03/14/2024 Weirs Times

Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, founders of “Cheap Old Houses,” will be one of the presenters at the Old House & Barn Expo this weekend.

Old HOuse And BArn expO returns tHis Weekend

The

tory, repair, rehabilitation and stewardship. Experience hands-on old building crafts, informative talks, and live demonstrations.

Learn about a local timber framer’s journey to the Notre Dame

Cathedral restoration in Paris and the adventures of Cheap Old Houses founders.

Experts will offer practical advice on pressing issues like how to find or create living space with the limited availability

of affordable housing stock, how to ready your property for more severe weather events, and how to take advantage of renewable energy and changing technologies.

The Preservation Al-

GreAt nOrtHeAst BOAt sHOW!

Springtime is right around the corner and there is no better time to get ready to get out on the water with your new boat.

On Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, New Hampshire’s largest boat show and the largest boat show north of Boston, The Great Northeast Boat Show, takes place at the NH Sportsplex in Bedford, NH, providing those with the fever to get out on the lake this summer the best place to buy a boat.

“We have fifteen boat dealers offering seventyfive brands and two hundred boats” said Suzette Anthony who is the organizer of the event along with her husband Blair. “It is really the only boat show you will need to attend this year since all boats are on sale at the Best Prices of the Year.”

The Sportplex is 56,000 square feet and has been recently renovated and there is plenty of free on-site parking,

At the Great Northeast Boat Show you can compare a wide variety of boats, talk to experts, dealers and manufacturers and take advantage of special deals and incentives on process and more. It is a celebration of the boating lifestyle featuring everything needed, wanted or desired by the boating enthusiast.

A one stop shop, showcasing everything from power boats, jet skis, jetboats, docks, canoes, kayaks, runabouts, fishing boats, paddle boards, pontoon and deck boats.

Admission is $15 (good for all 3 days) for adults and children under 16 are admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available at the door and online at greatnortheastboatshow.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Christian Nationalism Bogeyman

To The Editor:

What is Christian Nationalism, Exactly? This was the heading of an article by N.Y. Times writer, David French. The article was a response to the new documentary entitled, “God and Country”. Christian Nationalism is supposedly this belief that the “fate of the church is closely tied to the outcome of any political election.” The Declaration of Independence said - our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness come not from King George III, but from our Creator. We were founded as a JudeoChristian nation. “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” - John Adams. Do not buy into the newest iteration of the left with their imagined new threat, “Christian Nationalism.” It is Christians who are under attack.

Mr. French then goes on to connect the politically motivated dots by claiming this fervor of the gullible can lead to anything including the stealing of an election. Ah, a second reference to the “orange man bad.” with reference to the January 6th, 2021 unarmed riot.

Silly me, I thought that the secular Marxists were our worry for their attack on Christianity. A teacher gets suspended for giving a student a bible. A football coach gets placed on leave for saying a prayer on the field at the end of a game. Evangelical colleges like Gordon College in Massachusetts and Kings College in New York

have had their accreditation challenged. Christian adoption agencies, hospitals and crisis pregnancy centers have come under attack. School prayer and bible studies on school property is improper. And speaking of Rob Reiner who is the real life embodiment of his role of “Meathead” in “All in the Family, don’t you just love to be chastised by an atheist who quotes from the bible. The Christian Nationalism bogeyman is another phony agenda of the Marxist-Democrat party. Destroy Christians and Jews and you can shred the foundation of our Constitution. Apparently, a growing number of imposter Christians, described as “white Christian nationalists” are threatening democracy and are behind the so-called January 6th “insurrection.” Balderdash! It was not an insurrection Mr. Reiner. No wonder your documentary was a box office bomb. People are not that stupid.

Russ Wiles Tilton, NH.

The J6 Back-Up Plan

To The Editor:

Does anyone remember the pipe bombs planted near the DNC and RNC on January 6, 2021, when the Electoral College voted to confirm the BidenDemolitioncrat theft of the 2020 election? Many questions remain about this incident.

1.) Why was Kamala at the DNC building, rather than at the Capitol rejoicing in her Coronation as VP? No explanation ever!

2.) Why were all three security cameras always focused on the

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

Locally owned for 30 years, this publication is devoted to printing the stories of the people

DNC building turned away “just in time” to avoid video of the placing of the “bomb”?

3.)Why were Capitol Police dispatches concerning the pipe bomb moved to Channel 3 and remain hidden from the public and Congress.

4.)Why did Secret Service agents and D.C. police mill about the SW side of the DNC building near the “bomb”?

5.)Why were teenagers allowed to walk past the bomb site?

6.)Why were several commuter trains headed to and from Union Station allowed to pass dangerously close to the DNC building while the bomb was in place?

This nonchalance is irreconcilable with the fact that “shrapnel travels at 18,000 to 23,000 feet per second, endangering anyone near the explosion, unless, for some reason, there was no reason to be concerned.” (Epoch Times, March 6-12, P 9A)

When Robinson Crusoe saw footprints in the sand, he knew there was another human on the island. Circumstantial evidence leads to irresistible inferences beyond reasonable doubt on which people have been imprisoned and executed.

Conduct of authorities at the” Bomb scene” leads to the conclusion that everyone involved knew the “bomb” was a hoax. The reason for the “bomb hoax” is as plain as the nose on my face—a “Back-Up Plan” in the event ANTIFA, BLM, the CIA and the FBI failed to incite a riot on January 6, 2021.

Charles Bradley Laconia, NH.

AyuH, skiinG in MAine

Kris and I drove more than three hours to get to Sugarloaf to ski. Rain was in the forecast and it was already misty when we arrived. We had planned this trip weeks ago and we decided to go and hope for the best. We both have the IKON pass (Sugarloaf) and the Indy pass (Saddleback and Black) so our lift tickets were covered for our Maine ski trip.

The summit of Maine’s second highest mountain, Sugarloaf elevation 4,237 feet, was covered with thick dark clouds. The upper lifts were not running due to high winds and no visibility.

So we were happy to stick to the Super Quad and we yo-yoed on that lift for 11 runs. We had a blast skiing Narrow Gauge and Haymaker. The snow was soft and the rain came and went while we skied. Sometimes it was hard to

In the rain Kris skis towards the SuperQuad at Sugarloaf. While we were in Maine, Mother Nature threw all the weather she could think of at us. For a minute she did offer up a colorful rainbow while we skied. Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine’s biggest ski resort has over 1300 skiable acres, 176 glades and 2,820 feet of vertical. Of course the weather has to cooperate to be able to ski the only lift-serviced above treeline skiing in the East. Sugarloaf is on the IKON Pass.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Trumpeter Adam Gallant Joins The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra

Trumpeter Adam Gallant joins the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra for “The Spirit of Freedom” March 16th at 7pm Celebrating America’s Musical Legacy Meredith, NH – The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra (LRSO) is delighted to announce its upcoming concert, “The Spirit of Freedom,” a musical celebration featuring Aaron Copland’s iconic “Lincoln Portrait” and William Grant Still’s groundbreaking “Afro-American Symphony”. The performance will take place at the Inter-Lakes Community Auditorium in Meredith on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 7pm.

