Feb-Mar 2015 vol 18

(29)

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Our BerkshireTimes

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

O Romance & Wedding

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February - March 2015

Our BerkshireTimes
PUBLISHERS
Kathy I. Regan
publisher@ourberkshiretimes.com
Kevin J. Regan
kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com
_______________
EDITORIAL
Kathy I. Regan
editor@ourberkshiretimes.com
Rodelinde Albrecht
rodelinde@ourberkshiretimes.com
Copyeditor/Proofreader
Rodelinde Albrecht
_______________
DESIGN
Magazine Design/Layout
Kathy I. Regan
AdsIndependent Designers
Katharine Adams, Rural Ethic Studio
katmail@ruralethicstudio.com

Contents
4

art, culture & entertainment

16

EVENT SAMPLER

FIRST HOME FIXER-UPPERS

romance & wedding feature

GIFT GUIDE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

18

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

20

home & garden

LOOK UP! GEOENGINEERING

animal talk
MY BEST FRIEND FOREVER

12

education & workshops

SELF LOVE

LOVE IS A SWEET THING

10

real estate & professionals

21

health & wellness

ROMANCING AROMATHERAPY

food & drink

THE FLOWER OF LOVE

23

DATE ROSE FLAT CAKE

STEAK AU POIVRE

featured advertisers

his publication is
printed with soy ink on
FSC-certified paper.

Christine Dupre
cedupre@msn.com

Our BerkshireTimes

Elisa Jones, Berkshire Design Studio

elisa@berkshiredesignstudio.com
_______________

The Voice of Our Community! Like Us On

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P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236
Phone: (413) 274-1122
advertise@OurBerkshiretimes.com
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_______________
COVER ILLUSTRATION

Late Summer Bouquet

by Koo Schadler, Artist
Koo Schadlers egg
tempera paintings are in
more than 400 private
and public collections
worldwide. She is a
master painter of
the Copley Society, a
contributing editor to
The Artists Magazine,
and a popular painting
instructor who has taught workshops around
the US and abroad for 18 years. Koo grew
up in Litchfield, CT, and has fond memories
of visiting the Berkshires. For more
information visit www.kooschadler.com.

Savings!

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Our BerkshireTimes magazine is a bimonthly publication (six issues yearly starting in
February, since 2009), free to the public, and enjoyed by community members
and visitors alike. Most of our editorial content is contributed by our readers. We
welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback, and encourage you to submit original
material for consideration through our website. To find out more about advertising,
submitting editorial, and posting events on
our free community calendar, see our websites
at left, and join our mailing list to receive our
free monthly eNewsletter.
All content in Our BerkshireTimes is accepted
in good faith. We do not necessarily advocate
and cannot be held responsible for opinions
expressed or facts supplied by our authors,
illustrators, and advertisers. We reserve the right
to refuse advertising for any
reason. For printing errors of
the publisher's responsibility,
liability is limited to the cost of
the ad space in which it first
appeared. Unless otherwise
noted, we use a Creative
Commons License in place
of a standard copyright.

Late Summer Bouquet, egg tempera, on true

gesso panel, finished with oil. 13 x 9 3/4"

art, culture & entertainment

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February | March 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

event sampler
SEE MORE EVENTS OR POST YOUR
EVENT FOR FREE AT
www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com
Spoken Word & Poetry
Date: Mon, Feb 9, 2015, 6:30pm
Place: Good Purpose Gallery,
40 Main Street, Lee, MA - (413) 394-5045
Price: $5 suggested donation.
The first Monday of every month enjoy
an exhilarating blend of poetry, spoken
word, and storytelling. Sign-ups welcome!
www.goodpurpose.org
Berkshire Music School Presents
Date: Tues, Feb 17, 2015, 4pm
Place: Berkshire Music School,
30 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA
(413) 442-1411
Price: $10
Berkshire Music School presents 10X10
concert during citywide festival. Ten
performers in concert in a coffee house
setting, as part of the Pittsfield citywide
10X10 festival.
www.berkshiremusicschool.org
250th Anniversay Winter Ball
Date: Sat, Feb 21, 2015, 8-11pm
Place: Skyline Country Club, South Main
Street, Lanesborough, MA
Price: $45/couple; $23/single
Lanesborough is celebrating the 250th
Anniversary of its incorporation this year!
Music for this winter ball will be provided
by The Skidmarks, who perform music
from the 50s. Everyone is invited to
attend. www.lanesborough-ma.gov
Sausage Fest 2015
Date: Sat, March 7, 2015, 11am-6pm
Place: The Meat Market, 389 Stockbridge
Road, Great Barrington, MA
(413) 528-2022
Price: Entry is free.
Join us for The Meat Markets 4th annual
Sausage Fest, our winter celebration of all
things encased. Entry is free, with a dozen
varieties of sausage, from the classic to the
experimental, all available as sandwiches or
to take home. Add live music, tasty drinks,
and free tastings throughout the day to
make our most convivial event of the year.

art, culture & entertainment

botanical exhibition

THE

MARCH 1-31 AT THE NORFOLK LIBRARY, NORFOLK, CT

BOOKLOFT

Celebrating our 40th year as an

independent bookstore. Thank you!

The Artists Garden: Persephone Returns

We sell eBooks! for your

iPad, iPhone, Android or
Kobo device

he Icebox of Connecticut
is delighted to present
the early return of spring with
a botanical exhibition at the
Norfolk Library (9 Greenwoods
Road East, Norfolk, CT) from
March 1 to 31, 2015. Botanical
paintings by Gail Easton, Molly
Helleborus orientalis,
watercolor by Gail Easton, 2015
ONeill-Lally, and Leslie Watkins
will be on display. Watkins will give a botanical watercolor
demonstration on Monday, March 2, 10am-12pm. It is free
and open to the public. Gail Easton, a botanical artist from
Canton, is driven to translate the natural world around her.
Molly ONeill-Lally, a botanical painter from Litchfield,
continues to be inspired by each phase of growth in her garden.
Leslie Watkins is an avid gardener, and longtime instructor of
botanical painting. In conjunction with the exhibit, Watkins will
offer a special four-part workshop in March, Nature Studies in
Watercolor, from her studio. There will be an artists reception
Sunday, March 1, from 4-6pm. www.lesliewatkins.com

Great Barrington
413 528 1521
thebookloft.com

Our BerkshireTimes magazine highly

recommends www.GaiamTV.com for
quality, streaming videos to expand
your horizons. Watch fascinating
interviews, movies, documentaries,
exercise and yoga classes, and
so much more via your computer,
smart TV, or Roku.

