In 1979 I came to the Berkshire to watch Roger Pumphrey race in the Josh Billing Race. I saw all these wonderful athletes competing in the beautiful Berkshires. I decided this was better than running behind a bus in NYC and immediately decided to move here.
Fortunately, I landed a job (starting Meridian Associates residential and day programs) and arrived in March of 1980. That Fall I attended the Josh and my friend Janet Pumphrey pointed out a handsome, single biker named Richard Fulco. We met soon after and the rest is history.
By 1982 I was the paddler on his Josh team and his life partner. Later we paddled many Josh races together.
The picture of my first Josh with Ted Thorne includes Jeff Thomson (Paddler) and Roger Pumphrey
(sent separately)
Highlights of my Josh races include paddling on a woman’s team since the early 1990 with Marylou Di Nicola, Ann Vella and Debby Coyne. We won many races together. The attached picture is the year I turned 60. Other great partners included Robyn Korte and Nancy Plouffe.
Last year’s all woman victory was another highlight. Now at 70 I am still enjoying the practices with Marie Raftery, the race and the opportunity to be surrounded by wonderful athletes in the beautiful Berkshires.
Charlie Wetherell, Dale Sanderson, Ted Thorne, Rich Fulco
