01/11/2024 Weirs Times by The Weirs Publishing Company

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

VOLUME 33, NO. 2

THE WEIRS, LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, N.H., THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

COMPLIMENTARY

The Dove Who Inspired Beyond Barbed Wire by Kimberly J.B. Smith Contributing Writer

Have you ever read Man’s Search for Meaning? I consider it to be a classic and many would concur. The book is by Austrian psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl and there are two sections. The first is about his experience as a prisoner in the concentration camps during WWII. The second part describes what Frankl called Logotherapy. This work comes from his training and

how that lens informed his gift to the world. His gift of Logotherapy is timeless. Logotherapy is positive and powerful. It focuses on helping individuals find their meaning in spite of what they have gone through. Make no mistake, we all go through hard times. It’s what we do with that experience that could leave us in a deep sadness pit. Or, it can remind us that we See DOVE on 22

Robotics Tournament In Belmont The VRC event will be live-streamed at www. dppgnetwork.com. On Saturday the 13th, the high school and middle divisions of the 2023-2024 VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) OVER UNDER Season will battle it out with teams from across New See ROBOTICS on 21 is Th

Com

ition Availab le O plete Ed nlin e

Andrea Ackerly (L) and Kimberly J.B. Smith with copies of their book “The Dove Who Inspired Beyond Barbed Wire.” Ackerly and Smith collaborated over the last few years in bringing this story of the work of Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl’s positive message to children and adults alike.

The Shaker Regional Robo Raiders are gearing up for their 8th annual VEX Robotics Belmont Bot Bashes held on Saturday, January 13th and Sunday, January 14th at Belmont High School. These events will be some of the largest robotics tournaments in the NH/VT region this season. These are free to the public. Qualification matches run from 9am - 2pm, with the elimination and teamwork brackets and awards ceremony shortly after.

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Recent Books To The Editor: Recent letters to the editor by Don Ewing, Steve Earle and Alison James about how and why the Democrat Party hates America and it’s moral-based Constitutional Republic is chilling. Letter writers who embrace the Democrat Party will lament their concerns as mere hyperbole. Actually, if anything, they are probably understating how dire things are today. A careful read from recent books written by the following writers will make that claim abundantly clear. Mark Levin explains in his last two books, American Marxism and Democrats Hate America, exactly why the Democrat Party has infused Marxism into their party platform to rewrite history and destroy our hard fought freedoms. America’s Last Stand by Drew Thomas Allen offers a scathing account of the Democrat Party’s sordid history and how this election has to reject authoritarian rule and save America by voting for a return to MAGA policy. The Dying Citizen by Victor Davis Hanson explains how conservatives must be the ‘shock troops” to preserve America’s unique ideals and history including what “citizenship” means in our country. The Democrats seem to prefer open borders and globalization run by elites. “You will own nothing and be happy.” Ah yes, the socialist, utopian dream to crush the middle class and relegate the lower classes to, well, you remember their past evil plan to create a thoroughbred stock of humans. Last but not least is David

Horowitz’s, The Final Battle. “It exposes the outrages by the Biden Administration and the American Left”, says Dinesh D’Souza. “The end justifies the means” is how the Democrat Party rolls. This may be our last chance for honest and fair elections and to avoid a one party rule and a plunge into the darkness of the radical left. Russ Wiles Tilton, NH.

Education Freedom Accounts

To The Editor: Is public education’s main purpose to provide jobs or to prepare children for productive futures? Forty to sixty percent of NH public school students fail to test at grade level in one or more areas (http://tinyurl.com/3ah6b89h). Either NH students are uneducable (doubtful) or, despite ever increasing funding, our public schools fail them. There’s little incentive to improve public schools. Funding increases, employees get paid, rarely is anyone fired for incompetence, indifference, or misbehavior. NH’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program enables children from non-rich families to escape public schools (like rich kids do). Local public schools lose state funding when any student leaves; why do some people complain when an EFA Student leaves but not a rich kid? Are they afraid that their kids won’t be able to compete if every child gets a good education?

NH public schools spend about $19,400 per student annually. The EFA program provides about $5255 to parents for their student’s alternate education. About 3% of NH students joined the EFA program; so it uses a tiny portion, less than 1% of the about $3.16 billion spent annually for NH public education. The EFA program tapers off the financial impact on public schools, limits how the EFA money can be spent, and requires an annual student achievement assessment. The people who believe the most important thing about public education is to provide jobs, rather than prepare students for productive futures, should just say so and not complain about the EFA program. I believe citizens’ responsibility is to prepare students for productive futures. Education Freedom Accounts provide better opportunities for some students to achieve their dreams. The EFA program should expand until all NH students are provided a quality education in public or alternate schools. Don Ewing Meredith, NH

Censorship 3 To The Editor: Facing repeal of “Chevron Deference” and Trump’s exposure of the “expert” scam, Demolitioncrats, the Administrative State, Mass Media and Big Tech Monsters are engaged in massive CENSORSHIP campaigns to undermine our First Amendment See MAILBOAT on 26

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 30 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 24,000 copies of the Weirs Times every week to the Lakes Region/Concord/ Seacoast area and the mountains and have an estimated 60,000 people reading this newspaper. To find out how your business or service can benefit from advertising with us please call 603-366-8463.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

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The Legend Of Ahwanega

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer

My name is noted as a teller of this legend of Ahwanega, but it is a name added to many others who have told the story down through the years from ages past. Before it was in printed form it was a matter of oral history passed on from one native American to another and then onto the white man. Someone identified as L. Wood D wrote about this in the June, 1877 issue of The Granite Monthly, saying that he was told the story when

Picture taken from Lover’s Leap on Dalton Mountain with Burns Pond in 1982. Courtesy Terri Parks, President of the Dalton Historical Society he was a boy by an old hunter who heard it from “an aged squaw” who lived near the Dalton hills of New Hampshire many years ago. The legend is thought to have come from events

that occurred long before there was any written history of the area but history that was passed down by spoken word from one American Indian to another. At some unrecorded

point in history there was a young Mohegan Indian chief who was from a tribe that lived along the banks of the Connecticut River and whom had extensive See SMITH on 24

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Camp Constitution Announces Its 16th Annual Family Camp

Camp Constitution will hold its 15th Annual Family Camp at the Singing Hills Christian Camp https://www. singinghills.net/ Plainfield, NH. from Sunday July 14 to Friday July 19, 2024 Returning instructors include Pastor David Whitney of the Institute on the Constitution; Professor Willie Soon, world renowned astrophysicist and climate realist; Catherine White of The Constitution Decoded; Alex Newman, author and host of the Sentinel Report, and Rev. Steve Camp Constitution instructor Professor Willie Soon Craft, Camp Constitution’s chaplain. with Tucker Carlson. Guest instructors include Tucker Carlson, and Julie Wilkinson who played the abortion nurse in the movie “Unplanned: The Abby Johnson Story.” In addition to the classes, the camp will offer marksmanship courses, martial arts, hiking, basketball, volleyball, wiffleball, and optional field trip and swimming, chess, gaga and corn hole tournaments. Campers and staff end the day with an evening campfire. Camp Constitution’s annual camp is a family camp open to entire families, unaccompanied minors, and adults. The cost for the week which includes lodging, meals and class handouts is $300 for those 13 and over. $200. For campers 12 and under, and three and under with parents are free. The camp offers an “Early Bird” discount of $50, per person by registering by May 1. A link to the camp registration: http://campconstitution.net/camp-registration/

Franklin Opera House Presents Randy Armstrong At The Franklin Public Library Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “sure-fingered guitar virtuoso”, Randy Armstrong will be at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, January 13th at 7:3pm. Armstrong is the co-founder of Do’a World Music Ensemble, Unu Mondo, & Beyond Borders. With a collection of over three hundred instruments from around the world, including acoustic, synthesizer and nylon-string guitars, sitar, balofon, djembe, koto, charango, mbira and a wide variety of percussion and stringed instruments, he has amazed audiences throughout the United States, Canada, Alaska, India, West and South Africa, Croatia, Belize, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Randy travelled to Central America and West Africa in 2004 performing and studying with Garifuna musicians and drummers in Dangriga and Hopkins, Belize and Ewe, Fanti and Ga drummers in Accra and Legon, Ghana. Armstrong scored the music for a four-part PBS series, DINNER ON THE DINER produced by British filmmaker, Jon Guilbert. He was the director of the African Drumming & World Percussion Ensemble and faculty instructor of North Indian sitar and tabla at Phillips Exeter Academy from 1991 to 2020 and has taught for the Graduate Studies Integrated Arts Program at Plymouth State University. This is a general admission event with limited seating. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for Students/Seniors/Children. Visit www.FOHNH.org for advance purchase.

Audubon Announces Program On Ospreys On Thursday, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Loon Center in Moultonborough, the Lakes Region Chapter of the New Hampshire Audubon Society will present a program on Ospreys in the Lakes Region, presented by Iain MacLeod. This program will present a detailed overview of 25+ years of monitoring nesting Ospreys here. Since the first post-DDT nest was located in the region in 1997, the population has grown, and Iain has dedicated countless hours to finding new nests and following their annual outcomes and is the Executive Director of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. He has been studying Ospreys for more than 45 years, both here in New Hampshire and his native Scotland. The state’s Osprey population has expanded from about 12 to 150 pairs in the last 40 years. 21 of those are in the Lakes Region, but they can be found in every major watershed. Ospreys have learned to adapt to live with people, but are still highly specialized — they feed exclusively on live fish. Satellite transmitters are used to track their migration from New Hampshire to South America and back. Now many pairs are choosing man-made structures for nesting, like cell towers, and have to compete for locations with the growing Bald Eagle Population. Iain is responsible for erecting many of the nesting poles and platforms in the state. The Loon Center is located on Lee’s Mill Road; follow the signs on Blake Road from Route 25 near the Moultonborough Central School, or from Rte. 109 turn on to Lee Road and turn left on Lee’s Mill Road.