EGG TEMPERA
PAINTING

Egg Tempera Paintings

& Silverpoint Drawings

Buy the Book at www.kooschadler.com

festival of women writers

Join Koo for Summer and Fall Workshops

in Painting and Composition.
For All Levels from Beginner to Advanced.
See Website for More Information.

A UNIQUE CELEBRATION OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION

ow entering its fifth season, the

Berkshire Festival of Women Writers
in Western Massachusetts showcases the
voices and visions of a wide range of
women writers, from teens to seniors,
with more than 50 workshops, readings,
performances, and screenings.
There is at least one event every day of the month of March,
taking place at more than 30 venues throughout Berkshire
County, MA, from public spaces such as libraries, schools, and
theaters to more intimate settings such as Edith Whartons
former home, The Mount. The Festival is designed to inspire,
nourish, and strengthen womens creative endeavors by offering
an intensive series of stimulating events that encourage women
and girls to engage with one another and develop as writers,
says Festival Founding Director Jennifer Browdy, a professor of
literature at Bard College at Simons Rock.
The March 2015 Festival will include the First Annual
Berkshire Festival of Women Writers Book Expo, a book fair for
regional writers, publishers, and other vendors. For a complete
listing of Festival events visit www.berkshirewomenwriters.org
or email info@berkshirewomenwriters.org.

KOO SCHADLER

A Comprehensive Guide
to Painting Egg Tempera
by
Koo Schadler

Arts
HotcHkiss
The

at

Alstead, NH (603) 835-2937

www.kooschadler.com

All are welcome!

hotchkiss.org/arts
(860) 435 - 4423

programs september through July

The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT

guest concert series ~ tremaine gallery

dance ~ hotchkiss dramatic association

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

~ film screenings
~ summer portals

February | March 2015

gift guide

Our Berkshire Marketplace

Romance & Wedding 2015!

WRITE

Berkshire Pens

Berkshire Pens are hand turned from native woods and acrylics right here in Stockbridge, MA. No two are the
same. Each boasts a mirror shine nish. They may be designed as a ballpoint, gel, fountain, or pencil. Pens come in all sizes and styles
some specic for women, adorned with Swarovski crystals, others for children, decorated with cool colors. Mens items range from
those for the sportsman made from machine gun shells to a more sophisticated presentation for the professional in his workplace.
Berkshire Pens also turns bottle stoppers, napkin rings, small bowls, spinning tops, and yo-yos. Dan Burkhard, owner of Berkshire
Pens, always loved working with his hands. The lathe he uses to create his products was made by his grandfather, Samuel Burkhard,
more than a hundred years ago. If you have a piece of wood that has meaning, the possibility exists that you can have an item turned
from it. You will work together to create an item that you, or that special someone, will cherish. Prices range from $25 to $220. We
make the pens . . . You make your mark! (413) 298-4773, www.berkshirepens.com

CHERISH

Family Stories: Genealogical Research

Theres a story to tell part history, part romance, part tragedy, with a veil of
unsolved mystery. No matter whose family I research, or how family might be defined, theres always
a fascinating narrative waiting to be discovered. As a genealogist trained through Boston Universitys
certificate program, I adhere to strict genealogical research standards. But as a storyteller, I seek
out the colorful details like newspaper gossip about Grandmas scandalous sister, perhaps a photo of the
family residence. And as an artist, I illustrate the story, with a hand-drawn family tree on parchment, or
a pastel painting, if desired. $25 per hour for look-ups in NY and western MA, and translation of German
documents. Gift packages are $350 and include a narrative with sources fully cited, a hand-drawn family
tree or pastel portrait, and standard research reports with citations. Contact me for a free estimate.
Jennifer Lilienthal, JLL Family Stories, (413) 298-1051, jllportraits@live.com

EXPRESS

CATA - Hand-felted Heart Cards

Express your love with a vibrant Hand-felted Heart Card created by

Community Access to the Arts (CATA). Colorful felted hearts adorn high-quality blank cards
for a simple and beautiful Valentine. Sold individually with envelope included for $6. CATA celebrates
the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing
arts. Each week, a group of adults with disabilities collaborate with community volunteers to create
beautiful, eco-friendly products out of mostly recycled materials. Sales of these products provide
income in the form of commissions to the participants, help fund the program, and tell CATAs story
wherever they are sold. You can purchase their goods online and at shops around the county. Attend
their annual performance and gala on May 17, 2014 (see pages 4 and 5 of this issue).
(413) 528-5485, www.communityaccesstothearts.org

Wine, Beer & Spirits

CELEBRATE Cellarbration
We can help you find just the right wine, beer, and spirits for your special

occasion. Just stop in to see us and we will be glad to help. Join our Savvy Wine Club to taste wines from
diverse regions, learn about wine and food pairing, and enjoy access to special pricing on select wines.
Take advantage of our 20% wine sale at Cellarbration Wine, Beer & Spirits on the first and third
Thursday of each month (some exclusions apply). The offer includes all 750ml bottles of wine from our
hand-picked selections. If you can't make it to the store just visit our website and give us a call and we
will put your order aside for you. Gift cards available. Our store is located inside Great Barrington's Big Y
World Class Market. Open seven days a week, Monday -Saturday 9am-9pm and Sunday 12 -8pm.
(413) 528-6600, www.cellarbrationwinebeerspirits.com

February | March 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

romance & wedding

love is a sweet thing

SUDDENLY IT'S NOT JUST ME BUT WE / By Rodelinde Albrecht

ost of us are quite capable of living alone and

can be content to do so, thank you very much.
We can decorate our home just the way we like it,
prepare the foods we prefer, choose our favorite entertainments.
If we want to get up in the middle of the night and play loud
music or clatter around in the kitchen baking bread, whos to stop
us? We have no one to consider but ourselves.
Add another person and everything changes. Suddenly
its not just me but we. Now someone elses needs, wants, and
preferences must be considered. Now adjustments must be made,
compromises negotiated, care taken not to offend. Of course
thats true only if we actually want to build something that works,
lasts, and satisfies.
So, is it worth it? The answer is up to you. Do you prefer your
own company to that of someone who might at one moment
exasperate you but at the next make you feel like a million bucks?
Do you want to live only the way youve fallen into by habit
or would you like to explore new ways of being, thinking, and
acting? Is independence everything to you or will you consider
interdependence, trading self-reliance for a condition in which
two people rely on each other, care for each other, watch each
others back? If you are already contentedly coupled, you know

