2.13 Our BerkshireTimes Magazine

Left Field FarmMiddlefield, MA

Community Matters.Eat Local Food.www.berkshire.coop

ContentsFebruary - March 2013

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1

Our BerkshireTimes™

Cover photo used with permission from the 2012-2013 Lenox Wedding Tour Gallery and taken by Sabine Vollmer von Falken. Sabine is one of New England’s premier wedding photographers specializing in wedding, portrait, architectural, and editorial photography. Based in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, Sabine creates lyrical and personal statements about people and places. Her photographs reveal the essential and often hidden emotional core of her subjects. With professional recognition as a commercial and fine art photographer, Sabine has earned a broad client base throughout the East Coast and Europe.(413) 298-4933, [email protected]

3 Special Wedding Feature 5 Tips to Avoid Becoming a Bridezilla!

jane iredale Wedding Makeup Tips

8 Food & Drink The Fresh Egg Cookbook Review

Potato and Corn Frittata Recipe

12 Education & Workshops Event Sampler

6 Animal Talk The Family Dog School

7 Our Berkshire Marketplace

16 Health & Wellness Intentional Communication

Monthly Reiki Exchange

14 Community Spotlight Lenox, MA

PUBLISHERKathy I. [email protected]_______________

EDITORIALKathy I. [email protected]

Rodelinde [email protected]

Copyeditors/ProofreadersRodelinde AlbrechtPatty Strauch_______________

DESIGNMagazine Design/LayoutKathy I. Regan

Ads–Independent DesignersKatharine Adams, Rural Ethic [email protected]

Christine [email protected]

Elisa Jones, Berkshire Design [email protected]

Shirley Sparks, Graphic Design on a [email protected] _______________

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERPatty [email protected]______________

EVENT COORDINATORPatty [email protected]_______________

CONTACT Our BerkshireGreen, Inc.P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236Phone: (413) 274-1122, Fax: (413) 541-8000www.OurBerkshireGreen.comwww.OurBerkshireTimes.comwww.OurBerkshireCalendar.com

COVER ILLUSTRATION

20 Directory of Advertisers

New! Follow Us On

All content in Our BerkshireTimes™ is accepted in good faith. We do notnecessarily advocate and cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by our authors, illustrators, and advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. For printing errors of the publisher's responsibility, liability is limited to the cost of the ad space in which it first appeared. Unless otherwise noted, we use a Creative Commons License in place of a standard copyright.

2 Publisher's Page Publisher Letter

Good Tidings

Event Sampler

In Business Fashion & Beauty

21 Featured Advertisers Tell Them You Saw Them Here!

10 Home, Garden & Landscape Electrosmog - Part 1

Find Part 2 in the April-May Issue

19 Mind & Spirit Your Thoughts Are and Do Matter

Our BerkshireTimes™ is an Our BerkshireGreen™ publication. We are dedicated to supporting our local economy and creating an ever-expanding, unified network of community-minded individuals, businesses, and organizations in our area.

We give more than 75,000 readers per issue the opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and inspire one another through our publication, networking events, and growing online services. Our bimonthly publication (six issues yearly, starting in February) is free to the public and distributed throughout western MA, northern CT, eastern NY, and southern VT, and is enjoyed by community members, second home owners, and visitors alike.

Most of our editorial content is contributed by our community members. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback, and encourage you to submit original material for consideration through our website. You will find complete instructions on our online form.

It’s all about community! To find out more about advertising, submitting editorial, attending one of our popular free networking events, and posting events on our free community calendar, see our websites at left, and join our mailing list to receive our free monthly eNewsletter. __________________________________________________

Our BerkshireTimes™ The Voice of Our Community!

Back to Nature

Sruti, Center for Yoga and Transforma-tional Arts has expanded into two studios

on Railroad Street! The expansion has assisted our diverse programming and our evolution as a true learning center. The warm and support-ive environment provides the right admixture for personal growth and transformation. I love the incredible adventuresome spirits who find their way here! ~ Amy Webb, Great Bar-rington, MA, www.srutiyogacenter.com

The Nutrition Center, recently awarded the Pittsfield HSAC grant, has used the

funds to great success by developing and teaching a series of interactive cooking classes for the low-income population of our region. The Nutrition Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to inspire healthy relationships with food to create long-lasting health. It provides community-based nutri-tion education, culinary curricula, and clinical nutrition counseling for increased well-being and disease prevention. ~ Peter Stanton, Pitts-field, MA, www.thenutritioncenter.org

Get small household items fixed for free at the Repair Café, where experienced

workers bring new life to broken possessions.

You can’t really enjoy your home, your place of refuge, when your lamps need repair, your vacuum cleaner is on the fritz, your chairs are in pieces, or your pj’s need mending. Take part in stimulating conversations and delight in hot drinks and snacks while you wait. ~ For upcom-ing schedule contact Janet Henderson, Organizer, Pittsfield Resilience Circle, [email protected]

It is exactly one year since we bought the Gateways Inn. We had a wonderful year;

our lodging business is up 23 percent compared to what it was under the previous ownership. Our biggest success has been the introduction of our Piano Bar, which has become a popular platform for local musicians and just as impor-tantly an attraction for local jazz and cabaret lovers. The restaurant provides gourmet food at reasonable prices, and we are one of the few places that offers quality late-night snacks. We look forward to welcoming you to the Gate-ways Inn! ~ Eiran Gazit, Gateways Inn and Restau-rant, Lenox, MA, 01240, www. GatewaysInn.com

~ Susan Jameson is the founder of Human-ity in Concert, and the co-founder of Healing Winds and the Rock, Rattle & Drum Pow Wow. www.HealingWinds.net

Good Tidings

Nourish Your Body, Mind, Soul, and Home By Susan Jameson

This issue of Good Tidings encourages you to nurture yourself. Take time out of your busy schedule to pamper, love, and nourish your body, mind, soul, and home. Treat yourself to soul-satisfying, mindful experiences at the Sruti Center for Yoga and Trans-

formational Arts. Dive deeply into nourishing nutrition at The Nutrition Center. Make home repairs of all kinds at the Repair Café. Soothe and soften your heart listening to beautiful music at the Piano Bar at the Gateways Inn. As you take time to nurture yourself you’ll have more energy to give to others. May good bless you!

Now You're Cooking: The Homemade Pantry: Make Your Own SnacksDate: Thu, Feb 7, 2013, 6-8pmPlace: Berkshire South Regional CommunityCenter, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-2810. Price: $25 Members (BSRCC or CoOp) $35. Guests In collaboration with The Berk-shire Co-Op Market. Everybody needs a snack now and then. Local author, blogger, and educator Alana Chernila will show you how to satisfy those snacking needs in your own kitchen. Participants will make their own crackers and granola bars. www.berkshiresouth.org

Third Annual Berkshire Festival of Women WritersDate: Starting Fri, March 1, 2013

Place: Venues throughout Berkshire County, Sheffield to Williamstown, MAMonthlong countywide festival featuring 55 events and more than 150 presenters! Kicks off on March 1 and keeps going through March 30!www.berkshirewomenwriters.org

A Taste of CommunityDate: Thu, March 7, 2013, 6:30-8:30pm.Place: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-2810. Price: $30 per person at the door. Enjoy a reason-ably-priced evening out while supporting a good cause! Sample fabulous food and libations from some of the Berkshires’ finest restaurants and wine merchants. Proceeds help to support our

weekly free Community Suppers. Purchase tick-ets in advance: $25 per person, $45 per couple, $20 per person for groups of 6 or more. www.berkshiresouth.org

Making Goat CheeseDate: Sat, March 9, 2013, 1-4pmPlace: Berkshire Botanical Garden, corner of Rte 102 and 183, Stockbridge, MA (413) 298-3926Price: Members $45; Nonmembers $50Join Hawthorne Valley Farm’s cheese-maker for a workshop using goat’s milk. He will demonstrate how to make a fresh chevre and a hard tomme and will share tips and techniques for making fresh and aged goat cheeses from start to finish, followed by a tasting and discussion. www.berkshirebotanical.org

From the Publisher

Our BerkshireGreen Publishing began in early 2009 with three

magazines per year, distributing to Berkshire County. In 2010 we ex-panded to a quarterly publication. Then, in April 2012 we expanded once again to six issues of Our BerkshireTimes per year with more than 400 distribution locations in western MA, eastern NY, northern CT, and southern VT. All thanks to you and your support!

