Holiday fire safety tips for homeowners, families

KENT — Eric Epstein, chief of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department, offered some sensible tips for household safety during the Christmas holiday season.First of all, he said, “Every homeowner should make sure their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly working.” If they are battery powered, the chief suggested changing the batteries twice a year. “To make it easy to remember, do it every time you set your clocks to or from daylight saving time.”If you have a live tree in your home, Epstein said, it is essential to water it regularly — not just on the day it is set up. Trees that dry out become significant fire hazards.He also noted that when putting up Christmas decorations, most homeowners run multiple electrical extension cords throughout their homes. “Extension cords are a very serious cause of fires if not properly handled.” Always use extension cords that are properly rated for the intended use, he said. Never place extension cords under carpet or anything else that could be flammable. Never let extension cords rub up against anything that could damage them, such as sharp objects. And it is better to use one longer extension cord than have multiple ones strung together.When hanging outdoor lights, be sure to purchase ones rated for outdoor use. When using extension cords outdoors, only use those rated for outdoor use; never use indoor-rated extension cords outdoors.When working outdoors, always use a ladder tall enough for the job, making sure it is properly placed on the ground. If necessary, have a friend or family member hold the ladder firmly in place.If you light Hanukkah candles in a menorah, be sure it is not placed near curtains, drapes or anything else the candles could ignite. The chief also urged homeowners to keep decorations and other holiday things, including streamers, bunting, holiday cards, wrapped presents, et cetera, away from stand-alone room heaters, candles, lamps (electric or oil) and forced hot air heating vents. In other words, anything at all that could cause decorations to heat up and combust.

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Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Salisbury Association’s Land Trust seeks part-time Land Steward: Responsibilities include monitoring easements and preserves, filing monitoring reports, documenting and reporting violations or encroachments, and recruiting and supervising volunteer monitors. The Steward will also execute preserve and trail stewardship according to Management Plans and manage contractor activity. Up to 10 hours per week, compensation commensurate with experience. Further details and requirements are available on request. To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@salisburyassociation.org. The Salisbury Association is an equal opportunity employer.

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To save birds, plant for caterpillars

Fireweed attracts the fabulous hummingbird sphinx moth.

Photo provided by Wild Seed Project

You must figure that, as rough as the cold weather has been for us, it’s worse for wildlife. Here, by the banks of the Housatonic, flocks of dark-eyed juncos, song sparrows, tufted titmice and black-capped chickadees have taken up residence in the boxwood — presumably because of its proximity to the breakfast bar. I no longer have a bird feeder after bears destroyed two versions and simply throw chili-flavored birdseed onto the snow twice a day. The tiny creatures from the boxwood are joined by blue jays, cardinals and a solitary flicker.

These birds will soon enough be nesting, and their babies will require a nonstop diet of caterpillars. This source of soft-bodied protein makes up more than 90 percent of native bird chicks’ diets, with each clutch consuming between 6,000 and 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. That means we need a lot of caterpillars if we want our bird population to survive.

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Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and the home for American illustration

Stephanie Haboush Plunkett

L. Tomaino
"The field of illustration is very close to my heart"
— Stephanie Plunkett

For more than three decades, Stephanie Haboush Plunkett has worked to elevate illustration as a serious art form. As chief curator and Rockwell Center director at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she has helped bring national and international attention to an art form long dismissed as merely commercial.

Her commitment to illustration is deeply personal. Plunkett grew up watching her father, Joseph Haboush, an illustrator and graphic designer, work late into the night in his home studio creating art and hand-lettered logos for package designs, toys and licensed-character products for the Walt Disney Co. and other clients.

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Free film screening and talk on end-of-life care
‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards.
Provided

Craig Davis, co-founder and board chair of East Mountain House, an end-of-life care facility in Lakeville, will sponsor a March 5 screening of the documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light” at The Moviehouse in Millerton, followed by a discussion with attendees.

The film, which is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards, follows the poet Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley as they are suddenly and unimaginably forced to navigate a terminal illness. The free screening invites audiences to gather not just for a film but for reflection on mortality, healing, connection and the ways communities support one another through difficult life transitions.

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