Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Dec 2015-Jan 2016

7/25/2019 Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Dec 2015-Jan 2016

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Dec - Jan 2016vol 23(34) Complimentary

Local Events | Art & Culture | Vibrant Living | Home & Garde

OurBerkshireTimes

Special Holiday Issue /Visit us at www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

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BEKSHIE

MOUNTAINDESIGNBUILD, LLC

DESIGNED &HANDCRFTED IN THEBEKSHIEMOUNTAINS

PHONE: (413) 441-6990 [email protected]

COMPLETE DESIGN SEVICES COMPLETE BUILDING SEVICES


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Contents

December - January 2016

6shop local for the holidays

GIFT GUIDE

30mind & spirit

OurBerkshireTimes

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

24 education & workshops

CONNECTION BEFORE CORRECTIO

19 business servicesSAVING THE WORLD

This publication is printed with

soy ink on Forest Stewardship

Councilcertified paper.

22

animal talk

UNRAVELING THE HISTORY

10 food & drinkRAISING THE BAR

RECIPES

4 art, culture & entertainmentEVENT SAMPLER

26 beyond the berkshires

INTERVIEW WITH KEN ROHLA

28

health & wellnessSTAND ON YOUR OWN TWO FEET

Like Us On

14

home, garden & landscape

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 thepublisher'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.

Our BerkshireTimes magazine was first published in 2009 and

enjoyed by community members and visitors alike. We distribut

bimonthly (six times per year) starting each February. Most of oueditorial content is contributed by our readers. We welcome yo

ideas, articles, and feedback, and encourage you to subm

original material for consideration through our website. To find ou

more about advertising and submitting editorial, see our website a

left, and join our mailing list to receive our free eNewsletter.

WHERE TRADITIONS RUN DEEP

20 fashion & beautyTHE HOLIDAY HUNT

INTENTIONAL GIVING

31featured advertisers

LED

NEW ENGLAND,

THANK YOU!

OurBerkshireTimes

Torch Vessel

by Jennifer C. McCurdy, Artist

www.jennifermccurdy.com

Jennifer McCurdy

was born in Newport,

Rhode Island, on

October 13, 1955.

She earned her

Bachelor of Fine Arts

degree at Michigan

State University.

Jennifer throws the

porcelain on the

potters wheel, and

alters the form while it is still wet to achieve a

sense of volume and movement. When thepiece is leather hard, she carves designs in

the clay to add energy and counterpoint.

It is then fired to 2350 degrees, where the

porcelain becomes nonporous, translucent,

and very hard. Porcelain bisque has long

been admired for its purity, brightness, and

bonelike smoothness. The cover photo of

Jennifer's work was taken by photographer

Gary Mirando. To see more of Jennifer's work

and a schedule of her upcoming events, go

to www.jennifermccurdy.com.

PUBLISHERS

Kathy I. Regan

[email protected]

Kevin J. Regan

[email protected]_______________

EDITORIALKathy I. Regan

[email protected]

Rodelinde Albrecht

[email protected]

Copyeditor/Proofreader

Rodelinde Albrecht_______________

DESIGN

Magazine Design/Layout

Kathy I. Regan_______________

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT

Our BerkshireGreen, Inc.

P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236

Phone: (413) 274-1122

[email protected]

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com_______________

COVER ILLUSTRATION

PhotobyMattMcCurdy.

Torch Vesselby Jennifer C. McCurdy

www.jennifermccurdy.com

Photograph by Gary MirandoJennifer's work can be found at the Wit Gallery in Lenox, M


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Intro to Beekeeping

Date: December 9, 15, 16. See detailedinformation below about dates and location.

Price:Free.

Berkshire County Beekeepers presents

Intro to Beekeeping. Presenter Russ Wilson

will share information with you about

how to choose the proper beekeeping

equipment to t your needs. To register

or for more information contact

[email protected].

Meeting:Wednesday, December 9, 2015,

6pm, Evening Star Lodge, 195 Laurel Street,

Lee, MA. Next to the State Police Barracks.

Meeting:Tuesday, December 15, 2015,

5pm, Mason Public Library, 231 Main Street,

Great Barrington, MA.

Meeting:Wednesday, December 16, 2015,

6pm, Berkshire Bank, 99 North Street,

Pittseld, MA.

Mountain Road School's

17th Annual Holiday Fair

Date:Saturday, December 12, 2015, 11am-4pm

Place:Mountain Road School, 4565 County

Route 9, New Lebanon/East Nassau, NY

Price: Free and open to the public.The event features local vendors and artisans,

arts and crafts for all ages, and food and

drink. From the Pocket Lady to crafts and

activities that delight all ages, to beautiful

hand-made gifts and foods from local artisans

and vendors, the Holiday Fair is the perfect

way to celebrate the holidays and buy gifts.

www.mountainroadschool.org

The Berkshire Children's Chorus

Date:Saturday, December 13, 2015, 4pmPlace:Old Parish Church, Shefeld, MA

Price:Free. Donations gladly accepted.

Join The Berkshire Childrens Chorus for

their festive holiday concert. Beautiful young

people, singing beautiful music. Dont miss

it! The Berkshire Childrens Chorus is a

not-for-prot community chorus comprised

of children in grades 2-12 from western

Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut.

www.berkshirechildrenschorus.org

Behold a Star Christmas Concert

Date:Saturday, December 19, 2015, 7:30pm

Place:St. Stephens Episcopal Church,

67 East St, Pittseld, MA

Date:Sunday, December 20, 3pm

Place:St. Peters Roman Catholic Church,

16 Russell Street, Great Barrington, MA

Price:$20, children free

Berkshire Lyric presents Behold a Star, a

Concert of Christmas Music. The 85-voice

Berkshire Lyric Chorus will be joined by the

35-voice Blaeld Childrens Chorus in two

identical choral programs of some of the

most beloved music of the season.www.berkshirelyricinfo.org

The 2015 Elf Express

Date:Saturday, December 19-20, 2015,

10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm

Place:r. k. Miles Depot Station, 670 Depot

Street, Manchester Center, VT

Price:Adults (13+) $25, kids (2-12)

$20, under 2 (lap rider) free.

This whimsical holiday train will leave r.k.Miles Depot Station taking its riders on an

enchanting one-hour journey through the

Green Mountains of Southern Vermont.

Passengers will be entertained with holiday

melodies and dance routines by the elves of th

theater and dance program of Burr and Burton

Academy, under the direction of Broadway and

Hollywood song and dance man Jim Raposa.

Refreshments will be served on decorated train

Adding to the memories of this holiday ride,

the elves will be reading a special story about

Christopher Pop-In-Kins, who will also be

hidden on every train in the greenery peekinto see whos been naughty and nice! Mr. and

Mrs. Santa Claus will make a surprise visit to

provide every child with a special gift.

www.manchesterlionselftrain.com

Couples Bodywork:

Thai for Two for the New Year!

Date:Friday, January 1-3, 2016

Place:Eastover Estate & Retreat, 430 East

Steet, Lenox, MA - (866) 264-5139

Price:See website for rates.

