Quiet New England church vibrates with energy of Watoto Choir group

SALISBURY — “They say I have a lot of energy,” said the Rev. Diane Monti-Catania, pastor of the Salisbury Congregational Church, after an ebullient performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir Sunday, May 22. “But this space will never be the same.” The Falls Village Congregational Church, North Canaan Congregational Church and  Salisbury Congregational Church hosted the concert, which was a fundraiser for orphans in the African nation of Uganda. Ashley DeMazza (a teacher at North Canaan Elementary School) was the prime mover in getting the group here. She said she found out about the choir a few years ago, when a friend played her a recording.DeMazza made inquiries, but they didn’t seem to go anywhere until a few months ago, when the group’s tour schedule brought them to this part of the country.According to the group’s website, “the Watoto Children’s Choirs have traveled internationally since 1994 as advocates for the estimated 50 million children in Africa, orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war, poverty and disease.”The 21 children in the choir, all schoolchildren who participate for six months at a time, plus their chaperones (four young men and women in their 20s) performed in African costume and supplemented their singing (to a backing track) with live drumming and a slide show.One small boy told his story, of his mother who died, of how he and his two sisters made their way to the nearest city and lived on the street, and of how the police picked them up and got them to the Watoto organization.It was an unusual sight for a quiet New England church — almost two dozen youngsters in African garb, dancing and singing up a storm, in unison, and on a very small stage.The leaders got the audience into the act as well. People dancing in the pews and balconies is not an ordinary sight at the Salisbury Congregational Church.Andrea Downs of Falls Village organized a post-concert dinner, and the children in the choir stayed two nights with host families in the three towns.For more information, go to www.watoto.com.

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less