Most of our editorial is con-tributed by you, our community members – Our Berkshire-Times truly is the voice of our community. I hope you enjoy our very first special wedding feature in this edition. Please look for another special feature (gardening) this coming April!

Kathy I. Regan, Publisher & FounderOur BerkshireGreen Publishing(413) 274-1122, [email protected]

Berkshire

Festival of

Women Writers

The Third Annual

See our website for complete listings:berkshirewomenwriters.org

Readings, workshops, panels & performances—55 events in March 2013 at venues throughout Berkshire County

February - March Event Sampler To see more events or to post your event for free go to www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com

S

2 February / March 2013 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

Wedding planning does not have to be a crazed time filled with the overwhelm, stress, and cranky outbursts that have coined the term “bridezilla.” You need as

much vital energy as you can get to keep up with the demands of your job, family, relationship, and wedding planning. When it comes to staying healthy and sane during this time, get inspired by all that you want to accomplish, rather than letting it drain you, so you can be a happy and healthy bride.

1. Self-Care. In some ways, it may seem like this planning time is all about you and the idea of self-care might appear selfish. When you really stop and think about it, in addition to planning your dream wedding, you are also planning a huge fami-ly get-together. Think of how stressful negotiating the typical family holidays might be, then double that, as two families are coming together. Self-care is our key weapon in battling stress. What are some things that feel like self-care to you? Is it sharing massages with your partner, getting a pedicure, taking a sauna, going for a walk or a yoga class, curling up with some tea and your favorite magazine? Self-care can be incredibly luxurious or incredibly simple.

2. Sleep. Make sure to catch your zzz’s. Harvard Health reports: “Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite. Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inabil-ity to concentrate, and moodiness.” Sounds like a recipe for bridezilla syndrome! Make sure that overdoing coffee drinks does not interfere with your sleep. Another way to avoid interrupted sleep from having to get up to go to the bath-room at night is to drink fluids earlier in the day and stop drinking in the early evening.

3. Eat health-promoting, energizing foods. You are what you eat. Eating sugar, junk foods, and lots of caffeine because you’re dragging only depletes your natural energy. Think of us-

ing food as the highest octane gas you have to power up your day. By adding more natural and whole foods to your diet, your brain and body will function on a higher level so that you can more fully enjoy your life and feel like the Happy and Healthy Bride you are.

4. Water. Most of us are aware of the impor-tance of drinking enough water. Getting our daily dose of water helps our organs perform their functions, keeps our skin clear and hy-drated, and allows physical action in our bodies to flow smoothly. Those who are not drinking enough may experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, skin breakouts, headaches, bad breath, and general fatigue.

5. Listen to and connect with your partner. I know I started this article with self-care, but equally important is the care you put into your relationship – remember that’s really what this is all about. Try to keep perspective. Regularly acknowledge and appreciate all that your part-ner does for you; whether it’s listening to you complain about invitations, or compromising to support you. Sometimes it might feel like you have to please your mom or your family, so make sure you are also allowing your partner’s wishes to be respected. You are starting a new family and the way you treat each other through this time is setting a foundation for your mar-riage. If wedding planning is taking up a lot of your time, keep scheduling those date nights!

Happy and Healthy Brides breathe, glow, relax, smile, laugh, love, sleep, envision, play, dance, and stay present in the moment. Consider working with a health coach to help you gain the confidence you need to sail through the countless decisions and family negotiations required so that you can fully enjoy your entire wedding journey.

~ Tracy Remelius, certified Health Coach and Yoga teacher, helps brides find their natural path to health while healing their body, mind, and spirit. www.happyandhealthybrides.com. See ad page 4.

5 Tips to Avoid Becoming a Bridezilla! By Tracy Remelius

3

www.OurBerkshireTimes.com February / March 2013

Special Wedding Feature

Studio Day Spa

2 Elm StreetGreat Barrington, MA

413.528.5523www.studiodayspa.com

Makeup Facials Massage

Nails Waxing Fantasy Tan

413-528-4844www.crisseyfarm.com

BERKSHIRE BANQUET HOUSE

Jennifer House Commons, Route 7N • Great Barrington, MA 01230(413) 528-4844 • www.crisseyfarm.com

Crissey Farm Catering o�ers a perfect year-round destination for your

wedding, reunion or special event. Our 6,000 square foot green building has state-

of-the-art heating and cooling systems. �e large, open space allows full �exibility, so we can host parties as small as 30 and as large as 200. Two �replaces complement the simple, yet tastefully designed interior.

Decades of hospitality experience, a passion for food and entertaining, and a beautiful banquet facility make us an excellent consideration for your next function.

WeddingPackages

startingat $55 per

person


The ambiance, rich history and intimacy in a beautiful Gilded Age mansion built in 1893 create

a truly unique setting for your wedding day.

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

For more information contact us at 413-637-3206 or by e-mail at [email protected]

The wedding season is right around the corner. Whether you are the bride, mother of the bride, brides-maid, guest, or the makeup artist, you may be in need of tips on how

to get the perfect wedding makeup look.

I reached out to Sabrina, the Business Devel-opment Coordinator and wedding makeup expert at jane iredale, to ask for her best wedding makeup tips. Here’s what she had to share:

“My best wedding day makeup advice is to look like you, just en-hanced. If you don’t normally wear a lot of makeup I would suggest staying light on your wedding day as well. You want your husband to recognize you and you want to be happy when you look back at photos.

Waterproof and highly water-resistant make-up is a must! You want to look your best even through tears (happy tears, of course)! I al-ways tend to lean toward the pressed powder when doing wedding makeup as it has a more matte finish. Brides get nervous and hot and they sweat . . . you want them to look fresh in photos and not shiny.

False lashes look beautiful on your wedding day, but I would advise doing a pre-wedding trial first so that you can see if you like them and get used to them.

I always suggest wearing a little more blush than normal on your wedding day, as wearing all white can tend to make you look washed-out in photos.

Purchase the lip color or gloss you will be wearing on your wedding day so that you can use it for touchups through-out the night. Keep blotting papers on hand as well.

Eye Highlighter Pencil is a must for highlighting! I usu-ally use the highlighter pencil under the brows, on the in-ner corner of the eyes, along the cheekbone, and right

above the Cupid’s bow of the lips!” We suggest that you have a trial application of your makeup before your wedding day. Whether you are applying your makeup your-self or using an artist, practice makes perfect! Happy wedding season! ~ www.janeiredale.com. See ad on facing page.

jane iredale Wedding Makeup Tips By Joanna Mariani

“My best wedding day makeup advice is to look like you, just enhanced.”

SDid You Know?