‘The Gold Rush’ To Screen With Live Music In Campton

He was a comedic icon of the silent era, and ‘The Gold Rush’ was the movie that he wished to be remembered for. He was Charlie Chaplin, whose Little Tramp character was beloved by early film audiences and remains a global icon to this day. See for yourself how it all began when ‘The Gold Rush’ (1925), a feature-length film regarded as a Chaplin masterpiece, is screened by the Campton Historical Society on Saturday, Feb. 3. The event, which is free and open to all, takes place at Old Campton Town Hall, 529 Route 175, Campton, N.H. It starts with a pot luck dinner at 5

p.m., with the film program to begin at 6 p.m. Those attending the pot luck dinner are asked to bring one of the following: soup, bread, salad, main dish, dessert or beverage. Live music for the silent film program will be provided by silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis. ‘The Gold Rush,’ a landmark comedy and one of the top-grossing films of the silent era, finds Chaplin’s iconic ‘Little Tramp’ character journeying to the frozen wastelands of the Yukon. There as a prospector, the Tramp’s search for gold turns into a pursuit of romance, but with plenty of laughs along the way. For more information, visit www.camptonhistorical.org. For more about the music, visit www. jeffrapsis.com.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

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True Companions For all of you folks who have been waiting patiently for years to add a Red-Tailed Kangaroo to your home environment, I have great by Brendan Smith news! Weirs Times Editor If all goes well, a bill that was introduced in the New Hampshire House late last year, just might be the answer to all your dreams. As many of you may not know, it is presently illegal to own a Red-Tailed Kangaroo in New Hampshire. I know…right..who would have thought that the “Live Free Or Die” state would have such restrictions in place? But it seems that’s the way it has been for many years. You see, not only is the RedTailed Kangaroo not allowed to be owned by New Hampshire residents, but, according to present law, small tailed monkeys, racoons, foxes, otters and skunks are also not allowed, (There are, I am sure, many others that are included in this list, but these are the ones, that along with the Red-Tailed Kangaroo, that are being asked to be taken off the list of pets that we can share our homes with.) To clarify further, these animals, according to the impending legislation, may be possessed as companion animals without permission from whoever gets paid our tax dollars to give permission about what animals we can and cannot own. According to the ASPCA, a companion animal is defined as animals whose physical, emotional, behavioral and social needs can be readily met as companions in the home, or in close daily relationship with humans. (Of course, trained companion dogs have, for years, provided valuable assistance to those suf-

fering from PTSD and other real issues.) But since this real issue has, over the years, morphed into something that others will be quick to take advantage of – like outdated handicapped parking stickers abused by some to take away spaces from some who actually need to use the space – it makes perfect sense to branch out this category into some other species who we haven’t been fair in giving at least a chance to prove themselves beneficial in helping humans cope. I mean, what could be more comforting than having a RedTailed Kangaroo at home after a tough day at the office? After all, some can reach lengths of five feet, can run at 37 MPH and jump as high as nine feet. (I know this because I looked it up.) What could be more relaxing than that to witness? My cat doesn’t even come close (and doesn’t care). If this bill passes and the RedTailed Kangaroo is considered a companion animal, will it provide some folks with a free rein to bring it with them anywhere they go? Who knows? Possibly one day our shopping experiences will be enlivened by the site of various shoppers strolling the aisles with their marsupial companions (on leashes, after all we are still a civilized society) while studying the sodium contents on canned goods while their “companions” leap and jump about. The Red-Tailed Kangaroos will be such a wonderful site to behold at the deli counter, that we probably won’t even notice the various other supposedly uncomfortable, and now jealous, folks who have brought along their “companion” small tailed monkeys, racoons, foxes and skunks. I do see one glaring problem in the future with all of this. Kangaroos are considered to be dimoprohic, which means that

there are definite differences between the male and female. I’m sure this will not sit well with certain communities here in New Hampshire and may one day lead to another bill being introduced to address their proper pronouns. (But that’s a story for another day.) I’m not sure how many companion animals are already on the list here in New Hampshire but I’m sure there is always room for a few more. Personally, I might consider joining in on the fun if two-toed sloths were on the list. I think it would be a blast to bring one into the supermarket on my shoulder and then watch in amusement as it slowly slithered amongst the shelves bringing back to me the items I trained it to track down. It would also be fun to watch as the sloth slowly and carefully places each item on the conveyor belt at the fourteen item or less lane as the line builds behind me. (“I would do it myself, but I’m feeling a little stressed today, You understand.”) One question I do have is if this bill passes, will folks be able to bring a Red-Tailed Kangaroo on the plane with them and, if so, will they have to pay for an extra seat? (Then again, they might be better passengers then some humans I have encountered on planes.) One interesting note to all of this is that another legislative bill, filed around the same time as this one, would allow the private sale of kangaroo meat, which would give you an easy out if the whole red tailed kangaroo as companion animal didn’t work out as you imagined. I’ll keep you posted. Brendan is the author of “The Flatlander Chronicles,” “The Best Of A F.O.O.L. In New Hampshire” and “I Really Only Did It For The Socks -Stories & Thoughts On Aging” available at BrendanTSmith. com

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

Securing Our Border At Home, Defending Our Values Globally

by Star Parker

Syndicated Columnist

With migrants now flooding our Southwestern border at a reported 10,000 seeking entry daily, it is essential that we take steps to crystalize a national immigration policy. Republicans insist that $74 billion in funds that the Biden administration is asking in aid for Ukraine and Israel be part of a larger package that deals with border security and comprehensive immigration policy. Agreement on such a package will benefit

the whole nation. At first glance, linking U.S. immigration policy and border control to aid to Ukraine and Israel may seem like a politically motivated version of linking apples and oranges. But that’s not the case. The issues are related. We are dealing with the issue of national territorial integrity. The current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel are the results of such violations -- in Ukraine, aggression from Russia; in the case of Israel, the crossing of the Gaza border into Israel by Hamas operatives who murdered and committed atrocities against more than 1,200 Israeli citizens in one day. Nations are physical entities that are based on principles that define what their existence is about. Borders define the area where this unique national reality exists. Whether borders are violated by an army, by terrorists or by undocumented migrants amounts to the same thing: a violation of national integrity. Those who have violated the territorial integrity of Ukraine and Israel -- Russia and Hamas, backed by Iran -- are also our enemies and look to hurt our country as they have hurt the nations they have violated. Let’s recall that the pilots who flew planes into the World Trade Center and crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, resulting in the death of almost 3,000 Americans, trained on American soil. The price of being lax in a dangerous world is high. Israelis are paying a dear price for some moments of laxness toward an evil and lethal enemy. Every day that we allow hordes of migrants into our country without knowing with clarity who these individuals are threatens our national security in two significant ways. First, the most obvious, is the horrible damage that can be done by one terrorist among the See PARKER on 28

In 2024, Trump Has The Advantage The 2024 election is coming. And right now, it’s Advantage: Trump. Former President Donald Trump is leading by 2.2% in the RealClearPolitics polling average. That doesn’t by Ben Shapiro sound like a lot until Syndicated Columnist you realize that Trump trailed Joe Biden in that same average on election day 2020 by 7.2% -- and only lost by 4.5%. Or that Hillary Clinton was leading in that same average by 3.2% on Election Day 2016 -- and only won the popular vote by 2.1%. Donald Trump almost always outdraws his polling number. What’s more, Biden is stuck in neutral. Why? The answer is obvious: Biden lied to voters. He campaigned as a moderate in the primaries, capitalized on that image in the general while pushing steadily to the Left, and then governed from the Left. Now, says political scientist Ruy Teixeira, “Biden is polling behind Trump nationally and in every swing state, with the possible exception of Wisconsin. Trump is preferred to Biden by wide margins on voters’ most important issue, the economy and inflation, as well as their second most important issue, immigration and border security and on crime and public safety. Biden’s approval rating at this point in his presidency is the lowest of any president going back to the 1940s, when the era of modern polling began.” Biden thinks that Trump-bashing will save him. That’s presumably why he’s going to go on a Trump-bashing tour beginning this week, labeling Trump a racist and a fascist. According to the Associated Press, “President Joe Biden is starting the campaign year by evoking the Revolutionary War to mark the third anniversary of the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and visiting the South Carolina church where a white

gunman massacred Black parishioners -- seeking to present in the starkest possible terms an election he argues could determine the fate of American democracy.” This isn’t likely to work. At all. It’s unlikely to work because everyone knows Trump. Everything about Trump is baked into the cake. Everyone knows that Trump’s 2020 post-election activities didn’t change the outcome of the election -- Biden, after all, is president. What’s more, the pitch that Trump is more racist than Biden doesn’t work. Biden is the DEI president, a man who has yammered incessantly in favor of racial carve-outs and staffed his own administration on the basis of intersectional characteristics. The pitch that Trump is a fascist won’t work either. As even George Will, a Trump opponent, points out, “Joe Biden is, like Trump, an authoritarian recidivist mostly stymied by courts.” Will gives a litany of Biden constitutional violations: “the eviction moratorium, the vaccine mandate, the cancellation of student debt,” among others. Most of all, Biden’s hope that hatred for Trump will somehow save him is predicated on the idea that heavy turnout against Trump is a foregone conclusion. But... what if it’s not? What if the actual norm is that Trump doesn’t drive Democratic turnout in the way Biden hopes? In 2016, after all, turnout was within historical norms: 59.2% of eligible voters voted in that year, compared with 58% in 2012 and 60.1% in 2004. In 2020, by contrast, a whopping 66.9% of eligible voters showed up. That last number is a massive outlier. 2020 saw a voter increase of 23 million, to 160 million total voters -- as opposed to 137 million in 2016 and 129 million in 2012. That wasn’t because of Trump. It was because of pandemic-era policies that allowed everyone to vote from home months in advance. Do we really think that 2020 turnout number will replicate? If it doesn’t, who will those See SHAPIRO on 28

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

Maker Or Taker? Are you a MAKER or a TAKER? Politicians are often takers. They take our money (and freedom) in the name of achieving goals they rarely by John Stossel achieve. Syndicated Columnist Elon Musk and Sen. Elizabeth Warren may be the best examples of maker and taker. They’re the stars of my video this week. Warren shouts, “Tax the rich!” She especially wants to tax Musk, the richest man in the world.

