01/28/2021 Weirs Times by The Weirs Publishing Company

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

VOLUME 30, NO. 4

THE WEIRS, LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, N.H., THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

COMPLIMENTARY

Gift to Boat Museum Honors Longtime Volunteer WOLFEBORO —A doctor by trade, Jim Forbes was a carpenter at heart whose passion for building and boats found a home at the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) in his retirement before passing away in 2019. His contributions will not be forgotten, however, as the Bartel family — daughter Darcey and husband Chris — recently made a significant gift to NHBM. Made in his name, the gift supports NHBM’s Capital Campaign to construct a 10,000 square foot year-round,

state-of-the-art museum on 4-acres of waterfront property on Lake Winnipesaukee’s Back Bay in Wolfeboro. “This new facility has the potential to be a special place for visitors and children alike,” said Darcey. “We are fortunate to be able to contribute to that.” According to Alison Forbes, Darcey’s mother and Jim’s wife, the contribution underscores the enjoyment her husband experienced at NHBM as a volunteer and program participant See GIFT on 23

Intro To Ice Fishing At Science Center

company children as a registered program participant. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required for all programs at www.nhnature.org. Cost: $20/member; $25/non-member.

s hi

m Co

plete

Edition Availabl

eO nli n e!

The “HMS Cousins” built by Jim Forbes and his grandchildren in 2016 at the New Hampshire Boat Museum Boat Building Class. Forbes, who passed away in 2019, was actively involved in the museum and a significant donation in his name was recently made to the museum’s Capital Campaign for their new building. Grandson Griffin Calhoun steers the kayak. COURTESY PHOTO

Saturday, February 6, 7 to 10:30 a.m. at Squam Lake Science Center in Holderness. Join Science Center naturalists and staff in search of fish that remain active under icy conditions. Participants will try to entice fish using lures and jigging techniques that mimic their natural food. Ages 16 and up must have a current fishing license (available through NH Fish & Game at www.fishnh. com). Adults must ac-

ww om w.Th eWeirsTimes.c

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

PAUL C. DUPONT & SON BUILDING Installing Harvey Building Products

WINDOWS • DOORS • SIDING

Visit HarveyBP.com

Crisis Atmosphere CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

603-387-0015 / 603-387-0026

COUNTRY LIVING: Neat & tidy 3BR Manufactured Home on a full foundation with 2.01 private acres in the quaint town of Rumney, NH; convenient to activities & amenities in Plymouth & White Mountains. This home offers an open floor plan, galley kitchen & deck with beautiful mountain views. ONLY: $169,900

Melanie Benton

REALTOR®

C: 603-254-6170 / O: 603-744-8526 x23

507 Lake Street, Bristol OldMillProps.com

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

ARE BACK !

TAVERN HOURS Open Every Day, year round

Mon. - Thur. 4 -10pm Fri. 3-10 • Sat. noon - 11pm Sun. noon - 10pm

Discounts on draft beers, flights and pizzas in the tavern! Plus discounts on bowling &

free pool! 4pm-close

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

To The Editor: TWT recently shared an article titled, 2020’s Good News where John Stossel states, “Many worry loudly about climate change. Some claim the environment keeps getting worse… Even if that were true’, says Nordberg, ‘we have never made this much progress against pollution” (Stossel, 29). In No, Joe, We’re Not In A Climate Crisis, Crisis, Rich Lowry, Editor of the National Review explains, “In announcing his climate and energy team, Biden declared climate change a crisis requiring a ‘unified national response,’ going even further, he called it ‘an existential threat of our time.’” (Lowry, 6). Along with this, in 2020: The Year ‘Expert’ Credibility Died, Died, Michelle Malkin describes a time when Anthony Fauci, the Chief Medical Advisor to the President in the Biden Administration (according to his Wikipedia Page), “Very explicitly characterized mask-wearing as a preformative gesture that ‘is not providing the perfect protection that people think it is.’ Months later,... Fauci…became the planet’s No. 1 mask cheerleader.” (Malkin, 6). Each of these separate articles, although about different topics, relate to a common theme that Lowry puts plainly into his closing words, “In short, he needs a crisis atmosphere…” The words ‘Crisis Atmosphere’ don’t mean much at first glance. However, after some careful thought, connections arise between those words and different events unfolding today. The Cri-

sis Atmosphere created from the pandemic makes many Americans want to quarantine themselves inside of their homes and shut off physical contact with others. This means companies that specialize in selling their products without much social interaction can benefit greatly, while those businesses which require physical interaction suffer. Ring any bells? Amazon stock has risen more than 50% since January 2020 while countless small businesses across the country have suffocated from a lack of in-person customers. The phrase, “The Rich get richer while the Poor get poorer.” comes to mind. Another example of a ‘Crisis Atmosphere’ causing an impact on society is climate change. The idea that “climate change is something that will cause the inevitable destruction of the human race if we don’t do something about it now” is pushed to the forefront of the minds of people by many different media outlets, politicians, and large corporations. From there, those politicians and businesses that push ways of “Going Green” or “Eco-Friendly” are able to drive a significant boost into their ratings or sales through the common people who buy heavily into it. Everything, through grains of important truth, has become a marketing tactic to give wealth to the wealthy. Layton Martinez Sanbornton, NH.

Attack On The Capitol To the Editor: After years of silence as Democrat activists rioted in American

cities killing dozens and physically, emotionally, and financially injuring thousands of innocent people; destroying billions of dollars of public and private property, and attacking the White House, Capitol, and Supreme Court Building; it’s nice to finally see Democrats condemn, rather than support, violence. Congressional Democrats responded to the January 6th attack on the Capitol by demanding increased protection for themselves while demanding increasing restrictions on private citizens’ ability to protect themselves from Democrat rioters and the criminals who plague them daily. Democrat politicians’ lives are important; apparently our families’ lives aren’t important to them. The attack on the Capitol looked like hundreds of violent “peaceful protests” around our country all conducted by Democrat supporters, not like Republican rallies and protests which are truly peaceful. The Washington establishment immediately blamed President Trump’s speech, which called for a peaceful protest (https:// tinyurl.com/yyek33tu), for the assault on the Capitol that began a 30 minutes’ walk away from Trump’s rally and 20 minutes before Trump’s speech ended. Democrats rushed to impeach President Trump before we learned of the implausible timeline of the attack being instigated by Trump’s speech; that some (e.g., John Sullivan), if not all, of the apparent instigators were Democrat activists; and that the Capitol Police Chief was reliably w a r n e d See MAILBOAT on 27

Our Story

This newspaper was first published in 1883 by Mathew H. Calvert as Calvert’s Weirs Times and Tourists’ Gazette and continued until Mr. Calvert’s death in 1902. The new Weirs Times was reestablished in 1992 and strives to maintain the patriotic spirit of its predecessor as well as his devotion to the interests of Lake Winnipesaukee. Our newspaper’s masthead and the map of Lake Winnipesaukee in the center spread are elements in today’s paper which are taken from Calvert’s historic publication. Locally owned for over 20 years, this publication is devoted to printing the stories

of the people and places that make New Hampshire the best place in the world to live. No, none of the daily grind news will be found in these pages, just the good stuff. Published year round on Thursdays, we distribute 30,000 copies of the Weirs Times every week to the Lakes Region/Concord/ Seacoast area and the mountains and have an estimated 66,000 people reading this newspaper. To find out how your business or service can benefit from advertising with us please call 1-888-308-8463.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

Shirts, Sports, And Desert Storm

May not be combined with other discounts. Expires 5/31/2021

www.Lcurve.com

by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

Douglas H. Greene, CPA/PFS NH & CT Registered Investment Advisor NH & CT licensed CPA Wealth Management Income Tax Preparation QuickBooks Setup & Repair doug@Lcurve.com • 860.868.3410 • Moultonborough

teeing our perpetual loyalty to the Boston e h hockey club. C One of our patrons was defenseman Don Sweeney, who is now Bruin General Manager. (No relation to Handsome Joe.) But Joe Sweeney WAS a son of General Charlie Sweeney, the Army Air Force pilot who dropped the bomb on Nagasaki to end World War II. Anyway, it was in the early hours of the morning of January 17, 1991 when Handsome Joe woke me up in our tent and said “It’s begun.” Operation Desert Storm. We were soon dug in on the Kuwaiti border waiting for the ground campaign to commence while our

air power pulverized the Iraqis. Sports talk O wasr a constant in our w mice-infested holes. The NHL played its annual All-Star Game on Jan. 19 at Chicago Stadium. Boston Coach Mike Milbury coached the Wales Conference stars, which included five of our Bruins. We couldn’t watch, of course, but we soon heard that the playing of our national anthem prompted an amazing patriotic display. YouTube it and try not to shed a tear. We were in our holes during Super Bowl XXV which was played in Tampa and which featured the Giants and Bills—the only Super Bowl out of 54 that I couldn’t watch. In honor of my dad I

o m S op u N e

Larger Store!

pulled for the Giants as scoring updates regularly were passed up and down the line. We learned that New York prevailed 20-19 when Buffalo’s Scott Norwood missed a last second field goal. Armed Forces radio was soon regularly playing Whitney Houston’s marvelous Super Bowl rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. You-Tube it and try not to shed a tear. Eventually the ground war “kicked off” and we went with the First Marine Division through the Iraqi mine fields and into oil fields set ablaze by the enemy. It was surreal, as the toxic smoke turned day into night. But by March 1 the Iraqis were done See MOFFETT on 22

COZY CABIN RUSTICS

FURNITURE & MATTRESSES FREE

Local Delive ry & Setu p

Captain Mike Moffett amidst sandbags near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border in January 1991.

abin Rust y C ic z o

This month marks the 30th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm and memories of that first Persian Gulf War remind us of sport ubiquity. Sports are everywhere. Ponder that Granite State astronaut Alan Shepard even played golf on the moon. When British soldiers went over the top and attacked from their trenches during World War I they’d sometimes kick a soccer ball in front of their advance. When Japanese soldiers attacked Marines in Pacific jungles during World War II they’d scream “F*** Babe Ruth!” And when my Marine Corps reserve infantry battalion (1/25) deployed to the Persian Gulf late in 1990 we had lots of Boston ice hockey chatter. Whereas a regular unit features service people from all over the country, a reserve unit features folks from a limited geographic area. In our case, 1/25 was made up mostly of New Englanders. I was an officer in Weapons Company and our Executive Officer, Captain “Handsome Joe” Sweeney had a connection to the Bruins. The team sent letters and goodies to us in the desert, guaran-

PLYMOUTH

742 Tenney Mtn. Hwy.

603-238-3250 Mon-Sat 9-5 / Sun 10-5

MEREDITH

-F ur ni

ture & Mattre ss

es -

312 Daniel Webster Hwy.

603-279-1333 Mon-Fri 9-5:30 Sat 9-6 / Sun 10-5

COZYCABINRUSTICS.COM

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Burnt Timber & Katie’s Kitchen To Host Brunch

WOLFEBORO - On Sunday, January 31, 10 am to 2 pm, Burnt Timber Tavern will host brunch with Katie’s Kitchen, a popular breakfast and lunch spot in Wolfeboro that has been closed since December. “We are waiting on new equipment to reopen the restaurant, but COVID-19 has affected shipment and delivery time frames, said Katie’s Kitchen Owner Jason Gurnari, who said the brunch is a reminder. “We may be down, but we’re not out.” Eddie Michno, owner of Burnt Timber Tavern, said he has become friends with Gurnari over the years, due in large part to shared values. “We care about Wolfeboro and our local communities, so it’s always been a great time to work together when we can,” he said. More than a reminder that Katie’s Kitchen will eventually open again, Katie’s Kitchen owner Jason Gurnari (L) with the brunch will also serve “fantastic Eddie Michno, Burnt Timber Tavern owner. food,” according to Michno. “We will have everything from Fried Chicken and Waffles to Bratwurst Benedict with a Dijon Hollandaise,” he said. Other items include Chicken brined in our Farmhouse Blonde Ale with Peaches and Apricots, Biscuits and our Burnt Ends Country Gravy, Katie’s Kitchen Famous Cinnamon Rolls, and Kimchi Corn Beef Hash. “We will also have Breakfast Hash with a vegetable option,” added Michno. A family-friendly 24-seat brewpub in downtown Wolfeboro that features rotating beers and a full food menu, Burnt Timber Brewing & Tavern is located at 96 Lehner St., Wolfeboro. Advanced registration is not required for brunch, as first-come will be first-served. To learn more, visit burnttimbertavern.com.

