Uplifting concert held in Ashland
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
The singers and musicians performing with the Aroostook River Voices once again indulged the Ashland area in a great afternoon of music. The theme of this concert was “Music for Your Soul,” and indeed, the songs and performances were uplifting.
SELLING RAFFLE TICKETS to support Ashland District School’s 2013 Project Graduation during the Aroostook River Voices concert 
were, from left: Project Grad Moms Shelly Gillis and Lisa Rubin.
Sponsored by the Ashland Alumni Association, all of the donated proceeds collected go toward the associations’ scholarship fund and various worthwhile local projects. The concert opened with association member Mary Ellen Chasse serving as emcee.
The choir and instrumentalists included a diverse assembly of Ashland district educators and students, professional musicians, community members and folks joining in from other areas. The opening number was a Bette Midler favorite “From A Distance” featuring family member solos sung by choir members Pat Long and his daughter, Danielle, and mother-daughter duos performed by Tammy and Miranda Donovan and Vilma and Shea Craig. Another member of the Long family, Chris, (son and brother to choir members Pat and Danielle Long) sang the opening solo to the Van Morrison song “Wild Nights” giving an outstanding performance. The talented Jordan Beaulier sang a solo during this song, as well.
A fantastically unexpected jazz selection was performed by Ashland music teacher Jon Simonoff on bass, accompanied by Jenna Hartung on saxophone, Sherry Calhoun on keyboards and Chris Morton on the drums. Individually these folks can play; together they were brilliant! Simonoff is a master on the bass. Listening to the cool sounds suspended in the atmosphere of the concert hall, I imagined myself sipping a martini in the best jazz club around.
Another standout musician is Melissa Hall, who not only can sing whatever genre of music presented to her, but is a rock star on the bass guitar. She displays a cool swagger whether she is playing a rock or classical song. There is almost nothing I enjoy more than watching live music being performed by people who love music. We are so lucky to have such talented musicians surrounding us — to inspire, teach and entertain.
A special presentation was offered to Larry Hall, founder and member of the Aroostook River Voices. Hall, a beloved retired Ashland music teacher, works tirelessly to bring music to the community. His influence on his students and the community — throughout several generations — is obvious in their adoration and respect for him. Presented to Hall by chorus member Patty Rafford, was a “conductor light,” a lamp created from the old-fashioned decorative glass electrical conductors made by Ashland resident Dan Lavway. The understated association between the electrical conductor and Hall’s role as musical conductor made for a very thoughtful and symbolic gift.
Closing the show was a presentation in honor of our military veterans. Chorus and audience members who served in the military were honored for their service in a touching tribute with “The Ballad of the Green Berets.” The concert was dedicated to Ashland native Bobby Goding, who was killed during his service in Vietnam in 1969 and to Aaron Henderson, an Aroostook County man who recently died while serving in Afghanistan. Flags were carried in their honor by local veteran Ronald Rushinal and a nephew of Henderson.
My favorite song of the afternoon was the a cappella version of the spiritual classic “Ride the Chariot.” This song really highlighted the talent and hard work of the chorus members. There were so many other outstanding performances taking place, I couldn’t mention them all, but attending a concert put on by the Aroostook River Voices is certainly something everyone would enjoy. I left looking forward to the next! Congratulations for another job well done.
Portage Lake Town Christmas party
The Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club is hosting the annual Portage Lake Town Christmas party at Dean’s Motor Lodge Saturday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. The dinner will be a potluck, so prepare your favorite dish or dessert to share. There will also be a Yankee Swap. For those wishing to participate in the swap, you need to bring a gift to swap a gift. The restaurant will be open offering a full meal and bar menu.
Immediately following the town party, there will be a dance. Get down to the sounds of disc jockey Julie Rae who will be playing all your dance favorites. Enjoy a night out celebrating with family and friends. Why not get a room so you can play and stay all night? Contact Dean’s at 435-3701 for your room reservation.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 435-8232 or Feenhop@aol.com.