Enjoy a deeper sense of intimacy andappreciation for each other. Couples

Bodywork is a healing blend of yoga stretche

Thai massage, and shiatsu bodywork

methods, with a slow, meditative, easy-to-lear

approach. Its a reminder to make time for

touch in your relationship, and a gift the two

of you can share throughout your lives.

www.eastover.com/ken-nelson-january.html

Close your eyes. open your heart. concernedsingles.com

It was hercompassionthat was

sopretty.

104 Walker Street, Lenox, MA 413-637-3206 GildedAge.org

Berkshire Concert Choir & Tea, Sun., Dec. 13,2:00 pm presents Voices of Christmas, led byconductor Paula Nuss and accompanist Aurora Cooper.

Songs of the Flow of Life and Love: SchubertsRomantic Water Music & Tea, Sun., Dec. 27,3:30 pm, performed by tenor Doug Schmolze andpianist Larry Wallach.

RapunzelMarionette Shows, Mon., Dec. 28 &Wed., Dec. 30, 3:30 pm.Puppeteer Carl Spraguereturns to charm all ages.

Hail and Farewell to Downton Abbey Tea, Sun.,Jan. 3, 4:00 pm. Please join us for trivia and High Tea.

Event seating is limited. Please call for reservations.

for theseupcoming events:

Please joinus at Ventfort Hall

art, culture & entertainment

4 December | January 2016 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

winter event samplerWE WISH YOU A HAPPY & HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON AND NEW YEAR!


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5www.OurBerkshireTimes.com December | January 2016

T H S Interlaken Road, Lakeville, .. | hotchkiss.org/arts

F S J ~

art, culture & entertainme

THEBERKSHIRECHILDRENSCHORUS

Celebrating 25years of songHOLIDAYCONCERTSUNDAY, DECEMBER13, 2015

4:00PM

Old Parish Church

Sheffield, MA

Massachusetts Cultural Council

ADMISSIONISFREE

DONATIONSGLADLYACCEPTED

WWW.BERKSHIRECHILDRENSCHORUS .ORG

Fantastic Light-FilledStudio Space Awaits


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shop local for the holidays

holiday

giftguide

BUY LOCAL

January - December 2016 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com6

Give, receive,

indulge, inspire with gifts from these fine local retailers.

Enjoy!

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shop local for the holiday

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ETHERIC WEAVERS/ ASCENDING SHERONAEnjoy calmer emotions, more vitality, positivity, and an overallsense of well-being with daily use of these powerful healing tools.Etheric Weavers are used for meditation; personal, animal, andplanetary healing; color therapy, and more. Made with beautifuldouble-terminated crystals with two strong magnets wrappedin copper, and silver- or gold-lled wire, weavers come in the

full spectrum of colors and three sizes. Watch as the weaversmagically spin, transmuting negative energy and imbalances.

Available at Asending Sherona in Cheshire, MA. See website forvideo on how to use them at www.ascendingsherona.com. $88-$140

HURRICANE LANTERNS/ CAMPO DE' FIORIThe handblown glass coupled with the aged terra cotta baseof these hurricane lanterns charms wherever they are placed.

They come in four sizes and are beautiful in arrangements. Youcan use true candles or articial votives. This holiday season,stop by Campo de Fiori for inspiration and to view their uniqueselection of mossed terra cotta planters, cast stone critters, forgediron garden accessories, candles and gilded potpourri, furniture,

distinctive lighting, and books. Mention this ad now throughDec. 31, 2015, and get a 15 percent discount. 1815 N. Main Street,Shefeld, MA. (413) 528-9180, www.campodeori.com. $61-$222

BERKSHIRE BASKET / GUIDO'S FRESH MARKETPLACELove local? Bella Floras Berkshire Basket is a standoutchoice lled with lots of fabulous local goodies. Give BellaFloras gift basket pros a call . . . theyll make sure your giftsare unforgettably delicious. Located within Guidos FreshMarketplace in Pittseld and Great Barrington, MA. Owners

Annie and Chris Whalen enhance all their oral work withcreativity and freshness. Browse their gift shops, loaded withhome accents and personal accessories. Local delivery available.

Order today! (413) 442-9912 x 148. See the entire holiday basketcollection online at www.bellaoraberkshires.com. $35-$200.

IN THE BLINK OF A SMOKY EYE KIT / FACE HAVENA wonderful gift for your favorite makeup mavens. Thislimited edition kit byjane iredaleholds eight shades to createyour favorite smoky eye, from elementary to sophisticated.Five step-by-step looks are included on a foldout how-to guide.

The highly pigmented shadows are simple to blend, sensitivitytested, and stay put for gorgeous, crease-free, long-lasting eyecolor. Packaged in an artful travel box, this kit is perfect forbusy women wanting to look their best during the hectic holidayseason. Available at Face Haven at 323 Main Street,Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-4053. $50.

SARI RUGS / PASSIFLORAMake a colorful statement in your home with these gorgeous,luxuriously thick, and durable rugs from India. Breathing newlife into vibrant saris, curls of the recycled garments swirl andcurve to create colorful motifs. Sizes are 2'x3', 3'x5', and 4'x6'.Passiora offers a treasure trove of exceptional pieces from homeand abroad selected for their individuality and affordability. Aneclectic mix of all things contemporary, quirky, and chic, they arebrimming with great stuff stuff to give, stuff to keep, stuff forHome and Garden, Mind and Body, Spirit and Soul stuffyoull fall in love with! 2638 State Route 23, Hillsdale, NY.(518) 325-6559, www.passiorahome.com. $68-$250


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holiday

giftguide

BUY LOCAL

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DIAMOND RINGS/ LENNOX JEWELERSIf you are looking forward to surprising that special someoneduring the joyous holiday season, Lennox Jewelers is the placeto go. You will nd a wide selection of stunning, unique, anddistinctive rings to choose from in a price range that will suit everybudget. Lennox Jewelers is proud to be a full-service jeweler theyare experts at jewelry repair, restoration, and design Whether youare looking for an engagement ring, an important anniversary orholiday gift, or merely a new strap for your watch, you will receivepersonalized customer service and attention to detail.165 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 717-4239.

CHOCOLATE GIFT BOXES/ CHOCOLATE SPRINGSTreat your friends, loved ones, coworkers (and yourself!) todecadent holiday chocolates and chocolate gift box assortmentthis season. Chocolate Springs is a European-style chocolate andessert caf with decades of experience in crafting the nesthandmade bonbons. Milk and dark chocolate, trufes, amazingganache, and award-winning hot chocolate are made fresh everday using only the nest seasonal and organic ingredients

whenever possible. Buy online or visit Chocolate Springs Caf

in person at 55 Pittseld Road, Lenox, MA. (413) 637-9820,www.chocolatesprings.com. $5-$50

SMARTCAT PEEK & PLAY / BENSDOTTER'S PETThe SmartCat Peek & Play Toy Box requires cats to paw andpull their toys out to play, satisfying their desire to hunt andstalk, providing much-needed mental stimulation. The toy boxcomes with two toys, but can be used with any appropriatelysized toy or treat. Durable wood construction. BensDottersPet carries a full range of foods (including granular and rawfood diets for both cats and dogs), equipment, and supplies fordogs, cats, and parrots. 940 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA(413) 528-4940, www.bensdotters.com. Specially priced for this

holiday gift guide at just $20.