exactly what Im talking about. If not, and you are looking for
love, remember Winston Churchills famous words, Never, ever
ever, ever, ever give up.
Experience and common sense tell us that love makes us feel
good. But its nice to know that research has caught up with what
we already know by identifying a clinically verifiable byproduct
of love. When we snuggle up (even with our cat or dog!), our
pituitary gland secretes a powerful hormone called oxytocin. This
brain chemical is also known familiarly as the love hormone, the
cuddle hormone, the trust hormone, and the moral molecule.
Other ways you can boost your oxytocin levels for a healthier,
happier you include watching a tearjerker, getting a massage, or
dancing, It seems that any activity that engages your emotions,
or involves any kind of positive interaction
between living beings, contributes to our
well-being. Love is a sweet thing.
If youve already found your treasure,
glory in it, and thank your lucky stars each
day of your life. If youre still seeking, take
heart from Winstons words.

~ Rodelinde Albrecht, Concerned Singles,

www.concernedsingles.com

romantic & glamorous

A UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE SETTING FOR YOUR WEDDING

entfort Halls beautiful 1893 Gilded Age mansion offers

a romantic and glamorous setting, evocative of an elegant
bygone era. The hand-carved oak great hall, dramatic staircase,
beautiful plaster ceilings, expansive lawn, and 90-foot grand
veranda create a picture perfect scene for your memorable day.
Ventfort Hall is the ideal site for your unforgettable wedding,
rehearsal dinner, or bridal shower. The mansion is available for
other private events as well.

unusual to classic
MAKING BRIDES HAPPY ONE RING AT A TIME FOR 65 YEARS

nusual Wedding Rings & More is a second-generation

business that has been making brides happy one ring at a time
for more than 65 years. We have wedding rings in many different
styles and metals for men and women from unusual to classic and
many in between. Bring us your jewelry and family heirlooms and we
can repair, refurbish, or recreate them with a new look. The words no
or cant do not exist in our vocabulary. We work with craftsmen of the
highest quality and will make your dreams come true.

the ambiance, rich history and intimacy

in a beautiful gilded age mansion built
in 1893 create a truly unique setting
for your wedding day.

best wedding value

in the berkshires

For more information contact us at

413-637-3206 or by e-mail at info@GildedAge.org

104 Walker Street, Lenox, MA

GildedAge.org

UNUSUAL

b WEDDING RINGS & MORE b

137 North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
(413) 236-9300 | unusualweddingrings.com
open Tues-Fri 10:15am-5:50pm
Sat 10am-4pm

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February | March 2015

romance & wedding

artisan gifts

Celebrate Our Forty-third Year!

Wonderful Things

Largest Selection of Yarns

and Unique Handcrafted Gifts in the Berkshires
Gift Certificates S Free Knitting Lessons
Open Mon-Sat 9:30-5, Sun 12-4
Harry and Debbie Sano
232 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
(413) 528-2473 www.wonderful-things.com

A WIDE VARIETY OF OFERINGS TO MAKE GIFT GIVING EASY

efore you choose a gift for your loved one or the bride and
groom, a visit to Wonderful Things is a must! You will find
a wide variety of artisan gifts all handmade in the USA. Wooden
bowls and utensils are a big hit. Consider a door harp of inlaid
wood for something unique, or who would not want to receive
traditional Shaker boxes? There are pottery lines to suit every
taste, as well as a full line of Judaica including menorahs, wedding
glasses, plates, frames, and more.

are you ready?

WE CAN OPEN UP A WHOLE NEW WONDERFUL WORLD

oncerned Singles is the simple, smart, prudent way for you

to find friendship and romance with interesting, intelligent,
creative likeminded singles of all ages, throughout North America
and beyond. Since 1984, Concerned Singles has brought together
socially conscious, progressive singles who care about social justice,
race and gender equity, the environment, and personal growth. We
can open up for you a whole wonderful new world of prescreened
possibilities for developing a satisfying longterm relationship.

the four c's

WE WILL BE PRACTICAL SO YOU CAN BE ROMANTIC

f you are thinking about buying

a diamond, it is very much in
your best interest to enlist the
help of someone you can trust to
educate you on the Four Cs that
determine diamond quality: cut,
color, clarity, and carat weight. At
Crown Jewelers this is precisely what we have been doing since
1977. Although there are many options now to buy a diamond
online, we cannot stress how important personal, face-to-face
service is here at Crown Jewelers. Customer service does not end
after the purchase.
Now available exclusively at

37 Years Your Personal Jeweler

www.crownjewelersinc.net
Allendale Shopping Center

413-442-9073

February | March 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

We work within your budget to find the diamond that is exactly

right for you. We realize you are investing in timeless beauty that
makes an intensely personal declaration. For such an important
purchase, you want to be sure your special design says what is in
your heart.
Here at Crown Jewelers, we will be practical so you can be
romantic. Our knowledgeable team will work with you in the
creation of rings that will be treasured for a lifetime.

romance & wedding

double the pleasure

Treat Yourself AND the One You Love

RELIEVE TENSION AND PROMOTE GENERAL WELLBEING

assage, facials, and reflexology held at Holistic Massage &

Facial are natural healing arts that promote deep relaxation,
relieve tension, improve circulation, and help promote general
wellbeing of the body. A full-body massage or a facial will let you
gently slip into a self-nurturing space, while reflexology, through
the application of gentle point pressure on your face, ears, or feet,
initiates a restful rebalancing of your body. Book an appointment
for you and your special someone to enjoy simultaneous sessions!

intimate dining experience

DESIGNED WITH ELEGANCE AND EXPERTLY CRAFTED

reservation Society is the Berkshires newest intimate

dining experience featuring simply sophisticated dishes
with an la carte charcuterie and raw bar menu as well as
3- and 5-course prix fixe dinner options. The dining room is
cozy and rustic chic with a view of the chef s work station.
Seating is limited to 12 guests to ensure personal service. Parties of up to 30 guests are also offered. Preserving the harvest
and Berkshire tradition.

