Valentine’s Day thoughts on how to find love, happiness and a really good dessert

Eliza Osborne
Just a few days ago it was raining so hard the bounce could fill your shoes.
Snow this week, though, with plenty of dark days still ahead giving good reasons for staying close to home.
Winter does have its pleasures, I think, although the foods of the season can pale a bit as it goes on. And on. Palates can tire. Mine has, anyway, although I like cold weather roasts and stews. But after a while there is a certain long-cooked sameness about it all, and the variety and abundance of summer’s fresh local produce can seem very far away.
Valentine’s Day offers one bright spot in the dreariness of mid-winter. Remember how exciting exchanging valentines was in elementary school? We all had our little crushes. And still, now, the day offers a chance to think for a moment about the loves in your life — friends, family, your dog if you have one. So do that — think the good thoughts about the past and the present, and make a plan to shake up an otherwise rote menu. One suggestion follows for how you might brighten a meal and the day, or any other day.
Serves 8
Start this one day ahead. Easy to finish and keeps well.
2/3 cup bourbon or brandy
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dried mission figlets, sliced in half and hard stems cut off
3/4 to 1 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped
1 cup jumbo raisins, or regular raisins, yellow or black
3 ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears, peeled and medium chopped
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
Vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
I have a friend who has a stall on the boardwalk in Atlantic City — beat that, by the way — whose more serious business is supplying nuts to casinos. He recommended a place called nuts.com to me and I have ordered regularly from them ever since. Nuts, dried fruits, etc.; organic options, very high-quality products and good service. You might try them, although, of course, all the ingredients can easily be bought locally, weather allowing. Guido’s has them, among many others.
Cook the bourbon, spices and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the figlets, apricots and raisins. Pour the mixture into a gallon-size zip-top freezer bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and chill for 24 hours. The next day, put the mix into a large, heavy pot along with the pears and ginger. Heat this to a simmer. You can serve at this point, or refrigerate and later dip out servings into a microwavable dish with a cover. For four servings, cooking about 3 and a half minutes will be enough. You’re looking for nicely warm, not hot. Sprinkle with the walnuts or pecans, and serve with vanilla ice cream.
So that’s the really good dessert. The advice? Love and happiness, I have learned, are a moving target. Sometimes you just have to take a shot. Go on.
Clarification: the end of my previously published column, Really Good Chicken and Rice, was altered from what I originally wrote. It should have read:
“Anyway, I was thinking about the grocery bagging. What you want to do is put the heavy stuff into small bags, and put those onto the floor of the back seat. Then take your big bag, which you’ve filled with good bread, soft cheeses, berries, tomatoes, potato chips — all the fragile things that make life worth living — and sit that on top. You can’t ignore what’s weighty, and these things are going to be there if you’re leading an examined life. Keep them under control and in proportion. But you’ve got to protect the things that bring you joy. Keep them uppermost. Don’t forget.”
Several sentences were deleted from this paragraph, so that it appeared to offer only very basic instructions about how to load groceries into your car. I’m assuming most people already knew how to do this.
Pam Osborne lives in Salisbury.
An adult lanternfly and nymphs in the final stage just before entering adulthood.
The Spotted Lanternfly, an insect native to Asia and first found in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, has made its way into northeast Dutchess County, New York, and the Northwest Corner of Connecticut.
Brent Boscarino, Coordinator of the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, explained that the lanternfly is a nuisance pest, but it’s not quite dangerous enough to trees and plants to kill them.
“Response is going to vary depending on where it is discovered,” Boscsarino said. He said the insects don’t pose a threat to humans or even that large of a threat to local trees and plants except for vineyards and timber lots.
Spotted Lanternflies will breed and congregate in massive groups in a tree or a collection of vines, feeding on the plants leaves and stems with special mouths that pierce and suck out the insides. During this process the insects secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. The added moisture can propagate sooty mold on the bark of trees and plants.
But the insect is rarely solely responsible for killing its host plants, Boscarino said, and if they’re out of sight there’s no need to go search out the bug to eradicate it. Instead, focus on areas where large populations of the bug might be causing a nuisance, like in trees nearby to regular gathering areas.
“If you’ve got a big canopy tree that hangs over your deck or a pool or a place where you congregate with your family, that is the area to focus on,” Boscarino said.
