Norfolk artist, illustrator and expressive therapist Katie Atkinson reflects on one of the 84 works at the opening of this year’s Art Wall 12x12 show at the Hunt Library in Falls Village. The reflecting disc, by organizer and artist Garth Kobal, is flanked by a painting by Judith Wyer and a landscape in oil and wax on paper by Shaari Horowitz, both of which were among almost forty pieces that sold immediately.
FALLS VILLAGE — An eager crowd milled around a barrier of chairs keeping them from the display of 12-inch by 12-inch paintings, prints, photos, drawings, collages, and ceramics hung on the ArtWall at the Hunt Library in Falls Village on Dec. 6. The show runs until Jan. 9.
Organizer and participating artist Garth Kobal remarked, “This is the fourteenth 12x12 show. We began them in 2011.”
The show caps off the year and is a major fundraiser for Hunt Library. Explaining that each work was $150, Kobal introduced his team of Zoe and Sergei Fedorjaczenco, Rika and Sara Laser, Yonah Sadeh and librarian Meg Sher, who would take care of the purchases.
The pace of the show was fast and a bit chaotic. Art buyers zeroed in on their favorites and quickly bought them. They were allowed to take the art at 6 p.m., but not before.
For the fundraiser component, artists could choose to donate all of the purchase price to the library or half of it. Many of the artists, wearing stickers identifying them, circulated through the crowd.
Veteran 12x12 artist Hope Mongeau was philosophical about whether or not her painting sold. “If my chicken doesn’t sell, I like it and I’ll put it in my kitchen,” she said.
Another veteran artist, Jane Macfarlane, said, “This is a great way to bring the community together to see the work of the local artists and bring funds to local organizations.”
Second time artist Ingrid Freidenbergs was showing one of her collages. She commented, “I am surprised at so much wonderful art and that so many people come out from the community.”
Art lover Robin O’Connor of Salisbury exclaimed, “I think it is fabulous!”
First time 12x12 artist, Laura McCarthy said, “I am impressed with the local talent.” She began creating her art during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jessie “NEMO” Luterbach was showing her work for the first time. “I’ve been an artist since I was a child,” she said. Her inspirations are science fiction and fantasy.
By the end of the night Kobal reported, “The event sold 37 artworks and raised over $4,500 for the library and $2,300 for participating artists. There are over 40 pieces remaining and looking for homes before the show comes down on January 9.”
Riley Klein
Olivia Brooks running the 3200m
NEW BRITAIN – Several Housatonic Valley Regional High School track and field athletes made the podium at states Monday, June 1.
In total, 18 athletes from HVRHS competed at Willow Brook Park in New Britain for the 2026 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Council Class S track and field championships.
Ryan Segalla placed 2nd in the boys 400-meter with a time of 48.28 seconds. He also placed 3rd in the boys 200-meter at 22.45 seconds.
Ava Segalla placed 2nd in the girls 100-meter race with a time of 12.47 seconds. She also placed 6th in the girls high jump by clearing 5-feet.
Anthony Labbadia placed 2nd in the boys triple jump with a distance of 43-feet 8-inches. He also placed 5th in the boys long jump with a distance of 21-feet 2.5-inches.
Simon Markow placed 9th in the boys high jump by clearing 5-feet 9-inches.
The girls 4x400-meter relay team finished 10th with a time of 4:33.34 minutes. The runners were McKenzie Lotz, Maddy Johnson, Keely Malone and Addie Diorio.
The girls 4x100-meter relay team finished 9th with a time of 52.69 seconds. The runners were McKenzie Lotz, Ava Segalla, Olivia Simonds and Keely Malone.
The boys 4x100-meter relay team finished 12th with a time of 45.43 seconds. The runners were Joseph Villa, Ryan Segalla, Cole Simonds and Anthony Labbadia.
The girls 4x800-meter relay team finished 12th with a time of 10:51.16 minutes. The runners were Maddy Johnson, Addie Diorio, Hannah Johnson and Olivia Brooks.
Brooks placed 14th in the girls 3200-meter with a time of 12:56.52 minutes.
In the girls 800-meter, Brooks placed 19th at 2:36.23 minutes and Maddy Johnson was right behind her in 20th at 2:36.25 minutes.
Silas Tripp placed 18th in the boys 800-meter with a time of 2:11.76 minutes.
In the boys 1600-meter, Tripp placed 18th at 4:48.98 minutes and Finian Malone placed 25th at 4:56.18 minutes.
The boys 4x400-meter relay team finished 27th with a time of 4:05.96. The runners were Donald Polk III, Alastair Schnepf, Owen Schnepf and Simon Markow.
Lakeville Journal
CANAAN — Anita L. (King) Gochey, 85, of 77 South Canaan Rd. died June 5, 2026, at Geer Village. She was the wife of the late Lester Gochey. Anita was born July 16, 1940,in Winsted, daughter of the late Ivan and Irene (Dulude) King.
Anita was well known throughout the Northwest Corner. She worked for many local businesses and organizations. Anita worked at the Rexall Drug Store, C.A. Lindell and Sons, Bob’s Clothing, Brooks Pharmacy, and the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the cafeteria.She used her skills in calligraphy to complete the record books for the North Canaan Congregational Church.Anita’s daughter remembers her as being very creative with cardboard, and a loving mom.
Anita is survived by her son Raymond Gochey and his fiancee’ Chris Filkins of Hinsdale, Massachusetts; and her daughter Michele O’Brien of Sharon. She is also survived by her sister Denise Warner of Torrington and her brother Arthur King of Danbury. Her three grandchildren, Kyle Gochey of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Cody O’Brien of Georgia, and Sabrina O’Brien of Falls Village. Anita was predeceased by her brother, Martin King.
A Celebration of Anita’s life will be held on Saturday June 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.
Lakeville Journal
SHARON — Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14 surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on Fe 13, 1951, in New Milford, Susanne lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, compassion, and dedication to those she loved.
A graduate of Brookfield High School, Susanne went on to work as a travel agent, a career perfectly suited to her adventurous spirit and love of discovering the world. She especially cherished her travels to Australia, London, and Hawaii, creating memories that she carried throughout her life.
Susanne had a lifelong passion for antiques and found joy in collecting and appreciating beautiful pieces filled with history and character. She was also deeply devoted to her beloved Boston Terriers, whom she lovingly raised and cared for over many years. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the companionship of the dogs she adored.
Above all else, Susanne treasured her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Tayfun Berberoglu Sr.; her loving daughter, Jennifer; her son, Tayfun Berberoglu Jr.; and her cherished granddaughters, Faora and Sybella. Her love, kindness, strength, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Susanne will be remembered for her caring nature, adventurous soul, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and animals. Her memory will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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Lakeville Journal
Lakeville Journal
SALISBURY — Rafael Porro passed away on January 6, 2026.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in his honor on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury.
The family welcomes all who knew and loved Rafael to join them in remembering and celebrating his life.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Lakeville Journal
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