April-May 2014 OurBerkshireTimes Magazine

April - May 2014, vol 13

Take One, It's Free!

Our BerkshireTimes

™

Community News | Local Events | Personal Growth | Vibrant Living

Pa rro t

Tu lip s

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Le sli e

W at kin s

O Special Home, Garden & Landscape Feature O

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FRESH • ORGANIC • LOCAL Thompson Finch Farm Ancram, NY

Community Matters.

Shop at a Co-op. www.berkshire.coop

Food Shopping with Values.

42 Bridge Street • Great Barrington, MA • 413.528.9697

April - May 2014 Our BerkshireTimes™ PUBLISHER Kathy I. Regan publisher@ourberkshiretimes.com _______________ EDITORIAL Kathy I. Regan editor@ourberkshiretimes.com Rodelinde Albrecht rodelinde@ourberkshiretimes.com Copyeditors/Proofreaders Rodelinde Albrecht Patty Strauch _______________ DESIGN Magazine Design/Layout Kathy I. Regan Ads–Independent Designers Katharine Adams, Rural Ethic Studio katmail@ruralethicstudio.com Christine Dupre cedupre@msn.com Elisa Jones, Berkshire Design Studio elisa@berkshiredesignstudio.com Shirley Sparks, Graphic Design on a Dime sms234@aol.com _______________ TO ADVERTISE CONTACT Our BerkshireGreen, Inc. P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236 Phone: (413) 274-1122, Fax: (413) 541-8000 advertise@OurBerkshiretimes.com www.OurBerkshireGreen.com www.OurBerkshireTimes.com www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com _______________ COVER ILLUSTRATION

Leslie Watkins, Artist A painter of landscapes and botanicals in oils and watercolor, Watkins’ artistic vision migrates from the canvas to the garden both at Dandelion Cottage (her studio), and for clients for whom she designs borders and gardens. She leads art workshops in sketching and painting from nature, and is the founding director of the NWCT Berkshire Plein Air Painters. www.lesliewatkins.com, www.dandeliongardeningarts.com

Contents 4 art, culture & entertainment LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER EVENT SAMPLER

14 our berkshire marketplace SHOP LOCAL SPRING GIFT GUIDE

16 education & workshops

ST. FRANCIS GALLERY

6 home & garden special feature ENJOY LIFE IN YOUR BACKYARD

POSITIVE CHANGE

18 health & wellness

REWARDS OF HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE ELIXIR OF LIFE

DANDELION COTTAGE

OSTEOPATHY AND NATURE YOUR GREATEST GIFT

10 food & drink BERKSHIRE ORGANICS EXPANDS YELLOW & RED TOMATO GALETTE

12 animal talk

22 mother's day special feature A CELEBRATION OF MOTHERS

23 featured advertisers

GUILT-FREE ESCAPE TO PARADISE

THANK YOU!

Our BerkshireTimes™ The Voice of Our Community! Like Us On

Savings! Go to:

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com/coupons to find advertisers who are offering additional online coupons and deals with fantastic savings!

Join our mailing list to receive our informative eNewsletter and coupons directly.

Our BerkshireTimes Magazine is a bimonthly publication (six issues yearly, starting in February), free to the public, 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. To find out more about advertising, submitting editorial, 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.

Dragonfly © Leslie Watkins 2014

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

April - May 2014

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art, culture & entertainment

letter from the publisher

W

elcome to the April-May 2014 issue of Our BerkshireTimes magazine.

It’s hard to believe that we launched our first issue in April of 2009, which means that this month already marks our sixth year in business.

Over the years, all of our cover art and most of our articles have been contributed by our community members. It has been a personal joy and privilege of mine to edit, design, layout, and publish a vibrant living focused magazine that I truly consider to be the voice of our community. Special thanks to our readers, writers, advertisers, and my independent account representatives for your ongoing involvement, enthusiasm, and appreciation of our magazine content. As many small business owners know, it is an amazing feeling, after putting your heart and soul into your work, to find out that people like what you do! It has also been rewarding to receive so much positive feedback, not only from our local community but from second home owners and tourists as well.

As some of you may already know, my dream of publishing grew out of my experience with stage-four lymph cancer more than 20 years ago. When conventional medicine failed and they sent me home to die, a new world opened up to me when I discovered and regained my health through integrative medicine. After giving birth to my daughter in 2005 (the child that doctors said I would not be able to have with my medical history), a sense of community became more important to me than ever. My dream of sharing information became a reality through Our BerkshireTimes (originally called Our BerkshireGreen) magazine.

My husband, Kevin, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish our beautiful daughter, Brianna Irene Regan, a very special Happy Ninth Birthday this May. And to everyone, may your Easter and Mother’s Day be filled with blessings and joy!

Warmly,

Arts HotcHkiss The

at

All are welcome!

hotchkiss.org/arts (860) 435 - 4423

april -may 2014 event sampler

see more events or post your event for free at www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com

The Guru Is You

Date: Fri, April 4 - Sun, April 6, 2014. Three days/two nights Place: Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, 57 Interlken Road, Stockbridge, MA - (866) 200-5203 Price: $245 The Guru is You: The Alchemy of Healing, Self-Empowerment, and Manifesting Your Fullest Potential. Learn how to support your body’s innate ability to heal from a serious illness or injury, and realize your life’s true potential. Taught by a former network news war correspondent who healed himself from a broken back, failed surgery, and stage-four cancer using yoga and Ayurveda. www.kripalu.org

Music Marathon Weekend

Date: Sat, April 5 - Sun, April 6, 2014, 10am-5pm Place: Berkshire Music School Taft Recital Hall, 30 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA - (413) 442-1411 Price: Free Annual music marathon weekend with students of all ages performing in five-minute increments, having earned pledges for their performance. Bake sale. All proceeds go to BMS education programs. www.berkshiremusicschool.org

Early Childhood Puppet Show and Open House programs september through July The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT

guest concert series ~ tremaine gallery dance ~ hotchkiss dramatic association

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April - May 2014

~ film screenings ~ summer portals

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Date: Sat, April 12, 2014, 10:30am Place: GBRSS, 35 West Plain Road, Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-4015, ext. 106 Price: Free GBRSS early childhood teachers perform a special full-length marionette play for children up to seven years old, followed by playtime and an opportunity to

learn more about early childhood programs at the school. For more information, contact Tracy Fernbacher at admissions@gbrss.org, www.gbrss.org

Children's Attic Spring 2014

Date: Sat, May 3, 2014, 9am-3pm, and Sun, May 4, 9am-12pm Place: West Stockbridge Town Hall (aka Village School), 21 Stateline Road, West Stockbridge, MA - (413) 528-0457 Price: Free Community Health Programs (CHP) is sponsoring The Children’s Attic Consignment (giant!)

