01/02/20 Weirs Times by The Weirs Publishing Company

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Happy

VOLUME 29, NO. 1

y h t l a e H &

New Year!

THE WEIRS, LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, N.H., THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2020

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers At Pitman’s

Tom Thomson (left), son of the late Gov. Meldrim Thomson, Jr., and his grandson, 16-year-old Jaden Thomson, met with NH Secretary of State Bill Gardner in Concord. “I wanted Jaden to meet and hear how in the past both Democrats and Republicans could come together on the NH Primary and work for the people of this great state,” Thomson said.

First In the Nation Primary At One Hundred Years by Dan Seufert

Weirs Times Correspondent

The people of New Hampshire know why they live here. Some love the mountains, some the lakes, and some are Seacoasters. Many prefer to not have a state income tax, and some love the snowy cold winters and the glorious fall foliage.

Granite Staters also love their privacy, and to some extent, their isolation from the rest of the country. But every four years, the people of the Granite State open their hearts, their minds, and their doors to outsiders, who flock to the state because residents have another very unique quality.

See Centennial New Hampshire Primary Feature On Pages 16-17. We make presidents here. This year, as the state celebrates the Centennial of its First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary, candidates for president will again be welcomed to our homes, our town and city

COMPLIMENTARY

DAVID SCANLAN PHOTO

centers, our restaurants and our town halls. Thanks mostly to former State Representative Jim Splaine, the late former Governor Meldrim Thomson Jr., and Secretary of State Bill Gardner, New Hampshire’s Primary election will, as usual, be the first. Numerous candidates See PRIMARY on 18

Friday, January 10th at 8pm Charismatic singer and guitarist Erin Harpe, along with her band The Delta Swingers, will be performing at Pitman’s Freight Room. 94 New Salem St, Laconia. Tickets are $20 and Pitman’s is a BYOB establishment. Their unique brand of dance music is rooted in vintage 1930’s Mississippi delta blues, then shaken and stirred with other genres like soul, funk, and reggae, evoking a wild southern juke joint where the whiskey and gin are flowing and everybody’s dancing.. This blues chanteuse breathes new, whiskey-soaked life into the likes of Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe, with a sound that’s uniquely Charles River Delta. Pitman’s Freight Room is one of the best listening venues in New Hampshire with its intimate and cozy atmosphere. For tickets call 603-527-0043. For more information on events at Pitman’s go to pitmansfreightroom.com

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 — Serving ServingLaconia LaconiaDaily Daily

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Guest Editorial

Fdr, Collusion, And Impeachment In 1940 Franklin D. Roosevelt sought an unprecedented third term as President. But while his first two elections were landslides, the political by Mike Moffett landscape had Loudon, NH. changed. Americans were inherently troubled by the notion of an entitled presidency and a measure of “Roosevelt fatigue” set in. Republicans sensed opportunity as three political heavyweights vied for the GOP nomination— Senators Robert A. Taft of Ohio and Arthur Vandenberg of Michigan along with District Attorney Thomas E. Dewey of New York. Not only were most Americans uncomfortable with a third presidential term, but in 1940 they also opposed FDR’s internationalist leanings. Isolationism was the mood of the day and the three Republican heavyweights reflected that prevailing sentiment. But FDR rightly feared the growing Nazi menace and regularly communicated with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In fact, their correspondence began in September of 1939 when Churchill was still First Lord of the Admiralty. Standing alone against Hitler, Churchill sought to pull America into world conflict—though he understood the constitutional and political constraints that FDR faced. But with his country battling for survival, Churchill desperately needed FDR to win reelection, as the three GOP con-

FDR and Winston Churchill. tenders opposed the entangling arrangements with the British that Roosevelt favored. So Churchill’s people set up an intelligence operation based in New York to spy on Americans and influence our election—with FDR’s knowledge and tacit approval. The spy organization was headed by a Canadian, William Stephenson. FDR loved secret machinations—while his people maintained a brilliant public relations machine. In that pre-television era most Americans didn’t know FDR was paralyzed and wheelchair-bound or that his health was rapidly deteriorating. But back-channel contacts combined with America’s nascent but growing intelligence services allowed FDR to track Stephenson’s ac-

tivities. The British worked hard to support the late-entry, dark horse GOP candidacy of Indiana’s Wendell Willkie—who until 1939 was a Democrat and an earlier FDR supporter. Unlike the three Republican favorites, Willkie was an internationalist who supported Roosevelt’s tilt toward Britain. The Brits reasoned that Willkie would be easier for FDR to defeat. But if Willkie did win, he’d similarly support Churchill. Willkie received only 10% of the votes on the first ballot at the brokered GOP Convention, but then Stephenson’s people released a phony poll indicating a groundswell of enthusiasm for Willkie, who then gained support on See FDR on 31

Our Story

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 over 20 years, this publication is devoted to printing the stories

of the people 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 30,000 copies of the Weirs Times every week to the Lakes Region/Concord/ Seacoast area and the mountains and have an estimated 66,000 people reading this newspaper. To find out how your business or service can benefit from advertising with us please call 1-888-308-8463.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

BIRDS For The

New England’s Wild Birds & Their Habitats May not be combined with other discounts. Expires 04/30/20

by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer

The

The Markus Loon CenTer &Wildlife Sanctuary

The Loon’s Feather Gift Shop Selling “all things loon” & more!

Take 10% Off In the Gift Shop • Free Admission • Award-winning videos, exhibits & trails! 603-476-LOON (5666) www.loon.org Open Thur-Sat 9am-5pm Lee’s Mill Road, Moultonborough, NH

Loons swim at Pillsbury State Park in New Hampshire. CHRIS BOSAK PHOTO

e S h op O u r N Com rger Store ew

people about the photography and turning them on to birds was the real highlight. I’ll try again next year and try to figure out how to sell them online. 5. This spring, small flocks of common mergansers made their home for a few days at a small pond adjacent to a nearby shopping destination. I love my common mergansers and my sightings are typically of huge flocks hundreds of yards away. To see a few up close and personal was an unexpected treat, if only for a few days. 4. Barred owls were not the only species garnering attention last winter. Pine siskins were plentiful throughout New England and farther south and I certainly played host to more than my fair share. They stuck around for a long time, too, and visited daily in rain, sleet, snow, and sun. 3. I started a new job a few months ago and, of course, I figured out

a way to feed the birds out the window near my desk. I found a large, curled oak leaf, rested it on the flat top of a yew bush, and threw in some shelled sunflower seeds. I fill it daily and watch the juncos, whitethroated sparrows, and song sparrows partake. 2. I was sitting at my computer, probably See BOSAK on 31

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about half an hour shy of our destination, sure enough we saw a barred owl perched on a wire hanging over Route 22. The next morning, we saw another barred owl perched on a Welcome to New York sign. The photo was taken from the Vermont side of the sign so, technically, it was a New England sighting. 7. The Christmas Bird Count is always on this list somewhere. My CBC birding partner Frank and I found 52 species, totaling nearly 2,000 individual birds. The birds, the camaraderie, and feeling of doing good for conservation make the Christmas Bird Count a special event each year. 6. This year, after many years of procrastination and talking myself out of it, I tried my hand at selling some of my photography as Christmas cards. I was a vendor at a few craft fairs and did pretty well. The selling part was great, but talking to

y oz

Cabin Rust ic

It’s time for my favorite column of the year. This is the time when I look back on the past year and give my top 10 birding highlights. Every year, I struggle to narrow it down to 10, but I will do my best and perhaps put a few honorable mention moments on my website in the next few days. 10. I visited my brother in Naples, Florida, in April and, of course, birds were everywhere. Waders such as egrets, herons, limpkins, and ibis were the dominant species. We have our fair share of waders in New England, for sure, but they are more numerous and more brave in the Sunshine State. I enjoy my visits to Florida, but always long for New England when I’m away. 9. A solid bald eagle sighting has to make this list. A summer canoe trip to the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area in Wurtsboro, N.Y., yielded just that. We saw the female and male, but the young eagles that locals said were around escaped us. The comeback of the bald eagle is a great conservation story. I hope it continues. 8. One last sighting outside of New England … Last winter was the Year of the Barred Owl, or so it seemed. People were seeing barred owls all over the place, day and night. My son and I were driving to Hoosick Falls, N.Y., last February to see another one of my brothers when,

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

JANUARY Wednesday 1st First Day Franklin Town of Franklin. New Year’s Day, kayaks, and the rushing rapids of the Winnipesaukee River all converge in Franklin for what has become a tradition. Paddlers will take to the water between 10am and 1pm with novice and intermediate boaters paddling the “Upper” Winnipesaukee from Route 140 to the Train Station in Northfield. Advanced boaters will paddle the “Lower” Winnipesaukee from Cross Mill Road in Northfield to downtown Franklin, taking out at Trestle View Park. Each year more spectators gather to see the sight! Downtown businesses will be open for eating, drinking and shopping! Trestle View Park will feature a heated tent with coffee, cocoa, cider and chili.

www.ChooseFranklin.org

Live Music with Cody James Patrick’s Pub& Eatery, 18 Weirs Road, Gilford. 7pm-10pm. www. PatricksPub.com or 293-0841

Friday 3rd Live Music with Matt Langley & Guest Patrick’s Pub& Eatery, 18 Weirs Road, Gilford. 7pm-10pm. www. PatricksPub.com or 293-0841 Saturday 4th

Beginner Snowshoeing

P r e s c o t t Fa r m E nv i r o n m e n t a l Education Center, White Oaks Road, Laconia. 9am-11am. This is a perfect opportunity for adults who are new or returning to snowshoes and looking for a little guidance. Prescott Farm Educators will cover the basics of snowshoeing and take it slow. Call 366-5695 for more information.

Center Harbor Congregational Church, 52 Main Street, Center Harbor. 5pm – 6pm. Join ever y Tuesday night for an opportunity to meet new friends and families and enjoy a good meal together at no cost.

Blood Pressure Clinic

Belmont Senior Center. 10:30amd11:15am.

Wednesday 8th 6 Week Beginner Yoga Series

Meredith Whole Living Center, Meredith. Runs Jan 8 th through February 12th. 5:30-6:30pm. 6 week session is $60 for members and $75 Non-Members. Preregistration is required. Minimum of 6 students required to hold series.

Watercolor Classes – Eight-Week Course with Edna Greenfield

Lakes Region Art Association, Tanger Outlet Mall, Suite 132, 120 Laconia Road, Tilton. Class is limited to the first eight who register at the Gallery. This class is perfect for beginners, as well as a refresher for intermediate students. Edna will focus on ‘The Building Blocks of Watercolor’, a course to help with problem solving and inspire individual creativity. All classes will be held on Thursday’s from 1pm to 4pm. 254-8864

Friday 10th and

The

Sandwich Home Industries, Center Sandwich, NH. 4pm. Peter Jensen will chronicle the process of sustainable trail development as well as changes in trail making over the past century. First in a series of free Sunday afternoon seminars. 603-284-6831 for more information.

