Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Sept-Oct 2017

September-October 2017, vol 33 (44) Complimentary
Our BerkshireTimes
Local Events | Art & Culture | Home & Garden | Vibrant Living
Cover Art by Ann Getsinger / www.anngetsinger.com

CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957
Convenient Location with Ample Parking
on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guidos
Monday-Friday 10a-6p Saturday-Sunday 10a-4p
BENSDOTTERS PET
940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 413-528-4940
She was not quite what you would call refined.

She was not quite what you would call unrefined.
She was the kind of person that keeps a parrot.
- Mark Twain -
September-October 2017
Our BerkshireTimes
PUBLISHERS
Kathy I. Regan
Contents
publisher@ourberkshiretimes.com
4 art, culture & entertainment
Kevin J. Regan FUN THINGS TO DO
kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com ANN GETSINGER
_______________
ME, BRUCE, AND THE BLUES
EDITORIAL
Kathy I. Regan 9 home & garden
editor@ourberkshiretimes.com STORING SEEDS
Proofreader
Rodelinde Albrecht
12 in the spotlight
_______________ VICKI BAIRD
DESIGN PRODUCT GUIDE 4
Magazine Design/Layout
Kathy I. Regan
14 food & drink
Brianna I. Regan FALL RISOTTO
_______________ SOME LIKE IT HOT
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 17 business services
Account Representatives
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
Kevin J. Regan
kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com USING YOUR STRENGTHS AT WORK
WHATS MY INCOME STRATEGY?
Debra Johnson
debra@ourberkshiretimes.com 20 health & wellness
_______________
ARE YOU STILL CONSUMING DAIRY?
Our BerkshireGreen, Inc.
6
CEREC SINGLE VISIT CROWNS
P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236
Phone: (413) 274-1122 24 mind & spirit
advertise@ourberkshiretimes.com ASK VICKI
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com
25 animal talk
This publication is printed with soy
ink on Forest Stewardship Council ANIMAL TALK
certified paper.
_______________ 26 education & workshops
TIME FOR TOGETHERNESS
COVER ILLUSTRATION
To Earth by Ann Getsinger 28 get ready for the holidays

www.anngetsinger.com THE HOLIDAY SEASON
10
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
Ann has been
creatively working
in the Berkshires for S
decades painting, ON THE COVER - Ann Getsingers autumn-themed painting, To Earth,
Photo by Antonia Small
drawing, and measures 48 x 36 and was painted in 2009. It is a stand-alone piece,

sculpting. Her home a detail, that is part of a ten-painting connected series called Panoptica.
and studio is in New
Marlborough, MA, Our BerkshireTimes magazine was first published in 2009 and is distributed bimonthly.
but she also has a Most of our editorial content is contributed by our community members. We
strong connection encourage you to submit original material for consideration through our website.
to the coast of Maine. Using a stream-
of-consciousness process, her work takes 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
a narrative form, leaving space for the our authors, illustrators, and advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse advertising for any
unconscious and the conscious to unfold reason. For printing errors of the publishers responsibility, liability is limited to the cost of the
in surprising ways. Her work is widely ad space in which it first appeared. Unless otherwise noted, we use a Creative Commons
collected. Visit www.anngetsinger.com. License in place of a standard copyright.
3
Explore the Berkshires
FUN THINGS TO DO!
Evening Sit & Knit Gould Farms Annual Run

When: Every Wednesday evening, 5-7:30pm (please check website) When: Sunday, September 24, 2017, 9:30am-12pm
Where: The Spin-Off Yarn Shop, 130 Water Street, Where: Gould Farm, 100 Gould Road, Monterey, MA
Lower Level, Williamstown, MA Cost: Free
Cost: Free
Please join us for Gould Farms 5th Annual 5K Run and Walk for Recovery
Join us for an evening of knitting or crocheting fellowship. Free Benefit Race. Registration is from 8-9am, and the race begins at 9:30am.
project help is available, and all skill levels are welcome. Learn from Gould Farm is the first residential therapeutic community in the nation
others and get inspired while we share our love for this timeless craft. dedicated to helping adults with mental illness move toward recovery,
Contact knit@spinoffyarnshop.com. www.spinoffyarnshop.com health, and greater independence through community living, meaningful
work, and individual clinical care. All proceeds from the race support our
Grand Moving Sale scholarship fund. (413) 528-1804, ext 13, www.wizathon.com/gouldfarm
When: Friday, September 1, through Tuesday, October 31, 2017 2017 DownStreet Art Celebration
Where: Aerus Electrolux, 383 North Street, Pittsfield, MA
Cost: Free When: Thursday, September 28, 2017
Where: Berkshire Cultural Resource Center,
The Pittsfield Aerus Electrolux store is having a grand moving sale!
51 Main Street, North Adams, MA
Everything at the store will be 40 percent off regular price, including vacuum
Cost: Free
cleaners, air purifiers, laundry pro, supplies, and more. (413) 442-1544
Join us for the last Thursday of our DownStreet Art Celebration (our
2017 Annual Heritage Walks 10th season!) in downtown North Adams. Each summer from late June
until the end of September, DSA creates a wide program of visual
When: Three autumn weekends, Saturdays & Sundays, September 16-17, and performing art events including exhibitions, video screenings, and
23-24, and September 30-October 1, 2017 site-specific installations in downtown North Adams. (413) 662-5253,
Where: See full schedule at link below. www.downstreetart.org
Cost: Free
The public is invited to participate in informative, family-oriented, fun walks. Owner Appreciation Day
Expert historians, naturalists, and environmentalists will lead participants
on 80 explorations through historic estate gardens and town districts, When: Thursday, September 28, 2017, 8am-8pm
behind-the-scenes cultural site tours, nature walks, trail hikes, and more. Where: Berkshire Co-op Market, 42 Bridge Street, Great Barrington, MA
www.housatonicheritage.org/events/heritage-walks Cost: Free
4 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

art, culture & entertainment
Attention co-op owners! Stop in from 8am to 8pm for an event that
happens only four times a year! There will be demos, raffles, free
samples, and of course 10 percent off for active co-op owners (some
restrictions apply). www.berkshire.coop
8th Annual Berkshire Drum & Dance Fest

When: Friday, October 13, 2017, 6-9:30pm
Where: Berkshire Community College, Boland Theater,
Koussevitzky Arts Center at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA
Cost: $10-$20 suggested donation
Join us for the 8th Annual Berkshire Drum & Dance Fest to support the
Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center. The event features 75-plus
drum and dance artists from many genres in short performance sequences
from the Berkshires and beyond. This years theme is Honoring Women
in Drum and Dance. Festival proceeds will support the Tamarack Hollow
Nature & Cultural Center in Windsor, MA, a nonprofit organization Flynn VW Audi BMW in Pittsfield, MA, treats the needs of each
whose mission is to Inspire environmental and cultural awareness, individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have
appreciation and stewardship. Tamarack Hollow provides year-round high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of
meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time.
programs for all ages, is conserving 32 acres of highland boreal forest,
Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence! We
and is planning to build a sustainable nature and cultural education center. encourage you to browse our online inventory, schedule a test
Doors open 6pm for world marketplace, silent auction, TH Video; show drive, and investigate financing options.
starts 7pm. Contact Aimee Gelinas at aimee@gaiaroots.com with
questions. www.tamarackhollownatureandculturalcenter.org (413) 443-4702 600 Merrill Road, Pittsfield, MA
flynnvw.com flynnaudi.com flynnbmw.com
Author Meet & Greet Times Betrayal
When: Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 3pm
Where: The Bookloft, 332 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA
Cost: Free GRAND MOVING SALE
Join us for a meet and greet, book signing, and informal discussion with Everything At The Store
David Adams Cleveland, the author of a new novel partially set in the
Berkshires, Times Betrayal. The book is a classic New England family
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Concord, Greece and Venice, from Antietam to the fall of the Berlin
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When: Thursday, October 26, through Sunday, October 29, 2017 383 North Street, Pittsfield,
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Where: Sisters Used Furniture, 402 Park Street (Route 183), (413) 442-1544 | (413) 743-0985 | (802) 442-9560
ELECTROLUX | 90 Years of Innovation
Housatonic, MA
Best Vacuums True HEPA
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will be 30 to 70 percent off. Hurry in as supplies will be limited, and once
How many vacuum cleaners have
the sale is over, so is our season. This is a sale that you do not want to miss.
Store sale hours (as per the dates listed above) are Thursday 11am-4pm,
Open Monday-Friday 9-5,
How about Saturday 9-4
one?
Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, and Sunday 12-4pm. At Sisters
Used Furniture you will find great clean, quality used furniture at prices to 383 North Street, Pittsfield, MA www.aerusonline.com
fit every budget. www.facebook.com/sistersusedfurniture (413) 442-1544 | (413) 743-0985 | (802) 442-9560
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 5