The centerpiece of the evening will be the performance of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” a powerful and patriotic composition that pays homage to the great American leader. Local Shakespearean aficionado Christopher Boldt narrates this masterpiece with excerpts from Lincoln’s speeches, bringing history to life through the evocative language of music. Similarly, William Grant Still’s “Afro-American Symphony” stands as a seminal work, breaking barriers and highlighting the rich contributions of African American culture to the world of 20th century classical music.

Adding to the ensemble’s repertoire, LRSO will showcase the talents of trumpeter Adam Gallant in Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major. Adam Gallant, an outstanding in-demand musician and graduate of the University of New Hampshire, has an impressive musical journey. As the Administrative Coordinator for the UNH Music Department and musician coordinator for the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, Gallant is a driving force in the New England music scene. Gallant’s performance will be another highlight of the evening, showcasing his virtuosity on Haydn’s masterwork.

The concert will also feature Berlioz’s “Roman Carnival Overture,” rounding out a diverse program that promises to captivate audiences with its depth and variety.

Tickets for this unforgettable evening of musical excellence are $25 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at www.LRSO.org.

Going Green: Plastics & Pop Tops

The next soft plastics recycling collection will be held Saturday March 16 from 11am-1pm. Volunteers from the Green Sanctuary Committee of the Unitarian-Universalist Society of Laconia and the Laconia/Gilford Lions Club will be curbside in front of the little white church at 172 Pleasant St. in Laconia to collect donated clean soft dry plastics.

All collected plastics are sent to the Trex Corp. in Maine, to be repurposed as composite decking and outdoor deck furniture. There is no charge or fee to drop off unwanted plastics. Also this effort is not limited to residents of Laconia & Gilford. All are welcome to participate.

At the same time and place as the plastics collection, the Lions and the UU Social Justice Committee are staging a food drive to benefit the Community Action Program (CAP) food pantry.

“Now that Community Action has an office location open in downtown Laconia, their pantry is serving even more disadvantaged individuals and families,” explained Club member Carol Dow. “So at a time when food donations are scarce, they are especially needed. Easy access items are best. Pop top canned goods, including soups, are good choices. Also particularly needed are canned fruit, cereal, jams and jelly, small jars of mayo, and personal care items.” Consider going green in a different way this St. Patrick’s Day by joining these efforts on March 16!

NH Veterans Home Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony

TILTON - Veterans throughout the state and the general public are invited to attend the New Hampshire Veterans Home’s (NHVH) Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, March 29th at 11:00 a.m. at 139 Winter Street in Tilton, NH. This special observance commemorates the hardships suffered and sacrifices made by three million Americans during the Vietnam War as well as their families who supported them. Nancy Warner and Terry Farish, keynote speakers, will represent the 625 Red Cross Sisters who served in Vietnam as ‘Donut Dollies’. Their address will explain their mission and honor their Brothers who served in the military as well as their Sisters who served alongside them with the Red Cross. The ceremony will take place in the Home’s ‘Town Hall’ great room, accessible via entrance at the corner of Winter Street and Colby Road in Tilton.

Additional speakers will also honor those who served to provide the ‘Welcome Home’ soldiers did not receive when returning from deployment overseas. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 41 and Service Credit Union are providing sponsorship for the event. The mission of NHVH is to provide high quality, professional long-term care services to the Granite State’s elderly and disabled veterans with dignity, honor, and respect. NHVH is the State’s only long-term care facility dedicated exclusively to veterans. For more information, call (603) 527-4400 or visit www.nh.gov/veterans, www.facebook.com/nhveteranshome.

Laconia Kiwanis Club Hosts 2nd Annual Free Throw Competition

The Kiwanis Club of Laconia is thrilled to announce its 2nd Annual Free Throw Competition, inviting all Lakes Region Boys and Girls aged 7 to 13 years old to participate in this fun-filled event. The competition, which is entirely FREE of charge, will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Laconia Memorial Middle School. Registration will begin at 8:30 am, followed by a warm-up session at 8:45 am, with the main competition kicking off promptly at 9:00 am.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register early to secure a special gift (while supplies last) by contacting via email at kiwanishoop@gmail.com or by texting 603-630-5531.

Walk-ins are warmly welcomed to join in the excitement on the day of the event.

Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for youth to showcase their basketball skills, but it also serves Lakes Region communities. The event will directly benefit the Lou Athanas Basketball Youth League, Gilford Parks & Recreation League, and Franklin Parks & Recreation League Scholarships.

“The Kiwanis Club of Laconia is dedicated to its mission of ‘Helping Kids One at a Time’,” stated Betty Ballantyne, President of the Laconia Kiwanis Club. “This event embodies our commitment to supporting the youth of our community while fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.”

For more information about the 2nd Annual Free Throw Competition please email kiwanishoop@gmail.com or visit Laconia Kiwanis Facebook page.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

*A FLATLANDER’S OBSERVATIONS

by Brendan Smith Weirs Times Editor

stAte Of tHe HOuse

Early March is a very special time in our household since it is when I give my annual State Of The House address. This year’s address has been a bit harder to compose since the economy has been hard everywhere and the spending cuts and increases I propose might not be embraced as I would hope.

Still, I am only speaking to a party of one who has been waiting patiently on the living room couch as I finally make my way from my office where I have been finalizing my address.

I slowly make my way, stopping to take a selfie with our cat Dagny, who I know is only there to hear my take on my plans for cat food purchases in the coming year.

I like to start with a few words to fire up the crowd.

“Today I come to this Living Room to address those who live in this house. It is at an unprecedented time in our history as we face the challenges of what pains we may have to endure over the coming year. We are under attack not just here at home with an aging infrastructure, but also at the supermarket, the gas station and, yes, even the Amazon package delivery system.

“All of us in this house are faced with challenges that may be the most important in our history, or at least for the next couple of months. We can either shrink from adversity or we can boldly move forward and endure the hardships and never back down. We are in this together or not at all.

“First, I’d like to address the ongoing need to beef up our infrastructure. What are the important projects that need to

be taken care of? What are the concerns? As you know, during my present administration, I have worked tirelessly for up to a half-hour a day dealing with those who finally came to our aid with a new roof and windows. It wasn’t easy but I got the job done. But who knows what could befall us over this coming year if we are not prepared. Possibly an upgrade to our heating system or new appliances? No one can predict what tragedies might befall us and that is why I am asking for a bipartisan agreement on providing me with the authority to make immediate financial decisions on such matters. And I promise, that with providing me with such authority, I will not replace a perfectly good television with a 64-inch high definition model like I did last time.