Souper Bowl Of Caring At First Congregational Church Of Meredith It’s not easy to run a drive for the Meredith Food Pantry during a pandemic, but the First Congregational Church of Meredith is sponsoring the annual Souper Bowl of Caring on February 7, 2021 and has some help to get the word out. Pastor Peter Lovett and Sunday School Superintendent Deb McNeish hosted several church kids for a poster party, and the EM Heath Supermarket in Center Harbor is joining the team as well. There is a special grocery cart at the store, marked with the pictured poster, created by Nate Champagne, asking for donations as people shop. Sunday School kids Paityn Schaub, Alexa Lazazzera, and Nate and Evelyn Champagne brought in some of their favorite foods, but much more is needed to stock the Food Pantry shelves this winter. Year round ideas for Caring and Sharing are found on the flier designed by Madisyn Wilson, and more posters, photographs, and a story read by Evie Champagne are located on the church website (www. fccmeredith.org) and/or Facebook page. Food and checks for the Meredith Food Pantry are much appreciated and can be dropped off at the back door of the church (4 Highland Street, Meredith) daily from 8am-1pm until 2/7/21. For more information, please call the church at 603-279-6271

February Vacation Solutions at Prescott Farm Prescott Farm, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, is pleased to offer “Winter Break Outdoor Explorers”, a close-to-home, cost-effective, fun series of 2-hour programs to encourage everyone to outside. Led by Camp Director, Jake Newcomb, the education staff selected some of WildQuest winter campers’ favorite activities and adapted them for vacationing families. There is something new to explore every day from 10 am until noon: Mondays (February 15 & 22) Shelters: Stuck in the woods with a storm on the way? Use what is around you to build a warm shelter with guidance from Prescott Farm educators. Tuesdays (February 16 & 23) Tracking: Unlock the mystery of clues left behind in the snow. Who was here? Where did they go? Become an animal track detective through a whole bunch of silly fun! Wednesdays (February 17 & 24) Snow Science: Prescott Farm is your laboratory as we discover that there is more to snow than sledding and snowballs. In the event of a melt, we will conduct other cool experiments (pun intended!). Thursdays (February 18 & 25) Winter Art: Celebrate the beauty of winter with outdoors arts and crafts. Fridays (February 19 & 26) Snow-lympics: The snowball roll! The sledding hill sluice! Participate in a variety of fun games and challenges. In the event of a melt, we will substitute the activities. Guests are reminded to wear boots and dress appropriately for the weather. COVID protocols, including attendee limits, will be strictly enforced. Early registration is strongly recommended. Fore more information or to register visit prescottfarm.org.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

F O O L NEW HAMPSHIRE A

in brendan@weirs.com

New Hampshire's Choice for Local & National News,Talk & Weather

Live Free or Die.

*A FLATLANDER’S OBSERVATIONS ON LIFE

Words (We Used) To Live By I was inspired to write this week’s column based on something written a little over fifty years ago and then looking at the world we live in by Brendan Smith today. Weirs Times Editor It’s not a classic piece of literature or even something by a famous author. It was something written by my dad. It struck me as especially significant in this time we are living here in this country. There is so much division and animosity. So many people just wanting what they want without compromise. In my opinion, which is just another small pebble in a giant ocean, we are now merely a country run, for the most part, on state and national levels by folks in both parties who just want to keep their jobs and not necessarily do any real good for anyone but themselves. Sure, there are a handful of them who speak out, to try and change the way things are done, but they are dismissed as crazy and told to go along. After all, why would they want to jeopardize a great gig like being a congressman or senator for life by rocking the boat? Now that I am 65, I am sad to realize that I can only vaguely remember the days when having principles meant something to most people. Days when not everyone always got a medal, and we didn’t expect that we were owed something just because we showed up. Days when the truly needy weren’t being outnumbered by the truly lazy and unambitious. I came across this typewritten speech my father had written about a half a century ago. My mom gave it to me a few years before she has passed.

He was giving the commencement address at LaSalle Academy in New York. He had graduated from there years ago but never furthered his education since, I’m guessing, it was out of his financial reach at the time. Instead, he got a job as a clerk at a shipbroking firm in Manhattan. During that time he also enlisted in the army and served in World War II where he received a bronze star. After the war ended, he went back to work for the same firm. He successfully rose up through the ranks and was now, at the time of this speech, a step or two away from being president of that company; a true success story. He was, I’m told, honored to be asked back to his alma mater to speak, to give a little inspiration to a group of young men. It was a long speech, but here are a few of his words. The world can steal your possessions and even try to take your good name and friends but there is one thing they can never take from you and that is your knowledge. Self-education is available to you in many ways ---libraries, dictionaries, a word a day! You have to work for everything you get. Always consider that you are not getting anything for nothing. There is always at least one and sometimes many people waiting off in the wings to take your place when you become expendable. No matter what field you select, regardless of how simple or demanding --- make it your duty to do the best job possible. This is a part of success. Respect is not to be expected --- it must be earned. Always have an inquisitive mind. Education in itself is essential and should be pursued to the utmost. Education alone is not suffi-

cient to make you successful in later life. There is one principal ingredient, without which all the education available will not help you - - - - and that is application. Application is nothing more than hard, honest work. In this connection, please never get the idea that the world owes you a living - - - - it most certainly does not. It is up to you and you alone, through hard work in applying the knowledge gained through education, either formal or self-obtained, to make your way in this world. My dad lived those words. He worked hard, and rarely, if ever, called in sick and was home by 8pm most nights. He never complained. He also saw to it that his six children had a great education. He died at the young age of sixty, but had accomplished so much. I’m not sure how he would feel today. Where hard work and success are considered to be a bad thing and just playing the victim when things don’t go your way is so much easier. Where more and more people are expecting something just because they are breathing and then hold their breath if they don’t get it….and usually win. I’m glad I learned my dad’s lessons. They still serve me well in this rapidly changing society where those who still want to try and succeed on their own are, sadly, becoming the minority and where most in power do all they can to see that it remains the status quo. Brendan is the author of “The Flatlander Chronicles” and “Best Of A F.O.O.L. In New Hampshire” available at BrendanTSmith. com. His latest book “I Only Did It For The Socks - Stories and Thoughts On Aging” will be published soon.

WEZS Newstalk AM 1350 The New Talk Authority Now In 4th Printing!

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

Order your autographed copy today for $13.99 plus $3 for shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like the author to personalize your copy with.) Make out checks or money orders for $16.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: The Flatlander Chronicles, c/o The Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247. Order online at www.BrendanTSmith.com (Pickup autographed copies at the Weirs Times)

Skelley’s Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

Why a Biden Crony Wanted to Punch Me When you’re catching flak, you’re over the target. When you’re triggering threats of violence from the Biden crime family, you know you’ve hit the bull’s-eye. As the entrenched Obama-Biden syndicate that I chronicled in my 2009 book, “Culture of Corruption,” officially returns to power in Washington, D.C., this week, it’s worth calling attention to a telling little by Michelle Malkin message from Hunter Biden’s top business Syndicated Columnist partner about yours truly. The Feb. 15, 2011 email was one of thousands stored on the abandoned laptop of Joe Biden’s scandal-plagued son. Heres’ the backdrop: Over the past decade, I have reported extensively on Joe Biden’s lifelong milking of his entrenched swamp career for the benefit of his family -- including his promotion of government-subsidized Amtrak rail boondoggles. During his tenure as vice president in the Obama administration, Biden fronted a $53 billion high-speed train initiative. He installed friends and family inside the agency while eliminating longtime fiscal watchdogs looking out for taxpayers. In 2009, I spotlighted how veteran Amtrak inspector general Fred Weiderhold was abruptly “retired” -- just as the government-subsidized rail service faced mounting complaints about its meddling in financial audits and probes. Weiderhold had blown the whistle on overzealous intrusion by the agency’s Law Department into his investigations of $1.3 billion in rail stimulus money and exposed how Amtrak’s legal counsel had usurped the watchdog’s $5 million portion of federal stimulus dollars to hamstring his probes. Weiderhold discovered that the federal rail bureaucracy was retaining outside law firms beyond the independent watchdog’s reach and obstructing subpoenas issued to an outside financial adviser. A 2010 report by GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Darrell Issa concluded that the Amtrak board improperly removed the agency inspector general without required prior notice to Congress. Who ousted Weiderhold? Still can’t say for sure, but I noted at the time that Biden’s lobbyist son, Hunter, was sitting on the Amtrak board of directors when Weiderhold was pushed out. Hunter raked in tens of thousands of dollars for showing up to Amtrak meetings. Eleanor Acheson, super-attorney and friend of Joe, was Amtrak’s vice president and general counsel. She oversaw the very Law Department accused of interfering repeatedly with the taxpayer adSee MALKIN on 28

Get Ready For 4 Years Of Media Sycophancy

On Sunday, Jan. 17, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris sat down with Jane Pauley of CBS News “Sunday Morning.” Pauley treated Harris to a full-on journalistic massage. At no point was Harris asked by Ben Shapiro a tough question; at no Syndicated Columnist point was Harris treated as anything other than an idol worthy of worship. Perhaps the most awkward manifestation of this sycophancy came when Harris -- an extraordinarily and transparently manipulative and mechanical politician -- spouted a canned speech about relentlessness. “I was raised to not hear no -- let me be clear about it,” said Harris. “I eat no for breakfast!” This prompted a spasm of ecstasy from Pauley, who immediately reflected Harris’ bizarrely inappropriate laughter with an enormous grin of her own. It will be four long years. For four years, the media complained that outgoing President Donald Trump treated them as an enemy. They selfservingly claimed that they were actually the protectors of democracy and individual rights. It took all of one month after Trump’s inauguration for The Washington Post to add the slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness” to its masthead. By October 2017, CNN began running ads explaining that it was all about “Facts First.” Trump, for his part, attacked the media whether they deserved it or not: Every disparaging headline, true or not, became “fake news.” That was unjustified and wrong, obviously. But the media’s lack of credibility wasn’t solely attributable to Trump. It resulted from their own journalistic malfeasance for years on end during former President Barack Obama’s administration -- “his only scandal was wearing a tan suit!” -- followed by their aggressive repetition of even the most thinly sourced

scandal regarding Trump. And now we’ll return to the gaslighting of the Obama era, when members of the Obama team could openly admit to lying to the media, only to receive obsequious praise in return. Already, media outlets are praising the newfound veracity of Biden’s press team -- despite the fact that Jen Psaki, Biden’s choice for White House press secretary, was accused of openly and explicitly lying to the media in 2016. Media members are even admitting that the vacation has begun: CNN’s Jim Acosta -- and, ladies, find you a man who loves you like Jim Acosta loves Jim Acosta -- admitted that he’d be covering Biden differently, explaining, “If being at the White House is not an experience that might merit hazard pay ... then perhaps it is going to be approached differently.” Of course, Acosta never needed hazard pay. He was too busy declaring himself a hero and preening for the cameras while pulling down a lucrative book contract. But now that the Biden administration is a reality, our media can go back to sleep. And so, the controversies of the day will turn to the trite. The big question won’t be governmental oversight but media selfpolicing: Last week, the media were consumed with the vital question of whether Vogue magazine’s cover of Harris is respectful enough, given that it shows her wearing her trademark Converse sneakers. Other major controversies to come will include just how cute Joe Biden’s dog is and whether the racial diversity of his Cabinet is merely important or super important. Meanwhile, the same media outlets that act as stenographers for the Democratic Party will insist that other outlets meet with social media censorship. After all, American needs unity! And that unity can only be provided by the same people who have wrecked all pretense of institutional objectivity in the pursuit of partisan outcomes. People will continue to seek information from alSee SHAPIRO on 28

