Berkshire Penny Saver by tracey

AdoptA-Pet Inside

‘Save The Mount’

March 5, 2008

FREE Vol. 44 No. 37

Business Spotlight See Page 4

POSTAL CUSTOMER POST OFFICE BOXHOLDER STAR or RURAL ROUTE BOXHOLDER

PITTSFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 122

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Dining/Entertainment ...... Page 8 Ham Scramble.................. Page 11 Sudoku .............................. Page 11 Home Improvement ........ Page 12 Business & Service........... Page 16 Classiﬁed........................... Page 17 Real Estate ........................ Page 18 Automotive ....................... Page 19 Help Wanted..................... Page 21

Photo by David Dashiell

Winter’s chill cannot diminish the beauty of The Mount, Edith Wharton’s historic estate and gardens in Lenox. The property is facing imminent foreclosure. Join in the nationwide, historic, effort to keep The Mount as a national treasure, open to the public and preserved for all time! Full details about the “Save The Mount” campaign can be found on page 6.

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154 West Park Street Lee, Massachusetts 01238 413.243.2341 Fax 413.243.4662 editorial email berkshire@hersamacornma.com advertising email art@hersamacornma.com Editorial Deadline: Tuesday at 5 p.m. the week before publication. Classiﬁed Deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m. Display Deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m

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March 5, 2008

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March 5, 2008

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Lucky Nails: A Friendly Retreat

154 West Park Street Lee, Massachusetts 01238 413.243.2341 Fax 413.243.4662 editorial email berkshire@hersamacornma.com

By Toby Raymond

advertising email art@hersamacornma.com ■

Renee Tassone, General Manager Linda Devlin, Circulation Manager Nancy Mosher, Ofﬁce Manager Toby Raymond, Editor Peter Czaja, Advertising Sales Debra Johnson, Advertising Sales Melissa Miller, Art Director Tracy Salmon, Production Director Pearl Dennis, Artist Mary Garcia, Artist Jen Hathaway, Artist ■

Editorial Deadline: Tuesday at 5 p.m. the week before publication. Classiﬁed Deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m. Display Deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m.

J.J. and Michelle Tran, proud owners of Lucky Nails in Lee. The shop has been recently renovated to reflect the Tran’s desire to offer elegant and relaxing salon service to the area. ��

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

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Notice: The Berkshire PennySaver News will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise, or reject any and all advertising, with or without cause being assigned, which in the publisher’s judgement is contrary to the interests of this publication. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. ©2008, Hersam Acorn Newspapers. All contents of the Berkshire PennySaver News are copyrighted, and any reproduction without permission is prohibited. Total circulation is 14,500 weekly.

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

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You know you are in for a positive experience when the happy, smiling face of a Buddha greets you upon entering a door for the first time. The Buddha in question resides in the reception area of “Lucky Nails,” the salon on Main Street in Lee belonging to Michelle and J.J. Tran. “Warm,” and “welcoming” are two words that easily apply to the recently renovated space, as well as to the husband and wife team who run it. Smiling and eager, the Trans welcomed me to the sunny reception area of the the shop where we were able to chat about everything from small towns to corporate banking. The two are clearly a team, discussing their business in a manner that expressed wellthought out plans, and sincere desires to please their clients. That the clientele who visits their shop is a priority can be easily seen in their selections in

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March 5, 2008

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT (continued from previous page)

design. Brightly-lit work stations line one wall, while sparkling new spa chairs line the other. Asianinspired art and decor accent the space, giving it a clean, open and elegant feel. “We wanted to create an atmosphere where people can go and relax, and be pampered for an hour or two,” Michelle said. To that end, the pair are currently building a strong team of manicurists to be available seven days a week. Their aim is be able to provide “excellent service, but at an affordable cost.” “Lee is a great town, with friendly faces everywhere...everybody seems to know everybody else!” Michelle said with a laugh. “We feel very fortunate to be part of such a great community.” Both of the Trans were born in Vietnam and emigrated here in the 80s and 90s respectively. After living in California, working in a fast-paced investment firm, the pair decided they would prefer the pace of New England and a small town. They purchased the shop in 2005, and completed the recent renovations only in the past few weeks. When asked if they have plans or intentions to expand their opertations, the two looked, smiling at one another, and it was J.J. who answered, “We are happy

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with the size of our business, and we’ll just see where it goes”. In the few years that the couple has operated the business in Lee they have noted a general rehabilitation to the buildings and storefronts in the area and wanted to contribute to the beautification, “It seems like everybody is doing their part in giving Lee a makeover, and we wanted to do our part by sprucing up the shop,” Michelle explained, “making the business more attractive for the people who come to us for service.” The services offered in the salon are comprehensive: manicure, pedicure and spa treatments. A dizzying assortment of nail enamels stand ready for selection, specialty designs, airbrushing and applied nail products are also among the displays. During my visit I noted that the air was not heavy with the traditional odors associated with a visit to a nail salon. The background music was also soothing and restful. The Trans had clearly thought out the best use of the newly designed space and made good

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use of it to suit their plans. From the moment a customer steps from the bustling Main Street and into the shop they are surrounded by sunlight, warmth and calm. Lucky Nails is open MondaySaturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are always welcome, and appointments can be made by calling 413-243-2008. The shop is located at 40 Main

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A blissful pedicure awaits patrons of Lucky Nails in Lee. The shop offers full salon services, including manicures and spa treatments.

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Berkshire PennySaver News

‘Save The Mount’ Emergency Campaign Is Launched To Rescue National Treasure

Photo by David Dashiell Called “one of the greatest architectural treasures in America...(The Mount) is fundamental to an understanding of ...American design sensibility of the time.” You can help preserve this local and national treaure (see below).

The Mount, the major tourist destination and historic home of famed American novelist Edith Wharton, is faced with imminent foreclosure, which could result in its being closed to the public forever. In response, The Mount is making an emergency public appeal to protect this National

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Historic Landmark through the “Save The Mount” campaign. To prevent foreclosure by the bank, The Mount must raise $3 million before March 24. If this amount is raised, additional matching funds have been pledged which, together with a successful restructuring with The Mount’s major creditors, will enable The Mount to keep its doors open and to work toward financial stability. “We are fighting to protect this major landmark, but time is short,” said Stephanie Copeland, President of The Mount. “The extraordinary transformation from virtual ruin in 1998 to a vibrant institution today stands to be lost. We will be able to overcome this challenge, however, with a dramatic show of support from all who care about Edith Wharton and The Mount. Our vision for The Mount goes beyond the maintenance of a monument to the past; we hope to create a year-round center for exploration of the arts, culture and current global topics to perpetuate her passions.” Richard Guy Wilson,

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Commonwealth Professor of Architectural History at the University of Virginia, added “The Mount is quite simply one of the greatest architectural treasures in America. It is fundamental to an understanding of not just Edith Wharton but American design sensibility of the time. The house, interior and grounds reflect Edith Wharton’s own and very personal sensibility. She was involved in every aspect of its creation and design, from the overall form to the furniture, and the flowers in the garden. She is of course one of America’s greatest authors and the first female recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.” Major restoration of the house began in 1998, with a visit from then First Lady Hillary Clinton. Since then, more than $13 million has been raised to preserve the house and gardens. Wharton created The Mount as a writer’s retreat and a place to entertain such distinguished friends as Henry James. While living there she wrote some of her greatest masterpieces, including The House of Mirth and Ethan Frome. Only 5 percent of National Historic Landmarks are dedicated to women, and The Mount is one of them. The Mount is America’s only monument to Edith Wharton. Visitors come from all over the country and abroad to see Wharton’s house and gardens and the exhibits that illuminate her genius as author and designer. In 2005, The Mount was awarded The Preserve America Presidential Award in the Oval Office of the White House. In 2006, The Mount acquired Wharton’s life-long collection of books, an accomplishment that was celebrated with a visit by First Lady Laura Bush. At present, The Mount’s principal lender has generously agreed