Ann Getsinger
OUR BERKSHIRETIMES MAGAZINE'S
SEPT-OCT COVER ARTIST
M
aking artwork is the closest Ive
come to having my life make any
sense at all. Its both indulgent
and essential. Its about balancing freedom and
discipline, gut and brain, in order to explore this
temporary existence, to consider the sensuality of
nature and my personal connection to it.
~ Ann Getsinger
Summer Sailing by Ann Getsinger
Ann Getsingers oil paintings have been described as realism reading she cites Mad magazine as an early influence, noting
with a twist. Real objects are placed in locations drawn from especially the drawings of Don Martin.
memory and imagination, in locations and circumstances that
materialize as the work unfolds, forming paintings that combine Anns work, which has been exhibited in museums and galleries
careful planning with free-falling. and hangs in hundreds of homes, can currently be seen at
Arundel Farm Gallery in Kennebunkport, Maine (look for her
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on October 22, 1956, Ann one-person show coming up in 2018), at local galleries including
grew up in then rural Watertown as the youngest of five in a The Meetinghouse Gallery in New Marlborough, Massachusetts,
creative household. She lived beside a working dairy, a nearby and at the occasional open studio also in New Marlborough.
horse farm, and surrounding woods and fields that provided a
powerful connection to nature every spare moment was spent Ann is now working on a connected series of 17 paintings
drawing or horseback riding. Her earliest memories are of making wandering through her lifetime (so far) experience in a small part
artwork. During this time, summers were spent at her familys of Maine, near Port Clyde, to be hung in the Merrill Memorial
cottage near Port Clyde, Maine, and a lifelong connection with the Library in Yarmouth, Maine, in September 2017. She recently had
coast was forged. Anns connection to place is evident as most of the pleasure of creating CD cover art
the backgrounds of her paintings show either the Berkshire Hills for talented singer/songwriter Ellis
of Western Massachusetts or the midcoast area of Maine, her (www.ellis-music.com). You can find
favorite places to live and paint. Anns latest work at Camilla Richman
Fine Arts in Osterville, Massachusetts,
After studying at Paier School of Art in New Haven, Connecticut, (www.camillarichmanfinearts.com)
and the San Francisco Art Institute, in 1980 Ann chose to settle including Eye in the Sky, Spring Run
permanently in Western Massachusetts where she studied with Away, and two new small moonlight-
realist artist Sheldon Fink. The artists home and studio is located themed paintings. Visit Anns website
in New Marlborough, Massachusetts, but she also works regularly at www.anngetsinger.com, and see
in the midcoast area of Maine. Her many interests include antique her Facebook page at www.facebook.
prints, historical ephemera, photography, decorative arts, and com/ann.getsinger.
Photo by Antonia Small

NE
BUY O E Visit us and find out more about
N
TO
G E T O
SALE! our Frequent Buyer Program!
FREE
READ? Discounts available for seniors,
teachers, students, and military.
Join us for Sit & Knit!
Wed & Fri 2-4pm and Wed 5-7:30pm
All skill levels welcome.
Open Wed-Thurs 12-5pm, Fri-Sat 10-5pm
130 Water Street, Lower Level, Williamstown, MA
www.spinoffyarnshop.com (413) 344-6257 (413) 528-1521 Great Barrington, MA www.thebookloft.com
Unusual and Thoughtful Gifts

A Treasure Trove of Beautiful Things
Visit our store in Lee or shop online
at ebay: stores.ebay.com/arcnoli
413-358-0170
266 Main Street, Lee, MA
gifts@theuptownstore.org
www.theuptownstore.org
TOONERVILLE TROLLEY
RECORDS & CDs
It was her
New Used Imported compassion that was
Stop by for a visit!
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm so pretty.
413-458-5229
131 Water Street, Williamstown, MA
www.toonervilletrolleyrecords.com
Close your eyes. open your heart. concernedsingles.com
C: 413-441-2239 P: 413-243-0025
395 Laurel Street (RT 20), Lee, MA
www.RetroPopShop.com

ME, BRUCE, AND THE BLUES
By Michael Romano
B ruce and I took a car trip to Florida in late April 1984. We

loaded Bruces 12-year-old Buick with all of our luggage
and fishing equipment, and took turns driving the 1,200
miles to the small duplex we had rented right on Daytona Beach.
The owner of the duplex was an old friend and he arranged for
out of the water. Once on shore I had barely gotten settled when
I discovered an intruder in our fish bucket. A small raccoon was
handing our fish to some of his relatives and half of the fish were
gone. We decided to cut our losses and grabbed our fishing poles
and fish and locked them in the trunk of Bruces car.
us to stay in the empty, unrented half of the building . . . and
when he said empty he meant it. There was nothing but four When we got back to the duplex our neighbor from the other
walls. Luckily there were beautiful, modern hotels on either side side came to tell us that we had to hurry to the local pub for
of us and they never missed the big comfortable lounge chairs happy hour. They said we could expect a large, free buffet, and
that we used for beds. Sometimes we even slept right on the dollar beers, so hurry we did, barely taking time to wash the salt
beach, listening to the ocean crashing onto the shore. We didnt and fish smell from our bodies. We got there in record time
have a lot of money, just enough for the necessities (beer, gas, and of course, knowing us, one thing led to another and happy
and bait), so we kept some of the fish we caught for dinner and hour turned into three, and the next thing we both knew we
some of them we traded for blankets and pillows from a local were waking up in our beach chairs at noon the next day.
race car driver. All in all we were comfortable, tanned, and self-
sufficient during our three-week stay. As we got ready to go fishing again Bruce realized three things:
one, we had left a bunch of fish in the trunk; two, Bruce could
The place where we were staying was just a few miles from Cape not find his keys; and three, it was ninety degrees out! It took
Canaveral and we heard about a great fishing place by the name us three days to find those keys, and by then the smell was so
of Turtle Mound. The mound was created from millions of overpowering the car was hard to get near. No matter how much
oyster shells piled up over the centuries by hungry ancient native we aired the trunk out or sprayed disinfectant, the smell would
Americans (the Timucuan Indians). This huge 35-foot-high, not go away; it was our constant companion all 1,200 miles of
2-acre-wide hill of oyster shells (more than 1.5 million bushels) the return trip back home. Not the best of souvenirs, but it was
attracts not only humans but also all manner of fish and other certainly a trip we will never forget!
marine life, so of course, we had to fish there.
~ Michael Romano, a Great Barrington,
We found it without too much difficulty and proceeded to bait up MA, resident for almost 40 years, is an avid
and try our luck. Almost immediately we hooked up with a school fisherman who in his own words kind
of bluefish in the 3-pound range, and proceeded to throw fish of treats fishing as a contact sport and has
after fish into a large plastic bucket we had brought just for that had more than a few misadventures in the
purpose, exchanging recipes for the nights dinner as we did so. process. He has fished many local waters
Suddenly Bruces line went taut, like he had hooked the bottom and also enjoyed quite a few saltwater trips.
a few feet from shore. I waded out to release his line from the Michael is a retired chef he and his wife,
shallow water and found myself thrown flat on my face in the mud! Susan, worked at the now-closed Kolburne
Bruce had hooked a large manta ray and I had just stepped on it. School in New Marlborough, MA, for many
The angry manta quickly broke Bruces line and flapped off into years where he enjoyed taking many of the
deeper water, but it took me a little longer to right myself and get students fishing.

home & garden
413-528-0085 Sisters Used Furniture

Small Shop, Big Savings
Frameless Shower Plexiglass Always buying. Always new inventory.
Enclosures
Table Tops
Insulated Glass
Screens and
Mirrors and Shelving Porch Panels
968 South Main Street open Mon-Fri

Great Barrington, MA 8am - 4pm
www.GlassShopSheffield.com
Summer hours: Thursday-Saturday 11-4, Sunday 12-4
402 Park Street, Rte 183, Housatonic, MA
Mountain Goat Artisans

