our berkshiretimes magazine, dec 2014-jan 2015

8/10/2019 Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Dec 2014-Jan 2015

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

Dec 2014-Jan 2015, vol 17(28) Take One, It's Free!

OurBerkshireTimes

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42 Bridge Street, Great Barrington413.528.9697www.berkshire.coop

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Contents

December - January 2015OurBerkshireTimes

There is No Finer Placeby Carol Frances, Artist

Carol Frances oilpaintings are richlylayered with a variety

of mixed mediaincluding gold leaf,phototransfer, andtext. Her current workfocuses on birds,owers, and goldsh.She has gallery

representation in CT, MA, NY, and NM,and is in collections in the United States andEurope. Carol sells giclee prints of her workand beautiful notecard sets, which can befound at www.carolfrances.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/LayoutKathy I. Regan

Ads

Independent DesignersKatharine Adams, Rural Ethic [email protected]

Christine [email protected]

Elisa Jones, Berkshire Design [email protected]_______________

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT

Our BerkshireGreen, Inc.

P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236

Phone: (413) 274-1122

[email protected]

www.OurBerkshireGreen.com

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com_______________

COVER ILLUSTRATION

Like Us On

6 holiday marketplace!BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

14 food & drink

BRETON-STYLE BUTTERY SABLES

23featured advertisers

Savings! Go to:www.OurBerkshireTimes.com/couponsto nd advertisers who are offering additional online coupoand deals with fantastic savings! Join our mailing list to receour informative eNewsletter and coupons directly.

OurBerkshireTimes

The Voice of Our Community!

TINY WORLDS AND

MINIATURE GARDENS21 health & wellness

DETOXIFICATION 101

OurBerkshireTimes magazine is a bimonthly publication (six issues yearly, starting inFebruary), free to the public, and is enjoyed by community members and visitoralike. Most of our editorial content is contributed by our readers. We welcomeyour ideas, articles, and feedback, and encourage you to submit original materialfor consideration through our website. To nd out more about advertising,submitting editorial, and posting events on our free community calendar, see ouwebsites at left, and join our mailing list to receive our free monthly eNewslette

16 animal talkGIFT GUIDE

This publication is

printed with soy ink onFSC-certied paper.

18

education & workshops

LEARNING BY DOING8 home & garden

GIFT GUIDE

All c ontent in Our B erksh ireT imes is

accepted in good f aith. We do not

necessarily advocate and cannot be held

responsible for opinions expressed or facts

supplied by our authors, illustrators, and

advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse

advertising for any reason. For printing errors

of the publisher's responsib ility, 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.

This months cover illustration, There is No

Finer Place, measures 18" x 34". Many of

Carol Frances paintings are available in limited

edition giclee prints both on canvas and on

paper. Contact the artist through her websiteat left for more information.

10

real estate & professionalsPILASTERS, PLINTHS & PALLADIO

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

4 art, culture & entertainmentEVENT SAMPLER

IT'S TIME TO DETOX YOUR PET

20 refections

GRACIE


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Holiday Market and Tree Lighting

Date:Fri, Dec 5, 2014, 4:30-8pmPlace:Gallery Space at 6 Harris Street,

West Stockbr idge, MA - Price:Free.

Tree lighting and Indoor Holiday Market

sponsored by the West Stockbridge Farmer

Market. Live music, tree lighting with Santa

and caroling at 6pm on Center Street. Brin

your own camera for free photos with Santa

Find handmade holiday gifts, decorations,

party foods, and more! Warm up with a hot

beverage and do some holiday shopping.

Most village stores will be open late.

www.weststockbridgefarmersmarket.org

Breakfast with Santa Weekend

Date:Sat, Dec 6, and Sun Dec 7, 2014

Place:Ioka Valley Farm, Rt. 43, Hancock, MA

Come join us for breakfast with Santa. We

offer a free hayride on our Santas Cap wago

to the Christmas tree plantation where you

may cut your own Christmas tree. You will

receive our traditional annual Ioka Valley

Farm ornament with the purchase of a tre

Delicious hot cocoa and cider donuts will be

available for sale again this season.

www.iokavalleyfarm.com

It's A Wonderful LIfe: A Live Radio Pla

Date:Sat, Dec 20, 2014, 2pm

Place:Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, 70

Kemble Street, Lenox, MA - (413)637-335

Price:$14.50-$39.50

Nows your chance to catch the return of

our hit holiday production that enthralled

audiences with its live sound effects and

rapid character changes. Follow George

Bailey as he journeys to discover the value

of this wonderful life, guided by angel

second-class, Clarence who is on his ownquest to earn his wings . . . and remember,

no man is a failure who has friends.

www.shakespeare.org

Chanukah Family Festival

Date:Sun, Dec 21, 2014, 4pm

Place:Berkshire Mall at Macys Court, Rt

8, Old State Road, Lanesborough, MA

Price:Free. Chabad of the Berkshires,

cosponsored by the Jewish Federation of

event samplerSEE MORE EVENTS OR POST YOUR

EVENT FOR FREE ATwww.OurBerkshireCalendar.com

Open 7 days a week until Christmas.

Take HerBreath Away!

art, culture & entertainment

4 December | January 2015 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com


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www.OurBerkshireTimes.com December | January 2015

art, culture & entertainmen

T

Arts HOTCHKISS

GUESTCONCERTSERIES~ TREMAINEGALLERY~ FILMSCREENINGS

DANCE~ HOTCHKISSDRAMATICASSOCIATION~ SUMMERPORTALS

PROGRAMSSEPTEMBERTHROUGHJULYT H S, L, CT

HOTCHKISS.ORG/ARTS

860 435 4423All are welcome!

Lecture Series

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

Portrayal

Tea &SLEEPING BEAUTYMARIONETTE SHOWSFri., Dec. 26 and Sun., Dec. 28, 3:30 pmby puppeteer Carl Sprague.