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

Standing Up To The Mob

by John Stossel

Syndicated Columnist

Joe Biden says he’ll “advance racial equity” by making “bold investments” in “Affordable Housing,” aiding “businesses owned by Black and Brown people,” establishing an “Equity Commis-

sion,” etc. Gosh, that’ll do it. Others demand reparations for slavery, more social programs and defunding the police. Yet, economist Thomas Sowell says, “I haven’t been able to find a single

country in the world where policies advocated for Blacks in the United States lifted any people out of poverty.” Sowell’s a Black man who grew up in poverty. His father died before he was born, and his mother died soon after. “We were much poorer than the people in Harlem and most anywhere else today,” he reflects. “But in the sense of things you need to get ahead, I was enormously more fortunate than most Black kids today.” That’s because he discovered the public library. “When you start getting in the habit of reading when you’re 8 years old, it’s a different ballgame!”

Exploring Manhattan, he saw disparities in wealth. “Nothing in the schools or most of the books seemed to deal with that. Marx dealt with that,” says Sowell. He then became a Marxist. What began to change his beliefs was his first job at the U.S. Department of Labor. He was told to focus on the minimum wage. At first, he thought the minimum wage was good: “All these people are poor, and they’ll get a little higher income. That’ll be helpful,” he reasoned. But then he realized: “There’s a downside. They may lose their jobs.” His colleagues at the Labor Department didn’t want to think about that.

“I came up with how we might test this. I was waiting to hear ‘congratulations!’ (but) I could see these people were stunned. They’d say, ‘oh, this idiot has stumbled on something that would ruin us all.’” Once he saw how government workers often cared more about preserving their turf than actually solving problems, Sowell rethought his assumptions. He turned away from Marxism and became a free market economist, writing great books like “Basic Economics,” “Race and Culture” and my favorite title, “The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation as a Basis for See STOSSEL on 27

WHO’s Back? Look, WHO’s back in Washington’s good graces! Just a day after President Joe Biden’s inauguration, Dr. by John J. Metzler Anthony Fauci, Syndicated Columnist Chief Medical Advisor to the President, stated, “I am honored to announce that the United States will remain a member of the World Health Organization. Yesterday, President Biden signed letters retracting the previous Administration’s announcement to withdraw from the organization.” He added mirthfully, “and those letters have been transmitted to the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations and

to you Dr. Tedros, my dear friend.” Might we ask, an honor for whom? Dr. Tedros, the WHO’s controversial Director-General has been in the eye of the storm about not sounding an alarm over the virus in its early stages. Until last year, few people had heard of or were familiar with the work of the World Health Organization (WHO), a bureaucratically bloated but fairly obscure Genevabased UN agency. That was of course until WHO and its leadership failed warn the world of the approaching COVID-19 virus. In the early stages of COVID in 2019-2020, WHO largely dropped the ball in warning the world for what was likely to happen as this new virus strain from Wuhan,

China was about to make its deadly debut first on the Chinese Mainland, then sweeping into Europe and soon thereafter the USA. The early stages of the epidemic reflected the WHO’s misfeasance rather than malfeasance. Clearly there were terrible mistakes of trust, namely accepting the Chinese talking points at face value and not realizing Beijing’s deeper intent to hide and deceive over COVID. The depth of the Wuhan health disaster was covered up by the ruling Communist party probably at first in the vainglorious hope the virus could be contained and the story hushed up the old fashioned way. Let’s review the timeline. Records reveal conclusively that while WHO knew of the impending epidemic, it

proceeded too cautiously to enact emergency measures. Significantly, Dr. Tedros said on January 23rd 2020, “I am not declaring a public health emergency of international concern today … this is an emergency in China, but it has not yet become a global health emergency. It may yet become one.” He added, “At this time, there is no evidence of humanto-human transmission outside China, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Dr. Tedros stated dutifully, “Once again, I would like to thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its cooperation and transparency. The government has been successful in isolating and sequencing the virus very quickly!” See METZLER on 27

Happy

y h t l a e H &

& Healthy New Year!

Better Nights Make Better Days!

SUNSET MATTRESS FACTORY FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1953

Custom Made Mattresses All Types Of Beds:

Standard • Antique • Trailer • RV / Camper

85 County Farm Road, Ossipee, NH

603-539-6256 SunsetMattressFactory.com

New Year!

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

T o Y our G ood H ealth monitor for a week and said I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia but that I don’t need any treatment. I’m still having symptoms. What can I do? -- B.V.

by Dr. Keith Roach M.D. Synidcated Columnist

This Rapid Heartbeat Appears Normal on EKG DEAR DR. ROACH: I had symptoms of lightheadedness, so my doctor ordered an EKG and sent me to a cardiologist. They did a heart

ANSWER: Inappropriate sinus tachycardia is an uncommon diagnosis, most often seen in women in their 30s. The heart rate is fast (“tachycardia”), but on an EKG it appears normal, meaning it comes from the sino-atrial node, the natural pacemaker of the heart, hence “sinus.” The average heart rate must be over 90 for 24 hours. It’s important to be sure there isn’t another cause for the tachycardia, such as elevated thyroid levels, fever, volume depletion (dehydration) or anemia. The symptoms may continue for months or even years. Common symptoms include the lightheadedness you felt, but may also include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and

decreased ability to exercise. The diagnosis can sometimes be confused with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), where the heart rate dramatically increases with changing to an upright position. A tilt-table test is the diagnostic tool for POTS. If there is no other reason for sinus tachycardia, then medication may be used to reduce symptoms. A beta blocker is the usual first choice, but there are others available. I found some more information at https:// tinyurl.com/ISTheart that may be useful for you. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a woman going crazy with hair loss. My hair has always been long and thick, but it is coming out in handfuls. I can only think it must be due to my blood pressure medicines. I’ve been taking amlodipine and lisinopril for years. I’m in good health and

YEAR END CLEARANCE (UP TO 50% OFF) For All 2020 Hearing Aid Models (while supplies last) Offering FREE Hearing Screenings

NOW OPEN AT 2 LOCATIONS! Vanier Hearing Center

25 S. Mountain Rd., Unit A9, Lincoln

Family Hearing Center

150 Old County Rd., Unit 3, Littleton

vanierhearingcenter.com • 603-728-7202

90 years young. -- M. ANSWER: It is unlikely that the hair loss is due to either amlodipine or lisinopril. Neither of these are well described to provoke hair loss, and if a medicine is going to do that, it usually does within a few months. The most common cause of hair loss in a 90-year-old woman is female pattern hair loss, in which the hair loss is mostly on the front and top of the scalp. However, there are several causes of hair loss, and a dermatologist may be helpful in determining the cause and treatment. Please don’t stop taking your blood pressure medicine. DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a question about undigested food. Are you getting any nutrients, other than fiber, from foods that come out looking the same as they went in? I’m thinking of foods such as corn and sunflower, flax or chia seeds. How well do they need to be chewed to get any nutrition from them? -- L.W. ANSWER: Many seeds and corn need to be chewed very well in order to be absorbed by the body. They have a large amount of undigestible fiber, which will never be absorbed. Chia seeds, unlike flax or sunflower seeds, are pretty easily digested by most people, but you can grind them and soak them ahead of time to make it easier for your body to digest.

Happy

New Year!

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

y h t l a e H &

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Pain And How We Interact With It

by Dr. Graham Moneysmith, DC. Contributing Writer

So 2021, does it seem like 2020: the sequel to you, also. The world is still weird. Life feels more unpredictable than ever. And the physical, mental, financial, and emotional stress seems to weigh heavy on all of us. One thing I’ve noticed in practice is an uptick in pain levels in my many people. This is concerning but also not surprising given our national stress level. It does lead me to a thought regarding pain and how we interact with it: our culture has a weird relationship with pain, discomfort, and injury. We have been taught to ignore it, push through it, or bury it. If someone is in pain and can keep functioning (although at a lesser level), we tend to view it as that individual being tough or having a high pain threshold. We see it has a badge of honor. When the pain becomes too much to tough out, we seek to silence it. So pain medicine, either over the counter or prescription, be-

comes the answer. We numb the pain so we can keep functioning. Yet, this route typically does not address the source of the pain, it addresses the symptom of pain. Here is what the issue amounts to in my mind: we see pain as the problem and this is simply not true. Pain is the endgame of a deeper problem, it is essentially your body’s “check engine light”. When your car dashboard lights up with that little indicator, you wisely don’t think the “check engine light” is the issue. You know that it means that there is an issue with the car, one you often cannot see and need to go see a professional to help you address. It seems silly to say, but what if the dash lit up and instead of ever address-

ing it, you instead, covered the “check engine light” with duct tape, so you couldn’t see it. Would the issue be resolved? Is your car fixed? Why do we do this with our bodies? When we ignore or artificially cover pain which is a warning signal from our body that stuff is not right, this is what we are doing. What would your mechanic say to you if a tow truck had to bring your car in, when it finally and inevitably, broke down and he/she saw the tape blocking out your “check engine light”? Again, it seems funny, but this is what we do all the time when we visit our chiropractors, doctors, massage therapist, etc. I believe this happens, because we have culturally accepted pain as normal. This is true in the sense

that pain is a normal physiological function and it is valuable as information from your body in signaling you to find underlying issues. It is not normal as a long term issue, daily issue, or if you have to take medicine daily simply to “function”. I believe that many people have become used to feeling so bad, that they don’t even remember what it is like to feel naturally good. Their pain has become a dull hum, no longer heard. A constant companion, no longer noticed. It has become widely understood that this is a major issue. When you see pain as the problem rather than as a natural guidance system, you will begin to see abuse occur. Reported by major news outlets (such See PAIN on 12

Chiropractic... Because the body heals itself. Complete exam with x-rays if necessary for only $49 this month!

Crossroads Chiropractic Now at Three Locations...

MEREDITH Dr. Graham Moneysmith • Rte 104 • 603.677.1444 PEMBROKE Dr. Stephanie Foisy Mills • Rte 3 • 603-224-4281 EPPING Dr. David Medina • 629 Calef Hwy • 603.679.3222

CrossroadsChiropractic.com

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

First Visit FREE!