Local, One-of-a-Kind Handmade Gifts
Mary Merselis-Proprietor Find up to date inventory
Pottery Furniture Weaving Carvings on our Facebook page.
Jewelry Original Art Photography More!
(413) 884-5339
Open 12-5pm Wednesday - Saturday
130 Water Street, Williamstown, MA
www.mountaingoatartisans.com (413) 274-9900 www.sistersusedfurniture.com
Dress Up Your Windows

Window Treatments STUNNING BERKSHIRE CONTEMPORARY
Hunter Douglas Graber Norman Shutters The perfect combination of privacy and luxury
Upholstery, Draperies, Fabric & Wallpaper
Window Treatments GREAT BARRINGTON GUEST WING DRAMATIC GUNITE POOL $1,800,000
Hunter Douglas Graber Comfortex Norman Shutter
For all Your Decorating Needs Steve Erenburg
Upholstery, Draperies, Fabric & Wallpaper Associate (413) 663-0457
A resident of the Berkshires for 16 years, Steve has always been deeply
Berkshire
BerkshireFabric
Fabric& Wallpaper
& Wallpaper involved in his local community. He has strong business and negotiation
skills an asset to anyone looking to buy or sell real estate. Steve has been
274
274Wahconah
WahconahSt.,St.,
Pittsfield, MA MA
Pittsfield, married for 43 years, loves the Berkshires, and enjoys fishing and golf.
(413) 442-4420
413-442-4420
Open
Open dailydaily 10-5,
10-5:30, SatSat
10-4,10-4, closed
closed SundaySun COHEN + WHITE DISTINCTIVE TOWN & COUNTRY PROPERTIES
Lenox, MA (413) 637-1086
www.berkshirefabricwallpaper.com ASSOCIATES www.cohenwhiteassoc.com

Storing Seeds from One Year to the Next
GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS / By Ian Robb
W e are often asked by our customers, How do we store

leftover seeds until the next planting season? Before
answering this question, let us tell you how we store
our seeds here at Turtle Tree Seed.
cool dry place in the house, then probably the refrigerator will
have to do. Check the temperature to see if it is around 43F. We
recommend that you keep the seeds in their original packets (if
you have to use new bags or packets make sure they are labeled
correctly), store them in a dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and
We make sure the seeds are thoroughly dry, and then we a bit of desiccant such as silica packets.
pack them in small brown bags or white seed envelopes.
Double-bagging avoids any seed loss through holes or cracks. Wherever you store your seeds, check them occasionally to make
Next, we close the bags using rubber bands. The seeds are sure that they have not become moldy, or damaged by insects
now contained but not packed too tightly. or rodents; this will avoid disappointment when sowing time
comes around. The storage life of seeds varies tremendously;
Our seed storage room is dark and maintains a temperature for example, tomato and pepper seed will be viable longer than
all year round of approximately 43F and a relative humidity lettuce seed. So try not to store seeds and forget about them,
of 45 percent. In short, cold, dark, and dry! rather use them up from year to year.
We do not store our seeds in plastic bags, freezer bags, We trust that with these simple guidelines you will find your
plastic containers, or in open jars in a room with fluctuating own solutions to successfully store seeds in your home. May
temperatures and alternating darkness and light. What we are we emphasize that correct storage procedures apply to seeds
trying to do is to hold the seed in what we call slumber, wherever, whenever. For example, if you like to get your seed
waiting to wake up when planted in soil at the right order in early winter, please make sure that your seeds are properly
temperature with the necessary amount of water and light in cared for until sowing time!
which to germinate and grow.
~ Ian Robb, Turtle Tree Biodynamic Seed Initiative. To find more articles
Now to answer the question: You will need to adapt our method about seed saving and gardening or learn more about Turtle Tree Biodynamic
to your situation. Do you have a basement that is dry and stays Seed Initiative, you may visit us on the web at www.turtletreeseed.org or
cool all year round? If you do, make sure that your stored seeds tour the seed shop at our home, Camphill Village, in Copake, NY, just over
are protected from insects and animals. If you do not have a the western border of Massachusetts!
COLLECTING FLOWER SEEDS
I f you wish to collect seeds from your own flower garden, harvest them on a dry and sunny day when the seedpods have
changed from green to brown and are easy to break open. Always harvest seeds from your best-performing, most vigorous
plants. Use clean, sharp garden scissors to cut the pods or seed heads from the plant and place in carefully labeled paper
collection bags so that you do not forget which seeds are which. Once you have collected your seeds, spread them out on a screen
or a piece of newspaper and dry them at room temperature for a week before long-term storage.

home & garden
Native Habitat Restoration

restoring balance to nature
Wetlands Woodlands
Meadows Fields
Invasive Plant Control Pollinator Habitat
Brush Management Field Restoration
(413) 358-7400
www.nativehabitatrestoration.weebly.com
Licensed in MA CT NY VT
All the Fun Summer Stuff

Your Gazebos
Yard Could
Benches Ask For!
Picnic Tables
All the
ShedsFun Summer
Swings Stuff
Childrens Gym Sets
Gazebos Benches Picnic Tables
Gazebos
Your Yard Could Sheds Ask
Swings For! Swings
Childrens Gym Sets
Sheds
Gazebos Benches
Benches
Gazebos Sheds
Benches
Gazebos Picnic
Picnic Tables
Tables
Sheds
Picnic Tables Swings
Swings Play
Swings Childrens Gym Sets
Sets
Childrens Chicken
Sheds Coops MA
Route 8 Cheshire,
Gym Sets Benches
One & Two743-9964
(413) Bay Sheds
Toll Free
One & Two(866)
Bay411-7433
Garages
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on Route 8 Route
Childrens
Visit us 8 Cheshire, MA
in Cheshire, MA
Gym Sets (413) 743-9964
(413) 743-9964 TollToll
Free (866) 411-7433
Free (866) 411-7433
www.berkshiresheds.com
Emergency Water & Fire Remediation

Route 8 Cheshire, MA
(413) 743-9964
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Emergency Fire, Soot and Smoke Remediation and Operated. Best Vacuums True HEPA
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in the spotlight
A fter fifteen years in business finance, Vicki left the

corporate world to build her own practice providing
personal and business coaching, intuitive sessions,
and workshops. She believes we all have amazing gifts to offer
the world in who we are and how we are wired. Vicki sincerely
Q: What did you do from there?
A: First, I began more accurately describing what I was offering
as an Intuitive Life Coach. Soon after, I became certified in Belief
Re-patterning and a formula for client success was born. Up to
this point I had been wondering and asking myself, Why cant
finds joy in helping people discover their gifts, and learn how to we move the part of ourselves that is not supportive out of the
harness them and take them out to the world. way, and just get things done! I was truly baffled by this. Once
I learned the Belief Re-patterning technique, more about brain
Q: Vicki, please give us an overview of what you do. neuroplasticity and how habits and belief systems form, and most
A: I am an Intuitive Life Coach. I use wisdom acquired from 25 years importantly how we talk to ourselves, I knew I had found the
in business, my genuine love of people and belief in their greatness, formula to help shift lives.
an ability to see and feel psychological and emotional blocks in my
clients, and my skill with Belief Re-patterning techniques to help Q: Specifically, how do you help your clients shift away
people make major shifts in their lives. I serve my clients through from the beliefs that limit them?
private sessions, group coaching, classes, workshops, and speaking A: My intention is to help my clients realize how complex,
Vicki Baird
engagements. Its like one-stop life shift shopping! amazing, and loving they are. Using what others have called
a unique blend of intuitive genius mixed with great humor
Q: How did you get started? and a head for personal strategy, I help them discover their
A: After many years in business finance, I discovered the true path and hidden talents, and how to put these to good
joy of helping people find their own peace, happiness, and use. As an intuitive coach, I am able to read, feel, and tap into
intuition. This inspired me to leave the corporate world to anything thats going on in a persons energy field. This helps
build my own practice with the services mentioned above, to to guide us toward their individual goal. Then there is Belief
people all over the world. Re-patterning, which recognizes that we are wired to solve
problems in our own way, and addresses and releases limiting
Q: What was your first big challenge? beliefs through a safe, practical, and efficient method. If you
A: When I started offering intuitive readings, I believed I was can talk and breathe, you can do Belief Re-patterning. There
helping people see their own potential by working with them is no need to relive or investigate the why or the how. In other
to create a guidance plan focused on their most successful life; words, you do not need to tell your story. Belief Re-patterning
however they defined success. But I quickly realized that my clients appreciate this unique aspect of the technique. The
clients were coming in to find out what I thought their plan should results are profound, tangible, and immediate.
be. They were handing over their
energy and power to yet another Q: What is your philosophy?
person, instead of tapping into A: I believe that the choice to invest in self always pays off.
their own inherent gifts. Yes, I We all matter, and I want to help others know that too. I
wanted to be a partner in my clients have an insatiable desire to learn what makes us individuals,
expansion, but most of all I wanted how we came to be who we are, and how this combination
them to experience the fantastic of factors can be explored and expanded. Working together
feeling of accomplishment as a team makes for a strong self. I have won the occupational
discovering who they really lottery working with clients I love what I do!
are and what they are truly
capable of. It was time to Q: How can our readers find you?
design a new offering A: Want to email, call, or send a smoke signal? I am very accessible
for my clients. through my website at www.vickibaird.com, you can call the office
at (413) 499-9791, email me at vicki@vickibaird.com, or reach me
through any of the social platforms by searching CoachVickiBaird.
My office, for one-on-one sessions, is located in Pittsfield, MA. See
my display ad and Ask Vicki column on page 24.
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HANDMADE Tank Drum / Wonderful Things