Berkshire PennySaver News

to provide funding to fund the “Save the Mount” campaign launch. If the campaign goal is not met by March 24, 2008, the lender has advised The Mount that it will promptly hold a foreclosure sale, and the estate could pass into private hands and be lost to the public forever. If successful, “Save The Mount” will resolve this crisis and steer the organization toward permanent financial stability. The Mount’s debt load was incurred over time when fundraising targets to raise unrestricted funds for operating costs were not achieved. Beginning in September 2006, The Mount began the process of bringing on an entirely new Board of Trustees, which was completed in September 2007. The new Board ultimately concluded that this level of debt could not be serviced, as these circumstances made it difficult to secure significant private donations. When final attempts to secure foundation support in January 2008 proved unsuccessful, the Board of Trustees concluded that there was no choice but to launch “Save The Mount.” All contributions to “Save The Mount” will be held and drawn down only if the campaign is able to meet its goal of raising an amount sufficient to successfully negotiate a restructuring plan with its bank and other major creditors. The Mount’s Web site, www. edithwharton.org, contains instructions for giving, and will deliver regular updates on the progress of the campaign. At present, donations are being accepted by mail or over the telephone. The Mount’s mailing address is 2 Plunkett St., Box 974, Lenox, Massachusetts 01240, and its telephone number is 413-5515104. March 5, 2008

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Berkshire PennySaver News

Lenox Memorial High School Presents Cole Porter’s ‘Anything Goes’ Lenox Memorial High School presents Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Duffin Theatre in Lenox, Massachusetts. The show is directed by Wendy Walraven with musical direction by Jonathan Cade. Come and see what happens when a wealthy Englishman, his debutante fiancé, the boy who loves his fiancé, an evangelist turned night-

club singer and public enemy 13 in a priest disguise travel together from New York to London via the S.S. American. If you have half the fun that these students are having it will be worth the $6 for students/seniors or $8 for adults, cost of a ticket. Tickets will be available for “Will Call” reservations on Wednesday, March 5, by calling 413-637-5560, or can be purchased at the door.

Free Workshops On Cultivating Healthy Lawns And Gardens Four free workshops on how to cultivate healthy lawns and gardens will be offered this spring by the Center for Ecological Technology (CET). During the workshops, the seasoned and beginner gardener alike will be introduced to simple, preventive measures that help create beautiful, diverse landscapes that will thrive without the excessive use of harmful chemicals. These workshops provide an opportunity to learn an approach to garden and lawn care called Integrated Pest Management, which focuses on ways to promote plant health that will make lawns and gardens less susceptible to drought, weeds and pests. Landscape designer Sarah Shepard will be the featured speaker at the workshops. She has operated Sarah Shepard Designs since 1990, specializing in environmentally sound residential landscape designs in the Berkshires and southern Vermont. She is a member of the Ecological Landscaping Association and has a degree in landscape architecture. Dates and locations for the workshops are as follows: Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. at Ward’s Nursery in Great Barrington To register, call Ward’s at 528-0166, or register online at www.wardsnursery.com.

Stockbridge Grange Hosting Corned Beef Dinner

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On Sunday, March 9 the Stockbridge Grange will serve a public, Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. This will be a “family style” event, held at the Grange Hall on Church Street in Stockbridge. The dinner will take place from 1-2 p.m. Cost for adults is $9.50 and children under 12 years are $4.50. Take-outs are available. For more details phone the Grange at 413-298-3185.

High Tea At The Crowne Plaza

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The public is invited to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Thursday, March 6 for High Tea. Participants will enjoy a high tea, complete with butler style service, tea and appetizers. Tickets are $18 and include service, tax, and parking. A portion of the proceeds will benefit this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life! Contact Stephanie Abrams for more information at 413-281-2800.

Johnston And Murphy Walk Test

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Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. at Holiday Farm in Dalton To pre-register, call CET at 445-4556 ext. 17 or e-mail amandad @cetonline.org. Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. at Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation To pre-register, call CET at 445-4556 ext. 17 or e-mail amandad @cetonline.org. Saturday, May 3, Green Living Fair, Lenox High School To pre-register, call CET at 445-4556 ext. 17 or e-mail amandad @cetonline.org. For more information, visit www.cetonline.org or contact Jamie Cahillane at jamiec@cetonline.org or call 413-445-4556, ext. 14. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Administration. CET is a non-profit organization working in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management and environmental education. CET provides practical solutions that make sense for our community, economy and environment. CET is an equal opportunity service provider and is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Take a walk test this March at Johnston Murphy, located in the Prime Outlets at Lee. Sample a select group of sheepskin-lined casual and dress shoes at no risk. After a 10-day trial period you can return the purchased shoes for a full refund. Phone the store for details 413-243-4193. The Prime Outlets at Lee is located at 50 Water St./Rt. 20 East in Lee. The stores are open daily 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Berkshire PennySaver News

March 5, 2008

‘Crazy ‘Bout Patsy’ Coming To The Mahaiwe “Crazy ‘Bout Patsy,” the Patsy Cline Show, a musical tribute to the legendary singer will be coming to The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington on Friday, March 14. “Crazy ‘Bout Patsy” starring Sherrill Douglas has been called “the best Patsy Cline musical revue in the land.” Douglas performs all of Cline’s greatest hits and then some in a revue that has garnered rave reviews worldwide. The show will tour Australia later this year and recently performed a second extended stay at Trop World Casino in Atlantic City. Dallas, Texas native Sherrill Douglas grew up in a musical household. Her father was a Patsy Cline fan, and since the music was frequently playing at home, she developed an early love for it. Eventually, her

WSBS Auction Coming!

Forum On Mushrooms And Therapeutic Agents

Faculty member David Myers will hold a forum on Thursday, March 6 at 5:15 p.m. The forum, entitled “Mushrooms and Therapeutic Agents,” will take place in the Oak Room of Blodgett House at Simon’s Rock. The faculty forum series is a setting in which faculty preset their research, writing and interests in a salon setting. David Myers is part of the faculty in the Sciences and Mathematics. Dr. Myers received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Princeton University and is a member of numerous Chemistry related groups, including the American Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Science Teachers Association. His research interests include the antibacterial properties of indigenous fungi in Berkshire County, reactive organic intermediates, strained organic molecules, and computer modeling of strained organic molecules and organic reactions involving reactive intermediates. The faculty forums are free of charge and the public is welcome. For more information contact Judith Monachina at 413-528-7395. Simon’s Rock is located at 84 Alford Rd., Great Barrington.

Winter Storytime Hours At Stockbridge Library

Toddler Storytime, for ages 18 months to 3 years, will take place on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Preschool Storytime, for ages 3 to 5, will take place on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. For further information, call Paula at 413-298-5501. There is no charge for Storytime and registration is not required.