Sale which will include all types of quality, gently used items (sizes newborn to youth-14 and maternity gear) as well as toys, videos, games, books, furniture, and sporting equipment. www.communityhealthprograms.org

Wine Dinner at Cafe Adam

Date: Thu, May 15, 2014, 5:30pm-9pm Place: Cafe Adam, Route 7, Great Barrington, MA (413) 442-1411 Price: $150 Fundraiser for Berkshire Music School. Wine dinner at Café Adam; live music; live and silent auction. www.berkshiremusicschool.org

"CATAtude" Annual Performance & Gala Date: Sat, May 17, 2014, 6pm Place: The Tina Packer Playhouse at Shakespeare & Co., 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA (413) 528-5485 Price: $150 An evening of dance, theater, and song featuring CATA’s performers with disabilities and faculty artists.www.community accesstothearts.org

art, culture & entertainment

st. francis gallery

UNIQUE ART VENUE AND MAGICAL SETTING IN LEE, MA

by Philip Pryjma

S

t. Francis Gallery is a unique art venue and a magical setting housed in the former St. Francis Chapel in South Lee on Route 102, just two miles from the Red Lion Inn. Every six weeks from April to January the gallery proudly displays a different collection of fine artwork by local artists, beautifully presented and affordable. The creativity and the spirit of the talent presented fosters a gallery atmosphere that is a pleasurable journey of exploration and stimulating discovery.

The gallery is also a partner and funding source for the Sawa Sawa Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inspirational humanitarian projects in Africa. Volunteers are now centered in Kenya, with ongoing projects that aid orphanages, the slums of Nairobi, and rural villages. The work is unique in that it brings skills and needed supplies for people to build fulfilling lives and break the cycle of poverty. Along with starting these innovative businesses and cooperatives there is a rich sharing and exchange of cultural and personal “gifts” between peoples of both countries.

the ambiance, rich history and intimacy in a beautiful gilded age mansion built in 1893 create a truly unique setting for your wedding day.

best wedding value in the berkshires

For more information contact us at 413-637-3206 or by e-mail at info@GildedAge.org

The richness of the work in both the Art Gallery and these projects echo each other. Celebrate our creative community and visit us. A schedule of shows will be advertised in each issue of Our BerkshireTimes magazine. ~ Philip Pryjma, Director/Owner,

104 Walker Street, Lenox, MA

GildedAge.org

St. Francis Gallery. www.saintfrancisgallery.com. See ad on this page.

Weddings at

Darrow School 110 Darrow Road New Lebanon, NY 12125 www.darrowschool.org 518-322-3657

Choose a setting of unparalleled beauty at historic Mount Lebanon Shaker Village.

Photo by Jane Feldman ’74

Darrow School

Photo by Michael Vidal

Reopening April 1, 2014 presenting

A FOOL'S PARADISE RE-VISIONING ART Please join us for our Artists’ Reception on April 5, 2014 – 3 to 6pm Route 102 (Next to the Fire Station) South Lee, MA ● (413) 717-5199 Photo by Michael Vidal

Open Fri thru Mon 11am - 5:30pm

www.saintfrancisgallery.com www.facebook.com/stfrancisgallery

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

April | May 2014

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home, garden & landscape special feature

enjoy life in your own backyard GARDENING WISDOM FROM WHITNEY'S FARM MARKET

by Eric Whitney

Growing Annuals ` Planting and spacing - Plant transplants closely so they fill

in quickly. Usually, the tag will say to plant 8 to 12 inches apart, so pick 8 inches for a great show of flowers more quickly. I actually take a ruler into the garden, or measure off the spacing with my trowel. If the plants are a bit potbound (roots circling around), cut an X into the bottom with a knife or use your fingers to tease the roots apart so they make better contact with soil.

` Watering - Annuals need water to thrive. Water them deeply

two to three times a week after planting. The moist soil will encourage good growth. For the best show of color all summer, don’t let up on the watering.

` Feed your plants - Once a week, feed your plants with a balanced all-purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer that you mix with water. You’ll find traditional or organic fertilizers – either will do the job. One good organic is fish emulsion, which I like to mix together with a kelp-based fertilizer. Your annuals will grow even better if you mix some compost or manure into your soil before you plant.

Growing Perennials ` Planting and spacing - Perennials can be planted throughout the year, but perform best when planted in the spring and fall.

Careful attention should be paid to the mature height and spread of each plant. Refer to the care and culture tag on each plant, or ask one of our staff for more information.

Whitney’s Farm Market & Country Gardens

Enjoy Life in Your Own Backyard!

GARDEN CENTER Annuals | Perennials | Trees | Shrubs GARDEN SUPPLIES Tools | Mulch | Stone | Topsoil | Statuary LANDSCAPE DESIGN SERVICES

Visit Our Gourmet Farm Market!

1775 S. State Road, Rt.8 | Cheshire, MA 01225

(413) 442-4749 ⓦ www.whitneysfarm.com 6

April | May 2014

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` Watering - Perennials need water to establish them when first planted. Water them deeply two to three times a week after planting. The moist soil will encourage good growth. As with the annuals, for the best show of color all summer, don’t let up on the watering. After the second or third season they should survive on the strength of seasonal precipitation. Mulching your perennials will help with moisture retention and reduce weeding. Take care not to bury the crowns as that might lead to rot. ` Feed your plants - You can feed your newly planted perennials as you would an annual. You should feed weekly with a watersoluble fertilizer, or add a time-release fertilizer when planting.

You’ll find traditional or organic fertilizers – either will do the job. One good organic is fish emulsion, and your perennials will grow even better if you top dress with compost. ` Perennials can be divided seasonally - While some varieties have long taproots, most are clump forming like hosta, daylily, and most daisy types such as echinacea and rudbeckia. The best time for taking divisions would be early spring and fall. Water in well and treat as you would a new plant. Proper selection and placement of perennial plants can result in a sequence of blooms that can stretch from early spring to late fall. Make plans now to visit the garden center for best selection, plus the right advice to make the most of your selections.