This striking (no pun intended) tank drum is handmade
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food & drink
Fall Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash,

Brussels Sprouts & Dried Cranberries
By Guidos Dietitian Rachel Alves
T his is a family-friendly take on a classic beautiful and hearty, highlighting the delicious bounty of fall. This
recipe has been adapted from Ina Garten by Guidos Fresh Marketplaces dietitian Rachel Alves. Serves 4 to 6.
Ingredients
1 small butternut squash (1-1 lbs) 3-5 T plus 1 T extra virgin olive oil
1 lb Brussels sprouts 1 tsp kosher salt
tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cups Arborio rice
5 cups simmering chicken stock, divided
2 sage leaves
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
cup dry white wine, optional
2 T unsalted butter, diced
cup dried cranberries
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Peel the butternut squash,
remove the seeds, and cut it into -inch cubes. You should have
about 4 to 5 cups. Trim the brown ends off the Brussels sprouts,
remove any yellow outer leaves, and cut them in half. Place the
squash and the Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan and toss with 3
to 5 tablespoons of olive oil and the salt and pepper. Roast for
about 30 minutes, tossing once, until very tender. Set aside.
Place the rice, 4 cups of chicken stock, and the sage leaves in a
Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, until most of the
liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente. Remove from the oven
and discard the sage. Add the remaining cup of chicken stock,
Parmesan, wine (if using), butter, remaining 1 tablespoon olive
oil, salt, and pepper, and stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, until
the rice is thick and creamy. Add the roasted squash, Brussels
sprouts, and cranberries, and stir until heated through. Serve hot.
~ Guidos Fresh Marketplace, www.guidosfreshmarketplace.com

food & drink
Do you enjoy writing?

Share your passion!
Send in articles for
consideration through
www.OurBerkshireTimes.com.
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food & drink
Some Like it Hot!

A FUN WAY TO SPEND THE AFTERNOON
By Michael Romano
A
few years ago I sustained a back injury that left me in a 5) Prepare tested preserving recipe using fresh produce and
wheelchair almost full time, and while it has hampered other quality ingredients.
me somewhat, it has also given me an opportunity to
try new things. One of these new things is gardening, but not in 6) Remove a jar from the hot water (with jar lifter or tongs),
the traditional sense. I adapted my own method by growing very and empty water from jar. Fill hot jars one at a time with prepared
hot peppers (and other things like cukes and peas, but mostly hot ingredients leaving recommended headspace. Remove air bubbles.
peppers) in containers on an old-fashioned picnic table so I can
reach them from my wheelchair. I also grow tomato plants along 7) Clean Mason jar rim and threads, center lid on jar, apply
my wheelchair ramp. I do well with them. band, and fingertip tighten. Place filled jars in canner making sure
water covers jars by 1 to 2 inches. Cover, and bring to a rolling boil.
In late summer, I harvest a slew of peppers, tomatoes, and cukes
way too much for our personal use and immediate consumption. 8) Process jars in the boiling water for the required time,
I mean, there is only so much salsa you can eat, and a pot of adjusting for altitude. Then turn off the heat, remove the canner
hot chili once a week can get boring, so what do I do with all lid, and allow jars to stand in canner for 5 minutes.
those beautiful peppers? I give some away, but people only take
so many. So, I learned to can them! I make homemade salsa, fire 9) Remove jars from canner and set upright on a towel
pickles, and hell pickled peppers. Its pretty easy and a fun way to undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. Bands should not be retightened
spend a Sunday afternoon. as this may interfere with the sealing process.
I start with half-pint Mason jars, as these are a nice size to gift 10) Check jar lids for seals. Lids should not flex up and down
someone; then as the season progresses I switch to pint jars and when center is pressed. Remove bands. Try to lift lids off with
even quart jars towards the end of harvest. Last year I ended up your fingertips. If the lid cannot be lifted off, the lid has a good
with 36 assorted jars of canned produce. seal. If a lid does not seal within 24 hours, the product can be
immediately reprocessed or refrigerated and consumed promptly.
Following is a summary of the water bath canning instructions Label and store in a cool, dry, dark place up to one year.
found at www.freshpreserving.com. My own method varies a
little, but you should check out their website for the details. I find that the pickled stuff is ready to eat in three weeks but
tastes better if it cures longer. This pickling/canning method can
1) Read recipe and assemble equipment and ingredients. I be used on many different veggies like green beans, asparagus,
usually chop up a mixture of my peppers, red onions, garlic, cukes summer squash, and even watermelon rinds, and they can be
for fire pickles, and everything but cukes for the hell peppers. For made spicy by just adding hot pepper to the mix.
my pickling brine I use vinegar, water, and pickling or kosher salt
(table salt yellows brine). I also put a clove of garlic and a quarter Hot peppers may also be saved by drying them. Simply use a needle
teaspoon of pickling spice in the bottom of each jar. and thread to string them up, and hang till dry. When dry they can
be used as a holiday decoration and later in cooking. Hot peppers
2) Check jars, lids, and bands for proper functioning to have many health benefits, but if you ever find yourself in need of
prevent sealing issues or jar breakage. Wash all in hot, soapy an antidote, slowly drink a glass of milk which will help break the
water, rinse well, and dry bands. bonds capsaicin forms on your nerve receptors. For those of you
that like it HOT, youll find an amazing variety of hot peppers to
3) Heat home canning jars in hot (not boiling) water until read up about at www.tinyurl.com/y94y7d3a. Enjoy!
ready for use to prevent them from breaking when hot food is
added. Leave lids and bands at room temperature. ~ Michael Romano, a Great Barrington, MA, resident for almost 40 years,
is a retired chef and also enjoys writing. He and his wife, Susan, worked
4) Prepare boiling water bath by filling large pot or canner at the now-closed Kolburne School in New Marlborough, MA, for many
half full with water and simmer while covered with lid until jars years. Look for his fishing articles in this and previous issues of Our
are filled and placed in canner. BerkshireTimes magazine.

business services
Business Services
If you don't build your dream,

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93674.V1.12.2015
93674.V1.12.2015
Using Your Strengths at Work
A MORE PRODUCTIVE APPROACH TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT
By Jess Dods, MBA
F or quite some time, career development in the United

