Members & Friends: A Vacation Celebration for Everyone

September 7-9

Take a vacation! After a long summer, the last thing we need is a serious, intense weekend. This is a kick-back-and-relax, the-summer's-over celebration to thank and honor our members, visit with old friends, and welcome people who've never been here and would like to check us out. The schedule is relaxed: after some festivities and introductions Friday night, on Saturday morning we'll offer a choice of workshops, then we're off to beautiful Lake Harriman for a gourmet picnic of harvest foods and an afternoon of sunning, swimming, singing, socializing, and napping, though some chose to go off to the Clark Art Museum or MoCA or open-ended exploring. The afternoon ends with hors d'oeuvres and schmoozing at Doug and Prue's, or perhaps a sauna (it's open all the time).

Saturday night we'll have our favorite get-down-and-boogie band, Gangly Heart. It's a big, raucous, kick-out-the-jams party, and people dance who haven't shaken a leg in a long time. Some of our local friends and neighbors come to add to the energy cause they know it's a rockin party. If you prefer peace and quite, the farmhouse will be a refuge.

Sunday morning we sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, and gather for an informal chapel service, perhaps down by the pond where the trees at water's edge are the first to turn glorious colors. The retreat ends with lunch, though you're welcome to attend our annual corporation meeting in the afternoon. To honor and thank our members the cost for members is our room and board fee, and the program is on us, but there's no discount on this special price. We welcome and invite non-members, old friends and new friends as well as those who have never been here. If you are not a member the cost for the weekend is our meal and housing cost plus $35 and includes a one year membership. Children are welcome for half of what their parent's pay and child care will be provided in the mornings. Everyone is welcome!