by Bob Letourneau Contributing Writer
After a long spell of rainy weather, it is now as good as it gets here in New Hampshire during July. Temperatures in the low to mid 80’s mild humidity and a light breeze, a great
On Wednesday, August 16th at 7 PM, the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum will host a program on the Hurricane of 1938, which hit New England on September 21, 1938, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Since seating is limited, advance reservations are requested, by e-mail to lakewinnipesaukeemuseum@gmail.com or by phone 603-366-5950. This program is free for Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society members; for non-members there is a $5 fee.
Speaker Dr. William E. Minsinger is a retired orthopedic surgeon, and a lifelong summer resident on the Big Lake. He was just honored for his more than 40 years as President of the Blue Hill Observatory in Milton MA, where the highest wind gust in the 1938 Hurricane –186 mph - was recorded. In 1988 Dr. Minsinger compiled a book for the 50th anniversary of the storm while at the Lake - The 1938 Hurricane: an Historical and Pictorial
See STORM on 32
day to be on the big lake. We, AnneMarie & I, along with our granddaughter Heather and two great grandchildren Hunter and Autumn, had been waiting for the opportunity to cruise on the Sophie C for weeks and this day looked to be perfect. We bought our tickets and board-
ed around 1:45 in the afternoon for the 2:00pm departure. We waited patiently while the captain backed out of the dock beginning our journey.
As we got underway Captain Evan Clinton came over the loudspeaker with
To The Editor: Have you heard of “Boy Toy”? It’s a book Dover, NH School Library retains on its shelf. The plot of Boy Toy is centered around the sexual abuse of a boy by his female teacher. Not only is the story filth, but page upon page is laced with profanity. Imagine content and words only fit to be written on the bottom of a toilet seat targeting these children’s minds Such are the books recommended from UNESCO/UN who dominantly influence government schools.
The path that our public school UNESCO/UN curriculums since WWII have traveled reminds me of the allegory of throwing a frog in lukewarm water so he won’t jump out before you boil him alive. Our youth have suffered this increasing heat of fatal indoctrination that is stealing many of our children’s minds while simultaneously striving to take away parental control. The goal is for the state to take sole possession of your children . These recommended books in the Dover scandal, along with many other throughout our state and nation indicates the temperature is boiling.
Teachers must follow the curriculum or loose their jobs. But at some point, moral responsibly to protect children needs to supersede. I can smell the “moral pollution” the Dover schools are propagating to minors all way here in Merrimack. All my life, I have tried to live up to the moral: “ If you see
something wrong and you don’t oppose it, then you become part of it.” If Dr. Harbron and School Board members are sitting on the fence, ignoring such garbage, they would certainly do well to follow this moral.
Too many parents still don’t realize their children are in hot water. Google the 4 part series by Duke Pesta called the “SOCIALIST DESTRUCTION OF EDUCATION”. Seriously, consider getting your children out of public schools! I recommend Dr. Pesta’s Freedom Project Academy.
Russ Payne Merrimack, NH.To the Editor: Remember this about slavery and racism:
As of three hundred years ago slavery had been a normal practice nearly worldwide throughout human history. In the US, free blacks as well as whites owned slaves, e.g., in 1830 about 3770 blacks owned slaves (https://tinyurl. com/42f6jah5).
What changed the worldwide attitude towards slavery? Christianity: the Christian principle that all men are created in the image of God and therefore slavery is a sin.
Christians began arguing about slavery in Roman times. In the late 18th and early 19th Century Christians who favored abolishing slavery gained enough power in Great Britain to begin the effort to abolish
This newspaper was first published in 1883 by Mathew H. Calvert as Calvert’s Weirs Times and Tourists’ Gazette and continued until Mr. Calvert’s death in 1902. The new Weirs Times was reestablished in 1992 and strives to maintain the patriotic spirit of its predecessor as well as his devotion to the interests of Lake Winnipesaukee. Our newspaper’s masthead and the map of Lake Winnipesaukee in the center spread are elements in today’s paper which are taken from Calvert’s historic publication.
Locally owned for 30 years, this publication is devoted to printing the stories of the people
slavery.
Following Britain’s lead, other European powers joined, fought, and eliminated slavery in their empires by about the end of the 19th Century.
It was European (white) Christians who provided the military power and paid the great human and financial cost to change the worldwide attitude towards, outlaw, and abolish slavery; it wasn’t Africans or Asians or another religion that led the fight and paid the cost to eliminate slavery.
Some say that all white Americans benefit from slavery, that’s ridiculous. In the Civil War, hundreds of thousands of wives and children lost their husbands, fathers, and main providers. Most formerly rich slave owners became destitute, having contributed their fortunes to the war effort and had their formerly valuable slaves (some worth $40,000 each) freed without compensation.
Since the Civil War, Democrats have been dividing Americans by race while blaming Republicans for the problems that Democrats themselves create.
The US outlaws discrimination on the basis of race. The only obvious apparent systemic racism against black Americans is in the bad schools, dangerous neighborhoods, government abuse, and the poor jobs, housing and other services provided in Democrat controlled cities.
Don
Meredith, NH
and places that make New Hampshire the best place in the world to live. No, none of the daily grind news will be found in these pages, just the good stuff.
Published year round on Thursdays, we distribute 24,000 copies of the Weirs Times every week to the Lakes Region and have an estimated 60,000 people reading our newspaper.
To find out how your business or service can benefit from advertising with us please call 603-366-8463.
PO Box 5458
“Something to talk about” and “It was terrific.” Those were the words that a 1934 journalist chose to begin his January 4, 1934 newspaper article.
What was so terrific that made it worth talking about? The thing that people often chose to talk about when nothing else comes to mind - the weather. But if it is the first week in January and it is a terrific subject to talk about, then there must have been something unusual about the weather, and there was, but it wasn’t that the thermometer reached record high temperatures.
In the opinion of some of those who lived through it, the opposite was true, record low temperatures during one of the coldest seasons of the year. Here in 2023 we were recently told that the earth experienced the highest recorded weekly temperature world-wide that has ever been re-
corded. So, without trying to have Christmas in July or August, I will remind you about what it is like to be cold, colder than some of you have ever experienced.
Anyway, before I tell you about the cold year of 1816, called the Year of Poverty, let’s look at the figures that were talked about in 1934 as neighbors no doubt
asked each other, “How cold was it at your house?”
I don’t think they talked about wind chill factors in 1934; the
Art historian Cristina Ashjian will present “Exemplary Country Estates of New Hampshire” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, in the Booster Clubhouse at 99 Main Street in Ashland. Ashjian holds an MA from the Courtauld Institute in London and a PhD from Northwestern University. Her current field of research is late 19th and early 20 century country estates. In that period, major summer estates were built in New Hampshire. She will use historic images and texts to discuss the state’s better estates, including some now open to the public such as The Fells on the shores of Lake Sunapee, The Rocks in Bethlehem, and the SaintGaudens National Historic Site in Cornish. This free public program is funded by New Hampshire Humanities and is sponsored by the Ashland Historical Society, which will also serve refreshments. The Booster Clubhouse is located on Routes 3 and 25 in Ashland village, next to the Town ballfields and playground.
Pamela Weeks, Curator of the Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA, will give an interactive lecture on the history of quilting on Thursday, August 10th, at 7pm at the Lane Tavern in Sanbornton, NH. This program is sponsored proudly by the NH Humanities Council and the Sanbornton Historical Society.
Quilts tell stories, and quilt history is full of myths and misinformation as well as heart-warming tales of service and tradition. Nearly every world culture that has cold weather uses quilted textiles – quilting is NOT just an American art. Pam Weeks weaves world history, women’s history, industrial history and just plain wonderful stories into her presentation. Participants are invited to bring one quilt for identification and/or story sharing. Prompted in part by the material culture at hand, Pam Weeks may speak about fashion fads, the Colonial Revival, quilt making for Civil War soldiers, and anything else quilt-related she can squeeze in.
Pam Weeks is the Binney Family Curator of the New England Quilt Museum. Author of the book Civil War Quilts and articles on quilt history, she lectures nationally on quilt-making and quilt history. Weeks uses quilts to tell stories of the Civil War, women’s history, and industrial history. This program takes placce at the Lane Tavern on Thursday, August 10th, at 7pm. Located at 520 Sanborn Road (Route 132) in Sanbornton, the Lane Tavern is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. This program is free of charge and followed by free refreshments and cold drinks. All are welcome and invited to bring antique quilts to share. For more information, please contact Linda Salatiello 603-5302941.
The Barnstormers Theatre presents Fully Committed, August 10 – 19th.
This devastatingly funny play by Becky Mode follows a day in the life of Sam Peliczowski, an out-of-work actor who mans the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan’s number-one restaurant. Coercion, threats, bribes, histrionics—a cast of desperate callers will stop at nothing in their zeal to land a prime reservation, or the right table. Amid the barrage, Sam’s got his own needs to contend with—his recently widowed dad wants him home for Christmas, and he’s up for a choice part at Lincoln Center. While juggling scheming socialites, name-dropping wannabes, fickle celebrities and egomaniacal bosses, can he manage to look out for himself?
Fully Committed has forty wildly diverse characters designed to be played by Barnstormers favorite Doug Shapiro. The production is directed by Dori Robinson and Jordan Ahnquist.
What the New York Times calls an “immensely entertaining… richly comic affirmation of everything ever heard, or suspected, about the bad behavior that good food can inspire.”
