2012 Berkshire Rally

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2012 Berkshire Rally

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BERKSHIRE RALLY August 23 -27, 2012

Hosts: Bruce & Judy Gregory and Gary & Suzanne Gulbranson

The Berkshire Rally was set in the breathtaking vistas of the green mountains of western Massachusetts. Organized with great skill and thoughtfulness by our hosts, this rally celebrated the marvelous sights and sounds of this unique area. We gathered at every chance for splendid continental breakfasts, wine socials and evening campfires. We welcomed the first time Rally attendees: Lynn Engelman, Charlie and Helen Hathaway and Tom and Kathy Marshall.

Events on Thursday began with wine, cheese and a great BBQ cookout hosted by the Born Free chef extraordinaire, Jerry Ehrhardt. On exhibit was the 23-Foot Born Free 2013 Lounge Model brimming with enticing new features. Following dinner, historian Barbara Allen presented local lore of the Stockbridge, Massachusetts area.

Next day, we coach-pooled to Hancock Shaker Village, a fascinating 19th century religious community whose progressive thinking included the duality of the deity and equality of the sexes. Their stunning designs of the Round Stone Barn as well as other structures show a divine sensibility. In a spirited Shaker sing-a-long, we joined in this joyous, boisterous songfest such as might have been celebrated by the Shakers. This remarkable sect flourished in the mid-19th century, their numbers overwhelmingly diminished by their celibate beliefs.

Our Saturday bus trip took us to the renowned Norman Rockwell Museum. Narrated by the guide who actually grew up with Rockwell,
she related many amusing anecdotes associated with the paintings. Rockwell’s artwork reflects his warm humor and understanding of the people he lovingly portrays and records scenes that touch the soul of America. What a moving experience it was to visit this special place.

Following the inspiring Rockwell visit, our tour continued with a special luncheon at the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. Then onward to Chesterwood, summer home of Daniel Chester French, respected sculptor of the famous seated statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. His impressive studio displays nearly 100 models of plaster, bronze and marble.

On Sunday at Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, we experienced a celebration of fine music performed in nature’s incomparable setting. Leaving these lovely grounds, we headed back and surprise! An impromptu pizza party awaited us at the campground. Such a grand way to end a positively delightful day!

To our hosts Bruce and Judy Gregory and Gary and Sue Gulbranson, we extend our sincere, heartfelt appreciation for their meticulous, imaginative planning and organization that made this memorable rally a resounding success.

Submitted by Ann and Sab Sasaki

NOTE! This recap was posted for the authors by the Website Administrator (bfadmin-2).
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