Professional Documents
Culture Documents
™
Our BerkshireTimes
Local Events | Art & Culture | Home & Garden | Vibrant Living
Cover Art by Ann Getsinger / www.anngetsinger.com
Spring 2018
Our BerkshireTimes™
PUBLISHERS
Contents 4
Kathy I. Regan
publisher@ourberkshiretimes.com
Kevin J. Regan
kevin@ourberkshiretimes.com 4 art, culture & entertainment
_______________
FUN THINGS TO DO
EDITORIAL ANN GETSINGER
Kathy I. Regan
CEREMONIAL STONE LANDSCAPES
editor@ourberkshiretimes.com
Slavic Easter Egg Decorating Workshops from a friend, or buy it at Guido’s at 10 percent off ! We’ll also have
some key ingredients from the book at 10 percent off for the month.
When: Saturday, March 24, 2018, 10am-12pm, and again at 1-3pm 2) Send an email to achernila@guidosfreshmarketplace.com so we
Where: Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, know you’re participating. 3) Try out a few recipes, and pick a favorite
104 Walker Street, Lenox, MA to bring to the potluck. Let us know what it is! (413) 442-9912, ext.
Cost: $30 with advance reservation; $35 day of. Children should be at least 145, www.guidosfreshmarketplace.com
12 years of age.
Celebrate the Easter season with a unique opportunity to learn a time- 2018 Berkshire Earth Expo:
honored Eastern European craft. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Environmental Action Fair
Museum will offer its annual Slavic Easter egg decorating demonstrations
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018, 10am-5pm
and instructional workshops. This Eastern European tradition of
Where: The Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Avenue, Dalton, MA
creating intricate and beautifully decorated eggs has been passed down
Cost: Free and open to the public
for generations. Lenox resident Tjasa Sprague, who will again lead the
workshop, learned the technique many years ago from her Czechoslovakian Come to learn from experts, talk to your neighbors about what they’re
mother, Maria Krofta. Reservations are recommended as the workshop size doing, enjoy performances, shop with many local vendors, and get
is limited. For reservations, call us at (413) 637-3206. www.gildedage.org inspired. Enjoy demonstrations, presentations, workshops, kids’ activities,
and a marketplace. This event is a forum for education about energy
Cannabidiol (CBD) & Pets: and climate solutions, marketplace for green and sustainable goods and
A Natural Alternative for Pain and Inflammation services, a showcase to celebrate activism and activists’ achievements, a
place for citizens to meet or reconnect with each other, a gathering to help
When: March 25, 2018, 2-4pm people feel empowered rather than helpless, a catalyst to host meaningful
Where: Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA conversations in the county about climate change and sustainable living,
Cost: Free and a place for kids to get excited about sustainable living. Attend the
Berkshire Humane Society’s Coffee Hour Speaking Series presents their keynote conversation at 1pm with former state senator Ben Downing
new talk, Cannabidiol (CBD) & Pets: A Natural Alternative for Pain and and Kris Rutman from Western MA Labor Action, moderated by BEAT’s
Inflammation, with Cheryl Hutto, owner of www.herohemp.com. Hutto own Jane Winn. Presentations include Jon Atwood: The State of Birds in
was able to relieve her elderly standard poodle’s arthritic pain and suffering Massachusetts; Doug Harris: Sacred Native Stone Monuments; Charley
with CBD oils. The event will take place in the Family Dog School Eiseman: Bugs in Your Backyard!
training room on the lower level of Berkshire Humane Society. Always
great conversation and delicious desserts! To reserve a spot, call Lizzy at World Qigong Taichi Day
(413) 447-7878, ext. 129, or email her at ebrown@berkshirehumane.org. When: Saturday, April 28, 2018, 10am-6pm
www.berkshirehumane.org Where: Eastover Estate & Retreat, 430 East Street, Lenox, MA
Cost: Free
Guido’s Fresh Marketplace
World Qigong Taichi Day is a day of free presentations, demonstrations,
Cookbook Club Potluck and mini-classes offered by nationally recognized leaders of Taichi,
When: Thursday, April 26, 2018, 7-9pm Qigong, Chinese medicine, and Eastern philosophy. Bring your friends
Where: Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, 1020 South Street, Pittsfield, MA and family and dive into the wisdom of ancient Eastern healing traditions.
Cost: Free with potluck dish to share With knowledgeable teachers, discuss and experience practical, modern
applications of these healing practices. Use the form on the website address
Join the Guido’s Cookbook Club! Here’s how it works: 1) Get your hands below to register so we can get a rough number on who will be attending.
on a copy of the book of the month. Get it out of the library, borrow www.eastover.com/workshop/qigong-taichi-day.html
What better way to say hello to spring than with Plants and Answers, our
Breath Away!
forty-first annual plant sale. We’ve hand picked and grown some of our
favorite plant selections and new varieties this year – you won’t want to
miss it! Consider donating your unwanted garden and patio items for the
tag sale. For more information go to www.berkshirebotanical.org.
g
Knittin
ns
Lesso t
jec
& Pro
H e lp
Dust jacket for Kenny & the Dragon, Simon & Schuster, 2008. Colored pencil and acryla gouache on Bristol board.
