Latest News
Stephen M. Brandt
Lakeville Journal
Aug 18, 2026
Charles Ray Rigdon
Lakeville Journal
Aug 18, 2026
FALLS VILLAGE — Charles Ray Rigdon, 69, of Falls Village, Connecticut, died unexpectedly of heart failure on the evening of Aug. 13 at home. He was the loving partner and husband of Garth Parsons Kobal for 43 years.
Ray was born in Alma, Georgia, Bacon County in 1957 to Elzie Dillard Rigdon and Ruby Mae Lee. Elzie (b. 1894) was a Great War veteran serving in the famous “All-American” 82nd Division of the 328th Infantry, the same as war hero Alvin York. Elzie was present at the conflict-ending battle of the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918 and sustained a shrapnel injury on Oct. 7, a critical day in the campaign that led to York’s famous capture of 132 enemy troops on Oct. 8. The war ended on armistice day, Nov. 11, 1918. Elzie remained in a hospital in France and was released in May 1919 after healing from his wounds. Elzie was 64 when Ray was born.
Ray’s family moved to Jacksonville, Florida where some of his siblings still live today. He attended Robert E. Lee High School, now renamed Riverside High School. Jacksonville was a major stopping point for the major 70s rock groups and Ray, most often barefoot, saw them all, developing lifetime passions for David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Joni Mitchell.
Ray moved north to Connecticut in 1976 during the Bicentennial to work for Edward R. Hamilton, Bookseller in Danbury. He was the company’s first employee and served for many years as a book buyer and copywriter.
Ray, 26, met his future husband, Garth Kobal, 18, in the spring of 1983 at a gay bar in North Salem, New York. Garth had just graduated from Bethel High School. They moved in together late that summer.
In 1984, Hamilton relocated from Danbury to Falls Village. Ray asked Garth to join him and the couple took up home at the village’s railway depot, historically the station master’s quarters.
Curious to learn more about the bookselling business, the couple moved to New York City in the fall of 1987 residing in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Jersey City until 2006. Initially working for a book wholesaler on Madison Avenue, Ray co-founded a gay and lesbian book wholesale company with Garth located in an artist’s live/workspace building in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Successful for a couple of years, the couple decided they didn’t really care for running a business and relocated back to Manhattan where Ray worked for book importer, Books Britain, while Garth was hired back by Hamilton to expand the company’s relations with publishers.
The couple celebrated their 20th anniversary with a wedding at Grace Church Van Vorst in Jersey City in 2003 with the Reverand Janet Broderick Kraft officiating. The couple returned to Falls Village in 2006 with Ray joining the copywriting team at Hamilton. Ray and Garth finally achieved their dream of legal marriage on the first day that Connecticut allowed same-sex unions, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008. Their marriage license was certified by Town Clerk Mary Palmer in Falls Village and they were married steps away from town hall by Justice of the Peace Denny Jacobs in front of Jacob’s Garage.
Ray retired a few years later. After surviving liver failure in 2016, Ray devoted himself to his husband’s health culminating in Garth’s successful kidney transplant in 2023.
Born in 1957, Ray was a Sputnik baby, a part of the first TV generation. He preferred having the TV on all the time, even if it was turned down while he listened to music. In his final years, Ray was limited in his mobility due to COPD. Even so, he continued to pursue the things that he loved most – cooking, music, reading, crossword puzzles and politics – adding a late-life passion for soccer. His favorite football clubs were Liverpool and Manchester United. In the last several years, if a match was on then Ray was watching it, sometimes several at once.
Ray was a stoic. He never let on about how he felt physically and never sat in judgement of anyone he knew personally. He had an immense capacity to show tenderness with family, friends, strangers, and significantly with animals. He loved and cared for several dogs over the years, especially Joe the Shar-pei and Emmy the Bulldog, a couple that mirrored Ray and Garth, one protective and introspective, the other outgoing and social. To the very end, if a dog visited the house, they would head directly to Ray and lay at his feet.
Ray is survived by his husband Garth Kobal and his siblings Talmadge Rigdon, Sonja Rigdon, Phyllis Moyes, Patty Tate, David Rigdon and countless in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins in the Rigdon and Kobal families. He is pre-deceased by his beloved sisters Helen Spivey and de-facto family matriarch, Mary Dimples Freeman.
In lieu of flowers and cards, memorial donations may be made in his name to David M. Hunt Library, 63 Main Street, Falls Village 06031 or at huntlibrary.org.
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Patrick Mahoney
Lakeville Journal
Aug 18, 2026
SHARON — Patrick Mahoney, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 1, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 31, 1957, in Sharon, Connecticut, Pat was the cherished son of the late William and Mary Mahoney.
