Photo by Lester Smith
Allyson Kehoe laughs as Dan warns about his plan for the Whiffle bat included in their going-away gifts.
The contributions by Dan and Allyson to Suffield and the surrounding communities over the years have been too numerous to document, but let me describe just a few.
The Around Town Singers & Orchestra was founded and directed by Dan in February of 2008, and since then, ATS&O have produced several highly acclaimed productions in many venues. Allyson has worked tirelessly for the many productions, both behind the scenes and on the stage.
Dan has served the town faithfully on the volunteer ambulance since 1982 for 30 plus years, and he founded and served on the Patient Advocate Team(PAT), a service for families whose loved ones are receiving help from the ambulance crew.
Allyson is retiring this year after 26½ years with the Suffield School System. She has worked in the high school main office and as secretary to various superintendents. She and Dan have been married for 37 years and have two daughters, Keri and Laura.
Dan was the Trinity College carillonneur for 25 years and offered many enjoyable summer outdoor carillon concerts, much to the delight of his audiences.
Dan was President of the Suffield Rotary Club in 2003-2004, along with providing music for the club in the past. He received the Paul Harris Recognition award, Rotary’s highest honor.
Both Dan and Allyson have served as accompanists for the middle school choral groups. In addition, Allyson has typed the programs for the winter and spring concerts for many years, as well as faithfully providing homemade baked goods every week for the Middle School Concert Choir. She has also given piano lessons to aspiring students.
The couple has contributed articles over the years for The Suffield Observer. Dan has been invaluable to the Observer solving many computer problems so that the paper can be published on time.
Dan will be moving his computer business, Bigfoot Labs, to North Carolina, where he hopes to finish a book that he has been working on.
To Dan and Allyson: Thank you for sharing your many talents over the years with our community. We wish you a happy and healthy future as you begin a new chapter in your lives.