S.H.A.P.E. Club Weight Loss Support Group The group meets every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Lee Council on Aging Community Room. For info: Teresa 413-446-5925.

Girl Scout Cookie Sale Girl Scouts from the Western and Central Mass Council will be at the Berkshire Mall’s Center Court, selling cookies March 15-16. Girl Scouts will be on-site from 10-8:00 on Saturday and 11:00 to 6:00 on Sunday. March 5, 2008

passion for Patsy Cline’s songs grew into her performing them at age 12 throughout the state of Texas. Today, Douglas stars in “Crazy ‘Bout Patsy” and performs with her outstanding band in the Patsy Cline revue worldwide. Her four octave vocal range has astonished many an audience and her outstanding performance runs the gamut from poignant ballad to all out hoe down. “Crazy ‘Bout Patsy” comes to The Mahaiwe on Friday, March 14 at 7:30. Tickets are available at The Mahaiwe Box Office at 14 Castle St. Tickets can also be purchased through the Box Office by phone at 413528-0100 or on the Internet at www.mahaiwe.org.

The Great Radio Auction returns to WSBS on Saturday, March 22 beginning at 9 a.m.! As always there will be steals and deals. Bid for Bargains ad hundreds of dollars in merchandise from area merchants will be sold during this special broadcast. Listen at home, all bidding by phone at 413-528-0860. Auction continues until all items are sold. Take a peek at some of the items at www.wsbs.com.

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Berkshire PennySaver News

MMHS Pops Concert With Rolf Smedvig On Friday, March 7 at 8 p.m. the Monument Mountain Regional High School Band, under the direction of Jeffrey Stevens, returns to the Mahaiwe Theater to present its 26th Annual Pops Concert. This event is part of the band’s celebration of national “Music in the Schools” month that will also include performances for young people at several area schools. The concert features performances by the MMRHS Jazz Ensemble and the 88 member MMRHS Concert Band. This year’s guest artist will be Rolf Smedvig, one the world’s foremost trumpet virtuosos and founder and director of the Empire Brass. The Monument Band has performed in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Toronto, New York City, and at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Recent performances include the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield and last year’s nearly sold out show at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 General Admission (includes Mahaiwe Restoration Fee). The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is located at 14 Castle St., Great Barrington. The Box Office can be reached at 413-528-0100 or by visiting the Web site at: www.mahaiwe.org.

The eighty-eight members of the Monument Mountain Regional High School Concert Band will perform at The Mahaiwe on Friday, March 7.

The Mahaiwe Announces Monday Night Movie Schedule For March! The Mahaiwe is pleased to announce March’s schedule of films with another full month of back-to-back Monday Night Movies for your winter pleasure, co-presented by Southern Berkshire Film Festival. This March Mahaiwe’s Monday Night Movie series completes the

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definition of classic cinema with Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, James Cagney, Virginia Mayo, Lana Turner, John Garfield, Cecil Kellaway and Ida Lupino. Monday, March 3 “An Affair To Remember” (1957) will have a special introduction by WAMC’s Alan Chartock. Says Chartock, “I really like this movie. It is sup�� posed to be a ‘chick flick’ but I �� always get misty (or worse) when I see the key reconciliation scene. �� ‘An Affair To Remember’ has been �� remade a number of times so it must be good.” George Minkoff of Southern Berkshire Film Festival says “The Maltese Falcon” (1941); showing on March 10 is one of Bogart’s greatest films. The film on March 17, “White Heat” (1941), is considered James Cagney at his “criminal best”. “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1946) plays on March 24 and is remembered as one of the most scandalous Hollywood crime pictures of its time. Of “High Sierra” (1941) playing March 31, Minkoff teases “If you love Bogart and Bacall, Humphrey �� Bogart and Ida Lupino are a rev�� elation!” Tickets for all Monday �� Night Movies are $6.00 General �� Admission Seating with a 7 p.m. �� start time. Doors open at 6:30 �� p.m. For more details visit www. �� mahaiwe.org.

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Berkshire PennySaver News

March 5, 2008

Artist To Teach Soul/Energy Portraiture In Lee Leiah Bowden of Lightspeak Transformational Arts in Schenectady will teach a fourhour class on Soul Painting at Berkshire Soul and Spirit Center in Lee on Saturday, March 8. Using soft pastels and black pastel paper, Leiah guides students in the intuitive art of revealing the inner energetic essence below the surface of each of us. With visualization and light mediation the participants move beyond the concept of being an artist to a heart centered awareness all can share regardless of training or talent. The energy or soul portraits are found by many to be healing, inspirational and supportive as well as a doorway to creative expression. Stacey Wall, a Massachusetts Reiki practitioner’s experience of an energy portait; “I am so thrilled with the portrait!... The first thing that came to me when I saw it was ‘Finally someone sees me’.” No experience is necessary to join this fun exploration of color, intuition and self expression. Berkshire Soul and Spirit Center, opened in June of 2007, holds classes and workshops that explore and deepen alternative paths of connection with spirit. Pre-registration required for “Painting the Soul: the Intuitive Art of Energy Portraiture”11 a.m.-3 p.m. Price is $100. Berkshire Soul and Spirit Center is handicapped accessible at 69 Main St., Lee. The phone is 413243-2834 and is open TuesdaySunday for the winter season. Visit the Web site www.soulandspiritcenter.com.

Your Community Service Weekly March 5, 2008

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berkshirehealthcare.org

Dine On A Dime

‘Real Mexican, south of a different border’

First of all, I should come clean. I’m a gringo, yes. But I feel that a terrible mistake was made at the outset, like the stork got blown off track by a storm, most likely in the el nino category. An IrishAmerican family raised me north of the border and claim me as their own. They’re nice people and all. And they look like me. But they don’t know what I know. They’ve never had the marrow of their bones ionized by a church bell peeling in Oaxaca. They’ve never had their hearts broken then placed back together anew by the sound of a trumpet in the Plaza de los Mariachis. They and their friends have never been asked to kindly leave the country by the policia in Juarez (whoops ... skip that). Anyway, what I’m saying is, their souls do not contain the hook that holds the bright-sombrero promise of faith and food, held together with the mortar of Monterey Jack. They haven’t been, they haven’t seen, they haven’t tasted. But that’s no cause for crying.

In Berkshire County you can go south of the border – that is to say, into nearby North Canaan, Connecticut – to at least get a taste of it. Indeed, last summer, when I first saw the sign going up for Mexi-Canaan, my taste buds began twitching. Then, last fall, when I saw the dirt-clod bootprints of Hispanic migrant workers beating a trail to MexiCanaan’s door, I sensed food being lovingly prepared. My suspicions were proven correct two weeks ago when my wife and I finally made a sortie to Mexi-Canaan. I grabbed my wallet-which, by the way, contains an Our Lady of Guadalupe prayercard. We left behind our own sacred kitchen – which, by the way, after protracted negotiations, is decorated with a portrait of the famous Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata. (It was Zapata who famously said, “I prefer to die standing than to live forever on my knees.” Maybe it’s the Irish kicking in, but I prefer a happy medium: sitting in a chair and eating good food.) Outside, the place was festooned with street-fair banners. Mexi-Canaan is indeed a celebration – of the food of the youth of the couple Mario and

The Lee Youth Association’s Sweet Repeat’s Children’s Consignment Sale is Saturday, March 29 from 9-4 and Sunday, March 30 from 9-noon. The

sale is at the Airoldi Building, Railroad Street, Lee, look for the signs. This sale specializes in gently used children’s (sizes newborn-12) and maternity clothing,