“If you have been to The Barnstormers Theatre in the last 23 years, you know Doug Shapiro! I am ecstatic to bring him and Fully Committed to the stage together for a whirlwind play unlike anything else this season.” - Sarah Rozene, Artistic Director
Fully Committed is presented at the Barnstormers Theatre, on 104 Main Street in scenic Tamworth, NH. Tickets are $20-$39.50. Discounted same-day tickets for Carroll County residents, and budget-friendly Family Packages available. Intermission refreshments sponsored by Whippletree Winery and Tuckerman Brewing Co. For more information and tickets, visit barnstormerstheatre.org or call 603-323-8500..
CANTERBURY - With estimates ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of miles in total length, stone walls are ubiquitous in New Hampshire and throughout Canterbury Shaker Village.
“These walls are living history,” explained Executive Director Leslie Nolan, who said the Village’s upcoming Stone Wall Workshop provides participants with the unique opportunity to rebuild part of it.
“This is an incredibly popular workshop that teaches participants a skill they can immediately put into practice.”
Scheduled to next take place on August 26 and 27, the hands-on workshop will be led by master stone artisan and mason Kevin Fife. In addition to rebuilding a section of a stone wall at the Village, Fife provides insight into the history of stone walls in New England.
“It’s a wonderful learning experience led by a master of his craft who also loves the Village,” added Nolan. “We are grateful for his continued commitment to the Village and the education of our guests.”
To enroll in the Village’s Stone Wall Workshop, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on August 26/27, visit shakers.org. The workshop includes materials, gourmet lunch, and drinks each day.
In addition to August 26/27, the Village will also host a two-day Stone Wall Workshop on October 21/22. Tuition is $250 per person per workshop.
As I contemplate my next run for governor on the Flatlander Party ticket, I have been paying attention to what some of the “Same old same olds” of the other parties who have already declared their candidacy are using as their campaign platforms.
by Brendan SmithOne candidate is an ex-New Hampshire U.S. senator who is back on the trail and getting many endorsements from a bunch of political so and so’s. (I didn’t notice the name of Sally, the woman who works at the convenience store, on the list, I like to wait to see who she endorses.)
I am not sure if this candidate will continue to run on this premise, but she did declare out of the gate that New Hampshire is just a step away from becoming Massachusetts.
As a Flatlander originally from New York, I don’t necessarily disagree since you could substitute New York for Massachusetts and have the same effect. In fact, you could substitute the names of plenty of other states in America.
But my question is, how does electing a popular career politician, backed by big money, change any of that?
It isn’t career politicians that are going to change anything.
After all, most candidates on both sides of the aisle who want a chance of winning are beholden to others and are too easily influenced by a handful of flawed humans with gobs of cash who have been really running the show since, well, forever.
So, if elected I promise to be influenced as well, but not by the usual crowd with deep pockets.
Back in February, I proclaimed my faith in Jesus Christ in The Weirs Times. Not an easy thing to do in this day and age. Some Christians are hesitant to share their faith loudly since they are nervous about what others might think of them. They’d rather keep their beliefs to themselves and not rock the morality boat while it is slowly sinking.
For my 2024 campaign I have decided not to be quiet about this. In fact, I was thinking that my campaign slogan might be something like: “I’ll Ask Jesus First.”
In making any decision as governor, I will first pray to the Lord to guide me before I ask for input from the other flawed humans around me like myself. I know it will help provide me with clearer answers and better decisions.
Okay, who out there just thought: “What is he nuts? What kind of campaign is that?”
A difficult one for sure, especially in an increasingly secular state like New Hampshire.
But isn’t it that what you always hear from other candidates anyway, especially so-called “conservative” ones? Though not always so directly.
A lot of politicians, and people in general, are quick to send their “thoughts and prayers” during difficult times and situations, which implies, whether they are even aware or not, that they are planning on asking the Lord for help.
I’m sure some spend a few minutes actually “thinking” about whatever the situation might be, but how many actually pray after they say it? I’d bet not many. Some will say it and then go eat a sandwich. If they truly believe that they should send thoughts and prayers, and it isn’t just lip service, then shouldn’t they also be doing the same thing when faced with any difficult decision?
You never hear anyone hon-
estly say” “That’s terrible. I guess I could send thoughts and prayers but I’m very busy.”
So, my campaign will be the “thoughts and prayers” (with a bigger focus on the prayers) on spiritual steroids if you will.
I feel it would be a good idea for the media to confront candidates as to their thinking on this issue as well, but I won’t hold my breath.
Will they commit to expanding on their routine, boilerplate “thoughts and prayers” responses and commit to some real prayer when the going gets tough and then go and actually pray?
Maybe at the next WMUR debate for governor, the hosts might deviate from their lighthearted “What is your favorite color” type folksy questions at the end of the debate and ask something like: “You have all at one time or another said you offered your thoughts and prayers after a terrible situation. So, did you actually pray after you said this and, if so, will you continue to pray when faced with other difficult issues as governor?”
But, of course, I’m guessing no one in the media would dare go down that road and would instead safely pivot to “What is your favorite flavor ice cream?”
I realize that my campaign slogan will not be popular with many, but I don’t care. Professing your faith out loud is always hard. If you have read the Bible, you realize that going in. It’s a battle and many will do what they can to discredit you based on that alone.
Who are they really working for?
So, will my campaign strategy succeed?
It doesn’t really matter, even if I lose the governorship, I still will have gained what matters most.
And if you have to ask what that is, then I’ll pray that you get the answer sooner than later.
Now In 5th Printing! The Flatlander Chronicles
Weirs
Times
original Flatlander Columns.
Order your autographed copy today for $13.99 plus $3 for shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like the author to personalize your copy with.)
Make out checks or money orders for $16.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: The Flatlander Chronicles, c/o The Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247. Order online at www.BrendanTSmith.com
Republicans have a new shining star for the 2024 presidential election in the way of Georgia State Rep. Mesha Mainor.
Mainor, an African American who has been serving the Georgia state legislature since January 2021, announced two weeks ago that she is leaving the Democratic Party and becoming a Republican.
This is a decision of notable courage in that District 56 that she represents, located in the area around Atlanta, is deep blue.
Writing an open letter to the nation in the New York Post, she talks about leaving a Democratic Party that very much defined her roots growing up around Atlanta, remarks that ironically strike a note similar to the famous quote of Ronald Reagan, who began his political life as a Democrat.
Reagan’s famous line: “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me.”
Mainor talks about her concerns principally about education, her support for school choice that Democrats oppose, but in addition her disillusionment with a Democratic Party soft on crime and soft on law enforcement.
Poll after poll shows overwhelming support from African Americans for school choice.
Most recently from EdChoice, 78% of African Americans said they view education savings accounts favorably, 79% vouchers favorably, 74% charter schools favorably and 78% open enrollment favorably.
According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the nation’s report card, less than a third of fourth and eighth grade students in Georgia are proficient or better in reading.
It’s also clear that Black Americans are not on the same page with the Democratic Party on the woke issue.
On the question of whether a child’s sex is genetically “determined” at birth, per Pew polling, 68% of Black Americans say “yes,” compared to 38% of those identified as Democrat or “leaning Democrat.”
Mainor’s honesty and courage are worthy of admiration and respect.
But what will Republicans do with this?
Georgia is a key swing state, won by Donald Trump in 2016 and then recaptured by Joe
There’s a group of people who control what you are allowed to see -- the news you read, the videos you watch, the posts you engage with. You haven’t heard of them. You don’t know their names, but they determine, through methods both direct and indirect, whether you are allowed to be exposed to particular messages. Their decisions can bankrupt companies, silence voices and fundamentally shift cultural norms. Who are these people and how do they do this?
ing the future of media, entertainment and culture. GARM is a cross-industry alliance that brings these mega-corporations -- the advertisers -- together with Big Tech companies like Meta, who owns Facebook and Instagram; Google-owned YouTube; the CCP’s TikTok; and even Snapchat and Pinterest.
by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist
This unholy alliance created something they call the Brand Safety Floor & Suitability Framework. Think of Brand Safety as a dog whistle for censorship. They say it themselves: The Brand Safety Floor means, “Content not appropriate for any advertising support.” In other words, if you publish content that violates these guidelines, you will be blacklisted from 90% of the advertising revenue in the marketplace.
Well, at the top level you have a network of global elites who have created a universal framework full of guidelines and ratings designed to enforce “approved” narratives and punish disapproved ones. It sounds like a conspiracy theory, except it isn’t a secret and we’re not guessing.
First, you have the World Economic Forum, the WEF, and their platform for shaping the future of media, entertainment and culture. Second, you have the World Federation of Advertisers, the WFA, who represent mega-corporations that control 90% of global advertising dollars. WFA members are a who’s who of global business and include some of our recent wokeified favorites like Bud Light’s parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev, Hershey, Procter & Gamble, Lego and Disney.
There is barely a billionaire Fortune 500 CEO, heavyweight philanthropist, government or woke nonprofit that isn’t associated with the WEF or the WFA. In 2019, the WFA established the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, or GARM. Within months, the WEF adopted GARM as part of its platform for shap-
So, what have these global elites decided to put in their censorship framework? They started with things we can all universally agree on, like preventing the distribution of child pornography or the advocacy of graphic terrorist activity. But they don’t draw the line at what is objectively criminal, abusive or dangerous. They continue expanding the guidelines to include far more subjective parameters.
For example, the framework lists subjective terms like “hate speech” as a problem. It says that anything surrounding transgenderism that they decide is dehumanizing or discussing what they deem to be a debated social issue in an insensitive way is off limits.
The framework is deliberately vague, allowing those in control to pick and choose how they enforce it and against whom.
So, how exactly do the approved narratives set by these global entities get enforced all the way down to the daily content you consume?
Well, here’s how. We’ll start with NewsGuard. NewsGuard is an organization that formu -
There is actually a Democratic governor who cares about economic freedom!