Jazz On Sunday Afternoon Center at Eastman, Grantham, NH. 4-7pm. Vocalist Donna Byrne. A bistro menu and full beverage selection is offered during all performances. $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. www.josajazz.com or call 603-763-8732.

Tuesday 14th

Thursday 9th

Erin Harpe Swingers

Sunday 12th Creating Pathways Into Nature

Delta

Pitman’s Freight Room, 94 New Salem Street, Laconia. 8pm. Tickets are $20pp. Pitman’s is a BYO venue. 527-0043

Thurs. 9th – Sun. 26th The Full Monty – Theatre Series

Center Harbor Soup Kitchen – Free Community Meal

Wednesday 15th 4-Week Introduction to Curling for Adults Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center, 390 Pine Hill Road, Wolfeboro. The session will continue 1/22, 1/29 and 2/5. Pre-registration is required a t www.WolfeboroNH/parksrecreation or call 569-5639

Friday 17th Recycled Percussion Flying Monkey, Main Street, Plymouth. www.FlyingMonkeyNH.com or 5362551

Saturday 18th

Live Music with Justin Jaymes

Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street, Rochester. www. RochesterOperaHouse.com or 335-1992

Patrick’s Pub& Eatery, 18 Weirs Road, Gilford. 8pm-11pm. www. PatricksPub.com or 293-0841

Jon Butcher In Concert

Toots Lorraine & The Traffic

Inn at Main, Main St, Wolfeboro. A limited amount of VIP/Dinner tickets available at $55. General Admission $30. Tickets available at Blacks in Wolfeboro or by calling Inn at Main at 603-569-1335 or online at www.

Blueberry Pancake Breakfast

Sunday 5th NFL Sunday - Specials Patrick’s Pub& Eatery, 18 Weirs Road, Gilford. 1pm-11pm. Enjoy Sunday Football on one of 13 screens, and take $1 off Bud, Bud Light and Mich Ultra during the game! www. PatricksPub.com or 293-0841

Tuesday 7th Center Harbor Soup Kitchen – Free Community Meal

Saturday 11th

ticketleap.com

Joe Yannetty w/ John Parrotta Comedy Show

Pitman’s Freight Room, 94 New Salem Street, Laconia. 8pm. Tickets are $20pp. Pitman’s is a BYO venue. 527-0043

Jon Butcher In Wolfeboro Jon Butcher returns to the Inn on Main in Wolfeboro on Saturday January 11. Jon will be joined by his new band 360 and will be touching on selections from his 40 year career including his new latest releases 360 and Two Roads East as well as Axis and Experience Hendrix. Jon Butchers’ signature sound features his powerful soul-infused vocals; and his guitar work reflects a skillful mix of Rock and R&B, Funk and Soul, Jazz and Americana, all of it focused through a prism built from the Blues. Jon’s powerhouse live performances with bandmates Jeff Keithline(bass), John Anthony(drums) and Mitch Chakour( keys) are electrifyng and not surprisingly, sold out. The Inn on Main has been hosting a number of great shows in conjunction with Can You Hear Me Now Productions. A limited amount of VIP/Dinner tickets $55 and General Admission $30. Tickets available at Blacks in Wolfeboro, by calling the Inn on Main 569-1335 or online http://www.ticketleap.com While at the show please stop by say hi and throw a few bucks in the can for our friends at End 68hrs. of Hunger Can You Hear Me Now can be reached at (387-0246).

“The Full Monty” At Rochester Opera House The Rochester Opera House is proud to present the raucous musical comedy The Full Monty, opening on Thursday, January 9th. Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty, a ten-time Tony Award nominee, is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies, and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show. While spying on their wives at a “Girls’ Night Out,” a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo sees how much they enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out of work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. The show opens on January 9th and runs until the 26th. Check the website for specific showtimes. Tickets range from $2026. Reserve tickets online or call the box office (603) 3351992, M/W/F from 10-5pm and 2-hours before showtime.

Recycled Percussion Flying Monkey, Main Street, Plymouth. www.FlyingMonkeyNH.com or 5362551 Pitman’s Freight Room, 94 New Salem Street, Laconia. 8pm. Tickets are $20pp. Pitman’s is a BYO venue. 527-0043

First Church Congregational, 6 South Main Street, Rochester. 7:30-10am. Use Door #2 on Liberty Street. 603332-1121

Snowshoe Tracking Event

Moose Mountains Regional

See EVENTS on 22

Watercolor Workshop In Tilton On Wednesday, January 15th from 1-3pm there will be a watercolor workshop at the Lakes Region Art Association Gallery. Tanger Outlets Suite #132, 120 Laconia Rd., Tilton, NH. Whether you have painted before or never picked up a brush, Pat Edsall will lead you through the process with easy instructions. All supplies are included. Subject is sketched and ready for you to paint or you can sketch your own. You must Pre-register to reserve your seat. Call Pat Edsall (603) 472-3733

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List your community events FREE

online at www.weirs.com, email to info@weirs.com or mail to PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

F O O L NEW HAMPSHIRE A

in brendan@weirs.com

New Hampshire's Choice for

Local & National News,Talk & Weather Newest Release By Brendan Smith

Live Free or Die.

*A FLATLANDER’S OBSERVATIONS ON LIFE

Why Two, Kay? Brendan is off this week, so we are reprinting this column from 1999 as the world was on the edge of their seats waiting for the possible millenby Brendan Smith nium bug, othWeirs Times Editor erwise known as Y2K, which was supposed to disrupt computers and wreak havoc across the world on New Year’s Day. I don’t know about you, but all this talk of disaster striking at 12am, January 1st, 2000, is starting to drive me crazy. What’s going to work? Will my computer crash? Will my car start? Will there be electricity? Will I be able to watch the football playoffs? At first, I didn’t think much about it when I heard the doom forecasters on TV telling me that all hell was going to break loose at Midnight on New Year’s Eve. Being from New York originally, that was a regular thing. But watching the talking heads on the news constantly telling about the worst-case scenarios of a millennium bug shutdown soon had me concerned. There might be riots and chaos in the streets. But then I stopped to think about where I was living now. I mean, what’s the worst that can happen here in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire? A power outage for a couple of days. That’s just called winter here. Would there be looting at the local convenience stores? Would the three stoplights I pass going to work not work and cause massive pileups? Might I get trapped for days in an elevator (if I could find one)? It was this realization that set my mind at ease and put the millennium thing out of my mind.

It was one morning on the Wednesday before the big day when I was startled from my sleep by a large scraping sound outside my window. Cautiously making my way in the dark. I peered through the window blinds to see my neighbor, Kay, who was in her late eighties, dragging a huge tarp down her steps and towards her pick-up truck. She grunted as she tried to lift it. She let out a curse, let go of the tarp and stared at the tarp on the ground. Curiosity getting the best of me, I quickly put on my shirt and pants and decided to have a look. In order to appear innocent of being a nosy neighbor, I knew I needed a prop. I pulled out the garbage bag in the kitchen, tied the ends together and proceeded outside to put it in the pail. Seeing there was only three things in the bag at the time, I thought it might arouse her suspicions. I’d take my chances. “Is that you Kay?” I asked in my most innocent manner, shielding my eyes so as to appear sensitive to the light on the porch. “Yep,” she said. “Is everything alright?” “Well,” she said, staring at the tarp on the ground. “I can’t get this darn thing in the truck.” “Let me help,” I insisted, dropping the featherweight bag into the pail. I grabbed an end of the tarp and gave it the old heave-ho, but the ho didn’t quite kick in. The tarp wouldn’t move. “What’s in here anyway?” I asked. “Just some essentials. Taking a trip up north and brining some supplies.” “Seems like a lot, you must be going away for a while.” “Yep, till February,” she said. “Gonna get out of here before the damn millennium. If all hell is gonna break loose, I don’t wanna be around here to see it.” I looked up and down the

street. There wasn’t a sound except for the bullfrog across the way. “What could possibly happen around here?” I asked. “New England hospitality, that’s what!” she shouted. “Remember the ice storm a few years back? Gawd! I didn’t get a minute’s peace. Everyone kept checking on me to see if I was okay. Bringing me pies and such. Everyone trying to get me to stay at their place till the power came back.” “You didn’t like that?” “Hell, no,” she said. “What a nuisance. Heck, you were the only one that didn’t come to check on me.” My neck shriveled like a turtle. “Heck, roughing it ain’t new to me,” she continued.“I was doing that before they had a name for it. Gonna spend some time in a cabin in the woods till this thing blows over one way or another. Just me and Nemo and Lincoln.” At the sound of their voices her two golden retrievers could be heard thumping their tails against the truck’s front seat. Together we lifted and got the heavy tarp into the back of the pickup. “What are you brining?” I asked. “I’m bringing two of everything I’ll need.” “Why Two, Kay?” “I don’t know. Feeling like Noah. Maybe this will all be gone when I come back and I’ll have to help start it all over again.” She winked, slapped me on the back, climbed in the truck, popped the gear into reverse. “Take care of yourself,” she said. She slipped into first gear and burned rubber as she headed out of town. Of course, nothing happened at the stroke of midnight and we are all still here, twenty years later still being fooled by the latest, so-called, life-threatening emergencies.

“The Best of a F.O.O.L.* In New Hampshire”

WEZS Newstalk

*Flatlander’s Observations On Life

AM 1350

Order your autographed copy today for $13.99 plus $3 for shipping. (Also available on Amazon andlocal bookstores 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. Order online at www.BrendanTSmith.com

The New Talk Authority

Newest Release By Brendan Smith

“The Best of a F.O.O.L.* In New Hampshire”

*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. Order online at www.BrendanTSmith.com (Pickup autographed copies at the Weirs Times)

Skelley’s Market

Whether you are a vacationer or a full time resident of the Lakes Region, Skelley's Market is the place to go for your shopping needs. Located on route

Skelley’s Market Services Include: • Gas 24 hours a day • Fresh pizza • NH Lottery tickets • Beer and Wine • Sandwiches • Daily papers

• Bailey’s Bubble ice cream • Maps • Famous Lobster Rolls • Fish and Game OHRV Licenses

PIZZA SPECIAL 2 for $18 2 Toppings Every Sat. Night 5-9pm

Stop by Skelley’s Market today and enjoy some great food, Bailey’s Bubble ice cream, a lobster roll or anything else you may need. You will be glad you did!

