Music in the Meadow brings community together for health

Tom Quinn, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64), Joanne Borduas, CEO of Community Health & Wellness, and Nancy Heaton, CEO of the Sharon based Foundation for Community Health.
Debra A. Aleksinas


Tom Quinn, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64), Joanne Borduas, CEO of Community Health & Wellness, and Nancy Heaton, CEO of the Sharon based Foundation for Community Health.
SALISBURY — Community Health & Wellness Center’s annual fundraiser, Music in the Meadow, drew a lively crowd Friday evening, Sept. 13, at the Barn at Stillwaters Farm.
Guests enjoyed an enchanting night filled with music, scenic views and farm-to-table flavors in support of the nonprofit’s mission.
Set against the rolling hills of Stillwaters Farm, the evening featured live entertainment from singer-songwriter Johnny Irion, which brought the crowd to their feet with a soulful mix of music.
Guests dined on a menu prepared by Emily’s Catering Group, while browsing an impressive silent auction that included experiences from Lime Rock Park, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, the New York Giants, Boston Red Sox, Warner Theatre, among many others.
Hosts Thao and Scott Matlock welcomed supporters to the rustic barn setting, where friends, neighbors, sponsors and donors came together to celebrate community spirit and the vital work of Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC), the only comprehensive Federally Qualified Health Center in Northwest Connecticut.
Guests also received a warm welcome from Maria Gonzalez of New Opportunities, Inc, who serves as chair of CHWC’s board of trustees, as well as State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64), and Joanne Borduas, CEO of Community Health & Wellness, which operates healthcare centers in North Canaan, Winsted and Torrington.
Event sponsors included, Gold level: NBT Bank, Shipman & Goodwin LLP and The Hotchkiss School. Silver sponsors were Mountainside Treatment Center and Northwell Health/Nuvance Health. Bronze sponsors included Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Ed Herrington, Inc., Elyse Harney Real Estate, Eversource, Indian Mountain School, National Iron Bank, Northwest Community Bank, PAC Group and Torrington Savings Bank. QualPrint donated the printing of event programs.
As CHWC’s largest annual fundraiser, Music in the Meadow supports residents across the region, regardless of their ability to pay.
“The money raised will go towards general operating/fulfilling our mission to provide high-quality, comprehensive medical and behavioral healthcare to our community,” said Kelly Baxter Spitz, CHWC’s director of development.
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

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
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.

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.