He’s Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. He’s the subject of my new video.
aquaculture venture fund. He sold the flower and greeting card companies for more than $1 billion.
Polis says being an entrepreneur “really helped prepare me for public service in ways that people don’t expect.”
Wait. I don’t like the way he used the term “public service.”
Good. He’s right. Certainly Amazon, Starlink, Apple, Google, etc., provide more service to the public than most governments do. Heck, government often gets in the way.
ridiculous, like making me buy a “government-approved” fire extinguisher for my lemonade stand.
“Government in general does a lot of things that aren’t necessary,” Polis admits. He signed a bill to make it legal in Colorado for anyone under 18 to run a small or occasional business without a permit.
by John Stossel Syndicated Columnist
Before Polis got into the ugly field of government, he did useful work. He was an entrepreneur. He started an online flower company, modernized his parents’ greeting card company, and founded charter schools, an internet access company, Spanish-speaking movie theaters and an
“I think you did public service when you ran a business. Why is only government called public service?” I ask.
“I do like to think ... any company that adds value, does something in a more efficient way, a better way, is certainly a form of service as well,” Polis responds.
In Denver, officials shut down a kids’ lemonade stand because the kids “didn’t have a permit.” That’s typical.
I once tried to get such a permit and open a lemonade stand in New York City. The government website promised to make the process easy. It didn’t. There were mysterious acronyms like “EIN” (employee identification number). Some instructions were unintelligible. Others were just
Polis pushes other ideas meant to make it easier for people to succeed. He wants to get rid of Colorado’s income tax.
“It penalizes success,” he says. “Income is something that’s good. We’ve reduced the income tax twice in Colorado since I’ve been there.”
PARIS - The recent military coup d’etat in Niger, a vast and arid land on the southern tier of the Sahara, underscores the widening political crisis in Africa’s Sahel region, where instability, dire poverty and Islamic jihadi terrorism, have stalked the land. Thus when General Tchiani of the Presidential Guard, bedecked in ribbons and wearing a camouflage uniform, overthrew elected President Mohammed Bazoum, his move created a classic coup which would presumably soon be forgotten and certainly overlooked internationally.
But now, there’s a new dynamic with Russian mercenaries backing the new regime posing a direct threat to French and yes, U.S. interests, thus setting the stage for an impending proxy conflict.
by John J. Metzler Syndicated Columnist
France, the former colonial power in Niger and most of this region has been jolted by the events; not by yet another military overthrow but rather the new regime’s open embrace of Moscow as a political patron in a region where Paris has long held indirect political and cultural sway even sixty years after granting formal independence. Economic development assistance, favorable trade and security deals with France formed part of the old Gaullist “FrancAfrique ” postcolonial model.
First some geography; the Sahel
region stretches across the underbelly of the Sahara desert from Mauritania on the Atlantic to Sudan on the Red Sea. It comprises Muslim countries like Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. Mali with French and UN peacekeeping support, fought a long term conflict with Islamic rebels only to shun Paris and the UN and court Moscow.
Niger, not to be confused with Nigeria, was part of former French West Africa until 1960 when it gained independence. The Texas sized land has 25 million citizens, half under the age of 15.
While the new regime in Niamey has denounced its security and defense accords with France, the Foreign Ministry in Paris refutes the claim as having no value com-
ing from an illegitimate government. France already has 1,500 troops based in Niger reflecting long standing security accords between Paris and its former colonies. Interestingly the United States has forces in Niger too, carrying out counter-terrorism operations at a vital drone base.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna warned, “Coups are no longer appropriate…it’s time to put an end to it.” Nonetheless West Africa has experienced five coups since 2020!
Deposed democratically elected Niger President Mohammed Bazoum was quoted as stating, “If the coup succeeds, the consequences will be devastating for my country, our region and the whole world.”
WOLFEBORO - On Tuesday, August 15th, the Wright Museum will welcome author Sophie Poldermans. This is the eleventh program of the Wright Museum’s 2023 Education Series. The author will have books available to purchase.
This is the astonishing true story of three teenage Dutch girls, Hannie Schaft and sisters Truus and Freddie Oversteegen, that has inspired many throughout the world.
When Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in World War II, these girls took up arms against the enemy
them into the woods and killing them. They provided Jewish children with safe houses and gathered vital intelligence for the resistance. They did what they did “because it had to be done.” Above all, they tried to remain human in inhuman circumstances.
Hannie Schaft was executed by the Na -
became the icon of female Dutch resistance.
Truus and Freddie Oversteegen survived the war, but were forever haunted by the demons of their past.
Sophie Poldermans personally knew Truus and Freddie Oversteegen for 20 years and worked closely with them for over a decade as a board member
She is a best-selling author, international speaker, lawyer, lecturer and consultant on women’s leadership in times of conflict, crisis and change, advocating women’s rights around the globe.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the program begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15th at the Wright Museum’s DuQuoin Education Center, 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online at www.wrigthmuseum.org/lecture-series or by calling 603-5691212. The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, the Wright Museum features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representa -
tive of both the homefront and battlefield. For more information about the 2023 Lecture Series, or museum, visit wrightmuseum. org.
This series of Letters
From God is an attempt to put the thoughts of God as revealed in the Scriptures.
QUESTION: What Is The Test That Will Assure Me That I Have Genuine Faith?
This question is so vitally important for you to answer correctly. One day you will stand in my presence and if you have genuine faith, that I will save you from the consequences of your sin, you can face that day with confidence. You do not want to be surprised, thinking that your faith was genuine when in fact it was not. If you were to be accepted by me when you stand in my presence, it will be because you’ve demonstrated a genuine faith that humbles yourself, recognizes your sins separated you from me forever, and then asked me and my Son, Jesus, to forgive you and restore you to a relationship with your creator God. This alone will meet the test for you.
In the Sermon on The Mount spoken by my son, Jesus your Messiah, he made the radical statement that “you cannot serve God and wealth,” that is money (Matt 6:24).
Whomever you serve is the one you look to as God. If you serve money by making it the major pursuit of your life and relying on it, instead of me, you can be confident that though you expressed faith in me, it was not genuine. You are fool-
ing yourself. Since the love of money and me are mutually exclusive, what you love will reveal what you hate. If money is what you love, serve, pursue above anything in life and trust in to secure you,you, de facto, hate me. If, however I am the one you love, serve, pursue above anything in life and trust in, you will, de facto, hate money in comparison. What is the evidence of your loyalty to me or to money? It is revealed in my Son’s teaching on “worry.”
(Matt 6:25-34). If you are truly trusting me as God, you will give your life up to serve me. Pleasing me and my concerns will be your passion and the focus of your life. As such, lesser things like making, having and spending money become unimportant with respect to your focus.
First because you know that my Son has promised that if you “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness… all these things (essential for life) will be added to you (Matt 6:23).
The other reason is that you become so enamored with me and my will, you have no time nor desire to make the pursuit of money to secure yourself your priority in life. This doesn’t mean you don’t need money and that you shouldn’t work hard to have what you need but it does mean that it is not your purpose for living and pre-eminent pursuit in life in order to secure yourself.
I have promised that when you do make me and my purposes your focus, I will take care of all of your needs. Have you noticed how I provide for the fauna on the earth so that they have all their needs met? (6:26). Have you also noticed how magnificent I make the flora on the earth and provide the rain and sun for it to flourish? Not even Solomon was arrayed in such splendor like that of the flowers of the earth (6:29-30). If I do that for them, don’t you think I will do the same for you, my crowning creation that share my image and can enjoy a personal relationship with me?
Besides, when you pursue money over me and worry constantly, do you think it adds anything to your life. Your worry actually detracts from your life. Your worry is killing you (6:27). Whenever you worry, because you can’t or won’t trust me to provide for your needs, you can be assured your faith isn’t genuine or is not adequate to appropriate my blessings. That is why my Son said of you, “you of little faith.” (6:30).
As I said above and repeat, you must stop living for yourself and making yourself God. Stop trying to secure your life because you reject me, your creator God, and bear my job description of taking care of your needs. Instead, trust my Son, Jesus, as your Savior. Ask him to forgive your sins by applying his sacrificial death on a cross to pay your pen-
alty and restore you to me and to eternal life. Trust me as well, to keep my promise. Speaking of me he said, “but seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (6:23).
Test me and see, that if I loved you enough to create you and then to send my Son, Jesus your Messiah, to save you from your sins, I will take care of you and all your needs during your lifetime and for eternity after you die. Leave the worry to those who refuse to return to me and who will miss the life that only I can give.
I love you, God
These letters are written by Rev. Dr. Samuel Hollo, pastor at the Community Church of Alton, NH.
“I Really Only Did It For The SocksStories & Thoughts On Aging”
All summer merchandise will be liquidated! Make-An-Offer promotion for the remainder of August.
Order your autographed copy today for $16.99 plus $3 shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like.) Make out checks or money orders for $19.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to:
We will have booth rentals for consignment, starting in September. Call to inquire!
Socks Book c/o Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247
131 Lake St., Gilford, NH (In the old Cheapo Depot) used2bnewllc.com • 603-366-8044
Or order online at BrendanTSmith.com
(Autographed copies also avail. at the Weirs Times)
BRENDAN
“I Really Only Did It For The SocksStories & Thoughts On Aging”
Order your autographed copy today for $16.99 plus $3 shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like.) Make out checks or money orders for $19.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: Socks Book c/o Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247
Or order online at BrendanTSmith.com
(Autographed copies also avail. at the Weirs Times)
When you retire, you’ll experience many changes — should one of them involve your living arrangements?