In her eagerness to grab his money, she spun a scandal in the media, claiming Musk paid no taxes. She went on TV again and again to tell people that in 2018, “He paid zero!” It was true. In 2018, Musk paid no federal income tax. But that was only because his pay was entirely in the form of “stock options,” and that year, they gave him no income. But at the very moment Warren launched her “zero-tax” screed, Musk was paying the U.S. government $12 billion -- more tax than anyone has ever paid in history. Warren didn’t mention that. I wish Musk paid much less tax.

It would be better for the world if he spent the $12 billion himself -rather than giving it to Warren and her cronies. I say that because Musk, a maker, does so many useful things. That includes things that government is unable to do. NASA has given up building spaceships. Even NASA bureaucrats now understand that they don’t do things very well. In 2008, NASA administrator Mike Griffin said, “We can’t keep doing the same old things as before” and invited private companies to join the space race. That got results.

By 2020, Musk had sent astronauts into orbit, something NASA hadn’t been able to do for nine years. Musk lowered the cost of nearly every component of space flight. NASA spent $1,500 on door latches. Musk’s team built the part for $30 by modifying a latch from bathroom stalls. Musk developed reusable rockets, which drastically cut costs. “Reuse the rocket, say, 1,000 times,” said Musk. “That would make the capital costs of the rocket per launch only about $50,000.” Why didn’t NASA do that? BeSee STOSSEL on 27

Red Sea Maritime Threat— Geopolitics In A Bottle Islamic Iran is pulling the puppet stings and its local stooges are jumping to them threatening global commerce. But beyond Hamas terby John J. Metzler rorists in Gaza, Syndicated Columnist or the Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, this new seaborne threat has emerged in the oft overlooked Red Sea, a vital waterway connecting the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. The Houthi militants, a Yemeni based Islamic militia have taken their fight from the mountainous lands of the Arabian peninsula to

the Red Sea waters which serves as a key commercial conduit for merchant ships sailing between Europe and East Asia. Officially the Houthis are involved in a decade long civil war with Yemen’s central government, and among other things have caused wider poverty and population dislocation in their already poor country. The current attacks on and seizing of ships recall the Somali pirate threat of a decade ago. But the Houthis have upped the ante with drones and long range missile attacks, supplied from Iran, to harass both merchant vessels and U.S. Navy and allied ships escorting them. The armed militants seized the Japanese operated cargo

vessel Galaxy Leader in November and still hold the ship and its crew. The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, were declared a terror organization by the U.S. State Department until President Biden removed them from the nefarious status during the first weeks of his Administration. The Red Sea resembles a giant bottle with two necks; an entrance on the northern top at the Suez Canal controlled by Egypt and the exit in the southern Bar El-Mandeb Straits bordering lawless Yemen. In fact six different countries surround the Red Sea among them Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and both Egypt and Yemen. Approximately 15 percent of

international trade transits the Red Sea; rerouting vessels around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope adds at least an additional ten day ship journey, thus increasing shipping costs and straining supply chains. Top merchant shipping companies such as Maersk and HapagLloyd have halted Red Sea transits. Significantly the U.S. Navy as well as France maintain a base in nearby Djibouti so Navy resources while stretched are not remote to the strategic region. More ominously China also has a military base in Djibouti not far from the Western installations. Currently the Dwight D. EisenSee METZLER on 27

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

How Would You Handle Forced Early Retirement? When you plan to retire at a certain age, you can follow a strategy that incorporates your investment moves, your health insurance and other factors. But what happens if you’re forced to retire earlier than you anticipated? Unfortunately, this situation is not that uncommon. About 40% of Americans say they have been forced into retirement, according to a recent survey from Edward Jones and Morning Consult, a research firm. If this were to happen to you because of a layoff, company downsizing or a health issue, would you be prepared to maintain your lifestyle today — and in the future? Everyone’s situation is different. If your forced retirement happened only a short time before you actually expected to retire, you might not need to take any steps at all. But if it was a matter of a year or more, you may need to look into the following areas: • Cash flow – Obviously, a sudden, unexpected loss of employment will affect your cash flow. And if yours was the only source of income for your household, the situation could be especially concerning. Still, you may well have options that can help. You might find a part-time job, for one thing — many employers hire seniors for various types of service-oriented work. And if you’ve built an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, now might be the time to tap into it. You also might need to start withdrawing funds from your IRA and 401(k), though, ideally, you’d like to delay this move as long as possible, as these withdrawals may be taxable. • Health insurance – Health insurance can be a major concern if you face an unexpectedly

early retirement. Once you’re 65, you’ll be eligible for Medicare, but what if you haven’t reached that age? Through the COBRA legislation, you might be able to remain on your employer-based health insurance for a while — typically 18 months after your job ends. However, COBRA is expensive: If you’re qualified, you might have to pay the entire premium for coverage, up to 102% of the cost of the plan, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. If you’re married, you might be able to get on your spouse’s health insurance, but if this option isn’t available, you could explore a Marketplace plan by visiting the healthcare.gov website. • Social Security – A forced early retirement could affect your decision on when to start taking Social Security. You’re eligible to begin collecting payments at 62, but your checks will be considerably bigger if you wait until your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67, depending on when you were born. If your sudden retirement puts you in a real cash crunch, you might have to start taking payments regardless of your age, but if you have enough in savings, or your spouse’s income is enough to keep you afloat, you may want to wait as long as possible so you can get the larger checks. Of course, if your retirement comes while you’re still several years away from Social Security eligibility, you won’t have to make this now-or-later decision right away. Being forced to retire before you planned can certainly be challenging. But by looking at the options available to you, in terms of finances and health insurance, you may well find choices that can help you minimize the disruption to your life.

GILFORD NICK TRUDEL, ChFC®, AAMS™ , CRPC™, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

(603) 293-0055

nicholas.trudel@edwardjones.com 28 Weirs Rd., Suite 1, Gilford, NH

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This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

Letters From God Letters From God

This series of Letters From God is an attempt to put the thoughts of God as revealed in the Scriptures. QUESTION: Should Abortion Be Used To Promote Or Reject Political Candidates?

I am grieved at the widespread practice of abortion and angry that it is being used as a political litmus test for candidates. You must remember what I have said, with respect to the sanctity of life that I established and for which I have given clear instruction namely, to preserve not kill. If you have never heard them, let me give you my thoughts and will, and if you have heard them, let me refresh your memories. I made the first man and woman and gave them life. I also uniquely created them so that they would continue to bring life into the world (Genesis 1:26-28). While they would be the ones that I would use to create the physical frame, I would continue to put the spirit or person within that frame for all mankind (Genesis 2:7; Job 32:8). It is for this reason you must know that when you terminate a pregnancy you are stopping my creation process and will. When I wrote in the book of Jeremiah concerning his conception and birth, I also wrote of yours and all those born since. Listen to

what I told him and want to tell you today. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet.” (Jeremiah 1:5). If his parents had called for an abortion it would have been a capital offense against me, the one who knew Jeremiah before he was born and formed him in the womb. I remind you as well that when I asked the Psalmist to write the words of Psalm 139 he gave further evidence that I was the one creating in the womb when they said, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb . I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:13-15). Finally, notice that in my adjudication of the law to Israel, I equated the penalty of death to the one who caused the death of a child in the womb, to the taking of the life of an adult (Exodus 21:22-25). Abortion is in my eyes and will be in my judgment when you stand before me, murder.

Now, in answer to your question, it is evil that not only is abortion being practiced, and being promoted by your national laws, but now it is being used as the litmus test for political candidates. Since I have deemed it murder, you must understand that you are using the practice of murder to promote political candidates. How evil can you get, that you would try to garner votes, especially from women, by castigating candidates and political parties who are seeking to protect life and uphold the longstanding national commitment to honoring me, my will and my word. Never, to date, has abortion been used in your country as the litmus test for political power and position. This recent phenomenon and a host of other social policies that are being practiced, promoted and legalized, reflect the utter contempt for me and my will. It has arisen from a radical departure from me both by individuals but now political candidates and platforms. Attempts have been made to eliminate me from past platforms. Political leaders and supporters are now calling defenders of my will, the enemies of your democracy and comparing them to those who are blatant terrorists and murderers. How reprehensible this is! More will be said about this in my next letter. Can’t you see the moral degradation that

has followed the rejection of me as God and my laws, as your basis of moral standards and behavior. Can’t you see that you are crumbling as a nation in virtually every aspect as a result. Many who will read this will mock me and even attack me for speaking truth to you about abortion used in politics as well as radical defection from me and my will. May I remind you, your temporal life as individuals and as a nation will depend on you conforming to my will. May I also remind you that one day you will stand before me and give an account of how you behaved according to my will, not yours. If you have ears to hear, choose life, before it is too late. “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19). I love you, God These letters are written by Rev. Dr. Sam Hollo of Alton, NH.

