Trays of catered foods, tables draped with linen and filled with wine, live music, and a silent auction greeted guests to the sixth annual Mozart, Merlot & Mums to benefit Kevin’s Community Center (KCC). The center is a free medical clinic open to uninsured or underinsured patients. A large banner outside George and Shane Miller’s house at 50 Main Street announced “an afternoon of music, fine wines, and garden tours.” Mr Miller’s extensive gardens and antique barn beckoned to guests while others clustered around food tables or stood listening to music.

Stepping away from friends momentarily, KCC Founder Dr Michael Taweh admitted that the Saturday, September 7 event was “most likely the best for funds and turnout.” The KCC Director of Finances Laura Branchini noted that the center is “in good shape.”

Glancing at the lightly overcast sky and noting the mild afternoon, she said, “We always say that Kevin arranges the weather.” KCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit free healthcare clinic that was founded in 2002 by Dr.  Z. Michael Taweh of Newtown, in memory of his son Kevin.

Dr Susan Belanger admired the “beautiful event.”

Gathering briefly to address guests, supporter Evan Pitkoff introduced Dr Taweh, who then thanked the Millers for opening their gardens and grounds to host the event again this year. Dr Taweh acknowledged the KCC supporters who “allow us to function and operate and provide services.”

Since they center opened, it has provided nearly $5 million worth of medical services to clients, primarily from Newtown. Located at 153 South Main Street in Newtown, the centers is currently open Wednesdays from 1 to 5 pm.

“The demand is increasing,” Dr Tahweh said.

In the coming “year or so,” he hopes to “realize our dream of a freestanding building in Newtown, allowing us to increase our services and programs.”

Among those also showing their appreciation for KCC were Cindy Wahlberg and Joe Paproski, Dr Susan Belanger, Kim Thompson, Deirdre Sommerer, Barbara Valunas, Katie Spiro, Katie Corwelis, Sarah Siglinger, Elizabeth Conway, Kim Beal, and Amy Livezey.

According to KevinsCommunityCenter.org. KCC provides free medical services to persons 18 years of age and older, who are uninsured or underinsured and who meet certain income guidelines. At present, KCC covers the towns of Newtown, Roxbury and Bridgewater. Free services include primary care, laboratory and radiological services, specialty referrals- pro-bono, prescription medications from our stock samples, diabetes education programs, and social services support.