STORIES & SONGS, Sat., Dec. 27, 3:30 pm.Wassail, Wassail, All Over the Town!Tom Hooker Hanfordpresents ancient Christmas and Winter Solstice traditions

MAGIC SHOW,Mon., Dec. 29, 3:30 pm.Pete and Chris present Two-Man Kids High Energy Magic Show

Holiday Week Childrens Programs

QUEEN VICTORIAREIGNS,

PRESENTATIONAND TEA:

SUN., DEC. 7,3:30 PM.

the Berkshires, invites you to join the festivities including Menorah

lighting, childrens crafts, live music, family entertainment, hot

latkes, dreidels, donuts - sufganiyot, face painting, a rafe, and more!

All are invited. To nd out more, call (413) 499-9899, or visit their

website at www.jewishberkshires.com.

Christmas at Ventfort Hall

Date:Fri, Dec 26 through Mon, Dec 29, 2014Place:Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker Street,

Lenox, MA - (413) 637-3206. Price:$15 adults, $7 children ages 5

to 17, and free for children age 4 and under.

Puppeteer Carl Sprague will bring to life the classic fairy tale titled

Sleeping Beauty. The audience will have the opportunity to meet

this wizard for childrens holiday punch and cookies. Performances

on Fri, Dec 26, and Sun, Dec 28, both at 3:30pm.

Gifted musician, artist, teacher, and storyteller Tom Hooker

Hanford will present ancient Christmas and Winter Solstice

traditions of the British Isles and the United States. Tom delights

audiences young and old with his highly interactive performances

accompanied by guitar, harmonicas, and violin. Tom will appear

on Saturday, Dec 27, at 3:30pm, and will meet the audience for

childrens holiday punch and cookies. www.gildedage.org

M Xon

main

725NORTH MAIN STREET

SHEFFIELD, MA 413-229-8900

www.MIXONMAIN.COM

VINTAGE MODERN

DECORATIVE


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Celebrating our 40th year as anindependent bookstore. Thank you!

THEBOOKLOFT

Great Barrington413 528 1521

thebookloft.com

We sell eBooks! for youriPad, iPhone, Android or

Kobo device

Meadow Farm

MarketProcuring exceptional organic and conventional

produce and goods, both locally and regionallygrown, as to ensure the best quality

offerings for our customers.

www.MeadowFarmMarket.com

Serving certied free trade organic coffee, nitrate free meats

and cheeses, dairy from local farms, bakery fresh breads

and of course sundries.

(413) 394-4308 | [email protected] 102, 905 Pleasant Street, South Lee, MA

LIKE US ON

facebook

Come get your fresh Christmas tree, wreaths, and deliciou

holiday treats at Meadow Farm Market.Print and bring iour coupon (found at www.OurBerkshireTimes.com/couponto get a 10 percent discount off any tree. Our farmers sectiooffers a wide variety of the Berkshires freshest and tastiest fooand many delicious homemade pastries and delicious ice-creamfor your holiday gatherings. We are open year round and looforward to welcoming you with down-to-earth hospitality.

fresh christmas trees

Crown Jewelershas been a solid jewelry business for morthan 35 years, in our Allendale Shopping Center locationWe have earned our stellar reputation by adhering to our mottoTreat every customer better than you expect to be treated; tinclude respect, honesty, and impartiality. This philosophy, combined with an extraordinary selection of jewelry from $25 t$25,000 makes holiday shopping truly joyful! Pandora jewelryLeVian chocolate diamonds, and many other wonderful designerwill make your holidays bright!

Everyone likes clean, sparkling jewelry for the holidays. The bes

option is to bring your jewels to a reputable jeweler to be cleaned anchecked. Prongs break off, components wear out, and you chanclosing your jewelry. If you prefer to clean your jewelry at home, therare specic jewelry solutions available for gold or silver jewelry.

There are many options now to buy jewelry on line, but we canstress how important personal, face-to-face service is at CrowJewelers. You know what youre purchasing and customer servicdoesnt end after the purchase is made.

Happy Holidays!

silver and goldMAKE YOUR JEWELS SPARKLE FOR THE HOLI DAYS!

This holiday season, take the frustrating guesswork out of gishopping! Have your friends and family (and you too) comin and ll out a Wish List atThe Bookloft. Well keep track o

your wished-for books and products, so anyone asking for youWish List can see exactly what to get you. Well also make surto cross off items as they get bought, so you dont end up witdoubles. Its handy for the holiday season, but dont forget birthdays, anniversaries, and other holidays and events too!

make a wish!

Allendale Shopping Center | Pittsfield, MA | 413-442-9073*Ask about our interest free nancing.

Extended Holiday Hours


holiday marketplace!

WE CAN MAKE HOLIDAY GIFT SHOPPING FUN AND EASY

AND DELICIOUS HOME-BAKED TREATS FOR THE HOLIDAYS


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topnotch entertainmentTHE WHIT IS YOUR TICKET TO AFFORDABLE ART EXHIBITIONS

Having a special event or hosting aholiday party? Let us help you withyour plans. We have a wonderful banquetroom located in our Pittseld restaurant.

Baba Louies Pizzais a family ownedand operated business. We strive to treateveryone like a member of our own fam-ily. Every meal we serve comes from the

highest-quality ingredients. We select the freshest veggies, fruits,cheeses, and meats to create our wood-red pizzas and heaping

salads. Let our team help you host your special event in our Pitts-eld restaurant; from the planning stages to the nal wrap-up,whether 20 to 100 people attend, we are here to serve you.

Event packages can be as simple as pizza and salad, or customizedto include special pastas, appetizers, and desserts. We have hostedmany wonderful events from business luncheons and meetings tobaby showers and bar or bat mitzvahs.

