Nora Mason

Naugatuck resident Nora Mason has been named regional director for the Special Olympics of Connecticut’s Northwest Region.

Although new to this role, Mason has a long association with Special Olympics including serving as vice president of regional services, southwest regional director and vice president of sports. She was also the deputy director of volunteer services and deputy director of games operations when the Special Olympics World Summer Games came to New Haven in 1995.

“I am thrilled to be coming back home to Special Olympics. Special Olympics brings those with and without disabilities to the playing field to participate in much more than sports. Sport is the vehicle for growth, fitness, pride and personal achievement for all who take part in this movement, whether one participates as an athlete, partner, coach, volunteer or staff member,” Mason said in a news release.

Mason received a Bachelor of Science degree in special education from Lock Haven University, Pennsylvania.

As regional director, Mason will be responsible for managing all phases of the regional program, including community-based Special Olympics programs in the area, year-round sports training and regional competitions, and fundraising initiatives and partnerships that will further the organization’s mission of inspiring acceptance and respect for individuals of all abilities.

Prior to taking on this new role, Mason served as executive director of Jane Doe No More, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Naugatuck that assists and advocates for victims of sexual assault.

For more information, call (203) 267-6566 or e-mail noram@soct.org.

The meeting will be held Feb. 9 5:30 p.m. at Addona’s Banquet Room, 72 Waterbury Road, Prospect, and feature two guest speakers.

Kristen Cicchetti, a nationally certified school psychologist who has worked in the Bristol public schools for the past 11 years, will address parents’ concerns about behavior and describe how to establish a behavior plan. Cicchetti has developed and coached a Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program in her pre-kindergarten through fifth grade building for the past three years. Take-home materials regarding practical problem solving strategies to manage tantrums, defiance, and other childhood transgressions will be available at the meeting.

Peter MacDonald, a second-grade teacher at Algonquin School and reading specialist, will discuss early literacy and comprehension. MacDonald will provide information for guiding parents who want to help prepare their children for reading success and present an overview of the Readers’-Writers’ Workshop Project implemented by the Region 16 school district.
The event will include dinner. This event is free, however, a $5 donation would be appreciated. All preschool parents, teachers and community providers are encouraged to attend.

To register for the meeting, visit www.region16ct.org. For more information about the collaborative and upcoming events, e-mail Annette Shelbrack at r16prek@region16ct.org.

State Rep. David Labriola (R-131)

HARTFORD — State Rep. David Labriola (R-131) joined his fellow legislators in calling for the creation of a select committee to focus solely on agricultural issues.

“Connecticut farms employ over 20,000 residents and contribute $3.5 billion to the state’s struggling economy. In the region I represent, our farms are the heart of our communities and have tremendous potential to be an engine of job growth,” Labriola said in a news release.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiocchi (R-52) and State Sen. John Kissel (R-7) hosted a press conference Thursday in which they were joined by Labriola, Dean of the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Gregory Weidemann and Henry Talmage, the executive director for the Connecticut Farm Bureau and co-chair of the Governor’s Council for Agricultural Development in calling for the committee.

“Creating a select committee on agriculture would help state government to focus more legislative attention to farm communities and their ability to thrive. We need this committee to address the challenges of working farms and encourage legislation that will spur their growth and expansion in the coming years. I want to emphasize that the creation of this committee would come at no additional cost to taxpayers as we could utilize preexisting select committee staffers.” Labriola said in the release.

A major part of the continued success of the agricultural industry is developing a smart and capable workforce. Labriola noted that supporting exceptional vocational-agricultural schools, such as Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, is crucial to workforce development.

Naugatuck Savings Bank’s new branch office at 3580 East Main St., Waterbury, is expected to open this spring. –CONTRIBUTED

NAUGATUCK — Naugatuck Savings Bank announced plans to open a branch office on East Main Street in Waterbury.

“We continue to grow our branch network as we strive to better serve our customers” said Mark Yanarella, chairman and CEO of Naugatuck Savings Bank, in a news release. “The east end of Waterbury seemed to be a natural location for us to expand our footprint. Our new office will feature our customer-oriented design including a computer café and investment center, created to enhance our customer’s banking experience.”

The office, which will be the bank’s second branch in Waterbury and 18^th branch office in total, will be located at 3580 East Main St. The office is expected to open in the early spring.

“We provide the products and services to help our customers achieve their financial goals and provide a secure financial future for their families.  We also offer a full line of business products from business loans, deposit solutions and wealth management to merchant and payroll services” Yanarella said in the release. “At Naugatuck Savings Bank we are committed to giving friendly and personalized service to every customer, every day.  Our new location will be staffed with employees who are committed to our customer centric philosophy and high service standards.”