The issue of downsizing is one that many retirees will consider. If you have children, and they’ve grown and left the home, you might find yourself with more space than you really need. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean you must pack up and scale down yourself. You might love your home and neighborhood and see no reason to go. But if you’re open to a change, you could find that moving to a smaller house, a condo or an apartment may make sense for you.
Let’s consider some of the advantages of downsizing:
• You could save money. Moving to a smaller space could lower your utility bills and upkeep costs.
• You could save effort. A smaller home will mean less maintenance and cleaning.
• You could de-clutter. Over the years, most of us accumulate more possessions than we really need. Downsizing gives you a chance to de-clutter. And you can do some good along the way, too, because many charitable organizations will welcome some of your items.
• You could make money. If you’ve had your home for many years, it’s certainly possible that it’s worth more — perhaps a great deal more — than what you paid for it. So, when you sell it, you could pocket a lot of money — possibly without being taxed on the gains. Generally, if you’ve lived in your home for at least two years in the five-year period before you sold it, you can exclude $250,000 of capital gains, if you’re single,
or $500,000 if you’re married and file taxes jointly. (You’ll want to consult with your tax advisor, though, before selling your home, to ensure you’re eligible for the exclusion, especially if you do own multiple homes. Issues can arise in connection with determining one’s “primary” residence.)
While downsizing does offer some potentially big benefits, it can also entail some drawbacks. First of all, it’s possible that your home might not be worth as much as you had hoped, which means you won’t clear as much money from the sale as you anticipated. Also, If you still were paying off a mortgage on your bigger home, you may have been deducting the interest payments on your taxes — a deduction that might be reduced or lost to you if you purchase a less-expensive condo or become a renter. Besides these financial factors, there’s the ordinary hassle of packing and moving. And if you’re going to a much smaller living space, you may not have much room for family members who want to visit or occasionally spend the night.
So, as you can see, you’ll need to weigh a variety of financial, practical and emotional issues when deciding whether to downsize. And you will also want to communicate your thoughts to grown children or other family members who may someday have reason to be involved in your living space. In short, it’s a big decision — so give it the attention it deserves.
NICK TRUDEL, ChFC®, AAMS™ , CRPC™, FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 293-0055
nicholas.trudel@edwardjones.com
28 Weirs Rd., Suite 1, Gilford, NH
BENJAMIN J WILSON, CEPA®, AAMS™, FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 524-4533
benjamin.wilson@edwardjones.com
386 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH
JASON R POCHILY FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 524-3501
jason.pochily@edwardjones.com
171 Daniel Webster Hwy., Suite 7 Belmont, NH
DEVON SULLIVAN, CFP®, CRPC™ FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 279-3284
devon.sullivan@edwardjones.com
164 NH Route 25, Unit 1A Meredith, NH
KEITH A BRITTON FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 253-3328
keith.britton@edwardjones.com
512 Whittier Highway, Suite 1 Moultonborough, NH
Investing is about more than money.
At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s important to you?” Without that insight and a real understanding of your goals, investing holds little meaning. Contact your Edward Jones financial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals.
American oystercatchers on a beach in New England.
by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer
Last week I wrote about the joys of birding in the sweltering August heat. A few days after writing the column, I took my own advice and visited a beach on Long Island Sound in southern Connecticut.
It turns out that I actually know what I am talking about every so often as I had a great time looking at the birds along the shore. The action started before I
walked out of the parking lot as three ospreys soared overhead. Their “ki-ki-ki” call drew my attention and subconsciously turned my eyes upward to the sky.
As I walked along the shrubby area to get to the beach, a catbird and a few song sparrows provided a warm-up for the birding action that lay just ahead.
A few other birdwatchers, fishermen and beachgoers were already enjoying the area. I zeroed in on the
birdwatchers to see if they were “on” anything good. The nearest birders were looking at the water’s edge through binoculars so I slowly approached where they were standing. I saw a small group of “peeps,” a general term used for sandpipers, sanderlings, plovers and other small brown shorebirds. Sanderlings and least sandpipers made up the bulk of this group of shorebirds.
I heard in the distance the unmistakable call of
American oystercatchers in flight. As they are one of my favorite birds, I diverted my attention away from the peeps and found the source of the calls. I followed their flight until they landed along the shore. I worked my way over toward the oystercatchers and saw a few common terns and ospreys along the way.
I caught up to the oystercatchers and kept the right distance away to snap some decent
See BOSAK on 34
NEWS ITEM: Basketball Hall-of-Famer Magic Johnson makes history as fourth black owner of a pro-football team (Washington Commanders).
Most sports teams are “owned” by high schools, colleges, sponsors, and communities. But pro teams are owned by … OWNERS! You won’t see the owners’ names in the standings or amongst the statistical leaders. Depending upon the team, you may seldom see their names in the news. But team owners control their franchises and their leagues and are among the most powerful people in sports.
Boston’s been blessed with some great team owners who’ve loved the city and its people. Their franchises—the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics—are embedded into New England culture. Let’s reflect upon some of Boston’s wonderful sports owners.
Original Bruins owner Charles Adam was born poor in upstate Vermont but worked hard all his life and eventually succeeded in the grocery and maple syrup business. In 1924 he paid $15,000 for a new Boston NHL fran-
chise which became the Bruins. He was a prime mover behind the construction of the Boston Garden, and later was part-owner of Suffolk Downs and the Boston Braves. His spirit and legacy endure to this day.
Original Celtics owner Walter Brown and Massachusetts native was ironically a hockey guy who help run the Boston Garden. After World War II ended, he opined that “Boston should have a basketball team.” He mortgaged his house in 1945 to come up with enough money to get the pro hoop franchise that became the Celtics. The team struggled for years but Brown found a way to keep the team in Boston, where it eventually became one of sports’ great dynasties. He died in 1964 and the Celtics retired “#1” in his memory.
Long-time Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey was not the team’s first owner, but he was its most consequential. Originally from Michigan, he was a philanthropist and conservationist who loved baseball. He bought the BoSox
in 1933, a perpetual last-place team and laughingstock ever since an earlier owner, Harry Frazee, sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Yawkey revived the team’s operation and invested heavily in Fenway Park as well as in personnel and when he died in 1976 the BoSox were among sports’ most iconic franchises.
Current Patriots owner and Massachusetts native Bob Kraft certainly saved pro-football in New England. The Patriots were nearly bankrupt in the late ‘80s and earlier owners Billy Sullivan, Victor Kiam and James Orthwein all sought to move the team elsewhere. In 1994 Kraft paid a record $172 million for the franchise and promised to keep it in New England. The rest, as they say, is history.
While the above four owners rightly deserve prominent spaces in New England’s sports pantheon, all four of their franchises endured less than enlightened stewardships that actually threatened their
existences. Besides the aforementioned Frazee, Sullivan, Kiam, and Orthwein, consider the likes of John Y. Brown. The native Kentuckian owned several pro sports teams, includ -
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Expires 8/1/23
Expires 8/1/23
by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer
I decided to write this in two parts: a savory scone and a sweet scone. While both are indeed scones, each has a different flavor profile. In part two I will focus on the sweet scone and too, I will share, ¨A Tale of Two Scones¨.
“There is something uniquely satisfying about going to the garden and using something you harvest in something you make.” While not her exact quote, this was the sentiment expressed by my niece on a recent summer day as we sat munching on, of all things, a Cheddar and Chive Scone.
Yes, a scone, and a delicious savory scone no less. As we sat in a “ cooler” room of the house, one as far removed from the kitchen as possible given the heat of the day and that of the oven, the ceiling fan gently churned away, casting a slight warm breeze. We continued to admire our handiwork as the aroma wafted about the house. Carried from room to room by fans strategically placed about the
home, it was a perfume strongly reminiscent of, believe it or not, loaded mashed potatoes. Not an unpleasant freshener, in fact it would have been near intoxicating had it been winter. But here it was late July and a blast furnace outside, all effort of the exhaust
fan in the window was wasted. Like shoveling sand against the tide, with no place to go, the smell along with the heat was stifling. Secretly rejoicing on the inside, outwardly I enthusiastically assured Sarah that her sentiments did not sound
foolish. In fact, they were spot on! And this is what the Simple Feast is about, as much as it is food, it is about the experience which that food brings to the table. Those of you who have, or have had, a garden will agree that there is something wholly satisfying in being able to step out to the garden and pick that which was grown or tended to by your own hand. Then, stepping into the kitchen with your bounty, you create something edible (usually, but opinions may vary). These are the tangible, and in some cases, literal fruits of your labor. It was for this reason, after we talked about the recipes for our most recent cooking adventure, I led the way outside for a quick tour of our gardens. Now granted we do not have acre upon acre of gardens but rather a small herb
by JoAnn Derson Syndicated Columnist
* My father taught me all I know about working the grill -- even though it was his job! One tip that’s served me best is this simple beauty: Let the meat sear before you move it. Give it a chance to cook on one side well enough that it lifts away from the grill. If it’s sticking, you probably need to leave it alone! Happy grilling.
* “Kitchen stores sell grill brushes, but they can be expensive. I use a good-quality paintbrush from the hardware store for grilling only, and replace it a couple of times throughout grilling season. I find it to be a better brush, and less expensive to boot!” -B.F. in Illinois
* Your grilled meats will be more moist and taste better if you let
them rest for a few minutes after you take them off the grill. It allows the meat to redistribute the natural juices. If you are worried about temperature, just cover the meat with foil.
* “It’s best to clean a grill just after cooking, but if you weren’t able to, that’s OK. When faced with a messy grill surface, just preheat, then clean. The heat will burn off drippings and make it easier to scrub.” -- R.T. in Florida
* You should never use a cooking spray on your grill. Instead, soak a paper towel in oil and use your tongs to oil the grill surface.