Early Roman brides carried a bunch of herbs, such as garlic and rosemary, under their veils to symbolize fidelity and fertility and to ward off evil. These herbs served as a precursor to the modern bridal bouquet. Throwing rice at weddings symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and bounty. Nearly all cultures have showered the wedding couple with symbolic food and items including nuts, dates, seed-bearing plants, cake, wheat bread and salt, flower petals, rose leaves, and coins to name a few. Medieval newlyweds would spend a month alone together, enjoying mead, a fermented honey drink (honey is an ancient symbol of life, health, and fertility) until the moon waned, hence the term honeymoon. The superstition that the bridegroom must not see his bride before the wedding stems from the days when marriages were arranged and the groom might never have seen the bride. There was the chance that if he saw her, he might bolt!

Creative ~ Intimate ~ Personal

“Reverend AnnE was a true blessing at our

wedding. The ceremony that she crafted was

beautiful and heartfelt. All of our guests

complimented her on such a touching

ceremony. It was truly a magical day and it

couldn’t have happened without

Reverend AnnE.” ~Ashling & Ryan, September 2011

Ordained Interfaith Minister

[email protected] ~ (917) 748-8463www.yoursoulpath.com

A ceremony that celebrates you and your love.

Rev. AnnE O'Neil

PurePressed® Base Golden Glow

PurePressed® EyeshadowSundown Triple

Highlighter PencilWhite/Pink

PurePressed® BlushCheekie

My mission is to help brides find their natural path to health.

Imagine walking down the aisle with calm confidence.

I will help you look and feel your best

and make lifestyle changes that will keep you that way long

after you’ve returned from your honeymoon.

Happy and Healthy BridesHealth Coaching with Tracy Remelius

“My mission is to help brides find their natural path to health. I will help you look and feel your best and make lifestyle changes that will keep you that way long after you’ve returned from your honeymoon.” ~ Tracy Remelius, Health Coach

www.HappyandHealthyBrides.com


www.OurBerkshireTimes.com February / March 2013 5


Rev. Cheryl Ann Luft, MSSEcumenical v Non-denominational

Creating unique, Spirit-centered ceremonies, serving interfaith & unaffiliated couples,

honoring all [email protected] 413-229-8080

You deserve to be radiant on your wedding day.

janeiredale.com

Darrow School ∙ 110 Darrow Road ∙ New Lebanon, NY 12125 www.darrowschool.org ∙ 518-322-3657

Weddings at Darrow SchoolChoose a setting of unparalleled beauty

at historic Mount Lebanon Shaker Village.

Phot

o by

Jan

e Fe

ldm

an ’7

4

Solvable behavior problems are the num-ber-one reason why dogs are surrendered to shelters. To foster human-canine rela-

tions and ensure that more dogs have forever homes, the Berkshire Humane Society Family Dog School offers a variety of training classes.

Because each class has a maximum of eight dogs taught by two trainers, students receive a great deal of personal attention. Sessions are eight weeks long; participants may choose ei-ther Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 or Satur-day mornings from 9:30-10:30.

Level 1 Class - For dogs more than four months old. Basic obedience cues are taught, including polite greetings, down and relax, loose lead walking, sit, down, stay, and come – as well as solving canine behavior problems, with the goal of teaching the dog to be a polite member of the household. Agility obstacles are introduced, and owners will learn how to inter-pret their dog’s communication signals. Keep in mind: We don’t train your dog – we teach you how to train him!

Level 2 Class - Continuing education provides a good foundation for owners who want to go further in training, either on their own, or in more advanced classes.

Why should I train my dog? To make him happy and well-behaved, to form a bond with him, to establish leadership, to have fun!

Who in the household should work with

my dog? Everyone! For your dog to respect each family member, it’s important that they all participate in the training.

How much time will it take? In addition to the weekly class, you’ll have to practice several times a day – but only for a few minutes at a time. A training session takes no more time than a TV commercial break or a cup of coffee.

When is it too late to start training? Nev-er! If you’ve adopted an older dog, training is a great way for you to bond with him. Or if you haven’t yet taught your pet how to behave, now is the time to start. You can teach an old dog new tricks!

How much does it cost? Tuition for each course is $120, or $100 for Berkshire Humane Society alumni.

Class size is limited. Sessions fill up quickly, so reserve your space by sending in your payment and registration form now. A letter confirm-ing the date and time of the first class will be mailed one week in advance. Note that Level 1 Manners classes for February/March are already filled!

Contact Lisa Corbett at (413) 447-7878 ext. 39 or email her at: [email protected]. Go to www.berkshirehumane.org/family-dog-school to download The Family Dog School brochure and application. There are no refunds for Family Dog School fees.

Animal Talk

The Family Dog School at Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield, MA

940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 01230

CARING FOR PETS SINCE 1957

BENSDOTTER’S PET 413-528-4940

Your trusted source for quality foods

and supplies.

Your trusted resource for raw-feeding

information and advice.

www.bensdotters.com

Convenient Location with Ample Parking

on route 7 less than a minute south of Guido’s

Monday-Friday 10-6 Saturday-Sunday 10-4

Back to Nature

Cross Country Skiing andSnowshoeing with Amenities

� Warm up by the fi replace� Enjoy delicious mulled cider, hot chocolate and fresh baked goods� Taste any one of our wines for FREE Professionally groomed trails designed by Olympian John Morton.

Hilltop Orchards, home of Furnace Brook WineryOpen daily 9am-5pm508 Canaan Rd/Rt 295 • Richmond, MA 01254Snow conditions: 800-833-6274 / Hilltoporchards.comCheck website for details of full moon snowshoe treks!

SNOWSHOE &

SKI RENTALS


Catering to the needs of the well loved pet since 1993. Premium foods. Quality

toys, treats, bedding and accessoriesfor your furry friends!

333 Main St., LakeviLLe, Ct (860)435-8833

Catering to the needs of the well

loved pet since 1993. Premium foods.

Quality toys, treats, bedding, and

accessories for your furry friends!

(860) 435-8833

333 Main Street, Lakeville, CT

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our Berkshire Marketplace

Genne M. LeVasseurCERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Business & Personal Accounting

P.O. Box 599, Hinsdale, Massachusetts Ph: (413) 655-8548, Fax: (413) 655-2059

Email: [email protected]

Fashion & Beauty

People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness

sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Vegetable & Fruit BasketsBerkshire Organics is a local, family-owned business created to bring area residents and local farms together. Their store in Dalton, MA, offers the freshest food, personal care and cleaning products, and more. They deliver fresh, local, organic produce and groceries to homes and businesses throughout Berkshire County, and work with over 50 local farms and businesses. You can order a produce basket or individual items at any time (minimum order $35) for delivery or pickup with no future commitment. Baskets range in size and can be customized. Order though their website or by phone. Theme baskets include kid-friendly healthy snacks, salad mix, and juicing, and range in price from $35 to $55. (413) 442-0888, www.berkshireorganics.com

Rooster Paisley Note CardsBlue Thistle Paperie creates nostalgic, artfully designed greeting cards & bookmarks featuring farmhouse and cottage chic, fab fabrics, and retro revival style. This Bonjour French Country Rooster Paisley Card measures 4¼" x 5½" and is hand-stamped in rich chocolate brown with beautifully contrasting reds, olive greens, and chartreuse. The swirling pattern of the paisley enlivens the background of the card while "Bonjour" is raised for a 3-dimensional effect. Trimmed in chocolate brown grosgrain ribbon for an elegant finishing touch. Inside card is a pretty salmon color. Makes a great alternative to a postcard when you have a little more to say! Includes matching chartreuse envelope. Blank inside. Sells for $4.00 on Etsy. www.bluethistlestudio.net