Le Petit Musee is currently accepting submissions for an exhibit of two-dimensional works of art that measure no larger than 3” x 3” that challenge the limited boundaries through the creative process. The exhibit will open May 10th and run through June

28th Artists are invited to submit up to two works of art. The deadline is April 1. Le Petit Musee was founded in 1992 and has been situated in various locations is now housed at 151 Front St. in Housatonic, Massachusetts within a former

Mexi-Canaan 91 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT 860-824-2401 By Felix Carroll

Esperanza Nunez, both of whom are Mexican natives. Inside, the satellite radio was tuned to Mexican country-the old stuff, the good stuff, the stuff with the dusty violins. While the singer Pablo Montero was wondering where his lover’s heart was located (rough translation), our waitress, Esperanza, was wondering what we wanted to eat (also, rough translation). Soon, our table was covered

Youth Association Consignment Sale

toys, books, shoes, baby equipment (strollers, baby swings, highchairs, furniture, etc.), and much more! Consigners earn 70 percent of the selling price, just

Le Petit Musee Seeks Submissions

ironing board closet that measures 74 inches long by 11 inches wide and 4 inches deep, which is within ARTsModerne, a gallery of contemporary and vintage art. Artists are asked to send their pieces along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, their con-

Berkshire PennySaver News

with plates of food-ajitas, enchiladas, refried beans, rice, salsa, chips, the real thing. With drinks included, it all cost $30, not including tip. Mexi-Canaan doesn’t have a liquor license-yet. We sorely missed the cervasas. The owners wouldn’t be opposed to you bringing your own. Next time I will, along with some members of that pale tribe that calls themselves my kin.

tag and prepare your items, we do the rest! For more information, to be a consigner, or to volunteer, please call Kelly at 413298-3397.

tact and background information, pricelist and $5 to: Le Petit Musee, P.O. Box 556, Housatonic Massachusetts 01236. For additional information artsmode@aol. com or www.artsmoderne.com. Open Saturdays from 12-5pm or by chance or appointment. March 5, 2008

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Berkshire PennySaver News

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2008 Baseball Sign-Ups Cal Ripken Baseball League Cal Ripken Baseball League sign-ups are taking place now. The Cal Ripken Baseball League is a division of Babe Ruth League, Inc. Sign-ups are open to boys and girls ages 5 to 12, those not turning 13 before May 1, 2008. All players welcome-beginners to all-stars, everybody learns and plays! Local 15-20 game season mid-April through June plus optional post season tournament and summer baseball events. This is an excellent baseball experience emphasizing fun, friendship, hitting, pitching, catching, fielding, action and team spirit. Lots of fun and energy! Home games and practices are at beautiful Greene Park in Monterey center off Route 23. Open to players in Great Barrington, Monterey, Otis, Sandisfield, Becket, New Marlboro, Sheffield, Egremont, Alford,

Mount Washington, and surrounding towns. Parents urged to get involved. Activities two to three times per week for ages eight and above, once per week for ages 5 to 7 (using tennis balls). No mandatory attendance for practices or games but plan to attend at least 50 percent of the events. Fee is $35 per player or $50 maximum per family for the year covers uniforms, insurance, equipment, etc. To sign-up send the following information to Jim Edelman, President, S. Berkshire Cal Ripken League, PO Box ll, Monterey, Massachusetts 01245. E-mail: clivedelrnan@aol.com. Phone: 413-528-0006: Players name(s), birthday, home phone, e-mail, parent’s name and address.

‘Upstairs Live At The Triplex’ Returns In March

The new season opens with three unique events: “I Might Be Edgar Allan Poe,” a one man show about a man who believes himself to be Edgar Allan Poe. Both humorous and poignant, the role is performed by the brilliant young Australian actor, Dale March-March 6, 7, 8 at 8:30, tickets cost $20. “A Celtic Evening Of Storytelling And Song,” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Laurie Portocarrero, returns to The Triplex following

her performance in “Under Milkwood”-March 15 at 8:30, tickets cost $20. “Dreams 4 Sale,” an evening of cabaret with Karen Lee and FriendsMarch 28 and 29 at 9 p.m., tickets are $20. The Triplex Cinema is located at 70 Railroad St., Great Barrington, and can be reached by phone at 413-528-8885, or on the Internet at http://thetriplex.com/index.php.

Stockbridge Post Ofﬁce Plans ‘Passport Day’ Are you planning to travel abroad? The Stockbridge Post Office at 1 Elm St. will make it easier for you by holding a special “Passport Day” on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rod Drees, officer-in-charge said the special hours should make it easier for parents with minor children applying for a passport because both parents must accompany anyone under 16 years of age. “These special ‘Passport Day’ Saturday hours should prove to be helpful to persons with children who need passports,” she said.

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There are new regulations requiring a passport for all air travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Carribean, and Bermuda. The post office also takes passport photos for $15, he said, making the procedure a one-stop process. He recommended persons apply for their passport at least two months or earlier before their departure to avoid extra costs to expedite an application. Other requirements in applying for a passport, she said, include: evidence of citizenship, two passport photos, and current photo identification. Passport fees can be paid by check or cash. Passports cost a total of $100 for persons 16 years of age and over; $85 for persons under age 16, and $75 for passports being renewed. More information can be obtained by calling Stockbridge Post Office at 413-298-4422. To save time, passport applications can be downloaded at www. usps.com/passport to complete the paperwork before visiting the post office.

Cabin Fever Fundraiser

BARTLETT�S ORCHARD ��

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The Lake Mansfield Alliance presents “A Cabin Fever Fundraiser” to be held at Crissey Farm on Thursday, March 6, from 5-8 p.m., at Crissey Farm (located behind Barrington Brewery). Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children (beverages, salads etc. not included). For more information, please contact Christine Ward, at 413-528-1593.

Berkshire PennySaver News

March 5, 2008

‘Tale Of Tall Trees’ Guided Trek In Tyringham Saturday, March 8 promises to be a good day for learning about Tyringham from a variety of perspectives. In the morning, join naturalist Aimee Gelinas and the Trustees of Reservations for a guided hike/ snowshoe at McLennan Reservation, a nature preserve located two miles south of Tyringham Village. On this moderate three-mile trek, Aimee will point out the huge maple, white ash and white pine trees, telling tales of farming and landscapes long past. The fee for Trustees members is $6, nonmembers $8. Participants are asked to pre-register to 413-298-3239 x3000 or westregion@ttor.org. Be sure to bring a bag lunch. Snowshoe rentals may be reserved in advance. After the trek, consider going to Ventfort Hall in Lenox to attend an afternoon lecture and tea about Ashintully, titled, “The Four Pillars of Tyringham.” Located only six miles from Mass Pike exit 2 in Lee, McLennan Reservation includes nearly 500 acres of forested hills with brooks, an active beaver pond, and huge maple, ash and pines. Round Mountain and Long Mountain form the backdrop of this natural area that was

Meals on Wheels Menu

Fifth Grade Hosting Spaghetti Dinner

March 5-March 12

Wednesday, March 5 Minestrone Soup Chicken Salad Broccoli Cuts Hamburger Roll Fruit Compote Thursday, March 6 Beef Burgundy Buttered Noodles Glazed Carrots Rye Bread Orange Friday, March 7 Lasagna Winter Squash Spinach Italian Bread Pudding w/ Topping

Monday, March10 Liver and Onions Roasted Potatoes Peas & Pearl Onions Rye Bread Mixed Fruit Tuesday, March 11 Orange Glazed Chicken Brown Rice Pilaf Mixed Greens Sourdough Bread Peaches Wednesday, March 12 Macaroni & Cheese Stewed Tomatoes Succotash Whole Wheat Bread Banana

Information provided by: Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc in Pittsfield. Phone: 413-499-0524 To make reservations to eat at a Meal Site, call at least a day in advance, by 11:30 a.m.: Adams: 743-8333 Becket: 623-8934 Cheshire: 743-9719 Dalton: 684-2000 Great Barrington: 528-4118 Hinsdale: 655-2310 Jewish Federation: 442-2200

The fifth grade at Monument Valley Middle School is holding a spaghetti and meatball family-style dinner on Wednesday, March 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Crissey Farm, behind Barrington Brewery, to raise money for their class trip. Meals for adults cost $6, and children are $4.