“On a lighter note, and speaking of that 64-inch HD TV, I believe that the progress we have made over the years as to what shows we will watch has come a long way. Proving to the world that bipartisanship can work even when many have doubted. It’s one of the many things that makes this house work and hopefully we can be an example to other houses across America.

“But now back to the important matters at hand.

“With the higher food costs that the entire country has been experiencing, I hope we can work together to bring a fair and balanced healthy menu to the dinner table at a reasonable cost. I have worked out a proposal that I think will benefit both sides equally. But, I must be honest. No matter how hard I tried, I could not find any possible way that those delicious crackers I enjoy so much could be excluded from this deal. I am more than willing to compromise on that hummus you enjoy that I used to question if it can bring us to the bargaining table.

“I know that some of you in this room have been concerned

about the possibility of servings of cat food being cut back due to shrinkflation. Tonight, I give my solemn promise that this will not be the case no matter how expensive cans of Turkey Pate might become. Of that you can rest assured.

(A loud “meow” is heard from the crowd.)

“On the energy front I do have some very good news. Tonight, I am pleased to inform you that just this afternoon I have entered into a binding contract with a local energy provider to make sure that the flow of heating oil will not be interrupted into our basement tank over the coming winter season. The negotiations were long and tedious, but I finally brought all sides to the table until we settled on a fair price. I give you my word that next winter we will not be chilly under my watch. I give you my guarantee.”

“So, in closing, I realize that we have not covered all the important issues tonight like our borders and what to spend to be prepared for unexpected visitors. There will be a lot of work coming over the next year and I’m hoping that we can work together to keep this house strong, but all this talk of food has sure made me hungry and, honestly, I can’t help but thinking about those delicious crackers.

“So, thank you and God Bless America and God Bless This House.

“Good Night.”

Brendan is the author of “The Flatlander Chronicles,” “The Best Of A F.O.O.L In New Hampshire” and “I Really Only Did It For The Socks- Stories & Thoughts On Aging” available at www.BrendanTSmith.com.

ClArenCe tHOMAs, liBerAl rACisM & tHe

deniGrAtiOn Of BlACk COnservAtives

by Star Parker Syndicated Columnist

President Joe Biden stirred up controversy during the last presidential campaign, when, in an interview with a Black radio host, he said, “If you have a problem figuring out if you’re for me or Trump, you ain’t Black.”

Biden got pushback on this, but he captured a pretty common view among liberals.

That is, that liberalism is genetically emblazoned in Black DNA.

They see Blacks who are not liberal as not normal, not really Black.

As a Black woman and a conservative for many years, I can testify to the prevalence of this view.

Now the liberal media is getting into a new version of this. Same story, but slightly different version.

The big scoop is that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has hired as one of his clerks a young woman who has been accused of racism.

Crystal Clanton, a magna cum laude graduate of Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, most recently a clerk for highly respected conservative Judge William Pryor on the 11th circuit federal court of appeals, was just hired by Thomas. Clanton, according to liberal accusers, posted remarks, back in 2015, while working at Turning Point USA, saying “I hate Black people” with some profanity accompanying the statement.

Far left journalists, such as Ruth Marcus of The Washington Post, and Jane Mayer of The New Yorker, have been on the story for years -- Mayer first reporting about it in 2017.

This despite no definitive evidence that the racist post was the work of Clanton.

Now that Thomas has hired Clanton, liberals have shifted into high gear.

With all the supposed concerns of the left about racism, none seem troubled or confused by the allegation that a Black judge -- no less the most prominent Black jurist in the nation -- would hire a racist.

How does that compute?

The answer is that in liberal eyes, Black conservatives “ain’t Black.”

Certainly, a Black conserva-

tHe dirty little seCret Of tHe 2024 CAMpAiGn

by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist

This week, new polling showed what Democrats have long feared: Donald Trump is now in commanding position to defeat Joe Biden and win reelection in 2024. According to the latest New York Times/ Siena poll, Trump is up 48-43 over Biden; what’s more, Biden is actually underwater among Hispanics, earns just two-thirds of Black votes, and has cratered among independents. According to the RealClearPolitics polling average, Trump now leads in every swing state but Pennsylvania and is within the margin of error there, too. Nationally, Trump has not trailed Biden since September 2023.

We all know what’s going wrong for Biden: He’s widely perceived as too old to be running again; Americans remain unhappy with the economy, deeply enraged over border policy and alarmed by the brush fires around the world. Biden came into office promising normalcy, and he has instead delivered chaos.

But there’s something else going on, too.

Joe Biden is losing to Donald Trump because of a dirty little secret: Donald Trump is actually the moderate in this race.

On nearly every issue, Trump is closer to the median voter than Biden. Biden won the Democratic primaries over Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2020 because voters thought he would tack toward the center, away from the insanity of The Squad in Congress -- borderline psychotics like Reps. Cori Bush, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. Instead, he entered office believing that he had a mandate for transformation, that he could become our age’s FDR or LBJ.

And so Biden abandoned the middle.

And median voters are now abandoning Biden. As election analyst Nate Silver

rightly observes, The New York Times poll shows that “only 83 percent of voters who say they chose Biden in 2020 plan to vote for him this year, whereas 97 percent who voted for Trump plan to vote for Trump again. These are swing voters, in other words -- people who are explicitly stating to pollsters that they are switching their vote from 2020. There are a substantial number of them.” Because the legacy media are monolithically radical on matters of politics, they keep encouraging Biden to double down on the left-wing base, hoping that by steering toward the radicals, he can boost voter turnout. But that strategy is leaving independent voters behind. Meanwhile, Trump is winning over more and more vote-switchers. That’s because his positions are moderate. On abortion, for example, he may support a federal 16week ban. By polling data, 48% of Americans support such a ban, compared with 36% who oppose such a ban. Only 24% of Americans support Biden’s position -- availability of abortion without limits. On immigration, Biden is underwater by over 20 points. On inflation and spending, Americans favor lower inflation and lower spending -- both propositions that cut against Biden’s preferred policies. On national security, Americans broadly favor Israel over Hamas -- and yet Biden’s administration has steered toward the pro-Hamas voters in Dearborn, Michigan.

For some reason, Biden and his team think that their echo chamber strategy -- shouting “Jan. 6!” over and over while demonizing their political opposition as insurrectionists and traitors -- is likely to jog enough base turnout to overcome their loss of the middle. But that’s a chimerical proposition. Biden, in other words, has been suckered by the very people who want him to win most -- the radicals in the media who keep ramming him toward the far left, even as he falls further and further behind in the polling.

by John Stossel Syndicated Columnist

“We’re building a clean energy future,” says President Joe Biden.

Who is “we”?

Well, you pay for it.

He and his “green” cronies do most of the building.

Lately, they’re pouring more of your money into “renewable energy.” They promise to give us “carbon-free power” from the sun and wind.