Call our Catering Manager at (413) 499-2400 or just stop by andcheck out the space. www.babalouiespizza.com

hosting a holiday party?WE CAN HELP WITH CUSTOMIZED EVENT PACKAGES

www.barringtonbrewery.net (413) 528-8282

S

OLARBREWED

BEER

& RESTAURANT

BARRINGTONBREWERY

Join us for

LUNCH & DINNER DAILY

420 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA

Holiday Gift Ideas Gift Certicates

Beer to go, Hats

Sweatshirts, T-shirts

Barrington Brewery & Restaurant, Berkshire Countys onlybrew pub, offers great one-stop shopping for the beer andfood lovers in your lives. T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, posters, glasses,

growlers, 22-oz. bottles, and more. Dont forget our signature YuleFuel, our Holiday Barley Wine, that has become a Berkshire holidaytradition and is available for purchase at area package stores and atthe brewery. Gift certicates are also available for purchase right upuntil Christmas Eve. Best wishes for the holiday season!

festive holiday beer & foodA BERKSHIRE HOLIDAY TRADITION


Located in theCultural District of Pittseld in a historic mansion,

Whitney Center for the Artsentertains audiences with itsimpressive, unique, and high-quality programming and art exhibi-tions. Crowd favorites are musical concerts and the Whits regu-lar musical series such as Opera Notte (an evening of arias) andNYC Style Cabaret taking place in a bistro setting, allowing audi-ences to enjoy tapas, wine, and beer. Average ticket $20, food $7,and beverage $6. Reservations recommended.

holiday marketplace!

Art ExhibitsOpera Nights CabaretTheatre. . .

Chamber Music ..Private Events Office Space

www.TheWhit.org

42 Wendell Ave

Pittsfield, MA

For more Info

413-443-0289


8/24

Mix on Main - Antique French Book-bar Tantalus

This antique French book-bar tantalus is an example of the type of itemused by the master of the house to secretly secure his favorite libation and to keep it out of the handsof snoopy servants and other thirsty interlopers. At Mix on Main, our emphasis is on 20th Centuryfurnishings and accessories, but our constantly changing collection often features an eclecticarray of antiques and collectibles of every vintage. Our store is located at 725 N. Main Street onRoute 7 in Sheffield, and our prices are within reach of most design-oriented collectors. We may notbe the largest shop, but our distinctive pieces are not likely to be found in most other shops in the region.(413) 229-8900, www.mixonmain.com.

TREASURE

Karen Keenan Gifts & Home - Frasier Fir Reed DiffuserThis holiday season, spread your favorite home fragrance in a festive, eco-

friendly way. Evoking Frasier Firs forest inspiration, this pinecone-shaped diffuser enhances any dcor.Fill the 3-inch-tall bronze receptacle with the fragrant oil; reeds layer the air with fresh-cut fragrance.Karen Keenan Gifts & Homeis located in downtown Lee in the heart of the Berkshires, and isfilled with items that will enliven your senses. We carry well-known brands such as, Vera Bradley, Alexand Ani, Crabtree & Evelyn, Willowtree, Wilton Armetale, Gund, Bunnies by the Bay, and Brighton, just toname a few. You can find a gift here for everyone on your list and we are happy to gift wrap. Vsit us at69 Main Street, Lee, MA. (413) 243-2689, www.karenkeenangifts.com

Cellarbration Wine, Beer & SpiritsCellarbration offers a unique hand-picked wine selection, generally retailing for $15 or less, craft and domestic

beer, and a great selection of spirits. Cellarbration Wine, Beer & Spirits, formerly called Grape Finds, offers "Big-City" sophisticationwith the warmth of a small-town store. We are located inside Great Barrington's Big Y Worldclass market and are perfect for all of youone-stop shopping needs. Cellarbration also offers entertaining and educational wine classes (taste wines from diverse regions, learnabout wine and food pairing, enjoy access to special pricing on select wines, and more). Gift cards available. Open seven days a weekMonday -Saturday, 9am-9pm, and Sunday Noon -8pm. (413) 528-6600, www.cellarbrationwinebeerspirits.com

ENJOY

gift guideOur Berkshire Marketplace

HOLIDAY SHOPPING 2014!

Wonderful Things - Yarn, Kits, and Gift Certicates

Soon to celebrate their forty-third year, Wonderful Things, owned by Harry andDebbie Sano, has the largest selection of yarn, needlework, and craft supplies in the Berkshires. Givethe creative person in your life a fabulous selection of yarn, a kit, or a gift certificate. Make sure to goto their Annual Yarn Sale, starting on January 22, 2015. Wonderful Things is also well known foits large selection of American-made and artisan gifts, so you will find just the right gift for everyone

on your list. Visit Wonderful Things at 232 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA.Open Mon-Sat 9:30-5 and Sun 12-4. (413) 528-2473, www.wonderful-things.com


CREATE

ENHANCE


9/24

home, garden & landscap

Before After Before After

Professional Mending by Peter K. Lilienthal, Stockbridge, MA

(413) 298-1051 (413) 854-7803 [email protected]

Porcelain/Statues Marble/Stone FurnitureSigns Frames Paintings Leather

Do you have a valued possession that is damaged beyond repair?

I can fx it! I will restore it toGood as Old. ~ Peter K. Lilienthal

Antique RepairGood as Old


If you miss gardening in the winter, or simply do not havethe time, ability, or funds to outdoor garden, consider the en-chanted and magical world of miniature indoor gardening.

Tiny World Terrariums ($19.95), by Michelle Inciarrano andKaty Maslow, offers a 120-page, step-by-step guide to create tinythemed worlds that even the green-thumb-challenged among uswill be able to make and maintain. With the addition of minia-

ture gurines (available at many hobby shops) Michelle and Katyapply a sense of humor and whimsy to their creations. Alongwith thorough, easy-to-understand instructions and advice, 100vibrant imaginative full-color images will inspire you to createminiature worlds beyond your wildest dreams.