GIFT BOXES & BASKETS / NEJAIME'S WINE CELLARSTis the season to give . . . and thats why weve created theseirresistible gift boxes and baskets, perfect for showing someonespecial just how much you appreciate them. Pick one from ourlist of choices, or customize your own! Delivery available (somrestrictions apply). Nejaimes Wine Cellars is a full-service wineliquor, beer, specialty foods, and handcrafted cheese shop. Callor stop by either of our stores, or order online. Also be sure tolook for our schedule of wine tastings online. 60 Main Street,Lenox MA, (413) 637-2221, and 3 Elm Street, Stockbridge, MA(413) 298-3454, www.nejaimeswine.com. $24.99-$194.99

GIFT BASKETS / BERKSHIRE ORGANICSSend your friends, coworkers, and loved ones a BerkshireOrganics Best of the Berkshires gift basket this holidayseason! Berkshire Organics Market & Delivery Service offersseveral sizes and varieties of gift baskets for the holidays lled

with local, organic, and non-gmo items from the Berkshiresand surrounding area. Orders can be made online and pickedup at our market, orfree del iver yis available in BerkshireCounty. Gift baskets can also be shipped across the USA.813 Dalton Division Road, Dalton, MA. (413) 442-0888,

www.berkshireorganics.com. Baskets start at $29.

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www.OurBerkshireTimes.com December | January 2016 9

the gift of healthGIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

SANDRAKNOX, P.TPhysical TherapyPlus

A han ds-on appro ach to heali ng

174 Elm Street, Pittseld, MA. Follow us on Facebook.

ofce: (413) 358-4740, cell: (413) 329-1120, [email protected]

www.SandraKnoxPhysicalTherapy.com

Spinal pain/dysfunction

Shoulder/elbow pain/dysfunction

Hip/knee/ankle pain/dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction

Pre/post operative patients

Sports/repetitive stress injuries

Postural deficits/distortions

Headaches

Itake pleasure at Sandra Knox Physical Therapy providingservices to promote tness, wellness, and injury prevention forall my clients. Our one-hour sessions will create a balance between

mind, body, spirit, and a healthy lifestyle. My primary goal is to offerindividualized care and return my patients to an optimum state ofwell-being and an active lifestyle. You are welcome to get in touchwith me to explore your possibilities and reach your goals. Giftcerticates available give the gift of health this holiday season.

Carhartt Gear

For Everyone

On Your List

carhartt headquartersSOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST!

Stadium System is your Carhartt Headquarters for mens and

womens jackets, vests, baselayer, hats, socks, sweatshirts, pants,and dog beds too! Muck, Merrell, Kamik, and Red Wing boots andshoes. Purchase $150 worth of Carhartt this season and receive a freegift while supplies last. Join us for a free gift, beverages, food, and chairmassages during Mens Night, Dec. 23, 6 to 8pm. Call to ask aboutextended holiday hours. 297 Ashley Falls Road (across from StatelinePizza), Canaan, CT. (860) 824-4300, www.stadiumsystemstore.com

(518) 965-3315 www.enlightensauna.net

46 Main StreetSouth Egremont, MABehind Zorn Chiropractic

Infrared Sauna

Health Benefts

Lyme Symptom Relief

Detoxifcation

Pain Relief

Weight Loss

Relaxation

Improved Circulation

Skin Purifcation

Convenient | Private | Single Sessions | Packages

Treat Yourself!

Call or go to our

website to make

an appointment.

therapysauna

it's like a vacationTREAT YOURSELF AND A LOVED ONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Sweating is one of the bodys safest and most natural waysto heal and maintain good health. Traditional saunas wereinvented in Finland more than 2000 years ago. The earliest saunaswere dug into an embankment in the ground and later they werebuilt above ground with wooden logs. Saunas were rst broughtto America by Finns who settled in what is now the state ofDelaware in 1638. Modern saunas have evolved quite a bit sincethat time, especially with the addition of infrared light.

Enlighten Sauna Therapyutilizes infrared technology, whichhas been shown to raise core temperature, lower blood pressure,

and aid in weight loss. Traditional saunas heat the air to extremelyhigh temperatures, which can make it unbearably hot and difcultto breathe. Because infrared technology heats the body directlyinstead of simply heating the air, infrared saunas are seven timesmore effective for detoxication. At Enlighten you will experiencethe deepest, most detoxifying sweat of your life.

Sauna therapy is known to deliver many health benets for manyconditions including Lyme disease, weight loss, relaxation, painrelief, improved circulation, skin purication, detoxication,wound healing, and more.

shop local for the holiday


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food & drink

Way back when, if a

friend offered me agluten-free treat, Id declinepolitely, suppress a shudder(thinking Bleah! Sawdust!),and thank my lucky stars thatIm not allergic to anything.

Matt Albert had the samereaction when he startedlooking around ve years agofor gluten-free goodies to buy.There might have been someout there, but he couldnt nd

any that really tickled his palate.Like the man who decided towrite his own detective storybecause he couldnt nd a

really good one to read, Matt decided to bake his own treats for afriend who could not tolerate gluten.

But lets go back to the beginning, around 1989, whenMatt was in massage school. (When I asked Matt whether hewas already learning massage therapy at age ve, he just smiledsweetly.) Thats when he discovered he was allergic to wheat.And so began his exploration of other grains such as barleyand corn that are tasty as well as nutritious.

All that research stood him in good stead when he created

his rst Matts Cookie Bar, Chocolate Chunk. His rst outlet wasBerkshire Organics. Since then he has introduced three moreavors: Triple Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Oatmeal Chip.(I didnt sample Matts treats until after the interview. What amarvelous surprise! They were tender, moist, and full of avor.A tasty treat even if theres nothing you cant eat.) Hes thinking

about adding other cookie avors and maybe even some gluten

free breakfast breads such as pumpkin.Matts Cookie Bars are made with organic ingredients. Ma

believes this is healthier both for people and for the planet, anis more sustainable. Coconut sugar is also used, as a way oreducing the glycemic index while providing important nutriensuch as iron, zinc, and calcium.

Nowadays, Matt sells his products around the Berkshireand in the Pioneer Valley. You can nd retail locations and ordeonline on his website, www.mattscookiebars.com, and samplindates, times, and locations on his Facebook page.

