You don’t have to be a super sophisticated user of the internet to know about the “Grumpy Cat” meme, It started in 2012, when photos of a cat named Tardar Sauce got posted online. Because of what her owners think is feline dwarfism, Tardar Sauce has what might be referred to as a “resting grumpy face.” People started using photos and videos of the cat as a blank canvas for making jokes; and the Grumpy Cat meme was born (go to www.grumpycats.com to learn more).
Reed Halvorson’s new play, “Put on a Grumpy Face,” imagines what would have happened if Tardar Sauce’s owners had become dependent on the income from their cat’s popularity — and if the cat had suddenly stopped looking grumpy. The play explores the fast-changing world of internet celebrity, and will be screened between Jan. 1 and 13 as part of the ninth annual International Playwrights Festival at the Nancy Marine Studio at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, Conn. To stream this and other plays in the festival, go to . The performances are free but donations are welcome.
— Cynthia Hochswender
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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