Gardening in Miniature($19.95) by Janit Calvo one of my veryfavorite books is a complete guide to creating lush, living, small-scale gardens. If you have been longing to adda luxurious patio, outdoor living space, woodor waterscape, or secret garden to your home,consider the fun of living out your fantasy inminiature. This colorful book has everything

you need to know, including scaled-down gar-den designs, techniques for creating tiny hard-scapes, valuable miniature garden care andmaintenance advice, and where to nd lifelikeaccessories, along with detailed instructions.

Small Container Gardening Tips`The container you choose can be open orclosed. Open gardens can tolerate some di-rect sunlight, but too much sun may burn theedges of leaves. Closed terrariums should beplaced where they will receive bright light, butno direct sunlight (also keep away from radia-tors) so the temperature inside the containerdoes not cook your plants. Consider articiallight (compact plant lights) where needed.

` Choose healthy, slow-growing plantscarefully. Plants should have similar light,moisture, and soil needs. If you want to growsun-loving plants, use an open container. Ifyou want to grow plants that require highhumidity, use a closed container. It is best

to buy your plants and supplies from a place that offers specimaterials for this purpose so they can also give you helpful advic

(I recommend Wards Nursery and Gardening Center in GreaBarrington or Guidos Fresh Marketplace in Pittseld).

` If your terrarium does not have drainage holes, you musupply a one-to-four-inch drainage layer (gravel, small stone, obroken pottery) with a thin layer of charcoal on top. The deptof the drainage material, charcoal, and soil should be equal tabout one-third the height of the container. Make sure the rooball of each plant is completely covered.

`The type of soil used will depend on the type of plants yowish to grow. This is where consulting your garden center will bmost helpful. Do not over water. For plants that like moist soil, th

top earth should feel barely moist before you add water. For cacand succulents, touch below the surface layer. Lower soil should bonly slightly damp. Closed terrariums rarely need water.

`Start with a clean container and keep your container clean. Bsure to remove excess moisture and algae on the glass as well as dealeaves, to prevent fungi growth. Prune plants as needed and enjoy!

tiny worlds and miniature gardensCREATE YOUR OWN ENCHANTED SPACE / By Kathy I. Regan


10/24


Consider a Berkshire porch with tall columns, a replace

with a mantel supported by uted pilasters, crown moldingswhere walls meet ceiling in a room these details come

to us from ancient Greece and Rome. How they found their wayinto American homes is a great story. It begins in northeast Italy,where architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) began designing villasfor the aristocracy, based upon the work of Roman architect

Vitruvius, who lived in the rst century BC. Though Palladio hada profound inuence on architects throughout Europe, the Neo-classical style didnt become widely fashionable until the 1730sand 40s when excavations began in Herculaneum and Pompeii(Greek towns destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD). Pompeii was hit by hot ash and burned, but Herculaneumwas submerged by mud slides, so its buildings and furnishingswere miraculously well preserved. These excavations ignited theNeoclassical fashion in architecture and design, which was enthu-siastically embraced by the well-to-do.

In America, the Neoclassical style went through three phases.The rst, from 1725-1785, during the Colonial period, is the

Georgian style. Bringing a new elegance and symmetry to homesof the wealthy, Georgian architecture featured weighty details:strong dentil moldings, heavy pediments, substantial multi-tieredcrown moldings, and raised-eld paneling and bolection moldingaround replaces. It also gave us the split pediment overmanteland Connecticut River Valley doorway, including the one at Mis-sion House, added in about 1750. By 1790, the United States hadachieved independence. The Georgian taste ceded to the morerened Federal style, which brought a lightness and grace to dentilmoldings and other details, and added embellishments that in-cluded fanlights (semicircular windows), the replace mantel, and

applied decorations featuring oral swags, urns, bell owers, ansheaves of wheat.

The Neoclassical style didnt become truly democratic anaffordable until the Greek Revival period (1825-1860), when bolarchitectural elements mirrored the bold mood of the new nation. Borrowing the designs of public buildings, churches, anbanks, homes featured prominent triangular front gables facinthe street and outlined with moldings, along with wide fasciboards, blocky corner pilasters, and columned porches. Thankto factory-made goods, shipping via new canals and railroads, annewfound prosperity, middle-class people could copy the homeof the rich. This was a rst: because of its egalitarian charactethe Greek Revival was known as Americas national style.

By 1850, Victorian styles had captured the public imaginationand the Neoclassical fell out of favor. But fast forward to the late19th and early-20th centuries: Neoclassical details emerged agaiduring Americas Colonial Revival. In the 21st century, these details are still creating grace notes in new traditional homes. Tsee them online, search Federal and Greek Revival styles on th

Library of Congress Historic American Buildings Survey ancheck out sources on www.traditionalbuilding.com.

~ Gladys Montgomery is a Realtor with

William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty in Great

Barrington. Attuned to the needs of buyers and

sellers, and specializing in architecturally distinctive

homes in all price ranges, she is licensed in Mas-

sachusetts and New York State. Her background

includes a 30-year career as a marketing specialist

and as a writer/editor/author specializing in archi-

tecture, design, and lifestyle topics.