States was based on working on correcting weaknesses.
This is best captured in the popular phrase: If it aint
broke, dont fix it. We have seen a big shift in recent years,
though, towards a much more productive approach to career
Strengths Finder 2.0: this is the updated version of the classic
survey from the book Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus
Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, and costs about $20 for
the basic five-strengths version. It is available as a book and in
an online version. The results rank your top five professional
development, which focuses on using and improving strengths. strengths out of a total list of 34, which arose out of some highly
This does not occur at the expense of working on areas that need regarded and extensive research in this area.
to be developed. Rather, it is a focus on using strengths to cross-
train areas of challenge or weakness. Viame.org: this no-charge survey measures your character
strengths (as opposed to your professional strengths measured
So, what is a strength? by the Strengths Finder). They are equally important in our
lives.
A good working definition of a strength is this: An innate talent
or ability to consistently achieve excellent results in an activity What do I do with the information?
or process. An example of a strength could be Tiger Woodss
strength at long, accurate drives. His ability at sand saves is not Increase your awareness of your strengths, and how they work
a strength. Warren Buffets strengths lie in his ability to invest in for you. This can lead you to improve your strengths and use your
solid companies with long-term growth and not to get sidetracked strengths to cross-train areas of weakness. We call this leveraging
by short-term fluctuations. your strengths, when you use them to cross-train other areas.
These actions can lead you to greater achievement of your work
Other examples of strengths are strategic thinking, having an performance and career goals.
orientation towards achievement, empathy, being able to influence
others, consistency, curiosity, strong communication skills, seeing Becoming aware of your strengths and using them in service
the big picture, and a focus on details. of your goals, as well as cross-training areas of weakness, can
greatly increase your chances of achieving your goals. And its
What about my strengths? important to be aware that we, as human beings, are predisposed
to observe what is wrong, or a weakness. So keep an eye out
For many of us, we are just not aware of our specific strengths. for this tendency, which can present an added challenge when
We tend to just do what we do, often not recognizing those working to identify your strengths.
strengths that we use in areas in which we consistently perform
at a high level. ~ Jess Dods is an experienced and effective career coach and organization
consultant. He coaches individuals in job transition and provides job
How do I find out about my strengths? performance coaching for middle management
to executive levels. He also consults with
Ask others: this involves asking colleagues and friends to share with organizations to improve individual and
you what they see as your strengths. While this may seem intrusive or team performance. He is certified and very
cause you to feel awkward, this process is helpful all around. People experienced in the use of several highly
like to help others, and identifying strengths is a useful process that regarded assessment tools. Jess is a native and
contributes to being able to use them more effectively. current resident of Southampton, MA. He
is well acquainted with Western Massachusetts
Surveys: there are some excellent surveys available to help you businesses, in addition to his global experience.
identify your strengths. (413) 977-9273, www.jessdodscoaching.com

business services
Whats My Income Strategy?

A HOLISTIC RETIREMENT PLANNER CAN PROVIDE THE ANSWER / By Philip C. Gallant, CLTC
F or years retirees have been encouraged to save as much as

possible for retirement, usually in government plans such as a
401(k) or IRA account. When the time arrives to live on that
money though, many folks are left wondering, now what? Mutual fund
companies, and what I like to call asset aggregators, like it when you
then builds a stream of inflation-adjusted income around your
needs and desires, will typically require more thoughtful planning
and different financial tools.
A holistic retirement planner is likely to provide these answers for you.

have a big sum of money under management for your retirement If you limit yourself to partnering with someone who only works with
years. The question then becomes, how much income can I take? equities and alternative investments, such as Real Estate Investment
Trusts (REITs), they might not understand how to blend guaranteed
Many years ago a financial planner named Bill Bengen sat down with income floors using annuities for base income enhancement.
his computer and determined that a 4-percent withdrawal rate was Another risk is they might recommend the entirely wrong annuity or
acceptable in all market conditions to give you inflation-adjusted miss life insurance income strategies, which the wealthy have employed
income to life expectancy. Since then, and especially after the two for centuries for tax-free income and asset protection.
significant market corrections that have occurred since 2000, this
rule has been criticized by many as too simplistic and unrealistic. Talk to a few advisors before deciding
on the 4-percent rule. You might find
The better question is, how can you design a strategy that will very interesting answers to the question,
allow you to create a solid retirement income plan one to Whats my income strategy?
provide the income you need, or desire, which you know will
have a much higher probability of success? In other words, ~ Philip C. Gallant, CLTC, has been in the
Whats my income strategy? It might sound like the same question, financial services industry since 1980, and he
but building a strategy will often provide a much better answer founded The Optimus Group in 2006. Philip
than the old 4-percent rule! A strategy that takes into account all lives in Clifton Park, NY, with his wife, Michelle,
income sources, such as social security, pensions, and savings, and and their dog, Riley. They have five children.
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home & garden
Are You Still

Consuming Dairy?
By Mark Hyman, MD
B y now, most of my readers probably know how I feel

about dairy its natures perfect food but only if youre
a calf. We have no biological requirement for this food,
and yet, weve been told over and over again that dairy is a great
source of calcium, milk makes healthy bones, and we should
dairy can cause. In addition, about 75 percent of the worlds
population is genetically unable to properly digest milk and other
dairy products a problem known as lactose intolerance.
I often find that symptoms of lactose intolerance are caused by

drink it daily. Im here to tell you that this is not true. Based on difficulty digesting casein, the main protein found in milk, which
research and my experience practicing medicine, I typically advise is also used in other food products as a binding agent. Casein
most of my patients to avoid dairy products completely. proteins can actually induce inflammation leading to things like
eczema, ear infections, congestion, and sinus problems. So, I
Here are Some Facts to Consider highly recommend avoiding casein, no matter who you are.
Countries with the lowest rates of dairy and calcium Whey protein contains very little lactose, so there is a chance that
consumption (like those in Africa and Asia) have the lowest rates someone with lactose intolerance might be able to have whey.
of osteoporosis. However, I know some people who can tolerate whey protein and
others who cannot, so you might want to test it out for yourself.
Research shows that higher intakes of both calcium and dairy
products may increase a mans risk of prostate cancer by 30 to Overall, I recommend avoiding dairy, but especially if youre lactose
50 percent. intolerant. Dairy consumption can lead to increased cancer risk,
increased fracture risk, constipation, irritable bowel, bloating, gas,
Dairy consumption increases the bodys level of insulin-like diarrhea, allergies, eczema, and acne. None of that sounds good to me!
growth factor-1 (or IGF-1) a known cancer promoter.
One dairy product that many people can tolerate is ghee. Ghee is
Calcium isnt as bone-protective as we thought. Studies of simply clarified butter which has had all the water and milk solids
calcium supplementation have shown no benefit in reducing removed from it. That means it can be consumed by those who
fracture risk. In fact, vitamin D appears to be much more are allergic to dairy. Again, some people do well with ghee and
important than calcium in preventing fractures. others do not. It really depends on the individual.
These are just a few of the findings related to the harm that How to Test for Dairy Sensitivity
I recommend getting off of all dairy, except for grass-fed butter

and ghee, for three weeks. That means eliminating milk, cheese,
yogurt, products with casein, and ice cream to see if you feel
better. You should notice improvements with your sinuses, post-
nasal drip, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, energy, and
weight. Then start reintroducing dairy again and see how you
feel. If you feel worse, you should try to give it up for life.
If you do consume dairy, always choose grass-fed. If youre

going to consume butter or other dairy products, remember that
grass-fed is best. The milk these cows produce has an omega-6
health & wellness
to omega-3 ratio of 1:1, which is optimal. Conventionally raised