Skelley’s Market 374 Governor Wentworth HWY Moultonboro, N.H. 03254

Call 603-476-8887 • F: 603-476-5176 www.skelleysmarket.com

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Jill Biden, Meet Cpl. Ronil Singh and Deputy Brian Ishmael

The last time I checked, Joe Biden was running for president of the United States. But his wife, Jill Biden, demonstrated where the beltway Democratic couple’s allegiance and compassion are rooted this Christmas season: Mexico. Biden traveled to a camp in Matamoros on the southern border this week bearing gifts and meals for Central by Michelle Malkin American migrants -- all hoping to Syndicated Columnist trespass across the border illegally or exploit our asylum system with the help of “Open Borders Inc.” profiteers. Biden was accompanied by the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Holiday spirit or something else? Follow the money; find the truth. For Catholic Charities, mass illegal and legal migration is a billion-dollar business. The behemoth nonprofit is a prime contractor for the Unaccompanied Alien Children racket created by President Obama, and it’s one of the nine lucrative government contractors for refugee resettlement. Its single largest source of “revenue”: the federal government. Taxpayers. You and me. Nearly 60 federal agencies fork over money to Catholic Charities, as well as international donors from the European Union to the United Nations to the governments of Austria, Columbia, El Salvador, Germany, Honduras, the U.K. and the World Bank. Wall-bashing Pope Francis met with the U.N. secretary general to deliver a joint holiday message condemning opposition to the refugee camp explosion as a “sin.” The moral preening of border-busting elites who live behind gilded gates with 24/7 armed guards is unholy. “Heart-breaking,” Biden sniffed, as she doled out goodies to those whom she undoubtedly hopes will be her husband’s future constituents. It’s “not who we are,” she intoned. Now, lean in and listen more closely. Do you hear that? Yes, the silence. I’m talking about the thick, impenetrable wall of silence built by Catholic officials and Democratic leaders in the face of American suffering caused by immigration chaos. Dec. 26 marks the anniSee MALKIN on 26

A Response to the Editor Of Christianity Today Ben Shapiro is off. The following column is by Dennis Prager.

The editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, Mark Galli, wrote an editorial calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. In my view, this editoby Dennis Prager rial only serves to conSyndicated Columnist firm one of the sadder realizations of my life: that religious conviction guarantees neither moral clarity nor common sense. The gist of the editorial -- and of most religious and conservative opposition to President Trump -- is that any good the president has done is dwarfed by his character defects. This is an amoral view that says more about Galli than it does about the president. He and the people who share his opinion are making the following statement: No matter how much good this president does, it is less important than his character flaws. Why is this wrong? First, because it devalues policies that benefit millions of people. And second, because it is a simplistic view of character. I do not know how to assess a person’s character -- including my own -- outside of how one’s actions affect others. Since I agree with almost all of President Trump’s actions as president and believe they have positively affected millions of people, I have to conclude that as president, Trump thus far has been a man of particularly good character. Of course, if you think his policies have harmed millions of people, you will assess his character negatively. But that is not what never-Trump conservatives or Christians such as the Christianity Today editorin-chief argue. They argue that his policies have indeed helped America (and even the world), but this fact is far less significant

than his character. In the words of Galli: “(I)t’s time to call a spade a spade, to say that no matter how many hands we win in this political poker game, we are playing with a stacked deck of gross immorality and ethical incompetence.” This rhetorical sleight of hand reflects poorly on Galli’s intellectual and moral honesty. Galli and every other Christian and conservative opponent of the president believe their concerns are moral, and that the president’s Christian and other conservative supporters are political. This is simply wrong. I and every other supporter of the president I know support him for moral reasons, not to win a “political poker game.” Galli’s view is purely self-serving; he’s saying, “We Christian and other conservative opponents of the president think in moral terms, while Christian and other conservative supporters of the president think in political terms.” So, permit me to inform Galli and all the other people who consider themselves conservative and/or Christian that our support for the president is entirely moral. -- To us, putting pressure on the Iranian regime -- one of the most evil and dangerous regimes on Earth -- by getting out of the Iran nuclear deal made by former President Barack Obama is a moral issue. Even New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, who loathes Trump, has written how important the president’s rejection of the Obama-Iran agreement has been. -- To us, enabling millions of black Americans to find work -- resulting in the lowest black unemployment rate ever recorded -- is a moral issue. -- To us, more Americans than ever being employed and almost 4 million Americans freed from reliance on food stamps is a moral issue. -- To us, appointing more conservative judges than any president in history -- over the same period of time -- is a moral issue. That whether See PRAGER on 30

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

This week, children may learn about that greedy man, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge is selfish until ghosts scare him into thinking about others’ by John Stossel well-being, not Syndicated Columnist just his own. Good for the ghosts. But the way Scrooge addresses others’ needs matters. Today’s advocates of equality, compassion, increased spending on education, health care, etc., say “we care” but demand that govern-

Give, Don’t Govern

ment do the work. Controlling other people with the power of government doesn’t prove you care. If you want to help the poor, clean the environment, improve the arts. Great! Please do. But if you are compassionate, then you’ll spend your own money on your vision. You will volunteer your work and encourage others to volunteer theirs, by charity or commerce. You don’t force others to do what you think is best. But government is not voluntary. Government has no money of its own. Whatever it gives away, it first must take from others through

taxes. If you vote for redistribution of wealth, welfare benefits, new Medicare spending or free education, you can tell yourself you’re “generous.” But you’re not. You’re just forcing others to pay for programs you think might help. That’s not generosity. That’s control. The more programs you demand, the more controlling you are. In fact, you are worse than greedy old Ebenezer Scrooge. With Scrooge, people have a choice. They can work for Scrooge or quit. They can do business with

someone else. Governments don’t offer us choice. Governments say: “Comply or we will lock you up. Pay taxes and we will decide whom to help. No one may escape the master plan.” Why, then, do people react to big government ideas as if they’re generous instead of scary? Because most people don’t think clearly about what it means to tell government to use force against their fellow citizens. They think about society the way their ancestors did. “Our minds evolved tens of See STOSSEL on 30

Looking Ahead to 2020; What to Expect in the New Year NEW YORK- Peering into the crystal snow globe, it’s time to predict, prognosticate, and presage into the year ahead. Without a pun we need the by John J. Metzler proverbial 2020 Syndicated Columnist vision to decipher the political and security landscape that awaits us in the new year with both long running static conflicts and newly unpredictable crises. Here are among the things we can expect.

Static Conflicts Syria’s devastating civil war enters its 9th year with no clear end

in sight but continuing as a churning humanitarian Hell for millions. Few can imagine the sanguinary killing zone that has slogged on since 2011. The UN Security Council remains dangerously deadlocked by a super-power standoff and thus even humanitarian concessions for the suffering Syrian civilians fall by the wayside. Millions of refugees and internally displaced people later, the fight for Syria’s future continues with a devil’s mix of Islamic jihadi terrorist groups facing the Russian- backed As-sad regime. Korea’s face off continues. Despite tough UN economic sanctions, the Pyongyang leadership still refuses to denuclearize. Diplomatic efforts by the U.S. have stopped the ticking clock but have failed to resolve the clear and present danger

from North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to East Asia and the USA. A renewed crisis could erupt in the new year on the divided Korean peninsula. There’s the glaring humanitarian crisis in forgotten Yemen, Libya’s strife, Afghanistan’s deterioration, and the everlasting conflict in the Congo. In Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro’s socialist regime is holding on despite the once prosperous economy now in free fall. Four million Venezuelan refugees have created Latin America’s largest humanitarian crisis. The outcome remains far from resolved; most Latin American countries and the USA back the democratic opposition, but Maduro is supported by Cuba and China.

Elections Britain’s recent election saw the Conservative party win a thumping majority over Labour. Prime Minister Boris Johnson now finally appears to have a clear Parliamentary path to the controversial Brexit through which the United Kingdom will formally leave the European Union (EU) at the end of January. But beyond the Brexit euphoria, the United Kingdom faces serious political fault lines, especially in Scotland. Presidential elections are scheduled for Taiwan in early January; the outcome of the democratic contest will decide the island’s commercial relations with and security from Mainland China. China’s aggressive actions and brazen dis- See METZLER on 30

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

y h t l a e H &

New Year!

Looking for a Healthy New Year’s Resolution? Don ’ tO verlook Your Eyes y h t l ea

(StatePoint) The most ambitious time of year is upon us: the time to set New Year’s resolutions. All the parties have been hosted, the marshmallows have been toasted and you’ve binged on your new favorite TV show the entire month of December. Now you’re asking yourself, “What do I want to accomplish this year?” A New Year’s resolution is, for all intents and purposes, a good thing. Now consider this twist on the standard resolution format: opt for a few, small, lifestyle wins rather than mounting an all-out assault on your current habits – more resolution-lite, if you will. Choose resolutions that have clear start and end points, and that are attainable for you. Most of all, resolutions should make you feel good – that’s the

whole point, right? “A resolution that checks all the boxes is to get an eye exam,” says VSP network doctor, Jennifer Chinn. If you have loved ones in mind, bring them. Their eyes will thank you. Here’s why: • It’s Easy: With a comprehensive eye exam, there’s no uncomfortable warm-up, pep talk or preparation period. Making an appointment is easy: you simply show up and your eye doctor tests different aspects of your vision and eye health. Save the maximum effort for a goal further down your list, knowing an eye exam is a small investment of energy that reaps huge health rewards. • It Doesn’t Take All Year: You can be certain that unlike most resolutions where some level of delayed gratification is the motivator, a comprehensive eye exam pro-

vides immediate results. “All within your visit, you’ll learn the shape your vision is in, and, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, whether your prescription has changed,” Dr. Chinn says. • It’s Really Healthy: Beyond ensuring great vision, an eye exam offers an incredible look into your overall health. In fact, an eye exam is often the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your health. During your visit, the eye doctor will examine your eyes to check their visual acuity (or how clearly you see), and for any signs of eye conditions like dry eyes, digital eye strain, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. “More significantly, a comprehensive eye exam gives eye doctors an unobstructed view of the eyes’ blood vessels and optic nerves, both of which can give away signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pres-

sure and even some cancers years before a person shows symptoms,” notes Dr. Chinn. Unfortunately, many outward signals of diseases and conditions don’t appear until some damage has occurred, making eye exams powerful, preventative tools to keep tabs on what’s quietly happening in your body. To find an eye doctor near you, visit www. vsp.com/eye-doctor. You don’t need 20/20 vision to see that the case for a 2020 eye exam is clear. Make this the year you commit to an annual trip to the eye doctor.