House ProudPilasters, Plinths & Palladio/By Gladys Montgomery

Georgian Federal Facade

Real Estate & Professionals

Palladian Window, Tracery Sidelights Greek Revival Temple & Wing Federal Style with Hip

Greek Revival Style Colonial Revival Style Doorway with Fanlight & Pilasters Federal Style


11/24


12/24


Protectourfuture

byprotectingourpl

anet

Green

Products,GreenMinds

,G

reenPlanet

674 North St Pittsfield MA 413-442-3001

MorrisonsHomeImprovement.com

Morrisons Home Improvementhas been serving thresidences and improving the homes of Berkshire Counsince 1992. Our goal is to provide the people of the area witoutstanding customer service, coupled with the highest qualitproducts, resulting in complete customer satisfaction. We have

variety of products and services available to t any need and budget and we do all phases of home improvements! Call us today foyour FREE estimate and see what we can do for you!

we do it all!ANY JOB LARGE OR SMALL WE DO IT RIGHT OR NOT AT AL


shop local for the holidaysUNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND THEIRS

In addition to carrying the largest selec

tion of Quality Midcentury and Danish Modern furnishings, circahas a greselection of gift items. Locally made socandles, handblown glass items, vintag

clothing and jewelry, local artisan wares, collectibles, local Berkshiritems, and much more. We also have gift certicates! As alwayplenty of parking. We look forward to your visit.

circa

436 North Street

circaberkshires.com

413-445-7200

Your Resource for Big City Style in The Berkshires

Danish and Mid-Century Modern Furnishings and Lighting

circaberkshires.com

436 North Street, Pittsfield, MA

413-445-7200

436 North Street

circaberkshires.com

413-445-7200

Your Resource for Big City Style in The BerkshiresDanish and Mid-Century Modern Furnishings and Lighting

circaberkshires.com


413-445-7200Now Open Sundays!

General Contractors

We Do It Right Or Not At All

From $499KNow in pre-constructionMinutes from downtown GBSet on 156 acresSwim club with heated pool

Furnished model open daily

Barringtonbrook.com 413-637-0843

The newest development from LD Builders...

BARRINGTON BROOKluxury property

SINGLE FAMILY CONDOS IN THE HEART OF THE BERKSHIRES

Barrington Brookis an open space residential development set o156 acres of scenic beauty and privacy, only minutes from MaiStreet in Great Barrington and many of the Berkshires most cherishecultural attractions. These single-family condos have 3-5 bedrooms, 2-baths, and range from 2,000-3,500 sq. feet in size. Spacious great roomhas an 11-foot ceiling. All units have garages, screened-in porches, aopen deck, and Energy Star Rated appliances. Enjoy maintenance-freliving with lovely common grounds. www.barringtonbrook.com

Historic Building for Sale in Hartsville, Massachusetts

Are you looking for the ideal place for your new antique shopcaf, country store, wood shop/showroom, art studio, museum, or unique home? Originally built as a Methodist church i

1849, this historic building is permitted for both commerciaand residential use. It has a massive chestnut post and beam framsituated on its original stone foundation. Interior renovationinclude new insulation, drywall, 400-amp electric service, and newheating system. (413)-274-1122, [email protected]

own a piece of historyHISTORIC BUILDING FOR SALE IN NEW MARLBOROUGH


13/24

1www.OurBerkshireTimes.com December | January 2015

ServiceMasterof the Berkshires has been proudly, condently,and professionally serving Berkshire County residents for morethan 20 years. While we are primarily a disaster restoration com-pany which simply means we clean up after water and re damage,we also do so much more.

We detail clean new homes after the contractor has nished (postconstruction cleaning).We detail clean homes for buyers purchasing an existing home.We detail clean homes for existing homeowners looking for that

one-time big cleaning.

We professionally steam clean carpets and upholstery in your home.We clean out and clean up homes in hoarding situations.

We are not a janitorial company and we are not a housekeepingcompany, we are the cleaning professionals you need to handle thejob! If you are overwhelmed with the task, we can help! If youdont have the time, we can do the job! If the unexpected occurs,we can help!

We are the professionals to call for your homes large cleaning needsin addition to disaster restoration.

more than you expectWE ARE NOT JUST A DISASTER RESTORATION COMPANY

EMERGENCY ON CALL SERVICE

24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

413-445-5678

800-707-1441

Licenced

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800-707-1441

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Fire, Soot & Smoke Remediation Mold & Odor Remediation

3 Westview Road, Pittsfeld, MA

RealLiving is a brand of The BerkshireHathaway Home Services with state-of-the-art technology and both national andinternational advertising. This coupled with13 years of real estate sales experience spe-cializing in country and waterfront proper-ties has resulted in the creation of a new realestate ofce with already proven results.

We dont just want to list your house or land, we want to sell it!We dont just want to nd you a house, we want to nd you yourdream home!

I have spent 40 years in sales, have built and contracted beauti-ful homes in the area, and learned many fundamental lessons

about successfully selling real estate in this specialized market.We at Country & Waterfront Propertiesunderstand that realestate practice is not just about the sale of real estate, its aboutthe people and satisfying their wants and needs. This mindsetbecomes a tool which makes the personal difference to a quicksmooth real estate transaction. Come and experience thedifference!

experience the differenceIT'S ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND SATISFYING THEIR NEEDS

COUNTRY AND WATERFRONT PROPERTIE

(413) 269-4040 (413) 528-202048 East Otis Road, Otis MA

[email protected]

www.countryandwaterfronts.com

Country &WaterfrontProperties


David St. Laurent

Berkshire Realtor


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gift guideOur Berkshire Marketplace

HOLIDAY SHOPPING 2014!