Combine 2 Sessions
Facial or Massage with Reflexology

for only $125

Sessions by Jennifer Coppola

www.holisticmassageandfacial.com
and Deborah Dunlap
www.handshearthealth.com
held at 1063 North Street, Pittsfield, MA

(413) 499-0916

Chef Christophe Jalbert brings to the

Berkshires a handcrafted fine dining experience

PRESERVATION SOCIETY
raw bar | charcuterie | multi-course tasting menu
designed with elegance and expertly crafted

For a unique dining experience call (413) 429-6310

999 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

Open daily except Tuesday from 5pm-10:30pm

www.preservationsocietyrestaurant.com

your special day

WE CAN HELP WITH CUSTOMIZED EVENT PACKAGES

aba Louies can help you customize your wedding and special
event parties. Our wonderful banquet room, located in our
Pittsfield Restaurant, can host from 20 to 100 guests.

www.babalouiespizza.com
for daily specials

As a family owned and operated restaurant, we at Baba Louies

treat every guest as a member of our own family. Our team
is experienced in helping you host your special event from the
planning stage to the final day.
Whether it is a rehearsal dinner, shower, Jack and Jill, or the wedding
reception itself, your meal will be made from the highest quality
ingredients. Only the freshest vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and meats
are used in creating our event packages.
Each package can be as simple as our famous pizza and bountiful
salads, or customized to include special pastas, appetizers, soups, and
desserts. We have also hosted many wonderful events from business
luncheons and meetings to baby showers and bar mitzvahs. For any
occasion, we can help you host a successful party!
Please come in and check out the banquet room, or call our catering
manager at (413) 499-2400. www.babalouiespizza.com.

hudson pittseld
gt barrington
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Food is
the
Language
of love
February | March 2015

10

February | March 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

animal talk

my best friend forever

CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957

MY PATIENT TUTOR, MY ZEN MASTER, AND MY SOLACE

By Kristina Dow

grew up in a rural Vermont village (population 800) in the

1950s. The village school was four rooms for eight grades,
and when you graduated from first grade to second grade,
you simply moved from one side of the room to the other. Every
other year youd move to the lower grade side of another room.
Many of the kids at the village grade school were farmers
kids, and lots of classroom seats would be empty during harvest
time because the kids were needed at home. I wasnt a farmers
kid; we were village dwellers. My dad was a Dartmouth and
Tuck School of Business grad who married a Vermonter, and
then settled into becoming a Vermonter when he became the
business manager of the local copper mine. The anomaly of
a copper mine in Vermont drew together a diverse group of
transient but closeknit adult village dwellers from across the
country and from around the world, but kids my own age were
very few and very far between.
Warm weather playdates consisted of going with my
mom to one of the outlying farms to pick up supplies of fresh
milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruits. While my mom shared coffee
and gossip in the kitchen, Id roam the farm with the farm kids
I knew from school and visit all the farm animals while pulling
fresh, warm eggs from beneath the chickens, and searching for
kittens in the haymow. By contrast, the winter months were
long and cold, but none of that mattered on those crisp, bright
winter mornings when Mr. Bushway would bring his daughter
Carol down from their farm in a horse-drawn farm sleigh and
pick me up for a ride to school.
Those idyllic early years hold many fond memories, but the
memories that are the most vivid and that I cherish the most are
those of Fluffy, a big gray-and-white tomcat who quite magically
appeared at our house one day, and who quickly became my
constant companion and, indeed, my very first best friend. But
even more than that, Fluffy became, and remains, perhaps the
single most enduring and endearing influence on my life.
When the weather was warm and dry, Fluffy and I would
spend the day wandering the fields, woods, and riverbanks. He
taught me to be silent, observant, and peaceful. Fluffy was my
Zen master. When the weather was cold or wet, wed snuggle
safe inside, and Id read aloud to him. He encouraged me to
be articulate, learned, and self-confident. Fluffy was my patient
tutor. And if I was ever sad, mad, or scared, Id take Fluffy under
the bed with me to allay my tears, anger, and fear. Fluffy was my
solace. And now, as I reflect back almost sixty years, I realize what
a truly lucky child I was to have had Fluffy
in my life, to have had Fluffy to love, and
I loved Fluffy with all my heart. I hope all
that Rainbow Bridge stuff is true. Id love
to be with Fluffy again someday . . .

Your trusted source

for quality foods
and supplies.
Your trusted resource
for raw-feeding
information
and advice.

BENSDOTTERS PET 413-528-4940

940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 01230

Convenient Location with Ample Parking

on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guidos

Mon-Fri 10a-6p

Sat-Sun 10a-4p

www.bensdotters.com

~ Kristina Tina Dow is the owner of

BensDotters Pet, in Great Barrington, MA,
specializing in raw-food diets and much more.
www.bensdotters.com.

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February | March 2015

11

food & drink

the flower of love

A GARDENER'S DELIGHT, A TOKEN OF AFFECTION, A CHEF'S SECRET INGREDIENT / By Lawrence Davis-Hollander

s there anyone who cannot get transported by the scent

of a real rose? I dont mean those perfect and inodorous
stalks you buy in the supermarket, bred for pretty blooms
alone, but rather the conveyance that occurs from the rich, sweet,
voluptuous, and redolent emanation from a species or old rose.
Roses dont have a singular fragrance but rather a panoply of
variation from musk to spice.
Roses have long been associated with love and beauty because of
their delicious flowers. Native to the northern hemisphere, there are
about 100 to 200 different species (depending upon which botanist
you consult) all characterized by thorns or more botanically correct
stipules, ranging from shrubs to trailing or climbing plants up to
40 feet, and have somewhat to very showy flowers. Roses are part of
the much larger Rose family, which includes a couple of thousand
different herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees.
While the story of the cultivated rose plant is long and
complex, there are two particularly important areas from which
roses came: one is western Asia (essentially the Mideast and
adjacent southern Europe) and the other is China, which possesses
many more species. China roses (Rosa chinensis) are a complex
group of roses hybridized and cultivated for hundreds of years
before being discovered by Europeans plus the original species
rose. These, combined with the wild Rosa odorata, the wild tea
rose, formed the basis of many kinds of modern garden roses.
According to Pliny, Rosa gallica was known to the Greeks
and Romans and extensively cultivated by the Romans. This rose
was used decoratively, its petals strewn everywhere, at banquets
and in the wine, on parade grounds for victors. Roman brides
and grooms were adorned with rose garlands as were the images
of Cupid and Bacchus. In the medieval period in Europe a
cultivar of the gallica was grown, known as the Red Provins or
Apothecarys Rose (of Provins). Rosa gallica officinalis was named
for the town in France that became the center of industry for the
production of its dried petals. This rose was used medicinally, in
perfumes and cookery, and to make rose water. From the gallicas
came ancient hybrids of the Summer and Autumn Damasks,
the Portland Rose, the White Rose of York, and from that the

entres
available

M-m-m-yum!
casual french dining

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

12

February | March 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Cabbage Rose, thence the Moss Rose.