Helpful Links ` www.plantdiagnostics.umd.edu - University of Maryland, Home and Garden Information Center’s Landscape Problem Solver Website. This site offers photographic keys to help diagnose and solve plant problems, using Integrated Pest Management principles. ` www.plants.usda.gov - The PLANTS Database provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the U.S. and its territories.

It includes names, plant symbols, checklists, distributional data, species abstracts, characteristics, images, crop information, automated tools, onward Web links, and references. ~ Whitney’s Farm Market, located in Cheshire, MA, is a third-generation farm that was started in 1940. This is a full service garden center that offers a complete line of garden supplies, a farm market with deli, bakey, and many delicious prepared foods, as well as helpful landscaping services. Whitney’s also has activities for children, including a free petting zoo and a free play yard with climbers, swings, and slides – great for kids of all ages. The dairy bar is open seasonally for lunches and ice cream treats and there is a tent area with picnic tables. See ad at left. www.whitneysfarm.com.

home, garden & landscape special feature

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Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, BPVS

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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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The Empire State Building has gone GREEN because of a window energy retrofit technique to remove, weatherproof and replace all 6,514 windows to help the famous landmark reach its goal of reducing energy consumption by 38%. Exclusively sold at Morrison's.

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EMERGENCY ON CALL SERVICE www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

April | May 2014

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home, garden & landscape special feature

the rewards of home improvement TIPS AND PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONSIDER THIS SEASON

I

mproving your home can be a fun and rewarding experience, and if planned wisely, even minor updates can yield major dividends. Over the last decade there has been a large trend toward “green” home improvement projects that are not only healthier choices for you, your family, and the environment, but can also bring substantial financial savings either immediately or over time.

Following are some smart home improvement tips and product recommendations that you may wish to consider this season.

It's been a long, cold winter. If you have vowed that this year you are going to re-insulate your home so next year you can reap the rewards of reduced energy consumption and costs, check out safe, natural, and highly effective UltraTouch recycled denim insulation. This thermally superior insulation is easy to install, contributes to healthy indoor air quality, is fantastic for soundproofing applications, and it discourages pests from occupying insulated cavities. It’s a Class-A Building Product that meets the highest ASTM testing standards for fire and smoke ratings, fungi resistance, and corrosiveness, and the best part is that it is so safe it does not require a warning label. Available through De Vries Building Supply in Sheffield, MA. www.devrieslumber.com

One of the simplest, most cost-effective home improvements you can make is to paint your home. BioShield Healthy Living Paints offers a gorgeous collection of paints, stains, thinners, waxes, and cleaning products that are made primarily from naturally derived raw materials including citrus peel extracts, essential oils, seed oils, tree resins, inert mineral fillers, tree and bee waxes, lead-free dryers, and natural pigments. Unlike other VOC-free paints and products that popular companies claim are healthy, Bioshield’s products truly set a high standard of integrity and responsibility. www.bioshieldpaint.com A solar electric system is a great way to reduce your electric bill, lower your carbon footprint, and improve the value of your home.

Have you been considering the possibility but do not know what to do next? Berkshire Photovoltaic Services (BPVS), located in Adams, MA, is noted for their turnkey services from utility, permitting, and grant documentation to the neatness of their installation work and free service checks. They have been installing safe, efficient, and durable PV Systems since 1985 and will be happy to provide references, answer your questions, and conduct a free site assessment. www.bpvs.com Hold onto your constitutional rights and protect your home and family by saying no to SMART meters. This is one “home improvement” that you want to opt out of. They are not green, not healthy, not private, not safe, and they will not save you money. If you have not already heard, SMART meters are radio frequency emitting devices being placed on homes and businesses across the country (in place of safe analog meters) without consumers’ knowledge or consent.

Power companies claim they are safe and will save consumers money; however, many studies have shown they are not at all safe for your personal health or the safety of your home (potential fire hazard), and some recent audits such as the one by The Maine Public Utilities Commission predicts that rather than saving Maine’s consumers money, the program may actually cost them $80 million. Locally, the town of Sheffield is having a vote at their annual meeting in May regarding posting a moratorium on SMART meter installations if the current National Grid Program gets approved by the state. See nomasssmartmeters.word press.com, stopsmartmetersmassachusetts.org, and haltmasmartmeters.org.

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April | May 2014

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home, garden & landscape special feature

dandelion cottage

A TINY HOMESTEAD LOCATED IN THE CHARMING VILLAGE OF NORFOLK, CT Illustrations © Leslie Watkins 2014

D

andelion Cottage is a tiny homestead located in the charming village of Norfolk, in the northwest corner of Connecticut. It is owned and cared for by Leslie Watkins (this month’s Our BerkshireTimes cover artist), as an experience in “living off the land” on just one acre. Small as it is, with the help of a cheerful and hardworking flock of bantam chickens, Dandelion Cottage’s Garden of Eatin’ produces almost all of Leslie’s own food supply in season. Occasionally at the market table you will find the surplus: bouquets of fresh-cut flowers, bunches of herbs, vegetables, and seasonal small fruits.

All of the elements work together in harmony to create a healthy,

organic, natural cycle. In addition to Leslie’s talent as an oil painter, botanical illustrator, and art teacher (www.lesliewatkins.com), she is a Connecticut Master Gardener, and holds a certificate in horticulture. Leslie owns Dandelion Gardening Arts, LLC, a garden design, consultation, installation, maintenance, and renovation company in northwest Connecticut. Leslie’s business partner, Lawrence Davis-Hollander, is an ethnobotanist and plantsman. He is the founding director of the Eastern Native Seed Conservancy, one of the first organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting heirloom vegetable varieties. ~ www.dandeliongardeningarts.com. See display ad on page 17.

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Keeping a Naturalist's Journal with Leslie Watkins. If you love nature and using your artistic creativity, nature journaling is

the route both to spending time in the natural world and to using your visual and literary skills. Botanical and landscape artist Leslie Watkins leads inspiring art workshops throughout northwest Connecticut and the Berkshires on creating and keeping your own personal nature journal. Each journal is as unique as the individual creating it. Close observations of flowers, insects, birds, and natural objects will be depicted along with personal thoughts, poems, and notes. Participants will learn basic art techniques using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor. Groups will meet in gardens, nature preserves, and local points of interest. Nature lovers of all ages are welcome, from seasoned painters to budding artists. ~ www.lesliewatkins.com, (860) 542-3920

The Petite Kitchen Garden Seed to Table

Seed Selection ` Seed Starting ` Planting ` Harvesting Seed Saving ` Culinary Tips ` Putting Food By

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earn the simple steps used to create your own petite kitchen garden, or enhance a pre-existing vegetable garden through improved design and plant selection.