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

y h t l a e H &

A Less Noisy New Year: 12 Small Changes To Make In 2020 to Break Your Technology Addiction

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Searching for a New Year’s resolution that will make a huge difference in your life? Joe McCormack urges you to look past the usual contenders—lose weight, join the gym, save money—and start

noticing a bad habit (actually, a whole suite of them) that hurts most of us more than we realize. We’ve stopped discerning what we let into our sphere of attention, and it’s taking a toll on our relationships, our ca-

reers, and our quality of life. “Slowly and without realizing it we’ve become slaves to emails, news stories, celebrity gossip, and endless social media alerts,” says McCormack, author of

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NOISE: Living and Leading When Nobody Can Focus (Wiley, December 2019, ISBN: 978-1119-55337-3, $25.00). “Digital distractions take us out of the moment, make us miss life’s nuances, and rob us of our potential.” Thanks to what McCormack calls “noise,” we’re literally missing our lives. Days, weeks, months, and years pass by in a blur as real connections and meaningful work are replaced with mindless feasting on empty “calories” that make us mentally anemic and rob us of our focus. The consequences are real. We tune out our kids (and they develop the same bad habits). We half-listen to our partners. We go through the motions at the office, missing the cues that lead to smart decisions and failing to do the “deep work” that leads to real success. That’s the bad news. The good news is we can live richer, more rewarding, more intentional lives. We just need to be aware of what we’re doing—and what we’re not doing—and make some small, yet surprisingly high-impact changes around our relationship with technology. Here are a few tactics you might want to try: Try Going A Week Without Social Media. Even Better, Give It Two Weeks. This may be tougher than you think because checking Facebook is a powerful addiction. But give your-

self a relatively short time frame and it will feel doable. One caveat: You can’t compensate with TV. Do something productive, relaxing, or meaningful instead. Set Boundaries Around Work CheckIns. To curb constant email checking, draw a hard line around your phone and computer use and don’t cross it. “The 7-to-7 rule is a great way to do this,” says McCormack. “After 7:00 p.m., put away your devices for the night. Don’t pick them up again until 7:00 a.m. the next day. This habit reduces screen time and allows for other regenerative activities like reading, conversations, and exercise.” Use 5-minute bursts of focus to stop procrastinating and start getting things done. You can either waste your entire day (yet again) by giving in to tech-fueled distractions, or you can resolve to be more productive with your time, starting now. Here’s how: Block off 5-minute segments of time to completely focus on and tackle one particular task throughout the day, starting and stopping on time. If you need more time, add another five minutes. Nurture Your Relationships Through Present Listening. Present listening means that you are in the moment, not racing ahead or looking back. It also means you’re giving your listening as a gift to the other person while expecting nothing in return. Be interested, ask

questions, and remember that it’s not about you. Resist the urge to follow momentary emotions and thoughts. This lowers the noise around you so you both get the most out of the exchange. Plan For Unplugged Weekends. It’s all too easy to waste weekends (or good portions of them) zoned out in front of the computer or the TV. In order not to do this, you need to plan ahead. When you don’t have an activity on the calendar you will probably default to digital devices. Of course you can’t (and shouldn’t) have every weekend booked to the hilt, but McCormack says at least two weekends out of the month should contain scheduled activities and events that will get you away from your devices and help you engage in the present. Commit To Deviceless Dinners. Dinner time can be a sacred time for families. Make a family pact to put down your phones, totally disconnect, and enjoy each other’s company while you share a meal together. Take turns talking about your day and really connect with each other. Designate ScreenFree Areas At Home. The places your kids (and you) sleep, converse, and eat should generally be free of technology, especially screens.

Happy

New Year!

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

y h t l a e H &

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Five Ways To Improve Heart Health (Family Features) If you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it’s understandable. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success. Consider these five tips that can help lower your risk of heart disease: Risk: Inactivity Solution: Move more throughout your day. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity. Build up to activity that gets your heart beating faster and leaves you a little breathless. If you’re busy, try breaking your daily activity into 10-minute chunks. Make walking dates. Join a pickup soccer or basketball game. Join a fitness class with your neighbor. Grab a loved one and dance in your kitchen. Risk: An unhealthy diet Solution: Consider an option like NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is free and scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Invite friends to cook up heart healthy recipes together. Start a lunch club at work and trade

recipe ideas. Risk: Smoking, even occasionally Solution: Quitting can be beneficial to your overall health, even if you’ve smoked for years. Set a quit date and let those close to you know. If you’ve tried quitting in the past, consider what helped and what made it harder.Ask your family and friends for support or join a support group. Find resources and connect with a trained counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or smokefree.gov. Risk: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep Solution: Sleeping 7-8 hours each night helps improve heart health. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight may also improve sleep. Resist that late afternoon nap. Turn off all screens at a set time nightly. Relax by listen-

ing to music, reading or taking a bath. Risk: Uncontrolled stress Solution: To help manage stress, try relaxation therapy and increase physical activity. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone you trust. De-stressing may also

help improve sleep. Learn about heart health and heart healthy activities in your community at nhlbi.nih.gov/ ourhearts. Use #OurHearts on social media to share how you and your friends, colleagues or family members are being heart healthy together.

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Ice Safety by Tim Moore Contributing Writer

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As more lakes and ponds freeze, now is the time to start thinking about ice fishing, but more importantly ice safety. Every year many people in North America die and countless more need to be rescued after falling through the ice. Early ice is one of the most dangerous times of the entire ice fishing season. There’s usually no way to tell the difference between ice thick enough to support a human and dangerous ice. Since ice never forms uniformly due to varying temperatures, current, and other natural forces, it is important that you never assume ice is safe. There are many variables when talking about safe ice thickness, such as how quickly the ice formed and whether it snowed or thawed during formation. First off, there is no such thing as truly safe ice. Even ice thick enough to support a large pickup truck can expand and shift throughout the day. Pressure ridges form and cracks can appear, seemingly out of nowhere. Quickly forming (clear ice) is the strongest, while ice that has partially thawed during formation or had snow temporarily interrupt the freezing process will be weaker as there will be more air trapped inside. The only way to know how thick and how strong the ice you want to fish on is to check it as you go with a chisel or spud bar, or to drill holes with an auger. I have seen ice thickness change from four inches to two inches in a distance as little as ten feet, so check often. Once you determine that the ice is safe you can use your spud bar like a walking stick and drive it into the ice as you walk. If the sound the spud bar makes changes, then so has

The author wears a floating suit for added safety. Also pictured is a Nebulus Flotation Device. the thickness of the ice, but you still want to check occasionally. There is a plethora of other safety items you can bring on the ice. Good traction such as ice cleats are a must for me and my clients when there is no snow on the ice. Traction not only helps protect you from falling and injuring yourself, but it is essential should you need to help rescue another person. Companies such as Clam Outdoors offer safety throw ropes, floating safety picks, ice fishing suits that offer added buoyancy, and other valuable safety products specifically designed with the ice angler in mind. If you use a snowmobile or ATV, I strongly suggest looking into a Nebulus Flotation Device. The Nebulus is an inflatable device that the user can deploy if your machine falls through the ice. Once deployed, the device inflates, allowing the machine to hang below and up to three people to get in the raft, possibly saving lives and a costly

recovery. In today’s hi-tech world there is no need to take risks. There is a tool for every job and safety is the most important aspect of ice fishing. Don’t get complacent this season when your lakes and ponds begin to freeze. Our friends and families are far more important than a day spent on a block of ice trying to outsmart a fish. If you can’t afford to take advantage of some of the newer safety gear on the market. Stick with the basics and use common sense. A little common sense goes a long way. Remember that there is no such thing as safe ice and always proceed with caution. Tim Moore is a full time licensed NH fishing guide and owner of Tim Moore Outdoors. LLC. He is also the owner of the New England Ice Fishing Academy and the producer of Tim Moore Outdoors TV. Visit www.TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

SPORTS PEOPLE OF THE YEAR A longtime Sports Illustrated subscriber, I especially look forward to certain issues—like the preseason by Mike Moffett p r e v i e w e d i Contributing Writer tions for various sports. And yes, I also enjoy the annual Swimsuit Issue. And I’m always curious as to whom the magazine will designate as “Sportsperson of the Year.” Red Sox star Carl Yastrzemski won the honor in 1967. Celtic great Bill Russell won it then next year. Then in 1970 Bruin legend Bobby Orr was the recipient. Back then it was called “Sportsman of the Year,” not “Athlete of the Year,” meaning it was supposedly about more than just stats. It was meaningful. So … SI’s 2019 recipient was Megan Rapinoe. Yes. HER. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team member who refused to honor our national anthem, à la Colin Kaepernick. As a soccer fan, I certainly appreciate Rapinoe’s talents. In fact, she’s the star of one of my favorite You-Tube sports moments, from the 2011 women’s World Cup. With Team USA trailing Brazil 2-1 with only moments left in extra time, Rapinoe raced down the left sideline and made a perfect left-footed cross to Abby Wambach who headed it into the net to tie the game. The Americans would later win on penalty kicks to keep World Cup hopes alive. Check it out. It’s great. This past summer Rapinoe was a USWNT leader and leading scorer as the American women won their fourth World Cup. But she received much media attention for non-soccer actions, such as refusing to honor our flag, for feuding with our president, for her purple hair, and for her lifestyle. Rapinoe indicated she’d refuse any invitation to visit the

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The 2019 Sports-Thoughts “Sportsperson Of The Year Award goes to 2019 United States Women’s National Soccer TEAM. White House, which precluded the USWNT from doing such a visit. One wonders if perhaps some of her teammates and their families just might have liked to have done that White House visit. The SI cover was more about sex and sauciness than sports, as Rapinoe was shown holding a sledgehammer with a graphic print across her chest featuring roses and a provocative image of Rodin’s famous sculpture The Kiss. Sorry. I just wasn’t inspired. SI’s writer, Jenny Vrentas, authored a fawning story that highlighted Rapinoe’s militancy and profanity. Like so many print publications, Sports Illustrated has been struggling during this Internet age. It’s gone from being a weekly to a biweekly and will soon to be monthly publication. Part of SI’s problem has to do with its politics, as manifested not only by the Rapinoe selection but by its longstanding editorial policies, which are quite liberal. The magazine has a “Faces in the Crowd” feature which focuses on athletic achievements of folks who don’t rate

magazine covers. I’ve noticed that white males are seldom included. It’s called “political correctness.” The SI issue previous to the Rapinoe issue had Heisman Trophy winner and LSU quarterback Joe Burrow on the cover. Ross Dellenger’s accompanying story included a quote from Burrow critical of President Trump’s positions on race. So why did Dellenger have to include that swipe? I think it was unfair to both Burrow and the president. But that’s what liberal sportswriters do. Anyway, I’m going to do my own Sport-Thoughts “Sportspersons of the Year Award.” The honorees are the members of the 2019 United States Women’s National Soccer TEAM! Congratulations to the players and their families. As for SI, the editors can feel good about their Rapinoe selection, as it allows them to “virtue-signal” their enlightened attitudes about modern female athletes as we move away from objectifying women like in the old days. So … See MOFFETT on 20

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Snowshoe Tracking First 2020 ‘MOOSE-ies For Families’ Program

