Two-year-old Cary Pratt discovers the wonder of music as Eliot Bailen, founder of the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, plays “Ferdinand the Bull” during Music in the Nave at St. Andrew’s Church in Kent.
KENT — St. Andrew’s Church was filled Sunday, Feb. 11, with children and their families eager for the first children’s concert offered by the Music in the Nave series.
The program featured a reading by Emmy Award-winning actress Margot Martindale of “The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant.”
Pianist Margarita Nuller accompanied the reading on the Steinway grand piano the church was able to purchase in 2011. The piece was composed in 1940 by French composer Francis Jean Poulenc (1899-1963) for the amusement of his young nieces and nephews.
“Babar” was the third act in the program, which began with a performance of “Ferdinand the Bull,” composed and played by cellist Eliot Bailen, founder of the Sherman Chamber Ensemble. Bailen was introduced whimsically as “the only composer on today’s program who is not French and not dead.” His daughter, Julia Bailen, was narrator.
“Ferdinand” was followed by a lilting rendition by Nuller and Bailen of Saint-Saens’ “The Swan” from “Carnival of the Animals.”
It was not long into the program before the children’s natural curiosity broke through parental restraints. A few of the youngest attendees migrated up the aisle at the side of the church, peeking with interest around the front pews to watch Bailen at his craft. Two-year-old Cary Pratt advanced toward the cellist, eagerly pointing him out to his mother.
In the aisle, a young girl dipped and twirled to the melody of “The Swan” while Jessica Oncel, sitting on the floor, shared a contemplative moment with her young son, Leonardo, who was on her lap.
According to Matthew Harris, head of the Music Commission for the church, the Music in the Nave series is being expanded to include different genres of music, ranging from the annual Christmas “Messiah” Sing-in to chamber music, “old, classic rockers” and folk music.
This last genre will be the focus of the next performance Saturday, April 6, when Kent’s own, George Potts, who has made music throughout Northwestern Connecticut for many years, will be the guest artist. In 2022, Potts released his first solo CD, “Ends and Odds,” which got as high as No. 17 on the FAI Folk Music charts. His instrumentals have twice won the Best Instrumental Award at the New England Songwriting Competition.
The final concert of the series will revisit the concept of “Mozart in May” and will feature the Manhattan String Quartet.
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.
Lakeville Journal
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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
Lakeville Journal
CANAAN- — Nicholas Gandolfo Jr., 94 of East Canaan passed on June 4,2026, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer and CLL Leukemia.
Nicholas was born and raised in East Canaan to Nicholas Gandolfo Sr. and Marie Zucco Gandolfo both Italian immigrants, a heritage Nicholas embraced with pride.
During his youth Nick had a passion for the outdoors especially hunting and fishing which he enjoyed throughout his lifetime.
Nick served in the Korean war as a Marine. During his heroic service he received many medals and citations,most notably for saving his platoon even while sustaining injury himself during the famed Battle Of The Hook. Nick showed selfless dedication to serving the needs of others. He was involved with the Marine Corps League with whom he established a scholarship fund, the Canaan Couch Pipa VFW, providing durable medical equipment (and Girl scout cookies)to various VA homes and hospitals including Walter Reed in Washington. Nick also aided and assisted in other charitable causes not just limited to veterans, he served his community, for example, by providing thanksgiving dinners to needy local families.
Nicholas served as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Canaan for 25 years.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, and his fiery disposition. He was a shameless flirt who competed with his pals on who would receive the most hugs at any social gathering. With his charm, he always won.
Nicholas is predeceased by five brothers and his longtime partner Marlene Strattman. He is also predeceased by his daughter, Karen Gandolfo.
Nicholas leaves behind his loving daughters and their partners, his grandchildren and their partners and his great grand children. He is also survived by his only remaining brother, Robert Gandolfo, with whom he greatly valued his love and support. Nick also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. In his words, he had a special relationship with nieces Melissa Gandolfo and Lynne Gandolfo.
The family wishes to thank Salisbury Visiting Nurses.
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