Our course is designed to be fun and easy with no prior gardening experience needed, yet suitable for seasoned gardeners. Single workshop sessions are also offered. Individual consultation throughout the growing season is available. If you are thinking of starting a kitchen garden, would like to know more about them, or renovate one, our garden services and workshops are for you. For consultations, design, installation and workshop and talk schedules, check our website for more information. ~ www.dandeliongardeningarts.com (860) 542-3920

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

April | May 2014

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food & drink

berkshire organics EXCITING EXPANSION WELCOMES ARTISANS!

B

erkshire Organics Market, noted for its convenient delivery service and work with local, organic farms, brings you the freshest seasonal produce available. They began in 2007 when owner Aleisha Gibbons started the business out of her home with only $1,000 in start-up funds.

As the business grew she made the wise decision to move into the Burgner’s Farm building space and Aleisha’s husband, Brian, left his business to join the company.

Customers can choose between shopping in person at Berkshire Organics’ comfortable location or shopping online through their well-designed website. Benefits to online shopping include avoiding crowds, long lines, and impulse buying, saving time (with just a few clicks of the mouse you can place your order and move on to other things), and shopping with confidence knowing that Berkshire Organics’ like-minded and capable staff are doing all the work for you (their main priority is to provide you with local, organic, and nonGMO products). When shopping, you can feel good knowing your money is going to

a locally owned business that works directly with small local farms and businesses.

Berkshire Organics has doubled the size of its storefront and has welcomed the following small food artisans into the space. Congratulations to all! For more information, see www.berkshireorganics.com.

Aura Whitman offers delicious to-go items and prepared meals including soups, sauces, sides, and even some pot pies and rustic desserts.

Co-owners Jazu Stine and James Burden are pleased to be offering custom cuts from grass-fed cows and woodland-raised pigs Owners Topher Sabot and Suzy Konecky have set up a cheese counter with a wide variety of their local and award-winning cheeses.

Bake Me Pretty's owner, Kate Miller, is excited about integrating more local, organic, and GMO-free products into her recipes.

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Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing with Amenities

yellow & red tomato galette nAtURAlly CATERING AND TAKEOUT AT BERKSHIRE ORGANICS MARKET recipe by Aura Whitman

crust: ingredients: 2 ½ c. cake flour - some for rolling | ½ tsp. salt | ½ tsp. sugar | ½ c. cold butter cut into cubes | 2 large egg yolks | 3 T. sour cream

E& SNOWSHOALS T N E R I K S

Visit our historic landmark Railroad Street, Lee, MA (413) 243-2082 � Warm up by the fireplace Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian upon request � Enjoy delicious mulled cider, Live Entertainment on Friday hot chocolate and fresh baked goods & Taste Saturday evenings brunch � any one of our and winesSunday 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!

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April | May 2014

instructions: In electric mixer with paddle, combine flour, sugar, and salt on low speed. Add cubes of butter till pebbly looking. Combine yolks and sour cream and add to mixture. Mix on low until it all comes together. Turn mixture onto floured surface and form into disc. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll out and place in fluted pan that can hold 4 ½ cups. Preheat oven to 375ºF.

filling:

ingredients: 3 large eggs | 2 c. half & half | 1 c. each Swiss, cheddar, and parmesan cheese | ½ c. bleu cheese| 5 slices crumbled bacon | 1 T. each fresh Italian parsley and chives | 1 tsp. fresh thyme | salt & pepper | 2 medium tomatoes (1 red, 1 yellow) sliced ¼" thick instructions: Mix eggs and half & half in bowl. Mix in salt, pepper and fresh herbs. Place cheeses and bacon in prepared pan. Pour egg mixture over cheeses and bacon. Lay tomatoes, alternating colors of red and yellow. Bake for 70 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

I love to serve it with greens.

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

food & drink

ALL OCCASION CAKES Catering for Weddings, Office Parties & Special Events Lenox Commons, 55 Pittsfield Lenox Road Lenox, MA 01240

Tel: 413.637.9777 www.jaeslenox.com Jae’s since 1990

413-443-5400 179 South Street Pittsfield, MA www.benjerry.com/pittsfield

Local and Organic Home Delivery or Market Open 7 Days a Week

413.442.0888 Live Green. Eat Fresh

813 Dalton Division Rd., Dalton, MA www.BerkshireOrganics.com

½

entrées available

M-m-m-yum!

PUTTING FRESH, LOCAL & ORGANIC ON YOUR PLATE FOR 35 YEARS

dinner only • 150 Main St., Lee 413.243.6397 cheznousbistro.com

PITTSFIELD & GREAT BARRINGTON, MA GUIDOSFRESHMARKETPLACE.COM

“Antichi Sapori” Come taste the “ancient flavors” of authentic Pompeian brick oven cooking & grilling, savored in an elegant, romantic ambiance in downtown Pittsfield.

413-499-1192 p trattoria-rustica.com 26 McKay Street, Pittsfield, MA Dinner daily from 5pm to closing.

Closed Tuesdays. Reservations suggested.

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

April | May 2014

Two photos to far left by Caroline Alexander

casual french dining

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animal talk

guilt-free escape to paradise FINDING A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR YOUR DOG WHEN TRAVELING

by Jennifer M. Andrews-Pikula, ABCDT

A

Photo of Lucca By Sharon Vidal

CAMP WAGALOT Stockbridge, MA (413) 298-5300

EXERCISE & PLAY BOARDING in a safe and supervised environment.

DAYCARE

www.lovecampwagalot.com 12

April | May 2014

hhhhh . . . spring in the Berkshires!

Beautiful wildflower-covered hills and yards – a refreshing getaway after a long, cold winter. What could be better than spending your time here? How about a relaxing trip to somewhere sunny and sandy? But wait, you have a dog. What can you do with your precious family member that will leave you guilt free and able to enjoy your trip to paradise?

have runs set up with indoor and outdoor options for your dog. Many offer playtime and special “people care.” If your dog is not terribly social with other dogs or people this is a good option. They are kept safe and should have a decent experience if you have interviewed the kennel. All dogs should be up to date on their vaccinations and staff should be trained, and Red Cross pet first aid certified.

