RANGELEY – The Rangeley Friends of the Arts is celebrating their 40th year of bringing the arts to the Rangeley Region. From a conversation around a fireplace, this organization has grown to an enduring, well organized volunteer group.

Involved in the beginning were Patsy and Roger Page, Joey McLafferty, Paul Gimbel, Bob Bruce, Dodie Dolman, Mavis Blake, Jack and Eleanor Washburn and Burt Fenner.

When asked for his memories of the organization, Paul Ellis, RFA president, commented. “This is my 34th year (1974-2008) as a member of the board of directors of the RFA and I have always been impressed with the great generosity and support of the people of the Rangeley Region that has enabled this organization to have such a strong 40-year history of support for the arts.”

The organization has grown through the years and has gone through many transitions. Leadership has changed, but basic goals have remained the same. RFA exists to increase the awareness, knowledge, education, appreciation and support for the arts by making available varied programs of high artistic quality and through the involvement in other related activities. RFA brings quality entertainment to this small corner of the world and desires to acquaint young people with the joys of the performing arts.

Since 1968, the RFA has been sponsoring a fine Summer Concert Series, including artists ranging from string quartets to barbershop quartets and Vaudeville to bluegrass.

The 2008 summer concert series includes a great variety of programs. A Candlelight Concert of classical guitar, flute and voice performed by Sue Downes-Borko and Victor Borko, the Downeast Brass concert on the shores of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, an evening with internationally renowned pianist Julian Gargiulo, the Diva Concert at the Club House, and the Westerhoff Foundation Concert night will provide many evenings of superb artists performances this summer.

In 1975, the program was expanded to include sponsoring performances by various artists for the youth of our community in the Rangeley School System. In 1985, the group supported a full School Series of six or more performances. Working closely with the school administration, workshops and seminars were scheduled to bring a great variety of arts to the students of Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

“I have enjoyed being a director and or producer of 20 plus musicals for the RFA. One of the most pleasant memories was ‘Shenandoah,’ a story of the Civil War and the friendship of an African American boy and the son of the plantation owner. We were blessed with Bob Greene in the adult lead, along with a nine-year-old black (boy) from Farmington, and a nine-year-old white (boy) from Stratton and 14 men who could sing, march and dance with precision,” said RFA President Paul Ellis.

RFA initiated the Aid to Students in the Arts Scholarship Program in 1980, helping local students afford the cost of private instruction in the arts. This program is available to any student; RFA is now sponsoring local students taking violin, piano, organ, ballet, and modern dance lessons. In 1988, the first scholarship was given to a graduating senior from the Rangeley Lakes Regional School continuing in the arts at the college level.

The RFA board includes: Paul Ellis, president; Heidi Sorensen, vice president; Susan Downes-Borko, secretary, Victor Borko, treasurer, Priscilla Bean, Jeff Ellinwood, Les Hoekstra, Millie Hoekstra, Elaine Holcombe, Don Miller, Marge Miller, Father Paul Plante, Linda Sikes, Tom Sullivan and Lisa Symes. Associate members include: Barbara Dailey, Lillian Ellis, Sonja Johnson, Mike Schrader and Anne Walker. FMI: go to www.rangeleyarts.com