cows eat grains and other crops that make their fatty acid profiles
more inflammatory. The milk they produce and as a result the Lisa Baumgart
butter and cheese made from it contains more omega-6 fats. Lisa
is Baumgart
a very talented
is a very talented
healer/therapist.
31 Williamstown Rd., Lanesboro, MA healer/therapist.
In the very first session
Personally, when I eat little to no dairy, I feel much, much 31 Williamstown Rd., Lanesboro, MA
better. Give it a shot, whats to lose? Besides all the miserable 413-442-7007
413-442-7007
In the
she very first
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she reduced
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well over 50%. Inpain
a
symptoms and a little weight, that is. well over 50%.
Greylock PT isIn Iahad
very
Lisa
Lisa Baumgart
Baumgart ,, MPT
MPT
few
few
weeks
weeks
proud
almost
time,
time, I had
tonoannounce
pain. its
~ Mark Hyman, MD, is a practicing family physician, a ten-time #1 New York Restoring Function & Fitness almost
10-yearno pain.
anniversary!
- Don Rochelo
Times bestselling author, and an internationally recognized leader, speaker, Restoring Function & Fitness - Don Rochelo
educator, and advocate in his field. He is the director of the Cleveland Clinic
W e offer a different approach to physical
A
therapy by treating the whole body
We focus on dynamics
Weoffocus on dynamics
Center for Functional Medicine, the founder and medical director of The
UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA, chairman of the board of the Institute A
while addressing specific areasskofLisa
sk Lisa
speak to your
dysfunction. Providing individualized
to
pain or
to
care with
of
the whole
the whole
body to
body to
determine your strengths
determine your strengths
and weaknesses.
for Functional Medicine, a medical editor of The Huffington Post, and was speak
1:1 therapist time promotes to your
consistency in
a regular medical contributor on many television shows including CBS This
company,
care and full healing.company,
club or and weaknesses.
Our unique approach to
club
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finding
Our unique approach to
Morning, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. www.drhyman.com organization
successful movement patterns -
and building physical therapy is called
organization - physical therapy is called
on this, our patients cancomplimentary!
achieve healing with Applied Functional
minimal to no discomfort.complimentary! ScienceApplied
or ChainFunctional
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greylockpt.com 31 Williamstown Road, Lanesboro, MA
Hidden Dairy / Published with permission from godairyfree.org, reprinted from Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook
T here are the obvious dairy foods such as cows milk (chocolate, whole, skim, malted, evaporated), buttermilk, half-and-half, cream,
butter, cheese, ice cream, milk shakes, and yogurt. However, did you know that the majority of processed foods also contain dairy?
Milk proteins and lactose, the culprits of milk allergies and lactose intolerance respectively, often lurk in some of the strangest places.
Below we have a partial list of manufactured foods where dairy ingredients may be hiding. We guarantee a few will surprise you!
Artificial sweeteners Some are derived from dairy foods. Goats milk Contains proteins similar to cows milk and lactose.
Baby formula Read the labels carefully on this one. Granola & nutrition bars May contain milk additives.
Bakery goods This is a hard one to verify; look for ingredients. Gravies Some utilize milk ingredients for flavor and texture.
Baking mixes (cakes, biscuits, pancakes) Some okay brands. Hot cocoa mix Some have milk ingredients added.
Bath products Avoid if you have skin reactions to milk products. Hot dogs What isnt in hot dogs?
Bread Whey, other milk proteins, possibly cheese or butter. Imitation maple & other syrups Go for the real stuff.
Breath mints A few contain casein-related ingredients. Instant potatoes Particularly the au gratin varieties.
Canned tuna fish Some contain hydrolyzed caseinate. Kosher parve desserts Although most parve foods are okay.
Caramel It may either be made from sugar and water or milk. Lactose-free milks They may still be loaded with milk proteins.
Cereal Dry and instant cereals vary significantly in ingredients. Lunch meats & sausages Lactose and caseinates are common.
Chewing gum Some brands contain milk protein ingredients. Margarine Most are not dairy free.
Chicken broth Several brands use milk proteins or solids. Meal replacements, protein powders & beverages
Chocolate Milk chocolate, and some semisweet and dark. Peanut butter A very few may contain milk solids.
Chocolate drinks Even some nonmilk varieties contain dairy. Potato chips Particularly risky among the flavored varieties.
Coffee creamers Well, something makes them white and creamy. Salad dressings Most natural brands have dairy-free flavors.
Cookies & crackers Often the most processed foods of them all. Sherbet Different from sorbet and usually contains milk or cream.
Cream liqueurs May possess solid milk ingredients or caseinates. Soup Obviously the creamy varieties, but even some of the tomato-
Custard & pudding Most contain milk products. and chicken-based soups are not dairy free.
Drugs & vitamins Lactose is the base for a number of them. Soy meat products Guilty of harboring milk proteins.
Eggnog Make an at-home version with milk alternatives. Soy cheeses Yep, they often contain milk proteins.
Fat replacers Some are derived from milk. Spice mixes Several contain whey powder.
Fondues Isnt this the word the Swiss use for cheese? Whipped toppings Lets just say that the term nondairy topping
Fried foods The breading; also, cheese is commonly added. is used rather loosely; these products contain casein.

health & wellness
CEREC Single Visit Crowns / By Messenger Digital Dentistry

CEREC (Chairside Economical all while protecting and preserving natural tooth structure.
Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics)
allows for the production of The CEREC Procedure - Step by Step
high-quality all-ceramic crowns,
partial crowns, veneers, and 1) After removing the defective filling and/or decay, a 3D image of
bridges. This most tested piece the tooth is captured with an optical camera, directly in your mouth.
of machinery in dentistry was
developed at Zurich University in Switzerland in 1985, and is now 2) The restoration is designed and created on the screen of the
successfully deployed in more than 25,000 practices in over 50 acquisition unit.
countries. Long-term clinical studies demonstrate that in terms
of durability CEREC restorations are at least equivalent to gold 3) The CEREC milling unit uses diamond-coated instruments
restorations, and depending on the individual case can achieve to reproduce the design. This is accomplished during a single
even better results. Choosing a CEREC crown over a traditional appointment using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/
crown is more convenient and has many advantages. Computer-Aided Manufacturing).
Time saving. CEREC simplifies what was once a complex 4) The milled restoration is bonded directly to your tooth.
process into a single appointment, saving you considerable time.
This also eliminates the need for a temporary crown. When you visit a dental office that takes traditional impressions
to be sent to their lab, there is a great possibility the laboratory
No conventional impressions. The CEREC camera takes a will fabricate a CEREC crown. This is because 95 percent of
3D image of your tooth in just a few seconds, eliminating the need dental laboratories are now using CAD/CAM technology. By
for unpleasant impressions. providing our patients with this technology directly, we are able
to help you feel confident about your smile in a single visit!
Aesthetics. CEREC crowns are aesthetically pleasing crowns For more information on CEREC crowns, please contact our
that restore your teeth to their natural strength, beauty, and function, office. ~ Messenger Digital Dentistry, www.reasons2smile.com
Messenger Digital Dentistry

One visit crowns with no impressions.
Single visit root canal therapy, post, core, and crown.
Computer guided implant placement allows for less
invasive surgeries and precise implant placement.
Amalgam (silver)-free fillings.
Digital x-rays we use allow for 90% less radiation.
On-site laboratories for denture repairs and relines.
One visit smile makeovers, veneers, crown, and bridges.
Computerized periodontal evaluation.
Advanced Zoom tooth whitening.
Six Month Smiles - clear braces.
Dr. Gene Messenger (front center) Dr. Mohammed Forhad (2nd from right)
More than 25 Years in Practice Graduate from the University Extraordinary Dental Care.
Received Diplomate Status in the IDIA of Pennsylvania
Has a Fellowship in ACCD and Special Training in Surgical Extractions,
Laser Dentistry from WCLI Bone Grafts, Endodontics,
Mentor/Trainer for Implants and Cad Cam and Pediatric Dentistry
1111 South State Street (413) 664-6545

North Adams, MA 01247 www.reasons2smile.com

health & wellness
Aaargh! Menopause
TWO EASY SOLUTIONS FOR HOT FLASHES
LOW HORMONES FATIGUE
BRAIN FOG MOOD SWINGS LOW LIBIDO
A re you suffering from hot flashes, brain fog, low libido,

fatigue, arthritis, and other symptoms attributed to
menopause and postmenopause? Did you know that there
is a menopause and antiaging elixir that has been used by
women from ancient civilizations for more than 2,000
years that can help?
Author Nina Anderson shares this information and other

simple solutions in her new book Aaargh! Menopause, available in hardcopy from
Amazon for $9.95. Berkshire residents can download a free ebook version,
however, thanks to Safe Goods Publishing located in Sheffield, MA, by going to
http://menopausebook.gr8.com.
Aaargh! Menopause will tell you more about the ancient elixir, how you can reduce
the effects of aging, what foods to eat to reduce symptoms, tips for memory
enhancement, what can help prevent arthritis, which supplements strengthen
bones, how to support your immune system, and clinical trials that offer proof.
~ Nina Anderson has written 20 books on natural health and on aviation. www.4easymenopause.com
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mind & spirit
Ask Vicki
Send Your Questions to vicki@vickibaird.com
By Vicki Baird
F ifteen years ago, I quit my corporate job to discover my own path. Today, I help people just like you develop your gifts,
harness them, and take them out to the world. Welcome to Ask Vicki where I will use my Intuitive Life Coach and Belief Re-
patterning experience to answer your questions. If you have a concern (career path, relationships, or mind and spirit related
issues) email me at vicki@vickibaird.com.
Dear Vicki, bad our parents are, we want to believe they are good people. She
I am married to a man who was married and divorced before. cannot see her mother the way you do. Concentrate on appreciating
They had two children, which my husband and I now share full the fact that she is in your life and try to let go of past events. Its
custody of. His ex has pulled some rotten things over the years like playing tug of war: when one person drops the rope, the other
in regards to us. How do I let go of my anger towards her, and person either falls on their fanny or they realize that there is no
second, how do I not resent my daughter because she protects longer a tug of war. Think of it as a gift to yourself to drop the
her mom, after all the nonsense? ~Karen, Great Barrington, MA anger. The relationship will improve over time.
Dear Karen, Being a parent, full or step, is incredibly challenging at times, but
Oh, honey, you are speaking my life. I had the same experience it can also be the best platform to learn about yourself and how
with my two, now adult, stepsons. What I have come to know is to compromise. Take a lot of deep breaths and be patient with
that the anger we hang on to only impacts us, it does not impact yourself. That will help the most. ~ From one super stepparent to
those who have created the drama. They are usually clueless. As another, Vicki
for letting go of the resentment towards your daughter, try to
appreciate her for being a loving person because no matter how Dear Vicki,
How do you best deal with a partner who decides to leave a
wonderful seven-year relationship because she is drawn back to
her family and career in Kentucky? ~ Paul, California
Vicki Baird Intuitive Life Coach
Imagine what could happen . . . Dear Paul,
if you believed in you! I am sorry she decided to do that. One way to begin to deal with
Experience Belief Re-patterning to this situation is to ask yourself what, if anything, you can see now
help you change your belief systems. in your relationship with this woman that was not as wonderful as
(413) 499-9791 you thought it may have been. Often this type of awareness can
only come in retrospect after a big shift.
Vicki is the only certified
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Then, I would take the time to think about what it is that you want,
www.vickibaird.com not only from relationships, but in life in general. I cant speak
for her, but if she was drawn back to her birth family and career,
she is in essence really saying she needs to return to herself, and
there isnt anything you can do about that. Its frustrating and it
S heilaa Hite
Intuitive Counselor
Featured in Paulette Coopers directory,
hurts, no doubt, but you need to take the time to let the emotions,
including grief, come up. While honoring her choice you must
also honor your process. The end of a relationship is a death to
the emotional self, and the time it takes to heal is different for
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Consultations in Person, by Phone or Skype author Susan Anderson says, turn the end of a relationship into
Classes, Parties and Events the beginning of a new life. ~ All my best, Vicki
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animal talk
Animal Talk
Dog nose prints are as unique as human fingerprints and
can be used to identify them. ~ www.thefactsite.com
Over the past decade, animal behaviorists have gathered