Pat’s journey through life was marked by his passion for craftsmanship and the joy he found in working with his hands. A proud graduate of Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, he honed his skills in carpentry, a trade that became not just his career but his calling. Pat’s work ranged from constructing custom cabinets and doors to building complete houses, each project infused with his dedication and precision. Later in life, he brought his meticulous nature and talent to an auto body shop, where he continued to create and restore with the same fervor he had for woodworking.
Pat was a man of many interests, but his heart truly belonged to classic cars. An enthusiast through and through, he poured countless hours into restoring a 1935 Dodge hot rod and later, his pride and joy, a 1957 Ford Custom 300, which he lovingly brought to perfection shortly before his passing. His passion for cars was matched only by his love for animals, and he was known to rescue and care for any creature in need.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Pat will remember him for his kindness, his infectious sense of humor, and his unwavering love for his family. He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Kim Mahoney, who remained his steadfast partner through every high and low. Pat was a devoted father to his daughter, Erin Mahoney, whose happiness was always his highest priority. He also leaves behind his brother, Michael Mahoney, with whom he shared many memories and adventures.
In the hearts of his family and friends, Pat will forever be remembered for his gentle spirit and the warmth he brought to every room he entered. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and an enduring commitment to those he held dear.
A private funeral ceremony was held to honor Pat’s life, in accordance with the family’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Pat’s memory are invited to make a donation to a charity of their choice, reflecting his generous spirit and his wish to make the world a better place.
Though Pat has left this world, his spirit endures in the lives he touched and the memories he created. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.
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Celebration of Life - Pieter A. Van Why
Lakeville Journal
Aug 18, 2026
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life honoring Pieter A. Van Why, who passed away on April 11, 2026.
The celebration will be held Saturday, August 22, from 1 to evening at Norbrook Farms Brewery, 204 Stillman Hill Road, Colebrook, CT.
This will be an informal gathering to remember Pieter the way he would have wanted – with good friends, laughter and plenty of memories.
Please stop by and help us celebrate a life that meant so much to so many.
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Classifieds - August 18, 2026
Lakeville Journal
Aug 18, 2026
SERVICES OFFERED
Hector Pacay Landscaping, LLC. Residential & Commercial. Tree service, Painting, Masonry, Stone Walls, Lawn Mowing, Gardens, Construction. 845-636-3212. CT and NY.
LOJA CLEANING AND JANITORIAL Home and Apartment Cleaning. Commercial Janitorial and Maintenance. Offices & Commercial Spaces. Move In/Move Out. Customized Deep Cleaning Projects. Licensed & Insured. 475-746-8621 or 475-529-6484. lojacleaningservices@gmail.com
HELP WANTED
Garden Help. Looking for an experienced person to weed my acre garden and cut back some plants. In Salisbury. For July and August. Could continue into Fall. naylor99@gmail.com
Weekend Worker Needed. Weed whacking, Brush clearing, Firewood, Lawn and Garden work, plus more. Good work ethics required. Pay according to skill. Call 518-567-8277.
Wyantenuck Country Club is seeking waitstaff. Lunch shifts available for weekdays with flexible shift options for weekends and some dinners as well. Call 413-528-0350 or send resumes to brandon@wyantenuck.org
BOOKKEEPER WANTED. Part time. Sharon. 407-620-7777.
Local Reporter: The Lakeville Journal is seeking a news reporter to cover Northwest Connecticut towns and school district. Writing skills and basic knowledge of how Connecticut town government functions are a must. Email Resume and Writing Samples to Executive Editor, Christian Murray, christianm@lakevillejournal.com
Managing Editor: The Lakeville Journal seeks a dynamic, community-focused managing editor. The managing editor will be primarily responsible for editing and writing articles to serve communities of Northwest Connecticut. Duties include planning news coverage, ensuring there is a balance of quality stories and photos, and that deadlines are met. The successful candidate will have a strong news background and desire to grow news coverage across the region. This position is full time with medical, dental and vision benefits, a 401(k) plan, generous PTO. Send resume and inquiries to Executive Editor, Christian Murray, christianm@lakevillejournal.com
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
PUBLISHER'S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or:rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
HOUSE FOR RENT
MT RIGA LAKEFRONT CABIN. Private beach, canoe, kayaks, fishing. $1,275/week. 585-355-5245.
2 Bedroom House. Millerton, NY. Quiet. 4 miles from town. No Dogs. $2475 monthly, plus utilities. 518-567-8277.
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
1Bd/1b apartment in Amenia. $900 a month. 860-309-4482.
AUTOS FOR SALE
1990 Mazda Miata hard top/soft top. Manufactured Oct. 1989. 64,000 plus miles. 99% original parts. $19,500. 203-215-0729.
TAG SALES SHARON, CT
Tag Sale @ Sharon Station Rd. Sharon, CT, Aug. 22 & 23 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Carpenter tools, air compressor, generator, etc. Mechanical tools, odds and ends.