Suggested management strategies focus on trapping the insect in its nymph stage, when it’s flightless and continually falls off and climbs back up the trunk of its host tree.
Sticky traps can be used, but additional measures should be used to prevent mammals and birds from becoming stuck to the trap, according to information published by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. CAES also has information about funnel-style traps, where a mesh is wrapped around the trunk of the tree to route the bugs through a funnel into a container.
Spotted Lanternflies prefer to congregate in the invasive Tree of Heaven, and removing that tree from property can go a long way in discouraging the insects, according to the CAES.
Legal Notice
Brevi Properties LLC
Brevi Properties LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 8/27/2025. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 16 Peaceable Way Dover Plains, NY 12522. Purpose: Real estate management. Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
10-09-25
10-16-25
10-23-25
10-30-25
11-06-25
11-13-25
Change of Meeting Date
Please take notice the regularly scheduled Amenia Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for 11/17/25 has been rescheduled to 11/3/2025 at 6:00pm.
10-16-25
Legal Notice
Silent Mind Apparel, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/09/2025. Office location: Dutchess County, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: P.O. Box 593. Purpose: any lawful act.
10-02-25
10-09-25
10-16-25
10-23-25
10-30-25
11-06-25
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF AMENIA
SNOW REMOVAL BIDS
PERIOD 11/6/2025 - 4/30/2026
NOTICE is hereby given that sealed bids for Town of Amenia Side Walk Snow Removal will be received until Noon on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Town Clerk’s Office, Town of Amenia, Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22, Amenia, NY 12501 opened and read at the Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22 on Monday November 3, 2025 at 1:00pm.
Detailed specifications may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, by calling (845) 373-8860 Ext. 125 or by emailing townclerk@ameniany.gov . All bids must have proof of insurance for liability and property damage in addition to proof of Worker’s Compensation coverage. All bids must also be accompanied by a notarized non collusive statement and corporate bidders must file a corporate resolution with a corporate seal. All envelopes must be clearly marked “Snow Removal Bid 11/6/2025 to 4/30/2026”.
The Amenia Town Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Bids will be awarded at the scheduled Town Board meeting on November 6, 2025.
Dawn Marie Klingner
Amenia Town Clerk
10-16-25
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF AMENIA
SNOW REMOVAL BIDS
PERIOD 11/6/2025 - 4/30/2026
NOTICE is hereby given that sealed bids for Town of Amenia Wassaic Trail Snow Removal will be received until Noon on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Town Clerk’s Office, Town of Amenia, Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22, Amenia, NY 12501 opened and read at the Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22 on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 1:00pm.
Detailed specifications may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, by calling (845) 373-8860 Ext. 125 or by emailing townclerk@ameniany.gov. All bids must have proof of insurance for liability and property damage in addition to proof of Worker’s Compensation coverage. All bids must also be accompanied by a notarized non collusive statement and corporate bidders must file a corporate resolution with a corporate seal. All envelopes must be clearly marked “Snow Removal Bid for Wassaic Trail 11/6/2025 to 4/30/2026”.
The Amenia Town Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Bids will be awarded at the scheduled Town Board meeting on November 6, 2025.
Dawn Marie Klingner
Amenia Town Clerk
10-16-25
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
NAILED BY ALYSSIA LLC has been formed as a limited liability company (LLC) located in Dutchess County, New York by filing Articles of Organization with the New York Secretary of State (NYSS) on July 15, 2025. Alyssia Morton Beliveau is designated as registered agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Alyssia Morton Beliveau will be mailed any process against it served to 579 Carpenter Hill Road, Pine Plains, NY 12567. The purpose is to engage in any lawful business practice.
09-25-25
10-02-25
10-09-25
10-16-25
10-23-25
10-30-25
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING ON 2026 BUDGET
The Wassaic Fire District shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of discussing its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget on October 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., at the Wassaic Fire House, 27 Firehouse Road, Town of Amenia, New York. Copies of the proposed budget are available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Amenia and by contacting the secretary at 845-705-8304.
Copies of the proposed budget will also be available for inspection at the aforesaid public hearing.