Fire CiderShire City Herbals' philosophy is simple: "whole foods make the best medicine!" Fire Cider Health Tonic is based on the traditional New England cure-all of raw apple cider vinegar and honey. But, they spiced things up with a synergistic blend of health-enhancing, immunity-boosting, organic roots and fruits. It's a medicinal tonic whether you use it as a salad dressing, in your favorite beverage, or straight from the bottle for cold and flu symptoms. It's made with only organic, domestic produce to make it as healthful as possible. The amber glass bottle that it comes in is completely recyclable, even the plastic caps! Plus, the brown glass protects from damage due to sunlight so the bottle can be kept anywhere. See their website for a complete list of retail stores. It sells for $12.49 for 8 oz and $23.99 for 16 oz at the Berkshire Co-op Market in Great Barrington. www.firecider.com

S

S

In Business


February / March 2013 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

8

Food & Drink

It is customary in the Berkshires to anticipate the

summer by looking through seed cata-logs, but after read-

ing The Fresh Egg Cookbook you just might grab a catalog filled with pictures of chicks! No, I’m not being rude here, but this cookbook is not just filled with great egg recipes, it also makes a powerful argument in favor of egg-laying chick-ens! Towns often have ordinances that prohibit this, but in lots of places these laws are now being repealed, because keeping chickens is be-coming a nationwide movement.

It would never have occurred to me to get chickens but Jennifer Trainer Thompson makes it sound not only practical but fun. Obviously it is appealing to have a steady stream of fresh, highly nutritious eggs sup-plied by chickens who, in addition to eating some “chicken food,” also recycle your food scraps. What I had not expected is that these chickens are apparently not just clucking egg machines, but can become beloved pets, who

like to be cuddled and sung to! Really: am I the only one who had no idea?

The one detail I particularly love in this charming book is the way her family handles the “egg surplus” problem. When there are a dozen eggs, her son sends out an “eggmail” to his fanbase, who then scramble for the privi-lege to purchase these amazing eggs. Who says there can’t be a happy blending of the old-fashioned chicken farmer with the new technology? Let’s hear it for chick power!

The Fresh Egg Cookbook, published by Storey Publishing, provides 101 delicious and cre-ative recipes for enjoying and celebrating the versatility of eggs. Author Jennifer Trainer Thompson has written numerous cookbooks, including Hot Sauce. She has been featured in Martha Stewart Living magazine and has written for Yankee, Travel & Leisure, The Bos-ton Globe, and The New York Times. She lives in western Massachusetts with her family and a flock of backyard chickens.

~ Miriam Jacobs, www.sandwichdiva.com

The Fresh Egg Cookbook

By Jennifer Trainer ThompsonReview By Miriam Jacobs

S

Did you know that according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, “The idea that eggs, as a source of saturated fats, are un-

healthy and promote heart disease is a com-plete myth. While it’s true that fats from animal sources contain cholesterol, this is not necessar-ily something that will harm you. On the con-trary, the evidence clearly shows that eggs are one of the most healthful foods you can eat, and can actually help prevent disease, including heart disease.” Read more at www.mercola.com.

Dr. Andrew Weil states, “Eggs provide a number of nutritional benefits. Their yolks con-tain vitamins A, D, E and K and also give you iron. The whites are a good source of protein. Eggs from free-ranging, organically fed hens also give you omega 3 fatty acids needed for op-timum health.” Read more at www.drweil.com.

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride says, “If you stop any person on the street and ask them what causes heart disease, you know what the answer will be: butter and eggs, meat and fat. Did you know that this idea comes from a hy-pothesis, which has been proven to be entirely false? This infamous hypothesis, called The

Diet-Heart Hypothesis, had been proposed in 1953, and it took scientists all over the world a few decades to prove it wrong. We have been subjected to anti-fat and anti-cholesterol pro-paganda for decades relentlessly and with in-creasing intensity. If this policy was correct, if indeed natural fat and cholesterol-rich foods caused heart disease, then the rates of this dis-ease would have fallen by now. But they are not falling, they are increasing! So, the policy is wrong, and how can it be right, if it is based on a wrong hypothesis!” Read more at www.doctor-natasha.com.

When possi-ble be sure to buy local, organic eggs from pastured hens, which are far more nutritious and will not contain pesticides or ge-netically modi-fied organisms (GMOs) from feed grains.

The Egg: Did You Know?

�413.499.1192 Trattoria-Rustica.com26 McKay Street in downtown Pittsfield. Dinner 5 p.m. (closed Tuesday)

Antichi SaporiThe authentic flavors of Pompeian brick oven cooking

& grilling savored in an elegant rustic ambiance.Emphasis on local and organic products.

Meats are antibiotic & hormone-free.

Beautiful Courtyard Dining

�413.499.1192 Trattoria-Rustica.com26 McKay Street in downtown Pittsfield. Dinner 5 p.m. (closed Tuesday)

Antichi SaporiThe authentic flavors of Pompeian brick oven cooking

& grilling savored in an elegant rustic ambiance.Emphasis on local and organic products.

Meats are antibiotic & hormone-free.

Beautiful Courtyard Dining

You will experience Italy, from the intimate setting with Neapolitan artwork surrounding you to the delicious food you will enjoy. It's the fine art of Italian dining, service, music and the enjoyment among family and friends.


Food & Drink

5pm dinner only, seasonal hours150 Main StreetLee, Mass. 413.243.6397 cheznousbistro.com

BTW save room

French chef, American baker,

real food

www.SullivanStationRestaurant.com

Visit our historic landmarkRailroad Street, Lee, Massachusetts

(413) 243-2082

Live Entertainment on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights

Sullivan Station RestaurantOpen for lunch & dinner Tuesday through Sunday

Host your special event in our historic location or let us cater at your home

Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian upon request

S

Food You Can Trust320 Main Street • WilliaMStoWn Ma

413-458-8060 WildoatS.coop

Open Weekly 7:30 - 5(Closed Tuesday)

Sunday Musical Brunch 9 - 3

Crepes • Paninis • Soups • Salads

Espresso • Coffee • Tea • Juices

www.StavingArtistCreperie.com

40 Main St • Lee, MA • 413-394-5046

Ingredients (serves 4-6)3 tablespoons olive oil2 garlic cloves, minced2 scallions (green and white parts), chopped1 large baking potato, peeled and diced¼ teaspoon dried thymeSalt and freshly ground pepper2 cups corn kernels6 eggs1 cup coarsely shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (4 ounces)2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley

Instructions Position an oven rack 3 inches from the broiler and preheat. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, and add the garlic, scallions, potato, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, resisting the urge to stir. Remove the lid, flip the mixture so the other side can brown, and then cook for 5 minutes longer. Add the corn and cook for a few minutes longer, to heat through.

Beat the eggs in a medium bowl, then add the cheese, parsley, and salt and pepper. Pour into the skillet, stirring just to mix the potatoes. Cook without stirring (shaking occasionally to loosen it) until the bottom is golden but the top is still runny, 8 to 10 minutes. Finish the frittata by placing it under the broiler and cooking about 2 minutes until the top is golden and set. Slide onto a serving plate.

Potato & Corn FrittataExcerpted from The Fresh Egg Cookbook © by Jennifer Trainer Thompson,

used with permission from Storey Publishing

I cook frittatas when I have a lot of eggs, a lot of vegetables, and not much time.


Home & Garden

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ca r e e r abundanc e l o v e happ in e s s E lectromagnetic fields/radiation (EMFs), and radio frequency radiation (RFR) – sometimes referred to as “electrosmog,”

are man-made invisible forces (areas of energy) that emanate from electric and wireless devices respectively. We are quite literally surrounded by them. EMFs are also created naturally by such things as lightning and static electricity. In fact, all humans and living creatures have their own EMF fields – your nervous system controls and regu-lates every function of your body by transmitting electrical energy/signals to and from each and ev-ery cell. We are bioelectrical beings.