BensDotters Pet- SmartCat Peek & Play Toy Box

The SmartCat Peek & Play Toy Box requires cats to paw and pull their toys out toplay, satisfying their desire to hunt and stalk, and providing much-needed mental stimulation. Thefun starts even before they get the toys out! The toy box comes with two toys, but can be usedwith any appropriately-sized toy or treat. Durable wood construction. Specially priced for thisholiday gift guide at just $20. BensDotter's Petcarries a full range of foods, equipment, andsupplies for dogs, cats, and parrots. In addition to carefully selected conventional canned andkibbled foods, BensDotter's specializes in granular and raw food diets for both cats and dogs.A little bit conventional. A little bit alternative. A whole lot different! 940 Main Street,Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-4940, www.bensdotters.com

Wild Birds Country Store - Squirrel-Proof FeederThis attractive bird feeder is guaranteed squirrel-proof as well as large-bird-proof and has a life

time warranty. Effective against red and gray squirrels, as well as grackles, starlings, doves, and more. It isdishwasher safe, built-to-last rust-proof construction with powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel componenWild Birds Country Store is a birding supply center that specializes in all the essentials for your backyard birdwatching and feeding. Owners Dave and Jody Soules carry a complete line of products to enjoy bird watching,bird feeding, and species preservation. The store carries many unique birdfeeders, birdhouses, birdbaths, fountainand outdoor furniture. Many of the products they carry are created by local artists and artisans here in the Berkshir783 South Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. 413-644-9007, www.wild-birdstore.com

PLAY

FEED

Camp Wagalot - Boarding & Daycare for Dogs

Going away for the holidays, or just planning a day at the mall? In the franticrush of the season we often forget how our pets feel when we leave them behind. They becombored, and this can bring out the naughty side of man's best friend! Instead, bring your dog toCamp Wagalotfor a day of exercise and mental stimulation, or board them for a week or mor

Your animal companion can play in a safe, supervised environment (it's like giving your dog a vacation too!) and it will put your mind at ease. After a healthy day of activity,

your pooch will have visions of sugarplum bones dancing in their head whilesleeping safe and sound at night. Gift certificates make a terrific gift for that hard-t

-buy-for relative or friend. Call for an appointment or more information.Rte 7, Stockbridge, MA. (413) 298 5300, www.lovecampwagalot.com

RELAX

CATWALK Boutique - Eclectic Clothing, Jewelry & AccessoriesIf you are looking for just the right holiday gift items including lovely woolen sweaters,

fanciful scarves, gorgeous handbags, and fun, funky jewelry, Great Barrington's upscale women's resaleshop, CATWALK Boutique,is the place to visit! All items are carefully curated to provide our customers withan exciting and adventurous shopping experience. If you are looking for that perfect holiday outfit, ourexperienced staff will assist you in putting together a beautiful ensemble culled from our extensive inventory.All CATWALK profits directly benefit Berkshire Humane Society . . . this is truly guilt-free, fun shopping! Sothis holiday season please help support the homeless animals of Berkshire County by shopping atCATWALK. 325 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA (next to Happy Nails). Prices vary, with manyitems under $15. (413) 717-4005, www.catwalkboutique.org

DRESS


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1

education & workshop

Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School

Waldor f Educat ion in the Be rk shire s for over 40 years

(413) 528-4015 www.gbrss.org Great Barrington, MA

We educate our students to meet life with courage,impart meaning and purpose to their lives, andrespond with creativity and integrity to the needs ofthe world. Our well-rounded, hands-on educationprepares students for their choice of high school andcollege and to reach their full potential.

P a r e n t - B a b y P r e - K K i n d e r g a r t e n1 s t - 8 t h G r a d e S u m m e r P r o g r a m

At Buxton School, students take pride in the fact thatthey are the ones who are central to sustaining it. WorkProgram is a twice-a-week community gathering where

a variety of different tasks are carried out around campus. Bothstudents and faculty break into crews and tackle whatever it isthat needs to be done, whether it is seasonal tasks, such as chop-ping wood to heat some of the buildings, harvesting vegetables,mowing lawns, shoveling, raking, composting, picking apples tomake cider, or general maintenance such as cleaning bathroomsand building spaces, helping out in the ofces, and the overallenhancement of the facilities around campus. In addition, theymake all of the costumes and sets for the school plays.

Intentionally, the school does not have a hired maintenance crewin charge of these duties. There is no nameless janitor, explainsBen Gross, a senior at Buxton. It is the students who are account-able for the upkeep of the school. Work Program is about givingback to the school that gives so much to us. It also adds a connectionto the community, a sense of responsibly that you can't nd any-where else, Gross says. Giving the students the opportunity to takeon these responsibilities allows them to grow, not only as a commu-nity, but also as individuals who are acquiring invaluable life skills. In addition to Work Program, students are assigned to everydayjobs as well as volunteer services. On a day-to-day basis, studentstake charge of chores similar to what they may do at home, suchas taking out the garbage, cleaning a toilet, vacuuming a hallway, ormaking snacks for other students. On Saturdays the kitchen stafftakes the day off and the students are in charge of all of the meals

that day. They order the ingredients/food ahead of time, and pre-pare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the entire school and faculty.Work program teaches us to be aware of our campus . . . we ap-preciate it because it teaches us how to problem solve and learn newskills, states Nyasha Franklin, also in her senior year at Buxton.

Learning by doing is a way of life at Buxton School. Not onlyis this philosophy present during Work Program, it is also funda-mental in the classroom, with a model that encourages student-driven discussion. The passionate faculty equips students with thecondence to solve problems and disentangle this complicatedworld in which we live. Buxton produces students who think in-dependently, and who mature in a way that prepares them for lifeafter high school. Experience is a powerful teacher: At Buxton,

kids learn in an interactive, participatory environment, where theyare expected to contribute as much as they take away, explainsFranny Shuker-Haines, Associate Director of the school.

Once a year, the students and faculty take part in their An-nual Urban Intensive, where students get to use the practicalskills they are gaining at school, and put them into practice. Theall-school trip consists of traveling to either a North or LatinAmerican city. While there, the students are able to delve into thesocial and political concerns of the area and obtain an immediateand personal experience through this journey. ~ Justina Trova is an

Admissions and Communications Associate at Buxton School. For more

information, visit buxtonschool.org, or call 413-458-3919 ext. 109.

learning by doingTAKING OWNERSHIP OF YOUR SCHOOL

By Justina Trova

GRADES 9-12 CO-ED BOARDING & DAY COLLEGE-PREPARATORY

Educating Progressively and Living Intentionally Since 1928

291 South Street, Williamstown, MA www.BuxtonSchool.org

Meet our students and faculty, tour the campus,

and see us in action!