Pamela Butts
Secretary
Wassaic Fire District
10-16-25
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Planning Board of the Town of North East on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the North East Town Hall, 19 N. Maple Ave., Millerton, NY at 7:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible on the application of Perotti Homestead Farm LLC for a Minor Subdivision on Tax Parcel #7069-00-953630 located at 5-15 Homestead Farm Lane, Millerton, NY in the A5A Zoning District of the Town of North East.
The above application is open for inspection at the Town Hall or via email. Please request a copy by emailing the Planning Board office at pb@townofnortheastny.govor calling 518-789-3300, Ext. 608.
Persons wishing to appear at such hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Communications in writing relating thereto may be filed with the Board at such hearing. Dated: October 9, 2025.
Dale Culver
Chairman,
Planning Board
10-16-25
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Planning Board of the Town of North East on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the North East Town Hall, 19 N. Maple Ave., Millerton, NY at 7:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible on the application of Silver Mountain Hay LLC for a Minor Subdivision on Tax Parcel #7170-00-062510 located at 437 McGhee Hill Road, Millerton, NY in the A5A Zoning District of the Town of North East.
The above application is open for inspection at the Town Hall or via email. Please request a copy by emailing the Planning Board office at pb@townofnortheastny.gov or calling 518-789-3300, Ext. 608.
Persons wishing to appear at such hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Communications in writing relating thereto may be filed with the Board at such hearing. Dated: October 9, 2025.
Dale Culver
Chairman,
Planning Board
10-16-25
Notice of Submission of Question to Voters of the Town of Amenia at the next General Election
Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to NYS Education Law §259(1)(13), and in accordance with the provision of the N.Y.S. Election Law, the following question will be submitted to the qualified voters of the Town of Amenia at the General Election to be held on the 4th day of November, 2025:
“Shall the annual contribution of the Town of Amenia for the operating budget of the Amenia Free Library be increased by Twenty Thousand ($20,000) Dollars to the sum of Two Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand ($265,000) Dollars annually?”
Dawn Marie Klingner
Town Clerk,
Town of Amenia
10-09-25
10-16-25
PUBLIC NOTICE
Transportation providers and other interested parties are hereby notified that the North East Community Center, Inc. at 51 South Center Street, P.O. Box 35, Millerton, NY, 12546, is applying for a federal grant of up to $500,000, under Section 5310 of Chapter 53 of Title 49, United States Code, for transportation services within the Towns of Amenia, North East, Dover, Pine Plains, Stanford, and Washington to meet the needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities.
The purpose of this notice is to invite private, for-profit bus, taxi, or ambulette operators and other interested parties to participate in the development of the proposed grant project and in the provision of enhanced transportation services to elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities.
Please contact Christine Sergent, NECC Executive Director, at (518) 789-4259, within 15 calendar days of this public notice to request a copy of the project proposed. Comments on proposed projects must be submitted to Christine Sergent within 15 calendar days after receipt of the proposed project information.
Kim Henrichs
Grants and
Contracts Director
10-16-25
Kitchen Help Wanted: two years experience preferred. KPG Kitchen and Bar, located in Kent, CT. Please call for interview 860-488-6755.
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
SNOW PLOWING: Be Ready! Local. Sharon/Millerton/Lakeville area. Call 518-567-8277.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
The roof of the Grove was damaged by the tree, the event tent was punctured, a chef was injured and the Jubilee Luncheon was canceled Sunday, Oct. 12.
LAKEVILLE, Conn. — The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News Jubilee Luncheon fundraiser at the Grove Sunday, Oct. 12 was canceled after a very large section of a tree fell on the caterer’s tent at about 10 a.m.
Most of the catering staff heard the tree breaking up and got out of the tent in time, but the chef was hit by the falling limbs and sustained non-critical injuries.
A portion of the Grove’s roof sustained damage and branches came through the tent.
The Lakeville Hose Company responded to the scene. The chef was transported to Sharon Hospital by the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service.
“While we’re deeply disappointed to cancel our annual fundraising event, our first concern is for our caterer’s chef, who was injured in the incident and is now recovering at home,” said James Clark, Publisher. “We’re grateful there were no more serious injuries, and we deeply appreciate the understanding and support of our honoree, underwriters, and guests.”
The incident occurred during preparation for the event, which would have centered around the presentation of the Estabrook Community Leadership Award to Bunny Williams.
Food that The Marketplace had prepared for the event was donated to People’s Pantry in Great Barrington.