Matt is a charming man. Hes also protean, switching witease from buying ingredients and supplies to baking, packaging

labeling, marketing, and making deliveries (weather permittingon his motorbike). And hes resourceful: When he could nond a knife that would easily cut each large sheet of cookieinto bars, he designed and fabricated his own two-handleknives. He bakes the organic cookies in Rod and Tina ClarkBerkshire Harvest Rental Kitchen. And hes peripatetic: He livein Pittseld with his cats, Moo & Pearl (hes also the landlorof the duplex where he lives), is a massage therapist at CanyoRanch and a hiking guide at Kripalu in Lenox, and produces hcookies in Lee.

In his spare time (don't ask me where he nds it!) he cyclein warm weather and hikes in the cold, especially around MounGreylock. Matt sees absolutely no conict between a health

lifestyle featuring exercise and weight maintenance on the onhand and, on the other, eating sweet treats when they are madwith wholesome ingredients.

When I asked Matt where he saw himself ve years fromnow, he had a cogent one-word answer: Bigger! ~ Rodelind

Albrecht, Concerned Singles, www.concernedsingles.com

raising the barGLUTEN FREE CAN BE GRAND

By Rodelinde Albrecht

A Few Words from Matt . . .

I am truly passionate about my cookie bars and dedicated to producing

the most delicious-tasting, gluten-free cookies available anywhere.I promise to provide you with a high-quality, benecial treat usingingredients that are organic and as close to whole food as possible.Using the lowest glycemic sugars gives my cookie bars a more foodlikequality with no sugar highs, lows, or headaches. They are just sweetenough for everyone's different tastes. Organic means no hormones,antibiotics, GMOs, insecticides, pesticides, or herbicides. This makes fora healthier YOU, and a healthier Earth. Youll never nd hydrogenatedoils, rened sugars, or articial avors in my gluten-free cookie bars.But the best part is the TASTE! I have had people of all ages, gluten-free or not, say they love my cookie bars because of how moist andavorful they are. ~ Matt Albert, www.mattscookiebars.com


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food & drin

(413) 637-0080 www.olivaevoo.com

Gourmet Olive Oils & VinegarsFor your holiday gift giving needs, choose from several sampler packs including ourNew England, Best Sellers, Foodie, or Sensational Salads. Or create your own, for a

personal touch. Oliva! is a family-owned business and we sell only the nest, freshest,extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world. We personallysample and select each product in our store and we hope that this personal touch is

reected in the quality of our products. Order online or visit our Berkshire store.

Visit our stores at 27A Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA,and in Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY.

NORTH EGREMONT

COUNTRY STORENEWLY EXPANDED DELI - FOOD MENU

Wholesome Homestyle Delicious

SoCo Ice Cream Local Free-Range Eggs

Milk Liquor Beer Wine Pastries

Lotto Post Office Fishing Bait

Mon-Thu: 6a-5p Fri-Sat: 6a-6p Sun: 6a-3Photo by John Phelan

Route 71, North Egremont, MA (Near Prospect Lake)

Call (413) 528-4796

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

casual french dining

entres

available

M---yum!

Food reveals our connection with the earth. Each bitecontains the life of the sun and the earth. We can see andtaste the whole universe in a piece of bread! Contemplating ourfood for a few seconds before eating, and eating in mindfulness,

can bring us much happiness. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake,zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. ~Jim Davis


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Crust Ingredients

1 cup almonds

tsp salt tsp almond extract

3 Medjool dates, pitted

Pudding Ingredients

cup arrowroot or cornstarch

7 oz water

1 14oz can coconut milk

tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Maple syrup

Crust InstructionsGrind almonds, salt, and almond extract coarsely in a foodprocessor or blender. Add dates one by one until incorporated.The texture of the crust can be as rough or ne as desired. Pressalmond-date mixture into pie plate or other form pan.

Pudding InstructionsDissolve arrowroot or cornstarch in the water. Heat coconut mil

and salt in a pan over moderate heat, bringing to a boil. Whisin arrowroot mixture, lower heat, and cook until thick. Removfrom heat, add vanilla, and maple syrup to taste.

To Assemble

Cool pudding briey; pourinto crust. Serve warm,room temperature, or chilled.This pie keeps well in therefrigerator for some time.

~ This recipe can be found on

Guidos Fresh Marketplaces website

at www.guidosfreshmarketplace.com.Rebecca Schirber is an acupuncturist

(with a history as a personal chef)

practicing in Lenox, Massachusetts.

www.goingbeyondwellness.com

coconut pudding pieYUMMY! WHEAT AND DAIRY FREE / by Rebecca Schirber

food & drink

Ingredients (organic if possible)1cup gluten-free our mixbuckwheat our1 tsp guar or xanthan gum1 tsp baking soda1 tsp salttsp nutmegtsp cinnamon tsp clovescup coconut oil, melted1 cup mashed bananacup coconut sugarcup whole-milk yogurt1 eggcup walnuts (optional)

InstructionsPreheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, combine ours, guar or xanthan gum, bakingsoda, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, cream together the

coconut oil, banana, coconut sugar, yogurt, and egg until weblended. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, adwalnuts if desired, and pour into the loaf pan.

Bake at 350F for one hour or until skewer comes out clean. Fovariety, you can substitute cooked pumpkin, apple, or zucchinfor the banana. ~ Matt Albert, www.mattscookiebars.com

ORGANIC, GLUTEN FREE, AND DELICIOUS / by Matt Albert

banana bread


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food & drin

Filling Ingredients1 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 tsp maple syrup2 T chia seeds1 cup raspberries

Filling InstructionsIn a small pan, cook and mash the raspberries over medium heatfor a few minutes until the raspberries soften. Mix in the lemonjuice, maple syrup, and chia seeds. Take off the heat and leave tocool. Place the mixture in the fridge for an hour to set.

Cookie Ingredients

cup raw cashews cup raw almonds

cup coconut ourtsp salt4 T raw honey or maple syrup1 tsp coconut oil, meltedtsp vanilla extracttsp almond extractChia jam

Cookie InstructionsAdd the cashews and almonds, coconut our, and salt to a blende

or food processor and pulse until it reaches a ne consistencyAdd the honey, coconut oil, and vanilla and almond extract anpulse again until the mixture is well combined.

Place the mixture in a bowl, cover, and place in the fridge to sefor an hour. Roll out the dough inch thick.

Use a star cookie cutter (or other shape if you prefer) to cuout your cookies and place them on a plate covered witparchment paper.

Next, use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the centers of half othe cookies, rerolling the scraps to make more cookies.

Place the cookies in the fridge for an hour to rm up. Take thcookies out and spread about 1 teaspoon of the jam onto thbottom part of the cookie sandwich, then place the cut-oucookie on top.

Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

DAIRY FREE, VEGAN, HEALTHY, DELICIOUS / Makes 10 Cookies

no-bake linzer cookies


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Charge your

Cell Phone 12v power tool battery

charging from Direct Solar

12v fashlight

plugged intoDirect Solar

Power yourholiday lights!

Buy Movable Solar and Save!

978-400-6904 www.woodland-energy.com

Celebrate Our Forty-third Year!