* “To help our children learn the placement of states, we glued a map to a piece of cardboard, then used a razor knife to cut each state out along its lines. This created a puzzle. It made learning the states fun, and we wrote the capitals on the backs, so we learned those, too.” -- M.A. in Georgia
* “I love self-sticking notes to stay organized. I use them on my bathroom vanity mirror so that I can preplan my day in my head while getting ready.” -- E.T. in
Georgia
* “I purchased extralarge safety pins and used scraps of fabric to designate towels for family members. I wrote each of our names in washable ink on several ‘tags,’ which are then attached to our bathing towel. I can tell in an instant who has left his or her towel on the floor/bed/etc. And I am washing a lot less towels now.” -- D.L. in Ohio
* “I had a few old mouse pads that were lying around. I used embroidery floss to stitch a few together, and I use them as a knee pad in the garden. The bonus is that it rolls up for storage!” -- A.C. in New Mexico
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2023 King Fea ures Synd., Inc. .
Grill & Galley 83 Main Street, Alton 603.875.3383
Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com
Woodstock - Dbl Pig’s Ear
Great Rhythm - Squeeze
Baxter - Coastal Haze
Tuckerman - Pale Ale
603 - Summatime
COPPER KETTLE
TAVERN
At Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant 233 D.W. Hwy, Meredith 603.279.6212 hartsturkeyfarm.com
Henniker - Working Man’s Porter
Concord Craft - Safe Space
Stoneface - IPA
Moat Mtn - Blueberry 603 - Winni Amber Ale
+6 More On Tap
D.A. LONG TAVERN
At Funspot 579 Endicott St N., Weirs 603.366.4377 funspotnh.com
Barreled Souls - Summer Jam
Cisco - Shark Tracker Light
Weldworks - Brightside Tide
Notch - Garageland
Deciduous - Watermelon
Cooler
Beer Tree - Vibrant Trees
+6 More On Tap
FOSTER’S TAVERN
403 Main Street Alton Bay, NH 603-875-1234
fosterstavernbythebay.com
Bud Light
Tuckerman - Pale Ale
Aqua Vue Haze -Muddy Road Brewery
Sam - Seasonal
Allagash - White
Maine - Lunch IPA
+2 More On Tap
JOHNSON’S TAPHOUSE
At Johnson’s
Seafood & Steak 69 Rt 11, New Durham 603.859.7500
eatatjohnsons.com/ newdurham
Lone Pine -Brightside
Widowmaker -Blue Comet
Shipyard -Smashed
Pumpkin
Jack Abby -Red Tape
Muddy Road -1762 Porter
Northwoods -Autumn Buzz +30 More On Tap
MORRISSEYS’
Porch & Pub
286 S. Main St., Wolfeboro 603.569-3662 Morrisseysfrontporch.com
Morrisseys’ 20 Year Lager by Great North Smithwick’s Guinness
Harp
Concord Craft Safe Space +11 More On Tap
1253 Upper City Rd., Pittsfield overthemoonfarmstead.com
Oatmeal Stout
London Porter
Pitt Stop Pils
Coffee Porter
No Need To ArgueCranberry Mead
Maple Apple Cider +6 More On Tap
PUB
18 Weirs Rd., Gilford 603.293.0841 Patrickspub.com
Patrick’s Slainte House Ale
Great North - Moose Juice
Guinness
Clown Shoes - Bubble Head 603 - Winni Amber Ale
Tuckerman - Pale Ale
+9 More On Tap
BREW PUB
At The Craft Beer Xchange 59 Doe Ave., Weirs Beach 603.409.9344
FB @craftbeerxchange
Zero Gravity – Conehead IPA
Dogfish Head – 120 Minute
Able Ebenezer – Auburn Red 603 – Sparkle Bomb Sour
Notch – Salem Lager
Mast Landing – Gunner’s Daughter Stout +30 More On Tap
** Tap listings subject to change!
* The blobfish gets its nickname from its
saggy appearance when it’s brought to the surface from the deep part of the ocean where it lives. Because it has no
skeleton and very little muscle, water pressure that would crush human organs gives the animal physical struc-
ture at that depth.
* To maintain the historical accuracy of the American Colonial era, Disney World’s Liberty Square was built without any restrooms. (But no, you won’t find any outhouses, either.)
Formerly known as Nadia’s Trattoria, voted one of the top ten restaurants in NH by Boston
* And speaking of restrooms, there are public toilets for dogs in China.
* Due to a technical glitch in his debit card payment processing, a man was accidentally charged 23 quadrillion dollars. As if that wasn’t bad enough, since he didn’t have the amount in his account, he was also charged a $15 overdraft fee!
* Carnauba wax, which is used on cars, is the same type of wax used to give gummy candy its sheen.
* Neptune’s moon, Triton, orbits the planet backward.
* To add authenticity to a fictional criminal underworld, Rockstar Games hired real-life gang members to voice background characters in Grand Theft Auto V.
* One-third of men’s fragrances sold are actually worn by women.
* Amethysts got their name from the ancient Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not drunk.” They were once believed to prevent intoxication.
FRANKLIN - Jeep owners and enthusiasts are once again invited to partake in the 6th annual Jeepin’4Vets event, a family-friendly fundraiser for Veterans Count happening on Saturday, August 19. New this year, jeepers will depart at 10 am from 27 Holy Cross Road in Franklin, the future site of Easterseals NH’s new housing, retreat and services center for the NH military community slated to open in
late 2024.
“Jeepin’4Vets brings Jeep lovers together for a celebratory ride, all while raising critical funds for our veterans and military service members in need,” said Maureen Beauregard, president and CEO of Easterseals NH, VT & Farnum.
“We’re very excited for the buildout of our new 15-acre campus in Franklin for veterans and thought making it the starting point
for this event would be the perfect way to help raise awareness of what’s being done to support NH veterans.”
After convening in Franklin, drivers and their passengers will travel through the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen for a brief moment of silence. They’ll then pass by the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton and finish their journey at Har -
ley Jacks Burgers & Brews on Route 16 in Ossipee, where there will be food for sale, a scavenger hunt on the Armor Ditch trail system, music, raffles, Duck Duck Jeep, and more.
Ten special VIP Jeeps will fly militarythemed flags on the way to Harley Jacks. As in years past, members of the New Hampshire State Police have volunteered to escort the procession.
All Jeepin’4Vets proceeds benefit Veterans Count, a program of Easterseals NH that provides critical and timely assistance to New Hampshire service members, veterans, and their families.
More information is available online at https://vetscount. org/nh/events/2023jeepin4vets/.
Don’t miss the On The Green 2 Arts & Crafts Festival to be held once again at Brewster Academy on August 11-13, Friday & Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
There will be over 110 arts & crafts exhibitors with a fabulous chain saw demonstration on Saturday by Buck Ridge. Don’t miss his amazing talents.
Some of the other exhibitors will include handsome soy candles, cedar wood furniture, beautiful leather jew-
elry, handsome alpaca products, personal care products, soft sculpture dolls & animals, gourmet oils & vinegars, stained glass, kettle corn, amazing metal creations with nuts & bolts, laser engraving, home decor & signs, cribbage boards, pottery, handsome leather items - belts/pocketbooks, quilt raffle, fabric creations, NH maple syrups, beautiful wooden spoons & ladles, hats/tee shirts, beautiful tie dye clothing, inlaid wooden tables & mirrors, fine art paintings, doggie apparel, & lots more.
Music - Food - Rain or Shine Under Canopies - Friendly, Leashed Dogs Welcome.
Free Admission & Free Parking - GPS Address: 80 Academy
Drive, Rt. 28, Wolfeboro. For More Info Call Joyce (603) 387-1510.
Presented by: Joyce’s Craft Shows www.joycescraftshows.com
introductions of the crew and the mandatory safety tips to ensure that the passengers were aware of marine safety and etiquette. Did you know the captain is also a film actor who enjoys telling the passengers the history of the “only floating post office in the world.” He told us that the mail delivery service on the big lake began in 1892 and that the Sophie C not only delivers the mail, it also carries a postmaster, Anne Nix who cancels the mail with an official cancellation stamp (made official by an act of Congress).
Anne has been doing this for 23 years and loves every minute of her job that she says is very unique and traditional.
Mail is delivered to the islands from June 15th to September 15 on a tight schedule. with or without passengers, in all weather.
Once out on the lake we were greeted with awesome panoramic views of the mountain ranges surrounding the lake, the Belknap Range off to the port and the Ossipee Range to the starboard. Marine traffic was light, and the Sophie C effortlessly cut through the water at a steady
See MAIL on 25
MAIL from 24
pace and we were soon coming up on our first mail stop at the YMCA boys camp on Bear Island. We were greeted by Matt Corsetti the camp director, who I remembered as Santa Clause on our last trip . During that trip the camp was celebrating Christmas in July and Matt greeted us at the dock as Santa Claus and it was a very warm day, had to be hot. At this stop there is quite a bit of mail to be delivered and picked up, as there are a lot of boys here away from home. Soon we were underway and on to our next stop, Birch Island. Here we were greeted by the Islanders with great anticipation for this boat not only carries the mail it is the lake’s own Good Humor Man, carrying ice cream in its onboard
freezer. All of the kids know it and greet the boat with much enthusiasm. As a reward we were treated with an Island tradition as we left the dock. The teens climbed the moorings as a salute to the mail boat and as we left the dock and safely away they dived off the pilings into the lake, a spectacular display. We in turn treated them with a blast from the boats powerful air horn to which we heard squeals of delight.