TAG SALES SALISBURY, CT
YARD SALE Saturday August 22, 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Musician and PA gear, household items, yard tools, and more. 92 Canaan Road, Salisbury.
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August, one bass at a time
Patrick L. Sullivan
Aug 12, 2026
This fish took a Wooly Bugger in basic black, with rubber legs. Always get the rubber legs.
Patrick L. Sullivan
Largemouth bass are not picky eaters. When engaged they usually dive and tug. Once in a while they leap. They are easily discouraged, however, and after a minute or two come meekly to the net.
Every August I shift gears and head to the ancestral HQ with no electricity, minimal plumbing and a warm-water lake chock-full of largemouth bass, not to mention smallmouth, perch, pickerel and panfish. The largemouth are the main attraction.
I used an antique rowboat for years. Then a canoe, which was awkward to manage solo, especially when the wind picked up.
Then I hit on a succession of inflatable pontoon and belly boats, powered by oars and/or swim fins, and there I have remained.
Did I forget to mention that no motors are allowed on this lake? Well, no motors are allowed, and it’s no good arguing that a small electric trolling motor couldn’t possibly hurt anything. Ask me how I know this.
It’s a quiet, rejuvenating few weeks. The phone gets enough signal on one end of the deck to receive messages and maybe make a call if the wind is right. If something comes up, it’s only 15 minutes to so-called civilization.
When not fishing, I read, visit assorted cousins, listen to baseball on the AM radio and/or stare blankly into the middle distance.
Bassing with a fly rod in still water is a different game than chasing trout in streams.
A medium-fast-action rod, 8 to 10 feet, in line weight 7 or 8 is the starting point. The flies are big, and the wind is constant, so the angler needs some power, tempered with a bit of finesse.
I usually bring two rods. One is rigged with a floating line with a heavy front taper for turning over surface flies such as poppers.
The other has either a sink-tip or intermediate line. The lake is not all that deep, and the Woolly Buggers, Clousers and other streamers are heavy. The idea is to stay out of the vegetation while getting close to where the lunkers are hunkered down.
I use short nylon leaders, 7.5 feet with 1X tippet out of the package, and modify them constantly with additional sections of fluorocarbon tippet, snaps and droppers.
Surface action is usually minimal during the day unless it’s overcast. The lake runs east-west, so the angler can track the midmorning and late-afternoon shadows and work those areas.
Or the angler can wait until about 6:30 p.m., when things start to pick up.
Or get out there at the crack of dawn, which is best if surface action is the goal.
For subsurface fishing, some experimentation is required to find the right combination of flies, leader and sink rate. The angler also has to decide whether to troll.
There are a few places where a dry-dropper rig is appropriate, the dry being an extremely buoyant popper with a piece of stout fluorocarbon tippet tied to the bend of the hook and something heavy and wiggly at the end, like a stonefly nymph with rubber legs. (Always get the rubber legs.)
If this sounds like a bobber, it’s because it is. Don’t tell anyone. The purists don’t like it.
A net with a long handle is necessary. There is no leverage when sitting in what amounts to a floating chair.
I do not bring my phone for fish pictures. I will drop it into the depths. Ask me how I know this.
Instead I bring a small point-and-shoot camera. These get lost too, but perversely I have better luck keeping the cheap gear safe than the expensive items.
Sunscreen is applied liberally and frequently. After 50-odd years of being outside, I now have to visit the dermatologist every so often to have my face edited, and I don’t enjoy it.
A baseball cap does nothing for the ears and neck. I have a hat with a wide brim and a vented top, so it doesn’t get too hot. It looks stupid, but this is an acceptable risk.
Finally, a word about the quarry. Largemouth bass are not picky eaters. When engaged they usually dive and tug. Once in a while they leap. They are easily discouraged, however, and after a minute or two come meekly to the net.
Smallmouth, not so much. These aren’t especially big, but every smallie I’ve ever met thought it was much bigger than it actually was. Expect acrobatics.
Perch usually grab my fly when I don’t want them to.

Panfish are everywhere. They are extremely cooperative. Chasing sunnies is a good way to get a newcomer started.
And then there are the pickerel. These are nasty fish. Very antisocial. I keep a pair of long-handled pliers handy to get the fly out of their mouths safely while admiring the large number of very sharp teeth. They will bite the pliers. Do not use your fingers. Again, ask me how I know this.
Upon release, it’s not unusual to observe the pickerel hanging around a few yards away, glaring and plotting hideous revenge.
So this is the August routine, occasionally leavened with a scramble into a brook trout stream if conditions allow.
It’s peaceful. Kind of boring, in a good way.
And then in the fall the game shifts back to rivers and streams for trout.
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