NAUGATUCK — The Whittemore Memorial Library is accepting donations of old computer cartridges, cell-phones, and digital cameras for its recycling program.

A portion of the proceeds generated from this ongoing program helps benefit the book budget and programs at the library.

The library is also selling bags for $5 that can be filled with two free booksale books.

For more information, call the library at (203) 729-4591.

The Prospect Planning and Zoning Commissioned denied two special permits for a farm stand off of Straitsville Road Wednesday night. Whitney, seen above, and Christopher Caporaso, who operate a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) on the site, applied for the permits. –FILE PHOTO

PROSPECT — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously this week to deny two special permits for a farm stand off of Straitsville Road on the corner of Porter Hill Road.

At the Feb. 1 meeting, commission members cited a dangerous traffic situation coming out of the property’s driveway as their main reason for denying the application.

According to expert testimony presented during the public hearing last month, the line of sight coming out of the proposed parking lot is 125 feet, which is less than the 150 feet required in Prospect’s zoning regulations.

Tony Cretella of Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services testified at the public hearing that the short sight line would mean that cars going slightly over the speed limit would not have time to stop before hitting another car coming out of the driveway.

Besides the sight line, the commission also cited testimony from a real estate appraiser contending that the proposed farm stand would lower property values for surrounding properties and negatively impact the character of the neighborhood.

Commissioners also mentioned that the farm owners have not complied with their original special permit, which required the construction of a fence or other barrier to screen between the farm and a neighboring property.

“They have not kept up their end of the bargain,” Commission Chair Gil Graveline said.

The 1.7 acre property is owned by Whitney and Christopher Caporaso. The couple operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) on the site, wherein members purchase a share of the farm pre-season and pick up a box of produce each week during the growing season. Some of those members picked up their shares on the farm until Land Use Inspector Bill Donovan issued a cease-and-desist order in August. The town asserts that the Caporasos violated their special permit issued in 2008 which specified that produce would be taken off-site for sale.

The cease-and-desist order prompted the Caporasos to apply for a new special permit and an amendment to their original special permit to allow for retail sales on their farm.

The commission’s denial of the special permit means the Caporasos will continue their fight against the Zoning Board of Appeal’s October ruling to uphold the cease-and-desist order in court. The Caporasos argue that their CSA does not qualify as retail sales since CSA members assume the risks inherent in the agricultural process.

Whitney Caporaso could not be reached for comment as of this post.

According to Donovan, the town’s lawyer is finalizing paperwork to submit to Waterbury Superior Court before the case will be heard. The court has not yet set a date for a hearing.

Lillian (Rutkowsky) Sutkaitis

PROSPECT — Mrs. Lillian (Rutkowsky) Sutkaitis, daughter of the late Mary Navitkas and Enoch Rutkowsky, passed away on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012. She was predeceased by her husband Charles Sutkaitis.

Lillian was born in Shenandoah, Pa. on July 12, 1924. She spent all her adult life in Connecticut where she touched the lives and hearts of the many children that called her Gramma. She always remembered the “kids” on holidays and special occasions.

She was employed for many years at Meyers Supply. Upon retiring she helped to raise her 14 grandchildren where she continued to be a part of their daily lives. Lillian Sutkaitis will be deeply missed by her family and friends but always alive in their hearts.

She leaves behind her daughters, Elaine Rumph and her husband Gary of Waterford, Gayle Pagoni and her husband Benjamin of Prospect, Donna Sutkaitis and her husband Brian Phelan of Cheshire, and Karen Gerard and her husband Allen of Prospect. She also leaves behind her nephew Ronald Rutkowsky of Waterbury, her 14 grandchildren Michael and Matthew Rumph, Benjamin, Christopher, Brian, Lilly, and Jill Pagoni, Virginia Pagoni-Ligi, Mary, Monica, and Eric Phelan, and Kevin, Kyle and Molly Gerard. She also leaves behind her five great grandchildren and her cat Tara.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. from the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 26 Waterbury Road, Route 69, Prospect to the Church of the Epiphany, 1750 Huckins Road, Cheshire for a mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Since Lillian loved flowers the family is welcoming flowers for her service especially daisies.

For more information and to place online condolences, visit www.buckmillerbrothers.com.

Mrs. Scarano was born on Nov. 20, 1917 in Limestone, Maine a daughter of the late Bertie Willey and Lillie (Hovey) Willey. She was retired from Dobbs Ferry Hospital in New York where she worked as a registered nurse for many years. She was a former member of the Red Hat Society.

She is survived by one daughter, Alena Scarano of Fairfield; three sons, Stephen Scarano and his wife Nettie of New Milford, Arthur Scarano of Alexandria, Va. and Joseph Scarano of Nashua, N.H.; her sister, Shirley Devoe of Limestone, Maine, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A memorial mass will take place on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 12 Ardsley Road, Waterbury. Burial will be in Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown at 12:30 p.m.