Next, we traveled to Cow Island where we were again greeted by the campers and the young boys were treated with cookies by the postmaster as they took the mail inland.
Next stop was Jolly Island. Here we were greeted by what seemed to be the entire population of the
See MAIL on 26
Island. Young and old they all came down to the dock to drop off and pick up their mail. The children complete with life vest on came aboard to pick out their favorite ice cream. The teens on this Island told us that they were going to treat us with a special dive off the moorings as we left, which they did and it was awesome seeing the traditional jump of the pilings with squeals of delight from
all the passengers. Of course, the favor was responded with several blasts from the mighty air horn.
The ride back to port was pleasant, offering time to reflect of the day’s events.
I asked Hunter and Autumn how they liked their first time on a boat, They responded by saying I had to rent a boat so they could jump off, pretty brave for these six and seven year olds.
MAIL from 26
While speaking with the passengers from away they told me they didn’t know what to expect from the trip. They said that it was far more than expected and were very happy
they decided to give it a try.
As we docked at the Weirs we spoke with the captain and the postmaster about how much we enjoyed the trip and vowed to do it again, next time on the
morning run...
MEREDITH ---- George Eric Brunstad, 88, of Abbey Lane, died on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Golden View Health Care Center.
George was no ordinary man. He fulfilled his passions of flying, swimming, and faith with zeal. He ascended the skies as a B-52 pilot in the Air Force, as an American Airlines Captain for 30 years, and as pilot of his personally owned MIG17 aircra�. He tamed the oceans with his legendary English Channel record-breaking swim at age 70, and at age 76 he conquered Lake Winnipesaukee’s length in a 22-mile, 22-hour swim, both swims for charity.
George was born in Wenatchee, WA on August 25, 1934 to Helen and Arthur Brunstad. He grew up in the Richland-Kennewick area of WA where his father purchased a farm as an avoca�on, essen�ally assigning George the responsibility of opera�ng the farm at the young age of 14. These forma�ve years were instrumental in shaping his resolute work ethic as well as his sturdy musculature so indispensable to his future feats of endurance, including winning more than 100 na�onal and five world swimming medals.
In 1954 George graduated from Richland High School, then a�ended Washington State University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Animal Science, never an�cipa�ng a career in avia�on. However, he fell in love with flying when he entered the Air Force and con�nued to serve his country for seven years before being hired by American Airlines.
George’s faith commitment at age 23 inspired him to co-found the first Southern Bap�st Church in New England. Twenty years later he and Judy were married in one of the many churches planted by that original church. His faith in God was central to George’s life, his principles, and his immense love for others. The English Channel swim was a benefit effort through his church and a Hai�an church to raise funds to establish an orphanage and school in a rural sec�on of Hai�. George and Judy traveled to Hai� on four occasions to assist with the endeavor. 173 children are currently enrolled in the school.
In 2008 George and Judy relocated from CT to NH where Judy’s aversion to the cold winters prompted them to explore the island of Kaua’i. George soon embraced the lifestyle and aloha spirit of the islanders un�l one month in that winter paradise eventually expanded to six. Their faith community in Kaua’i is likewise vibrant and Spirit-filled.
George lived his life with intensity and fervor. Upon re�rement from American Airlines, he spent five years instruc�ng children how to swim via a YMCA program, arising reliably before 5:00 AM to open the pool for the day. Of Norwegian heritage, he was determined to learn the language so, with no instruc�onal materials available in 1979, George created his own casse�es and studied intently during his airport commutes, prac�cing un�l he became fluent. His ability to communicate made family trips to Norway most enjoyable. Later, when assigned flights to Germany, he similarly taught himself German in order to communicate and build rela�onships.
George was a nature buff and an expert regarding evergreen trees. In CT he planted over 100 evergreen trees in his yard, some as seedlings he brought back from OR that were not supposed to flourish in the northeastern climate. Today they stand tall, s�ll thriving. Hiking was another passion and he and Judy experienced numerous opportuni�es to hike in other countries as well as locally. For six summers they traveled to Morzine, France where the French Alps challenged them to explore magnificent mountain vistas.
George was a man of focus, discipline, and determina�on, yet with a big and loving heart. Now he has stepped into eternity with the God he so loved and is no doubt soaring with the angels and swimming in the Revela�on’s sea of glass. Thank you, George, for sharing your love, values, knowledge, faith, and generosity with all of us who were blessed enough to be in your presence.
George is survived by his wife Judy of 44 years, sons Eric (CT), Mark (ME), Darin (CT), Doug Jones (Kaua’i), daughter Lauren Larson (CT), grandchildren Eric III, Rob, Alexandra, Cole, Adelle, John, Michelle, Sarah, Stephen, Brian, plus many great grandchildren.
Please join us in celebra�ng George’s extraordinary life!
A Calling Hour will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paque�e Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A Funeral Service will be held on August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Meredith Center Free Will Bap�st Church, 122 Meredith Center Road, with a lunch to follow at the church.
Burial with military honors will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniels Highway, Boscawen, NH. The family welcomes all in a�endance to wear bright a�re to celebrate George’s cheerful life.
Dona�ons most welcome at Center of Hope – Hai�, P.O. Box 1812, Orinda, CA 94563, or Aspire Woman’s Center, 506 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246. Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paque�e Funeral Home & Crema�on Services and 603Crema�ons.com, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, NH, is assis�ng the family with arrangements. For more informa�on and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.
FEAST from 15
patch and a modest vegetable garden fenced in to keep our marauding chickens and the local rabbit population from destroying our efforts. I also pointed out the two peach trees in the front yard. Two lush green trees looking for all the world like orna-
mentals, nary a fruit between them. It was that unexpected cold snap following the early warm spring temperatures that decimated my peach crop this year. No blossoms to speak of but surprisingly three peaches are ripening as this is written.
As I introduced my
niece to some of the herbs amongst the weeds, we plucked a few, smelling the notes of lemon and mint of the Lemon Balm on our fingers. The sweet and spicy almost pepperish notes of two different Basils, the Sage and Rosemary too, each with their unique fragrance
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Yield: 8 Medium Size Time: About One Hour
5 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter (chilled and grated)
¼ Cup Sour Cream
¼ Cup ½ and ½
1 1/3 Cups Flour plus 3 Tbsp.
2 ½ tsp. Baking Powder
¼ tsp. Kosher Salt
6 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
¼ Cup Chopped Chives (fresh)
¼ tsp. Cracked Black Pepper (more if you wish)
Ingredients (Egg Wash)
1 Lg. Egg
1 Tbsp. Milk
Egg Wash
In a small bowl combine egg and milk, whisking with a fork.
Scones
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl (1 1/3 Cups of flour, the baking powder, the salt, the pepper) mixing thoroughly.
- Add in the grated cheddar and toss to coat with the flour mixture.
- Add in the grated butter and toss to coat with the flour cheese mixture. You may need a pastry cutter for this as you now want the mix to resemble coarse crumbs. Do not over mix as you do not want the butter to melt.
- In a small bowl combine the milk and sour cream, whisking together. Add this to the flour mixture and lightly fold until the liquid and four mixture are incorporated making a ¨shaggy¨ dough. Some dry spots will be fine.
- Using the 3 Tbsp. of flour, spread this onto a cutting board or clean surface and ¨plop¨ the dough onto your work surface. With floured hands, gently work the dough, folding once upon itself, turn the dough 90 degrees, gently fold it again, then turn 90 degrees. No patting it down! Do this about 5 or six times while forming the dough into a round about 2 inches high.
- Cut the round, bisecting into half, quarter, then into eighths.
- Place the 8 triangles onto a parchment lined cookie sheet with space between each triangle.
- Place this into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the fridge and bake for 15 minutes in the 375 degree oven.
- Remove and brush the tops with egg wash, return to the oven and continue to bake for 8 more minutes. Tops should be a golden yellowish brown.
- Remove, let cool for 5 minutes and serve warm with butter.
FEAST from 28
yes, I could have gone to the herb garden before Sarah arrived, the experience would have been lost, that connection of “from garden to table” which so many people do not get to experience.
We paused by the fence at the vegetable garden just long enough for me to point out the corn, nearly chest high, some stalks were already beginning to tassel. The Zucchini and Summer Squash with its numerous blossoms and a few little squash coming along were peeking out from under their typical broad umbrella
leaves. A singular pepper plant that continues to lazily linger as it decides if it will produce or just take up space. Our cucumber plants with their many tendrils festooned with yellow blooms and greenery that hides the ripening fruit of the vines. And of course, what would a garden be without the requisite tomato plants, dotted with green fruit in various sizes according to type. Not as abundant as last year but still a good showing, all are coming along. But with the lack of rain these last two weeks we too must do our part to en-
sure they are well cared for in the summer heat. Selecting a recipe, we modified it to the ingredients on hand and, making it our own, we set about the business of scones. I mostly coached from the side lines as Sarah combined the ingredients, and we chatted away. From time to time I would meander to the other side of the counter, glance over her shoulder, and answer a question or offer some direction. In short order the dough came together quite nicely, she did an awesome job, the dough being kneaded just right. I am quite
envious actually at how she made it look easy.
The scones were very good, offering a good solid texture. They had that classic scone “rise” and a dense but not too heavy body. A moist buttery crumb that, while offering the consumer noticeable layers, was not biscuitlike in quality. This is because Sarah did a good job at gently combining the ingredients in the bowl. Then emptying the bowl onto a floured surface and gently kneading the dough about five or six times, turning it 90 degrees with each fold. By that sixth time the dough had come together and formed a round or wheel
suitable for cutting into eighths. These Cheddar and Chive Scones had a distinct butter flavor, as well as Cheddar and the Chive, all three working together with the other ingredients of the dough. There is no question that Sarah and I both will be using this recipe again. These Cheddar and Chive Scones would be a delicious addition to a breakfast of ham and eggs (yes, I did say breakfast), dinner, or as a snack on the go. In short, worthy of this Simple Feast. Enjoy!