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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 11, 2024 —

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

Supporting Immune Health With Regular Chiropractic Care, Diet, Exercise, And Supplements Part 3

by Dr. Denise Pickowicz Functional Chiropractic Care of New England, LLC and NH Concussion Center

As mentioned in Parts 1 and 2 of this article, there are many positive ways to encourage a healthy immune system. Chiropractic care is one means of supporting the immune system as it encourages spinal health, restores joint function, and therefore supports the nervous system. As a result of improved function and mobility in your spine and body, your nervous system can work more optimally, as well as the systems of the body that the brain and spine control, such as your immune system. Incorporate this with a healthy diet (discussed in part 2 article), regular exercise, and even a few added nutritional supplements with immune boosting properties (discussed in this section), and you can help increase your body’s defenses against illness. Your Immune System Is Directly Related to Your Gut: Additional Immune Support through Supplements Herbs and supplements with high antioxidant effects help support the job of Macrophages, cells in the immune system

responsible for defending the host from infection, by breaking down and ridding the body of foreign substances such as bacteria. Since a large portion of our immune health and function comes from the gut, making sure this system is intact is crucial. Curcumin, the main active component of turmeric, exerts antioxidant effects and has been shown to have excellent anti-inflammatory efficacy through restoring the damaged intestinal barrier, regulating the gut microbiota, and reshaping the macrophage phenotype. Mushrooms also have incredible medicinal properties and the effects of mushrooms on immunity, cancer, and autoimmunity have been proposed for thousands of years. It was not until recently however, that a growing interest has led scientists to look more into which part of these fascinating fungi are responsible for health benefits. Glucans and specific proteins are responsible for most of the biological effects of mushrooms, particularly in terms of immunomodulatory and anti-tumor results. Proteins with bioactive effects include lectins, fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs), ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs), ribonucleases, laccases, among others. High quality pre and probiotics are also another means of supplying

your gut microbiome with additional “good bacteria” for balancing inflammation and encouraging good immune health. Lastly, elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) are well known to be supportive agents against common cold and flu like symptoms and have been used for centuries for their antioxidant and nutritional properties. This dark violetblack berry contains a variety of nutrients ranging from various vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C and E), trace elements such as Cu, Zn, Fe and minerals such as K, Ca and Mg to phytochemicals such as carotenoids, phytosterols and polyphenols. One study looked at the health benefits of using this herb with air traffic passengers during cold and flu season and its effect on respiratory, physical, and mental health. The study noted that elderberry extract did appear to have beneficial effects on these areas, that cold duration and symptoms were reduced with use during air travel compared to a placebo group, and that due to the constituents of this herb, elderberries are a “likely candidate for beneficial nutritional and/or medical supplementation not only for respiratory, but also for cardiovascular and mental health, all of which may be affected during travel.” With cold and flu season upon us, sup-

porting your immune system in a variety of ways is vital. Most individuals do not consider how spinal health and gut health play significant roles in immune health. By bringing awareness to the importance of caring for these two systems, you can contribute to your body’s overall wellbeing. With regular Chiropractic care to address spinal health, improving dietary choices by way of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables (especially those low on the glycemic index), increasing protein and healthy fats, and avoiding inflammatory foods, while lastly adding supplements to your daily regimen such as turmeric, mushroom powder, probiotics, and Vitamin D to name a few, can aid your body in fighting chronic disease and illness as well as seasonal ailments. Of course, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, and talking with your doctor on what is right for your individual health needs, is also essential. (*This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor prior to starting any new diet or supplement protocol as individual needs and health conditions vary, and certain supplements may interact with medications)

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

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also escalate into bigger problems, like the need for root canals or crowns, or even tooth loss.” Even with dental insurance, extensive treatments can amount to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, compared to little or no out-of-pocket expense for preventive care, such as exams and cleanings. A recent study found that high out-of-pocket costs are the top reason people delay dental care – a good reason to see the dentist for an annual checkup sooner rather than later. Studies also show that oral health has connections to overall health, including an impact on cardiovascular health. Research links gum disease to inflammation that can come before heart attacks, strokes and sudden vascular events, according to Penn Medicine. With all this in mind, review your dental plan for available benefits. Don’t have dental insurance? Dental plans can be purchased yearround and there are many affordable options. If you have a com-

prehensive plan through your job, it may cover care such as exams and cleanings, and other necessary treatments like crowns, root canals, gum therapy, extractions and orthodontics (braces). If you are between jobs or self-employed and are in need of a dental plan, online tools can help you comparison shop, and brokers can help you purchase an individual dental plan. You can also contact insurers directly to learn more about their options for individuals. Finally, if you are afraid to see a dentist – which millions of Americans are – there are plenty of ways to address that, too. Many dentists accommodate fearful patients, offering headphones, sunglasses and other items to soothe anxieties. There are also new approaches, such as teledentistry, that allow you to see a dentist at home through imaging and communication technologies. This doesn’t replace in-person care, but can help allay dental fears. For those with den-

tal plans through Cigna Healthcare, Cigna Dental Virtual Care is available through its partnership with dental. com, which provides a nationwide network of on-call, in-network dentists 24/7. Using this platform, Cigna Healthcare customers can get a video consultation, and licensed dentists can triage urgent situations such as pain, infection and swelling, and prescribe medications including antibiotics and non-narcotic pain relievers. Cigna Dental customers can also use their smartphones to screen for potential oral health issues anytime and at no cost. Powered through its dental.com partnership, a new technology called SmartScan provides step-by-step instructions to help patients take guided photos of their teeth and mouth. While not a replacement for an in-person dental examination, SmartScan analyzes the photos to identify potential issues such as plaque buildup, possible cavities or tooth damage. More information is available at cigna.com and cignadental.com. “It’s a perfect time to take control of your oral health. Innovations in dental care make it easier than ever to gain peace of mind from a checkup, or to catch the little problems before they become major, painful and expensive ones,” says Dr. Sun.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

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Kornet, Kurt, And Sport Spirituality Which brings us to star NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. While channel surfing over the holidays I saw a plug for a movie about Warner—American Underdog. Sport films can be hard for sports people to watch, as we pick up on inauthentic nuances that can ruin such movies for us—kind of like military people watching military movies or doctors watching hospital shows, etc. But the flick had good ratings and reviews, so I gave it a chance. I was glad I did. I alSee MOFFETT on 28

by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

I get a lot of publications in the mail. Some I subscribe to, but many are sent to me because I am a state representative. I try to give everything at least a cursory look. So, while quickly thumbing through one such magazine I saw a major feature on Boston Celtic seven-foot center Luke Kornet, which naturally caught my eye. I thought I’d discontinued my Sports Illustrated subscription when it went woke, so I checked the cover. It wasn’t SI, it was Columbia Magazine, put out by the Knights of Columbus. I returned to the Kornet piece and read a refreshing profile/interview about a young man who attributed his success and happiness to his religious faith. A product of Vanderbilt University, Kornet was a three-point specialist, which one would not expect from a sevenfooter. Challenged by serious injuries his first couple of seasons with the Knicks and Bulls, Kornet channeled some spiritual energy into his circumstances and refocused on his deeply felt Catholic/Christian values. He joined the Knights of Columbus to firm up his life structure. “My order of priority became God, then spouse, then children,

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“American Underdog” is based on the life of NFLer Kurt Warner. then work and everything else,” Kornet explained in the Columbia story. He added that going to Mass on the road was a priority and he worked hard to stay close to Christ’s teachings through the sacraments. “And then I got traded to the Celtics and played the most minutes that I have played in any year of my career, contributing to a winning team.” Refreshed and inspired by his story, I was glad Kornet was a Celtic—especially in this secular age where religious values and traditions are too often de-

meaned or diminished. The Columbia piece reminded me of a similar story about Matt Bonner which appeared several years ago in Parable, a publication of the Catholic Diocese of Manchester, N.H. A graduate of Concord High School and the University of Florida, Bonner played 12 years in the NBA with the Raptors and Spurs. His Catholic tradition was also part of his life and success, according to the Parable story. Interestingly, like Kornet, the 6-foot-10 Bonner was also a three-point specialist.

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

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This column originally appeared in our January 13, 2022 issue. Spend a few minutes talking ice fishing with me and you’ll likely hear me say that I prefer not to use tip ups when ice fishing. I’m more of a mobile ice angler and tip ups (sometimes) act like anchors. It seems like I no sooner get my tip ups in the water, than I am ready to move again. However, I recognize that there are days when certain species, especially the lake trout and white perch in Lake Winnipesaukee, will only eat a live smelt. Sometimes it’s harder to be mobile because I’m with a large group of people. If I want to catch fish on those days, I must step outside my comfort zone and set some tip ups. Besides, the majority of my clients love chasing flags and making sure they have fun catching fish is a priority. When I’m guiding and fish are on the move, I find it especially advantageous to put out a few tip ups. Also, the larger the group, the harder it is to move everyone around, and the more I will rely on tip ups to help pick away at spread out fish. They not only make excellent scouting tools, because you can spread them out, but they serve as indicators to let you

“I sometimes consider tip ups to be anchors that keep me from moving, but sometimes those anchors catch fish,” Tim Moore says.