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On Sunday morning, January 18, Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) and Branch Hill Farm/ Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust (BHF/ CSFCT) will jointly offer a kids’ snowshoe walk and tracking activity. Snowshoe tracking is the first event of MMRG’s 2020 ‘MOOSE-ies for Families’ program, intended to encourage the next generation of conservationists by offering families ways to have fun together outside while learning about the natural world. At MMRG’s previous family snowshoe event, kids went sledding, tried out walking in snowshoes, listened for bird songs at the edge of the woods and crowded around the leaders as they pointed out signs of wildlife along a snowy trail. Anticipating the upcoming event, MMRG’s Educational Outreach Coordinator Kari Lygren says, “We’ll look for signs of wildlife and talk about the animal stories that we can read in the snow. We always have a great time because kids are so curious and love to explore!” The Snowshoe Tracking event will take place from 10 am to 12 pm at Branch Hill Farm in Milton Mills, led by MMRG staff and volunteers. Kids-sized snowshoes will be available as well as a few loaner snowshoes for adults. Children of all ages with their families are welcome but pre-registration is required. ‘MOOSE-ies for Families’ events are a

membership benefit for MMRG member families, but non-members are encouraged to try out their first family activity for free. For more information, directions, and to pre-register, call MMRG’s Educational Outreach Coordinator Kari Lygren at (603) 978-7125 or email mmrgnh@gmail.com. The updated 2020 ‘MOOSE-ies for Families’ series includes Birdhouse Building (March), Using a Map to Find Your Way (also in March), Following a Stream (May), the annual Woods, Water & Wildlife Festival (second Saturday in August), Night Time Walk (September), Photography Scavenger Hunt (October), and Natural Holiday Decorations (December). Interested families may join MMRG with an online donation of $25 per household per year at www.mmrg.info or inquire about available

scholarships by calling 603-473-2020. MMRG, a non-profit land trust, works to conserve and connect important water resources, farm and forest lands, wildlife habitats, and recreational land in Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Wakefield, and Wolfeboro. For more information and a calendar of upcoming educational events, visit www.mmrg.info. Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust works to protect open space and working forests and to educate the public about sound forestry, conservation and agricultural practices; see www.branchillfarm. org. ‘MOOSE-ies for Families’ events are made possible in part through the generous support of local business and community sponsors.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Not So . . . o g A g N o L

Exploring ThE lEgEnd & lorE of our graniTE STaTE

The Women Of NH’s First Century

“Women Of The Century -Daughters of America” by Phebe Hanaford. vard Crimson football team defeated the Oregon Webfoots by a score of 7 to 6. Later in the year of 1920 Dartmouth’s football team traveled to Seattle to play the inaugural game in Huskey Stadium where they defeated the Washington Sun Dodgers 28 -7. In politics, though the process was different than today’s, New Hampshire began its now 100 year span of having the first in the nation presidential primary.

The 18th and 19th amendments were both championed by women’s groups, but the significant influence of women in our country and state can be traced back to colonial days. Phebe A. Hanaford wrote a book that was published in 1882 titled Daughters of America with the sub-title Women of the Century in which she recognizes many women, including herself, who have had influence on this nation in particular roles. Phebe

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If we look back to the United States of America of a hundred years ago, 1920, we find that tremendous changes have taken place between then and now. In 1920 the eighteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution had brought prohibition to the country, and the vote to establish the right of women to vote in the country’s elections brought us the nineteenth amendment. One of those amendments endures, the other was repealed at a later date. Henry Ford’s automobile was selling well in 1920, but it was not until that year that the first commercial radio station in the country began broadcasting from Detroit. The nation was recovering from World War I as the veterans of that war looked to their fellow Americans to help them make the adjustments of returning to civilian life. In the 1920 Rose Bowl football game in Pasadena, California, none other than the Har-

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was obviously a writer, but lists herself under the title of women preachers in the book. She wrote primarily about women who lived in the first century of the United States of America and the beginning of the second. I want to list some from New Hampshire who made their mark in that century. Phebe Hanaford quotes another writer, Sarah Josepha Hale, a number of times in her book. Hale was born in Newport, New Hampshire, and is probably best known for being the author of the poem Mary Had A Little Lamb. Hanaford appears to think that Mrs. Hale’s greatest achievement was her 918 page book, Women’s Record, conSee SMITH on 25

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr.

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Since the primary ballot included, for the first tim EVERY PRESIDENT HAS WON AT LEA

The New Hampshire Presidential Pri 1920 t

PILLARS OF T

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

me, a direct vote for president beginning in 1952, AST ONE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY

e First-in-the-Nation imary Centenial to 2020

THE PRIMARY

18 PRIMARY from 1 from both parties and news media from all over the world have already been visiting homes and patronizing businesses here, and the crowds will get bigger, the lines longer as the Primary election grows near. Newcomers sometimes don’t understand what campaign veterans and experienced journalists know well. With three exceptions, every American president has begun the election cycle with a win in New Hampshire. And in the exception years, the nationally elected president was chosen second here. And every American president has won at least one New Hampshire primary election since 1952. Politicians have learned over the years that Granite State residents are among the most attentive voters in the nation. New Hampshire’s 2016 primary election by far drew the highest turnout, bringing more than 50 percent of the state’s eligible voters to the polls, while the national averages for primaries were in the 30 percent range. New Hampshire voters have shown a fierce independence, such as their decision to choose

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy addressing the Nashua Rotary Club, with wife Jackie seated at his side on January 25, 1960. A copy of the speech is available online at the Kennedy presidential library website. Kennedy easily won the New Hampshire primary with 85 percent of the vote over Missouri Senator Stuart Symington and Adlai Stevenson, the national Democratic nominee in 1952 and 1956. the late Senator John McCain over the national Republican favorite, George W. Bush in 2000. The state would also choose McCain, who had become a voter favorite, in the state’s 2008 Republican Primary. But at the same time, voters here feel a tremendous sense of responsibility for their first-in-the-nation vote, which was demonstrated when the state chose President Donald Trump in 2016 though Trump had belittled McCain and McCain’s record in the military.

If you follow the news, you will soon be hearing and reading accolades for the New Hampshire voter, who also have a strong record of attending political events during primary season. “New Hampshire has a unique political culture, people here want to see the candidates close up and personal,” said Gardner, the longest currently serving secretary of state in the United States. Since his election as secretary of state in 1976, Gardner has blocked a dozen or so attempts by other

tary of state can change the date to ensure that the New Hampshire Primary will take place at least seven days before any “similar election” in any other state. Iowa holds a caucus, not a primary, usually within a week of N.H.’s primary. The Primary was moved to Jan. 8 in 2008 to keep it first in the nation, for instance, after the national parties tried to move more populous other states ahead. “Many have tried to move ahead of us over the years, but no one’s figured out a way to do it,” Gardner said. New Hampshire held its first Presidential Pri-

1949 to allow candidate names on the ballots in addition to delegate names. That process was kept from 1952 to 1976. Splaine, who had worked for to help elect President John F. Kennedy and was opposed to the Vietnam War, said New Hampshire Democrats and Republicans grew into factions, even among themselves. “The factions resulted from from (Democrats) supporting President Lyndon Johnson and Senator Gene McCarthy in 1968, and Senators George McGovern and Ed Muskie in 1972, and those resulted in hard feelings making it

U.S. Senator Thomas J. McIntyre, a former Laconia mayor, with President Lyndon Johnson at a rally at the Carpenter Hotel in Manchester. Governor John W. King is at Johnson’s left. Although Johnson won the 1968 NH Primary with 49 percent of the vote, a virtually unknown Minnesota Sen. Eugene McCarthy’s strong finish with 42 percent badly wounded the president’s candidacy. A short time later, Johnson withdrew from the race. states and the national political parties to move other states’ primaries ahead of New Hampshire. New Hampshire state law stipulates that the presidential primary shall be on the second Tuesday in March (the date when town meetings and non-partisan municipal elections are traditionally held), but also says that the secre-

mary in March of 1916, but it wasn’t the first in the nation until 1920, by which time Minnesota had discontinued its Primary and Indiana moved its Primary to May. For the next 32 years, though, Granite Staters only elected delegates who would later choose candidates at party conventions. The Legislature decided to change the process in

difficult for Democrats to unify on New Hampshire statewide races. On the Republican side, the results of Watergate in 1973-1974 made national politics secondary to concerns about statewide politics,” he said. In 1975, other states were threatening to jump ahead of the state’s lead-off status, See PRIMARY on 19

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 — PRIMARY from 18 and the leaders of both the state Democratic and Republican parties had lost some interest in retaining the first-inthe-nation position. “So there was a lot of discussion about ‘taking a pass’ for 1976, and letting some other states be first. The Iowa Caucus was going to happen anyway, so the question of whether we should even hold a primary was being entertained,” Splaine said. “I recognized the value of a small state being the place where candidates could run for president without having to mount the funding and large networking that is required in larger states, or nationally.” In early 1975, Splaine sponsored a bill to set New Hampshire’s primary first, and keep it there. “And since we would pay for our primary, we weren’t dependent on what either party wanted to do, unless they decided to hold a caucus. We could hold our primary any time we wish, and didn’t need permission of the national or state parties to do so,” he said. Splaine and Thomson at first clashed on the issue, said Thomson’s son, Tom Thomson. “Dad was not in favor of it at first because he worried it would get too political, and then he and Mr. Splaine agreed the date would be in the hands of our secretary of state,” Thomson said. Thomson said he remembers that his father and Splaine spent a lot of time sending different versions of the new bill back and forth, and coming to agreements on wording despite their political leanings. “I got to know Governor Thomson quite well,” Splaine said. “I was a liberal Democrat (in the Legislature), and he was a very conser-

Ronald Reagan campaigning in the Town of Milan in the 1976 New Hampshire primary, in which incumbent President Gerald Ford was the winner on the Republican side, while Jimmy Carter was the winner on the Democrat side. Reagan four years later won the state’s 1980 primary, and was elected president, defeating Carter. vative Republican, but from the first time we met shortly after his election, we enjoyed each other. We argued quite a lot, but he invited me into his office more than any other governor ever did, and we did find some things in common.” “After lots of hearings, then-Senate President Bob Monier, an ally of Governor Thomson who I had also come to know rather well and would later serve with when I was elected to the Senate, and Senator Eileen Foley, who represented Portsmouth and who was a good friend, joined together for passage, and Governor Thomson signed it into law.” Over the years, New Hampshire voters have become known nationally for their ability to pick presidents at the beginning of the electoral process. “Our leadoff status, our law has

proven its effectiveness. It allows for candidates without initial national footing to run and be credible here. And the national parties and other states, try as they do, have not been able to stop us from being first.” “We have a pretty substantial record,” said Tom Thomson. “Look at what happened in 1976. (Soon-to-be-President) Jimmy Carter was a Georgia peanut farmer, and nobody knew who he was until he came here. He had good ideas that caught people’s attention, and we chose him.”

Thomson said his late father “would be proud knowing it’s in Bill Gardner’s hands.” Gardner, who said the state will have 17 Republican candidates and 33 Democrats on its ballot when voters go to the polls on Feb. 11, said potential presidential candidates now know the value of coming to New Hampshire, where voters will get “up close and personal” with them and give them a fair hearing. Splaine takes it a step further. “I think that I can make the case that if it wasn’t for our

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primary being first, the Vietnam War wouldn’t have ended when it did. And that Jimmy Carter would not have been the Democratic Nominee in 1976, Ronald Reagan wouldn’t have been nominated,” he said. “For good or for bad, our First-In-The-Nation Presidential Pri-

mary also made Barack Obama a stronger candidate in 2008, in large part because of his second-place finish to Hillary Clinton here, which pushed him to campaign better for the balance of the primary and caucus schedule, and (Trump) wouldn’t have been such a powerhouse as he secured the Republican Nomination in 2016.” Splaine said New Hampshire voters prove their need to vote first each time they choose a president. “Our primary’s ‘first’ status is secure as long as we continue, as a state, to show up in record numbers on election day, and continue to invite all the candidates – major and not major – to campaign here and visit us in our living rooms and on our streets,” Splaine said. “Unlike larger states, candidates are more encouraged to meet us face-to-face, look at us eye-to-eye, and talk with us, rather than at or to us, away from the podiums or behind cameras. That has incredible, and longlasting, value for our American democracy.”