While it is hard to make generalizations, some of the richest
scented roses remain the old roses, that is damasks, gallicas, albas,
moss roses, and others. The drawback to these is that most bloom
but once in the season, yet some of their fragrances are to die for. As
with other divine products of nature, morel mushrooms, heirloom
tomatoes, or species peonies, the season is short, but so what? If by
some chance you have not stuck your nose in one of these ancient
blooms and inhaled, you have not fully lived. There are modern
fragrant repeat bloomers available; notable are the David Austin
roses combining some of the perfumes of the old roses, but alas in
the colder parts of our region they are not reliably hardy.
The greatest prize derived from roses is otto of rose or attar
of roses, discovered by the Persians in the early 17th century.
Thus began a center of the rose oil industry first in Persia, later in
France, and eventually in the late 19th century in Bulgaria, which
today is the largest center of production generating the finest oil
from Rosa damascena. Other rose oil producers include Lebanon,
India, Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, and Morocco, some of which
use Rosa centifolia, the Cabbage Rose. The great 11th-century
Persian philosopher and chemist Avicenna is widely credited with
inventing the first large-scale method for making rose water, now
largely a by-product of making rose oil. Rose water is widely used
as a cosmetic and as an ingredient in regional dishes, especially
desserts from the Mideast to India. So why not create a delectable
delicacy for your darling?

food & drink

date rose flat cake

SIMPLE AND UNADORNED YET AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS! / By Lawrence Davis-Hollander

confection imbued with reminiscences

of the Mideast. A simple, sweet, and tasty treat thats
easy to make using no sugar or gluten. The rose water
gives it a wonderful floral fragrance, although not overwhelming.
Pistachio nuts are a wonderful and authentic complement to the
rose. Almonds too would be authentic and you could also use
pecans, walnuts, and so forth. This recipe goes nicely with tea.
My son loved it.

Ingredients

cup rose water

cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup water, milk, or soy or almond milk
1 cups white or brown rice flour (up to cup of another flour
such as oat, almond, or coconut may be substituted)
teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup pistachio nuts or broken almonds (or other nut meats)
Approximately 2 cups pitted dates (40-45 dates)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. In a food processor, blend rose water,

water, oil, and about 20 dates until smooth. Then beat in egg.
Separately sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix in nuts.
Fold batter gently into flour mixture and blend until smooth.
Batter should be thick yet able to pour. If too stiff add a few
more tablespoons of liquid.
Pour into greased 9 x 9 or 8 x 8 pan. Decorate the top with the
remaining dates, cut in half. Bake for approximately 30 minutes
until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan and the
underside is slightly browned.
Copyright Lawrence Davis-Hollander 2015.
~ Lawrence Davis-Hollander is the author of
the book Tomato: A Fresh-from-the-Vine Cookbook
featuring delicious recipes for every tomato lover.
Lawrence is also an ethnobotanist, garden writer,
gardener, and a principal of Dandelion Gardening
Arts. www.dandeliongardeningarts.com.

Hawthorne Valley Farm Store

From Our Hands to Your Table

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

Fresh Organic Local Delicious

Open 7 Days
FARM STORE | www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org
327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 | 518-672-7500
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February | March 2015

13

food & drink

Cellarbration Wine, Beer & Spirits

Conveniently located inside Big Y
for all your one-stop shopping needs

The 1st and 3rd Thursday of

Each Month 20% Off Wine Sale

Visit cellarbrationwinebeerspirits.com
to find out more about our Savvy Wine Club
Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm

700 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 413-528-6600

Taste, Quality, Service,

and Respect for the Environment
Our mission is to offer a beautiful selection of local, grass fed,
and sustainably raised fresh cuts of meat, charcuterie, and
salumi made from traditional recipes. We believe that eating
local foods is a definitive way to support physical health, our
farming community, and the earth.

389 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA

413-528-2022 www.themeatmarketgb.com

Come taste the ancient flavors of

authentic Pompeian brick oven cooking
& grilling, savored in an elegant, romantic
ambiance in downtown Pittsfield.
413-499-1192 p trattoria-rustica.com
26 McKay Street, Pittsfield, MA
Dinner daily from 5pm to closing.
Closed Tuesdays. Reservations suggested.

14

February | March 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Two photos to far left by Caroline Alexander

Antichi Sapori

food & drink

steak au poivre
RICH, SAVORY, DELICIOUS, AND EASY TO MAKE / By Jim Gop

to smoke, gently lay the steaks in the hot pan. Brown steaks on
both sides, about 2to 3 minutes per side.

owe a lot to Valentines Day. Truth be told, a large part of

why I got into cooking is connected to a specific Valentines
dinner. I agonized over picking the right flowers, music,
and the right way to ask that special someone to go steady. In the
end, it was the dinner that won her over. I suppose when you really
care about a person, you want to take care of them, and what better
way than with delicious food? Try this classic preparation of steak to
impress the special person in your life. Steak au Poivre pairs well with
roasted potatoes, French beans, and your favorite red wine.

Ingredients

2 boneless strip steaks, 6-8oz each

Salt and coarsely ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1-inch-thick bundle of fresh thyme sprigs
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 shallots, finely chopped
cup Cognac or brandy
cup excellent quality beef stock
cup High Lawn heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons jarred green peppercorns, drained
cup chopped fresh flatleaf parsley
1 bunch watercress, stems trimmed

Toss the thyme and rosemary on top of the steaks and transfer
the whole thing to the oven roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until
medium rare. Two tricks here: 1. Touch your index finger to your
thumb and poke your thumb pad that is what medium rare feels
like. 2. Use a meat thermometer inserted towards the center; the
temperature should be 120F.
Remove steaks to a plate, tent with foil, and rest for 5to 8 minutes
before slicing. Pour off the excess fat from the pan and put it
back on the stove over medium high heat. Add the shallots to the
pan drippings, saut, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up
the flavors in the bottom. Take the pan off the heat and pour in
the cognac. Place pan back on the heat and tilt slightly over the
burner to ignite the alcohol, or light with a match.
When the flames go out, stir in the stock and cream, simmer for
about one minute to thicken up the sauce so it coats the back
of your spoon. Finish the sauce by stirring in the mustard and
peppercorns. Taste and season with salt, if necessary.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and sprinkle all sides with
a generous amount of salt and pepper. Place a large skillet over
medium high flame, drizzle with the oil, and just when it begins

~ Jim Gop is the Manager of Fire Roasted Catering (www.fireroastedcatering.

com, sister location to The Meat Market), a catering company focused on
using locally sourced food, cooked on site, over hardwood fires using antique
and handmade iron and steel equipment. The trail that led Jim to his current
path was paved with intensive farm-to-table and seasonal food study. After
graduating in 2008 from the Institute of Culinary
Education, Jim was offered the Executive Chef
position at a local Berkshire restaurant. During
his time there, he fell in love with the relationships
he developed with local food producers and really
earned a taste for the quality of just-harvested
ingredients. Jim and his team use what the seasons
and the local area have to offer. As a result, each
meal provides a unique connection with the land.

