Make up our minds

Coffee is good for us again. When I was a kid it was part of a complete (adult) breakfast, along with Danish. Then the “experts” decided coffee was bad for us, possibly carcinogenic. Now it is good for us, stimulating something or another, but especially the economy.The sun used to be a good thing. “Get out in the sun!” my mom used to say. Now they practically tell us to wear burkas. Better yet, don’t go outside. We could link our homes with places we need to go by tunnel, like the gopher in “Caddyshack,” while singing, “I’m all right.”Eggs. We can’t seem to make up our minds on this one. A good, inexpensive source of protein or an artery choker? Bacon used to be an old breakfast standby until they discovered nitrates. So they took the nitrates out and made some of it with turkey. Bacon grease used to be great for cooking other stuff. Now it is a hazardous waste.Oh yeah. Salt. Why are they still selling non-iodized salt? Without iodine you can get goiter, but salt raises your blood pressure and makes you retain water. We used to take salt tablets in hot weather. This was supposed to keep us from passing out. I seem to remember that there were a lot more strokes back then, too. Here is a possible disclaimer. If you are lost in the wild and don’t know what you can safely eat, let your dog be your guide. He knows instinctively what is safe and he will go for salt every time. And, when he is done eating his salt you can follow him back home. Dogs are never lost. When they don’t come home, it is by choice. You might want to put out the good dog food tonight, and don’t forget the salt.Chocolate used to be part of a pilot’s emergency survival gear. He could eat it or trade it for other stuff as the enemy never seems to have enough of this. Now they tell us on the one hand that it has great antioxidants, whatever they are, but on the other, if you have any heart issues it can make your heart race. Since you only have a certain number of heart beats allocated, you want a slower rate, not faster. One disturbing thing about chocolate: It can kill your dog. That can’t be good.I am thinking of writing a murder mystery. The killer serves his victim eggs with bacon and a cup of coffee on the patio. There is salt on the table and cocoa for afters. Heh, heh, heh. Did I mention buttered white toast? Bill Abrams resides, and considers using his culinary know-ledge for evil, in Pine Plains.

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Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

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Classifieds - February 5, 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 Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

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Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

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Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

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