Here are the most popular options 1) They can stay with a friend.

2) Your neighbor’s son can watch them.

3) They can be kenneled (traditional or social boarding).

4) A pet sitter can come stay/visit in your home.

Social boarding - Whether the dog is one of five dogs or one of thirty dogs, social boarding is just that, social. Your dog gets a doggie vacation doing just what social dogs want to do . . . play with other dogs! It is a fantastic way for your dog to keep busy while you are away. The critical criterion is that if dogs from different families are put together in a group, then they should have supervision, like a lifeguard, constantly.

Also, be sure to ask if the dogs are separated by size, age, temperament, energy level, and play style. If all dogs staying at a social boarding facility are put into one large group of say 25 dogs, nothing can be managed and it can be a reckless way to operate. Dogs can learn poor social behaviors and begin to bully or may possibly be bullied. With groups that large, be sure to ask what happens if a fight breaks out: how the staff would manage a group that big if something were to go wrong.

Staff ratio to dogs should be one staff person to 10 to 15 dogs. Staff should be trained to understand dog body language, and clients’ dogs should never be used as introductory dogs. The initial intake meeting needs to be intensive with a full history of the dog’s medical, behavioral, and training history.

Let’s take a look at each of these options.

Staying with a friend - Sometimes this can go very well. You can save some money and your dog will be with someone they know. However, while your friend was generous to help, it can be ultimately straining on your friendship. Dogs can act very different in another person’s home. So be sure to keep that in mind and be ready and willing to reciprocate or pay your friend one way or another to soften any edges that may arise.

Your neighbor’s son - Again, this can be a great choice with the right person.

You can save a little money by not hiring a professional. However, depending on the level of maturity this can be a tricky choice. Oftentimes I hear stories about the caretaker forgetting to show up or offering lousy care. Be sure that the caretaker is serious about what your dog needs and is able to deliver. Also keep in mind that while a professional may cost a little more, a professional has the skill set and problem-solving solutions required at their fingertips.

Kenneling - This is a great option as you are dealing with professionals. Traditional kennels

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Pet sitters - This is a wonderful option for many dogs, especially senior dogs who would prefer the comfort of their own home. The sitter should come with great recommendations and be bonded and insured. It is important to make sure they are an appropriate fit with your dog and

animal talk

are willing to meet with you before the actual stay. During this visit they can review your pet’s history and understand all of the intricacies of your home. Word of mouth is a terrific way to find a reputable sitter in your local area. But if you don’t have that you can contact PSI, a pet sitter’s organization for referrals in your area.

CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957 Your trusted source for quality foods and supplies.

Links to helpful websites www.safeoffleashdogplay.com www.petsit.com www.ibpsa.com www.petsitnet.com

Your trusted resource for raw-feeding information and advice.

All the best to you in your quest for finding proper care for your pet. I hope you enjoy your trip to paradise! ~ Jennifer M. Andrews-Pikula, ABCDT, Owner, Camp Wagalot, Stockbridge, MA. www.lovecampwagalot.com, (413) 298-5300. See ad on facing page.

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Please call Faith 518.781.0362 petpartnersberkshires.org 413.229.8579 A division of Scientific Alliance For Education (S.A.F.E.), a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization

Celebrating 10 13 years as Champions for Community Cats

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Wed Tues-Fri 12-6pm Sat & Sun 12-5pm Closed Monday & Tuesday 63 Downing Parkway Pittsfield 413/448-9800 pittsfieldanimals.org

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April | May 2014

13

shop local gift guide

gift guide Our Berkshire Marketplace

EASTER & MOTHER'S DAY SHOPPING!

Community Access to the Arts (CATA) Luggage Tags and Ceramic Magnets make bright and cheerful gifts. For travel

lovers, never lose your luggage with eye-catching hand crafted Scenery Luggage Tags (shown above, 3 for $10). Super strong Vincent Van Gogh inspired Ceramic Magnets measure 1 ⅞” x 1 ⅞” and are sold in a set of three for just $15.

CATA celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts. Each week, a group of adults with disabilities collaborate with community volunteers to create beautiful, eco-friendly products out of mostly recycled materials. Sales of these products provide income in the form of commissions to the participants, help fund the program, and tell CATA’s story wherever they are sold. You can purchase their goods online and at shops around the county. Attend their annual performance and gala on May 17, 2014 (see page 4 and 5 of this issue). www.communityaccesstothearts.org

High Mowing Organic Cosmos Seeds

Slip a package of these Sensation Mix Cosmos Seeds into a greeting card for a special surprise. Available at local stores like Guido's Fresh Marketplace, Berkshire Co-op Market, Berkshire Organics, and online for $2.75. This sensational mix of white, pink, magenta, and lavender blooms are 3-4” wide and make for showy summer borders, container plantings, or bouquets.

Cosmos require little fertility or care, making them great for beginning gardeners. High Mowing Organic Seeds began in 1996 by Tom Stearns with just 28 varieties. The business has grown exponentially, and what started as a one-man operation is now a thriving business with more than 600 heirloom, open-pollinated, and hybrid varieties of vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower seeds. www.highmowingseeds.com

14

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Heirloom Vegetable Poster by Margaret Bradley Davis / This 18" x 24" eye-catching

Heirloom Vegetable Poster depicts a few of the more commonly found heirloom vegetable varieties, and some rarities. Whether you grow these vegetables, eat them, or just like the way they look, this illustration is a beautiful decoration for your home. The colorful border will allow you to frame it without a mat if you want to reduce the total size (and cost!). If you enjoy this piece, you will also wish to purchase its companion poster, Heirloom Tomatoes ($15.95 each), representing both common and very rare heirloom varieties of this luscious and delectable fruit. You will find more of Margaret's creative artwork inspired by nature at www.botanicalposters.com.

shop local gift guide

Do you want the kitchen that you’ve always dreamed of?

It's time.