Now In 3rd Printing!

The Flatlander Chronicles Weirs Times F.O.O.L columnist, Brendan Smith’s first book with over 30 of the best of his original Flatlander Columns. From learning to Rake The Roof to Going To The Dump to Buying Firewood for the first time and everything in between, Brendan recounts the humorous tales of his learning to fit into New Hampshire life as a Flatlander from New York.

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 (Pickup autographed copies at the Weirs Times)

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

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MOFFETT from 13 When’s that annual SI Swimsuit Edition coming out? Sports Quiz Who was SI’s first “Sportsman of the Year?” (Answer follows) Born Today ... That is to say sports standouts born on January 2 include star running back Calvin Hill (1947) and Heather O’Reilly, who won three Olympic soccer Gold Medals and one World Cup as a member of the USWNT (1985).

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WHAT’S ON TAP IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?? A listing of some of the area’s beercentric watering holes where you can find old favorites on tap as well as some cutting edge seasonals.

ACKERLY’S JOHNSON’S GRILL & GALLEY TAPHOUSE 83 Main Street, Alton 603.875.3383 Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com 603 - Winni Amber Ale Tuckerman - Pale Ale Smuttynose - Myst. Haze Moat Mountain - Square Tail Lone Pine - IPA

COPPER KETTLE TAVERN

At Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant 233 D.W. Hwy, Meredith 603.279.6212 hartsturkeyfarm.com Allagash White Tuckerman - Pale Ale 603 Winni Amber Stoneface IPA Moat - Miss Vs Blueberry Henniker - Working/Porter ...+6 More On Tap

D.A. LONG TAVERN

At Funspot Family Entertainment Ctr. 579 Endicott St N., Weirs 603.366.4377 funspotnh.com Rockingham - Winter Wonderham Mast Landing - Gunner’s Daughter (NITRO) Lone Pine - Oh-J Six Point - Trail Haze IPA Prairie - Era Hidden Cove- Port Side Lager ...+6 More On Tap

At Johnson’s Seafood & Steak 69 Rt 11, New Durham 603.859.7500 eatatjohnsons.com/ newdurham Bent Water- Sluice Juice SoMe- Whoopie Pie Stout Two Roads- Two Juicy Allagash- Farm to Face Maine Beer Co. - Dinner Muddy Road- Porter the Merrier ...+30 More On Tap

PATRICK’S PUB 18 Weirs Rd., Gilford 603.293.0841 / Patrickspub.com 603 - Winni Amber Ale Woodstock - Autumn Brew Tuckerman - Pale Ale Sam Adams - NE IPA Patrick’s Slainte’ Ale Switchback Ale ...+8 More On Tap

THE UNION DINER

1331 Union Ave., Laconia 603.524.6744 theuniondiner.com Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale Cigar City - Maduro Brown Hobbs - Saint Benefitta Litherman’s - Misguided Angel Moat Mountain - Helles Henniker - Hugs From Pat

** Tap listings subject to change! RESTAURANT OR BAR OWNER?

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Wicked BREW Review

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Corsendonk Christmas Ale

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WHERE YOU ALWAYS FIND

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by Jim MacMillan Contributing Writer

With all of the holiday season traditions, you more than likely will find an opportunity to try new things. After all, traditions are based on trying something that someone else shared with you. I like spices of this time of year; nutmeg, all spice, cinnamon, coriander and more. And seasonal food made during the Christmastime is especially intriguing. Finding a really good beer to match what is being served becomes a search for perfection. Luckily, there are some really great brews available to fit the bill. The focus beer for today is a perfect blend of flavors and aromas that will be the beginning to a great food pairing tradition. Presenting the Corsendonk Christmas Ale. The Priory of Corsendonk in Oud-Turnhout, Belgium is where the Christmas Ale recipe was first produced from around 1398 to 1784. The brewery and priory was shut down by the Austrian Emperor Joseph II in 1784. It went dormant until 1968 when Corsendonk Hotels took over the area. In 1982, Jef Keersmaeker was responsible for continuing

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the Corsendonk brewing tradition by reproducing the Pater, Agnus Dei and the Christmas Ale beers through brewers Brasserie Du Bocq in Purnode, Belgium. They still produce these Corsendonk beers today and are exported around the world. Find out more about other Belgian style beers at StKillian.com Corsendonk Christmas Ale is a deliciously malty holiday beer with chocolate and spiciness known for this time of

year. It is considered to be a Belgian Dark Strong Ale style with an 8.1% ABV. Pale, Munich and Caramunich malts are used along with Kent Goldings hops. A rich and dark reddishbrown hue with a foamy, med-antique white head adds to the attractive nature of this beer. Its silky smooth mouthfeel, slightly boozy, with dark fruit, raisons and citrusy nose helps with the lingering allure. This balanced ale will be a great addition to your holiday

mealtime. This is also one beer that can be cellar aged for a few years… BeerAdvocate.com officially rated this brew, giving it 92 out of 100 marked as ‘Outstanding’ while fans rate it even higher. You can pick up 11.2 oz four packs of this wonderful creation at Case-n-Keg, 5 Mill St, Meredith. Traditions come and go, but great beers always enhance your seasonal fun. Merry Christmas and cheers to one and all!

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OPEN Mon-Wed 6am - 3 pm • Thur & Sat 6am - 7:30pm Fri 6am - 8pm • Sunday (breakfast only) 6am to 1pm Dinner served Thurs, Fri & Sat evenings 1331 Union Ave., Laconia • 603.524.6744 • theuniondiner.com

D.A. LONG TAVERN Always Lots Of Fun On Tap! Located in a quiet corner Exceptional Craft Beer List Specialty Cocktails of Funspot, steps away Made to Order Pizza from lots of fun stuff... Pool • Darts 20 bowling lanes, 18-hole mini-golf and the largest arcade in the world including a huge collection of classic video & Keep Up To Date pinball With Our Rotating games! Selection of Craft TAVERN HOURS

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Located Inside Funspot, Rte. 3, One Mile North Of The Weirs Beach Sign 579 Endicott Street N. • Weirs • NH • 603-366-4377 • funspotnh.com

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

OUT on the TOWN Great Food, Libations & Good Times!

Great Food, Fun & Entertainment

LIVE MUSIC IS BACK! FRI 7PM

Live music with Matt Langley and guest.

SAT 8PM

Enjoy live music with Justin Jaymes patrickspub.com • (603) 293-0841 • 18 Weirs Rd. Gilford, NH 03249

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Exit 23 off I-93 • 233 Daniel Webster Hwy • Meredith Connect 603-279-6212 • HartsTurkeyFarm.com With Us!

Greenways and Branch Hill Far m, Milton, NH. 10amNoon.These family activities are a great oppor tunity to take kids outside and explore what nature has to offer in all seasons. www.mmrg.info

Tuesday 21st Center Harbor Soup Kitchen – Free Community Meal

Center Harbor Congregational Church, 52 Main Street, Center Harbor. 5pm – 6pm. Join every Tuesday night for an opportunity to meet new friends and families and enjoy a good meal together at no cost.

Friday 24

Denny Laine & the Moody Wings Band F l y i n g M o n k e y, M a i n S t r e e t , P l y m o u t h . www. FlyingMonkeyNH.com or 536-2551

Saturday 25th

CHOOSE FROM 5 APPETIZERS PRICED AT ONLY $5 EACH!* PLUS ENJOY: $6 HOUSE WINES & $4 BUD LIGHT DRAFTS!*

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EVENTS from 4

Recycled Percussion F l y i n g M o n k e y, M a i n S t r e e t , P l y m o u t h . www. FlyingMonkeyNH.com or 536-2551

Tall Granite Big Band

Pitman’s Freight Room, 94 New Salem Street, Laconia. 8 p m . Ti cke t s a r e $ 2 0 p p. Pitman’s is a BYO venue. 5270043

Jumble Sale

First Church Congregational, 6 South Main Street, Rochester. 8am-Noon . Use Door #2 on Liber ty Street. 603-332-1121

603.527.8144 myrnascc.com

yrna’s Classic Cuisine

Italian & American Comfort Food Formerly known as Nadia’s Trattoria, voted one of the SMALL PLATE SPECIALS top ten restaurants in NH by Tuesday - Thursday from 3-5pm Boston Magazine. Veal Francese and Eggplant Offering discount drafts Rollatini Hours: Tues. Wed. & Thur 3-9pm & select — Join us Tue-Thurs from 3-5 house p.m.wines for Small Plate Specials Fri. & Sat. 3-9:30pm

THIS WEEKEND SPECIALS

Sunday 26

Red Hot Chilli Pipers F l y i n g M o n k e y, M a i n S t r e e t , P l y m o u t h . www. FlyingMonkeyNH.com or 536-2551

Tuesday 28th Center Harbor Soup Kitchen – Free Community Meal

Center Harbor Congregational Church, 52 Main Street, Center Harbor. 5pm – 6pm. Join every Tuesday night for an opportunity to meet new friends and families and enjoy a good meal together at no cost.

Friday 31st Broken Arrow F l y i n g M o n k e y, M a i n S t r e e t , P l y m o u t h . www. FlyingMonkeyNH.com or 536-2551

ONGOING Senior Ten Pin Bowling League

Funspot, Rt. 3 Weirs Beach. 10am every Monday morning. 50 years and older welcomed! Call Gail 569-1974 or Al 8552561

Northern Grafton County Republican Committee Meeting Littleton Regional Healthcare Conference Room, 580 St. Johnsbury Road, Littleton. NGCRC meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm. Any interested persons are asked to contact Janice Novak at janicenovack@ myfairpoint.net or call 8235011

55+ Singles Club

Tuftonboro Library, Tuftonboro. Tuesdays 6pm-7:30pm. Come to share your interests, hobbies, favorite books and movies, a story, song, place to hike or more! Have fun making new friends.

Lakes Region Detachment Marine Corps League

— Meredith

Rt. 3, Located under the canopy at 131 LakeatStreet At Paugus Bay Plaza,Bay Laconia Located under the canopy 131 Lake Street at Paugus Plaza Second Hours: Tues. Wed. & Thurs. 3-9pm; Fri. & Sat. 3-9:30pm (603)527-8144 myrnascc.com

Community Center, Meredith. 6:30pm. Thursday of the

month. New members always welcome. 630-3439.