considerable evidence that suggests rats, of all creatures, are
ticklish too. When stroked in certain body regions, the rodents
emit high-pitched chirps. These chirps (which researchers say
are akin to human laughter) seem to signify joy, because the
rats will run mazes and press levers if they learn theyll be
rewarded with a good tickle afterward. ~ www.livescience.com
There is a growing body of evidence that indicates spaying

or neutering dogs significantly increases the risk of serious
health problems. A study conducted at the University of
California (UC), Davis provides additional evidence it may
also seriously increase a dogs risk of certain cancers and joint
diseases. Sterilizing without desexing is a procedure that will
prevent pregnancy while sparing the testes or ovaries so they
continue to produce the natural hormones essential for the
dogs health. ~ http://healthypets.mercola.com
Google Earth shows that cow and deer herds align like
compass needles to the magnetic poles of the earth, as do
other creatures including flies, bees, and goldfish, when there
isnt anything around to disturb them. So why do they do it? Its
still a mystery. One possibility is that keeping magnetic fields in
symmetry about the axis of your body could affect health and CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957
certain bodily processes. There is evidence to back this up in
humans, the time it takes to drift into REM sleep and the electrical
activity in the brain differs depending on the direction you sleep
Your trusted source
(www.scienceblogs.com). Its good to note that researchers say
that if you live in the northern hemisphere, it is not a good for quality foods
idea to sleep with your head facing north because the magnetic and supplies.
pull will cause pressure on your brain. Any direction other than
north is OK, but east is best. ~ www.tinyurl.com/zxug9ek Your trusted resource
for raw-feeding
Sea otters hold hands while theyre sleeping so they dont
drift apart. ~ www.mentalfloss.com information
and advice.
Opossums hoover up ticks as they wander the forest.
Many ticks try to feed on opossums and few survive the
experience. Opossums are extraordinarily good groomers
that kill more than 95 percent of the ticks they carry. These
sensitive creatures are also resistant to rabies. This may come
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trying to fool predators into thinking theyre sick so theyll on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guidos
leave them alone. ~ http://healthypets.mercola.com
Mon-Fri 10a-6p Sat-Sun 10a-4p
Black cats arent an omen of ill fortune in all cultures. In the www.bensdotters.com
UK and Australia they are good luck. ~ www.animalplanet.com

education & workshops
Planning Time for

Togetherness
By K. Meagan Ledendecker
A
s a child, I remember feeling a bit befuddled about Will bedtimes be different? What will change about meals
my moms edginess when my grandparents came to together? What kinds of activities will likely happen?
town. I certainly felt nothing but excitement about
their visits. As a child, I didnt have a sense of how Our children like to be prepared and have a sense of what to expect.
my grandparents presence would change our family routines Involving them in the discussion, planning, and preparation can
and shift our family dynamics. alleviate not only their anxiety but also our own angst.
No matter how loving, patient, and well-meaning our extended Mapping out the days and what to expect on a family calendar
families can be, having additional people mixed into the scene, provides a visual guide for the changes in routine. A whiteboard
especially during the holiday season, can add layers of stress. works well, easily allowing for modifications if the plans become
Often our children absorb this unspoken stress. Their behavior overwhelming. Have conversations about what activities are most
may even shift as a result. enjoyable for everyone. Cut back on those that are not essential.
Recently, when my parents came to town for a visit, I was Collecting snippets and stories of favorite experiences can be a
completely focused on wanting everything to be perfect during bonding experience for extended family members. Part of the
their stay. Even though they were flexible and easygoing, I was ritual of coming back together around the holidays can include
anxious about how my children would behave, worried about sharing, and even documenting, different memories of past times
making sure everyone was happy, and distracted by coordinating together. This kind of sharing offers everyone a way to reorient
meals and activities. and reunite. The recollections can even be collected in a kind of
family memory book that can be pulled out when everyone gets
When my youngest child started launching into a slew of back together again.
attention-getting behavior, I realized he was sending an important
message about his unmet needs. I needed to shift my focus. Children and relatives want to help. Intentionally enlisting
extended family to support childrens involvement can create
The first thing I did was to give him my complete attention. I a win-win for everyone. Some possible collaborative activities
watched him draw. I sat next to him. I helped him when he asked, include food preparation (scrubbing potatoes, mixing dough,
even though I knew he could do the various tasks himself. This tearing lettuce for a salad), making simple decorations, setting the
tending to didnt last long. Within 15 minutes of undivided table, folding the laundry, and even dusting and tidying. We all
attention, he was chipper and cooperative. Even a few minutes of feel more settled when we feel useful and engaged.
loving attention can refuel a child feeling disconnected.
This holiday season we have an opportunity to consciously create
Once my son felt secure and satisfied, I was able to talk with new rituals and opportunities for our children and our extended
him about how I had been feeling stressed. I apologized. Then families. Rather than rely upon old patterns perhaps learned from
I explained that our routines were going to be a little different previous generations, lets plan our time
with Grandmom and Granddad visiting. I also reaffirmed of togetherness and mindfully prepare
the importance of being respectful and polite with visiting ourselves and our children.
family members, a message he was ready to hear after he felt
connected to me. ~ K. Meagan Ledendecker is the Director of
Education and Co-Founder of The Montessori
In preparing ourselves, and our children, for time with extended School of the Berkshires. This holiday season
family and changes during the holidays, we can consciously reflect her three children and husband look forward to
together about what routines will shift, what traditions we want creating some new family rituals with extended
to honor, and what joys and challenges the time may bring. family members. www.berkshiremontessori.org