Viale Florist Gift Basket and Topiary

Spring flowers are in the air and Viale Florist Inc. in Pittsfield has beautiful flowers for spring, Easter, and Mother's Day including tulips and Easter lilies! Delicious Delights Basket pictured above left, is a foody dream come true. Red apples and grapes, pears, dried cranberries, cheese, summer sausage, and crackers are all wrapped up in a wicker basket and ready to be enjoyed. Deliciously different for $64.95. The magical topiary bouquet at top right, Yellow Fellow, with two tiers of bright yellow blossoms contains yellow roses, asiatic lilies, button spray chrysanthemums, solidago, and greens with decorative yellow butterfly, and is delivered in a terra-cotta pot starting at $74.95 and measures approximately 12 ½" x 21½." Viale Florist is a family-owned business since 1906, specializing in fresh flowers, green and flowering plants, fruit and gift baskets, and balloons and gift items for every occasion. (413) 442-6956, www.vialeflorist.com

Hartsville Design Woodworking

Call today.

(413) 528-6133 FSC Certified Wood Upon Request Kevin@HartsvilleDesign.com Kitchens • Baths • Entertainment Centers • Home Offices

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Keys KPRO Cosmetics from Lenox Village Integrative Pharmacy

is your one step to vibrant beauty and natural skin care.

Keys KPRO Cosmetics are chemical-free, and do not contain mica, silica, minerals, or talc. These fine cosmetics, selling for $30 to $35.99 each, were developed with Hollywood makeup artists and filmmakers. Keys KPRO line of corrections creams uses OptiFX™ Adaptive Color Technology to reflect, retract, and smooth skin tones adapting to light changes. It is a true anti-aging product that helps fill fine lines and eliminate shadows. LVIP has been family owned and operated for over 25 years, and continues that tradition today with the sister and brother team, Anne Browne and Joe Martragono. Keys KPRO Cosmetics are available in the Lenox Village Integrative Pharmacy store.

(413) 637-4700 x 113, orders@lviprx.com, www.lviprx.com. www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

April | May 2014

15

education.. .

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d s ’ ri

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ou

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education & workshops

e

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a whole new

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Now enrolling for the 2014-2015 school year.

Check out our summer programs at BerkshireMontessori.org/summer (413) 637-3662 BerkshireMontessori.org Lenox Dale, MA 16

education & workshops

positive change CATCH 'EM DOING SOMETHING RIGHT

by Meagan Ledendecker

O

ur brains are hardwired to look for problems and generate solutions. In The Neuroscience of Change, Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, explains how this brain state has been helpful for human evolution so we can improve our state of being. Looking for what’s wrong, however, often prevents us from seeing what is good in the present moment.

Because of this negative bias, we can easily become focused on what children in our lives need to do better: pick up clothes, get ready faster, be quieter, solve math problems better, make less mess, and on and on. As a result, children can easily be bombarded by what they are not doing right.

Developmentally, young children need to hear requests or reminders framed in the positive. If we say, “don’t run,” the young child will still run. Author, parenting educator, and Montessorian Maren Schmidt explains, “The young subconscious mind cannot differentiate between the commands, ‘Don’t hit’ and ‘Hit.’ They sound the same to the young brain.”

Thus, rather than saying what not to do, we should focus on behavior we want to see. We can say, “walk, please,” “touch gently,” or “please talk quietly.” A child hears how to be successful and thus can more easily be successful.

In addition to redirections, we can recast a child’s selfimage by acknowledging times he is making a good choice.

Schmidt simply states: “catch ’em doing something right.” To begin the process, Schmidt suggests making a list of all the things a child has done right over the course of a day and then telling him a story based on those good choices.

In Different Learners, Jane M. Healy, PhD, offers a strong reminder about the profound influence adults have: “One thing brain research tells us – loud and clear – is that the way we raise and teach our children not only helps shape their brains, but can also influence or even alter the way genes play out their roles.”

In this season of new growth, let’s offer positive reminders and in-the-moment acknowledgements to help our young people develop successfully. Doing so we will also be helping ourselves see the world in a more positive light.

~ Meagan Ledendecker has three children and is the Director of Education at The Montessori School of the Berkshires. In addition to Montessori training for ages three through twelve, she has Assistants to Infancy training for prenatal through age three childhood development.

Dandelion Gardening Arts, LLC Garden Design & Consultation Perennial Borders, Landscapes Herb & Kitchen Gardens Installation, Maintenance, Renovations Gardening Talks & Workshops

~ Illustrated Garden Plans Botanical Watercolors, Art Workshops (860) 542-3920

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Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School

Parent-Baby • Pre-K • Kindergarten 1st-8th Grade • Summer Program Waldor f Education in the Berkshires for over 40 years We educate our students to meet life with courage, impart meaning and purpose to their lives, and respond with creativity and integrity to the needs of the world. Our well-rounded, hands-on education prepares students for their choice of high school and college – and to reach their full potential.

(413) 528-4015

www.gbrss.org

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Great Barrington, MA April | May 2014

17

health & wellness

the elixir of life THE INSIDE STORY OF SPRING CLEANING

by Concettina Collingwood

F

ruit and vegetable juices are probably the most concentrated edible forms of life force available. This liquid energy goes straight to our bloodstream. Many people with chronic and terminal illnesses have experienced physical healing with the power of this living fluid.

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Lee, Massachusetts • 413-243-2224 hawkmeadowinlee.com 18

April | May 2014

As the body detoxifies (from fasting or other methods), it releases stored toxins from many areas. A lot of these toxins eventually travel to one of our largest elimination organs, the large intestine or colon. However, when fasting, there is a lack of solid food moving down the digestive tract so the peristalsis or rhythmic So it makes sense that we should all try to motion to move food and toxins out of incorporate fresh, live, organic raw juice the body is minimized, and the toxins in our diets, but why should we juice fast? will sit and be reabsorbed by the colon.

By undertaking a short juice To avoid this, colon hydrofast under the guidance of therapy is an extremely useFasting has an expert (we are fortunate ful method to remove waste to have a few experts here toxins that have been been termed the and in the Berkshires), you have hidden in our bodies. When a powerful cleansing tool at “Elixir of Life” we clean the colon, we start the cellular level that assists a chain reaction of cleansing

by Gabriel the body with physical healthat affects organs throughing and rejuvenation. Fastout the entire system.