There is significant growing evidence, however, that when our natural and man-made fields meet it can cause disturbing biological changes that are quite detrimental to our health and behavior by distorting the balance of the body’s electromagnetic field and its commu-nication systems. In other words, man-made electrosmog interferes with and confuses our body’s natural signals. Our cells then have great difficulty “talking” to each other, which unfortunately not only disrupts normal func-tioning, but may also reduce the effectiveness of healing modalities and our body’s ability to detoxify harmful substances. This is a rather startling thought when you consider that most diseases involve cell miscommunication.

The Precautionary Principle

Studies show that electrosmog can damage DNA and genes and cause and/or seriously exacerbate cancer, nervous system disorders, brain fog, im-paired learning, hyperactivity, sleep disorders, hormonal disturbances, autoimmunity, inflam-mation, ringing in the ears, heart palpitations, blood sugar imbalances, depression, joint pains, bone mineral density loss, fatigue, and infertil-ity problems, among others. Quite a laundry list, and of course these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, but because electro-magnetic radiation confuses our body’s natural communication system, it makes sense, and logic dictates caution. The Precautionary Principle or Precautionary Approach states that if an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, in the ab-sence of scientific consensus that the action or policy is harmful, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those taking the action.

BioInitative 2012 Report

The BioInitiative 2012 Report (updated from the 2007 report) cites more than 3,800 studies

that detail the toxic effects and possible risks from wireless technologies and electromagnetic fields. This report has been created by 29 presti-gious independent scientists and health experts from around the world (Sweden, USA, India, Italy, Greece, Canada, Denmark, Austria, Slovak Republic, and Russia). Many people have heard about the risks of malignant brain tumors and childhood leukemia, but new studies link EMFs and RFR to breast cancer, sperm damage, and altered brain development of the fetus in utero (linked in both animal and human studies to hyperactivity, learning, and behavior problems). David O. Carpenter, MD, and co-editor of the 2012 report states “There is now much more evidence of risks to health affecting billions of people world-wide. The status quo is not accept-able in light of the evidence for harm.” The re-port is available at www.bioinitiative.org.

Donna Fisher, author of Dirty Electricity and Electromagnetic Radiation, and Silent Fields, states “History has shown that the western world with its vested interests is slow to inform citi-zens about toxic agents and help protect them. The ‘dirty electricity’ pandemic is no stranger to inaction, as were the asbestos, lead, acid rain, DDT, PCB, and tobacco-smoking public health issues before it. The contention that artificially created electromagnetic fields (EMFs) which emanate from electricity generation can cause cancer has medical and legal experts comment-ing that EMFs will dwarf the tobacco-smoking issue and the asbestos crisis combined.” Simply put, we must protect ourselves and our family, because local and federal agencies do not.

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF)

Electromagnetic fields/radiation comes from household and personal appliances and wir-ing that you plug into electrical outlets, power lines, and the electrical outlets and wiring in your walls. Note that electric fields result from the strength of the charge, and magnetic fields result from the motion of the charge or the cur-rent. Both are detrimental, but electric fields can be shielded or weakened, whereas mag-netic fields cannot be, but do drop off quickly with increasing distance. The magnetic field generated by a device will be stronger when it is on its high setting than when it is used on its low setting.

Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR)

Wireless devices include cell and cordless phones, cell towers, microwaves, cordless com-

Electrosmog - Part 1 Look for Part 2 in the April-May Issue / By Kathy I. ReganPart 2 will cover meters and how to measure EMFs and RFR, as well as offer numerous solutions to help create a healthier environment in our homes, schools, and workplaces.


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puters and routers, wireless baby monitors, game systems, two-way radios, compact fluo-rescent light bulbs (which also contain mercury – LED lights are a much safer alternative) tablet PCs, satellite television, remote controls, broadcasting transmitters, certain medical equipment, dimmer switches, and so forth.

The spread of cell towers in communities, often placed on school grounds, means that young children can have thousands of times higher RFR exposures in home and school environments than ever before. Wi-Fi access points (hotspots) that radi-ate 24/7 in cafes, stores, li-braries, classrooms, on buses and trains, and from personal Wi-Fi enabled devices (iPads, tablets, PDAs, etc) increase exposure to almost all com-munity members regularly.

“Smart” Meters

The largest single source of community-wide, pervasive RFR (and in my opinion most upsetting second only to Wi-Fi in schools) is the smart meter infrastructure, or smart grid. This program has your electric company replacing your analog (spinning dial) electric meter found on the outside of your home, school, or workplace with a wireless digital meter – without your permission. They are to be in-stalled, if they have not been already, on every building with an electric meter. Tens of millions have already been installed around the country, despite health concerns of ex-perts and enormous public re-sistance (you will find protest groups and petitions through-out the web). I, like many oth-ers, want the right to say no to the installation of these radia-tion-producing health hazards, but since we are not being given that option my family and I have securely locked our analog meter to our home to prevent our power company from making the switch.

Wireless meters produce spikes of pulsed radiofre-quency radiation 24/7, and saturate living space at lev-els that can be much higher than those already reported to cause adverse health effects (see www.sagereports.com/smart-meter-rf). Incredibly, smart meters can produce RFR exposure levels similar to that within the first 100 to 600 feet of a cell tower.

In conjunction with smart appliances, that also emit ra-diation by themselves, smart meters invade our privacy by collecting information about our personal habits of energy use without our permission, which is very much against our constitutional rights.

According to www.smart grid.ieee.org, Samsung and LG launched Wi-Fi- and Zigbee-equipped smart refrigerators in 2011 and were in the process of launching a full suite of smart appliances in 2012, while home appliance giants Elec-trolux, GE, and Whirlpool also had smart appliance products set for 2012. Pike Research pre-dicts that the smart appliance market will take off in earnest this year. Also, they expect the market to grow to $26.1 billion worldwide, by 2019. It is clear to see that our health does not rank at the top of the list on their agenda in light of those figures.

The Good News

The good news is, with a little knowledge and the use of simple procedures and reason-ably priced EMF protecting devices that can be found on the market today (that can be easily verified with affordable meters) you can considerably improve your health potential and the EMF environment in your home, schools, hospitals, and workplace.

Please look for Part 2 of this article in the next issue of Our BerkshireTimes.

~ Kathy Regan, Publisher, Our BerkshireGreen Publishing, www.OurBerkshireGreen.com

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Education & Workshops

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

The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School integrates academics with the arts in a developmentally appropriate, experiential education for preschool through eighth grade, providing a well-rounded education which prepares students for their choice of high school and college.