The Holiday Season
By Julie Ulmer
Labor Day: Mon, Sept 4 Rosh Hashana: Thurs, Sept 21 - Fri, Sept 22
Halloween: Tues, Oct 31 Thanksgiving: Thurs, Nov 23 Hanukkah: Wed, Dec 13 - Wed, Dec 20
Christmas: Mon, Dec 25 New Years Eve: Sun, Dec 31 New Years Day: Mon, Jan 1
R ecently Ive seen some countdown clocks on social media

that are ticking off the amount of time until Halloween,
Thanksgiving, and then the holidays, which include ringing
in the New Year. Yikes, 2018 is right around the corner!
cleaning, or decluttering, do your research and call now! Professionals
can be booked for months ahead and we all know that emergency
service calls are expensive. Some event planners and decorators may
even be booked for certain dates years in advance. I get a lot of folks
who reach out to me in the eleventh hour and I have to remind them
I felt overwhelmed thinking about the quick succession of holidays that Im a professional organizer, not a wizard. Clutter takes time to
and a little touch of dread about upcoming preparations. As a accumulate, and therefore takes time to decimate.
Halloween aficionado, its pretty late for me to be finally settling
on my costume choice since I like to work with a seamstress or Consider crossing off some of your usual to-dos a little early to
build my costume myself. I learned the hard way that tailors are beat the crowd, even if it means putting on snow tires before
usually busy with October weddings and cant take on extra work Thanksgiving to make sure your car is ready for long-distance
at the last minute. While most people may think that two months traveling. If you employ a snow plowing service, will they be
is plenty of time to get ready, advanced planning is what keeps ready to tackle a storm on the date of your planned event? Do
my stress level down and allows me to enjoy the atmosphere and you have snow shovels and ice melt on hand to keep guests safe
anticipation of my favorite time of the year. as they approach your front door? Do you have adequate heating
or cooking fuel if you are not on automatic delivery? We know
As an organizing expert, laying the groundwork for the holiday that some poor soul, somewhere, has run out of propane on
season as early as possible is the soundest advice I can give! Good Thanksgiving with 20 guests arriving dont let that be you.
preparation isnt just reserved for entertaining or gift giving.
Planning a few months ahead builds in wiggle room and allows You may wish to make medical, dental, or self-care appointments
us to revert to a Plan B if necessary. In my opinion, having a Plan before the holiday blitz occurs. A spa treatment in the middle
B is a good idea for just about every situation in life. of December sounds delightful, but if you are pressed for time
during the holiday frenzy, even one more appointment could
You could pick a party date, send out invitations, and then call push you over the edge.
around to see who is available to cater at your home or host your
party at their restaurant, but what if that date is already booked Lets not forget our furry and feathered loved ones, especially if you
solid? Now youve got a dilemma on your hands and unnecessary plan to travel. Will your animal companions need to be boarded, or
stress. In this case youll need that Plan B! would it make things easier to have a pet sitter come to your home?
Even one day at doggie day-care can give Fluffy a break from a house
Grab a blank calendar and start mapping out your ideas for the overloaded with guests, and take an important worry off your mind.
holiday season. Have fun with it. If you plan to entertain at home, I Give yourself time to interview potential candidates so you feel
suggest an exercise in creative visualization. Stand in your driveway comfortable with your decision. Last but not least, book grooming
or parking area with your eyes closed and imagine you are anyone sessions in advance and be sure to have enough medication and
other than yourself. Youve been invited to an event at this residence food on hand to get through the busiest parts of the season.
and youve just exited the car. Now open your eyes and try to see
everything from the viewpoint of a stranger. Take note of the Getting all of your ducks in a row now will help make sure that
outside appearance, do a walkthrough of the main areas where you have a relaxed, joyful holiday season!
guests will be entertained. Look for things you may usually be blind
to such as chipped paint on the front door, a cluttered entryway ~ Julie Ulmer is a professional organizer and
with piles of shoes to possibly trip on, the broken light fixture in speaker who founded Minding Your Manor
the hallway, or the leaky spray hose in the kitchen sink that leaves a in 2003. Julie is a member of the National
little puddle every time the water is used. If you have to post a sign Association of Professional Organizers, the
with instructions or verbally advise guests to jiggle the handle on the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, and the
powder room toilet, its time to give a plumber a call. Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. Please
visit www.mindingyourmanor.com, email julie@
If you need professionals to help with repairs, renovation, a deep mindingyourmanor.com, or call (518) 821-4682.

get ready for the holidays
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sparkle this season

WITH THE MAGIC OF FIRE, GLASS, AND BRILLIANT COLOR
C heshire Glassworks will help you sparkle this holiday season

with stunning, creative, handspun glass necklaces, pendants,
earrings, bracelets, and rings. You will also find whimsical glass
vases and imaginative sculptures to decorate your home. Cheshire
Glassworks, run by artist/owner Jill Reynolds, is an independently
owned studio and gallery located in the northern Berkshires that
(413) 743-7828 visit us at www.cheshireglassworks.com
offers a unique shopping experience. Jill lovingly creates each one-
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get ready for the holidays
Hartsville Design interior remodeling

Woodworking ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW LOOK? NOW IS THE TIME.
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Kitchens Baths Offices minimize the time required for a remodel. Look through magazines
Entertainment Centers Staircases and at Pinterest, and discuss the project with friends and family.
Furniture Big & Small Jobs Spend time looking at materials, choose colors, look over costs
versus the value added to your home, and so forth. Planning ahead
www.HartsvilleDesign.com helps take the stress away and makes it easier to enjoy the process.
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An education for life.

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Childrens House
ed ate! 940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA
ve th
Elementary
Adolescent
Sa Quality Foods, Equipment, and Supplies
Summer Fall Fest
Sat., Oct 21
9-12
BerkshireMontessori.org Tours by appointment 413.637.3662
Convenient Location with Ample Parking

on Route 7 less than a minute south of Guidos
Monday-Friday 10a-6p Saturday-Sunday 10a-4p
BRAND YOURSELF!
Personalized Corporate & Workwear Apparel
Build your brand with customized apparel!

Fall is coming and this is the time to order
sweatshirts and any other apparel you may
need. We offer Carhartt and many other lines
of work apparel. We offer free digitizing on hat
orders of 12 or more pieces. We will match any
competitors pricing!
Call Wendy today - (860)824-4300
296 Main Street, Williamstown, MA

Transforming the Berkshires,
. . . One Home at a Time
To Steve and the Entire Staff,

Thank you very much for being so much more than just our general contractor. I cannot express my pleasure
enough from start to finish and everything in-between. We chose to have our work done while we were in Florida
for the winter. We had complete trust and confidence in you and your crew before we left for the winter. The
communication between us was constant with emails, photos, and phone calls. Questions and concerns were
answered immediately and anything that was important to us was just as important to you, no matter how small
or large an issue. Everything came out beautifully and if something did not meet our expectations, it beat our
expectations. So glad we found you! Thank you again for a very easy and rewarding experience.
With much gratitude, Rhea and Ken Werner

West Stockbridge, MA Fully Licensed & Insured
Lic # 051408, Reg # 131832
25 Pittsfield Rd (Rte 7), Lenox, MA

(413) 442-3001 www.morrisonshomeimprovement.com

Our BerkshireTimes Magazine, Sept-Oct 2017

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September-October 2017, vol 33 (44) Complimentary

Cover Art by Ann Getsinger / www.anngetsinger.com

She was not quite what you would call refined.

To Earth by Ann Getsinger 28 get ready for the holidays

drawing, and measures 48 x 36 and was painted in 2009. It is a stand-alone piece,

Evening Sit & Knit Gould Farms Annual Run

4 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

8th Annual Berkshire Drum & Dance Fest

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 5

Summer Sailing by Ann Getsinger

6 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Unusual and Thoughtful Gifts

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 7

B ruce and I took a car trip to Florida in late April 1984. We

8 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

413-528-0085 Sisters Used Furniture

968 South Main Street open Mon-Fri

Mountain Goat Artisans

Dress Up Your Windows

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 9

W e are often asked by our customers, How do we store

COLLECTING FLOWER SEEDS

10 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Native Habitat Restoration

All the Fun Summer Stuff

Emergency Water & Fire Remediation

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 11

A fter fifteen years in business finance, Vicki left the

HANDMADE Tank Drum / Wonderful Things

VIBRANT Subscriptions / Our BerkshireTimes Magazine

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 13

Fall Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash,

~ Guidos Fresh Marketplace, www.guidosfreshmarketplace.com

14 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Do you enjoy writing?

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

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 15

Some Like it Hot!

16 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

If you don't build your dream,

protect your business

F or quite some time, career development in the United

18 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Whats My Income Strategy?

F or years retirees have been encouraged to save as much as

A holistic retirement planner is likely to provide these answers for you.

The Optimus Group, LLC

Americans worry most about running out of money in

Philip C. Gallant, CLTC (518) 688-9006 www.theoptimusgroupllc.com

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 19

Are You Still

B y now, most of my readers probably know how I feel

I often find that symptoms of lactose intolerance are caused by

I recommend getting off of all dairy, except for grass-fed butter

If you do consume dairy, always choose grass-fed. If youre

to omega-3 ratio of 1:1, which is optimal. Conventionally raised

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com September | October 2017 21

CEREC Single Visit Crowns / By Messenger Digital Dentistry

Messenger Digital Dentistry

1111 South State Street (413) 664-6545

22 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

A re you suffering from hot flashes, brain fog, low libido,

Author Nina Anderson shares this information and other

24 September | October 2017 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com