CATERING

THOSE WHO FIND US SEEK AN INSPIRED EXPERIENCE

Local food, cooked on-site in the open, over huge fires
in our custom-built ironware and antique cauldrons.

OUR EVENTS ARE

ENLIVENED BY FIRE

RUGGED ELEGANCE | UNIQUE FOOD EXPERIENCE

fireroastedcatering.com 413-297-3473
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February | March 2015

15

Real Estate & Professionals

House Proud

First Home Fixer-upper

By Gladys Montgomery

ith mortgage rates still extremely low, news

that FHA and Fannie Mae will issue loans with
down payments of only three percent, it is a
great time for first-time home buyers to move forward on a
purchase. Most dream of finding a home in a great location
and in move-in-condition, replete with 21st-century updates
and HGTV-worthy finishes, but soon discover that those
homes generally carry higher price tags. By purchasing a
fixer-upper at a lower price, buyers can spread the cost of
improvements over time and have an end product that reflects
their own tastes and lifestyles.
First, look for a great neighborhood or beautiful country
setting: the least impressive house on a block of more
expensive homes, a foothold in a terrific school district, or
a place that offers privacy and nice acreage in a well-located
rural town.
Second, note the style of the home, the size and scale of
rooms, ceiling heights, how traffic flows from room to room and
to the outside spaces, how large and well placed the windows are,
architectural features that make it special, and whether it meets
your checklist for what you need. Look beyond cosmetics, like
old wallpaper, which are relatively easy to remedy.
Next, evaluate the condition. Older homes are not required
to meet current building codes, but look to see that the owners
maintained the house well and made necessary updates to
electrical, plumbing, and roofs. During the purchase process,
have a professional home inspection and obtain contractors
estimates on any items or changes that youll need or want.
Stripping old wallpapers is a doable task for many homeowners,
but remediating lead paint, a potential concern if children
under six years of age will be living in the house, is not a great
DIY project. Make sure the home is appropriate for changes
you'll want to make. For instance, if you plan to refinish the
basement, understand that, by law, basement bedrooms must
have windows that are low enough and large enough for egress
in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Also evaluate the potential cost of renovation and educate
yourself so that you can spend wisely. For instance, you may
not need to replace windows if they have good storms that
provide an acceptable R-value. Once you own the home, you
can enlist MassSave, which will perform an energy audit and
even subsidize energy-saving work, such as insulation.
Finally, consider all of the costs: the purchase price,
improvements, and carrying costs. Improvements do not
generally translate into an equal amount when it comes to the
selling price, so aim for intelligent improvements and a level
of quality that will add appeal and value for you and future
owners.
~ Gladys Montgomery is a Realtor with
William Pitt Sothebys International Realty in Great
Barrington, MA. Licensed in Massachusetts and
New York State, she serves both buyers and sellers.
Her background includes a 30-year career as a
marketing specialist and as a writer/editor/author
specializing in architecture, design, and lifestyle
topics. www.gladysmontgomery.williampitt.com

16

Real Estate & Professionals

30th anniversary

Berkshire Photovoltaic
Services, BPVS

SAFE, EFFICIENT, AND DURABLE PV SYSTEMS

46 Howland Avenue, Adams, MA 01220

www.bpvs.com
413-743-0152
Berkshire
Photovoltaic
Services, BPVS
Solar Energy Industries Association.

erkshire Photovoltaic Services (BPVS) turns 30 in 2015!

Since 1985, we have installed hundreds of photovoltaic
systems in the area. Our mission is to provide safe, efficient,
and durable PV systems. We favor photovoltaic components
manufactured in our region, both to support the local economy
and because these modules, mounts, and power electronics are
the best in the world. BPVS is fully licensed and insured for
commercial, institutional, and residential PV systems.

46 Howland
Avenue,
01220
Association,
Solar Energy
Business Adams,
AssociationMA
New
England,
MA LIC
#s HIC131996,
CSL of
73150
Member:
American
Solar Energy Society,
Northeast Sustainable Energy
Tel.
413-743-0152
www.bpvs.com

MA LIC #'s HIC131996, CSL 73150

efficient and reliable.

BPVS
electric
systems
userdesigns,
friendly,
incesolar
1985,
recognized
for are
careful
provencomponents
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MA LIC #'s HIC131996, CSL 73150

413-743-0152
www.bpvs.com
Member:Tel.
American
Solar Energy Society,
Northeast Sustainable Energy
Association,
Solar Energy Avenue,
Business Association
New01220
England,
46 Howland
Adams,ofMA
Solar Energy Industries Association.

Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, BPVS

Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, BPVS

historic landmark
OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY IN NEW MARLBOROUGH, MA

riginally built as a church is 1849, this historic building

has had major improvements and updates. It awaits your
final transformation into a country store, cafe, antique shop, artist
studio, or home. With plenty of parking, and zoned for commercial
as well as residential use, the possibilities are only limited by your
imagination. Interior renovations include new insulation, drywall,
400-amp electric service, and new heating system. Contact Kevin
for more information. (413) 274-1122, kevin@hartsvilledesign.com

46 Howland Avenue, Adams, MA 01220

Tel. 413-743-0152 www.bpvs.com

MA LIC #'s HIC131996, CSL 73150

ince 1985, recognized for careful designs,

proven components and high quality workmanship,
BPVS solar electric systems are user friendly,
efficient and reliable.

rr

Member: American Solar Energy Society, Northeast Sustainable Energy

Association, Solar Energy Business Association of New England,
Solar Energy Industries Association.