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Lanesboro: 442-4761 Lee: 243-5545 Lenox: 637-5535 North Adams: 662-3125 Pittsfield: 499-9346 Stockbridge: 298-3118 Williamstown: 458-8350

Extended Hours For Elder Care Information: Age Information Specialists will now be available to offer information and answer questions or concerns about elder care needs on evenings and Saturdays by phoning 800-AGE-INFO (243-4636). Hours are: Monday-Friday 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Provided by the Elder Services Information and Referral Department 800-544-5242. March 5, 2008

once part of the Ashintully estate. The reservation is open year-round daily, sunrise to sunset. The Trustees of Reservations is a Massachusetts-based conservation organization with a mission to protect exceptional scenic, natural and historic landscapes for public use and enjoyment. The Trustees manage over 100 sites state-wide, and 13 sites in the Berkshires, including McLennan Reservation, Tyringham Cobble, Ashintully Gardens in Tyringham, Monument Mountain in Great Barrington, and Naumkeag house and gardens in Stockbridge. Learn more at www.thetrustees.org or by contacting the regional office in Stockbridge at 413-298-3239 x 3000. Directions to Mclennan Reservation, Tyringham: From Mass Pike Exit 2 (Lee, Massachusetts), go south on Rt. 102 briefly, turning left immediately to follow signs to Tyringham. Two miles past the town center, turn left from Main Road on Fenn Road. Park on the edge of the road just after the bridge over Camp Brook.

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Berkshire PennySaver News

92nd Street Y Lecture At Berkshire South Berkshire South Regional Community Center will serve as the local host to three lectures to be transmitted to the Center from the “Live! From the 92nd Street Y” lecture series in New York City. Attendees simply come to the Center on Crissey Road in Great Barrington (off Route 7 behind Pete’s Motors) and participate via satellite while the program is transmitted live to the center. They will watch on the movie screen and have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the guest speakers. This is a tremendous opportunity to hear great speakers without all the travel. The first lecture in the series of three is on Tuesday, March 11 at 8:15 p.m. by Dennis Prager on “The Case for Judaism”. Nationally syndicated radio talk show host Dennis Prager-described in “Jewish Week” as “one of the three most interesting minds in American Jewish life”-offers compelling arguments in favor of Judaism, developed over many years

of speaking to people from virtually every religion and culture. Prager, a popular radio talk show host since 1982, is the author of “The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism”, “Why The Jews?”, “The Reason for Antisemitsm” and “Happiness is a Serious Problem”. He has been a columnist for “Moment” magazine for 20 years. Individual advance tickets are $7.00 for Community Center members and $10 for guests. Tickets purchased the day of the lecture are $10 for members and $12 for guests. For a package of all three lectures (advance sale only) members pay $18 and guests pay $27. The remaining two lectures are Thursday, April 3 at 8 p.m. with Ellen Goodman and Lynn Sherr, and the afternoon of Wednesday, April 9 at 1 p.m. with Garrison Keillor. To reserve your tickets call the center at 413-528-2810 ext. 10.

World Day Of Prayer Service The Northwest Corner Chapter of Church Women United will hold its annual World Day of Prayer worship service on Friday March 7th at

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2 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, Connecticut. There will be refreshments following the service. For more information call 860-824-7232.

Lee VNA Programs For March The following programs are being sponsored by The Lee Regional VNA during March Wednesday, March 5: Blood Pressure Clinics: Blood pressure and health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. and the Lee Board of Health, at the Lee Regional VNA offices, 32 Park St., Lee, 9 to 10 a.m. Blood pressure and health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. and the Egremont Board of Health, at the Egremont Town Hall, 11 a.m. to noon. Thursday, March 6: Blood pressure and health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. at Stop & Shop on Merrill Road in Pittsfield, 10 a.m. to noon.

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Monday, March 10: A caregiver support group, for those who provide care to a loved one, sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. at the Lee Regional VNA offices, 32 Park St., Lee, 9:30 a.m. Information: 413-243-1212. Tuesday, March 11: Blood Pressure Clinics: Blood pressure and health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. and the Lee Board of Health, at Brown Court, Lee, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Blood pressure and health counseling sponsored by the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. and the Stockbridge Board of Health, at

Send us your news at berkshire@hersamacornma.com

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March 5, 2008

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Tyrhingham’s Great Mansion Topic Of Lecture Berkshire historian Cornelia Brooke Gilder will discuss “The Four Pillars of Tyringham: Ashintully,” Tyringham’s great Gilded Age mansion. Gilder, co-author of “Houses of the Berkshires, 1870-1930,” will present a slide talk, with taped personal recollections by John S. McLennan, at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum on Saturday, March 8, at 3 p.m. A Victorian tea will follow. Begun in 1912 and completed three years later, Ashintully was one of the last and, with a three-story library/music room that was 78 feet by 28 feet, one of the largest of the great Berkshire cottages built during the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century. The room’s seven French windows commanded a view of the Tyringham valley. Today all that remains are four white Doric columns on the distant mountainside that have caused many to ponder their origins. Ashintully was the summer home of Robb de Peyster Tytus and Grace Seeley Henop Tytus, and designed by Francis Hoppin, who also designed The Mount for Edith Wharton. In “Houses of the Berkshires,” Gilder and Richard S. Jackson Jr. described the couple: “More than six feet tall, imposing and athletic, Grace Tytus (c.1875-1929) was an Edwardian beauty with intellectual aspirations...Her new hus-

band, Robb Tytus (1878-1913), a wealthy Yale-educated archeologist, had recently returned from excavation of the Egyptian palace of Amenhotep III in Luxor.” Composer John McLennan, Grace’s son by her second marriage, remembers as a boy the 110-foot-long vaulted gallery that ran the entire width of the house. According to him, the corridor was “ideally suited on rainy days for spoon and egg races, and other simple-minded pastimes.” In 1952, when McLennan and his family were living on another part of the property, the vacant mansion was the victim of a raging forest fire. The property is now owned by the Trustees of Reservations. Gilder has worked for the New York State Preservation Office in Albany and has since contributed to a number of exhibitions and publications, notably “A Walk in the Country: George Inness and the Berkshires” for the Clark Art Institute. She is a member of the Program Committee of Ventfort Hall, and is the co-author with the late Joan Olshansky of “A History of Ventfort Hall.” Admission for the lecture and tea is $15 per person, members $12. For more information or reservations, call 413-637-3206. Ventfort Hall is located at 104 Walker St.