Covering water can be the difference between fish and no fish.

know if you’ve missed your mark, or if the fish are traveling just out of range. On Lake Winnipesaukee, each angler is allowed two lines, which means everyone can jig and have one tip up in the water. With larger groups that’s a lot more lines in the water than jigging alone. I can spread them out over an area and increase the number of fish caught, especially on days when the fish prefer live bait. On most other lakes in New Hampshire, the limit is six lines per angler, which can mean far more fish than just jigging. Fishing tip ups also helps locate nomadic schools of fish that might otherwise swim by just out of See MOORE on 26

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

The

Simple Feast

WEIRS TIMES’ BEER FINDER

A SMART New Year’s Resolution The

Simple Feast

The

Simple Feast

by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer

How many of us, each year, proclaim a New Year’s Resolution? According to the YouGov website about one third of the US adult population will have made a New Year’s Resolution for 2024. This leads one to believe that the other two thirds know something the rest of us fail to understand, and that is most of us will fail to keep our New Year’s Resolution. In fact, according to survey data for 2023 posted to the website discoverhappyhabits.com indicates that only about 9% of those who make a New Year’s Resolution will actually feel that they have succeeded in keeping their resolution by the end of the year. I, for one, have nearly given up on making a New Year’s Resolution. I find the notion of declaring some proclamation regarding improving my well being or modifying my behavior, well, to put it politely, utterly fruitless! And, not only do I find it to be utterly fruitless, it can also be downright maddening as it only serves to remind me that I am doing something I shouldn’t. I already know that I am doing something I shouldn’t. Why do I then want

The

Simple Feast

to acknowledge that which I should not be doing by resolving not to do it any longer, only to then break my resolution by doing that which I shouldn’t, again? Let’s face it, most of us who proclaim a New Year’s Resolution usually have rather incredibly lofty goals in mind, usually bordering on the unobtainable. In our classic American “go big or go home” mentality, when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions we tend to shoot for the moon rather than just being happy with skimming the treetops. Personally, I would be satisfied to hurdle the hedge row without ruffling a leaf. Or perhaps just be happy to hop over

the Chia Pet without knocking it over: fait accompli, finis, done, check it off the list. This is not to say that I am an underachiever. Not by a long shot! No, rather I am a realist. I know not to bite off more than I can chew. You would never hear me utter a New Year’s Resolution such as, “I resolve to never eat chocolate again, in the New Year!” Oh, please! For starters there is something either intuitively or grammatically incorrect with that statement. (Perhaps both?) But more to the point, the only way I could make it to 12:03am on January 1 without breaking such a ludicrous resolution is to utter those words at

11:59pm on December 31 while turning out the lights to go to sleep. However, with true American flair, in our attempts to reach such dizzying heights as the top of the Matterhorn on only one tank of oxygen, we got lost in the mantra of goal setting while trying desperately to follow the principles to the letter. Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Since the early 1980’s this has been drilled into the minds of budding young managers with dreams (delusions) of grandeur. We were convinced (coerced) by proselytizing HR prophets that by goal setting we would set the working world on fire, rid our ranks of the flotsam and jetsam, and sore the business to new heights. In reality they were half right, we set our working world on fire. And in the process some hot shots nearly burned their humanity to the ground. But, as usual, I digress. So, right about now you are probably wondering, what does all this have to do with The Simple Feast? Well, for starters, did you know that year over year data on New Year’s Resolutions indicates that the top two resolution categories focus on health and finances. This is not surprising as we Americans seem to be obsessed with both. But more important is that the historical data indicate that only a mere 9% to 12% of those who pclaim a resolution for the new year feel that See FEAST on 20

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Contributing Writer

Before it gets too far into the new year, I want to take a look back at my birding highlights from 2023. It was a good year all around with birds small and large. Thanks to you all for being a part of another year of sharing birding adventures. Here is my annual top 10 list of birding highlights from the past year. 10. The Christmas Bird Count never fails to be a highlight of the year. Whether the birds are plentiful or not, it’s always a good day spent in the field with friends. The weather was cold, gray and damp, and the birds were fairly scarce, but our spirits remained high. 9. Along the same lines, I contributed to eBird more in 2023 than in years past. Checklists from eBird are entered into a massive database that scientists use to track bird populations. Millions of lists are submitted, so my contributions are pretty insignificant, but it all adds up. Anything to help the future of birds. Anyone can participate, regardless of skill level. Sign up through the eBird app or website. 8. I watched a flock of mallards at a park in Baltimore while I was in the city visiting my

4. Similar to the warblers, it’s always a good year when I see the vibrant colors of scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks and Baltimore orioles. There were a few walks this year when I saw all four of them. I can’t wait to check in on that spot again this spring to try to repeat that feat.

A bald eagle rests in a tree in New England. son at school. It was early in the fall duck migration, but something told me to look carefully at the dozens or hundreds of mallards that dominated the pond. Sure enough, three or four ring-necked ducks swam and rested among the mallards. Not an earth-shattering sighting, but I love my ducks and always love seeing them.

dozens of them gathered along the Sound. I had never seen more than three or four together at once prior to that experience.

7. One of my favorite birds (one of my many favorites, that is) is the American oystercatcher. The large shorebird with sturdy orange bill may be found along the coast of Long Island Sound. Imagine my surprise when I visited a conservation area in southern Connecticut and saw

5. I saw a large bundle of sticks and leaves in the crevasse of a tree at work. I watched it for a few minutes thinking it might be a hawk or owl nest. Just as I was about to give up and pass it off as just another squirrel nest, two fluffy red-shouldered hawk “toddlers” poked

6. Warblers are always a highlight of the year. I didn’t have a great warbler season, I must admit, but seeing even the few that I did is enough to make this list. Is it almost late April?

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3. My son Andrew and I spent a few days in early May camping in southern Vermont. Loons and moose are always the main wildlife goals when we camp in Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine. While the moose eluded us, as usual, a pair of loons did keep us company throughout our stay. 2. I saw more wild turkeys in 2023 than I can recall seeing in another other year. I saw dozens of flocks at various spots throughout the year, but my favorite flock is the one I see regularly at work. I take short walks throughout the day, and I can’t even count the number of times I’ve seen these turkeys. It’s an uplifting sight in the middle of a workday. On a sad note, shortly after my Thanksgiving column came out, I learned of the passing of Ted See BOSAK on 27

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FEAST from 15 they were successful in achieving their goal by year’s end. Why is that? Well, some of the data indicates that most people making a New Year’s Resolution started out strong but as time went on they failed to keep track of their progress. Some people just forgot about their resolution altogether, perhaps not writing it down. And some felt

that they had set unreasonable expectations, or dare I say, perhaps not making it a SMART goal? A New Year’s Resolution should be two things. It should be a SMART goal and it should be personal. Making your resolution personal allows you to take ownership of it, especially when you begin to think of making changes to your health

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and wellness, eating habits, and exercise. These are big steps for many people and it may not be easy doing it alone, but it starts with you making a commitment to yourself. Then you can bring others into it. In this case you may want to consult with your doctor who may have a dietician on staff who can help with making some easy choices, steps that will help you succeed in your overall goal. And too, they may be able to provide some guidance in creating a SMART goal, and here’s why. When my kids faced a hard challenge I would ask them, “How do you eat the elephant?” The answer, “One bite at a time.” Now, an elephant is a lot to eat for just one person, so ask for help. As an example, let’s say you resolve to lose 50 pounds by April 1, 2024. That’s a big elephant. (I´m not calling you an elephant.) What I am saying is, is that really a SMART goal? It may be Specific, Measurable, and some may say it is even Timely, but is it Attainable and Realistic? Have you ever lost that much weight in that short amount of time? In a healthy manner? Perhaps this is where consulting with your physician and a dietician would be helpful? They can help you create a SMART goal that will paint the picture of how to lose that 50 pounds through establishing better eating habits, diet planning, substitutions, and bet-

ter food choices. They can suggest simple exercises to build up your capacity for added physical activity. In other words, these professionals who do this for a living may be able to offer a realistic timeline for your weight loss goal while helping you create habits that incorporate healthy eating principles and exercise into your lifestyle while not feeling deprived of the things you truly enjoy. This will help you be successful in not only taking the weight off over time but also keep it off while still enjoying the foods you like. Whether you did or did not make a New Year’s Resolution this year is your personal choice. And how you manage that resolution is also your choice. But if you are like so many others who want to make a New Year’s Resolution and have it be successful, perhaps choose one that you can truly commit to by planning it out using the SMART method and asking for help. It’s not too late. My New Year’s Resolution is to continue to bring to this feature stories that you the reader will hopefully find enjoyable, entertaining, insightful, light hearted, and informative. Whether it be for the mind, the body, or the soul, above all else it should always be… a Simple Feast. Enjoy!

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

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ROBOTICS from 1 England. On Sunday the 14th, the elementary school and middle school divisions of the 2023-2024 VEX IQ Robotics Competition (IQ) FULL VOLUME Season will compete with dozens of other teams from in the NH/VT region. Both events are qualifiers for the NH/VT State Championships in midFebruary and can earn teams various awards. VEX Robotics, one of the many STEM-related competitions presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), tasks students to use the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to solve the current season’s game challenge. The EDP process helps students to brainstorm, create, build, test, and modify their robots. VEX and the RECF also teach students to advocate for themselves through their StudentCentered Policy, work in a team environment, improve and develop good communication skills, document their work in engineering design notebooks, and learn that failures are a part of the road to success. Shaker Regional Robotics is looking for help from the community. The Robo Raiders are looking for sponsors and volunteers to help with judging. Sponsorships can be in the form of tools, gifts for teams, candy, snacks for the concession stands, or monetary donations. Sponsors are welcome to put up a sign or banner of their company at

the Bot Bashes. If you are interested in contributing a monetary donation, checks or money orders can be made out to: BHS Robotics, 255 Seavey Rd, Belmont, NH 03220. Volunteers could also help out with judging at either event. Judges interview teams, examine engineering design notebooks, watch teams perform on the field, and assign some

of the awards. Judges will be provided training in the mornings and will receive complementary food and beverage throughout the day. For more information on how to support Shaker Regional Robotics, please contact Coach Adrien Deshaies at adrien@adeshphoto. com or Coach Amira Provost at amira.provost@gmail.com.