My new video illustrates some problems with that, using scenes from a new documentary series called “Juice:

tHe reneWABle sCAM

Power, Politics and the Grid.”

Political scientist Roger Pielke Jr. notes, “It’s quite intuitive for people to understand that there’s a lot of power in solar energy. We feel the wind. The idea that you can get something for nothing, people find enormously appealing.”

Especially in California, where politicians now require all new homes to have solar panels, all new cars sold in 2035 to be zero-emission, and all the state’s electricity to come from carbon-free resources by 2045.

They’re getting results, but not good ones: California’s cost of electricity increased three times faster than in the rest of America.

People in Washington State pay about 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. In Oregon, 13 cents. In California, now almost 30 cents.

Do they at least get reliable energy for that? No.

The big problem with wind and solar power, of course, is that they don’t work when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine. Sometimes that happens when people most want heat or AC.

Increased use of “renewables” is why blackouts are more common in California. Bloomenergy says there were over 25,000 in 2019 -- thousands more than the previous year.

“We failed to predict and plan,” said

Gov. Gavin Newsom. Right. Instead, they embraced unscientific green fantasies.

Requiring all new homes to have solar panels is a big reason California has the most expensive housing in America. The average house costs almost $800,000.

If you can afford that, you get government money for generating solar power. But the handout goes mostly to the rich. Poorer people are more likely to rent.

On top of that, the subsidy is inefficient.

“As their solar panels produce power during the day when the sun is

See STOSSEL on 29

un riGHts inquiry COndeMns islAMiC irAn’s reCOrd

by John J. Metzler Syndicated Columnist

Iran’s regime has been firmly condemned by a UN fact-finding mission investigating the unprovoked killing of Masha Amina two years ago, in a incident which set off nationwide protests. Mahsa Amini, a 22 year old student, according to a UN factfinding mission, died in police custody after violating the Islamic Republic’s strict “morality rules” requiring women to wear the headscarf.

Amini’s death triggered widespread pro-democracy demonstrations which rocked Iran for months. The crackdown by Islamic Republic militia and security forces killed

more than 500 civilians and injured thousands more, some very critically. The UN mission cited “disproportionate use of lethal force,” by the regime.

Mandated by the Human Rights Council, the UN Fact Finding Mission clearly cites, “Pervasive and deep-rooted structural and institutionalized discrimination against women and girls, permeating all areas of their public and private lives, was both a trigger and an enabler of the widespread serious human rights violations and crimes under international law committed against women and girls in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The report adds, “High-level State authorities encouraged, sanctioned and endorsed violations of human rights through statements justifying

the acts and conduct of the security forces; engaged in a disinformation campaign depicting protesters as ‘terrorists’ or ‘separatist’ groups.”

Still for months massive demonstrations of women rocked Iran bringing huge international sympathy and solidarity in world capitals from Paris to London, and Berlin to New York. While the world rallied to the cause of the long suffering Iranian women, the regime eventually quelled protests. The demonstrators’ slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” became a global clarion call.

The UN fact finding mission said the security forces used shotguns and submachine guns against demonstrators, “thereby committing unlawful and extrajudicial killings.” It particularly noted that protesters were often deliberately shot in the

eyes as to handicap them.

Moreover regime security and the quaintly titled ”morality police” regularly used sexual intimidation, rape and humiliation against women who were seen as flouting Islamic rules.

“These acts form part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population in Iran, namely against women, girls, boys and men who have demanded freedom, equality, dignity and accountability,” stressed Sara Hossain, chair of the UN inquiry, urging the Iranian authorities to “halt the repression.”

The killing of Masha Amini, an ethnic Kurd, for not wearing the obligatory headscarf (Hijab) further radicalized Iran’s youth who are increasingly frustrated and fed up with

See METZLER on 34

Time For Financial Spring Cleaning?

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time for some spring cleaning. This year, in addition to tidying your home and surroundings, you might want to consider sprucing up your financial environment, as well.

Here are some suggestions for doing just that:

• Improve your vision. Once the days are warmer and longer, you may want to get outside and clean all the winter grime and smudges from your windows, allowing you to see the world more clearly. And you may want to bring more focus to your financial vision by asking some key questions: Is my investment strategy still appropriate for my needs, goals and family situation? If not, what changes should I make? And am I prepared for changes in my life, such as health challenges or a need to retire earlier than planned? The answers to these and other questions can help you clarify where you are, in terms of your financial picture, and where you want to go.

• De-clutter. As you look around your home, you may find things such as expired health care products, old prescriptions, ancient cleaning solutions, and so on, in addition to duplicate household items (how many blenders do you really need?) and nonworking equipment — printers, laptops, etc. Most people find that eliminating this clutter gives them a good feeling – and more livable space. As an investor, you can also find clutter in the form of redundant investments — for example, you might own several nearly identical mutual funds. You might be better off selling some of these funds and using the proceeds to find new investments that can help you further diversify your

portfolio. As you may know, diversification is a key to investment success, but keep in mind that it can’t prevent all losses.

• Plant seeds of opportunity. Whether they’re planting camellias and crocuses or carrots and cilantro, gardeners are busy in the spring, hoping their efforts result in lovely flowers and tasty foods. And when you invest, you, too, need to plant seeds of opportunity in the form of investments that you hope will grow enough to enable you to make progress toward your goals. So, you may want to review your portfolio to ensure it’s providing this growth potential, given your individual risk tolerance.

• Reduce dangers. You may not think about it that much, but your home and surroundings can contain potential hazards. You might have ill-fitting caps on cleaning products with toxic chemicals, or sharp cutting instruments protruding from shelves in your garage, or heavy, cracked tree branches hovering close to your roof. Spending some time on a spring-cleaning sweep can get rid of these dangers — and devoting time to consider the possible threats to your financial security, and those of your family, can pay off, too. For starters, review your life insurance to determine if you’ve got enough. Your employer may offer some coverage as an employee benefit, but it might not be sufficient, so you may need private coverage. And the same is true for disability insurance, because if something were to happen to you, and you couldn’t work for a while, you’d still want to protect your family’s lifestyle.

Spring is a great time for brightening your physical space — and your financial one, too.

GILFORD

NICK TRUDEL, ChFC®, AAMS™ , CRPC™, FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 293-0055

nicholas.trudel@edwardjones.com

28 Weirs Rd., Suite 1, Gilford, NH

LACONIA

BENJAMIN J WILSON, CEPA®, AAMS™, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

(603) 524-4533

benjamin.wilson@edwardjones.com

386 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH

LACONIA

JASON R POCHILY

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

(603) 524-4533

jason.pochily@edwardjones.com

386 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH

MEREDITH

DEVON SULLIVAN, CFP®, ChFC®,

CRPC™ , FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 279-3284

devon.sullivan@edwardjones.com

164 NH Route 25, Unit 1A Meredith, NH

MOULTONBOROUGH

KEITH A BRITTON

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

(603) 253-3328

keith.britton@edwardjones.com

512 Whittier Highway, Suite 1

Moultonborough, NH

Investing is about more than money.