Five Chefs Create Dinner For Berkshire Grown Five fabulously creative local chefs will create a maple inspired dinner on March 12 at Spice Restaurant in Pittsfield to celebrate the first harvest of the growing season-maple syrup. Brian Alberg, executive chef, at the Red Lion Inn, Christopher Brooks, executive chef at Blantyre, Peter Platt, the executive chef and owner of the Old Inn on the Green, and Steve Sherman, executive chef at The Marketplace of the Berkshires will join host chef, Douglas Luf, executive chef at Spice, 297 North St. in Pittsfield to create a delicious multi-course meal. A complimentary tasting of local beers from Barrington Brewery

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‘Friday Night Lights’ Beneﬁt Auction

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and Pittsfield Brew Works with music by Micah Stone will begin at 6 p.m. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar. The event takes place on Wednesday March 12. Berkshire Grown members will receive a discount, their tickets cost $55. Farmers receive a larger discount, their tickets cost $45. Non member tickets cost $65. For more information and to reserve a ticket call the Berkshire Grown office: 413-528-0041 www.berkshiregrown. org People who join Berkshire Grown before the dinner may buy discounted tickets. Berkshire Grown is a member supported non-profit organization created to support local food and farms. Berkshire Grown promotes locally grown food, flowers and plants through a variety of programs that build partnerships between farmers, chefs and consumers.

Sports memorabilia from the “Friday Night Lights” TV series will be auctioned on Friday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m. to benefit the nonprofit Hop Brook Club’s Scholarship Fund. Signed by cast and crew member, items such as footballs, T-shirts and press kits will be offered by Lujohns Auctioneers via on-site bidding, at 130 Cape St., Lee, via live webcast, on-line, or through E-Bay.com. On-site preview of the merchandise in the American Ephemera event runs from 1-5:30 p.m. by appointment on the day of auction or may be viewed on-line at www.lujohns.com. For more information call Lujohns Auctioneers at 413-443-3613 or Vivi Mannuzza at 413-243-5795.

Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 9. Don’t forget to “spring ahead.”

Berkshire PennySaver News

March 5, 2008

Beneﬁt Set For Berkshire Immigrant Center The 24-voice Cantilena Chamber Choir will perform Saturday, March 8, in a benefit performance for the Berkshire Immigrant Center. Sponsored by the Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development and Berkshire Community Action Council, the concert takes place at 8 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Park Square. The featured work will be Ronald Perera’s “The Golden Door” for chorus and chamber orchestra. The cantata is based on extracts from recorded interviews with immigrants who passed through Ellis Island between 1909 and 1929. It includes the famous poem “The New Colossus,” written by Emma Lazarus for the

dedication of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The evening will also include readings from “Don’t Wave Goodbye,” a collection of immigrant stories provided by Berkshire Theatre Festival’s Jonathan Epstein. There will also be musical selections in Spanish and Russian. State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, and the Immigrant Center Director Hillary Green will give presentations. The performance is a sequel to the center’s fifth annual Immigrants Day held the previous week at First Baptist Church. That event celebrates the cultural and social contributions by the immigrants of Berkshire County, and is presented in English and Spanish.

The center provides citizenship assistance, information, advocacy, referrals and counseling to the growing immigrant communities in Berkshire County. The program is funded in part by the Berkshire United Way, the city of Pittsfield, the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the Berkshire Bank Foundation, the New World Fund and the state Citizenship for New Americans’ Program. For more information about the center: 413-445-4881 or info@berkshireic.com. Now in its fourth season, choir is the Berkshire region’s leading a cappella choir and includes singers from the Berkshires and eastern New York area. It is under the direction of Andrea Goodman, who has held conducting positions at

New York University, Skidmore College and, most recently, the New England Conservatory of Music. For more information can visit www.cantilenachoir.org. Tickets are $25 for the concert and reception and are available at various locations, including the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renne Ave., Wood Brothers Music Store in the Allendale Shopping Center, and the Berkshire Community Action Council at 1531 East St. Reservations can be made by contacting Dave Christopolis at BCAC, 413-445-4503, Ext. 122, or at dchristopolis@bacacinc. org.The evening is sponsored through generous donations from Berkshire Bank, Legacy Banks, the Pittsfield Cultural Council, and the Golub Foundation.

March 2008 National Women’s History Month: ‘Women’s Art : Women’s Vision’ Each year, March is designated as National Women’s History Month to ensure that the history of American women will be recognized and celebrated in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout the country. The stories of women’s historic achievements present an expanded view of the complexity and contradiction of living a full

and purposeful life. The knowledge of women’s history provides a more expansive vision of what a woman can do. This perspective can encourage girls and women to think larger and bolder and can give boys and men a fuller understanding of the female experience. To honor the originality, beauty, imagination, and multiple

dimensions of women’s lives, “Women’s Art: Women’s Vision” has been chosen as the 2008 theme for National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme provides a special opportunity to discover and celebrate women’s visual arts in a variety of forms and mediums that help expand our perceptions of ourselves and each other. To ensure that

a diversity of art and artists are represented, the 2008 Honorees were selected based on their art, their vision, their art form, their cultural background, the region in which they live and the quality and passion of the nomination submitted. To see this year’s list of honorees, visit www.nwhp.org.

Easter Sunday is March 23 this year. This is considered to be an early Easter. The next time Easter will be this early will be the year 2228. The last time it was this early was 1913. The next time it will be earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285. The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

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Berkshire PennySaver News

Slavic Easter Egg Decorating Workshop At Ventfort Hall

A Slavic Easter Egg demonstration will take place at Ventfort Hall.

Just in time for Easter, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum will present a Slavic Easter egg decorating demonstration and instructional workshop on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. This Eastern European tradition of creating intricate and beautifully-decorated eggs has been passed down for generations. Lenox resident Tjasa Sprague, who will lead the workshop, learned the technique from her late mother, Czechoslovakian Maria Krofta. The technique begins with unwashed eggs, providing a residue free shell surface. A local poultry farm has been providing eggs to the Sprague family for many years, prior to their yearly decorating. The Slavic egg is a

wax resistant technique which employs aniline dye later in the process. The decorating begins with drawing on the egg with wax, followed by immersion in the dye, with repeated wax drawing and dying as desired. The eggs are uncooked and are “blown” out after the decorating has been completed. These beautiful eggs may be displayed, when stored carefully, for an indefinite number of years. The fee for the egg workshop is $15 per person and $12 for members. Children should at least 12 years of age. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum and the exhibit “Les Petites Dames de Mode” will also be open for guided tours (additional admission rates apply). For

more information or reservations for the workshop, contact Ventfort Hall at 413-637-3206 or www.GildedAge.org. Ventfort Hall is located at 104 Walker St. in Lenox. An Official Project of Save America’s Treasure’s, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum offers tours of the historic mansion, as well as lectures, concerts, teas, theater and other programs. This elegant “Berkshire Cottage,” listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open to the public yearround and is available for private rental. Built in 1893 for George and Sarah Morgan (sister of the financier J.P. Morgan), Ventfort Hall has undergone substantial restoration, which is ongoing.