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temperature was what the thermometer read, and, if the wind was blowing, people said that it felt colder than the actual temperature because the wind was blowing.
At about the time a
new year arrived the temperature in Bristol was said to have dipped to 42 degrees below zero. Other towns in Lakes Region had similar readings with Alexandria reaching -42, and Groton -40.
Lancaster, New Hamp-
shire claimed to have the lowest temperature in New England at 55 or 65 degrees below zero, depending, I guess, upon whose thermometer you were looking at.
Things that froze during the deep-freeze
day at noon without any wind, “It seemed almost hot compared with what had just been experienced.”
Attempts to contact the Mount Washington Observatory were unsuccessful because, having experienced high winds, the telephone line “was out of order.”
In Plymouth, Miss Majorie Houston, a 20 year old young lady, walked the two and one-half mile distance from Glove Hollow to the center of town in 22 degree below zero weather and had both legs frozen. She was taken to Plymouth Hospital. A Bristol mail carrier kept his car running all Thursday night so he could deliver the mail on Friday.
weather were many, including water pipes, car radiators, contents of cellars, and even the grease in the rear wheels of cars. Some of you remember those days when it was common for cars to be difficult to start in cold weather. The colder it was, the more likely your car would not start in the morning. I remember (not 1934, but some years later) using a crank on the front of a car my parents had to start their vehicle and, in later years, I remember there were numerous times when
my automobile had to be jump-started with battery cables from another running vehicle. But one had big troubles if the fluid in the radiator froze.
In that cold of the beginning of 1934 the plumbers and mechanics had plenty of business. According to a newspaper report “All records were shattered by New Hampshire’s cold wave.” After -40 degree weather Friday morning of the cold week in Bristol the local newspaper reported that, with the temperature at zero degrees on Satur-
Here in the summer of 2023 we are told that the world just experienced a week of the hottest temperatures on record, though I think here in New England it has been the unusual amount of rain that has made things difficult for some.
Back in 1816 the weather contributed to what has been called the Poverty Year here in New Hampshire and other parts of the world.
Newspaper columnist E.C.Lewis indicated that the wealthy didn’t suffer tremendously but that it was a very difficult year for many. For the wealthy it was, he said, a year of meteorological
See SMITH
on 31
Saturday,
SMITH from 30 interest and scientific curiosity, but for the poor, it was a “ ...story of cold, frosts, snow, drought, scanty food, suffering children for the want of proper food and clothing, anxiety among mothers and fathers..., “ etc.
There were many sunspots observed on the sun in that year of 1816 and controversy about whether sunspots had anything to do with the weather. A huge volcanic eruption in Indonesia was considered to have wreaked havoc with weather conditions. The extreme weather seemed to have been the worst in northern New England and has also been called “The Year Without A Summer” because of there being a frost in every month of the year. Some have questioned whether there was actually a frost in the month of July, saying that if there was it was only in isolated parts of the state.
Though cold was the word applied to most months of the year there were actually some hot days during the summer of 1816, but the cold days and the frosts in June and August killed most of the farm crops.
June frosts were not uncommon in New Hampshire, but those lasting for days in a row were not customary. Grain crops such as rye and corn were greatly reduced because of the frosts.
Jonathan Smith had moved from Deerfield, NH, to New Hampton in 1792 and settled on a hill in the Plaisted house. The first settlers were said to have chosen the hills instead of the valleys for their farms because the temperatures were higher on the hills, but the 1816 frosts killed
his young corn plants along with that of his neighbors. Jonathan, however, is said to have immediately planted a second crop, while his neighbors delayed doing that, hoping the corn would still sprout up. Jonathan thus had corn to sell to others at the end of the season.
Wheat sold for $9 a bushel in New Hampton, but one farmer was able to buy it for $2 a
bushel in Lyman, New Hampshire. The failure of crops in New Hampshire in 1816 is credited with the beginning of a movement of farmers westward in search of better conditions for farming. The winter of 1779-80 was also known to have been a particularly severe one with some dry, cold, and windy weather like the climate in Canada, earning it the name of “The Canada Winter.”
E.C. Lewis, in his “New Hampton Sketches” explained why farmers chose the hills to engage in farming and reported that in the year 1903 heavy frosts fell in New Hampton on May 27-30, killing apple blossoms in the village and along the river, but not on the hills. A good crop of apples, he said was produced on the higher terrain which brought an “excellent price.” Con -
cerning winter Lewis also wrote, “Which particular winter has been the coldest we cannot
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tell, for the last one is always colder than any other.”
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The open concept floor plan gives owners and their guests a panoramic view of the water and the lakeside deck, over 60 feet in length is the perfect outdoor space for large gatherings. This custom kitchen with Blue In The Night granite countertops, freestanding island and high end appliances is a delight. A first-floor primary suite offers a sweeping view of the water and features a huge walk-in, tiled dual shower. Upstairs there are 5 bedrooms (3 facing the lake) including one with its own private entry. The spacious 3-bay garage is nothing short of spectacular with a massive bonus room overhead, accessed through a sliding barn-style door that feels like you're entering a secret passage. Heated and cooled, this room will be a favorite room for games, home theater etc. For Homeowners here, a 40-acre conservation easement, with Lost Pond, borders the western side of Lake Ridge Road; in the winter, ski or walk over to ice skate! And Sugarloaf is 1hr and 15 min. away! Golfers can hit Belgrade Lakes Golf Course -10 minutes away. Belgrade Lakes Village & famous Day's Store is a10-min. boat ride away.
Summary - which has gone on to 16 short run printings. He continues to be fascinated by this storm, always learning new details as time passes, and will share images of this so-called storm of the century. Attendees are encouraged to bring personal stories about the hurricane, and photographs
from family albums so all can learn more about this incredible storm and its damage in the Lakes Region.
The Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society was founded in 1985 with the mission to promote and preserve the history and heritage of the Big Lake and its vicinity. Programs focusing on the
Lakes Region and New Hampshire history are held on Wednesdays during the summer season. Located at 503 Endicott Street North, next to Funspot in the Weirs, the museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, through mid-October.
lates ratings for American media. They rank news sites on a 0-to100 scale based on nine supposedly apolitical criteria. These criteria are anything but apolitical. They often align with left-wing positions.
During the height of COVID-19, NewsGuard falsely labeled and downgraded 21 news sites, only well after the fact admitting that they either “mischaracterized the site’s claims” about the lab leak theory -- referring to the lab leak theory as a “conspiracy theory” -- or “wrongly grouped together unproven claims” about the lab leak with the “separate, false claim” that the “COVID-19 virus was man-made” without explaining that one claim was unsubstantiated and the other was false.
“NewsGuard apologizes for these errors,” they said. “We have made the appropriate correction on each of the 21 labels.”
And when you compare their ratings of Left-leaning news organizations to Rightleaning news organizations, you see the same bias appear.
The Media Research Center, a free-speech nonprofit, studied NewsGuards’ ratings. The study found glaring examples of bias by NewsGuard.
The Left’s BuzzFeed managed a 100 out of 100 perfect score, despite its reporting on the Steele dossier and alleging collusion between former President Donald Trump and Russia.
The study found that The Global Times, a Chinese propaganda government outlet, scored a 39.5 -- that is 27 points higher than
the U.S.-based conservative outlet The Federalist. Despite a scandal at USA Today revealing the publication of multiple fabricated sources in their stories and their own fact-checking operation misleading readers on the history of the Democratic Party and the KKK, USA Today maintained the 100 out of 100 rating by NewsGuard.
NewsGuard is also working with others to use AI technology to enforce Brand Safety standards at scale, by identifying scalable hoaxes and misinformation in order to streamline blanket removal. This means that the news that you read, news that is supposed to be fair and objective or at least diverse, must adhere to GARM, the WEF, the WFA and their subjective and biased standards in order to be deemed monetizable.
If you think this is only something big news corporations have to contend with, think again. Even the content you consume from independent content creators on social media platforms is subject to these globalist powers that be.
The WEF, GARM and the WFA are all actively working with social media companies to censor what they consider to be misinformation, which very often is just good information with which they disagree.
Finally, the WEF, WFA and GARM are all aggressively pouring billions of dollars a year into news and content that drives their preferred narrative -- narratives that are often counterfactual at best and harmful at worst.
When you look at the news, you need to
feel as though you’re getting all the information. And even if one source isn’t giving you all the information, you can find another source, and all the sources together will give you a broad view of the world. But the World Economic Forum, World Federation of Advertisers and the Global Alliance for Responsible Media don’t want you to have a full view of the news.
They want you to see what they want you to see. And they will work to prevent anyone from disseminating information they don’t pre-approve. They are determining what you see, what you hear, what you watch. And that’s dangerous.
Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and cofounder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author; his latest book is “The Authoritarian Moment: How The Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.” To find out more about Ben Shapiro and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Why is this important?
Each of the five main Sahel countries have experienced military coups in recent years; but Burkina Faso, Mali and now Niger openly embrace Moscow almost echoing cold war times where Russian flags fly in African capitals and mobs denounce France.
First; Niger’s coup d’etat underscores a dangerous instability in a region plagued by Islamic Jihadi insurgency and violence against civilians.
Second; Niger sits astride major people smuggling routes going north to Libya and Algeria. Niger borders seven countries all with porous frontiers and weak governance, offering the perfect recipe for illicit activities. Human trafficking from West Africa flows into Europe, especially Italy and Spain.