At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s important to you?” Without that insight and a real understanding of your goals, investing holds little meaning. Contact your Edward Jones financial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals.

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

This series of Letters From God is an attempt to put the thoughts of God as revealed in the Scriptures.

Letters From God Letters From God

3:16-17).

QUESTION:

What Are The Beatitudes And Why Did You Write Them?

Ah, you have been reading my book, the Bible! I’m so excited! I wrote my Book so that I could speak to you and share my heart and my thoughts.

I would love to walk and talk, among you as I did with Adam & Eve, when I created them (Genesis 1&2) but because of your sinful behavior you couldn’t handle it (Genesis 3).

Just as you can’t look at the sun directly in all its brilliance without you being physically harmed, so too you who have sinned can’t see me in my holiness. My brilliance far exceeds the sun and would take your life if you were to see me in my glory (Exodus 33:20). That has not stopped me from seeking relationship and fellowship with you, my created children, in other ways.

My primary way is to communicate with you through the written word. I had over 40 authors, over 1,500 years, from 3 continents and in 3 languages, compose my thoughts to you. They are all contained in the Bible, in which I revealed how your history began and how it will end. It tells one story because though there were many authors, I inspired all of them to write what I wanted you to know (2 Timothy

With respect to the word “beatitudes,” it was given as a title to the message spoken by my Son Jesus, who visited the earth he created, in order to be with you, communicate my thoughts to you and to give his life to pay the penalty for your sins. For all who receive his gift of forgiveness of your sins, you can be restored to a relationship with me, and life that I alone possess and long to give. Of course, he was with you in a veiled form. He took on himself a body like yours and though he shared deity with me, along with the Spirit, his glory was veiled by his human form so that you could look upon him and not die (Philippians 2:5-11).

On one occasion when he was teaching and revealing my will to humanity, he gave a series of attributes that if you possess them, you would be enabled to enjoy my blessings from heaven. To be blessed is to have my favor. It is to enjoy the benefits I bestow that will give you fullness of life even in your dying world, but also eternal life that will be experienced perfectly. When you die and enter my presence you will know the absence of any manifestation of death, including pain, suffering, loss and physical death. I will recreate a new heaven and earth in which there will be no possibility of anything less than perfection life. All of you long for life now and for eternity, yet you are facing death every day in

many ways. Imagine, that with my blessings you can, during your lifetime, miss deadly physical, mental, emotional and spiritual “land minds,” that others will fall prey to, because they never knew my blessings and my protection. Then imagine that at the moment of death, I carry you to that place of perfect life with no death. Those are the blessings my son Jesus was speaking about when he uttered the words of what you have come to know as the “Beatitudes.”

This word simply means supreme blessedness. There are 9 of them and they are found in the book within my book, that I asked Matthew to write. It bears his name and it is in the 5th chapter. If you look closely, each of these attributes that promise my blessings describe a progression from being spiritually separated from me, with none of my blessings, to being a mature Christian man or woman who will experience all of them.

During the next weeks, I would like to explain each of them to you so that you can understand what the attributes are, which you must possess if you hope to have my blessings. I will also make it clear how you can appropriate each attribute if you so choose. Finally, I will show you what the unique blessing will be for you, who receive each attribute possessed.

I trust you will be attentive and listen in order to learn. My son Jesus, spoke them and

I had Matthew write them so that you can learn how to be restored to me and enjoy the eternal life I, my son Jesus and the Spirit can give. You and your world are dying. We have made a way for you to live. We have done all that we needed to do to make your life and eternal life possible. You must now choose to humble yourself, recognize your need and appropriate the rich benefits we have secured for you.

As I close, may I remind you that if you accept my son’s provision, when you die you will no longer need to relate to me by faith and by reading my written words to you in my book, the Bible. At that time, because your sins will be forgiven and since you accepted the provision of my son to pay your full penalty, you will again see me face to face (Revelation 21:1-5).

I will give you new eyes that will be able to see me in my glory and not die. Then we will walk together in perfect life, with no possibility of death, forever (Revelation 21:22-27).

I love you, God

These letters are written by Rev. Dr. Sam Hollo of Alton, NH.

keep yOur eyes Open

by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer

There is a little pond I drive past on my way to work. By little pond, I mean tiny. Maybe the size of a basketball court. It’s probably man-made and it’s fenced off because it is on the property of a condominium complex.

It is pretty much right along the road, however, so I get a good look at it when I drive by. Usually, there is nothing of note in terms of birds or other wildlife. Every once in a while, a few Canada geese or mallards can be seen swimming along the surface. One day, I saw both Canada geese and mallards. I know, not very exciting.

But the other day I did see something on that tiny pond that made me look a little longer as I drove past. It was a pair of wood ducks effortlessly gliding along the mirrorlike surface. The pair swam side-by-side with the male in front of the female – at least from my point of view. During my drive-by, the ducks were near the right edge and swimming toward the middle of the pond. It was like looking at a painting.

The male was resplendent in his breeding attire. Even at 30 mph and dozens of yards away, I could see his awesome coloration and design. There is

nothing quite like a male wood duck, especially when it’s been months since you’ve seen one. The female was just as gorgeous although more modestly dressed.

It was a good reminder to always keep your eyes open for good bird or wildlife sightings. You never know what you will see or where you will see it. This is particularly true during migration periods when tired birds will land at the next convenient stop, or birds looking for breeding grounds will drop in and give an area a test run.

This is true of all birds, of course, but it is particularly noticeable with ducks because they are so conspicuous on the open water. It’s not like a tiny warbler flitting among the leafed-out canopy of the vast forest. Ducks are out there for everyone to see.

That said, some ducks, like the wood duck, are also masters at hiding among the vegetated areas of ponds and silently navigating their way among the reeds and cattails. Birds such as common mergansers do not have that luxury. They are larger, brighter and typically on the open water, not lurking along the edges. Food sources for diving ducks are usually in the middle of a lake or pond, so that is where you’ll find those ducks. Smaller divers, such as hooded mergansers, can sometimes get away with stalking the edges, but even they are most often found in more open water.

Be sure to check out the small ponds over the next few weeks as the spring migration takes hold. I know of several ponds that are void or nearly void of

wildlife most of the year but often hold birding surprises during migration. One small pond at a cemetery I drive through occasionally will have the odd great blue heron, in addition to mallards and geese, during the summer and is frozen in the winter. But for a few weeks each fall and spring, ducks such as ringnecked ducks, hooded mergansers, American black ducks and even redheads show up and stay for a few days.

The wood ducks I saw the other day got me excited for the spring waterfowl migration, which is already well under way. Wood ducks are a common species of low conservation concern, and I can’t even count how many I’ve seen already, but it is one of those species that always gets the heart racing when you see one.