Tuftonboro Country, Bluegrass & Gospel Music Jam Session

Old White Church, 109A, Tuftonboro. Every Tuesday from 6:30pm-9:30pm. The public is invited to attend the jam session. Fans of country, bluegrass and gospel music are invited to come enjoy an evening of music! Bring your instruments to play and sing along, or just come to listen. There is no admission charge, donations are requested. For more information call Joe at 569-3861

Lakes Region Brain Injury Support Group Meeting Lakes Region Community Services, 719 Main Street, Laconia. 6pm-7:30pm. Group meets 1 st Thursday of the month. 225-8400 for more information.

Toastmasters Meetings – All Welcome

Moultonborough Public Library, Moultonborough. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month from 6:30pm-8:30pm. All are welcome to check out this fun, supportive group of individuals finding their voice and honing their communication, listening and leadership skills. For more info contact Marcia at 5697494

Plymouth Brain Injury and Stroke Support Group Meeting

T h e W h o l e V i l l a g e, 2 5 8 Highland Street, Plymouth. 6pm-7:30pm. Group meets 2nd Wednesday of the month. 225-8400 for more information.

Public Skating Merrill Fay Arena, 468 Province Road, Laconia. Public skating will be offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 11:30am-1pm and Saturday & Sunday 12pm-1:30pm. $5pp, kids age 5 and under are free.

info@merrillfayarena.com or 528-0789

Line Dancing

Gilford Public Library, 31 Potter Hill Road, Gilford. 9am10:30am Every Wednesday. 524-6042

Marine Corps Meetings

Granite Steak & Grill, Rte 11, Farmington Rd, Rochester. 11:30am. Third Tuesday of every month. All Marines and Navy FMF Corpsmen and spouses welcome. 335-7414 or 781-956-6982.

“Moving Through Grief” – A Monthly Drop-in Support Session

Lakes region VNA Office, 186 Waukewan Street, Meredith. Sessions will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1:30pm. Carol Snow-Asher, Spiritual Care Counselor and Bereavement Coordinator at LR VNA will facilitate the monthly support session for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. 279-6611

Family Story Time

Concord Public Library, Green Street, Concord. Wednesdays at 9:30am. This class includes stories, fingerplays, songs, and fun, all designed to strengthen children’s reading or prereading skills! Registration is not required, and all ages are invited; groups welcome! 2258670

Hooks & Needles – Knitting & Crocheting Group

Meredith Senior Center, 1 Circle Drive, Meredith. Group meets every Tuesday 9:3011:30am. All are welcome. 279-4647

Support Group for Caregivers & Those with Alzheimer’s or Other Dementias

Laconia Congregational Parish Hall, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia. 2pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday’s of each month. Group is confidential and non-denominational. 5366060

Once Read Bookstore – A Project of the Friends of Meredith Public Library

Hannaford Shopping Center, 38 Whittier Highway, Meredith. Bookstore is open every Thursday and Friday from 10am to 2pm and Saturday 10-3:30 and Sunday 11 to 2. All proceeds fund programs for children and adults at the Meredith Public Library. 5200434

See EVENTS on 23

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

OUT on the TOWN Great Food, Libations & Good Times!

EVENTS from 22

Newfound Knights – Chess Club Sleeper-Minot Library, Bristol. 5-7pm. Twice a month (Tuesdays). Any and all chess players are welcome, even if you have never played, people will be willing to take time and teach you how to play. Learn a new game, meet new people and have fun! Free and open to all. Tron84nh@gmail.com for dates and more details.

Agape Ministries Food Pantry and Thrift Store Open

The Former Center Harbor Food Pantry, 80 Bean Road, Moultonborough. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-12pm, and Sunday 12pm3pm. 250-8028

Lakes Region Brain Injury Support Group

for both the beginner and the advanced genealogist. Free and open to all. 569-2428

Central NH Amateur Radio Club Meeting Gilford Community Church, Gilford. Meets the first Tuesday of each month. Interested in amateur radio? New members welcome! Check website for details www.chnarc.org

Bible Study

Open Door Bible Church, 2324 Rt. 16, next to West Ossipee Post Office. Every Wednesday at 6:30pm. 508-380-0471

Singles Dance

Daniel’s Hall, Rt 4, Nottingham. Fridays from 8pm-12am. Casual dress. BYOB, free light buffet and drink set-ups. Smoking outside on the patio. $12. 942-8525

Lakes Region Community Services, 719 Main Street, Laconia. 6-7:30pm. 1st Thursday of every month. 2258400

Acoustic Country Pickin Party

Lakes Region Camera Club Meeting

Starr King Unitarian Meeting House, Plymouth. Sundays 4-5pm. 536-1179

Trinity Episcopal Church, Route 25, Meredith. 7-9pm. First and third Thursday of the month. Persons of all experience levels are welcome to attend. www.lrcameraclub.

com

Zentangle Workshop

VynnArt, Main Street, Meredith. Every third Friday. Call 279-0557to sign up.

Overeaters Anonymous

Hope-Franklin RCC, 175 Central Street, Franklin. Saturdays 11am-noon.

NAMI-NH Family Support Group

Pease Public Library, downstairs, Plymouth. 7pm. First and third Mondays of each month. Open to anyone who is dealing with a close friend or family member who has a mental illness. 254-5090 or 536-2699

Genealogy Workshop

Wolfeboro Public Library, Wolfeboro. 10am-Noon. The first Tuesday of every month. Featuring methods of jump starting genealogical research

Tilton Senior Center from 7pm9pm every Wednesday.

Line Dancing

Mahjong

Gilford Public Library, 31 Potter Hill Road, Gilford. 12:30-3pm every Monday. 524-6042

Free Movie Matinee

Dover Public Library. Every Saturday at 2pm. Free screening of a family movie. Bring your own popcorn!

Preschool Storytime

Meredith Public Library, Main St. Wednesdays, 10:3011:30am and Thursdays, 1-2pm. Ages 3-5. 279-4303.

Knotty Knitters

Meredith Public Library, Main St. 10:30am - Noon. Every Thursday. All levels of experience welcome. 2794303.

Social Bridge

Gilford Public Library, 31 Potter Hill Road, Gilford. 10:30am12:30pm Every Friday. 5246042

Old Time Country, Gospel and Bluegrass Jam Old White Church, Rt 109 A Ctr. Tuftonboro. Tuesday nights

6:30-9:30pm. Open to the public. Musicians invited Call 569-3861.

Woodside Carvers Club

Woodside Building at the Taylor Community, Laconia. Tuesday and Thursday 9:3011:30am. Beginners welcome. 934-4265

Adult Pick-Up Basketball

2:30pm every Friday. 524-6042

Plymouth Area Chess Club

Pease Public Library, Plymouth. Tuesdays 6-8pm. 536-1179

T.O.P.S. Meeting

Congregational Church, Meredith. 5:30pm every Wednesday. “Take Off Pounds Sensibly.”

Newfound Memorial Middle School. Sundays, 6-8pm. $1 per night. 744-2713.

Knit Wits Knitting Club

Gilford Public Library, 31 Potter Hill Road, Gilford. 1:30pm-

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 — SMITH from 15 taining biographical sketches of distinguished women from around the world. Sarah Hale wrote other books and was the editor of some women’s magazines. Hanaford wrote about several U.S. President’s wives, including New Hampshire’s Jane Pierce. Mrs. Pierce was born in Hampton, NH in 1806. Her father was Rev. Dr. Jesse Appleton, who became the president of Bowdoin College. Jane Means Appleton married Franklin Pierce of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, when she was 28 years old and he was a member of the U.S. Congress. I think it should be noted that, while her husband is not given the highest of grades as a President by many, that it was said of Jane Pierce, as a first lady, that she had “...an unsurpassed dignity and grace, delicacy and purity, in all that pertains to public life. There was a home, a Christian home, quietly and constantly maintained, and very many hearts rejoiced in its blessings.” The Pierces were living with the grief brought on by the death in a railroad accident of their thirteen year old son just after Franklin Pierce was elected to be President. Celia Thaxter is probably a name that some readers will recognize. She was born in Portsmouth on June 29, 1835, but spent much of her life on the Isles of Shoals, the rocky islands off the New Hampshire coast that the explorer John Smith had long before named after himself. Thaxter is known for her poems related to the sea and someone has said “Her verses

have the very swing of the sea.” And, “ ...she is emphatically the most picturesque of the poets.” A series of articles by her in the Atlantic Monthly in 1867-8 about the Isles of Shoals drew particular attention. A notable artist of the first century of our country’s existence was Mary Weston, whose artistic ambitions began when she was seven or eight years old and was charmed by the face of a beautiful woman. The Hebron, New Hampshire daughter of a Baptist clergyman tried unsuccessfully to draw the likeness on a slate, but that began her career as an artist until the days came when her portraits were classified as excellent. She did not have access to many artists materials, so manufactured her own. “For the colors of her flowers Mary used beet-juice, extract of bean-leaves prepared by herself , etc., till the welcome present of a box of paints made her independent of such contrivances.” Dr. Sarah A. Colby was born in Sanbornton, New Hampshire on May 31, 1824. Ebenezer and Sally Colby were the parents of Sarah and seven other children, but only two survived. Sarah and her surviving sister both became women physicians. Both were educated at the Sanbornton Academy and Sarah was a teacher before developing an interest in the practice of medicine and coming to the conclusion that the need existed for “noble Christian women with strong judgment and large scientific attainment” to join the men as medical doctors. he felt that this was par-

Phebe A. Hanaford. ticularly necessary for the benefit of women. After schooling in Philadelphia Dr. Colby became an allopathist,

but after a few years preferred to practice as a homeopathist. She sought to have her practice be in harmony

with the teachings of Christ. She wrote that at the beginning she was not accepted as an equal by the men in the same profession, but eventually men physicians were sending their wives and daughters to her for treatment and she received high praise from her male colleagues. Her office was “thronged with patients.” Meanwhile her younger sister married, went to school in Chicago and became Mrs. Esther W. Taylor, M.D. Phoebe Hanaford named among the women reformers of the nineteenth century one Abbey Hutchinson Patton who was born in Milford, NH, and in her younger days would sing at conventions with her four brothers. “Anti-slavery, woman’s rights, temperance, peace, and democracy have been her theme.” As

it relates to the singing, “Like oil on the troubled waters, their sweet songs would soothe to silence those savages whom neither appeal nor defiance could awe.” Abby Hutchinson was a girl of strong character and refinement who, with the Hutchinson family, had a strong influence in the effort to reform that which was wrong in the nation. The names above may or may not be familiar with the reader, but represent some of the women who in the nation’s and state’s first hundred years or so made a difference. Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr., welcomes your comments at danahillsmiths@yahoo. com

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

MALKIN from 6 versary of the brutal murder of Cpl. Ronil Singh at the hands of a Mexican gang member here illegally who was protected by “sanctuary policies” that obstruct local, state and federal cooperation on immigration enforcement. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Biden had nothing to say about the dedicated Newman Police Department hero’s sacrifice as they bemoaned the plight of illegal immigrants last year. As Singh’s widow, Anamika Singh, told President Trump in May at the Annual National Peace Officers’