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reflections

My grandmother Grace,known to close friends andfamily as Gracie, was a gentlesteady presence in my child-

hood. She lived with our familyin rural East Lenox more or lessuntil she died around my twelfthbirthday. A handsome soft-spo-ken woman with silver wavy hairpulled back in a bun, her sterndemeanor, upright posture, and

New England stoicism intimidated my mother but belied the ten-derness and love she bestowed on me her rst granddaughter.

Gracie had been destitute most of her early life, raising her-self and her tow-haired brother on the city streets of Bostonmill towns while her widowed mother worked as a housekeeper.She learned early to hide her feelings, and I remember seeing herface often frozen in a grimace as she stared blankly at a wall. Butmost of all, I remember her hands wide with short ngers andpaper-thin skin hands that expressed tenderness. Never oncewere they raised to anyone in anger, although I later was told thatthey fended off blows from her former husband.

When I think of Grandma Gracie, I often see myself as awide-eyed six-year-old pixie perched high on a stool at an enamel-top kitchen counter, entranced as her white-oured hands kneadedthe dough, inviting me to do the same, and then enjoying our rst

slices of warm bread from the oven, smothered in butter.I remember those broad hands brushing my long tangled hair i

slow easy strokes a daily ritual passed on to my father. Whenever was sad or angry, her hands beckoned me, and then she lightly caresse

my shoulders in ever-widening circles. I recall most fondly sitting on worn leather hassock, my back to her, anticipating her gentle back rub

She performed this and other small rituals with all her grandchildren as she visited each of her sons, always careful not to statoo long, living among their young broods in towns nestled imountain river valleys of New England. She traveled with very fewpossessions, took up residence in a spare sewing room or a smabedroom, and quietly blended into the fabric of a household. Shnever complained. Year after year, it seemed she wore the samshoes, the same winter coat, and the same housedresses.

I never heard Grandma sing, but she whistled beautifully thonly person in our home to do so. Always the same tune perhapa hymn from the Methodist church. Today, whenever I wash disheor fold laundry, I hear in my mind the same few bars she whistleas she mended or ironed or puttered about. After she died, when was a grown woman, I appreciated how poor she must have beeand how enriched I was by her presence and her memory.

Many years later, far away from my childhood home, I taughmy new husband Grandmas gentle caress. I worked hard to build friendship even after he and I parted ways. And one time, he came tmy hospital bedside as I recovered from emergency surgery for a lifethreatening tumor his hands caressing my feet just as I had once caressed him. Gracies ritual of touch always quieted my racing thoughand brought me back to center, just as Grandma herself once had.

When I moved to Baltimore some time later, I bought tiny old row-house and soon began inviting neighbors and othestrangers to my cozy kitchen for tea or supper. Like Grandm

Gracie, I blended quietly into the fabric of a new communita new job, a new life. The gift of a smile, a few measures oconversation with neighbors who also lived alone or faced bichallenges, or a small kindness made my own life less empty. Local merchants started calling me by name whenever I dropped inAnd I began to forge new relationships.

Some time later, in the autumn, I began dating again gamble with my still fragile heart. Our relationship evolved slowlOne evening as he readied to leave, he asked, Could you rub mback? I grinned. And so began a conversation rooted in the vocabulary of touch. Months later, sitting in my cheerful kitchen amy green enamel-top table, sipping mugs of chamomile tea, ouconversation drifted to our chance meeting . . . I feel Ive knowyou all my life, I said. Thats nice, he said shyly, surprised. Bu

by the spring he left. And as the crisp autumn nights broughfull circle another year, and the leaves blushed scarlet and orangonce more, I sat quietly in the amber glow of my kitchen in thevenings, letting go of grief, inviting stillness, invoking grace.

Visions of Grandma Gracie her steady gaze, her quiet voicher silver hair pulled up off her neck, and silk ngers caressing mshoulders drifted into my consciousness, into a canary yellowkitchen infused with the smell of chamomile and fresh Christmanarcissus, into the light warm home I recreated in memory of her and all she had been, all she had given. ~ A Berkshire native, Deborah Hason Greene is a writer and painter. A graduate of Vassar college, she lived and worked

the Washington metro area and the Midwest, and now lives and works in the Berkshire

gracie MEMORIES OF GRANDMA / Painting and Essay By Deborah Hanson Greene

Tis The Season To B e Stressless!Giv The Gift Of Relaxation

Body & Soul Gift Certicates

MASSAGE | FACIALS | NAIL CARE

FACE & BODY CARE PRODUCTS

Call us for weekly specials.

Stop by or call to have your gift certicatemailed or emailed.

And while youre at it . . . get something for yourself too!

Mention this ad for 10% off any full priced service

or gift certicateone discount per person.


21/24


health & wellnes

(518)-965-3315 www.enlightensauna.net

46 Main StreetSouth Egremont, MABehind Zorn Chiropractic

Infrared Sauna

Health Benets

Lyme Symptom Relief

Detoxication

Pain Relief

Weight Loss

Relaxation

Improved CirculationSkin Purication

Convenient | Private | Single Sessions | Packages

Winter Special!One month of unlimited

sessions for only $100.

Call for appointment.

therapysauna

Great Barrington, 413-528-3334 | Sharon, 860-364-5990

goldman/tripp

osteopathic healthcare

As osteopathic physicians, we use our comprehensive knowledge of

anatomy and physiology to promote health and healing. We work gently

with our hands to help your body restore optimal function based onoptimal structure to help solve musculoskeletal problems

and health issues of all kinds.