A male wood duck swims across a pond in New England.

Not So LoNg Ago ...

Exploring ThE lEgEnd & lorE of our graniTE STaTE

neW HAMpsHire

pArt Of MAssACHusetts

?

sAy it Ain’t sO!

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer

Natives of New Hampshire are not always excited to see people from Massachusetts moving to New Hampshire because they don’t want our state becoming like the commonwealth.

New Hampshire’s first four towns, however, welcomed the oversight of Massachusetts over them for needed protection and a sense of order in the colony.

An article by Professor E.D. Sanborn in the Volume I,Number 2 issue of The Granite Monthly magazine in June of 1877, entitled “ Union of New Hampshire and Massachusetts” explained the significance of that union.

The year was 1641 and the population of all of New England was about 20,000 with 200 of them being voting citizens of the four New Hampshire towns of Dover, Exeter, Hampton, and Portsmouth.

According to Sanborn the 20,000 had come to New England mainly

from England over a period of twenty years in one hundred and ninety-eight ships with only one ship being lost at sea.

Mr. Sanborn seems to paint a picture of New Hampshire’s first settlers that is not especially complementary. He wrote, “The early history of New Hampshire was full of disorders, political and religious. For the first seventeen years the colonists had no rest in church or state. They were too weak to punish great criminals, and too factious to exclude unworthy preachers. Their social feuds did not lead to open war, though they sometimes threatened it.”

John Mason had been made the propri-

etor of New Hampshire, but he was an absentee one and he died in 1635. Mason’s heirs hired agents to care for his property, but they apparently didn’t to a good job of doing so, and had to contend with others claiming some of the same land. Sanborn expressed amazement that the settlers in the first New Hampshire colonial towns, “without governors or overseers,” could have survived at all. Looking at the oversight of Massachusetts as being a saving factor for them, he stated, “It is matter of astonishment that they had not, before this date, been swept away by cold, hunger, nakedness, pirates, savages or domestic thieves.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Holy Thursday March 28: 7:00 P.M. - Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday March 29: 7:00 P.M. - Veneration of the Cross

Holy Saturday March 30: 7:30 P.M. - Easter Vigil

PLEASE NOTE: NO 4:30 pm SATURDAY MASS

Easter Sunday March 31: 9:30 A.M. - Easter Mass

Such were the founders of a sovereign State. Poor and powerless as they were,they were cordially welcomed by Massachusetts.”

Some of us may question the implication that those first few Granite State colonists could not have survived without Massachusetts; nevertheless they became under that state’s jurisdiction and Massachusetts law became New Hampshire law. Each of the four original New Hampshire towns had been self-governing and their faith in God was certainly a big factor in sustaining them through the difficulties of building new towns in a strange environment.

Postcard showing Endicott Rock monument from years past.

524-5222

by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

Consider the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics.

Those games left the city almost $2 billion in debt. There was also a string of mismanagement and corruption scandals that created a legacy of regret and remorse, along with perhaps the greatest white elephant of a stadium ever built.

It can be hard for democracies, nowadays, to run such events. Say what you will about dictators, they did make the trains run on time and kept whacko activists out of sight.

Germany’s Adolf Hitler stopped persecuting Berlin’s Jews during the 1936 Olympics. Leonid Brezhnev and the Soviets put on happy Russian faces for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Chinese Communists shut down factories in 2008 during the Beijing Olympics so the skies would be blue. And California Governor Gavin Newsom actually cleaned up San Francisco to better welcome a visit from Red dictator Xi Jinping in 2023.

It’s harder for nonauthoritarians to get things done. There’s that pesky free press. And unions! As was the case in Montreal, the 2004 Athens Olympics featured officials pushing workers to complete venue construc-

tion with only hours to spare.

This brings us to France, which—unlike Communist China, Nazi Germany, or the Peoples Republic of California—is nonauthoritarian. France is less like Russia and more like Greece or Canada.

The 2024 Paris Olympics come on the centennial of the 1924 Paris Olympics—the “Chariots of Fire” games. (Check out that sports movie if you’ve never seen it. It won the 1982 Academy Award for “Best Picture.”)

But the Olympic sports world was less complicated in 1924 when 3000 athletes converged on Paris. There were only 17 sports then, five less than in 1920. In 2024 almost 11,000 athletes will compete in greater Paris in 32 sports. An anticipated half million spectators have already purchased around 10 million event tickets.

So, a lot of wine and cheese (vin et fromage) will be consumed. But more importantly, beds and accommodations will be in demand.

Speaking of beds (des

lits) , greater Paris is presently awash with countless bed bugs— a veritable plague of mites. What sports will be most impacted by bed bug bites? We’ll soon find out.

Then there’s the inevitable labor strife.

Employees of France’s national rail system have been striking, intermittently preventing the trains from running on time. Labor will certainly have some leverage come July 26. But French farmers also have newly prominent profiles, as they’ve been protesting the numerous rules and regs with which they have to comply. To first get attention, farmers peacefully turned road signs upside-down last year. Then they started blockading major cities with hay bales and tractors, greatly restricting traffic. Will the French farmers raise hell (enfer) this summer?

And stand by for whacko activists in Paris. We’ve already seen climate protests, as one organization known as “Food Response” (Riposte Alimentaire) tried to throw red soup over the Mona Lisa in January.

Inevitably the current Paris housing crisis will only get worse. Many tenants have been evicted from flats (appartements) so landlords can make windfall profits during the games.

While hotels have

The sports columnist at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris in 2022.

The Simple Feast

WHO’s BOB?

The Simple Feast Simple

by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer

I can’t remember who asked the question but as I have explained to anyone who asks, his full name is “Bob the Blob.” Why?

The Simple

Because of his nondescript oatmeal-like color and ability to change shape depending upon his mood. Which, coincidentally, is dependent upon his environment (warm or cold) and his feeding schedule.

This story begins on the evening of Thursday, February 8th, 2024. It was the monthly meeting of the Cookbook Club at a local library. Attendance had waned over the last few monthly meetings so they were coming up with ways to reinvigorate the group. Hoping to increase participation, the concept was floated to invite a guest speaker one month, then participants are to make something based on the presentation and share it at the following month’s gathering. It seemed like a great idea.

Well, the first part of their plan was well received, the February meeting on Sourdough Starter was at-

tended by two dozen or more. If success is to be measured in numbers alone then this was certainly a victory. Huzzah! The presenter was knowledgeable, well versed in the subject of Sourdough, and she was very open to questions. The presentation was methodical, concise, and engaging. And, there were delicious samples of Sourdough breads and baguettes to try.

The March meeting is on the 14th, so we shall see how the second half of the plan plays out.