Historic Building for Sale in Hartsville, Massachusetts

spectacular victorian
LIVE, PLAY, AND WORK IN LENOX

his spectacular 4BR/4BA historic Victorian is completely

renovated and now affords the potential of combining home,
play, and work. Built circa 1892, the design imperative was to
preserve the Victorian vernacular and promote a modern interior.
With separate entrances and a Main Street address, a high-visibility
office is possible while maintaining completely private living spaces.
The low-maintenance landscape allows for free weekends while
enjoying the 180-acre Kennedy Park, which abuts the property.

maintenance-free living

The newest development from LD Builders...

LUXURY PROPERTY SEE FLOOR PLANS ONLINE

BARRINGTON BROOK

ust minutes from downtown Great Barrington, Barrington

Brook, is an open space residential development in the heart
of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts set on 156 acres of
scenic beauty and privacy. Each single family condo has 3 to 5
bedrooms with 2 to 3 baths and range from 2,000 to 3,500 square
feet in size. The spacious great room has an 11-foot ceiling.
All units have garages, screened in porches, an open deck, and
appliances are Energy Star rated. www.barringtonbrook.com

Barringtonbrook.com 413-637-0843

From $499K
Now in pre-construction
Minutes from downtown GB
Set on 156 acres
Swim club with heated pool
Furnished model open daily

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

February | March 2015

17

Join us for School Tour Days...

a parents chance to observe

classes in session.

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Tours at 9:00 am & 10:00 am

Tuesday, February 24
Tuesday, March 17
Individual tours daily by appointment.
To register, visit www.BerkshireMontessori.org or call (413) 637-3662.
21 Patterson Road in Lenox Dale, MA.

education & workshops

self love
UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS BEHIND BEHAVIORS

By K. Meagan Ledendecker

t this time of year, we often think about how to

bestow acts of love and kindness. Yet one of the
first acts of loving kindness we can do is take care of
ourselves, notice our own needs, and patiently honor our efforts.
Psychiatrist Rudolf Dreikurs has explored how human
behavior has a purpose. Sometimes we are aware of the
purpose, and sometimes it is unconscious. Through his work
with children, Dreikurs described how to understand behavior
by first acknowledging the needs a person is trying to fulfill.
At the most basic level, of course, we all need food, sleep, love,
and protection. Certainly, if someone is starting to act out in some
way, the first question to ask is if she is hungry, tired, or not feeling
well. The need for belonging, connection, or significance is also a
strong force. If a person doesnt feel loved or accepted, he may do
something (often unconsciously) to get affection or attention, maybe
lash out to get even with whoever doesnt seem to be noticing
his needs, or perhaps even retreat into a discouraged mode.
Dreikurs identified how many behaviors stem from four
mistaken goals: the desire for attention, the need for power, the
hunger for revenge, and the assumption of inadequacy. If the
persons goal is attention, the coded message behind the behavior
is notice me or involve me usefully. If he needs power, his
behavior is sending the message that he needs meaningful ways to
contribute. If she is trying to get revenge, she is communicating
that she is hurting or needs her feelings validated. And when she
assumes inadequacy by giving up or wanting to be left alone, the
message behind her behavior is that she needs people to believe
in her and show small steps towards success.
Although Dreikurs focused on children, the principles really
apply to us all. When we act out or misbehave, what are we
trying to communicate to those around us? First and foremost,
we should check and see if our basic needs are being met. Are
we taking time to breathe? Are we eating nourishing food? Are
we getting substantial sleep? If we are taking care of our basic
needs, its worth considering what else might unconsciously
be motivating our actions. Do we need someone to notice our
efforts? Do we feel powerful in our lives? Are we doing work that
matters? Are we holding onto a grudge? Are we discouraged?
Children need the adults in their lives to peer behind their
behavior, consider underlying causes, and provide empowering
support. As adults, however, we often need to do this for
ourselves. At the heart of the process is self-acceptance. We
need to love ourselves unconditionally and give ourselves the
time and space to attend to our unconscious motivations. So in
this season of love and kindness, lets consider and acknowledge
our unspoken goals, the beliefs behind
our behaviors, any coded messages, and
proactive ways to take care of ourselves.

~ K. Meagan Ledendecker has three children

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

Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School

Parent-Baby Pre-K Kindergarten

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

(413) 528-4015

www.gbrss.org

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Great Barrington, MA

February | March 2015

19

home & garden

LOOK UP! GEOENGINEERING

IT SOUNDS LIKE SCIENCE FICTION BUT IT'S NOT, AND IT'S HAPPENING OVER OUR HEADS IN THE BERKSHIRES

h a t if there were a monumental environmental

threat that you didnt even know was happening?
What if you found out it is seriously affecting your
health and that of people you know and love? What if you knew it
was such an enormous problem that it has the potential to destroy
our crops and trees, the soil they are grown in, our entire water
supply, and whole ecosystems and that if you didnt act, we could
never turn back?
We are not talking about fracking, nuclear energy, or the oil
industry. Were not even talking about climate change. What if it
came into use in an insidious way, just as GMO foods have come
into our food supply without our knowledge? What if it appeared
to be harmless, but it wasnt? And what if it were so cleverly
woven into our culture that we didnt even see it anymore? What
if it were so masterfully disguised and wrapped in controversy
that if you thought it strange or concerning, youd be scorned or
ignored? It sounds like science fiction, but its not. Its happening
right above you, and its called geoengineering.
This international program involves spraying nano aluminumcoated fiberglass known as CHAFF, barium, strontium, radioactive
thorium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, mold spores, fungal
mycotoxins, ethylene dibromide, polymer fibers, and more from
airplanes at high altitudes that then fall to the ground, ending up
in our bodies, our water, our soil, and the air we breathe, causing
a radical increase in headaches, asthma, autoimmune diseases,
nervous system disorders, dementia, liver and kidney problems,
flu-like symptoms, compromised immunity, and more.
You can find articles and debates in which scientists are
proposing to dim the sun to slow down climate change, using a
technique called solar radiation management (SRM). Their concept is to
mimic the dimming and cooling effects of a volcanic eruption and
existing particulate pollution made by human activity. However, it has
been out of the proposal stage for quite some time, and even though
officials will not admit it, SRM is already in full-scale operation. SRM
sounds like a viable solution to slowing climate change, and scientists
have repeated how cheap it is over and over again. But it comes
with a price. In fact, it comes with many.
In addition to causing serious health problems, global climate
engineering/geoengineering programs are radically disrupting
weather patterns, disrupting the hydrological cycle (causing
severe drought in some areas, flooding others), destroying the
ozone layer, and continuously contaminating the entire planet
with the toxic fallout.
Climate engineering programs have been fully deployed for
many years. There is a mountain of hard science data and film
footage to back up this statement. If youre concerned, go to
www.skyderalert.com and take a few minutes to view the trailer
for Look Up, an award-winning documentary, narrated by William
Baldwin. It is an excellent introduction to the issue of ongoing
climate engineering/geoengineering.
Following is additional information that will shine more light
20

