Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is based in Torrington and its proxy area covers the entire Northwest Corner. A study is conducted every three years by the hospital to collect demographic data and factors impacting health in the Northwest Corner.
TORRINGTON — Food insecurity, economic stress, loss of insurance and housing were among the top factors identified as impacting the overall health of Northwest Corner residents.
Representatives from Charlotte Hungerford Hospital addressed the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut, at its regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 8. The goal was to seek out collaboration opportunities with municipalities and develop Community Health Improvement Plans.
Carla Angevine, regional director of community health at Charlotte Hungerford, said health care has become more complicated since the pandemic. She raised concerns about high rates of obesity, mental health, substance issues, diabetes and tobacco use during pregnancy in the area.
“If you look at the state, we sort of do stand out,” Angevine said. She noted that substance and mental health hospitalizations are higher in the Northwest Corner than the rest of state, as is food insecurity and housing insecurity.
Angevine said the region faces provider shortages. Primary care ratios are 1,810 residents per provider, compared to 1,210:1 statewide. Mental health care ratios are similar at 330 residents per provider, compared to 220:1 statewide. And there is one OB/GYN provider per 5,977 females, which is double the state average.
Dr. Mike Curi expressed a goal of creating “policy and environmental changes” to improve health.
“If we can engage the schools, the governments, the institutions in the Northwest Corner, we can build the kind of environments and structures that’s going to accomplish our goals of being the healthiest versions of ourselves,” said Curi.
He said in Torrington Middle School, just 11% of students passed the president’s physical fitness test.
Fit Together, a community collaborative, was created in 2011 to provide mini grants, information and program support for healthy living. It has helped build an obstacle course in Torrington, water fountains, bike racks, new gardens, trails and sensory hallways.
Fit Together, Curi said, is working to rebuild the wellness policy in Torrington schools.
“What can we help you with? Because we have the expertise to start to build and sustain things,” Curi said to the municipal leaders in attendance. “Our goal is to be able to regularly communicate with your constituents about what is the best way for them to take control of their health.”
Curi encouraged selectmen to reach out for collaboration. “And we work for free.”
Salisbury Selectman Kitty Kiefer expressed her support. “Thank you. I am totally with you,” she said. “This is key to our survival in the Northwest Corner.
More information can be found online at www.how2fitkids.org
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, the Winsted chapter of Veteran Affairs and Nicks longtime aide Robin Brazee Anstett.
Wake and burial services will be private, however our family welcomes you to a celebration of life on June 20,2026 at the Canaan Couch Pipa VFW between the hours of 12:00pm and 3:30pm
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to East Mountain House, PO Box 1405 Lakeville, Ct 06039
Nicholas spent his final days there surrounded not just by family but by an amazing team that provided exemplary care and support for which Nicks family is extremely grateful.
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