Memorial Service: “You’re the only one who reached out and gave your condolences to the family. And it means a lot to all of our law enforcement families that are here for the sacrifice that my husband and his brothers in blue and sisters in blue have given. So I want to thank you for that. And every family sitting out here wants justice for what happened to their loved ones. And that’s what I want for my husband.” Heartbreaking. Soul-shattering. Country-destroying. The pain and grief of American Angel Families do not subside as the quest for justice drags on. A liberal

California judge postponed the preliminary hearing for Singh’s accused illegal immigrant gangbanger killer, who was aided by several other border fugitives, until next year. Singh left behind his young wife and newborn baby. Instead of red and green, the hard-hit community of Newman is decorated in blue and black to remember their friend, mentor and fellow patriot’s legacy of protecting and serving. The same thin blue flags banned in the radical sanctuary of Montgomery County, Maryland, proudly line Main Street in the town Singh patrolled. Like Singh’s family, the loved ones of El

Dorado County (Calif.) Sheriff’s deputy Brian Ishmael will also mark this Christmas without their husband, father and friend. Ishamel was gunned down in October in the line of duty responding to a 911 call on an illicit pot operation involving an illegal immigrant drug ring. He left behind his wife and three young children. Sanctuary Governor Gavin Newsom, who skipped Singh’s funeral, did not attend Ishamel’s funeral, either. No Hollywood tributes poured in. No grandstanding debate moderators demanded that presidential candidates respond to their suffering or say their names. Putting

American lives first and American law enforcement officers first and American children separated from their fathers first, after all, is not who they are. Michelle Malkin ‘s email address is MichelleMalkinInvestigates@protonmail. com. To find out more about Michelle Malkin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Super Crossword

PUZZLE CLUE: ON THE EVE

B.C.

by Parker & Hart

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —

Sudoku

Magic Maze THEME THIS WEEK: --REMOVER

Caption Contest OUR PICK FOR BEST CAPTION

Runners Up : No humans were harmed in the taking of this photograph. - Todd Hyatt, Laramie, WY. Didn’t you hear the lifeguard. No horse play around the pool. - Robert Patrick, Moultonborough, NH.

PHOTO #781

“No, I won’t drink!” -Karen Swango, Loudon, NH.

Whoa.. that water’s cold. -John Brennick, Rochester, NH.

CAPTION THIS PHOTO!!

The Winklman Aeffect

PHOTO #784 Send your best 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

by John Whitlock

30 PRAGER from 6 the courts, including the Supreme Court, are dominated by the left or by conservatives is dismissed by Galli as “political poker” makes one question not only Galli’s moral thinking but also his moral theology. -- To us, moving the American embassy to Israel’s capital city, Jerusalem -- something promised by almost every presidential candidate -- is a moral issue, not to mention profoundly courageous. And courage is a moral virtue. -- To us, increasing the U.S. military budget -- after the severe cuts of the previous eight years -- is a moral issue. As conservatives see it, the American military is the world’s greatest guarantor of world peace. Yet, none of these things matter to Galli and other misguided Christians and conservatives. What matters more to them is Trump’s occasional crude language and intemperate tweets, what he said about women in a private conversation and his having committed adultery. Regarding adultery, that sin is for spouses and God to judge. There is no connection between marital sexual fidelity and moral

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 — leadership. I wish there were. And as regards the “Access Hollywood” tape, every religious person, indeed every thinking person, should understand that there is no connection between what people say privately and their ability to be a moral leader. That’s why I wrote a column for the Wall Street Journal 20 years ago defending Hillary Clinton when she was charged with having privately expressed antiSemitic sentiments. That the editor of Christianity Today thinks the president’s personal flaws, whatever they might be, are more important than all the good he has done for conservatives, for Christians, for Jews, for blacks and for America tells us a lot ... about Galli and the decline of Christian moral thought. Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist. His latest book, published by Regnery in May 2019, is “The Rational Bible,” a commentary on the book of Genesis. His film, “No Safe Spaces,” comes to theaters fall 2019. He is the founder of Prager University and may be contacted at dennisprager.com.

METZLER from 7 regard of Hong Kong’s “One country, Two Systems,” formula poses a poignant reminder to Taiwan’s voters to cherish and safeguard their political freedoms. Given Beijing’s abuse of Hong Kong’s “guaranteed” rights, why would Taiwan risk a deal with the People’s Republic? Incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen will likely be reelected. In November the United States goes to the polls in a nearly theatrical Presidential election. The politically embattled Trump administration has, despite the naysayers, delivered impressive economic gains for the American people. Record low unemployment, impressive growth in long lost manufacturing jobs, and a roaring stock market, are among accomplishments charting prosperity. The old slogan, “It’s the Economy stupid!” shall likely bear out in the polls in the face of a divided and detached Democrat party opposition. Congressional approval of the Administration’s upgraded USMCA free trade pact with Canada and Mexico assures further jobs and growth. New Flashpoints Turkey’s authoritarian leader Tayyip Erdogan’s muscle flexing in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, comes as Ankara signed an agreement with Libya that creates an exclusive economic zone from Turkey’s southern Mediterranean shore to Libya’s northeast coast. This impinges on the maritime interests of Greece and Cyprus and looks to create a Turkish Mare Nostrum. Jihadi resurgence in

the Sahel; the huge swath of subsaharan Africa from northern Nigeria, through Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Here French military units battle Islamic militants in a Forgotten war far from the headlines. On the outcome of this turmoil hinges weather large numbers of migrants would ultimately head to Europe. Iran’s grim reality of both incompetence and corruption, sparked growing domestic dissent to the Islamic regime. Seething anger among disenchanted young people has led to pro-democracy demonstrations in 2018 and as recently as November where 1,500 protesters were killed by security forces. The political pot could boil over in the new year. Wild Card Wishes Let’s refuse to politely overlook human rights abuses in China, Cuba, Burma or North Korea. It’s time to condemn the persecution of Middle East Christians. That Argentina’s new Populist left-wing Fernandez government somehow tries to stay sensible and refrain from its Peronist fantasy. Sadly uncertainty seems to be the watchword of the new decade. Happy New Year! 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.

STOSSEL from 7 thousands of years ago, when we lived in small groups of 50200 people,” says HumanProgress.org editor Marian Tupy. “We would kill game, bring it back, share it.” The idea of everyone getting an equal share still makes us feel warm and cozy. Some of you may feel that coziness this week, sharing a Christmas meal. Great. But remember that if you decide that society’s resources should be redistributed, that’s much more complex than passing meat around a family table. Seizing control of a big society’s resources has unforeseen consequences -- ripple effects that are hard to predict. Back in the cave, you stood a pretty good chance of noticing which hungry relative needed a bigger share of meat. In the tribe, that sort of central planning worked well enough. It doesn’t work as well once the tribe numbers thousands or millions of people. No tribal elder knows enough to plan so many different people’s lives. Today’s politicians, for instance, don’t know how many workers will be laid off if they raise taxes on Walmart. They don’t know what innovation will never happen if they cap CEOs’ salaries. They don’t know how much wealth creation will be lost if they tax investors’ money in order to fund another government program. Government’s builtin ignorance explains how it can spend trillions on failed poverty programs, and then respond to the failure by demanding more

funds to continue the same programs. You stand a better chance of getting good results if you do real charity, close to home, where you can keep an eye on it -- and without coercing anyone else to do things your way. We can invent new ways to give to each other. Philanthropy evolves, much the way markets do, harnessing new technologies and social networks that span the globe. Innovative ideas, like microlending, start in one kitchen. If they work, they grow. By contrast, government grows even when it doesn’t work. It bosses people around even when it’s not really helping them. Big hearts are a good thing. Big government is no substitute for them. John Stossel is author of “No They Can’t! Why Government Fails -- But Individuals Succeed.” For other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 — FDR from 2 every subsequent vote, eventually winning the nomination after the sixth ballot. During the ensuing campaign, Willkie supported FDR’s foreign policies, infuriating isolationists. Roosevelt easily won that third term. So did communication and coordination between Roosevelt’s people and British intelligence to rig that U.S. election constitute impeachable conduct? That 1940 collusion seems infinitely worse than Trump’s clumsy phone call to a Ukrainian leader that’s the basis for his impeachment. A consummate politician, FDR seldom left his fingerprints anywhere—unlike Trump, the consummate nonpolitician. The Mueller Report indicated no Russian

collusion on the part of Trump. Ergo, the need for something else to take him down—i.e. the Ukrainian phone call. Ironically, the real collusion involved the Clinton people and the bogus Steele dossier. And it was the Clinton Foundation that received huge amounts of Russian money, not the Trump campaign. The realpolitik truth is that all countries care about other nations’ election outcomes and often seek to influence them—as Britain did in 1940. The U.S. has also done so many times. Trump was criticized during recent congressional hearings for using informal backchannels to conduct foreign policy. But back channels constitute de rigueur diplomacy. Indeed, FDR’s presidential advisor Harry Hopkins

was his most trusted “ambassador” to Britain and elsewhere, although Hopkins never held that formal designation. In fact it was back-channel contacts (through journalist John Scali) in 1962 that helped John F. Kennedy resolve the Cuban Missile Crisis. Likewise for Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 in commencing Vietnam War peace talks. For Democrats to set the impeachment bar so low as to use a phone call to overturn an election really does threaten our democracy and sets a horrifying precedent that may come back to haunt Dems. And shame on our Democratic congressional delegation for putting partisan interests ahead of our national well-being. Yes, Americans often cringe at how President Trump speaks

and does business. But Democrats have somehow now succeeded in making the bellicose billionaire the unlikely recipient of widespread sympathy. I don’t know exactly from where FDR, JFK, or LBJ watch us today. But wherever they are, they must cringe at what their fellow Democrats are doing to our Presidency and to our constitutional republic. Radical Democrats are sowing a wind. They will reap a whirlwind. A former state representative, Michael Moffett of Loudon is a retired professor and Marine Corps officer.

BOSAK from 3 writing a bird column or something, when my youngest son, Will, came charging up the driveway and into the house. He had been fishing with some friends at the nearby lake. “Dad, there’s a bird stuck on fishing line. I feel so bad for it.” I put the canoe on the car and rushed to the lake. An eastern kingbird tangled in fishing line was dangling helplessly from a tree over the water. Long story short, Will and I paddled out to the bird, untangled it and set it free. The full story, including when the bird poops on my head, is archived on my website. Visit www.birdsofnewengland.com and put “kingbird” into the search field. I was proud that Will felt compelled to leave his friends and come get me to help a bird in despair.

1. The top highlight of the year is a morning I spent with three loons at Pillsbury State Park, near Lake Sunapee. The three-day camping trip was marred with rain on two of the mornings, but the middle morning featured a beautiful sunrise and mirror-like water with fog lifting. I saw the loons in the distance and stopped paddling. Eventually, they worked their way over to me and gave me fantastic views. Patience certainly paid off that morning. I hope everyone had a terrific 2019. Best wishes for an even better 2020. I look forward to sharing more bird stories in the year to come. Chris Bosak may be reached at chrisbosak26@gmail.com or through his website www.birdsofnewengland.com

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 2, 2020 —