At the end of the Sourdough presentation we were each given a zipper sandwich bag with what appeared to be a small handful of opaque milky white paint chips. This was my

first introduction to “Bob”. Now, I have to say, at this point I was excited. I was ready to go home and get started, having visions of every nook, cranny, and open countertop piled high with Sourdough breads, rolls, and baguettes. It would be the answer to what was calling my soul. My foray into Sourdough was about to begin.

But then that little voice of doubt came creeping in saying, “Whoa dragon! Not so fast!” Only to be reinforced as I talked it up among friends who too enjoyed baking and cooking. The replies were unanimously encouraging while laced with a touch of that unmistakable, “Better you than me!” tone. Comments ranged from, “Well, that’s

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wonderful! I hope you are successful in that.” and, “That’s great! I just don’t have the time for something like that.” to, “Oh, good for you, that sounds like fun. I tried it once but I couldn’t keep it alive.” Hearing these remarks I began to scratch my head, wondering, “How hard could this be? Everyone makes it sound like it’s some sort of chore to keep a jar of spoiled flour paste on the counter.” HA! Little did I know!

“Bob” was born on February 20, 2024. Now, for those of you doing the math, yes, you are correct, it did take me nearly two weeks to start my Starter. To say there was a bit of trepidation would be an understatement; I was

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hired sniffer dogs to try to detect those pesky bed bugs (punaises), it’s expensive, around €30 per room. I doubt most AirBnB operators can afford to deploy such animals (chiennes). Sleepers beware!

With all these and other challenges facing our French friends (amies), President Emmanuel Macron is undoubtedly looking at how other heads of state handled hosting the Olympics. Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau kissed many female athletes and sparred with male boxers and tried to enjoy himself in 1976— leaving Montreal Mayor Jean Drapeau holding a moneyless bag when it was all over. Trudeau’s liberals would go on to lose the 1979 national election.

So, Trudeau may not be a good model for Macron. And while Hitler, Brezhnev, and the ChiComs ran relatively smooth Olympics, Macron simply can -

Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was a frisbee whiz in the 1970s. His son, Justin Trudeau, is the current Canadian P.M

not deploy Napoleonic authoritarianism in 21st Century France. He just can’t channel an inner Xi Jinping (Gavin Newsom) to make Paris’ trains run on time. Or can he? If the Greeks could pull things off in 2004, one has to think the French can somehow do likewise in 2024. Regardless of how many pu-

naises Macron has to deal with.

No prisoners! (Pas de prisonniers!)

Sports Quiz

Where will the 2028 Summer Olympic Games be held? (Answer follows).

Born Today

That is to say, sports standouts born on March 14 include 1988 Olympic bobsledder Prince Albert of Monaco (1958) and Australian Olympic field hockey legend Clover Maitland (1972).

Sports Quote

“The swimming and diving were held in part of an old moat … it was the clammiest, darkest place with frigid water.” – American diver Alice Landon on facilities at the 1920 Antwerp Summer Olympic Games

Sports Quiz Answer

Los Angeles. (L.A. previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984.)

Welcome To The Great Northeast Boat Show!

Springtime is right around the corner and there is no better time to get ready to get out on the water with your new boat.

On Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, New Hampshire’s largest boat show and the largest boat show north of Boston, The Great Northeast Boat Show, takes place at the NH Sportsplex in Bedford, NH, providing those with the fever to get out on the lake this summer the best place to buy a boat.

“We have fifteen boat dealers offering seventyfive brands and two hundred boats” said Suzette Anthony who is the organizer of the event along with her husband Blair. “It is really the only boat show you will need to attend this year since all boats are on sale at the Best Prices of the Year.”

The Sportplex is 56,000 square feet and has been recently renovated and there is plenty of free on-site parking,

At the Great Northeast Boat Show you can compare a wide variety of boats, talk to experts,

dealers and manufacturers and take advantage of special deals and incentives on process and more. It is a celebration of the boating lifestyle featuring everything needed, wanted or desired by the boating enthusiast.

A one stop shop, showcasing everything from power boats, jet skis, jetboats, docks, canoes, kayaks, runabouts, fishing boats, paddle boards, pontoon and deck boats.

“This boat show has grown in popularity over the years,” said Anthony. “We expect to be drawing thousands from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont since the proximity to all of these areas is very convenient.”

Additionally there will be many other companies supporting the boating lifestyle as well as informative booths to educate the boating enthusiast.

Admission is $15 (good for all 3 days) for adults and children under 16 are admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available at the door and online at greatnortheastboatshow.com

March 15-17 is the perfect time to buy a boat-Just in time to get ready for summer! LIFE IS GREAT IN A BOAT!

Boat Show Hours:

Friday, March 15, Noon-6pm

1

10

3

11

SeaRay

Starcraft

Starcraft

Saturday, March 16, 10am-6pm

Sunday, March 17, 10am-4pm

Admission :

Adults - $15 (Good For All 3 Days.) Children under 16 - No Charge (must be accompanied by parent). Buy your tickets online at greatnortheastboatshow.com/tickets

Location: NH Sportsplex, 68 Technology Drive, Bedford, NH.

Directions: Everett Turnpike Exit 13 (non toll road/Manchester Airport Exit) follow signage for S. River Road (Route 3) NH Sportsplex is located behind Sullivan Tire on Rt 3 South River Road. Turn from Rt 3 onto Technology Drive.

2024 BOAT SHOW EXHIBITORS

BILLERICA MOTORSPORTS

Booth 16

Authorized dealer for Scarab Jet Boats and Sealver Waveboats.

Billericamotorsports.com

CHAPPELL TRACTOR

Booth -Front Entrance Chappell Tractor is an authorized Kubota, New Holland and Mahindra Dealership serving the Brentwood, Milford and Concord NH area. You’ll Notice The Difference!

Chappelltractor.com

COMPARISON INSURANCE

AGENCY: A LIBERTY MUTUAL COMPANY

Booth Front Entrance Boat and Jet Ski Insurance. laura_Scala@ comparisoninsurance.com

CONTOOCOOK RIVER CANOE COMPANY

Booth 15

A wide assortment of ca noes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards (new and used). Let our experienced staff pair you with the right boat.