M aking artwork is the closest I’ve come to having my life make any sense at all. It’s both indulgent
and essential. It’s 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
Ann Getsinger, originally from Watertown, CT, is known for her into the paintings, bringing ideas and my response to the music
oil paintings and drawings. Ann studied at Paier School of Art in into the artwork. It was an extraordinary and enjoyable challenge
New Haven, CT, and the San Francisco Art Institute, then settled to witness and respond to her unfolding creative process. I’m
permanently in Western Massachusetts where she continued so grateful for having that opportunity to collaborate in that
her studies with realist artist Sheldon Fink. Her work has been way. Ellis is a delightful friend, and a very present and whole-
exhibited in museums and galleries throughout New England, hearted artist who makes beautiful, meaningful contact with her
and can be found in hundreds of homes. In addition to her studio audiences both on and off the stage.”
in New Marlborough, MA, Ann also enjoys working regularly in
the midcoast area of Maine, which is evident in her paintings. You can see more of Ann’s work in two locations in Maine, at
the Granite Gallery in Tenants Harbor from July 12 to 18 and
Our BerkshireTimes magazine’s cover art this issue, titled The Guest at Arundel Farm Gallery in Kennebunk from July 18 to August
House, was created especially for the CD cover of Ann’s friend, 14. There is a lot of new work underway in Ann’s studio in New
singer-songwriter Ellis, whom she met at the Falcon Ridge Folk Marlborough where she plans
Festival in Hillsdale, NY, in 2006. Ellis, a relatively unknown young to teach this summer, and Ann
talent at the time, won the festival’s Emerging Artist Showcase that will also be holding a two-day
day and soon afterwards contacted Ann to ask her if she could use course “Going Deep into Still
her artwork on her upcoming CD. This request was followed by Life” in Kennebunk, Maine,
another, and then again at Ellis’s request in 2016, Ann created two on August 1 and 2. Prints of the
more paintings (each 18” x 36”) especially for her latest album, The paintings from Ellis’s Guest House
Guest House (www.ellis-music.com). Ann describes the procedure CD are available by contacting
by saying “As Ellis would finish mixing each song she’d email Ann through her website at
me the recordings which I’d then respond to and incorporate www.anngetsinger.com. Ellis at left, Ann Getsinger at right.
Now that spring is here it’s time to take action. The first step to New Construction ● Additions ● Remodeling ● Siding ● Windows
achieving your goals is to call us to schedule your free consultation Decks & Porches ● Sunrooms ● Kitchens & Bathrooms ● Roofs
Interior Finishes ● Trimwork & Moldings ● Free Consultation & More
so you can get more information. We will take the time to carefully
listen to your ideas, desires, and needs, and address any questions (413) 229-8450 | reinerwhite@verizon.net
or concerns you may have. So, let’s get started!
W
Upholstery, Draperies, Fabric & Wallpaper hen you have a home decorating project to do (large
or small), but you aren’t sure where to begin, begin at
Berkshire Fabric & Wallpaper. We understand that you want
your home to be a wonderful place . . . a reflection of you. We’ll
always give you friendly service, topnotch advice, and ideas galore.
So whether it’s one pillow or a complete house transformation,
together we can select the perfect fabric, wallpaper, and window
treatments, and help you get your project done.
B efore you toss out Grandma’s vintage radio or record player, that
old broken boombox, TV, DVD, CD, or classic 8-track player
with memories, call Eric at Mountain Electronics to evaluate it
In business since 1996, for repair. Millions of tons of electronic devices are discarded every
helping you keep your music
and memories alive!
year worldwide – a lot of them made with high-quality materials
that would last for many more years with minor repairs or a good
Eric Mazur, Proprietor, emtelect@verizon.net (MA Lic #9116)
cleaning. Other services include converting most video formats
(413) 664-2007 ● 16 Taft Street, North Adams, MA
to Beta, 8mm, DVC, VHS, VHS-C, DV mini to DVD, and more.
S
ServiceMASTER of the Berkshires erviceMaster of the Berkshires has been proudly, confidently,
ServiceMASTER of Columbia County, NY and professionally serving Berkshire County residents for
more than 20 years. While we are primarily a disaster-restoration
413-445-5678 company, which simply means we clean up after water and fire
800-707-1441 damage, we also do so much more.
• Licensed
• Bonded 800-707-1441 • We detail-clean new homes after the contractor has finished
• Insured (postconstruction cleaning).