FREE

Includes hearing exam & consultation

CONCORD

230 N. Main St.

603-230-2482

Hearing Aid Demonstration

GILFORD

ROCHESTER

603-524-6460

603-749-5555

36 Country Club Rd

5 Museum Way

Quality Hearing Aids at Affordable Prices (Most major brands starting as low as $475)

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

800.755.6460

Donate your old or unused hearing aids. In appreciation you will receive a generous credit towards new rechargeable hearing aids. Voted Best Hearing Center In The Lakes Region

Voted Best Medical Facility In The Lakes Region

BBB

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

A+ rating

Visit us online at: HEARCLEARNOW.COM

SPECTRUM STAR AWARD WINNER 2020 Best

Happy

y h t l a e H &

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Our Emotions As Our Guides

New Year!

physical body remembers this pain or confusion, and holds onto it. This is not necessarily bad, as these processes have developed over time to keep us safe, but we run into trouble when our energetic responses continue to try to keep us safe well beyond when they’ve served their purpose. Having tangible tools to process and alter our state of mind/body, is valuable to almost everyone. There are many alternative methods worth investigating that can help us process responses in our mind and body that no longer serve us in present circumstances. It may seem like intimidating work, and we aren’t always encouraged to face them in our culture, but paying See EMOTIONS on 12

by Tekla Frates

Meredith Whole Living Center

This past weekend, eight clients passed through my doorsan injured semi-pro athlete, a recovering addict, a depressed mother of three, a patient in treatment for cancer, a veteran still dealing with PTSD, an over anxious CEO, a struggling couple, and a young boy diagnosed with Lupus. At one point or another, I had to remind each one of them: if you want to be well, then you’ve got to believe that you can be. It can feel hopeless when you’ve exhausted the usual options, only to have symptoms and habits pop back up again. Each individual came into their session holding tightly to their old story or diagnosis, expressing vague hope that change is possible. In fact, many people who come to learn about alternative methods of self-care/healing have tried nearly every solution with no avail; so it makes sense that they would be skeptical when going in for what many consider a last resort. Whether it be your tenacity to not give into the idea of a life of pain and struggle, or you’ve found yourself being forced to make a

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

big change; alternative methods of care can be useful in tapping into the parts of your mindbody that need shifting. So, let’s chat about the power of paying attention to your emotional state. Everything is energy. Think of your energetic body as an outline around your physical body, with your physical body as denser energy. As you gain life experience and recollect memories from the past, your mind and body remember the pattern of events that occurred, as well as your emotional reaction to them. If a trauma or event damages or alters the energetic body, the

HOKANSON WELLNESS HEADACHES NECK PAIN BACK PAIN SHOULDER PAIN WEIGHT LOSS

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL!! ONLY $47 (REG. $200) A healthy body is your best recipe for staying well. Along with Nutrition and exercise, make Chiropractic a part of your Wellness plan. Call today to learn more and take advantage of our new patient special. NUTRITION TESTING, CONSULTATION, LASER THERAPY, ADJUSTMENT DR. CRAIG 171 Fair Street, Second Floor, Laconia, NH HOKANSON 603-230-2464 • hokansonwellness.com

Tennis & Fitness Club

45,000 S Q. F T. FAC I L I T Y!

SCHEDULE CLASSES & CHILDCARE VIA OUR NEW ONLINE PORTAL! EQUIPMENT: Free Weights Cardio Room Nautilus Circuit Hammerstrength Basketball Court

ON-SITE E AR CHILD C LE B AVAILA

FITNESS

THE PLACE FOR

FITNESS CLASSES TENNIS

CLASSES: Booty Yoga, On The Ball, Yoga Fusion, Barre, Cardio X-train, Pilates, Zumba, Spin & Core

RACQUETBALL

KID’S CLUB

GILFORDHILLS.COM • 603.293.7546 314 OLD LAKESHORE ROAD • GILFORD

SCHEDULE

Happy

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

y h t l a e H &

Happy & Healthy New Year!

PAIN from 9

as the BBC and ABC news) in the last few years: the population of the USA makes up 5% of the world population , but consumes

80% of the world’s opiate based painkillers according to the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. That is insane. It’s

scary stuff, as is this quote: “Overdoses involving prescription painkillers are at epidemic levels and now kill more Americans than heroin and cocaine combined.” – Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Seems like the cost of our current way of thinking about health,

New Year!

is not efficient, costeffective, safe, or results oriented. I feel that every physician in every discipline, given the choice, would want to see their patients and the public in general, taking less pain medication. My challenge to you is to stop ignoring or covering your symptoms. If a problem crops up, then address it. If you have

C H I RO P R A C T I C FAG A N

DR. THOMAS A. FAGAN, DC

headaches, for example, find a cause not a cover up. Pain can be from issues in the spine, muscle/soft tissue problems, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, lack of sleep, chronic dehydration, etc. There are lots of things you can try before you accept pain or worse ignore it. The bottomline is that your body is not stupid and when it tells you something you should listen. This will likely save you money on healthcare costs and increase your overall well-being and health. Life may feel out of control in 2020/2021 but work with what you can control and do your best to be your best.

MOVE BETTER • FEEL BETTER (603) 279-6325 | drfagan@faganchiro.com

186 Daniel Webster Hwy • Suite 1 • Meredith, NH

SAFELY OPEN TO SEE PATIENTS

Affiliates in Podiatry, PC

• Conservative and Surgical Management of Painful Foot and Ankle Deformities • Management of Warts and Ingrown Toenails • Diabetic Foot Care and Wound Management • Sports Medicine Related Foot and Ankle Ailments • Orthotics and Braces

Dr. Jeffrey Davis

Dr. Thomas Detwiller

Dr. William McCann

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

CONCORD • SUITE 203, PILLSBURY MEDICAL BUILDING • 603-225-5281 MEREDITH • 169 DANIEL WEBSTER HIGHWAY • 603-279-0330

1-800-255-5779 • WWW.FOOTDOCTORSNH.COM

EMOTIONS from 11 attention to our emotions can offer important information. Our emotions and feelings are our system’s way of communicating with us, and once we learn how to sit through the discomfort of unpleasant feelings, we become empowered to better understand the root causes of how our pasts have shaped our present, and can therefore regain control of our future. The power to stop holding onto emotional weight, aches, pains, and even dis-ease, may be found by changing our state of body, mind, and emotion. Emotions are part of life, so even though they’ve been labeled as such, the terms negative and positive can hold unuseful stigmas. Instead of judging our feelings, we can consider the idea that our emotions are our guides. Owning our state of mind feels safe when we have tools that help us move up or down the emotional scale as needed. Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Aches and Pains are not who we are, but something we experience. This means with awareness there is hope for us to change them. Often, this begins with a commitment to the belief that these patterns are within our power to change, and I’ve witnessed the power of this mindset shift time and time again. Tekla Frates is a Yoga Instructor and Energy Practitioner at Meredith Whole Living Center

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

Not So . . . o g A g N Lo

Exploring ThE lEgEnd & lorE of our graniTE STaTE

Good Grief And Be Safe A Past January Mix Of Sorrow And Joy Back in 1906 there was no coronavirus pandemic, but another illness called tuberculosis was taking the lives of some New Hampshire residents. A young teacher in North Woodstock, Miss Cata Cook and the town’s popular station agent, Murray Gordon, were married and became the parents of a boy named Clayton. Sadly, Mrs. Gordon contracted tuberculosis and died on January 29, 1906 at the age of 27 when her son was but four years old. esides her little boy Mrs. Gordon reportedly left a pretty attractive home and a kind husband. One of her See SMITH on 24

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer

As the past year neared its conclusion, I saw numerous comments welcoming the end of the year 2020 with its not so pleasant events, particularly COVID-19. The year 2020 is now history, but the devastating virus is not, and most of 2021 remains a mystery to us concerning what will be. As I reflect on the past year two phrases stand out in my memory. The first one is an old one to me as it is my wife’s favorite exclamation when expressing concern about something. It is “Good Grief!” The second is not new either but heard often during the latter part of last year with the spread of the coronavirus. That phrase is “Be Safe!” As children we sang the words of a song expressing the sentiment of enjoyment: “Some think the world was made for fun and frolic, and so do I!” To be

Dumont Cabinet Refacing & Counter Tops No Messyn! Demolitio E

melancholic was to be avoided like the plague. But there were days when we were faced with the fact that not all was fun and frolic when tragedy struck the life of someone we knew, or we read about in the newspapers. Those times called for “good grief.” While the things that cause grief are not apt to be considered good, the griev-

ing process can be good in helping us cope during difficult times. To avoid events that would rob us of enjoying life we try to be safe, and many of us have taken actions designed to protect us from COVID-19. Sadly, many of our New Hampshire citizens of past years have been the victims of grief producing events.

BEFOR

Cabinet refacing includes new doors and drawer fronts of your choice The DOOR SAMPLES BROUGHT TO YOU! Affordable Cabinet refacing e! starts at only • New Countertops Alternativ

35% Cost of cabinet replacing.

• Countertop Refacing (Save Big!) • New Drawers • Custom Vanities • Closet Storage

Free Estimates… Compare and SAVE BIG! • Meredith, NH 603-279-6555 AFTER

The photo on top left shows a dark woodgrain kitchen that was refaced with a light cherry woodgrain, plus new doors and drawer fronts to brighten up kitchen. The same kitchen could have been refaced with any woodgrain or solid color you see in the photo of sample doors.

Refacing your cabinets is less than HALF THE PRICE of replacing them, SAVING YOU BIG MONEY.

Call us for your free in-home estimate 603-279-6555

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

BIRDS For The

New England’s Wild Birds & Their Habitats

Birds And Insects by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer

We swat them, stomp them, spray them, do anything we can to keep them away from us. We are annoyed by them, vilify them, wish them away, and created a multi-billion dollar industry to get rid of them. But we can’t live without them. No, I’m not talking about the Kardashians. I’m talking about insects. A summary of several recent independent studies has revealed that insects are dying a “death by thousand cuts,” according to the world’s top insect experts and that the earth is losing one to two percent of its insects each year. The news isn’t entirely surprising, but it’s always good to be reminded of the fragile state of our environment from time to time. According to the studies -- and the summarizing article led by University of Connecticut entomologist David Wagner -- climate change, insecticides, changes in agriculture and light pollution are major contributors to the marked decline of our insects. Some scientists refer to it as the “insect apocalypse,” and in some respects, that sounds about right.

A gray catbird brings a bill full of insects back to its nest. CHRIS BOSAK PHOTO Why am I writing about insects in a column about birds? Because without insects we wouldn’t have birds -- at least many of the birds we love. Insects, while they may be pests and drive us nuts on so many levels, are an integral part of nature. Wagner told the Associated Press insects are the “fabric by which Mother Nature and the tree of life of built.” So true. Insects are food for birds. They are also food for fish, reptiles,

amphibians, arachnids and mammals, many of which are fed upon by birds. Directly or indirectly, insects are vital for birds’ survival -- and the survival of many living things, including us. A larger bird may not eat insects, but they eat smaller birds that do eat insects. For example, a Carolina wren eats beetle larvae and a sharp-shinned hawk eats Carolina wrens. It’s part of the food chain. Without insects, many smaller birds don’t grow.