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GBRSS School Open HouseDate: Tues, Feb 12, 2013, 9-11amPlace: Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School, 35 West Plain Rd, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-4015Price: Free. In this hands-on introduction to Waldorf education, guests will step into lower and middle school classrooms to experience Main Lesson in progress, tour dedicated hand-work and wood-working studios, and visit Early Childhood classes for circle or snack time. A Q&A with school administrators follows in the library. GBRSS Open House Teas take place February 12, March 12, April 9, and May 1, 2013. Reservations are requested. www.gbrss.org

American Red Cross Standard BabysittingDate: Wed, Feb 20, 2013, 9am-3:30pmPlace: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-2810Price: $45 Members $55 Guests ($25 materials and certification fee)Ages 11-15. Learn leadership skills, age-appropri-ate activities, conflict resolution, decision mak-ing, writing resumes, interviewing for jobs, diaper changing, meal times, and bed times. Please bring a packed lunch. www.berkshiresouth.org

American Red Cross CPR/First Aid for the BabysitterDate: Thurs, Feb 21, 2013, 9:30am-2pmPlace: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-2810. Price: $30 Members $40

Guests $40 ($33 materials and certification fee)From bumps and bruises to saving lives, par-ticipants will learn what to do if the unexpected happens. Upon successful completion of this class, participants will receive certification in Standard First Aid and Infant and Child CPR.www.berkshiresouth.org

American Red Cross CPR/AEDDate: Fri, Feb 22, 2013, 12-2pmPlace: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA - (413)528-2810Price: $30 Members $40 Guests. Cost is per course ($25 materials and certification fee).Learn valuable skills that could save a life. CPR courses include training in CPR/AED for adult, child, and infant. These American Red Cross certifications are valid for 2 years. See our listing for CPR/AED as well. For both CPR and First Aid: $40 Members $50 Guests ($33 materials and certification fee). www.berkshiresouth.org

Growing Fruit in a Healthy Orchard EcosystemDate: Fri, March 8, 2013, 9am-4pmPlace: Berkshire Botanical Garden, corner of Routes 102 and 183, Stockbridge, MA - (413) 298-3926Price: Cost: $150. Embrace a whole new way of thinking about growing fruit and dealing with insects and disease holistically. Pruning for fruit production will be demonstrated in the af-ternoon session, held offsite in a home orchard. Instructors: Peter and Jennifer Salinetti. www.berkshirebotanical.org

February - March Event Sampler To see more events or to post your event for free

go to www.OurBerkshireCalendar.com

Community Spotlight: Lenox

The exact geographic center of the Berkshires, Lenox is also one of its cultural centers.

Early History

The first white settlers arrived in Lenox in 1750. Jonathan and Sarah Hinsdale built and eventually established a small inn and general store. In 1770, a small meetinghouse was constructed in the north end of the central village. In 1806, the congregation replaced the original small meetinghouse with a new church building, now known as the Church on the Hill, a famous Berkshire landmark.

Lenox contributed many troops to the Revolutionary army. The 231 names on the town’s military roster included that of Colonel John Paterson. The stone monument in the center of town honors his memory.

Iron was one of early Lenox’s major in-dustries. During the Revolutionary War, ore from a rich vein running through the town was made into bullets for the Revolutionary troops. By the 1780s, Job Gilbert had estab-lished the Lenox Iron Works to process the ore on a large scale in Lenox Furnace, now known as Lenox Dale.

The completion of the railroad initially promised a boost to Lenox industries by provid-ing a faster way to get products to the markets.

The owners of the local iron industry had often faced financial struggles, but the new railroad and the building of the nation, and the need for armaments for the Civil War, of-fered the possibility of an increased demand for metals.

As these existing manufacturers shut down, industry began to play a smaller role in the Lenox economy. Most new mills and other manufacturers’ industries went to neigh-boring Pittsfield and Lee instead, while Lenox became based more on trades and merchants.

Tourism and Culture

The original Berkshire County seat was Great Barrington, but the growing population of the northern Berkshires required a more cen-tral location. Lenox, the exact geographic center of the county, won out over Pittsfield and Great Barrington in 1784. The first ses-sion of the new county court was held in a wooden building on the corner of Walker and Main Streets; a new courthouse was erected on Main Street in 1816.

The presence of the County Court fo-cused a new and beneficial attention on the

town. Judges, lawyers, businesspeople, and others who came to conduct court business often returned to their hometowns praising the town’s beauty. This in turn led to a boom-ing market for inns and boardinghouses to house the visitors attending court sessions.

Among the visitors who would play a major role in establishing the reputation of the town were the Sedgwicks. Charles Sedg-wick moved to Lenox to become clerk of the court. His wife Elizabeth established a school for young ladies. His sister, Catharine, was one of America’s first popular woman writ-ers. One of the Sedgwicks’ frequent guests was Catharine’s close friend Fannie Kemble, a celebrated actress and writer.

The most important literary figure during this time in Lenox was Nathaniel Hawthorne. During the mere year and a half that he lived here with his family, he wrote The House of the Seven Gables, A Wonder Book (a collection of children’s stories), Twice Told Tales (a collec-tion of short stores), and began work on the Tanglewood Tales.

The Cottage Era

In 1838, a railroad line was completed through eastern Lenox via the Stockbridge Pittsfield Railroad as an extension of the Housatonic Railroad. This line, which eventually had three stops in the town, established a rail link with New York and other major cities.

Samuel G. Ward, a Boston businessman with a literary bent, is said to have been the first to create a large Berkshire estate, in the early 1840s. A few years later, his fellow Bostonian William Tappan bought Ward’s estate. A third Bostonian, E.J. Woolsey, and his brother-in-law John Aspinwall bought most of the mountain land west of Main Street as his hilltop Cliff-wood estate. More and more of the country’s wealthiest families followed suit.

Towards the end of the nineteenth cen-tury, at the start of the Gilded Age, Lenox became the “inland Newport,” one of the playgrounds of the wealthy. The Astors, Car-negies, Westinghouses, and their ilk spared no expense in building, furnishing, and landscap-ing the mansions they referred to as “cottag-es,” hiring the likes of C. F. Mc Kim and Fred-erick Law Olmsted to design their houses and the surrounding lands. Shadowbrook, a 100-room cottage, built by Anson Phelps Stokes in 1893, was once thought to be the largest home in the United States.

One of the later estate owners was novel-ist Edith Wharton, who came to Lenox for

Lenox, the Center of the BerkshiresBy John Townes

Lenox Commons, 55 Pittsfield Lenox RoadLenox, MA 01240

Tel: 413.637.9777www.jaeslenox.com

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Community Spotlight: Lenox

a quiet place of retreat. She belonged in temperament more to the earlier cultural era and depicted the commoner side of Berkshire life, although she was distinctly of the wealthy class-es. In 1902 she built an estate, The Mount.

One of the unfortunate side effects of the influx of these visitors was its impact on farming, an original mainstay of the Lenox economy. With the demand for estates on the rise, land values increased, and many farmers found it more profitable to sell out to the millionaires than to scrape by on their farms. The high price of land also made it hard or impossible for people of average means to buy property. In his 1903 book Lenox and the Berkshire Highlands, R.D. Mallary noted that Le-nox land was selling as high as $20,000 an acre, while similar acreage in nearby towns only cost a few dollars an acre.

The drive of the townspeople for progress occasionally came into direct conflict with the cottagers’ desire to preserve Lenox as a rustic retreat. In 1900, a streetcar company pro-posed a direct trolley line from Pittsfield to the center of Le-nox village. Many locals supported the idea, but the cottagers fought it because they did not want carloads of commoners disrupting their quiet neighborhoods. (A longer streetcar line was established east of the village.)

The Old Made New

With changes in the nation’s social and economic climate in the early twentieth century, the ostentatious cottage lifestyle began to fall out of favor. New taxes, especially the federal income tax in 1913, and the exorbitant cost of maintaining the country estates meant that the owners and their heirs became increasingly unable or unwilling to hold onto these properties. At first gradual, the end of the Berkshire Cottage Era was has-tened by World War I and the Depression. Historians cite the death in 1945 of Giraud Foster, the owner of Bellefontaine, as the symbolic last gasp of the Berkshire Cottage era.

Many of these estates were put to new uses that would re-shape Lenox as a highly desirable tourist destination. Some of the estates, such as Wheatleigh and Blantyre, became inns and resort hotels, allowing a new generation of visitors to experi-ence the trappings of the old cottage life vicariously.