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22 DOVE from 1 must find the will to discover our individual meaning so that we will not become yet another victim. Meaning is the key. Positive movement in our lives is key. Even a brief survey of life on this planet today quickly reveals that we all want meaning but we don’t all find it. Meaning comes from within. Andrea M. Ackerly, M.S. is my colleague and friend. She is a trained counselor. I hold an M.Ed in Neurodevelopment. Together with our background and training, we hatched a plan to create a book that would share Viktor Frankl’s life and message with younger readers. We worked hard to craft the message in a way that would not shock but instead, would resonate. Our book is titled: The Dove Who Inspired Beyond Barbed Wire. Our book is for children aged eight to 105. Yes, adults are enjoying it too. We start the book

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

The story of Viktor Frankl reveals how we can achieve victory, even after hard times. with this invitation: “A shared admiration for the life and teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl inspired this book collaboration. This book could not be more relevant during a time when there is so much

focus on negativity. Viktor taught us how to focus on a meaningful purpose to make a positive and courageous difference in the world. This book and its message will inspire all who read it to focus on the

things they can control and focus on fulfilling a loving and meaningful life of service and kindness.” In other words, we invite you to read our book and consider Logotherapy as a refreshing prescription on how to live our lives. We are honored to have had our book vetted by Professor Franz J. Vesely of the Viktor Frankl Institute in Austria (and the son in law of Viktor Frankl). Viktor Frankl’s work is sometimes described as height psychology because it implores us to seek out meaning. It challenges us to go beyond our suffering and find that meaning. That meaning is how to achieve fulfillment. Frankl said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” It is no surprise that some say Viktor Frankl was the

“The Dove Who Inspired Beyond Barbed Wire” Book Cover. creator of positive psychology - the study of what makes life worth living! Frankl’s Logotherapy embodies what positive psychology is today. Our book is part biography and a call to positive action. To gather more tidbits of information, we include a treasure hunt through each of the illustrations. In them, you will find signs of even more meaning. The treasure hunt is listed in the appendix of the book and serves as a jumping off point for discussions with students of all ages. However, the treasure hunt is particularly helpful in discussing the book with the younger ones who would more easily comprehend the information in this way. Counselor Ackerly has included numerous appendices and they include: how to talk

about the Holocaust with children, possible Q & A topics, and some sage advice about how to prevent racism. I created the illustrations and the treasure hunt. Each page includes a quote from an individual that further embellishes the ideas on the page. Included in the list are Viktor Frankl, Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Jonas Salk, Andrea M. Ackerly and Kimberly J.B. Smith. Just to name a few. Meaning can come in many forms. There are problem solvers who make our world better. Dr. Carol Dweck comes to mind. Her work on Growth Mindset is a real game changer for everyone. There are humanitarians who seek to improve lives through reform. Consider Scarlett Lewis See DOVE on 23

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

Ackerly & Smith’s book visualizes the messages in Frankl’s classic book “Man’s Search for Meaning.”

help a neighbor, teach one’s expertise to another or by showing kindness to the animals that share the earth with us. We can include others when we see someone who needs a boost or notice that opportunity to fill a need. Just making someone smile can shed light on their day. Reach out and beyond to make a positive impact. Upon reflection, our message urges everyone to do their own work, not fall prey to group think or misinformation. We choose not to discuss specific examples of such topics. They would only lead us down a very long rabbit hole. Finding meaning is a solitary practice, but it will likely have a positive effect on others. How much more beneficial does it get than that. We end the book with a quote by

DOVE from 22 whose creation of the Choose Love Movement has spread love and positivity. Lewis created the movement to infuse our culture and world with proactive strategies and messages after the many devastating school shootings. Philosophers like Eleanor Roosevelt are responsible for some cogent quotes that are ubiquitous, or should be. Creators like Frank Lloyd Wright whose meaning resulted in the creation of buildings of amazing beauty that transcend utilitarianism. Inventors are yet another group of people who find meaning. I recall reading about a movie star named Hedy Lamar whose talents went way beyond the silver screen. Lamar invented a method of signal jamming in WWII so messages could not be confiscated by the enemy. All of these individuals and so many

me: “Viktor Frankl is our hero. A true hero seeks good over bad, love over fame and humility over hubris. A true hero shares their gifts, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to the world. Everyone possesses this ability.” For younger individuals, we would help them to create a list of

role models. They can be famous people or the neighbor next door. They should be measured by defining specific positive attributes about the role models that inspire who we want to become. As we get a bit older, we need to turn inward and ask ourselves, are we finding our meaning? For us, this journey started with our

role model, Dr. Viktor Frankl. His message is a bright light shining upon the world during this dark time. We feel this is a wonderful book that you can share and discuss with family and friends. Kimberly J.B. Smith is an artist, art teacher and writer. Andrea Ackerly is a counselor and writer. Together, Smith and Ackerly

offer presentations about their book, therapeutic art activities that accompany the book and Q & A topics about the teaching of the holocaust through the book and activities. The book can be purchased through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. For speaking engagements, contact Smith at kimberlyjbsmith@gmail. com. Put Dove Presentations in the subject line.

In this illustration, Frankl imagines the things that will give him meaning when he is freed from the concentration camp. more have found their unique meaning. Meaning is not just for famous people. Not at all. Viktor Frankl explained that meaning can come from goodness, beauty, culture, truth, nature and of course, love. Each and every day we can create meaning by reaching beyond ourselves to

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

SMITH from 3 hunting grounds that extended far to the west of the river. It is surmised that those Indians of old may not have kept track of years as we do today, and, with the passage of time, even the names of the individuals featured in the legend have been forgotten, but not their actions. The young chief in following a trail towards the setting sun found himself in the country of the Mohawks. The men of that tribe welcomed the young easterner and he found himself as the dinner guest of an old Mohawk chief. They sat down to

eat dried venison and bear meat served by the old chief’s own daughter who immediately won the attention of the visiting young chief. He looked upon the Indian maiden with longing eyes and being thus in no hurry to return to his tribe, the chief was able to, within a short time, win the love of the girl, along with her promise to return with him to his lodge far away to the east. Her father, however, was not willing to let his daughter, whom he had promised to give in marriage to a young warrior of a nearby Pequot tribe, go with the visiting chief from the

1944 photo of a group of Dalton High School students and teachers onthe top of Dalton Mountain. Courtesy Terri Parks, President of the Dalton Historical Society.

Laconia Adult Education Winter 2024 - Enrichment Class Schedule Laconia Adult Education Winter 2024 Enrichment Class Schedule Day(s) Day(s)

Course Title

Arts & Crafts Beginner Counted Cross Stitch Intro to Crafts

##Weeks weeks

Cost Cost

Location Location

Instructor InstructorName Name

1/29/2024 6:30-9:00pm 02/21/2024 6:00-8:00pm

4 6

** $50.00 ** $75.00

LHS-509 LHS-509

Shawn Sinclair Shirley Glines

Mon Mon Mon Tue Tue Tue Tue Thu Thu Thu Thu Tue, Thu Tue, Thu Tue, Thu

01/29/2024 01/29/2024 01/29/2024 01/30/2024 01/30/2024 01/30/2024 01/16/2024 05/09/2024 03/14/2024 04/18/2024 04/04/2024 01/30/2024 03/05/2024 04/02/2024

5:45-6:45 pm 7:45-8:45 pm 6:45-7:45 pm 6:45-7:45 pm 5:45-7:45 pm 7:45-8:45 pm 5:30 PM 6:30-8:30pm 6:30-8:30pm 6:30-8:30pm 6:30-8:30pm 5:00-6:15 pm 5:00-6:15 pm 5:00-6:15 pm

4 4 4 4 4 4 6 1 1 1 1 4 4 4

$90.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 $99.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00

Cafe Cafe Cafe Cafe Cafe Cafe

Juli Pruden Juli Pruden Juli Pruden Juli Pruden Juli Pruden Juli Pruden Janine Page Brenda Paquette Brenda Paquette Brenda Paquette Brenda Paquette Bonnie Morin Bonnie Morin Bonnie Morin

Tues Thu Tue Tue Wed Wed Wed Thu Fri Tue Tue Tue Tue Thu Tue Wed

1/30/2024 02/01/2024 03/05/2024 02/13/2024 03/13/2024 03/13/2024 01/31/2024 05/23/2024 04/19/2024 03/05/2024 01/30/2024 02/13/2024 04/09/2024 02/01/2024 01/30/2024 01/31/2024

7:00-8:00 pm 6:00-8:30pm 6:00-9:00pm 5:30-7:00pm 7:00-8:00pm 6:00-8:00 pm 6:00-8:30 pm 6:00-8:00 pm 6:00-8:00 pm 7:30-9:00 pm 6:00-8:30 pm 7:30-9:00 pm 7:30-9:00 pm 5:30-8:30 pm 5:30-8:30 pm 5:30-8:30 pm

8 8 13 5 8 8 8 3 3 3 10 3 3 10 10 10

Mon Wed

Health & Wellness All About Twinkles Beginner Blues Beginner ChaCha Beginner Country Two-Step Beginner Quickstep Beginner Samba Better Posture, Better Life Freedom Through Forgiveness Introduction to Spiritual Energies Meditation 101 What are Angels & How to Communicate w/them Yoga for Everyone: Beginning (Tues & Thurs) Session 1 Yoga for Everyone: Beginning (Tues & Thurs) Session 2 Yoga for Everyone: Beginning (Tues & Thurs) Session 3 Learning a skill Guitar I for Beginners Basic Woodworking CERT Training (Community Emergency Response Team) Digital Photography 2: Intermediate Series Dog Obedience: Advanced Dog Obedience: Beginning Intro to Intermediate Woodworking Lighthouse and Puffin Cruise-Bar Harbor Lighthouse Lovers Cruise at the Maine Maritime Museum Nature Photography Open Shop Woodworking Smartphone Photography Special Effects with your Digital Camera Welding Fundamentals: ARC,GAS,MIG&TIG- Thursdays Welding Fundamentals: ARC,GAS,MIG&TIG- Tuesdays Welding Fundamentals: ARC,GAS,MIG&TIG- Wednesday

Start Date date Start

Times Times

Downtown Gym

LHS-615 LHS-615 LHS-615 LHS-615 ctc-H225 ctc-H225 ctc-H225

$79.00 LHS-813 ** $110.00 LHS-517 $30.00 LHS 615 $120.00 REMOTE $70.00 WHS-Gym $70.00 WHS-Gym ** $110.00 LHS-517 ** $180.00 REMOTE/Location ** $180.00 REMOTE/Location $150.00 REMOTE $110.00 LHS-517 $80.00 Remote $80.00 REMOTE ** $350.00 Welding Lab ** $350.00 Welding Lab ** $350.00 Welding Lab

Matthew Wood Wes Anderson John Beland Steve McGrath Carolyn Bancroft Carolyn Bancroft Ed Philpot Steve McGrath Steve McGrath Steve McGrath Ed Philpot Steve McGrath Steve McGrath Bruce Beckford Bruce Beckford Bruce Beckford

* * Additional supply/book fee or pre-class requirement is additional in this course. *Diploma Classes* Economics/ Civics Curent Events and Media Literacy (English) US History Foundations of Math II

Mon 1/22/2024 6:00-9:00 15 Weeks $280.00 LHS-612 Tues 1/23/2024 6:00-9:00 15 Weeks $280.00 LHS-312 Wed 1/24/2024 6:00-9:00 15 Weeks $280.00 LHS-304 Thurs 1/25/2024 6:00-9:00 15 Weeks $280.00 LHS-611 * * Additional Supply/book fee or pre-class requirement is additional in this course.

