Webutuck choral group gets top rating at state music festival

WEBUTUCK — After working hard throughout the school year, the Webutuck High School chorus performed in front of two judges at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Majors Festival and received a gold rating, the highest rating available.This was the choral group’s third consecutive year competing at NYSSMA.After receiving a bronze rating during last year’s festival, the group, led by Choral Director Lee Stowe, practiced and drilled diligently, paying close attention to the remarks they received on their previous year’s performance.According to Stowe, the students who had been in the chorus for the two other NYSSMA Festivals were particularly eager to perform again and achieve the previously elusive gold rating.When the students found out that they had received the gold rating, “They were ecstatic!” said Stowe.During the judging, the group performed three pieces: two from the NYSSMA manual and one it selected on its own.“The students don’t just go in and let it fly,” said Stowe. “There are a lot of details they have to get down.”During their performance, they were judged on not only their talent and abilities, but on a wide range of criteria, including the appropriateness of the songs for the dynamics of the group all the way down to their breathing, posture and clothing.Students can be rated on solo musical instrument or vocal performances or on a group performance.Solo performances are rated on a numbered scale while group performances will receive either (from highest to lowest) gold, silver, bronze or certificates of participation.

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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.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

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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

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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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