Wonderful ThingsLargest Selection of Yarns

and Unique Handcrafted Gifts in the Berkshires

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16/32

. . . WELL, NOT ALLTRADITIONS / By Jennifer Lilienthal



Many Americans

are familiarwith Norman

Rockwel l s paint ing ofStockbridge, Massachusetts,seasonally decked in snow,

with brightly lit storefronts. Rockwells name conjures up imagesof quaint, old-fashioned New England. And for many of us inwestern Massachusetts, the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge practicallyepitomizes Christmas tradition, with its blazing hearth, colorfullighted trees, and holiday events. One of the events the Innembraces is a re-creation of Rockwells painting, complete withdecorations, shoppers, antique cars, and often plenty of snow.

But this scene of Christmas merriment in Stockbridge is actuallyquite modern. To begin with, there is one detail of Rockwellspainting that is deliberately notre-created: the outward appearanceof the Red Lion Inn itself. Rockwells Inn certainly did not exudeholiday charm. Its windows were unlit, because rather than beinga focal point of holiday celebrations, the Red Lion closed its doorseach winter, until 1969. But the dark, somber inn in the paintingactually accurately represents how New Englanders traditionallydecorated for the season not at all.

Holiday festivity is hardly a New England tradition. Theestablishment did its best to combat Christmas celebrations

throughout most of New Englands history and not out ofhumanitarian sensitivity to religious diversity! Quite the contrary:opposition to Christmas in New England was led by the religiouselite. In 1659 (long before our Berkshire towns were incorporated)the General Court in colonial Massachusetts ofcially bannedthe observance of Christmas, ning those who disobeyed veshillings. Certainly, the fact that holiday celebrations at that timegenerally involved drinking, singing, and exchanging of gifts, didnothing to encourage Puritan acceptance.

Although the Christmas ban was repealed in 1681, Puritandisapproval of both Church observances and secular merry-making lived on. Good citizens knew they would disgracethemselves by openly condoning a holiday with pagan roots.For almost two more centuries, those with higher social statusin New England generally disdained Christmas as a holiday forself-indulgent sinners, for immigrants (such as German settlers inPennsylvania), for the superstitious.

During most of his lifetime, if Charles Dickens had visited theBerkshires, he would likely have found much inspiration for thecharacter of Ebenezer Scrooge. Though many common peopleattended special church services and/or parties, they could

only do so on their own time. Employers expected workers t

labor all day on Christmas Day; commerce continued unabatedNot until 1856 did December 25th become a legal holiday iMassachusetts; it became a federal holiday in 1885, nally gaininlegitimacy from the leadership. Even so, an 1861 Berkshire Coun

Eaglearticle noted that Christmas celebrations had been scarcin most of the country just 25 years before. Further, the articlediscussion of the holiday seemed to be trying to convince thosin doubt that Christmas was worth the sacrice of a workday.

A major promoter of a new, improved Christmas season was CharleDickens himself. With the publication in 1843 ofA Christmas Caromore emphasis was placed on the spirit of Christmas, shiftin

the image away from Bacchanalian gluttony and towards familycentered celebration. Clement Moores 1822 poem A Visit fromSaint Nicholas had focused attention on children and the gifgiving aspect of the season; Stockbridge author Catharine MarSedgwick built on this image. But Dickenss story gave Scroogea bad name; commerce on Christmas Day became despicablAnd the Church-related aspects of the celebration of the Nativi condoned by most sects except a stalwart few were blendenicely into the secular traditions of feasting, giving, and makinmerry. Finally, by the 1860s, it was common for both rich and pooto celebrate openly, since a wreath on a door, or a lighted tree, wano longer targeted by the pious.

Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa, Chanukah, Christmas, or thwinter solstice, may your holiday be merry and may you not bjudged by your wreath or the lack thereof.

Sources:

Christmas in New England, Winter-Spring 2004, p. 2, historicnewengland.or

Christmas in Puritan New England, https://en.wikipedia.org

Christmas, the Berkshire County Eagle (Pittseld, Mass.) 19 Dec. 186

image viewed on newspapers.com

Christmas Celebration Outlawed, December 25, 1869, Massachuset

Foundation for the Humanities: massmoments.org

Our Story: Historical Timeline, The Red Lion Inn: www.redlioninn.com

~ Jennifer Lilienthal is a genealogical researcher and writer. Doing busines

as JLL Family Stories, she helps people discover and

write their family stories, as well as house histories.

With a BA from Mt. Holyoke College and further

studay at the University of Heidelberg in Germany,

she specializes in procuring and translating German

vital records. She also completed Boston Universitys

certicate program in genealogical research and

advanced forensic genealogy. Contact her at

[email protected] for a free estimate

New England Where Traditions Run Deep


17/32

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business service

Today, nonresidential National Grid utility consumershave a time-sensitive opportunity to combat climatechange. During what is being referred to as the

Lighting Incentive Sweet Spot, National Grids Lighting SystemsRetrot Program, in combination with an upstate New Yorklighting distributors rebate, can replace aging, inefcient lightingequipment at 80 percent to 100 percent off. This is because in

2015 the prices of LEDs have gone down faster than the utilityincentives can catch up with adjustments. Adjustments to lowerthe incentives are predicted to be made starting January 2016.

According to the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC)power plants represent the single-largest source of carbonpollution, spewing two billion tons into the air each year. Awarenessof this fact is growing but now effective solutions to reduce energyare easily available and can be quickly implemented.

Lotus Energy, as a National Grid Energy Solutions Partner,will provide LED products and lighting upgrade services for

nonresidential utility customers and assist with incentive applications.Small business owners are rushing to take advantage of this no-cost offer to save up to 80 percent on energy costs with designerLED bulbs lasting 10 years or longer; while improving the lightingconditions of even the most upscale retail and ofce environments.

Just in Hudson, NY, alone, more than 50 antique shops, art galleries,and ofce spaces have begun eliminating 141 tons of carbon emissionsannually without investing a single dollar. Lotus Energys website hasa user-friendly referral program to allow any person or environmentalorganization to pass along this knowledge while offering commissionsand acknowledgments with carbon saving certicates.

Other utility companies may also offer signicant incentives. LotusEnergy will be available to process these as well as provide productconsultation. To nd out if this program is available in your areawith your local utility company, share this opportunity now.

Direct website link for lighting upgrade applications:

www.lotusenergy.com/index.php/shop/incentives-rebates-form

Testimonials and case studies:

http://www.lotusenergy.com/index.php/shop/incentive-testimonials

Sources:

www.nrdc.org/climate/default.asp

www.energy.gov/eere/femp/energy-incentive-programs-new-york

www1.nationalgridus.com

~ Lotus Energy, located in Hudson, NY, designs an

installs solar energy systems to help reduce or elimina

electric bills with clean solar photovoltaic energy. Th

company began making installations in Nepal and Tibet mo

than 20 years ago, and now provides residents and businesses of New Yo

and the surrounding states with detailed efcient technology consultatio

and superior products, including advanced LED designer lighting. You ca

contact Robert Baerga at (518) 828-3105, ext 2, www.lotusenergy.com.

saving the worldONE LIGHTBULB AT A TIME

By Robert Baerga


20/32


fashion & beauty

the holiday hun for those who l

Open 7 days a week until Christmas.