Perhaps the best-known of these conversions took place in 1937, when the Tappan family offered their old estate as the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Tanglewood Music Festival.

After several interim incarnations, a number of the cot-tages, such as Cranwell, Fox Hollow, and the Music Inn, were turned into vacation condominiums. Ventfort Hall lives on in its glory as a museum portraying the privileged life of its for-mer inhabitants. The Lenox School campus eventually became home to Shakespeare & Company. Shadowbrook reemerged as Kripalu Institute, Bellefontaine as the Canyon Ranch Spa, and Kimball Farms as a residential lifecare community. The Cliffwood estate is now Kennedy Park.

The legacy of the privileged few from bygone days is the Lenox of today: vital and exhilarating to its residents and avail-able to the many who throng here throughout the year.

~ John Townes is a journalist, freelance writer, and artist who lives in Pittsfield. www.jtgallery.net

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Health & Wellness

Intentional Communication

By Karen Andrews

The way we habitually use language can sometimes create hurt and pain, and unintentionally alienate us from one

another. Nonviolent Communication, known as NVC for short, provides a far-reaching set of practices and principles that can help people to create the quality of connection in which everyone’s needs can be addressed.

Over the past 30 years, psychologist and conflict resolution expert Marshall Rosenberg and his colleagues have de-veloped a revolutionary synthesis of phi-losophies, applications, and techniques that have begun to sweep the world and are changing how people think, speak, and connect with each other. Nonviolent Com-munication has been taught and is now being practiced in 59 countries, 50 states in the US, and has a strong presence here in Berkshire County, with several hundred practitioners of varied levels.

Based on four simple but profound ele-ments, NVC starts with making an observa-tion free of any evaluation, followed by iden-tifying a feeling (as distinct from a thought), followed by identifying a need or value that may be causing such a feeling, and finally com-ing up with a strategy or request for meeting that need. Sound simple? NVC, also known as “Giraffe” language (a language of requests), can take hours of practice to really get under one’s belt, but it’s worth it. NVC is like driver education for human relations. So, what motivates people to spend the time it takes to learn NVC? Wanting to get along better with one’s spouse, needing more effective ways to speak to one’s teenager, be-ing able to make a difficult request of some-one, being able to say no to someone without hurting them or compromising oneself . . . pretty much anything that comes up around communicating with other humans can be im-proved with NVC.

People can learn NVC in either self-taught practice groups or in classes. A practice group can meet many different needs: to give and receive support, to get coaching on how to handle and word delicate conversations, and a way to learn how to deal with interpersonal differences in real time.

I have been exposed to a variety of self-help and healing modalities over the years, and I believe NVC has some of the most solid and far-reaching possibilities for truly changing how people think, speak, and be-have towards one another. Giraffe schools

help create more cooperation between stu-dents and teachers and can reduce bullying; NVC is used widely in prisons to help peo-ple develop more effective and life-serving strategies to meet their human needs rather than reacting out of desperation; and NVC has helped individuals, couples, families, and employees find new ways to manage conflict, speak their truth with honesty, and create more heartfelt connections.

NVC is all about refining and shifting what we say and how we say it – removing words and phrases that imply blame and judg-ment; becoming acutely aware of our needs, and when they are being aroused; and most importantly, learning to go into our heart in-stead of our head before we speak. Empathy is really the keystone of NVC. NVC contradicts much of our cultural conditioning, and teaches us about choice, autonomy, and being true to our values. That is where Marshall found the origins of the violence that plagues us – embed-ded in the daily language we all speak and especially in the mental constructs with which we create unnecessary enemy im-ages of one another.

I have been involved with NVC since 2005, serving as a self-appointed clearing-house for people wanting to get into practice groups and helping to coordinate NVC train-ings around the Berkshires. NVC seems to be an important part of a global evolution-ary movement towards more conscious com-munication and co-creating a world that truly works for everyone.

Many of us who practice NVC share a vision of having these principles and tech-niques utilized in schools, the justice system, the mental health system, and throughout our communities. I myself would like to see NVC become a household word in the Berkshires in the not-too-distant future. Nonviolent Com-munication is a practice that not only takes a village, it makes a village. While it is not a panacea for all that separates us, it may be one of the most important ingredients in the de-velopment of our con-sciousness.

~ Karen Andrews; for information about classes and practice groups, contact The Intentional Communication Project, [email protected], (413) 232-4027.


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Health & Wellness

Monthly Reiki ExchangeBy Pam Youngquist, PhD

As a certified specialist in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and fully licensed physician, Dr. Goldman treats the whole person, not just the symptoms, by emphasizing the interrelationships of structure, function, and the ability of the body to heal itself.

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

Dr. Goldman (left) administers an osteopathic treatmentto a young child while her father (right) looks on.Fo

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A Reiki Exchange is an opportunity for Reiki practitioners, other hands-on healing practitioners, and anyone

interested in learning about energy healing methods to gather and exchange healing. Ev-eryone is given the time to receive and share energy in the course of the evening. Typically each person will receive a 10-20 minute ses-sion attended to by at least three other prac-titioners. The continual rotation of receiver and practitioner is a great occasion in which to share together and build community in a completely safe and nurturing way. Everyone benefits and leaves feeling recharged.

The recipient of Reiki energy often feels warmth or tingling in the area of the body being treated, even when a non-touching approach is being used. A state of deep relaxation, com-bined with a general sense of enhanced well-being are the most common effects of Reiki, though emotional releases, profound realiza-tion and awareness, and greater health have all been reported by many recipients as well. A Reiki treatment is given to activate and encour-age the body’s own natural healing processes, of which every human being is capable. Reiki is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist named Mikao Usui. It has since been adopted into every country in the world by various teachers. Reiki uses a technique called hands-on healing as a form of complementary therapy and is sometimes classified as oriental medicine by some profes-sional medical bodies. Through the use of this

technique, practitioners are transferring univer-sal energy (i.e. Reiki) in the form of “chi,” “pra-na,” or “ki” through the palms of the hands, which allows for self-healing and equilibrium in the recipient. The Japanese loanword Reiki roughly translates as “spirit consciousness” and “ethereal atmosphere of mystery.”

The healing method of Reiki is now being utilized in numerous medical settings, includ-ing hospice, palliative care programs, assisted living, and rehabilitation units. Many oncol-ogy units, pre- and postoperative depart-ments, and recovery wings in major hospitals throughout the US employ Reiki practitioners on staff. Additionally Reiki has been included as part of the milieu in correctional facili-ties and educational institutions throughout North America and England.

Please join us the fourth Tuesday of every month for the Great Barrington Reiki Exchange at TriYoga Berkshire, 6:30-9pm. $3 donation for studio use suggested. We welcome everyone who holds an interest in sharing healing!

~ Pam Youngquist, PhD, is the owner of Tradi-tional Naturopathic Wellness Care, a holistic health care consultation practice, both national and local to Great Barrington, MA. www.natur opathicwellnesscare.com, pam@naturopathicwellness care.com (413) 229-9013. See ad on page 17.

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One of my favorite quotes to ponder and discuss with patients is from Deepak Chopra: “A neuropeptide is

born at the touch of a thought.”

Let’s look at that.

A neuropeptide is a short-chained amino acid produced in the brain, used as a neurotrans-mitter or hormone to affect physiology/body function.

What that quote means is that every thought produces a biochemical reaction in the brain. At a touch of an intangible thought your brain is physically linking together specific amino acids, into specific lengths, in specific configurations to make specific, tangible, neurotransmitter and hormone molecules to communicate with your body to carry out your body’s functions. In no uncertain terms, your thoughts immediately create matter!