February | March 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

on this extremely important issue, one that is radically affecting

our planets life support systems, and every one of us. We hope the
following information will motivate your continued investigation
of the completely illegal, unregulated, and incredibly devastating
climate modification programs that are being conducted over our
Berkshires and on a global scale.
Learn More at www.geoengineeringwatch.org, and at
www.skyderalert.com, and follow the links below.
Climate Engineering, Weather Warfare
www.tinyurl.com/mxjevdp
The Most Important Topic of Our Time
www.tinyurl.com/nvh6jam
Look Up Trailer - www.tinyurl.com/ny387cg
Arent They Just Contrails? No.
www.tinyurl.com/kzgtmm7
Global Research Article - www.tinyurl.com/bxy5yqy
What About Aluminum? - www.tinyurl.com/mhrapmb
Why Is Aluminum a Problem?
www.tinyurl.com/7ncaqw4
THRIVE/Chemtrails
www.tinyurl.com/kpr9b75
Why in the World Are They Spraying?
www.whyintheworldaretheyspraying.com

Still Not Convinced Weather Modification Is Taking

Place? Follow the links below.
Operation Popeye - www.tinyurl.com/o3gxbvd
93rd Annual American Meteorological Conference,
January 2013, Seeding of Cirrus Clouds to Reduce Global
Warming - www.tinyurl.com/mgynqqk
Weather Modification Inc.
www.weathermodification.com
North American Weather Modification Council
www.nawmc.org
The History of Weather Control
www.climateviewer.com/chemtrails
What Can You Do?
Contact your senators and representatives and share your
concerns. Contact www.dcgeoconsortium.org and express
your opinions.

health & wellness

romancing aromatherapy
USING SCENT TO DEEPEN OUR LOVING CONNECTION

By Justin Kaye

alentines Day is upon us and Id like to encourage

everyone to explore the universe of scent this year.
In ancient Egypt and Rome, bathing with essential
oils was part of the ritual of preparation for lovemaking. The
Tantric tradition in the East still uses this practice. Traditionally
in the East, whether it be China, India, or Japan, if you go to
a yoga ashram or a Buddhist temple you will more than likely
smell pungent incense burning. Whereas in the West (especially
the USA) we see a trend of many meeting places and businesses
encouraging fragrance-free environments. It is true that a
growing number of people have allergies to chemicals, but we
are not talking about commercial chemical-laden perfumes and
colognes, which are quite toxic, but about the sensual joy of
fragrances derived directly from nature.
There is interesting science behind the powerful effect of
scents on sensuality. The olfactory lobe of the brain (part of
the limbic system) is considered to be the seat of our feelings.
As soon as an odor enters the nasal cavity, it meets up with
more than 50,000,000 receptor neurons located in the upper
part of the nose. These receptors convert the scent into a
message that is transmitted to the olfactory bulb, where the
scent is processed, and then it is passed onto other areas of
the brain that control emotions. For instance, alpha brainwaves
have been shown to increase with the aroma of lavender, which
is considered to be a relaxing fragrance. The smell of nutmeg
can reduce blood pressure, and tuberose oil has been shown
to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. There is even some
evidence that shows essential oils can help everything from
depression to impotence.

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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
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Kim E. Tripp, DO, PhD, Osteopathic Physician
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The wonder of scent can be enjoyed in

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rose, jasmine, vanilla, musk, and agarwood
(aka oudh) are traditionally considered to
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February | March 2015

21

health & wellness

romancing aromatherapy
continued from page 21 / By Justin Kaye

Following are simple ways to enjoy

essential oils on Valentines Day and
throughout the year.
` Salt bath infused with essential oils
` Room spray or diffuser for the
bedroom or bathroom
` Candles with essential oils
` Massage oil infused with
essential oils

Flowing Form
Bodywork
Deborah Gerard

The undiluted application of essential

oils is a highly controversial topic within
the aromatherapy industry. Because
some oils can irritate the skin, they
should usually be diluted with a carrier
oil rather than being applied directly to
the body. Those who do feel that using
certain undiluted oils is appropriate
generally only apply them to specific
localized areas for acute conditions.
The single most powerful oil I have
encountered is agarwood or oudh oil.
Agarwood is reputed to be the most
expensive wood in the world. There are
many names for the resinous, fragrant
heartwood produced primarily by trees in
the genus Aquilaria. Most commonly, the
resin is known as agarwood, aloeswood,
eaglewood, gaharu, or oudh. Agarwood
has been used for centuries in Traditional
Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda to treat
a variety of ailments, yet it is largely
unknown even among those in New Age
communities.
So its the brain (limbic system) that is

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413-429-5438
22

February | March 2015

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

the real erogenous zone. It would appear

that the limbic region is a very important
part of human beings in the wider context.
It is much more than a mechanism related
to smell, since we know it can have a direct
effect on so much of our physiology as
well as our psychology.
Ultimately you need to find the scents
that you and your partner respond too.
We are all largely stuck in conditioning
as to what is considered masculine and
what is considered feminine fragrance
in the West. In India, people dont create
the same distinctions about specific
fragrances. For example, it is as common
for women to wear musk oil as it is for
men to wear rose oil, which in the West
is considered to be more feminine. It
may take a little experimenting, but that
is the fun part too. Its all worth it when
you find that specific fragrance that your
loved one responds to.

For information about the limbic system

as well as an interesting history of aromatherapy
go to www.essentialoils.co.za.
~ Justin Kaye developed an interest in healing
work from a very early age. He has been a
licensed massage therapist and hatha yoga
teacher. A longtime student of aromatherapy,
Justin decided to turn his passion for scent
into a side business. Visit www.facebook.com/
scentsbyskanda. Scents by Skanda offers a full
line of essential oils
known and unknown.
Specializing in custom
blends, musks, and
agarwood oils. Contact
Justin for sampling
and more information.
justingkaye@gmail.com
(413) 717-2498

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