Check Online For More Detailed Course Information

J. McLeod P. Mignanelli T. Osborne A. Stefanik

Check Out Our Other Great Offerings: HSE (GED or HiSET) Prep- Free Monday & Wednesday (Including materials, book fees or labs) nights 6:00-8:30-Star�ng January 22nd Check out our other great offerings: HSE (GED or HiSET) Prep- Free MondayFree & Wednesday nightslearning 6:00-8:30-Starting January 22nd Register and Pay Online at: adultedlaconia.weebly.com E.S.L.for those English Tuesday & E.S.L.- Free for those learning English Tuesday & Thursday nights 6:00-8:30-starting January 23rd Thursday nights 6:00-8:30-star�ng January 23rd Still have questions? Call Laconia Adult Education at 603-524-5712 Classes are in-person except when location is listed as remote.

east. Though driven from the lodge of the Mohawk chief, the young lover plotted with the chief’s daughter, and on an appointed day she paddled her own canoe to a specific location on the river where the two met and escaped to the young chief’s Mohegan tribe. The tribe back home welcomed the chief and his bride and celebrated what they considered a glad occasion with a feast and the wild dances and war songs customary for such happenings. The Mohawk chieftain, however, as one might expect, was not content to let his daughter go without a fight and set about planning to make her return. The celebrating Mohegan tribe along the river spotted signal fires on the distant hills and then received reports of two thousand Mohawk warriors approaching, adorned with warpaint and prepared for battle. The Mohawk warriors were led by the brother of the Indian maiden who ran away with her Mohegan lover and the warrior to whom she had been promised as his wife. Soon afterwards what would prove to be a long and bloody battle began as the two warring tribes fought in the forest of New Hampshire before it was New Hampshire all because of the clash between love and hate. The details of the battle are unknown to us; we no of no name given to the conflict. We do not know how long the competing tribes continued their struggle against each other, though the word that has been passed on down through the years (we do not even See SMITH on 25

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 — SMITH from 24 know how many years since) indicate that the Indian Wars were often long ones. There was no sound of the discharge of firearms or the booming of cannon because those things were not as yet, but that does not mean that the woods were silent. There were, no doubt, the sounds of war-whoops as the warriors prepared for and entered the conflict, and the sounds of the screams of the wounded warriors, followed by the triumphant, victorious yells of the successful assailant. The weapons of war included the bow from which the flinted arrows were shot, and the hatchet. For those close contact struggles, which may have often ended with two opposing warriors engaged in an embrace with arms around each other, the warclub or the knife may have been the weapon that determined a winner and a loser. The battle came to a close with the Mohawks prevailing over the tribe from New Hampshire, but the maiden for whom the battle was fought could not be found, nor could her lover, for they had successfully hidden themselves. They had stayed together throughout the battle, even as the young chieftain engaged the enemy and was personally successful in dispatching those who fought against him. The last to go by the last swing of the Mohegan chief’s arm which crushed his skull was the lead Mohawk, thus sending his lover’s brother to the “hunting grounds.” For many days, probably weeks, likely even months, after the battle, the conquering Mohawks searched for any

The young Mohegan Chief was buried there at the base of the cliff and a sapling was planted atop the grave in keeping with a tradition of the Indian tribe. As for the sorrowing widow, despite the efforts of her friends to bring some cheer into her life, she could not be comforted. One autumn evening after the sun had set in the western sky, they found her body lying on the mound that was the grave of her lover with

her cheek on the mossy surface of the ground and her hand clasping the green sapling. Ahwanega is translated as “The Lover’s Leap.” Local folk among the Dalton hills were said to have called the location “The Jumping-off Place.” Back

in 1877, L. Wood D. wrote in The Granite Monthly,“True? yes; at least, I suppose it to be.” Robert Hanaford Smith welcomes your comments at danahillsmiths@yahoo.com

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Ski Works At the top of Dalton Mountain. Courtesy Terri Parks, President of the Dalton Historical Society. remaining Mohegans and the missing daughter of their old chief, but as Spring came and the foliage made it more difficult to see in the forest, they gave up their search. A small band of warriors and women from the defeated Indian tribe, however, still watched over their chief and his bride in an oak grove, presumably at the base of a cliff on what is now called Dalton Mountain in Dalton, New Hampshire. One day in mid-summer, the bride, whom I do find was called “Wild Fawn,” met her chief and lover at the top of the cliff as he returned from a two-day hunt. They sat there and are said to have talked of the things they saw from the summit of the cliff-the distant mountains, the closer green hills, and the sparkling waters they saw beneath them that they called Onawanda, meaning “water born among the hills.”

Feeling safe, they did not see or hear a form creeping slowly, catlike, from rock to tree to bush, in the shadows, slowly edging closer to them. It was the twang of a bow-string that brought them quickly to their feet, but it was too late. One of those flinted arrows had pierced the side of the Mohegan chief, and he sank back against a rock. A Pequot warrior, yes, the one chosen to marry the girl we now know as “Wild Fawn,” sprang from the shadows and ran with open arms with which to grasp the now frightened maiden. Before he reached her, however, he was struck by a hatchet which stopped him in his tracks. He then found himself in the grasp of the wounded Mohegan chief who held him tightly as he threw himself and his rival lover over the cliff and into what has been called the “happy hunting grounds.”

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

MOORE from 14 sight of your set up. Tip ups can be effective on large expansive mud flats, such as those found on lakes like Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota. Fishing mud flats can be hit or miss, since you’re waiting for fish to cruise by. If you’re fishing for food, spreading out tip ups can add valuable fish to your fish fry. Like most ice fishing gear, advancements and innovations have given anglers far more choices than ever before when it comes to tip up fishing. More choices in tip up designs can make tip up selection a bit more daunting, but more choices also means anglers can tailor even their tip up fishing to meet storage requirements and fishing style. I have become a huge fan of the Trophy Thermal Tip Ups from Clam Outdoors.

They are an insulated tip up that covers the hole and helps prevent it from freezing. They work surprisingly well at preventing freeze ups. Their 10.5-inch diameter means they will cover a 10-inch hole. I don’t fish a 10inch hole, but many anglers do. They also store nicely inside a 5-gallon bucket. Whether you’re trying to locate fish, fishing for food, or just love the fun of chasing flags, tip ups are not only a ton of fun, but they can be very productive. Use them to cover a diversity of areas and bottom types. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can jigand fish tip ups or fish only tip ups. Consider why you’re there and decide if tip ups will be right for you that day. If you want to be more mobile, you may want to leave them at home. If you have kids or any-

one who loves the surprise of the flag and the anticipation of finding out what is on the other end, then you might want to consider tip ups. Whether they are used as a tool to catch more fish, or a method of increasing the fun, I almost always have at least a couple with me. Tim Moore is a fulltime professional fishing guide in New Hampshire. He owns and operates Tim Moore Outdoors, LLC. He is a member of the New England Outdoors Writers Association, and the producer of TMO Fishing on YouTube and the Hooked with TMO Fishing Podcast. Visit www. TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information.

MAILBOAT from 2 rights. The Demolitioncrat march to authoritarian dictatorship began with Democrat Philosopher King—Woodrow Wilson. He passed the authoritarian baton to FDR, who created the Alphabet Soup of federal agencies to save us from the Great Depression. Proving good intentions paved the way to Hell, politicians stuffed federal bureaucracies with unelected, permanent employees. SCOTUS unleashed the “dogs of war”, known as “executive experts,” on us with Chevron Deference. “Executive Experts” then drafted the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) imposing thousands of federal regulations on us enforced by anonymous federal bureaucrats. The CFR enables bureaucratic criminals to intimidate ordinary citizens. President Trump brought sunlight to dark corners of this bureaucratic

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insurrection. Exposure has forced these insurrectionists to roll out nuclear weapons: Censorship and News Distortion. 1. The Ivy League Witches! Misuse of pronouns earns a “Scarlet Letter” or expulsion. Hamas murder, rape, and beheading must be contextualized. 2.“Media Fearmonger About Trump Dictatorship Because Biden Told Them to!” By John Daniel Davidson 3. RFK, Jr. a Liberal: “The entire upper echelon of the CIA is controlled by people who could care less about Democracy.” Add the FBI and the DOJ. 4. After meeting with Larry Fink of Black Rock infamy, Nikki Haley demands exposure of online identities even though SCOTUS has ruled anonymous speech is free speech. 5. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Cyber Threat Intelligence League conspire with DHS and the FBI to promote the Russian Hoax , COVID-19 hysteria, two Trump impeachments and endless malicious prosecutions. Vote Donald Trump on 1/23/24 to keep your cars, stoves and dismantle this bureaucratic monstrosity. Charles Bradley Laconia, NH.