• We detail-clean homes for buyers purchasing an existing home.
• We detail-clean homes for existing homeowners looking for that
24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK one-time big cleaning.
EMERGENCY ON CALL SERVICE • We professionally steam-clean carpets and upholstery – in
your home.
● Emergency Water Damage Remediation Locally Owned
● Emergency Fire, Soot and Smoke Remediation and Operated. We clean out and clean up homes in hoarding situations. We
● House Wide and Post Construction Cleaning ● Floor Maintenance are not a janitorial company and we are not a housekeeping
● Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning ● Animal Debris and Odor Clean Up company, we are the cleaning professionals you need to handle
● Mold and Odor Remediation ● Sewer and Septic Clean Up
the job. If you are overwhelmed with the task, we can help. If
● We Will Use Green Cleaning Products Upon Request
you don’t have the time, we can do the job. If the unexpected
Certified & Trained Technicians With More Than 15 Years Experience. occurs, we can help!
3 Westview Road, Pittsfield, MA
We are the professionals to call for your home’s large cleaning
www.ServiceMasteroftheBerkshires.com
needs in addition to disaster restoration.
B
North Adams, MA 01247
erkshire Photovoltaic Services (BPVS) has installed Berkshire Photovoltaic
(413)46664-0152 Services, BPVS
• www.bpvs.com
Solar Energy Industries Association.
Ingredients
2 T olive oil 1 cup chopped arugula
3 cups chopped fennel (bulbs and stalks) 1 T preserved lemon brine
2 cups chopped leeks (whites and light greens) Optional: salt
Several grinds of pepper Parmesan cheese, for serving
3 cloves garlic, minced
One 33.83-ounce box Aneto vegetable broth
Directions
One 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 T chopped preserved lemon rind, additional to taste 1) Set a large saucepan or stockpot over medium heat. Add the
oil and heat just until it shimmers. Add the fennel, leeks, and
pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until the fennel softens, 4 to
5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
APRIL 2018 IS
community
2) Pour the vegetable broth over the vegetables. Increase the
heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a very low boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook until
the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
MONTH: CELEBRATING YOU, OUR
DEAR CUSTOMER, EVERY THURSDAY! 3) Add the beans, preserved lemon, and arugula. Cook until
YOU’LL ENJOY: warmed through, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the preserved lemon
DISCOUNTS* brine. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or preserved lemon.
SAMPLES Serve topped with Parmesan. ~ Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, located
GIVE-AWAYS in Great Barrington and Pittsfield, MA. www.guidosfreshmarketplace.com
SPECIAL
GUESTS
GIVE-BACKS
*Some restrictions
apply. See in store
for details.
Haflinger Haus
Restaurant Tavern Inn
Austrian-American Cuisine
17 Commercial Special Mother’s Day Menu.
Street, Adams, MA Call for reservations.
413-743-2221 www.haflingerhaus.com
NORTH EGREMONT
COUNTRY STORE
NEWLY EXPANDED DELI - FOOD MENU!
Wholesome ● Homestyle ● Delicious
SoCo Ice Cream ● Local Free-Range Eggs
Milk ● Liquor ● Beer ● Wine ● Pastries
Lotto ● Post Office ● Fishing Bait
Photo by John Phelan
½
entrées
available
D-e-e-licious!
SING Do . . Re . . Mi . . Fa . . Sol . . La . .
Orange Grand Marnier / Chocolate Springs
This spring, stop in and experience Chocolate Springs fine, European-
style chocolates, and be sure to bring home a glorious selection for Easter
and Mother’s Day. Sold as classic assortments (comprised mostly of dark
chocolates with approximately 20 percent milk chocolates) or individually,
these delicious and decadent treats are sure to please. Chocolate Springs
is a European-style chocolate and dessert café with decades of experience
in crafting the finest handmade bonbons. Milk and dark chocolate, truffles,
amazing ganache, and award-winning hot chocolate are made fresh every day
using only the finest seasonal and organic ingredients whenever possible. Buy
gifts online, or visit Chocolate Springs Café at 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA.
(413) 637-9820, www.chocolatesprings.com
I love animals and the many cute and amazing things they
do. Following are some of the adorable moments that have
occurred in my household that speak to the ever-important
issue of enjoying every moment spent with these special beings.