Cousins, MD ing has been termed the “Elixir of Life” by Gabriel Natalia Rose, one of the top Cousins, MD. It allows the body to rest, nutritionists in the country, states “I believe eliminate toxins, balance, and normalize colonics will be considered as essential to the itself. When you rest, the body imme- maintenance of the body as brushing your diately goes into a repair and recovery teeth in a decade’s time.” She also recommode – basically a downtime or vacation mends the “Gravity Method,” which is the for your body that allows the process of method my husband Bruce and I use here restoration, leading to homeostasis. at our colon hydrotherapy center, Hydro Health of Western Massachusetts. So this The term homeostasis refers to the body’s spring give your body a gift of rejuvenation balancing, centering, and stabilizing and renewal by introducing fasting and colon mechanisms. When you juice fast, it be- hydrotherapy into your wellness program. comes very easy for your body to create ~ Concettina and Bruce Collingwood, this state of being. The conservation of I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotheraenergy during such a profound period of pists, Hydo Health of Western rest creates a favorable condition for the biological process of healing. The human Massachusetts, Pittsfield, MA. ccollingwood@ body is always trying to seek homeostasis, nycap.rr.com, (413)445-7470, www.hydrohealth and a properly conducted fast supports westernmass.com. See ad on facing page. and encourages that process.

Fragile and delicate individuals should not do a juice fast without their doctor’s approval.

However, there are cleanses that are less demanding; these are comprised of juice smoothies that include the natural fiber of fruits and vegetables. For those who are unable to undertake any type of fast, other detoxification diet options are available.

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

health & wellness

osteopathy & nature THE ESSENTIAL RELATIONSHIP IN ALL LIVING THINGS

by Kim E. Tripp, DO, PhD

O

steopathy is the practice of medicine based on the essential relationship in all living things between structure and function, that is, between anatomy and physiology, or between physics and chemistry. Osteopathic physicians use our comprehensive, precise knowledge of anatomy and physiology to promote health and healing in our patients. We work gently with our hands to help your body restore its own best function based on optimal structure.

Our medical training as osteopathic physicians gives us a DO degree (Doctor of Osteopathy). We learn all the same material as our MD colleagues (DOs and MDs are the two fullylicensed medical physicians in the US). Our DO training differs by also offering unique, in-depth work with anatomy in the context of treating our patients as whole people, not just as catalogs of symptoms. We learn to work with our hands using gentle, precise, and medically astute approaches to help your body heal. As physicians, the current medical pharmacopeia, nutritional science, and full medical training, including diagnostic testing are also at our disposal. Your individual treatment may therefore include a range of approaches, but will always be founded on our gentle hands-on work.

Hydro Health of Western Massachusetts

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Internal body cleansing is ultimately considered the finest health insurance.

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An Historic Tradition Osteopathic medicine is an historic American tradition. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, a brilliant US physician, was the founder of osteopathic medicine. He began osteopathic practice in 1874 and started the first school of osteopathic medicine here in the US. His inspired medical practice led to the development of more than 30 modern US osteopathic medical schools.

The practice of osteopathic medicine has a unique relationship with the natural world. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still made the bold statement that: “Osteopathy walks hand in hand with nothing but Nature’s laws, and for this reason alone it marks the most significant progress in the history of scientific research.”

Dr. Still was inspired by his deep study of nature, especially of human anatomy and its relationship to physiology. From this work, Dr. Still elucidated osteopathy. Osteopathy is an incredibly potent yet benign approach to the practice of medicine.

Nature’s First Principle of Health and Healing Why is osteopathy so powerful yet benign? Because it studies and applies how nature heals. The relationship of structure and function is nature’s first principle of health and healing. Any biological system, from forest to flea, is not healthy if its structure has gone awry: from macroscopic bones and muscles to continued on page 20

gol dm an / tripp osteopathic healthcare As osteopathic physicians, we use our comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology to promote health and healing. We work gently with our hands to help your body restore optimal function – based on optimal structure – to help solve musculoskeletal problems and health issues of all kinds.

As fully licensed physicians, we have all the full and current medical pharmacopeia, nutritional science and medical training at our disposal.

Your individual treatment may include a wide range of approaches, but is always founded on our gentle hands-on work.

Andrew M. Goldman, DO, Osteopathic Physician Kim E. Tripp, DO, PhD, Osteopathic Physician Great Barrington, ma 413-528-3334 | Sharon, ct 860-364-5990

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

April | May 2014

19

health & wellness

osteopathy & nature / continued from page 19 microscopic genes and molecules. A vessel, a nerve, a joint, even a brain, cannot work well if its structure is compromised.

Nature shows us this through ecology.

Let’s consider a simplified example of the ecology of a lake.

Many lakes depend on the inward flow of a stream at one end and free outward flow at the other end. The inward-flowing stream brings fresh water, oxygen, and nutrients from upstream, creates a healthy current, and helps to maintain the lake’s level. The outward-flowing stream carries away stale water and wastes, and also helps to keep the lake level stable.

This healthy flow and exchange of fluids in the lake supports a diversity of life from microscopic organisms and plants to fish, birds, and mammals.

What happens if either stream is blocked? Nutrient and fresh water supply are diminished, waste products build up, oxygen levels are depleted, microbes, plants, birds, fish, and mammals begin to sicken and die until the entire system is damaged.

Nature shows us that the same structure-function relationship is at work in all of us. If, for example, our circulation to an organ, a nerve, a bone, or even one group of cells is compromised, the health of that organ, nerve, bone, or group of cells is also compromised. Why? Because needed nutrients

cannot reach them and waste products cannot be removed. A chronic muscle spasm, a broken bone, an immobile rib that limits full breathing, all can lead to problems with gradually increasing consequences throughout the body if not healed and repaired.

Nature is a series of infinitely kaleidoscoping ecosystems that depends on the primary relationship of structure and function – from single molecule to cell to organ to organism to ecosystem and ultimately the entire planet. The human body is one of nature’s most beautiful and intricate manifestations whose health and healing depends on that primary relationship.

Osteopathic physicians are unique in practicing medicine based on this fundamental example from nature.

An Invitation Andrew M. Goldman, DO, and Kim E. Tripp, DO, PhD, at Goldman-Tripp Osteopathic Healthcare, have dedicated their practice of osteopathic medicine to honor, study, and practice these lessons from nature – in the spirit of the founder of osteopathic medicine, Dr. A.T. Still. We invite you to call us in our Sharon, CT, office at (860) 364-5990, or our Great Barrington, MA, office at (413) 5283334, or visit us on the web at www.GoldmanTripp.net to learn more about how we can help you. See ad on page 19.

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health & wellness

your greatest gift

T

SIX LESSONS THAT CAN HELP YOU HEAL FROM A SERIOUS CONDITION

by Bhava Ram

he greatest crisis in your life might just be the best thing that ever happened to you. A 2013 study found that those who reported the highest levels of trauma and adversity also reported the highest levels of growth and selfdevelopment. This was definitely true for me.