There are no calling hours and the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, 1579 Straits Turnpike, Unit C, Middlebury, CT 06762.

For more information and to place online condolences, visit www.buckmillerbrothers.com.

Sloane was born on January 4, 2012 in New Haven a daughter of Anthony Dorso, III and Shawna (Dionne) Dorso.

Besides her parents she is survived by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Frances Dionne of Prospect; her paternal grandmother, Roberta Dorso of Prospect; great grandfather, Mario Cherubino of Waterbury, and great grandmother, Edith Sielski of Waterbury. She also leaves several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Anthony Dorso, Jr.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Epiphany, 1750 Huckins Road, Cheshire. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 26 Waterbury Road, Route 69, Prospect on Monday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, Office of Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979.

DANIEL AKINSANYA, 21, of 38 Highland Ave., Naugatuck, was charged Feb. 1 with two counts of breach of peace.

Police reported on Feb. 1 at approximately 12:45 a.m. Akinsanya was arrested on two active arrest warrants. One warrant was for a disturbance reported on Dec. 22. After arguing with the victim, via phone, he arrived at the victim’s residence and threw objects at the home scaring the victim, police said. The other warrant was for a domestic disturbance reported on Dec. 16 between former house mates. During an argument, police reported, Akinsanya grabbed and shoved the victim to the ground. Akinsanya was given a court date of Feb. 2 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court and released on a non-surety bond.

DAVID HANDRINOS, 51, of 159 Lincoln St., Waterbury, was charged Feb. 1 with breach of peace.

Police reported on Feb. 1 at approximately 8:59 p.m. officers responded to 53 Conrad St. 8D for a domestic disturbance between separated husband and wife. Police reported Handrinos arrived at the victim’s residence and began banging on the door. When the victim opened the door Handrinos pushed past her and refused to leave, police reported. Handrinos was given a court date of Feb. 2 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court and released on a $1,000 surety bond.

JAMES BURNS, 25, of 24 Deerfield St., East Haven, was charged Feb. 1 with driving under the influence and failure to have tail lamps.

Police reported on Feb. 1 at approximately 11:29 p.m. an officer conducted a motor vehicle investigation on Cross Street. During the investigation, police reported, it was determined Burns was operating under the influence of alcohol. Burns was given a court date of Feb. 16 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court and released on a $1,000 surety bond.

ROBERT CUADRADO, 42, of 24 Central Ave., Waterbury, was charged Feb. 2 with violation of a protective order.

Police reported on Feb. 2 Cuadrado was arrested on an active arrest warrant while he was at court. The warrant was for an incident that occurred on Jan. 31. Cuadrado contacted the victim via text message in violation of a no contact protective order, police reported. Cuadrado was given a court date of Feb. 2 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court and held for arraignment.

JAMES BRADLEY, 37, of 25 Baldwin St., Naugatuck, was charged Feb. 2 with theft of motor vehicle plate or insert.

The report was not completed as of this post.

JOSHUA WARNER, 31, of 34 Tolles Square, Naugatuck, was charged Feb. 2 with four counts of violation of probation.

Police reported on Feb. 2 at approximately 8:13 p.m. Warner was arrested on active arrest warrants at 34 Tolles Square. He was given a court date of Feb. 3 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court and held on a court-set surety bond.

CLIFTON SHANNON, 53, of 166 Candee Road, Naugatuck, was charged Feb. 3 with driving under the influence and failure to drive in proper lane.

Police reported on Feb. 3 at approximately 1:48 a.m. an officer conducted a motor vehicle investigation on Candee Road. During the investigation, police reported, it was determined Shannon was operating under the influence of alcohol. Shannon was given a court date of Feb. 16 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court and released on a $500 non-surety bond.

TYLER WITTKOFSKE, 19, of 26 Bradley St., Naugatuck, was charged Feb. 3 with disorderly conduct.

Police reported on Feb. 3 at approximately 2:09 a.m. officers responded to 26 Bradley Street for a domestic disturbance between roommates. During an argument both male parties began to punch each other. Both males had scratches due to the fight. They were both given a court date of Feb. 3 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court and released on a $500 non-surety bond.

ANTONIO MARTINS, 19, of 26 Bradley St., Naugatuck, was charged Feb. 3 with disorderly conduct.

Police reported on Feb. 3 at approximately 2:09 a.m. officers responded to 26 Bradley Street for a domestic disturbance between roommates. During an argument both male parties began to punch each other. Both males had scratches due to the fight. They were both given a court date of Feb. 3 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court and released on a $500 non-surety bond.