What A Marvelous Night For A Barn Dance At Pleasant Valley

Mary Garnish Bauman reports from Lenox. A barn dance in the Berkshires — that’s what Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary decided to do for its 7th annual fundraiser on July 18, welcoming 100 guests to celebrate “An Evening in the Woods." The center of the action this year was Pleasant Valley’s historic barn, where the band Spare Parts, featuring noted fiddler George Wilson, inspired dancers to take to the floor. Caller Paul Rosenberg instructed in contra-dancing and other barn-appropriate styles. Before all the high-stepping and whirling about, guests enjoyed delicious tacos and flautas from local eatery Baja Charlie’s, libations from Kelly’s Package Store and ice cream from SoCo Creamery while bidding on silent auction items. Giant butterfly kites, colorful flags and wooden sculptures from Asia Barong adorned the tents. Robert Harrison, event sponsor and former board member, welcomed guests, and Berkshire Sanctuaries director Becky Cushing (above right, with Candice Ferrell) expressed gratitude for the generosity of the community in supporting Mass Audubon’s regional education programs for people of all ages. Gary Clayton, acting president for Mass Audubon statewide, elucidated the importance of the Berkshire Sanctuaries in a statewide context – and then kicked off the celebration. Photos by Susan Geller.

Butch Ptak and Janice Cullen, formerly of Mass Audubon; Guests take a seat at the picnic tables.

Jesse and Patty Spector; Jim and Kathi Hatch with intern Jessie Griffin.

Pleasant Valley Advisory Committee member Michael Kaplan, David Lotto and Kevin Ploss; Victoria Nast, Bill Talbot and architect Robert Harrison, one of the event sponsors.