Take HerBreath Away!

Catwalk is an upscalewomens resale boutiquethat was founded to

benet the Berkshire Humane SocietyThe clothing, accessories, and jewelry

are hip, fashionable, and affordable,with all proceeds going to helpthe homeless animals of BerkshireCounty, MA. Shopping at Catwalkis the ultimate guilt-free shoppingexperience. Follow them on FB. Visitthem at 325 Stockbridge Road, GreatBarrington, MA, (413) 717-4005,www.catwalkboutique.org

Savvy shoppers appreciathe opportunity to buyfabulous fashion, attracaccessories, jazzy jewelr

distinctive decor, and bountiful buildiand remodeling materials at bargainprices. From the old to the new, fromunique to the divine, there are tantaliztreasures hidden all over BerkshireCounty and the surrounding area. Resshops come in all shapes, styles, and s(as do the items they contain), but the

one constant you can count on is thethrill of the hunt!

If you are looking for a curated collectiof fashion, art, jewelry, antiques, andmore, you wont want to miss exploriNEXT! Select Consignment, featurinquality labels such as Chanel, Gucci,Prada, Louis Vuitton, Herms, and mor684 Main Street, Great Barrington, M(413) 248-7778, www.facebook.com/nextconsign


21/32


F A C E H A V E N

N A T U R A L C O S M E T I C S & M A K E U P S T U D I O

Our focus is on service and providing the ultimate

jane iredalemineral cosmetics experience. I guarantee we

can transform your look in minutes and transition youfrom day to night in seconds.~ Sherie K. Ross, Proprietor

(413) 528-4053323 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

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Located in the newly renovatedhistoric Althouse-HigginsHouse in Hillsdale, NY, you willdiscover Mirror Mirror Clothing,a consignment and resale shopoffering pre-owned and new

clothing, shoes, and accessories for women, men, and teens.In todays economy, consignment shopping is a fun and eco-friendly way to put green in your pocketbook while addingquality, creative clothing, and accessories to your wardrobe!2666 State Route 23, Hillsdale, NY, (518) 325-4000,

www.mirrormirrorclothingshop.com

od treasure hunt, explore

these ne resale shops below

Berkshire Baby has created ayear-round consignment boutiquefor children that offers sale pricesevery day. Their comfortableand convenient child-friendly

environment, where young ones can stay and play, makesshopping a pleasure. As one happy customer said, This wassuch a nice store, and everything was in beautiful condition!I will denitely shop here again! 8 Stockbridge Road, GreatBarrington, MA, (413) 329-7208. You can follow BerkshireBaby on Facebook.

Babies in Bloom, a childrens clothingand consignment store, offers quality,gently used clothing at an affordableprice. Sizes range from preemie tojunior. Babies in Bloom also sellsmaternity wear and nursing items as

well as a variety of baby gear and toys. Their inventory is everchanging and they enjoy helping their customers nd exactlywhat they are looking for. 11 Maple Avenue, Shefeld, MA,(413) 229-8022, www.babiesinbloom1.com.

Natures Closet is an outdoor specialty retailer that carriesonly the highest quality brands designed to make the most ofevery minute you spend outdoors. You will nd new and usedclothing, footwear, and accessories for active lifestyles. TheGear Den at Natures Closet sells clean, gently used brandname outdoor-inspired apparel and gear when available fromPatagonia, Prana, L.L. Bean, Teva, Eddie Bauer, and more.61 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA, (413) 458-7909,www.naturescloset.net


22/32


animal talk

No one should ever fault Hills Pet Nutrition for its

marketing savvy. Its early capture of public trust

through the introduction of veterinary prescription

diets sold only through licensed veterinarians, its

multi-million dollar support of the American Veterinary Medical

Association (AVMA) and its annual conventions, and its steady

ow of donated equipment, supplies, and foods to veterinary

schools and rescue organizations, has poised Hills Pet Nutrition

with maximum leverage over the veterinary and pet-owningcommunities, holding great sway over what is learned (and what

is not learned) about companion animal nutrition.

Hills Pet Nutrition, a Colgate-Palmolive holding, has, to their

maximum advantage but not necessarily to the advantage of

our pets health, deliberately co-opted an important element

of basic veterinary education and care, namely how our pets

are best nourished. One is hard pressed to find a veterinarian

(or even a board-certified veterinary nutritionist) who

knows much of anything about companion animal nutrition

beyond that which Hills Pet Nutrition has taught them or

has published on the subject. And the very sad fact is that

Hills Pet Nutrition dog and cat food, sold and endorsed by

countless veterinarians and veterinary clinics, isnt food fit for

long-term maintenance of a dog or a cat.

While somewhat grudgingly accepting that cats are carnivore

dogs, by Hills standards, arent. Hills observes that dogs ar

omnivores with at-crowned teeth for grinding grains an

vegetables. The problem with that assessment is that dogs do no

have at-crowned teeth, nor do their jaws move side to side fo

grinding. Yes, our dogs can eat pretty much anything and manag

to survive, but, without a diet rich in meat, they cannot thrive. Ou

companion dogs are indeed carnivores, but Hills Pet Nutrition

through its generous Diamond Sponsorship of AVMA annuconferences, has been allowed unchallenged authority to convinc

countless veterinarians and their staff otherwise. Money gran

access, and access grants inuence.

But Hills Pet Nutrition is not the only industrial player to whom

the AVMA has bowed for funding, and to whom it has grante

access and inuence. In addition to Hills Pet Nutrition, the AVM

has had a number of Platinum Partners, including Fort Dodg

Animal Health (vaccine producers) and Meriel Pet Produc

(producers of vaccines and parasite control). Together, the bi

P3 of Hills, Fort Dodge, and Meriel have pledged a total of $4

million dollars in support of AVMA programs and services.

In return for their $4.5 million dollars pledged, Hills, Fort Dodg

and Meriel each have received unprecedented opportunities t

unraveling the historyOF MODERN CANINE NUTRITION - PART 2

SHAMELESS SHILLS - THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

By Kristina TinaDow


23/32


animal ta

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Love them more, worry about them less.

Nature Brings You Joy,We Bring You Nature

783 South Main StreetGreat Barrington, MA

(413) 644-9005

www.wild-birdstore.com

birdfeeders birdseed gifts and more!

interact with AVMA members, leaders, and staff, as well as

having been recognized as elite partners with the AVMA

while beneting from promotional efforts on the AVMA

website, at the AVMAs annual convention, and in the Journal

of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA),

with spotlight advertorials. One can only guess how those elite

partnerships have affected what veterinarians have learned (and

have not learned) about the necessity, efcacy, safety, and side

effects of products and treatments.

Does any of this sound like the AVMA has conducted its

not-for-prot business in a manner betting an organization

acting as a collective voice for its members and their clients?