I wasn’t always a positive person. In fact, I used to be a poster child for hopelessness. By my fiftieth birthday, I had lost my career as an NBC war correspondent to illness and injury. After I broke my back, failed surgery left me crippled and condemned to life in a body brace. I became addicted to painkillers, antidepressants, uppers, and alcohol. I gained 80 pounds, and then was diagnosed with stage IV terminal throat cancer. I felt my life was over. The turning point for me came as I was dying and my two-year-old son begged, “Get up, Daddy.” Those three words became my motivator and my healing mantra. Here are lessons I learned from the adversity I had to overcome.

Working harder to get ahead won’t help you reach your potential. I used to think that working longer and harder in my profession as a journalist was the path to fulfillment. Even though I was recognized with a prestigious journalistic award and had many meaningful experiences, I lost my health, my marriage, and nearly lost my future. Identify your true potential as a person, not as a professional, and pursue that with maximum zeal.

Having a clear mantra or intention will carry you through difficult times. If you’re determined to make a major change in your lifestyle, approach the challenge relentlessly, passionately, and with unflagging motivation. Find something you desperately care about to propel you forward. In my case, whenever I faltered, I thought of my son’s three-word plea. When you anchor on a positive thought, the whole world will rise up to support you.

We all have the power to take control of our health and the capacity to self-heal. Doctors may tell you your situation is hopeless or the alternative healing path you’ve chosen won’t work.

You can support your body’s innate ability to self-heal through diet, detoxing, meditation, a spiritual discipline, the loving support of friends and family, movement, mind-body therapies, and excellent teachers. The doctors called my recovery “a miracle.” I call it enabling my body to reach its full potential.

If you want to transform your health completely, make it your number one priority. I devoted myself to self-healing 12-14 hours a day. With the help of loved ones, healing became my primary job.

When faced with a life-or-death decision, choose a healing path for yourself that will help you live this rich, wonderful life a little longer. Don’t let naysayers, low-value people and activities, or outside pressure discourage you from your mission to heal.

Find a healing discipline and dive into it with your fullest passion and focus. I chose to heal using yoga combined with Ayurvedic medicine, diet, and purifications. Whatever discipline

you choose, don’t dabble – dig a deep well and stick with it. Do research, find teachers, take classes, go on retreats, enter a clinic, and engage in the discipline every day. For me, embracing yogic science 12-14 hours a day and changing what I put into my body was my “organic chemotherapy”– it altered my body chemistry and my state of mind, and opened my awareness to a deeper inner wisdom that is within us all.

You can’t make much progress on your health quest until you clean up your act. People who are very ill or seriously injured often feel their suffering entitles them to indulgences like a sugary dessert, steak dinner, or cocktails at night. My body was so riddled with alcohol, prescription drugs, and unhealthy food that it took a rehab facility to clean these toxins out of my body. It took many more months of cleanses and a complete overhaul of my diet to reverse the effect of the poisons so I could respond to yoga and all the other healing modalities I was using. In short, the purer your life, the more vibrant your health will be.

~ Learn more about how to self-heal from serious illness and injury at Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA (www.kripalu.org), where I’ll be teaching a workshop April 4-6, 2014, entitled “The Guru Is You: The Alchemy of Healing, Self-Empowerment, and Manifesting Your Fullest Potential.”

Naomi Alson

Embracing Change Life Coaching ~Hypnosis~NLP~EFT~

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Feel your best!

Karen O. Lindstrom, Ed.S. Integrative Life Coaching 413.854.4520

at Lee Family Practice (413) 243-3223

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heilaa Hite Intuitive Counselor

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April | May 2014

21

mother's day special feature

mother's day

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April | May 2014

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

efore I was a Mom I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment, or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom. ~ Unknown

A

mother’s love – Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly. ~ Sarah Malin

M

other’s Day originated when the ancient Greeks held annual spring festivities dedicated to maternal goddesses. In the 1600s in England, Mothering Sunday was celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40-day period leading up to Easter) – children brought flowers and gifts to their mothers after a prayer service in church to honor the Virgin Mary.

The very first Mother’s Day as we know it, however, was suggested by Anna Jarvis in the early twentieth century and is now celebrated in many countries around the world but on different dates.

Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, was born in Webster, West Virginia. Anna’s mother was a vital, energetic woman who founded Mothers’ Day Work Clubs in five cities to improve sanitary and health conditions for local families. Two years after her mother’s death in the early 1900s, Anna held a memorial service for her mother to honor the work she had done, giving away carnations (her mother’s favorite flower) to everyone that attended. She encouraged the attendees to go to church and, afterward, for children to spend time writing a note of appreciation to their mothers.

In 1910, Anna formed a committee and West Virginia became the first state to adopt the holiday. In 1914, President Wilson declared the second Sunday in May Mother’s Day. Ironically, by the 1920s Anna Jarvis, who never married and had no children of her own, had become very unhappy about the commercialization of the holiday (printed cards in particular) and she and her sister Elsinore spent their family inheritance campaigning against what the holiday had become. So, in honor of Anna, take the time to write your mom a handwritten note!

A

young boy said to his mother, “How old were you when I was born?” His mother replied, “23.” “Wow, that’s a lot of time we missed spending together.” ~ Unknown

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An education for life.

Now enrolling for 2014-2015

Lenox Dale, Massachusetts

berkshiremontessori.org

Hawthorne Valley Farm Store

BENSDOTTER’S PET 413-528-4940 940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA

A Little Bit Conventional. A Little Bit Alternative.

A Whole Lot Different!

From Our Hands to Your Table A full-line natural foods store featuring organic breads, pastries, cheeses, yogurt, raw milk, sauerkraut and other foods made fresh on our farm!

Fresh • Organic • Local • Delicious Open 7 Days FARM STORE | www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 | 518-672-7500

Convenient Location with Ample Parking on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guido’s Monday-Friday 10a-6p Saturday-Sunday 10a-4p

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

April | May 2014

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Hartsville Design Woodworking Custom Cabinets & Design cherry | walnut | oak | exotics  Kitchen cabinets islands hutches dish racks wine centers

 Bathroom vanities tub surrounds dressing rooms

 Living & Dining

entertainment centers walk-in closets bookcases staircases furniture

(413) 274-1010

www.HartsvilleDesign.com

Hartsville De-