Next In Berkshire Taconic Seminars For Nonproﬁt Excellence “Proposal Writing: How to Ask For What You Really Need” will be held on Wednesday, March 19 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club in Lenox. Kate Busch Gervais leads the seminar which covers grant writ-

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ing. The Good News – you got the grant! The Bad News – you got the grant! Have you ever written a grant proposal in a way that didn’t really serve your organization’s needs, short- or long-term? Do you want to be clear and compelling in your communication with potential funders? Great grant writing is a dynamic combination of great programs, effective program planning, strategic research, marketing and, of course, clear writing.

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This seminar will help you spend your fund development time more effectively, build your relationships with grantmakers, and keep a laser-sharp focus on your mission, goals and your clients and customers. At the end of the session, the participants will: — Understand the timetable for the construction of a strong grant proposal — Understand what grantmakers are really seeking between the lines of their grant applications — Know why most proposals are not funded and how to avoid these mistakes — Actually look forward to planning and constructing your next grant proposal! Kate Busch, principal of Strategic Management Consulting and senior program and development officer for the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut,

has worked with nonprofit organizations for more than 20 years. Kate has been director of new philanthropic services at the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and consultant to Berkshire Grown, the Northeast Dutchess Fund, and many other nonprofit groups. Kate’s areas of expertise include organizational development, marketing and strategic planning. Sponsored by Berkshire Taconic’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence, these seminars provide staff and board of local nonprofit groups with opportunities to expand their knowledge, sharpen their skills and network with their peers. They are led by nationally recognized consultants who are experts in their fields. Participants must pre-register for the seminars. Fees are $40 per person per session. To register by phone call 413-528-8039.

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March 5, 2008

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center Announces Three Big Concerts Concerts to be performed by Richard Thompson; America; and Madeleine Peyroux just added to the 2008 season schedule. Tickets available to the general public as of March 5. Online: www.mahaiwe.org. Box Office: 413-528-0100. Richard Thompson April 19 at 8 p.m. All Seats $30/$25 Mahaiwe Members The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents Richard Thompson – 1000 Years of Popular Music on Saturday April 19 at 8 p.m. Richard Thompson was named by “Rolling Stone Magazine” as one of the Top 20 Guitarists of all-time, the iconic British folk rock legend is one of the world’s most critically acclaimed and prolific songwriters. Richard Thompson’s work is admired and recorded by such artists as Bonnie Raitt, David Byrne and Elvis Costello and his and the recent recipient of both an Ivor Novello Award for Songwriting and the 2006 BBC Lifetime Achievement Award. Including scoring Werner Hertzog’s 2005 documentary “Grizzly Man”, Richard Thompson’s astounding body of work includes over 40 albums of lyrical wit anchored by such a singular acoustic and electric guitar delivery. “In the guitar god firmament, Thompson easily takes a place beside Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. He has certainly been the most consistently imaginative English plank spanker of modern times.” - “Daily Mirror” America Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m. $125 special pre-show “Meet and Greet”/$80 limited preferred seating.

$60/$55 Mahaiwe members. The world discovered America in 1972, when a nameless horse began its gallop across the airwaves. America’s albums are certified gold and/or platinum, with their first greatest hits collection, “History,” reaching the four-million sales mark. America, featuring Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell will perform all their hits-”A Horse With No Name”, “Ventura Highway”, “You Can Do Magic”, “Tin Man”, “Sister Golden Hair”, “Sandman”...“Still cool after all these years.” “Spin Magazine” Madeleine Peyroux Sunday, June 22 at 7 p.m. $65 limited preferred seating /$50/$45 Mahaiwe members. Madeleine burst onto the recording scene in 1996, with her stunning debut album“Dreamland” and was greeted with gushing reviews raving about her smoke-and-whiskey vocals, often comparing her to the late, great Billie Holiday. Madeleine, then an American who had been living in Paris as a street musician, suddenly found herself on the fast track to fame. Appearances at Lilith Fair and jazz festivals, and opening tours for Sarah McLachlan followed. “Best International Jazz Artist 2007.” BBC. Sign up today as a Friend of the Mahaiwe and enjoy exclusive early ordering privileges and ticket discounts for all newly announced events, plus many other benefits. The Mahaiwe is located at 14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Massachusetts. MPAC Box Office: 413-528-0100. On-line: www.mahaiwe.org.

2008 Berkshire Crafts Fair Calendar The deadline for applications for the 2008 Berkshire Crafts Fair is approaching. Wednesday, April 9 is the deadline for receipt of applications. Application fees are $30 until March 1, and $35 if submitted after that date. In 2008 the 35th Annual Juried Exhibition and Sale, featuring a wide range of contemporary and traditional work, will be held on Aug. 8-10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Over the years the Berkshire Crafts Fair has developed a reputation as a high quality, well run show, and has been awarded “The Sunshine Artists 200 Award” and has been listed in the “Harris List of the Nations Best Arts and Crafts Shows.”

The Berkshire Crafts Fair offers the convenience and comfort of an all-indoor show. The main exhibit areas are fully air-conditioned providing participants and attendees with a unique opportunity to view an exceptional display of creativity and craftsmanship. For more information visit: www.berkshirecraftsfair.org/index.php.

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Elder Services Of Berkshire County Caregiver Education-Training Sessions Every other Monday through May 12, Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. will be offering a series of six caregiver education-training sessions that address the complex issues faced by those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Sessions are stand-alone and participants can register for one or more. If you, or someone you know is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder, call Elder Services at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-5445242 to register and to obtain more information. (Sessions are on Monday March 3, 17, 31, April 14, 28 & May 12.) March 5, 2008

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March 5, 2008

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Hosting Two Workshops The Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox will be sponsoring two events this week. The first is a bird banding demonstration on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m.-noon. Here’s a chance to observe handheld birds. Learn the proper use of mist nets as demonstrated, and band the birds that are captured. You will learn what valuable information can be obtained by this fieldwork. Participants will help gather data and release the birds unharmed. Christyna Laubach, Sanctuary volunteer, Science Teacher, Lenox Memorial Middle and High School will instruct all participants in this wonderful demonstration. Open to all, free to members and $4 for non-member adults and $3 non-member children. Call ahead if weather is inclement. Not recommended for children under 3. Registration is required. The second event will take place on Saturday, March 15, from 1-3

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p.m. “Bark and Buds: Winter Tree Identification”. Join Joe Strauch, Sanctuary volunteer and author of “Wildflowers of the Berkshire and Taconic Hills” and former Executive Director of Berkshire Botanical Garden as teaches participants to recognize trees in the winter. He will begin indoors by explaining how to use a simple key for winter tree identification and the basic parts of twigs. Then the group will take a short walk outdoors to learn about the northern hardwood forest and put their knowledge to use. Open to all, free to members and $7 for nonmember adults and $7 non-member children. Fee includes Tree Finder booklet. Wear winter boots. Preregistration required. The sanctuary is located at 472 West Mountain Rd., Lenox. Phone: 413637-0320 or email: berkshires@massaudubon.org.