Without some smaller birds, some larger birds don’t grow. Similarly, a great blue heron may not eat insects, but the fish upon which the heron preys does. Their role in the food chain is an obvious and visible example of why insects are so important. Just as critical, but not as visible, is their role in pollination. Without pollination — and insects are the primary pollinators — plants would not grow seeds and fruit. Then the earth would really be in trouble. Honey bees and monarch butterflies are the two most wellpublicized insects in serious decline. Both are pollinators, of course. Thankfully, their decline has been recognized and steps are being taken to restore their populations. We can all play a role in saving insects. I’m not saying we should allow termites to ravage our homes or let those blood-sucking mosquitoes, black flies or deer flies have a feast at our expense. What we can do is eliminate, or at least reduce, the use of pesticides in our gardens. We can plant native flowers. Those are the plants our insects have evolved with and See BOSAK on 27

this coupon

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

$199

o Chimne ide

spection

603-520-7217

Sweeps • Stonework Brick Repairs • Liners Caps • Installations Fire Place Makeovers

Chimney Swe

Fully Insured

Ice Anglers Against SAD by Tim Moore Contributing Writer

When you hear the term Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD), what do you think of, winter right? Each year, as the mercury dips below 32 degrees and the water temperature of lakes and ponds drops to 39 degrees, ice begins to form. For most warmweather lovers this signifies that winter has arrived, it can’t be avoided any longer. It’s time to hunker down for another long winter. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and seasonal depression returns like an old friend who doesn’t know when he’s not welcome. Some people take vacations to warmer climates hoping to stave off as much of winter as they can. They get a quick fix of vitamin D and return to see out the cold hell in which they live. Others load up on Prozac, dream of warmer days in front of the television, and patiently wait for the temperature to rise. Sun-loving beach goers pack movie theaters, shopping malls, and tanning salons desperate for activities that don’t include shivering through multiple layers of clothing. Just sit in the local coffee shop for any length of time on a cold early winter day and you’re likely to hear several dif-

You don’t need to spend thousands on fishing equipment to catch a fish, but it doesn’t hurt. ferent conversations about how cold it is and how bad it sucks. I call them eulogies to summer, because they speak of warm weather as if it’s an old friend who has since passed away. For me and other like-minded ice fishermen, the cold weather, the skim of ice in the cove of a road side pond, and the ice fishing gear that begins to appear in my local sporting goods store,

all mark the beginning of the long-awaited ice fishing season. My reaction is very similar to that of a small child when they realize that Christmas is just around the corner. Winter is a season that many “normal” people endure for four or five months while they anxiously await spring’s return. For me it’s just the opposite. The seven – or eight – month wait for ice is torture.

Not long before the ice begins to form, I start getting ready for ice fishing season. I tune up my auger and sharpen the blades, I put new line on my tip-ups and jigging rods where needed, I make new leaders, I organize and reorganize my tackle boxes, making sure everything is ready for the moment the ice is safe enough to venture onto. I don’t want to miss a single second of ice fishing time. Years when the ice is late, like this year, are especially tough. Late ice has me feeling like a bird dog waiting to be released on a covey of game birds. When there is no fishable ice on January 1st I tend to get a little, shall we say, anxious. Once it gets cold I begin placing bets with other ice fishing “enthusiasts” on when ice-in will be declared on Lake Winnipesaukee or who will get on the ice the earliest. By the time first ice appears, those of us addicted to ice fishing are chomping at the bit. Those who don’t understand the attraction of ice fishing are usually baffled by the apparent obsessiveness of the avid ice fisherman. For many of us, ice fishing dictates our eating and sleeping schedules. Our closest friends are often our ice fishSee MOORE on 26

F ISHING C HARTERS (603) 842-3572

N EW H AMPSHIRE

B OAT T RIPS : S ALMON , L AKE T ROUT ,

B ASS

P RIVATE 1:1 K AYAK T RIPS

Y EAR R OUND !

T IMM OOREO UTDOORS. COM

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

Firefighter And His Family Support The Auction Because ‘It’s The Right Thing To Do’ LACONIA— Robert Laraway has been fighting for the Children’s Auction longer than he fought smoke and flames as a career firefighter in the region. He sees the Auction—and all who have a role in it—as an extension of his family of six. Laraway, as he’s known to most, has lived in Tilton for many years, but he grew up in Laconia, and listened to the annual Auction broadcasts on the radio with Warren Bailey when he was a teenager. He got actively involved in the early 2000s as a new Belmont firefighter, holding a boot at the Belknap Mall when the drives were launched, following in the footsteps of the Laconia Fire Department, which had long been holding such fundraisers. “For almost the entire 20 years Belmont has been participating, the

drives have been at the mall,” Laraway says. “We stand at both entrances, and we also historically cover the entrances to the mall. We kind of swamp the place.” Laraway says most people are friendly and want to donate. “Sometimes people will empty an ashtray full of coins inside my boot, but I’ve also watched people literally take two pennies and say, ‘That’s all I have,’” he says. “I greet that with as much enthusiasm as someone who puts a $100 bill in. Every penny is a penny we didn’t have before.” Laraway was a fulltime firefighter with the Belmont Fire Department until he retired in 2014; he also worked as an on-call member in Laconia and Bristol, continuing in TiltonNorthfield until 2017. He and his wife, Debbie Livernois, got inspired to volunteer for

The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction’s January Champions, Bob Laraway (R), and his wife, Debbie Livernois (seated) and their 2 children. the Auction around the same time, about 21 years ago. Livernois got involved earlier, helping behind the scenes with the phone bank, and Laraway focused on

working the boot drives in Belmont and Tilton, helping on the phone banks and presenting checks to the Auction. Ten years ago, Ed Darling, a personal friend

of Laraway’s who has long been involved in the Auction and is now a board member, invited Laraway to lead the boot drive efforts. “As the Auction has grown, our participation has also grown,” Laraway says. He and Livernois—still working full time—are now among the many who use a week of vacation time to work the Auction. “It’s a yearround event to us,” he adds. “In June or July, I start working on getting more Fire Departments involved, coordinating drives, and we have phone bank meetings. We also help coordinate the super board presentations now, and we’ll do anything else that’s needed. We help set up. We help take down. We all work together. I love the Auction team.” As Laraway and Livernois raised their four children, they inspired the children to get involved in supporting the work of the Auction. Each child has spent

time holding a boot in the mall parking lot. Why? Laraway explains, “It’s the right thing. ‘It’s for the kids.’ That’s been the mantra forever.” Laraway remembers that back 20-plus years ago, families in need literally called upon Auction volunteers and leaders for help. “We were able to give that immediate feedback and help and still also raise money to do more during the year,” Laraway says. “It’s the nature of what we are and who we are. It’s the ability to help.” Livernois was formerly a nurse in the Lakes Region General Hospital emergency room. As a firefighter, Laraway was in and out of the facility, and that’s where the two met. Laraway now works full time as a paramedic in the ER, and Livernois is full time at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, as an ER nurse and serving in other roles. They are still heavily involved in the Auction, as are the youngest two of their children, Jessica and Paul; they still live at home, while Noa and Rob have moved outside the region. “It’s our family that has been doing this. It’s not just me. It’s my wife, myself, my kids. They have been into this big time. The kids do anything they can. They love helping out, being behind the scenes, answering the phones and just being there—the energy, the positivity that’s coming out of this is phenomenal.” Visit www.ChildrensAuction.com to learn how to sponsor, donate or volunteer.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

Wicked BREW Review

The

wickedbrews@weirs.com

Six Point Party Favors

by Jim MacMillan Contributing Writer

One of the things we probably miss most about these Covid times is the ability to gather in typical settings; company outings, bowling leagues, anniversary celebrations, and even birthday parties are all compromised due to the virus. If we do go to a planned event, it’s hard to enjoy yourself with everyone wearing facial protection. The many versions of a smile we want to see is a direct reflection on how much someone is having a good time - or not. In the beer world, every tap-pull, growlerfill, bottle or can sold helps to lighten our spirits. It is (among other items), the product that helps change your mood. So in these times, are we drinking more? I suggest that we might be missing our outings and will find any excuse or reason to self-sooth due to frustrating times. Our governor even saw to it that NH State Liquor Stores stayed open… although alcohol sales during last winter’s ‘stay at home order’ were through

the roof. All of this banter is to make the point that beer helps to brighten our mood. And our friends at Six Point are big contributors. Six Point Brewery, located in Brooklyn, NY, has produced finely crafted and mysterious beers since 2004. Back then, they were just a local brew house experimenting with recipes they fully admit to being Mad Science. All of their creative trials though paid off and in 2010 they started canning for distribution. They are not confined by beer style, but are inventors of what could be possible. Thus each of Six Point’s releases is unique and unbridled. The Six Point’s star logo represents

natural elements used in making beer, also known as the Brewer’s Star which has German brewing roots. Each of their many beer releases have brewing mastery at its base. Have a look over their informative website at SixPoint.com Party Favor IIPA (Imperial IPA) is the big brother to Party Hat IPA. Hat (7% ABV) is dry hopped with Galaxy, Citra and Mosaic hops while Favor (8.4% ABV) is dry hopped with Galaxy, Strata, and Cashmere with a bit of lactose added to make it super smooth. The connection between the two beers is the fact that they are both rated as 0 IBU - a factor that rates bitterness in a beer. How is this achieved? Well,

NO hops are added to the boil (a part of the process of making beer) which is extraordinary. If there are no hops in the boil, there is practically no bittering… thus the 0 IBU rating. The process of dry hopping (adding hops to the fermentation process after the boil) is where both Parties get their fervent aromas from. Party Favor is an amazing golden-orange opaque beer with a brilliant lacy head. Aromas of mango, melon, peach and tangerine bless your senses at the rim of the glass. Since the lactose is there to smooth out the mouthfeel of this dry hopped beer, a stickiness is noted. And the higher alcohol is deceptively hidden throughout your experience. Actually a really solid beer with lots of room for fun. BeerAdvocate.com has not been officially rated, but contributors have it as high as 4.53 out of a 5.0 scale. You can find Six Point Party Favors IIPA in 12 oz six packs as well as many other Six Point beers at Case-n-Keg in Meredith as well as other fine beer providers. Don’t miss this party!

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

ACKERLY’S JOHNSON’S GRILL & GALLEY TAPHOUSE 83 Main Street, Alton 603.875.3383 Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com Henniker - Kolsch 603- Winni Ale Tuckerman - Pale Ale Great Rhythm - Squeeze Moat Mountain - Stout

COPPER KETTLE TAVERN

At Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant 233 D.W. Hwy, Meredith 603.279.6212 hartsturkeyfarm.com Bud Light Stoneface IPA Moat Mtn - Blueberry Tuckerman - Pale Ale 603 - Winni Amber Ale ...+6 More On Tap

D.A. LONG TAVERN

At Funspot Family Entertainment Ctr. 579 Endicott St N., Weirs 603.366.4377 funspotnh.com Foley Brothers - Fair Maiden Oxbow - Moon Rocks Founders - Rubaeus Nitro Litherman’s - Simply Red Bunker - Machine Czech Pilsner Maine Beer - Mean Old Tom ...+6 More On Tap

At Johnson’s Seafood & Steak 69 Rt 11, New Durham 603.859.7500 eatatjohnsons.com/ newdurham Wormtown- Blizzard of ‘78 Bentwater- Sluice Juice Maine Beer Co.- Lunch Southern Tier- Salted Caramel Banded- Charms & Hexes Liars Bench- No Dice Pilsner ...+30 More On Tap

PATRICK’S PUB

18 Weirs Rd., Gilford 603.293.0841 Patrickspub.com Patrick’s Slainte House Ale Sam Adams - Seasonal Guinness Tuckerman - Pale Ale 603 - Winni Amber Ale Harpoon - IPA Woodstock - Frosty Goggles ...+8 More On Tap

THE WITCHES BREW PUB

At The Craft Beer Xchange 59 Doe Ave., Weirs Beach 603.409.9344 FB @craftbeerxchange Schilling – Czech Pils 603 – Wood Devil DIPA Moat – Bone Shaker Brown Wormtown – Table Talk Chocolate Pecan Pie Ale Woodstock – Maple Porter Spencer Trappist – Stout ...+30 More On Tap ** Tap listings subject to change!

