, thermography may provide useful information beyond breast exams, ultrasounds, or MRIs.
Good Reasons Why Thermography is also suitable for young women under 45. Many younger women have breast tissue too dense for mammography. Young breast tissue is also more sensitive to radiation. Thermography can clarify the need for biopsy when a mammogram is ambiguous. One may safely use thermograms to follow precancerous changes, without having to resort to excessive serial mammograms. Thermography also offers the possibility of monitoring for reversal of changes that may herald increased cancer risk, although we do not have any evidence that this guarantees eradication of cancer risk. An abnormal thermogram can act as a wake-up call and an opportunity for true prevention – the type of nutritional and lifestyle measures we’re talking about are relatively inexpensive and have collateral benefits, reducing risk for other common diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, dementia, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. Perhaps most important of all, thermography can act as a powerful motivator for change. Its powerful visuals are invaluable in moving people to take safe food and lifestyle interventions.
The Problem with Thermography Thermography is hampered by several obsta-
Health & Wellness cles. It is not supported by a national consensus. Nor is its use subject to any sort of third party oversight. Its use is highly practitioner dependent and requires the sort of independent “out-of-the-box” thought process and time-consuming self-education that receives little support in most health care settings. Thermography lacks consistent standards for technology and interpretation, although there are reliable companies in the marketplace. Thermogra-
phy is not usually covered by insurance. This is due to a successful lobbying campaign conducted by the health insurance industry. Apparently thermography is also useful for evaluating injuries; its application resulted in higher payments to plaintiffs. Breast thermograms currently cost in the $200-$300 range. Since the 1970s and 1980s, breast thermography technology and interpretation has made significant advances. In the hands
of thoughtful doctors willing to self-educate, think for themselves, and individualize care, it offers the promise of a useful, potentially life-saving tool for women . . . along with the other tools at hand, including mammography.
~ Board certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Alan Inglis is founder of a private solo medical practice called Integrative Health Solutions, located at 42 Summer Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. (413) 637-8921. See ad on page 16.
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BensDotter’s Pet ..................................................10, 19, back cover Petpourri, Inc. ..................................................................................19 VCA All Caring Animal Hospital ................................................10
BLEND Solution ............................................................................18 Calm Therapeutic Massage ............................................................15 Dr Peter D May, LENS Neurofeedback ......................................15 Energy in Motion Studio, Catherine Brumley ............................15 Hydro Health of Western Massachusetts ....................................15 Integrative Health Solutions, Alan Inglis, MD ...........................16 Jacqueline Nicholas, Healer ...........................................................15 Kent Mikalsen Studio .....................................................................15 Lenox Village Integrative Pharmacy ............................................17 Livingstone Dental Excellence ......................................................14 Marion Bergan Irwin, Licensed Acupuncturist .........................15 Matt Albert, Bodywork ...................................................................15 Mikka Barkman, Native American Bodywork ............................15 Ming Lash, Somatic Movement Therapist ..................................17 Naomi Alson, Acupuncturist & Herbalist ...................................15 NordiCare Physical Therapy, PC ..................................................17 Reinventing Health Publishing ......................................................15 Sproutman® ........................................................................................4 Stram Center for Integrative Medicine ........................................15 Susan Spiegel Solovay, Certified Medical Hypnotist ..................15 TriYoga Berkshire ............................................................................17 Veronique Rignault, Healing Ginger Therapy ............................17 Wellness Bound Coaching, Kenly Brozman ...............................15 WholePerson Movement, Sharon True .......................................15
Art, Culture & Entertainment Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce ....................................3 Dana Bixby Architecture ..................................................................3 First Fridays Artswalk .......................................................................3 Manchester Lions Club .....................................................................3 Our BerkshireCalendar .....................................................................3
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Education & Workshops Berkshire Country Day School ........................................................9 Darrow School ...................................................................................9 Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School .......................................9 Montessori School of the Berkshires, The ..............................8, 19 Mountain Road School .....................................................................7
Fashion & Beauty Copper Star Alpaca Farm Store ....................................................11 Lori Hoyt & Co. Salon ....................................................................11 SEVEN salon.spa ............................................................................13 Shear Illusions, LLC ........................................................................11 Vlada Boutique ................................................................................13
Food & Drink Berkshire Co-op Market ..........................................inside front cover Berkshire Organics ............................................................................4 Chez Nous Bistro ..............................................................................4 Guido’s Fresh Marketplace ..............................................................4 Hilltop Orchards - Furnace Brook Winery .................................10 LaBonne’s Markets ...........................................................................5 Pastorale Bistro & Bar ......................................................................4 Sproutman® ........................................................................................4 Starving Artist Creperie & Cafe ......................................................4 Stockbridge Coffee ..........................................................................12 Sullivan Station Restaurant ...............................................................5 Wild Oats Market ..............................................................................5
Gift & Specialty Shops AzureGreen ......................................................................................................17 Divine Mercy Gift Shop (National Shrine of The Divine Mercy)...12
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Andrew M. Goldman, DO ............................................................16
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Home, Garden & Landscape Berkshire Fabric & Wallpaper Outlet .............................................6 Berkshire Photovoltaic Services (BPVS) .........................................6 Bodhi Tree Gallery .............................................................................7 Countrytown Marble & Tile ............................................................7 Dana Bixby Architecture ..................................................................3 George Yonnone Restorations ........................................................7 Hartsville Design Woodworking ...............................................7, 18 Kinderhook Group, Inc., Real Estate .......................................7, 13 Okerstrom Lang, Ltd. .......................................................................7 Young Feng Shui ................................................................................6
Mind & Spirit AzureGreen ......................................................................................17 Psychic Studio ..................................................................................17 Sheilaa Hite, Intuitive Counseling .................................................17 your soul path ..................................................................................17
Nature Hilltop Orchards - Furnace Brook Winery .................................10
Real Estate Kinderhook Group, Inc., Real Estate ........................................7, 13
Social Networking Concerned Singles ...........................................................................19
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