Third; Niger remains a major Uranium producer for the French
nuclear power industry. Indeed France produces approximately 70 percent of its domestic electricity from nuclear power.
Fourth; Vladimir Putin is opening a new low cost military front deploying the Wagner mercenaries not only in Niger but in Mali too. While this isn’t a long term strategy, Russia’s moves threaten to create a new geopolitical distraction for Paris and Washington.
France already has units of the Foreign Legion 2nd Parachute regiment based in Niamey. Yet given the sensitive political atmosphere and clear antiFrench sentiment, its unlikely that France will intervene militarily with its old formula of three Parachute battalions; one to hold the airport, another for the key buildings and sites in the capital, and the third to chase down the insurgents.
Yet, President Emmanuel Macron facing strong domestic pressures and poor poll
ratings could gamble on a quick military strike in Niamey against the insurgent regime.
But this isn’t the role of either Paris or Washington to send in troops to sort out the rebels. The mood is too sensitive and the stakes too high. Rather it’s best working through neighboring Nigeria and regional states via the West Africa Economic Community (ECOWAS) to achieve an African solution, restoring ousted President Bazoum without French or American fingerprints.
Naturally that’s easier said than done given the limited potential of Nigeria for such a cross-border operation. The Sahel game continues.
John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of Divided Dynamism
The Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China.
photos but also remain far enough away so as to not disturb their hunting. There were three oystercatchers, two with fully bright orange bills
in one with a bill that was orange at the base and darker at the tip. The later oystercatcher, of course, was a firstyear bird that was likely hatched on that same
*Flatlander’s Observations On Life
With over 40 of the best of Brendan’s weekly columns he covers everything from politics to health to technology to shopping and more. This is the perfect sampling of his unique humor which has been entertaining readers of The Weirs Times and Cocheco Times for twenty years.
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*Flatlander’s Observations On Life
With over 40 of the best of Brendan’s weekly columns he covers everything from politics to health to technology to shopping and more. This is the perfect sampling of his unique humor which has been entertaining readers of The Weirs Times and Cocheco Times for twenty years.
Order your autographed copy today for $13.99 plus $3 for shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like the author to personalize your copy with.)
Send checks or money orders for $16.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: Best of a F.O.O.L., c/o The Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247.
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beach a few months ago.
I left the oystercatchers in peace and continued down the shoreline. I noticed a rocky jetty that was filled with common terns. Most of them remained on the rocks as a few terns circled overhead uttering their unmistakable tern calls.
As I watched the common terns, I noticed a smaller tern-like bird flying overhead and occasionally landing on the sand. They were least terns, and it was great to see them as I haven’t been back to that beach to see them in several years. Many years ago, I was a shorebird monitor at the beach and watched for piping plover nests and, a bit later in the spring, least tern nests.
Least terns are much smaller than common terns -- 9 inches compared to 14 inches -and least terns have bright yellow bills instead of red bills. During the least tern nesting season, the adult birds will not think twice about divebombing anyone or anything that walks by. They will get within a few inches of the intruder’s head in doing so. This most recent trip was beyond their nesting season, and they left me and the other beachgoers alone and went about their business of looking for food.
A rather large tidal pool near the shore held a few snowy egrets and great egrets. I watched those comparatively larger birds stalking the small fish and other morsels that were trapped in the pool.
The trip to the beach was a great short diversion from the woods and fields that I normally walk through. One of the great things about birdwatching is that it can be done pretty much anywhere and anytime and each holds its rewards. If your normal patch of habitat is slow in August, or if you are looking for a new birding adventure, take the short trip to the coast and see what the shoreline and water have to offer.
ing the NBA’s Buffalo Braves. In 1980 he traded franchises with then-Celtic owner Irv Levin (another reviled sports figure).
Brown’s meddling almost caused Celtic General Manager Red Auerbach to go to the New York Knicks. Fortunately, Brown sold his interest in the team to Harry Mangurian and went back to Kentucky, where he became governor. Good riddance.
And then there’s the current principal owner of the Red Sox, John Henry, another carpetbagger with money to throw around. True, the team’s won four World Series since Henry came to town, but many of us will never forgive this preening and virtuesignally “progressive” for disrespecting former owners Tom and Jean Yawkey. Henry took the Fenway thoroughfare Yawkey Way and renamed it as Jersey Street because the Yawkeys didn’t measure up to Henry’s morally enlightened 21st Century sensibilities. Henry also opted to prominently display “Black Lives Matter” signage around the park, even after the BLM movement was thoroughly discredited. (Google it.)
Owners matter. The Yankees’ bombastic owner George Steinbrenner certainly made headlines but he definitely left his imprint in the Big Apple. Other owners also made plenty of headlines, often for bad reasons, such as Marge Schott (Reds), Donald Sterling (Clippers) and Dan Snyder (Redskins).
I hope Magic Johnson will turn out to be one of the good ones down in Washington.
I’d actually like to own a team myself. As a former jock, sports management professor, and sports columnist, I think I’d also be one of the good ones. If I had $5 billion, I’d buy the Boston Red Sox.
And then I’d change the name of Jersey Street back to Yawkey Way.
Sports Quiz
What is the only American Major League sports franchise that is publicly owned? (Answer follows)
Born Today
That is to say, sports standouts born on August 10 include MLB slugger Rocky Colavito (1933) and former boxing champion Riddick Bowe (1967).
Sports Quote
“I don’t want to be in the Hall of Fame. Owners don’t belong there.” – New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner
Sports Quiz Answer
The Green Bay Packers are a publicly owned and traded non-profit sports organization—the only one of its kind in North American pro sports.
State Representative Mike Moffett was a Sports Management Professor for Plymouth State University and NHTI-Concord. He coauthored the awardwinning “FAHIM SPEAKS: A WarriorActor’s Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back” which is available on Amazon.com. His e-mail address is mimoffett@ comcast.net.
“The Best of a F.O.O.L.*
Biden in 2020, winning by a margin of threetenths of one percentage point.
The Black vote constitutes some 30% of the overall vote in Georgia and is critical.
Commentator Karl Rove recently observed that a one-percent drop in Black voter turnout will flip Georgia back to Republicans.
But Republicans should not be trying to figure out how to get Black voters to stay home. They should be working to support the courageous and principled Mainor and should work to get other Black legislators and voters, in Georgia and nationwide, to see and appreciate the truths that she now articulates.
It is instructive to view polling over time regarding Americans’ trust in
government.
In October 1964, per Pew, 77% of Americans said they trust the government to do what is right “just about always” or “most of the time.” By April 2022, this was down to 20%.
Of the 20%, 16% were white and 24% black. Back in 1964, both 77% of whites and Blacks expressed trust in government.
In 1964, federal government spending took 17% of GDP. By 2022, it was up to 24%. In other words, as government has expanded, trust in government has diminished. And this is true for all races.
In latest Gallup polling, only 18% express satisfaction with the direction of the country, half the historic average.
When asked, “What do you think is the most important problem fac-
ing the country today?” the highest response was “government.”
Mesha Mainor is a heroine who sees that too long Black Americans have bought into the distortion that government is the answer rather than the problem.
Republicans and all Americans that care about the state of our free nation under God must help get her message out.
Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Not by much. It only dropped from 4.63% to 4.4%, but still, those are unusual words, especially from a Democrat.
Polis also has a different take on fighting inflation: fight it “with immigration” and “getting rid of tariffs.”
That’s something I rarely hear from politicians from either party.
“Tariffs in particular penalize trade,” says Polis. “Trade’s a good thing. If two people, willing partners, both have something and both want what the other has, they make an exchange. They’re both better off. We should not penalize trade.”
Regarding immigration, he says, “We have ... an artificial labor shortage because we have people who are
here today who are perfectly willing to work. They just don’t have the right federal permit to work.”
During COVID, Polis ordered statewide closures, but he lifted faster than other Democrat-run states.
“Our businesses reopened really early,” says Polis.
Not as early as Florida, Texas or South Dakota, but sooner than blue states.
Polis also supports legalization of drugs, including, most recently, magic mushrooms.
“Your state led the country in drug legalization, marijuana and now psychedelics. This is a good thing?” I ask.
“Very good,” Polis responds. “We put a lot of the corner drug dealers out of business. It’s created jobs, tax revenue, and it’s led to a
safer product.”
Polis isn’t threatened by the negative effects of drug use. “I think it’s ultimately a matter of personal responsibility. If you want to use marijuana, to drink, to smoke, that’s your prerogative. The government shouldn’t be deciding that for you.”
It’s rare and refreshing to hear a Democrat talk about individual freedom.
Unfortunately he becomes squishy on freedom when it comes to Colorado’s forcing bakers and website designers to work for events they oppose. He also expanded governmentrun schools; now taxpayers must pay for state preschools. I bet that doesn’t end well. I’ll cover that and other issues where we disagree in a future column.
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PUZZLE CLUE: COOLING TREND
by Parker & Hart
THEME THIS WEEK: WORDS WITH A POP
OUR PICK FOR BEST CAPTION
Gimme Shelter! This explosive listing is priced under market, has cozy confines, and is sure to start a bidding war.
-Roger Dolan, Milford, Mass.
Runners Up : Two of the Rockettes demonstrate the use of a bomb shelter.
- Ken Fougere, Campton, NH.
“We bought it at the lawn dart convention.”
- Lana Owens, Silver Lake, NH.
Re-enacting Dr. Strangelove. -Marie Woolverton
CAPTION THIS PHOTO!!
Send your best brief caption to us with your name and location within 2 weeks of publication date... Caption Contest, The Weirs Times, P.O. Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 email to contest@weirs.com