RESTAURANT OR BAR OWNER?

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

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

A Toast to Your Health

BARBECUE, BURGERS & BREW GRAB & GO!

an! —Friend of the working m

35 Center Street • Wolfeboro • 515-1976

JUST GOOD FOOD!

Blackboard Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Specials OPEN DAILY 6AM-8PM

FOR INDOOR, OUTDOOR & TAKE OUT !

10 PLYMOUTH ST., MEREDITH • 279-8723

OPEN Tues. - Sat. 11am - 10pm

Laconia’s Best Pizza Delivered To Your Door!

PIZZA / CALZONES • SALADS SUBS / SYRIANS • SEAFOOD

TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

302 S. MAIN STREET, LACONIA • 524-9955 • SOUTHENDNH.COM

by Angela Shelf Medearis The Kitchen Diva

One of the best things about writing a food and recipe column is the opportunity to introduce my family, friends and readers to something new. I also enjoy experimenting with new ingredients and products. Recently, I discovered a wonderful line of naturally sweetened, zero-calorie beverages called Zevia. It’s one of the first drink brands focused on healthy versions of sodas (14 different kinds), energy drinks (grapefruit, mango ginger, raspberry, lime and kola), sparking water (lime, blackberry, Mandarin orange and cucumber lemon), as well as a line of mixers, organic teas and Zevia Kidz. So, what is Zevia Kidz? It’s got the fizz of soda and the tangy sweet flavor of juice, but somehow it’s neither. It keeps all the good stuff and leaves out all the bad with zero sugar and nothing artificial. Zevia formulas also are certified non-

in numerous triathlons and marathons. Zevia is the official soda of the CrossFit Games, an event that has banned bigger brands high in sugar content. You can find Zevia at thousands of grocery stores. While Zevia is a healthy and delicious drink, it’s also great as a nutritious, zerocalorie ingredient in drink recipes, snacks, main course dishes and desserts. Use it to create a light, crispy batter for the Zevia Orange Cauliflower Poppers, as the salad dressing base for the Quinoa Salad and to give a wonderful strawberry flavor and sweetness to the batter for the Strawberry Almond Cobbler. It’s the perfect way to cut calories to create a “new you” in the new year! GMO, vegan, kosher, color-free, gluten-free, keto and paleo-friendly. I served the Zevia Kidz to children ages 3 to 10, and they loved the taste and the colorful Disney characters on the cans.

Not Fast Food...

RESTAURANT | DAIRY BAR | MARKETPLACE | TAPHOUSE Serving Lunch & Dinner Dine in or Takeout 7 Days A Week

JOHNSON’S TAPHOUSE

Featuring 36 BEERS on Tap!

69 State Route 11, (just south of the Alton circle) New Durham, NH

603.859-7500 | EatAtJohnsons.com

GOOD FOOD FAST! Try our fresh, homemade, authentic Italian food made your way. Delivery Available Within 5-mile Radius! 1135 Union Ave., Laconia

603-527-8700

faro-express.com

Zevia is the brainchild of founder and CEO Paddy Spence, a key figure in the natural food industry for more than 25 years. Paddy and his wife quit sugar 18 years ago, and since then he has completed

ZEVIA ORANGE CAULIFLOWER POPPERS 1 quart oil 1 head cauliflower 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon thyme 1/4 teaspoon rosemary Dash cayenne pepper (optional) 3/4 cup Zevia Orange Soda 1/4 cup Zevia Tonic 2 egg yolks, beaten 1. Heat 1 quart oil in See HEALTH on 21

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

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

HEALTH from 20 a deep-fryer or saucepan to 375 F. 2. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. 3. Combine flour, parsley, sea salt, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary and cayenne in a bowl and mix. 4. Whisk together orange soda and tonic water with egg yolks. 5. Dip cauliflower into egg mixture, then in dry ingredients until coated. 6. Deep fry batches of cauliflower until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. 7. Pat dry on paper towels. Makes one batch. QUINOA SALAD WITH ZEVIA ORANGE CILANTRO DRESSING Dressing 1/2 cup Zevia Orange Soda 1/4 cup lime juice 1/2 cup olive oil 1 cup fresh cilantro 1/2 avocado 1 teaspoon garlic Quinoa Salad 1 cup quinoa 1 orange, cut into pieces 1 grapefruit, cut into pieces 1 lime, juiced 1/2 avocado, diced 1/4 cup feta 1/4 cup diced red onion 1. Combine all salad dressing ingredients in a food processor and pulse until consistency is smooth. 2. Cook quinoa and let cool. 3. When cool, add to a bowl with remain-

ing salad ingredients and top with Zevia Orange cilantro dressing. Makes 4 servings. STRAWBERRY ALMOND COBBLER 1/2 cup unsalted butter 4 cups hulled strawberries 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup Zevia Strawberry soda 1 teaspoon almond extract 1-2 teaspoons liquid stevia to taste (if desired) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder

ks a e St od • sta eafo a P S

1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk of choice 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Melt butter in a 9 by 13-inch pan in the oven while it’s heating. 3. In a saucepan, bring strawberries, cinnamon, 1/4 cup of strawberry soda, and almond extract to a boil. Stir and let reduce for 5 minutes, adding stevia if desired. 4. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly whisk in milk and remaining 1/2 cup of strawberry soda, until fully combined to form a batter.

5. Pour the batter into the pan of melted butter without stirring. 6. Add in the strawberry mixture on top of the batter without stirring. 7. Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy! Makes 8 servings. Angela Shelf Medearis is an award-winning children’s author, culinary historian and the author of seven cookbooks. Her website is www.divapro.com. Recipes may not be reprinted without permission from Angela Shelf Medearis.

NEW Craft Beer Destination in The Weirs! HOME

36 Rotating Craft Taps • Great Lake Views • Delicious Pub Food OPEN ALL YEAR - FULL LIQUOR LICENSE

603-409-9344 • 59 Doe Ave, Weirs Beach, NH

Myrna s Classic Cuisine

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY, 10:30AM-4:30PM

603.527.8144 myrnascc.com

’

&TOP DOLLAR PAID

Italian & American Comfort Food

Formerly known as Nadia’s Trattoria, voted one of the top ten restaurants Veal Francese and Eggplant Rollatini in NH by Boston Magazine. — Join us Tue-Thurs from p.m. for Small Plate Specials — Hours: Tues. Wed. & Thur 3-9pm Fri. &3-5 Sat. 3-9:30pm

THIS WEEKEND SPECIALS NOW OPEN FOR INSIDE DINING!

Located under the canopy at 131 LakeatStreet At Paugus Bay Plaza,Bay Laconia Located under the canopy 131 Lake Street at Paugus Plaza Hours: Tues. Wed. & Thurs. 3-9pm; Fri. & Sat. 3-9:30pm

(603)527-8144

myrnascc.com

The

Copper Kettle

T A V E R N

Turkey • Steaks • Prime Rib • Seafood OPEN DAILY AT 11:30AM

Mon-Sat until 8pm Sun until 7:30pm

215 Laconia Rd. - Tilton • 603-286-2223 273 Loudon Rd. - Concord • 603-715-8600

www.wrapcitysandwiches.com

ALSO OFFERING TAKEOUT, PICKUP & CURBSIDE!! Exit 23 off I-93 • 233 Daniel Webster Hwy • Meredith

603-279-6212 • HartsTurkeyFarm.com

Connect With Us!

22 MOFFETT from 3 fighting and agreed to General Norman Schwarzkopf’s cease fire terms. We were soon inundated by surrendered Iraqis and I was tasked with some of my men to search and process enemy prisoners. One Iraqi spoke English and tried to ingratiate himself to us. He unbuttoned his green uniform top to show that he was wearing an L.A. Laker tee-shirt.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 — “I love America,” stated the prisoner. “I was going to school in California and came home on school break and they threw me into the army. I hate Saddam. I love Bush. Look. I’m even a Lakers fan.” At which time my Corporal Townsend raised his M-16 ever so slightly and said: “Lakers fan? Well we’re Marines and were all Celtics fans and you’re in big trouble.” Aware that in Iraq

people were often shot for almost anything, the Iraqi quickly replied: “But Larry Bird’s my favorite player!” We all had to laugh. Sports are indeed ubiquitous. We returned to America to a joyful reception in April in time to watch our Bruins lose to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins in the Conference Finals. I sometimes wonder what happened to that

Captain Mike Moffett and daughter Katie during homecoming on April 16,1991. Iraqi soldier with the Laker tee-shirt. I wish I’d gotten his name. I’d have sent him a Bruins tee-shirt. Sports Quiz Besides the Patriots, what other NFL team has won six Super Bowls? (Answer follows) Born Today That is to say, sports standouts born on January 28 include star NHL forward Paul

Henderson (1943) and NBA coach Gregg Popovich (1949). Sports Quote “Going to war without France is like going hunting without an accordion.” –Norman Schwarzkopf Sports Quiz Answer The Pittsburgh Steelers

State Representative Mike Moffett was a Professor of Sports Management for Plymouth State University and NHTI-Concord. He co-authored the critically-acclaimed and award-winning “FAHIM SPEAKS: A Warrior-Actor’s Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back” which is available on Amazon.com. His email address is mimoffett@comcast.net.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 — GIFT from 1 over nearly 15 years. This enjoyment found its truest form one summer in which Jim built a kayak with 6 of his nine grandchildren in NHBM’s Boat-Building program. “He had always wanted to do it with his grandchildren, so it was very exciting when it became possible that one summer,” explained Alison. “It involved two things he loved, which were spending time with his grandchildren and carpentry — specifically, boat building.” Building a kayak, however, proved more daunting than initially expected (by the kids). “My three kids arrived on the first day and thought, ‘How do I turn this into a boat?’” said Darcey. ‘This’ consisted of four pieces of cut mahogany plywood and two gunnels laid out on saw-horses. With help from Jim (referred to as Pops by the grandchildren) and a volunteer instructor, however, the kids — Kendall, Carter and Tess — made substantial progress before leaving for scheduled summer camp. The latter half of the project was completed by their cousins, Leighton, Griffin and Rowan, who were visiting from London with their parents, Kristin Forbes and Steve Calhoun. “They, their dad, and Pops worked diligently the remaining days of the week,” said Alison. The final step consisted in naming the boat, a decision to which they had previously (and unanimously) agreed. Named ‘HMS COUSINS,’ the kayak referenced their two home cities and relationship. Cousin Leighton drew the long straw to be

Leighton Calhoun was the first to launch the kayak.

Jim Forbes grandchildren from London. Front (girl with hat) - Rowan Calhoun; second row: boy on left - Griffin Calhoun; boy on right - Leighton Calhoun; third row: girl in pink sweater - Tess Bartel; boy to right and behind - Carter Bartel; girl in back (tallest) - Kendall Bartel the first to launch the kayak on the lake. “As he paddled the sleek kayak into open water, his smile was as wide as the pond separating the cousins that summer,” recounted Alison. “The biggest and proudest grin of all, however, was on Pops’ face.” In making a major gift to NHBM, a room will be named in Jim’s honor, a legacy upon which Darcey said she hopes others may ‘build’ memories, much like the Bartel, Calhoun and Forbes families.