Is this an organization that is prudent in avoiding potential

conicts of interest as it conducts its business? Can there be

any reasonable assurance that our pets will be protected from

prejudicial conduct, unbiased judgments of scientic research,

and fair, honest, and balanced presentations of all facts and

debates? Can we trust such an organization to function in the

best interest of our pets? I think not.

~ Kristina Tina Dow is sole proprietor of BensDotters Pet, a

pet supply store in Great Barrington that specializes in raw diets.

www.bensdotters. com.


24/32

Engaged learning for children

ages 15 months through 8th grad

Call or visit online to schedule a tour.

413.637.3662 BerkshireMontessori.org

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January

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25/32


December atHawthorne Valley

WALDORF SCHOOL |

330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 |

www.hawthornevalleyschool.org

Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School

Yuletide Fair & Gingerbread AuctionSaturday, December 5

10 am to 5 pm

Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School

Winter Concertfeaturing selections from Handels Messiah

ursday, December 10 at 6 pm

Friday, December 11 at 7 pmSt Marys Church, Hudson

The Magical Puppet Tree PresentsWinnie the Pooh Goes Visiting

Saturday, December 5Performances at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, & 2 pm

518-672-7092

education & workshop

Connection before CorrectionARE WE FORGING RELATIONSHIPS OR CUTTING OFF CONNECTION

By K. Meagan Ledendecker

Irecently watched a video parody* of three moms inconversation, periodically talking to each other as ifto their children. The effect, although humorous, was

also disturbing.After watching the video, I began to pay closer attention to

what we sound like when we communicate with children. Arewe issuing directives or asking for cooperation? Are we forging

relationships or cutting off connections? Are we belittling orkindly reminding?

One way to become more aware of talking withour children,rather than toour children, is to practice the Positive Disciplineprinciple, Connection before Correction. Connection beforeCorrection means that we create closeness and trust instead ofdistance and hostility. If I notice my child has left his coat on theoor, its most effective to connect with him rst in a loving waybefore reminding him to clean up after himself.

Basic brain science explains why this is the case. Scolding,nagging, lecturing, blaming, shaming, yelling all cause therecipients brain to shift into ight, fright, or freeze mode.Children (and adults, too) function best when they feel safe,trusted, and accepted.

Connection before Correction can be as simple as rst gettingto a childs eye level and smiling before addressing the need at hand.Or perhaps its saying, I love you, and the answer is no.

Other ways of making a connection include really listening,spending special time together, validating feelings, askingquestions, and giving hugs. Effective connections are made wheneveryone involved feels signicance and belonging.

I recently had a chance to practice Connection beforeCorrection with some older students who hadnt been the bestrole models during a class meeting. Although I was upset abouttheir choices, I took time to reect upon how I would want

to be treated if I hadnt been my best self. In the process, Isheepishly realized that I had, in fact, been snippy during a recentadministrative meeting. If a colleague were going to talk to meabout my behavior, how would I like the conversation to begin?

With a humble heart, I took each student aside and privatelychecked in about what was going on. I acknowledged each studentskindness and sense of responsibility, and wondered aloud howtheir choices had affected others. Rather than lecturing, accusing, orpunishing, I came to the conversations with compassion and concern.As a result, the students didnt shut down, offer excuses, or pointngers. Their hearts were open and we could problem-solve together.

When children feel a connection, their sense of belonginand signicance increases. Often this connection is enough tstop misbehavior and facilitate cooperation. The real bonus that when we take the time rst to connect rather than correcwe actually end up feeling better ourselves. Everyone benets.

*Video from The BreakWomb: If Moms

Talked to Each Other the Way They Talk to

Their Kids~ K. Meagan Ledendecker is a Certied

Positive Discipline Educator, Director of

Education at The Montessori School of the

Berkshires, and is always on that seemingly

unattainable quest to become a better parent.

www.berkshiremontessori.org


26/32


27/32


beyond the berkshire

your home or wherever you spend a lot of your time youneed to have a [scalar-emitting] device like the Rest Shield*[a powered scalar-energy device that promotes deep sleep,stress reduction and relaxation, and increased energy; note thepyramid-like device in this article header]. This shield puts outa field that will protect you from EMFs and the increasedSchumann resonances.

So, if you do these kinds of things, as well as maintaining

health and proper diet, this will help. There is also a technologycalled Holosync and Hemi-Sync, known as binaural beataudio CDs. Listening to these will slow down brainwave statesto help destress and relax you. In addition, comprehensivelydetoxifying your body physically a couple of times a year willgo a long way towards improving your stress levels. Detoxemotionally, detox physically, and protect yourself fromelectromagnetic frequencies.

Q: Please tell us exactly what scalar energy is and how wecan use it to our advantage?

A: Really what it is, is God Consciousness. Its this faster-than-lightenergy [also known as prana, chi, radiant energy, zero point energy,

qi, or orgone] that is owing from the center of galaxies throughour entire universe and we are transceivers of itwe are receiversand transmitters that pick it up like an antenna and rebroadcast it. Soin that sense we are the hands of God. Practical things you can doto utilize it are the old tried-and-true ways we already know about,like meditation and yoga kundalini yoga in particular doingenergy work, bodywork, reiki, and other similar modalities. Withall of these kinds of methods you can capture scalar energy withyour biology, and with your focus and intention you can use it tomanipulate matter and energy. You can, for example, heal the bodyby restructuring matter. These are very simple and empoweringthings you can do that are ancient, tried-and-true methods, butthey take a lot of time and discipline.

Q: I would imagine that scalar-producing products like yourScalar Energy Rest ShieldTM, OrmusitTMdiscs, and pendants

would be very helpful to people?

A:Exactly, because we are all living in this modern life. If wewere monks living in Tibet and we had 12 hours a day to meditatewe could take very good care of ourselves completely with that,but we dont, so we need these cheats to get done what we needto get done. When you are able to get the physical and emotionaltoxins out of the body and youre immersed in the old Schumannresonances, you are like Forrest Gump: youre happy all the timefor no particular reason. This does not necessarily make logicalsense but you just areand thats our natural state.

Q: For someone interested in using your scalar-energy-producing products, where is the best place to start?

A: The best place to start is to get EMF protection on yourcell phones and cordless devices [Aamoraa Balancer*]. We alsohave an Aamoraa device you can put on the main breaker of theelectric panel of your building that will help reduce EMF eldsimmensely. Cell phones are a major, major health threat thesedays. Cell phones accelerate brain waves, heat tissue, and interferewith cellular communication, so you can wind up with a seriousdisease and shortened lifespan. Putting these EMF protectors on

will help immensely, but it does not give you carte blanche. Yohave to use your phone [and wireless devices] smartly donuse it as a computer, dont use it to surf the web or do email [oto watch videos or play games]. Avoid them as much as possiband keep protection on them. It is just as important to protecyourself from cordless phones these days, because particularthe DECT 6 phones, which are the standard now, are just as baas cell phones. Using EMF protection on these devices is one o

the most important things you can do to see an improvement iyour health, particularly with focus, memory, and sleep issues.