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To The Editor:This election year we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to elect the most Reagan - like presidential candidate we’ve seen. Governor Ron DeSantis is the only true conservative running for office with an outstanding proven track record. He has delivered on ALL of his promises to the people of Florida. He is guided by core princi-

ples, honesty, and is consistent on all the issues, standing with the constitution. Look at his background. Blue collar roots. Worked his way through Yale where he was captain of varsity baseball and graduated Harvard with a law degree where he earned a commission as a Navy JAG officer deployed to Iraq. Bronze star and Iraq campaign medal. Was a prosecutor who put child predators away. He was elected to Congress in 2012 where he served 4 years and was a founder of the Freedom Caucus. Then elected governor of Florida and currently serving a second term, which he won by a landslide. Weather isn’t the only reason people have been flocking to Florida ever since. DeSantis’s strong policies to support freedom, liberty and justice transformed Florida into an example for other states to emanate. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for the whole country to be under such competent leadership? His accomplishments are too numerous to mention with the restrictions in this space, but I challenge everyone to read his biography on rondesantis.com. Our country will not benefit from an entertainer, or an aging man with a lot of legal baggage going into a Presidency. We need a prolonged state of NORMALCY, not chaos. We have an alternative- a young, intelligent, articulate, and focused candidate staring us in the face. Trump is for HIS issues. Haley is for her corporate donors’ issues. DeSantis is for OUR issues. Mary Ann Pumilia Laconia. NH.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 — METZLER from 7 hower Carrier Strike Group is on station off the coast of Yemen, supported by other ships such as guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely. The Aircraft Carrier Strike Group packs a powerful punch with its Naval Air Squadrons. Recently when the American ships have come under attack from the land based Houthis, they have responded in self-defense; a U.S. ship sank three Houthi craft killing ten militants. In mid-December the destroyer USS Carney shot down 14 Houthilaunched unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea. In a separate development in adjoining waters the U.S. Naval Institute News reports that “Indian Navy commandos secured the hijacked Liberianflagged Lila Norfolk last week after a 24hour confrontation off the Somali Coast in the Arabian Sea. This swift response comes as New Delhi reinforces its presence in the area, surging ships and aircraft to deter attacks on international shipping in the Western Indian Ocean Region.” Currently the U.S. Navy expends significant resources to shoot down missiles and drones. According to Central Command, the Houthis have made 23 attacks on targets in the Red Sea since December 19th. The UN Security Council met to consider the current crisis but with little tangible effect. American deputy Ambassador Christopher Lu stated, “We also know that

Iran has been deeply involved in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea.” Amb. Lu added, that current attacks “pose grave implications for maritime security, international shipping and commerce.” Amb. Lu stressed, “the threat to navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea is a global challenge and necessitates a global response.” Currently Iran is profiting from its widening oil sales to China and has extra cash to support various militant proxy forces such as the Houthis and Hamas. In parallel, the Islamic Republic is using the Houthis to threaten both American and European commercial interests as well as bring yet another level of destabilization to the volatile Middle East region in the midst of the Israel/Gaza war. Israel’s representative Gilad Erdan warned that Iran seeks to dominate the Middle East and beyond under Shiite hegemony; he added “Iran is a global danger.” So let’s get serious about Iran’s provocations. 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 cause in government, people do what they’ve always done. Lowering costs isn’t important. They’re spending other people’s money. Musk also created Starlink. Starlink satellites now provide low-cost internet service to people all over the world. He’s so successful launching satellites that most satellites now orbiting earth are Musk’s. He’s given more poor people access to the internet than any government ever has. Musk develops the world’s most popular electric car, gives poor people internet access, reinvigorates space exploration and creates 110,000 jobs. So, Warren wants to punish him? She sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission, demanding the government investigate Tesla for “not properly representing shareholders.” Seems like a bizarre accusation, given that Tesla’s stock has increased in value by $790 billion. Warren didn’t like that Musk became CEO of Twitter. She demanded that “conflict of interest” be investigated. But it’s great that Musk bought Twitter. He told Joe Rogan that he’s lost money on the company, but that taking over Twitter was still worth “everything,” because he’s protecting open debate. I agree. Twitter’s previous owners censored political views that didn’t conform to left-wing bias. They even reduced the number of my Twitter followers. Only when Musk took over did the total climb back above a million

again. Now Musk’s company, Neuralink, is trying to help paralyzed people access the internet and operate artificial limbs -- just by using their thoughts. Neuralink, Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink. Musk is a maker and a hero! Warren, the taker, attacks people who create wealth. She pushes a skewed narrative about “greedy” corporations. Of course corporations are greedy! Greed works. It motivates people to try harder. But (outside of government) greedy people can only satisfy their greed by pleasing customers. Unlike politicians, they can’t force anyone to pay. Our world needs fewer Elizabeth Warrens and more Elon Musks. Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom.

BOSAK from 19 Walski, a New Hampshire Fish and Game biologist who is largely responsible for the successful reintroduction of wild turkeys into the Granite State. Thanks for your dedication, Ted. 1. Similarly, it was a great year for bald eagles. I saw them in several different places, including some unusual spots like near parking lots. Just the other day, I saw a few soaring over

an unfrozen pond in New England, so 2024 is off to a good start for eagles as well. It’s great to see the eagle conservation success story. I look forward to even more sightings in 2024. Thanks again for your support of For the Birds. Feel free to send along a few of your birding or wildlife highlights from the past year.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

PARKER from 6 hordes we are letting in. Second, demonstrating laxness, humanitarian inclinations devoid of the values that define our national integrity, broadcasts to our enemies that we are confused and weak. Perceived confusion and weakness encourage evil forces to act. For sure the hasty exit of America from Afghanistan broadcast this message to an evil and ambitious Vladimir Putin, who then took aggressive action in Ukraine he might not otherwise have done. Iran and their Hamas operatives are for sure very happy to see American leftists celebrating the atrocities that were committed against Israelis. Last June, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi traveled to Latin America in a visit that includ-

ed Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. Iran is doing business with the most corrupt and mismanaged countries in Latin America to solidify its anti-American and antiIsrael base there. In 1994, the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was blown up and 85 were killed. Investigations in Argentina concluded it was the work of Iran. Republicans are right to push for raising the bar for defining asylum, setting up a border extradition authority and exercising greater care in allowing anyone into our country without a visa. Regarding the many already here undefined and undocumented, I propose reopening some of our closed military bases to house these individuals until their status is clarified. They

would have status as refugees but without constitutional rights that would include 14th Amendment coverage granting automatic citizenship to the newly born. We can’t forget that the eternal principles that define freedom in our country are relevant everywhere. We must defend them at home and abroad to the interest of all who want to live in a better world. Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now.

SHAPIRO from 6 marginal voters come from: Biden or Trump? This means that Biden is going to have to actually succeed in order to win. The only thing that might save him would be... you know, good things happening in America. But his own policies prevent just that. Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and cofounder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author; his latest book is “The Authoritarian Moment: How The Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.”

MOFFETT from 13 ready knew much of Warner’s “rags to riches” journey but I learned a few new things as well. That this was a true story made it all the more appealing. Nothing against Rocky, or Field of Dreams, etc. Warner’s deep Christian faith was a central part of his journey. After winning a Super Bowl Warner made it a point to thank Jesus Christ on national television. While overtly public expressions of religious faith can make some (including me) a bit uncomfortable, the exercise of First Amendment rights regarding religion can soften our all-too-course American culture while providing uplifting hope to many looking for hope and inspiration. I’m also glad I took the time to look at Columbia Magazine and

THE CLASSIFIEDS

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see the Kornet/Celtic story. Now I want to learn more about this nice guy who wears #40 for Boston. And I want to learn more about the Knights of Columbus as well. Sports Quiz What L.A. Laker star claimed that because of his Christian values, he began and ended his NBA career as a virgin, despite teammates sending numerous women his way in attempts to corrupt his morals? (Answer follows) Born Today That is to say, sports standouts born on January 11 include Ukrainian handball star Lubmilla Poradnik (1946) and two-time Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw (1952). Sports Quote “Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” – Hall of Fame basketball coach John Wooden. Sports Quiz Answer A.C Green, who set a record of 1192 consecutive NBA games played during a career that lasted from 1985 to 2001. He married his wife, Veronique, in 2002. State Representative Mike Moffett was a Sports Management Professor for Plymouth State University and NHTI-Concord. He co-authored the award-winning “FAHIM SPEAKS: A Warrior-Actor’s Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back” which is available on Amazon.com. His e-mail address is mimoffett@ comcast.net.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

SUPER CROSSWORD

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— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

SUDOKU

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THEME THIS WEEK: BOWL GAMES

CAPTION CONTEST OUR PICK FOR BEST CAPTION

Runners Up :

CAPTION THIS PHOTO!!

The kids still didn’t understand the lowest on the totem pole wasn’t supposed to peak out from the tall costume. - Alan Doyon,

The Winklman Aeffect

Meredith, NH

PHOTO #997

The language challenged activists couldn’t figure out where to sign the petition.

-Rick Kaufman, Dover, NH.

The new 2024 voting booths are very confusing. - Robert Ferlito, Wantagh, NY. Obviously no one knew the rule of Hide N’ SeekBrian Digilio, Bow, NH.

PHOTO #999 Send your best brief caption to us with your name and location within 2 weeks of publication date... Caption Contest, The Weirs Times, P.O. Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 email to contest@weirs.com

by John Whitlock

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 11, 2024 —

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