“In building the boat, the kids had to share a bit, take on certain tasks and take turns,” she said. “They learned to listen and act on what they had learned. They took responsibility…They also had a lot of fun.” For Alison, the gift from the Bartel family and contributions from dozens of others who have given in his name not only preserve Jim’s memory, but benefit the community now and in the future. “The museum educates people and pre-

serves boating history—I think that is important,” she added. “This is a win-win situation.” Founded in 1992 by antique and classic

boating enthusiasts, NHBM is committed to inspire people of all ages with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the boating heritage of New

COURTESY PHOTOS

Hampshire’s fresh waterways. To learn more about NHBM, or its Capital Campaign, visit nhbm. org.

Street AntiqU

n o i n & COLLECTIBLES

E V E RY T H I N G Y

! N O I T A C O L E N OU WANT IN O

Located in Downtown Rochester with Plenty of Easy Parking Open Mon. - Sat. 10am-5pm Browse our store on Facebook. Sun. 11pm-4pm Find us and like us! (Closed Wednesdays from Nov. 1 - June 1)

19 UNION ST., ROCHESTER, NH • (603) 332-0202 • www.UnionStreetAntiques.com

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

SMITH from 13 brothers preceded her in death caused by the same disease only a few months previous. Death by TB was not limited to the North Country folk, either, and a few years after Mrs. Gordon’s demise my grandmother in New Hampton became a victim of the disease in 1910, leaving more young children, including my Dad, without a mother. A number of years later, in the 1920’s, my uncle, whose name was given to me, also passed away from tuberculosis. Disease isn’t the only thing that can interfere with one’s happiness and bring distress and grief. Accidents have long been a cause of injury and death. In the winter of 1906 ice was the cause of a fall by a Whitefield resident, George Robinson. Robinson was on his way to work at the bobbin mill when he

slipped on the ice causing a fall which rendered him unconscious and unable to return to work for some days. A more tragic event took place that January on a mountain road in the town of Woodstock. According to The White Mountain Republic-Journal farmer and logger Willie Sawyer was logging with an oxen team when it is thought that he somehow slipped and fell beneath the team which then passed over his body breaking his neck and one arm and leg. Sawyer, who was unmarried and 44 years old was dead when he was found. Tragedies involving children are difficult to talk and think about, and leave a community devastated. The Lisbon Area was grieving over the death by hanging of an eleven-year-old boy in that same year and month of January. The boy’s mother had died

A tragic logging accident took place in January of 1906 according to the White Mountain Republic Journal. in an insane asylum the year before and the lad was living with a farm family and doing chores in exchange for his board. On a Saturday morning someone in the family had told the boy to go to the barn to feed the cows. When the boy did not return the Mrs.

of the household went looking for him and found him with a rope around his neck that had been used to hang up a slaughtered beef animal. There was an unanswered question as to whether the death was a suicide or an accident or maybe something worse. After the

GILPATRIC METAL RECYCLING, LLC Bring us your ferrous and non-ferrous metals to recycle!

—Call for pricing

We Buy CATALYTIC CONVERTERS - See Nick for Pricing BUSINESS HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7am to 3pm Closed Sat. & Sun.

Fully Licensed Facility License Number: 19J-001 Permit Number: DES-SW-PN-11-006

Office: (603) 744-3453 Fax: (603) 744-6034

201 Abel Road, Bristol, NH 03222

**IF USING GPS, TAKE RIVER RD TO ABEL RD. (DO NOT TAKE PEAKED HILL RD.)

death of the child there were numerous reports that he had been illtreated by his host family, so the County Solicitor was called upon to make an investigation, but lacking sufficient evidence to warrant further investigation, he soon returned to his home in Lebanon. An even more horrendous event took place on that January year in a more southern portion of the state, but I will spare you those details. I will tell you about another threat to the welfare of the state’s citizens. New York gamblers were said to have invaded New Hampshire and a mass meeting of the citizens of Littleton was called for the purpose of considering the matter and taking action. Rev. Edgar Blake of Manchester was to deliver the principal address as he was “one of the most eloquent Methodist ministers of New England, He is thoroughly informed upon the subject, and has the moral courage to handle it without gloves.” Not all was sadness and gloom back in those winter days in New Hampshire. A surprise housewarming

took place in Littleton for Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bishop who opened their door to find thirtyfive friends ready to party. According to the news report “Jollity and informality reigned.” The Bishops were presented with a beautiful oak chair and during a musical hour war songs and ragtime selections were sung. Charles Eastman of Whitefield was able to play croquet on his lawn on his birthday on his seventy-eighth one for the first time ever on that day because of the mild weather. And a Tilton resident reported that during that 1906 unusual month of January he saw a ghost dressed in black coming from the cemetery. Early in the morning he took a lamp and went looking for footprints but finding none he concluded that the spooks had changed their style of clothing from snowy white to black. “Good Grief!” It was sometimes dangerous to be out on the road late in the evening near Orford, New Hampshire. Rev. H.L. Ward was returning home from attending to ministerial duties one night when “two bold highwaymen,” according to the newspaper, sprang out of the woods and attempted to hold him up. The preacher asked the men not to rob him, and calmly told them that they were not doing right. The two were persuaded not only not to commit the intended robbery, but both “promised to be better men and live different lives.” We were not told if they were wearing masks. “Be Safe!” Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr., welcomes your comments at danahillsmiths@yahoo.com

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

OVER

600 GAMES FOR ALL AGES

YOUR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SUPER CENTER SINCE 1952! 18 Hole Indoor Mini-Golf 20 Lane Bowling Center Braggin’ Dragon Restaurant D.A. Long Tavern Cash Bingo Kiddie Bumper Cars Kiddie Rides Birthday Parties Group & Corporate Outings

IT HAS FINALLY FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR GUESTS & FOR OUR EMPLOYEES WE HAVE MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO OUR OPERATIONS HAPPENED!! HUGE FREE ALL OF FUNSPOT’S ATTRACTIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Including: Occupancy Reductions, Increased PARTY ROOM Sanitization, Plexi Shields at POS Locations, Masks Perfect for birthdays! Recommended for Guests & Required for Employees Discounts for corporate or business Whenparties! Safe Distancing Is Not Practical.

603-366-4377 · FunspotNH.com

Route 3, 579 Endicott Street N, Laconia, NH

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 — Serving ServingLaconia LaconiaDaily Daily

Mr. Mr.CC’’ss Taxi Taxi 267-7134 or 527-8001 267-7134 or 527-8001 OPEN AT 5AM DAILY OPEN AT 5AM DAILY

APACHE

Tax Preparation Prior Years Unfiled Returns Our Specialty!!! Small Business Administration (SBA) guidance for coronavirus loans/grants Late Filer? No Problem Statutes of Limitation for Tax Collection Protect Your Tax Returns from Past Years Why You Should Always File Returns for Past Years Even if You Haven’t Filed In Years Time Limits for Refunds and Audits Remedies for Missing Tax Documents Are My Social Security Benefits Taxable? Records You Need to Keep

ApacheTax@yahoo.com 732-501-2985 More and more people are turning to ice fishing to stave off SAD.

KINDRED SPIRIT FARM

—FARM FRESH FINE FLEECE—

MOORE from 15 ing buddies. We may not see each other for months at a time, but when we get together to fish it’s as though it was just yesterday. Sometimes it was just yesterday. Days not

spent on the ice usually consist of road trips with friends or family to large sporting goods stores for annual sales and ice fishing events, and other off-ice hardwater activities. We have ice in our

Newest Release By Brendan Smith

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

*Flatlander’s Observations On Life

Committe d to Breedin g Tradition al SHETLAN 1927® D SHEEP Center Sandwich • 603-284-7277 kindredspiritfarmnh@gmail.com

Like us!

With over 40 of the best of Brendan’s weekly columns he covers everything from politics to health to technology to shopping and more. This is the perfect sampling of his unique humor which has been entertaining readers of The Weirs Times and Cocheco Times for twenty years. Order your autographed copy today for $13.99 plus $3 for shipping. (Also available on Amazon andlocal bookstores Send checks or money orders for $16.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: Best of a F.O.O.L., c/o The Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247. Order online at www.BrendanTSmith.com

veins! Ice fishing affects every aspect of our lives. Without it, everything about us would be different. We would probably melt into a puddle of water like Frosty the Snowman, no magic top hat here. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but you get my point. I can’t explain it. I love the smell of the air on a frozen lake in winter, the sunrises and sunsets, the sound of the ice groaning as it gets thicker, chasing pan fish with a jig rod and Vexilar flasher, and sharing tips and tricks with other ice fishermen. I don’t think I’m alone in my madness either. There are many of us out there. We dot the ice on most fishable water bodies all winter long. We are the ones you see heading out across the ice in the dark to make sure we are set up before the bite turns on. We look like everyone else, usually. We have regular jobs, eat regular food, and drive regular cars. We react sanely and normally to most everything…except ice fishing. 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. Visit www.TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 — METZLER from 7 Let the record show a creeping concern but somehow detached ambivalence by many American officials concerning the transmission dangers of Covid during February and March. After all, this was but a new strain of a Coronavirus in far off Wuhan. Dr. Fauci downplayed the dangers prior to the declared pandemic; “This is not a major threat. This is not something the citizens of the United States right now should be worried about.” Then on 11th March, Dr. Tedros declared a global pandemic. President Trump closed the borders and announced his decision to withdraw from the WHO. The world changed. But it’s a mistake in rejoining WHO at this point. Without question WHO has played an positive and important role in treating and monitoring international health crisis and epidemics. However in this COVID pandemic, WHO miscalculated on a massive scale, two million people have since died globally. The USA remains WHO’s largest financial supporter. In 2019 the U.S. contributions to WHO exceeded $400 million both in assessments (22%) and voluntary donations; almost double China, the second largest contributor at $44 million. As this column stated last year, “The primary guilt lies with Beijing’s regime who spread a deadly miasma of disinformation about the virus through both its Staterun media as well as the gullible WHO in Geneva. The narra-

tive that Coronavirus came from bats offered a colorful and folkloric story to obscure the Chinese Communist Party’s hidden hand of both screwup and coverup inside China most likely connected to two research labs: The Institute of Virology and the Wuhan Centre for Disease Control.” Back to the future. Dr. Fauci told WHO officials, “We realize that responding to COVID-19 and rebuilding global health and advancing health security around the world will not be easy. And in this regard: We are committed to transparency, including those events surrounding the early days of the pandemic.” He added, “The international investigation should be robust and clear, and we look forward to evaluating it.” Agreed, but let see the results of investigations and transparency First before Rejoining and Refinancing the World Health Organization. John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent overing diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of Divided Dynamism the Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China.