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�� 247 CRYSTAL STREET • LENOX, MA 01240 (413) 637-3189 • (800) 660-3189

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Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship Deadline Approaching All applications for the 2008 Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarships must be received by the Committee, or postmarked, by April 30, 2008 at 5 p.m. The Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship was established in 2003 with major support from The Berkshire Eagle, the North Adams Transcript and friends of Daniel Pearl, to benefit Berkshirearea students who intend to major in journalism or music. The scholarship fund is invested by the Daniel Pearl Foundation of Encino, California and the award program is administered by the Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship Committee. Daniel Pearl was a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who was kidnapped and killed, at the age of 38, by terrorists in Pakistan early in 2002. He began his career with stints as a reporter at both the Transcript and The Eagle between 1986 and 1990, after graduating from Stanford University. He joined The Wall Street Journal in 1990, and worked in its Atlanta, Washington, London and Paris bureaus. In 2000 he was appointed chief of The Journal’s South

Asia Bureau in Bombay, India. At the time of his death, Pearl had been seeking an interview with a shadowy Islamic leader to obtain information about terrorist organizations in Pakistan. Those who promised to arrange the interview instead kidnapped and killed him. While Pearl’s career was in journalism, he was a gifted musician, trained as a classical violinist. He also played guitar and mandolin, and while living in the Berkshires he performed in a bluegrass band. For the 2008 award, eligibility is limited to students who; • are entering their first year of higher education after high school in the fall of 2008, and who • will graduate from high school in 2008, or graduated in 2006 or 2007 and deferred college enrollment for one or two years. Graduates of any public or private high school may qualify. In addition, the applicant must have maintained residence since July 1 preceding the beginning of his or her senior year in high school within the home-deliv-

ered circulation area of The Berkshire Eagle or the North Adams Transcript. The overall area for eligible residency is limited to: • All towns in Berkshire County, Massachusetts; plus • the towns of Canaan, CT; Pownal, Readsboro and Stamford, VT; • Chatham, Cherry Plain, Lebanon Springs, New Lebanon and Stephentown, NY; and • Middlefield, Chester, Cummington and Worthington, MA. Residents of this geographic area who attended a school elsewhere may qualify. The award is competitive, and will be given at the discretion of the committee to a single student who exhibits a strong interest in the pursuit of education and a career either in music or journalism, and has a meritorious record of academic and community achievement while in high school. Applications will be reviewed by the committee with those criteria in mind. The fund makes an annual

award of $1,000. The award may be offered either as a scholarship grant award, or as a scholarship loan award, depending upon which is more beneficial to the student. The Daniel Pearl Foundation is required to file a 1099 form with the IRS on checks written to individuals. Note: Scholarship award may be subject to revocation if the recipient substantially alters his or her intent to study and pursue a career in journalism or music prior to first-year enrollment. For an Application visit: http:// extras.berkshireeagle.com/ NeTrp/DanielPearl/ Applications will be reviewed by the Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship Advisory Committee, which includes the publishers of “The Berkshire Eagle” and the “North Adams Transcript”, and several other members with backgrounds in journalism or music. The recommendations of the Advisory Committee are subject to review by the Daniel Pearl Foundation’s board of directors.

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USPS: Warns Of Fake Check Schemes ��

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The U.S. Postal Service is asking consumers to be informed and use common sense in an attempt to fight fraud during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) March 2 to 8.

Sarah A. “Sally” Florio, manager of consumer affairs for the Massachusetts Postal District, said the Postal Service theme this year is: “Don’t Fall for a Fake Check Scam.” She explained: “Scammers

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often look for their potential victims on web sites, in chat rooms, or they share their ‘sucker lists’ with other crooks. The scams may be disguised as a work-at-home business opportunity, a prize from a foreign lottery, or a transfer of foreign money into a U.S. bank...All of them involve receipt of a check which looks genuine and will be accepted for cashing by most banks. The scammers convince the victim that, for one reason or another, all or part of the check needs to be immediately wired out of the United States. If the victim takes the bait and wires money away, he or she will be on the hook to repay that money to the bank when the check is later found to be counterfeit,” she said. March 5, 2008

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March 5, 2008

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berkshire County : ‘Bowl for Kids Sake’ 2008

BBBS of Berkshire County will be holding their annual “Bowl for Kids Sake” Bowl-A-Thon events: Pittsfield on Saturday March 8 from 4-9 p.m. at Ken’s Bowl; Great Barrington on Saturday March 15 from 4-9 p.m. at the Cove Lanes; North Adams on Saturday March 29 from 5-9 p.m. at Mt. Greylock Bowl BBBS of Berkshire County is dedicated to providing children with positive, caring, responsible, adult role models through traditional matches, as well as matching elementary aged children with positive, caring high school aged mentors in a supervised school-based setting. Children mentored by a Big Brother or Big Sister are assisted in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become confident and caring individuals. Please consider sponsoring Bowl for Kids‚ Sake 2008 by making a

monetary donation or participating by collecting pledges and coming to an event and bowling! We are also seeking contributions of items to be raffled or given as door prizes to our dedicated bowlers. Sponsoring, contributing or participating to this event is a great way to help bring some magic into the life of a child. This generous support of sponsors enables our agency to continue to serve the needs of Berkshire children and their families. This is a great way to encourage employee participation and create inter-office or business-to-business challenges. If you would like to have your employees represent your company by participating in this year’s Bowl for Kids‚ Sake or you would like more information, please give us a call at 413-443-9471 or 413-663-7588 in North County or e-mail us for the team registration and pledge forms at: bbbs@rnetworx.com.

Summer Camp Expo At Berkshire Mall

The Berkshire Summer Camp Expo 2008 will take place at the Berkshire Mall on the weekend of March 15 and 16, from 11:00 a.m.6:00 p.m., daily. Camps from all over the region – Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New York and New Hampshire, including day and overnight camps, will be at the mall to showcase their summer camp offerings. Get a jump start on activities for your child this

summer, stop in and check out all the camps - and pick up a registration application. This is the only Summer Camp Expo in Berkshire County! All types of camps are included: academic, adventure, scouting, traditional, specialty, performance-based, and more!

BINGO At St. Mary’s School

Every Friday, at St. Mary’s School, 115 Orchard St., Lee - Doors open at 4:30. With Food, Speedball, Horserace and Bingo Nut 2 Tickets -

Beginner Ballroom And Latin Dance Lessons Quintessential Dance is offering weekly dance lessons at Flavours Restaurant at Econo Lodge in Lenox. Learn beginner Ballroom and Latin dance the fun, fast, easy and proven way with Quintessential Dance. “We’ll get you dancing in the very first lesson.We can help men with two left learn to dance the “Merengue” in 20 minutes!” Lessons are every Tuesday at 7 p.m. After the lesson participants are encouraged to relax, dance and have fun practicing until whatever time they like! The fee is $10 per lesson, food and beverages are available from Flavours full menu and bar service. Quintessential Dance can be reached by phone at 413-822-1600, or by visiting their web site at: www.QuintessentialDance.com. Flavours Restaurant at Econo Lodge is located at 130 Pittsfield Rd. in Lenox. In addition to weekly dance lessons the restaurant hosts a karaoke night and live entertainment on the weekends. It has become a local “hot spot” for birthdays and special events, and plays host to several area musical festivals. The restaurant offers an enormous selection of traditional American cuisine as well as a large assortment of Malaysian fare. Monday-Friday diners can enjoy “Flavours of the Week” special two entrees for $23.95, and include a choice of Jasmine Rice, Brown Rice, Roasted Potatoes or French Fries and House Vegetable, as well as a salad, bread and beverage. The owners pride themselves on the freshness of all the food they serve. March 5, 2008

Bingo Game starts at 6:30. Weekly progressive game prize of $1,199.00 plus a weekly door prize. ��

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March 5, 2008