That is amazing and miraculous!

If our thoughts create neuropeptides, does the quality and focus of our thoughts – our attention – create specific neurochemistry that elicits specific emotions, behaviors, and responses?

According to neuroscientist Michael Merzen-ich, PhD, “The patterns of activity of neurons in sensory areas can be altered by patterns of attention. Experience coupled with attention leads to physical changes in the structure and future functioning of the nervous system. This leaves us with a clear physiological fact . . . mo-ment by moment we choose and sculpt how our ever-changing minds will work. We choose who we will be in the next moment in a very

real sense, and these choices are left embossed in physical form in our material selves.” This physical reality of attention means that we need to choose our thoughts and what we focus our attention on very carefully and, by so doing, we can change who we are by chang-ing what we think about most. It all begins with paying attention to our thoughts, the es-sence of Buddhism.

When you don’t understand the nature and origin of your thoughts, your thoughts use you. When the Bud-dha recognized the nature of his mind he reversed the process. He showed us how we can use our thoughts instead of being used by them. ~ Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

It would appear to me, as it does to many neuroscientists, that our understanding of the brain is catching up to Buddhism.

This all makes a good scientific case for medi-tation – to hone the skill of paying attention to your thoughts; and for daily affirmations – to remind yourself of the power and role of your thoughts in shaping your day and your life.

Control your thoughts for they become your words.

Control your words for they become your actions.

Control your actions for they become your habits.

Control your habits for they become your character.

Control your character for it becomes your destiny. ~ Robert E. Wells

~ Dr. Peter May is a certified LENS Neurofeed-back practitioner and chiropractic wellness physi-cian with offices in Lenox and North Adams, MA. (413) 664-9050, [email protected], www.brain-neurofeedback.com. See ad on page 14, and infor-mation below.


AnnE O'Neil is a OLHT Instructor and Certified Practitioner. She has been working with energy

healing since 1996. She is also an ordained Interfaith minister, life coach, and writer.

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Ever Hear of LENS Neurofeedback? It May Benefit You!Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) empowers the brain to optimize itself. It is a unique type of neurofeedback that nudges the brain out of maladaptive brainwave patterns it is stuck in, allowing it to restore homeostatis, to reset itself for optimal performance. LENS has been used by practitioners since 1992, and there are more than 500 practitioners worldwide who have treated more than 75,000 patients.

LENS is not diagnosis-based. It works best on patients who, at one point, were nor-

mal functioning in their lives, and then some-thing (a singular episode, multiple or repeated exposures) happened to change them. More than 75 percent of clients benefit significantly, often noticing improvement within six visits.

LENS can help you if you face challenges in many areas, including anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, ADD/ADHD, sub-stance abuse, autism, Aspergers, OCD, eating disorders, insomnia, and more.

~Dr. Peter May, www.brainneurofeedback.com

S

February / March 2013 www.OurBerkshireTimes.com

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Directory of AdvertisersAnimals BensDotter’s Pet .........................................................................6, 21Petpourri, Inc. .....................................................................................6VCA All Caring Animal Hospital ...................................................6

Art, Culture & Entertainment

Berkshire Festival of Women Writers ............................................2

Automotive Lenox Dale Service Station, Inc. ..................................................14

Business ServicesGeiger Computers .............................................................................7Genne M. LeVasseur, CPA ..............................................................7GoodWorks Insurance ....................................................................21

Education & WorkshopsBerkshire Country Day School ......................................................15Darrow School .............................................................................5, 13Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School ......................................13Hotchkiss School ............................................................................13Indian Mountain School ................................................................21Montessori School of the Berkshires, The ..............................12, 21Mountain Road School ...................................................................13

Fashion & BeautyIredale Mineral Cosmetics, Ltd. ....................................................................5Shear Illusions, LLC ........................................................................7Studio Day Spa ..................................................................................................3Zabian’s Jewelers ........................................................21, back cover Food & Drink Berkshire Co-op Market ..........................................inside front coverBerkshire Organics ............................................................................9Chez Nous Bistro ..............................................................................9Crissey Farm .......................................................................................................3Guido’s Fresh Marketplace ..............................................................8Hilltop Orchards - Furnace Brook Winery ...................................6Jae’s Asian Bistro ............................................................................14LaBonne’s Markets ...........................................................................9Starving Artist Creperie & Cafe ......................................................9Sullivan Station Restaurant ...........................................................5, 9Trattoria Rustica .................................................................................8Wild Oats Market ..............................................................................9

Gift & Specialty ShopsAzureGreen ......................................................................................................19Invite Paper Goods, Gifts, Event Design .................................................4Lenox Village Integrative Pharmacy ............................................14

Health & WellnessAndrew M. Goldman, DO ...........................................................18Dr Peter D May, LENS Neurofeedback ...................................14Energy in Motion Studio, Catherine Brumley ........................17Happy and Healthy Brides, Health Coaching and Yoga ........................4Hydro Health of Western Massachusetts .................................17Integrative Health Solutions, Alan Inglis, MD ...........................18Jacqueline Nicholas, Healer ........................................................17Kate Hinds PhD LICSW ............................................................17Kent Mikalsen Studio ....................................................................18Kimball Farms Retirement Community .....................................15

Lenox Village Integrative Pharmacy .........................................14Livingstone Dental Excellence ....................................................16Matt Albert, Bodywork .................................................................17Mikka Barkman, Native American Bodywork .............................17Ming Lash, Somatic Movement Therapist ................................17Naomi Alson, Acupuncturist & Herbalist ................................17NordiCare Physical Therapy, PC .................................................17Stram Center for Integrative Medicine .......................................17Susan Spiegel Solovay, Certified Medical Hypnotist ...............17Traditional Naturopathic Care, Pam Youngquist .........................17Veronique Rignault, Healing Ginger Therapy ............................18Wellness Bound Coaching, Kenly Brozman .............................17WholePerson Movement, Sharon True .......................................17Zen Tree Wellness ...........................................................................17

Home, Garden & LandscapeBerkshire Fabric & Wallpaper Outlet ...........................................10Berkshire Photovoltaic Services (BPVS) ........................................10BLEND Solution ............................................................................20Bodhi Tree Gallery ............................................................................11George Yonnone Restorations .......................................................11Hartsville Design Woodworking ...................................................20Kinderhook Group, Inc., Real Estate ...........................................11Okerstrom Lang, Ltd. .....................................................................11Young Feng Shui ..............................................................................10

LodgingRace Brook Lodge ............................................................................................3

Mind & SpiritAzureGreen ......................................................................................19Dolores Mannix ...............................................................................19Sheilaa Hite, Intuitive Counseling .................................................19your soul path ................................................................................4, 19

NatureHilltop Orchards - Furnace Brook Winery ...................................6

Real EstateKimball Farms Retirement Community .....................................15Kinderhook Group, Inc., Real Estate ..........................................11

Social NetworkingConcerned Singles .............................................................................5

WeddingsBerkshire South Regional Community Center .........................................5Concerned Singles ............................................................................................5Crissey Farm .......................................................................................................3Darrow School ..................................................................................................5Happy and Healthy Brides, Health Coaching and Yoga ........................4Invite Paper Goods, Gifts, Event Design .................................................4Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Ltd. ....................................................................5Race Brook Lodge ............................................................................................3Rev AnnE O’Neil ......................................................................................4, 19Rev Cheryl Luft, MSS ......................................................................................5Studio Day Spa ..................................................................................................3Sullivan Station Restaurant .........................................................................5, 9Ventfort Hall ......................................................................................................4Zabian’s Jewelers ........................................................21, back cover

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