MAILBOAT from 2

STOSSEL from 7

of a planned attack but his several requests for more support to protect the Capitol were denied by the Sergeants at Arms that report to Speaker Pelosi and Senator McConnell. Why? How could an assault on our Capitol succeed unless Washington insiders wanted it to succeed? Perhaps the attack on the Capitol was allowed to succeed knowing that the Washington establishment could blame it on President Trump and get rid of him forever. One wonders will they prosecute the real leaders of the Capitol assault, the people who instigated violence, fought with police, broke the windows and destroyed property, forced the doors open, and stole property? Or will they mostly prosecute the peaceful people who arrived later after the Capitol police opened the doors and peaceful people felt invited inside? The media and Washington establishment seem focused on outing and condemning the latter group. For four years the Washington Establishment (politicians including many Republicans, bureaucracy, special interests, media, and others who benefit from a big Federal Government) have been trying to get rid of President Trump. It’s tempting to believe they let the attack on the Capitol succeed so they could blame Trump and forever stop the Trump agenda of moving power and wealth from the Washington establishment to the American people. Don Ewing Meredith, NH

Social Policy.” Today’s self-anointed leaders talk constantly about how America’s “systemic racism” holds Black people back. “Propaganda,” Sowell calls it. “If you go back into the ‘20s, you find that married-couple families were much more prevalent among Blacks. As late as 1930, Blacks have lower unemployment rates than whites.” But if systemic racism was the cause of inequality, he says, “All these things that we complain about, and attribute to the era of slavery, should’ve been worse in the past than in the present!” Sowell says the bigger cause of Black Americans’ problems today is government welfare initiated in the 1960s. The programs encouraged people to become dependent on handouts. “You began to have the mindset that goes with the welfare state,” Sowell says. “No stigma any longer attached to being on relief.” Sowell concludes that government programs that are supposed to help minorities do more harm than good. Af-

firmative Action, for example. In 1965, he took a teaching position at Cornell. The college, he said, had lowered admission standards to diversify the student body, and most students admitted under affirmative action did not do well. “Half of the Black students were on academic probation,” he wrote, later adding, “Something like 1/4th of all the Black students going to MIT do not graduate. (There is) a pool of people whom you are artificially turning into failures by mismatching them with the school.” Saying such things makes Sowell an outcast in academia, and now most everywhere. Sowell writes, “If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules... that would have gotten you labeled a radical 50 years ago, a liberal 25 years ago, and a racist today.” Starting next week, you can watch a new documentary on Sowell’s life, “Thomas Sowell: Common Sense in a Senseless World,” online at FreeToChooseNetwork.org.

BOSAK from 14 rely on. We can allow some of our property to grow wild. A perfectly manicured lawn is not good habitat for insects. Major changes on a global scale, of course, will have the greatest impact on saving insects. Those decisions are up to politicians and other policymakers, but we can let them know how we feel. We fully recognize that insects are declining and their role in nature is irreplaceable. Recognition is the first step. Let’s make sure our policymakers follow through with the next steps. Chris Bosak may be reached at chrisbosak26@gmail.com or through his website www.birdsofnewengland.com

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

MALKIN from 6 vocates in the inspector general’s office. Acheson had also hired Biden’s former Senate staffer Jonathan Meyer as her deputy general counsel. Meyer called it a “happy coincidence.” Hunter’s business partner, Eric Schwerin, wasn’t happy about my reporting on these matters in my syndicated columns and on my blog. In 2011, Schwerin was president of Hunter’s investment company, Rosemont Seneca. He wrote to Hunter with the subject headline, “M. Malkin,” on Feb. 15, 2011, at 9:37 p.m.: “Just read the blog post. Does anyone push back against her directly when she says you are a ‘lobbyist’ and are currently on the Amtrak board? I am sure it would be far worse to antagonize her, but it

drives me crazy. I want to punch her in the face.” Quid Pro Joe and his minions have long chafed at accusations that they have profited mightily from their nepotistic enterprises. But who knew it inspired such fantasies of misogynistic violence? If Schwerin’s name sounds vaguely familiar, then you’ve been paying attention: --It’s Schwerin who informed Hunter in other emails that he had failed to disclose $400,000 in payments he received from Ukrainian energy company Burisma in 2014 after taking in $1.2 million that year. --It’s Schwerin who was enmeshed in communications between Rosemont Seneca and a Chinese Communist Party-owned business entity called CITIC to

Railway Solutions and infrastructure design firm HNTB Corporation. In 2010, for example, Schwerin informed Rosemont colleagues that a CAF/Amtrak deal had gone through and started counting the big bucks: “I think we should ask for $75,000 upfront (which is 30%). Then begin billing them on a monthly basis sixty days later for the remaining $175,000 (so for the remaining 10 months it would be $17,500 a month). Objections?” Schwerin then messaged Hunter privately: “For CAF we are guaranteed $180,000 (or $15,000 a month) for a year.” Sifting through a raft of similar messages, Monroe concluded: “It’s through that we can see that Hunter Biden made a six-figure sum from le-

veraging his existing relationship with Amtrak, if not more. The door is open for authorities to audit Amtrak and investigate the full extent of taxpayer dollars that Hunter pilfered through his work.” Don’t get your hopes up. The sycophants of the Fourth Estate and the operatives of the “deep state” will be too busy the next four years kissing the Biden corruptocrats’ backsides -- and protecting their privileged noses from harm.

AUTOS WANTED

with lightning fast speeds plus take your service with you when you travel! As low as $109.99/mo! 1-888-674-1423

GENERATORS provide backup power during utility power outages so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-378-1582

Michelle Malkin’s email address is MichelleMalkinInvestigates@ protonmail.com. To find out more about Michelle Malkin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

SHAPIRO from 6 ternative sources, of course. But that will only provoke the media to seek new methods of repressing those alternatives. As it turns out, the commitment of many in our media isn’t to truth or facts. It’s to monopolistic control. Ben Shapiro, 36, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-inchief of DailyWire.com. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers “How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps,” “The Right Side of History” and “Bullies.” To find out more about Ben Shapiro and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

THE CLASSIFIEDS

I WILL BUY * Fine Antiques * Art * * Jewelry * Silver *

Judy A. Davis Antiques

One Item or Entire Estate ~ Cash Paid For:

All Antiques: American and Continental furniture, paintings, oriental rugs and bronzes. Historical documents, old books and maps, nautical items, barometers and sextants. Old prints, movie and travel posters. Old photography, cameras and musical instruments. Gold and Silver U.S. and foreign coins. Civil war and all military items, guns, swords, medals and old flags. Old advertising, wooden and metal signs, vintage whiskey and wine, old weathervanes, old pottery, old jugs, crocks and textiles, lamps and lighting, glass and china. Old toys, banks, trains, sports memorabilia and comic books. Over 40 years experience in the antique business. Chinese and Asian arts, jade, ceramics, oriental textiles, furniture and art. Classic cars and motorcycles, gas pumps, oil cans and signs 25 years and older. All estate and contemporary jewelry, diamond rings, brooches, Patek, Rolex, all watches and charm bracelets. All Fine Gold and Silver Jewelry. Sterling silver flatware, tea services, trays and all silver and gold. Certified by Gem School of America Member: New Hampshire Antique Dealers Assn.

603-496-1811

build an NBC/Universal Studios theme park outside of Beijing. --It’s Schwerin who told Hunter in 2018 that a Chinese private equity firm, BHR Partners, would generate income for him “over the next couple of years.” --It’s Schwerin who was rewarded by President Obama with a presidential commission appointment in 2015. Hunter’s laptop contains a trove of emails between Hunter, Schwerin and various other business associates who secured Amtrak contracts to produce railroad cars and build tunnels. Internet investigator and blogger Nick Monroe chronicled long email threads exposing bid negotiations and insider information solicitations involving Hunter, Schwerin, Rosemont Seneca, CAF

603-934-5545

jlake@metrocast.net

CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled-it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 844-813-0213

HEALTH & FITNESS DO YOU HAVE CHRONIC KNEE OR BACK PAIN? If you have insurance, you may qualify for the perfect brace at little to no cost. Get yours today! Call 1-800-217-0504 OXYGEN-Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. Only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: Call 1-855917-4693

MISCELLANEOUS 4G LTE HOME INTERNET Now Available! Get GotW3

DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGE requires immediate action. Local professionals that respond immediately. Nationwide and 24/7. No Mold Calls. 1-800-506-3367 DISH TV - $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21. Call 1-877 -925-7371 E L I M I N AT E G U T T E R CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-964-1491 GENERAC

S TA N D B Y

HUGHESNET SATELLITE INTERNET Finally, no hard data limits! Call Today for speeds up to 25mbps as low as $59.99/mo! $75 gift card, terms apply. 1-855-703-0743 INVENTORS-FREE INFORMATION PACKAGE Have your product idea developed affordably by the Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers. Call 1-855380-5976 for a Free Idea Starter Guide. Submit your idea for a free consultation. MOBILEHELP, AMERICA’S PREMIER MOBILE MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM. Whether you’re Home or Away. For

Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1-844-892-1017 STAY IN YOUR HOME longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-866-945-3783 or visit www.walkintubquote. com/pennysaver

FOR RENT Warm Weather Is Year Round In Aruba. The water is safe, and the dining is fantastic. Walk out to the beach. 3-Bedroom weeks available. Sleeps 8. Email: carolaction@ aol.com for more information.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

SERVICES DIRECTORY

Pete’s Hardwood Unlimited Floors, Inc.

Family / Locally Owned & Operated • Highest Quality Craftsmanship

Installation • Refinishing Recoating • Repairs FU Dust Containment INSULRLEY D

LakesRoof.Com

Colonial Colonial SidingSiding

Owens Corning Roofs Service that satisfies ...

Since 1976 !

SIDING • WINDOWS • DOORS KITCHENS • BATHS Interior & Exterior Renovations

(603) 875-0032 • hardwoodunlimitedfloorsinc.com

Alton Bay 875-2132

INSURED • REFERENCES • SNOW PLOWING

Old Fashioned STONEWALL

RESTORATION

BLACK BEAR MASONRY Specializing in Brick and Stone Fireplaces, Chimneys, Walls, Walks, Patios, Gardens 35+ Years Serving Wolfeboro & The Lakes Region Blackbearmasonry@yahoo.com Call, or text! 603-387-2655

Paul C. Dupont & Son Building Installing Harvey Building Products

WindoWs • doors • siding

Visit HarveyBP.com

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

603-387-0015 —— 603-387-0026

$100 Take $100 Off on a job of $1,000 or more with this coupon OFF exp. 12/31/21

250-6051

Specializing in Dry Fieldstone or Granite Walls New Wall Built 35 Years Experience Contact Tony Luongo

603-471-1954

Dumont Cabinet Refacing & Counter Tops — AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE —

Cabinet refacing includes new doors and drawer fronts of your choice

Cabinet refacing DOOR SAMPLES BROUGHT TO YOU! starts at only • New Countertops

• Countertop Refacing (Save Big!) 35% Cost • New Drawers • Custom Vanities of cabinet replacing.

• Closet Storage

Free Estimates.... Compare & SAVE BIG! • Meredith, NH 603-279-6555

Bruce Thibeault PAINTING Over 30 Yrs. Exp.

• Staining • Urethaning • Res./Comm. • Quality Work • Interior/Exterior • Wallpaper Removal • Pressure Washing • Window Reglazing • Screens • Free Estimates • Fully Insured

364-2435 BruceThibeaultPainting.com

SERVICES DIRECTORY

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

Super Crossword

PUZZLE CLUE: O-E VEY!

B.C.

by Parker & Hart

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —

Sudoku

Magic Maze THEME THIS WEEK: ADD - ONS

Caption Contest OUR PICK FOR BEST CAPTION

PHOTO #842

“ Wah Wah Mellon” -Barbara Bowman, Franklin, NH.

Runners Up : Let’s do the math. Eating watermelons plus abscessed tooth equals the possibility of lucrative career in opera singing. -Jean Cram, Pittsfield, NH. Never compete in a spit for distance challenge with a seedless watermelon. - Robert Patrick,Moultonboro,NH. Johnny bit off more than he could chew. -Rose Dale, Meredith, NH.

CAPTION THIS PHOTO!!

PHOTO #844 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

The Winklman Aeffect

by John Whitlock

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 28, 2021 —