And when you are out and about, pretty much anywheryou go these days in a public place, it is going to be immersein multiple Wi-Fi elds. Keeping an EMF pendant [AamoraBalancer Pendant* or Quantum Balance Crystal Pendant*] oyou is very important to help with that. Another important placto put EMF protection is in your car, especially if you have hybrid car, because these vehicles are very high in EMFs.

The next thing is sleeping with a device like the Scalar EnergRest ShieldTM. This will actually have the most impact on peoplbecause they will be protected from EMFs and will also be able tget into deep brainwave states of delta, theta, and gamma whe

sleeping. As a result, they will be really well rested and refreshedand need less sleep. This has a positive impact on relationshipwork, brain function, and everything else in life.

Q: How do theses devices work?

A: The way these pendants and static devices work is that theact like an antenna, much like a pyramid, to capture the scalaenergy that is owing around us, bringing it into a localizeeld. That eld structures the electromagnetic waves that archaotically bouncing around through the body, interfering witthe cells communication. The pendants and static devicemake all of those waves become parallel, which is known acoherence. And when those waves are coherent, they are muc

quieter when they pass through the body.

Q: Some people do not feel comfortable purchasing EMprotection devices that cannot be measured with handhelmeters. Can the therapeutic value of your products bmeasured in any way, and if so, how?

A: It is true that you cannot measure these types of EMprotective devices with a handheld meter, but there are biologictests available, varying in degree of simplicity and expense, tconrm their therapeutic value. The effect of the Rest Shielis very obvious, though. When people use one they dont neeany tests because they can easily tell that it works!

*These products can be found on www.freshandalive.com.

~ In Part 2 of this interview, coming in the February - Marcissue of Our BerkshireTimesmagazine, we will pick up where we leoff with more about the lowdown of testing these devices, along witadditional wisdom from Ken Rohla. I will also share with you my owpersonal experience with the Rest Shield and other products. In thmeantime, to learn more about Ken Rohla, to order his products, t

watch informative videos on his blog, or to sign up for Kens freeNewsletter, go to www.freshandalive.com.

S


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health & wellness

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As osteopathic physicians, we use our comprehensive knowledge of

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As fully licensed physicians, we have all of 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

www.goldmantripp.net

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health & wellnes

In-home service

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The quote above, by thefounder of the Iyengarschool of yoga, sums up mylove affair with this method. Iyengar yoga,in particular, is about posture, the way welive inside our skin and get comfortablewith who we are physically. Lack ofalignment creates imbalance, which leadsto compression, causing stress on thenervous system the connection betweenmind and body. With proper alignment,

the nervous system becomes peaceful.Iyengar classes begin with basics ourimmediate and concrete contact withthe oor, which develops stability andbalance. How do I stand? What is mystance in the world? Are the four cornersof my foot pressing down? What aboutthe toes? Feet are the fundamentals thefoundation of alignment.

In a show I performed, I played acharacter whose thinking is circuitous,and she weaves a spiral pathway acrossthe stage. This was difcult because her

rhetoric was similar and the mazelikepathway I traversed made me wobbly. Tomy surprise, after several Iyengar yogaclasses my walk was solid and my thinkingcoherent. I was grounded and secure, inspite of the circuitous monologue andstaged walking pattern.

Iyengar yoga emphasizes a deepawareness of precision, using a fastidiousand dynamic approach to correctalignment. The classes are safe, and thereis a systematic progression with cleardemonstrations, precise explanations,and individual correction.

Although based on ancient traditions(yogis practicing headstand hanging frombranches of trees), Mr. Iyengars approachis uniquely his own. The use of props, forexample, allows all students to practicesafely and instills condence even indifcult poses. The props are guides foraccuracy and self-learning. Not everyone can do a full classical

pose, but by using props and individualmodication, the benets of the fullpose can be experienced. We use blocksto assist, for example, in Uttanasana, aforward-bending pose with straight legsand an elongated spine. Not everyone cantouch the oor, so it is raised. By placingthe hands on blocks, one can reap thebenets of a semi-inversion, loosen thehips, lengthen the hamstrings, and extendthe front body. Likewise, we use chairs,

blankets, and belts to improve the asanasand make them appropriate to eachindividual.

We practice yoga for differentreasons. When I was a student of MarthaGraham dance, I needed yoga to soften,loosen, and stretch in order to balancethe contractions of her demanding style.Much later, as an actress, I found that,of all the methods I sampled, Iyengaraddressed my intention to be sure-footed,centered, and aligned with my purpose.

The Iyengar teacher training is a two-

year program, and candidates are acceptedonly after demonstrating their commitmentby studying the method for several years.The certication covers asanas, anatomy,pranayama, and philosophy. The depthof knowledge required, and the time anddedication it takes to become certied,appeal to my passion for integrity inmovement and approaching life with azeal for personal best.

Mr. Iyengar always emphasized thatlearning to stand on ones own two feetis the gateway to yoga.~ TAMIR, Junior

Intermediate Certied

Iyengar Yoga Instructor,

can be reached at (212)

875-7836, rumitamir@

gmail.com. Ongoing

Saturday classes at

Eastover in Lenoc, MA.

www.e astov er. com/

iyengar-yoga.html

Stand on Your Own Two FeetBy TAMIR

Alignment is skillfulness in action that brings equanimity.

B.K.S. Iyengar


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Weve heard of random acts of kindness. Whatif we take that concept one step further and tryintentionalacts of kindness this holiday season?Take a moment to reect on the last time you gave something tosomeone and remember how good giving feels.

Linda Barten devoted her life to giving, and throughgiving she realized how true it is that we receive. Once, as alabor of love, Linda helped her friend, Doris Karsell, shareher God-given gift of painting and language, literally, withthe world. Doris painted artwork and gave it to Linda, neverasking for anything in return. Linda transformed the artworkinto beautiful inspirational 5" x 7" note cards made of qualityvellum-like cardstock, fulf illing Doriss lifelong dream ofdisplaying her artwork. Doris wanted to be anonymous, butLinda and her husband convinced her to receive credit for her

works. Doris expressed herself through painting and Lindshared that gift through an inspirational card business. Unlikother businesses, Lindas bottom line was not in making a probut in sharing these gifts. Upon Lindas death, her husband, Adonated those cards to another friend in need, Sheri Biasin, . .

and the gift continues to give.Al gave the cards to Sheri, a self-employed friend fromCheshire, MA, so that she can continue to share Lindas passiowhile augmenting her income during a time of illness. The givindoesnt stop there. Sheri is now also donating cards to raise monefor cancer survivors, religious organizations, and to a friend whis raising money for a formerly homeless autistic artist. If yowould like to purchase one of these beautiful note cards onlinyou can go to www.ascendingsherona.com, or you can contacSheri at (413) 822-2070, [email protected].

intentional givingTHIS HOLIDAY SEASON YOU CAN FIND OUT HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO GIVE / by Brenda L. Burdick

Intuitive Counselor

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Documents

Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Dec 2015-Jan 2016