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

Holiti Masag & FciaJennifer A. CoppolaLicensed Massage Therapist/Esthetician

Hot StoneSwedish MassageReiki

Dr. Hauschka Facial Treatments

Infant Massage Instruction

On-Site Seated Massage

Pregnancy Massage

Phone: (413) 499-0916


Intuitive Counselor

SHEILAAs accuracy rate is 95-100%.MANAGERMALIBU SHAMAN BOOKSTORE MALIBU, CA

Sheilaa Hite

www.SheilaaHite.com

413-637-0085

Featured in Paulette Coopers directory,

THE 100 TOP PSYCHICS in AMERICA

Tarot AstrologyPalmistryPsychometry

Mediumship Past Life Regression

Hypnotherapy Life Coach

Consultations in Person, by Phone or SkypeClasses, Parties and Events

Upcoming Program Dates

Bring in the New Year with a Retreat!

Way to Health:Jan 4-10 and Feb 15-21

Way to Health Plus:Jan 11-17 and Feb 22-28

Healthy Weight Loss: Jan 18-24

Yoga Retreat: Feb 1-7

Learn Meditation, Palm Reading,

and the Art of Empowerment: Dec. 28-Jan 2


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health & wellness

We are exposed to an astronomicalnumber of toxic substances everyday including natural toxins such as mold,yeast and fungus, bad bacteria and vi-

ruses, spirochetes, parasites, and negativethoughts (fear and anger that can createvery real biochemical changes), and manmade toxins including pesticides, geneti-cally modied foods (GMOs), heavy met-als, dirty electric, WiFi frequencies, andcountless chemicals.

We regularly consume these harm-ful substances, inhale them inadvertentlyor on purpose, absorb them through ourskin, and expose ourselves to them byproximity. Our body is designed and ableto detoxify (neutralize, transform, or get

rid of) many (but not all) of these tox-ins so that they do not impair our health.However, when our detox system is com-promised in any way, impurities are notproperly ltered and every cell in the bodyis adversely affected. The result can be asmild as just not feeling our best, or a muchmore serious degenerative condition.

Performing procedures to assist yourbodys natural detoxication process issaid to be an absolute necessity by somehealth care professionals, and yet othersrmly believe some can be harmful. So, itis best to obtain advice and guidance from

a professional, carefully listen to yourbody, and do your own research.

In a future issues of Our Berkshire-Times magazine we will include specicdetox procedures recommended by localprofessionals. But for now, we feel that re-viewing a few basic (and sometimes over-looked) health practices that can have aprofound effect on your health over time isan important step in the right direction.

1) The Joy Factor.Make a conscious effoto pay attention to how you feel and ooyour body (and your bodys biochemistrwith positive emotions throughout eac

day. Learn how to forgive others (for yousake) and take time out to pamper youself and relax. Treat yourself to massage Body and Soul Thera-Spa (see ad pag20), Jennifer Coppola (see ad page 21and Flowing Form Bodywork (see athis page). Learn how to meditate or exprience a yoga retreat at the Kushi Institu(see ad page 21). Contact Sheilaa Hitefointuitive counseling (see ad page 21).

2)Heal Your Gut.Consider the GAPS nutritional protocol by Dr. Natasha CampbelMcBride, www.gapsdiet.com. A healthy gu

will allow your body to clear out unwantesubstances by restoring and switching oyour natural detoxication system. In addition, your body needs the right nutritioto function properly. Try adding fresh, raworganic juices to your diet, and use naturfood-based supplements available at Leno

Village Integrative Pharmacy(see ad thpage). To help your body restore optimfunction on every level, we also highly reommend Goldman/Tripp OsteopathHealthcare(see ad page 21).

3) Exercise, Breathe, Sweat.More tha

just a means to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and weight, regular movment and working up a sweat can greatassist your detoxication system. Contaexercise and movement specialist MinLash (see ad below). Walk whenever yocan, combine with deep breathing exercies, and be sure to drink enough pure wateInfrared sauna sessions are extremely benecial try Enlighten Sauna Therapy (see apage 21). Drink bone broths to replace minerals and to help your body and gut heal.

4) Reduce Your Exposure to Toxins.

just makes sense. Eat organic food and uorganic products. Reduce your exposure heavy metals, dirty electric, and WiFi, and educate yourself about the toxicity of uoridCarefully avoid sugar, cancer-causing GMOand chemical additives like aspartame thdisrupt your entire system. Empower youself by reading back issues of Our BerkshireTimes magazine to learn more abouspecic topics from local professionals (clicon the magazine cover on the home page owww.OurBerkshireTimes.com).

detoxification 101IT JUST MAKES SENSE / By Kathy I. Regan

Flowing FormBodywork

Deborah Gerard

Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner

Licensed

Physical & Massage TherapistCraniosacral Therapy

_________________

Pain relief through gentle touch

and movement. Individual

sessions and classes are offered.

www.flowingform.com

[email protected]


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featured advertise

An education for life.

Childrens House

Elementary

Adolescent

Toddler

Summer

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enrolling for

2015-2016

school year!

Individual tours daily by appointmentBerkshireMontessori.org (413) 637-3662

Convenient Location with Ample Parking

on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guidos

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BENSDOTTERS PET413-528-4940940MAINSTREET,GREATBARRINGTON,MA

Quality Foods, Equipment, and Supplies

Raw Diet Specialists

Real Gadoury of Aerus Electrolux

wishes to sayTHANK YOU!

to the Kiwanis Club of

Pittseld, and all of the

participants and donors

involved with the

Park of Honor Event

383 North St, Pittseld, MA413-442-1544

WBK ConstructionConstruction . Landscaping

Excavating.

TruckingTitle V Inspection

Septic Systems

Problem Solving

BILLY KIE413.232.4496

(413) 274-1010

[email protected]

Kitchens Baths Offices Entertainment Centers Staircases

Furniture Big & Small Jobs

www.Hartsvil leDesign.com

Hartsville DesignWoodworking


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our berkshiretimes magazine, dec 2014-jan 2015

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