Our animal friends live in the moment, inventing very unique
But I Am in the Litter Box
When I am outside with May, our gray cat, she gets very upset
if I talk to any neighbors, or go on their lawn. She stands at the Your trusted source
edge of our property and meows . . . “That’s not our property,
for quality foods
you don’t belong there!” The irony is that she feels perfectly fine
about visiting the neighbors when she is on her own. and supplies.
shoulder every time he reached his left hand to the right. I would
never have seen this using only a traditional approach. With
functional physical therapy, the idea is to call in as many “friends
and helpers” from the body as possible, allowing all nerves,
muscles, and bones to connect and link up throughout the body.
ndy
WeOPTICAL Our Miraculous Bodies
By Amelia Sydlosky
Wendy is a licensed optician with
I
27 years experience fitting happy
customers with beautiful frames and n the mid-’80s all I knew about health and healing was
lenses in the Berkshires. “take two aspirins and call me in the morning” . . . who
REPAIRS | CLEANING | ADJUSTMENTS knew? But then, by chance, I met several women who had
Flex Spend - Use it or Lose it! a different understanding of healing and this encouraged me
56 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA
to find a new direction in life that would have meaning for me.
413.445.5700
Wed-Sat 10am to 6pm
www.wendyoptical.com Following the lead of these lovely women, I enrolled in a
holistic health training program. I was in for a big surprise! We
were taught all of the body systems and how miraculous we
are created. I became aware of spirit working in our lives and I
learned that in a split second our bodies can react to a stimulus
Naomi Alson without our conscious permission or awareness. An example
LIC. ACUPUNCTURIST & HERBALIST many of us are familiar with is our fight-or-flight response
For general wellbeing . . . . . . a car suddenly stops in front of ours, for instance, and we
experience the shock in our bodies, digestion stops, and blood
With specialized training in:
● Alleviating the side effects
rushes to our extremities to enable us to respond quickly. Every
chemotherapy day our organs execute many miraculous functions without our
● Infertility ● Herbal treatments assistance or request. Take the liver for example; it can perform
● Regulating the immune system 500 different tasks unknown to us as they are occurring.
At Lee Family Practice, Lee, MA I also learned that our face (just like our feet through reflexology)
(413) 243-3223 naomifalson@gmail.com
contains master control points for body functions. Utilizing
energy work and gentle massage of the powerful energy
centers located in the face (that you can do yourself or have
done professionally), can encourage our body functions to be
brought into harmony and balance. It can help give the face a
Hydro Health of Western Massachusetts more youthful appearance, balance hormones (PMS and/or
Body Detoxification for Wellness menopausal concerns), lesson TMJ (nightly teeth grinding, jaw
pain, and headaches), assist lymphatic drainage for removing toxic
Relaxing ● Rejuvenating ● Healing
energy, and more. Try these health and skin-care tips:
Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonic)
Ozone Steam Sauna Therapy ● Make facial massage a part of your daily routine. Use gentle
Far Infrared Sauna Therapy circular movements from your fingertips all over your face and
IonCleanse® Foot Baths
neck while applying a chemical-free organic moisturizer. You
FDA Approved Equipment
can find an excellent chart of acupressure facial rejuvenation
points at www.tinyurl.com/y7qx7f9n.
● Use natural facial oils such as evening primrose oil to
reduce skin inflammation; avocado oil, which is extremely good
at hydrating and softening your skin and is also recommended
as an effective treatment for acne and blackheads, eczema, and
other forms of skin inflammation; coconut oil for its vitamins
and hydrating properties; or sweet almond oil for its vitamin E
content that will help repair your skin. A few drops applied on
clean skin will serve as the perfect night recovery cream.
If you are serious about healing, regenerating, and revitalizing ● Hydrate regularly (internally and externally), clean your skin
your body, starting a detoxification program will be the most properly morning and night, and exfoliate once or twice a week.
important paradigm shift of your life. I can help you begin.
~ Bruce Collingwood, I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapist
~ Amelia Sydlosky, Amelia’s Holistic Facial Rejuvenation. Amelia,
a licensed aesthetician in practice for 25-plus years, practices in her
(413) 445-7470 ● 51 Stearns Ave, Pittsfield, MA Hillsdale, NY, studio, offering 90-minute healing sessions combined with
www.hydrohealthwesternmass.com Reiki Level II. (518) 320-8314, ameliasholisticfacials@gmail.com
Montessori means
expression
Homesick & Happy
A SUMMER PATH TO INDEPENDENCE
By K. Meagan Ledendecker
The more children have the opportunity to confidently explore ~ K. Meagan Ledendecker, mother of three
their environment, the more they master developmental tasks and founder of The Montessori School
and establish new skills, all of which help to support a widening of the Berkshires, fondly remembers her
sense of independence. first forays away from home. She also now
wishes for summer camp options for adults!
The urge to become independent is strong. As adults we can be www.berkshiremontessori.org
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 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.
The
Toddler
Children’s House
Elementary Now
Best Show
Adolescent enrolling for
Summer 2018-2019
admission
of Diamonds
BerkshireMontessori.org Weekly tours by appointment (413) 637-3662
kitchens
cabinets
islands
hutches
bathrooms
vanities
tub surrounds
living & dining
bookcases
entertainment centers
fine furniture