DLE 2021 COMMUNITY WEEKEND UNITES MANY FOR THE FIRST TIME

Bright sunshine elevated the fun and camaraderie for dozens of DLE community members uniting in the Berkshires Oct. 1-3 for a weekend of volunteer service, networking and good cheer.

The first-ever DLE Community Weekend was a strictly in-person event–and for many, it was the first time meeting friends forged over DLE virtual programs.

Members from Boston joined their Berkshire-based buddies for festivities that began on Oct. 1 with an excursion to the Big E–Eastern States Exposition–in West Springfield, MA. Taking in the sights, sounds and fair cuisine were (left to right, photo below) Kalee Carmel, Linda Dulye, Danielle Sanders, Michelle Lopez and Marie Meak.

Billed as New England’s Great State Fair, the Big E is the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and sixth-largest fair in the U.S. It is the world’s only multi-state fair.

Day 2 of the Community Weekend included a major community service project (see Service and Spirit Dominate DLE Community Weekend article), an outdoor afternoon reception at the Balderdash Winery in the Berkshires and evening dinner at Proprietor’s Lodge, home to the DLE annual retreat. Finally, breakfast and conversation at Otto’s in Pittsfield concluded the special weekend.

(Left to right) Alyssa Murray, Kaled Rocha, Marie Meak, Jon Katz, Danielle Sanders, Michelle Lopez, Marcus Coleman, Kalee Carmel, Linda Dulye and Andrea Lein