GOODHUE BOAT COMPANY

Contoocookcanoe.com

EAST COAST FLIGHT CRAFT

Booth 1

East Coast Flightcraft is one of the top dealers in the world for both Malibu and Cobalt. As a family owned and operated dealership we take great pride in our products and service. Locations throughout the Northeast. Displaying Malibu, Axis and Cobalt. East Coast Flight Craft brings you the ride of a lifetime!

eastcoastflightcraft.com

Goodhue Boat Company’s mission is to create an exceptional boating experience for our customers by providing unparalleled service and products. Displaying Cobalt, Chaparral, Boston Whaler, Mastercraft and Sylvan Pontoon Boats.

goodhueboat.com

GRANITE STATE DOCK AND MARINE

Booth 25

Award winning family owned boat dealer, proudly servicing the greater New England area for over twenty years. Displaying Berkshire and Manitou pontoon boats, Seafox and AlumaCraft boats.

granitestatedockmarine.com

HAMLIN’S MARINE

Booth 23

For over thirty years Hamlin’s Marine has delivered

2024 BOAT SHOW EXHIBITORS

on a simple promise...”If you purchase a boat from us, we’ll always be there when you need us.” Hamlin’s Marine offers convenience and assurance with our locations in Waterville and Hampden, Maine with boat sales, services, storage and rentals. Displaying Weldcraft Boats. hamlinsmarine.com

IRWIN MARINE

Booth 11

Irwin Marine servicing New Hampshire since 1919. Boating is our passion...Service is our business. Full service Marina with three locations in Laconia, Alton Bay and Hudson, NH. Displaying Barletta, Starcraft, Sea Ray and Sunchaser Boats. irwinmarine.com

IRWIN MARINE

Booth 12

Irwin Marine servicing New Hampshire since 1919. Boating is our passion... Service is our business. Full service Marina with three locations in Laconia, Alton Bay and Hudson, NH. Displaying Sea Doo personal watercraft, Sea Doo Switch Pontoons, Yamaha Waverunners and Yamaha Jet Boats.

irwinmarine.com

LACONIA FLIGHT ACADEMY

Booth Front Entrance

Learn to fly at Laconia Flight Academy- A Premier Flight School located in the New Hampshire Lakes

Region laconiaflightacademy.com

MEREDITH MARINA

Booth 10

Meredith Marina is the Lakes Region’s Pontoon and Deck Boat Headquarters, featuring Godfrey Pontoons, Hurricane Deck Boats, Tige and ATX Surf Boats and Crownline. Marine Services- Sales, Valet, Rentals and Storage

meredithmarina.com

MONADNOCK BOAT STORE

Booth 3

Monadnock Boat Store with 2 great locations! The South Store in Rindge, NH and the North Store in Stoddard, NH. Monadnock Boat Store is your local dealer for Crest Pontoon Boats

monadnockboatstore.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE ELECTRIC BOATS

LLC

Booth 21

Since 1970 luxury cruising and entertaining without gas or engine sounds. See our newest addition 20 Foot Electric Pontoon Boat and cruise up to six hours. Other models cruise up to ten hours. Displaying Vision Electric Boats and Duffy Electric Boats. nhelectricboats.com

NH MARINE PATROL

Booth Front Entrance Boating Education and Materials. Handbooks, Buoy Stickers and Kid’s Handouts.

marinepatrol.nh.gov

NORTH WATER MARINE

Booth 24

Your family’s destination for all things boating! From Coach & Qwest

Pontoons to Carolina Skiff & Sea Chaser to Stingray Boats, we have your family’s next boat. Boats, Motors and Marine Services.

northwatermarinenh.com

PORT HARBOR MARINE

Booth 20

Our mission is to create theing products and services

New Hampshire does have a mandatory boating education law. Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a boating education certificate.

Boating

search /register for a class visit www.boatingeducation.nh.gov

Boating safety is a concern for everyone on the water. Boaters can keep themselves and their passengers safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways.

Visit our website at www.marinepatrol.nh.gov to learn more about New Hampshire’s boating la ws and regulations.

The program offers a one day class or evening classes.

Start enjoying your boating experience and remember to wear your life jacket!

To search / register for a class visit boatingeducation.nh.gov

Start enjoying your boating experience and remember to wear your life jacket!

that exceed our customers expectations. Displaying Grady White, Edgewater, Key West, Ranger, Regency, Sea Hunt, Sea Tracker, Tahoe and Tracker Boats.

portharbormarine.com

SHORE SIDE DOCKS

Booth 14

Boat docks, lifts, racks and accessories.

portharbormarine.com

TOWBOAT U.S.

Booth Front Entrance

A BoatUS unlimited towing membership is the best value and lowest priced towing service available. Take TowBoat U.S. with you on the water!

boatus.com/towing

TRI-CITY MARINE SALES, INC.

Booth 22

Displaying Princecraft Pontoons powered by Mercury Marine and Paddler King Compact Pontoons for smaller lakes.

tricitymarine.com

WINNISQUAM MARINE, INC.

Booth 4 and Booth 13

The Northeast’s Pontoon Boat leader featuring Bennington Pontoon Boats, Bayliner, Blackfin, Heyday Wakesurf, Monterey, Trophy and Viaggio Pontoons. Locations on Lake Winnisquam and Lake Winnipesaukee! Please stop by and visit our large well lit showrooms.

winnisquammarine.com

WOLFEBORO DOCK COMPANY

Booth 14

Shore Station Docks and Lifts

wolfeborodockcompany.com

US AIRCRAFT FINANCE

Booth Front Entrance

We specialize in providing tailored financing solutions for your marine needs. Trust us to navigate the waters of marine financing and embark on your next adventure with ease.

usaircraftfinance.com

MAndAtOry nH BOAtinG eduCAtiOn ClAsses

The New Hampshire Classroom Course covers a variety of topics including boat navigation, boating safety equipment, invasive aquatic species and laws and rules. This instructor-led class incorporates a range of learning methods consisting of lecture, videos, and student discussion

Upon successful completion of the course, students will leave with a boating certificate which is valid for 45 days. The permanent certificate card will be automatically mailed to the student’s address entered at the time of registration.

Who Needs Boating Education?

Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a valid boating education certificate. Age Requirements Students may register and take the course at 15 years old, although a boating education certificate will not be issued until their 16th birthday.

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY- HQS CONCORD

Saturday, March 23, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT WINDHAM

Saturday, March 23, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

MADBURY FD MADBURY

Monday, March 25, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm

MARINE PATROL- HQS GILFORD

Saturday, March 30, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY- HQS CONCORD

Saturday, March 30, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT WINDHAM

Saturday, March 30, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY- HQS CONCORD

Saturday, April 6, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT WINDHAM

Saturday, April 6, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

MOULTONBOROUGH PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

Saturday, April 6, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

KIMBALL LIBRARY ATKINSON

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm Plus, 1 additional day.

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOAT MUSEUM MOULTONBOROUGH

Saturday, April 13, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY- HQS CONCORD

Saturday, April 13, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

MARINE PATROL- HQS GILFORD

Saturday, April 13, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT WINDHAM

Saturday, April 13, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

LONDONDERRY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Monday, April 15, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm Plus, 1 additional day.

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOAT MUSEUM MOULTONBOROUGH

Saturday, April 20, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY- HQS CONCORD

Saturday, April 20, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT WINDHAM

Saturday, April 20, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

MADBURY FD MADBURY

Monday, April 22, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm Plus, 1 additional day.

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY- HQS CONCORD

Saturday, April 27, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

MARINE PATROL- HQS GILFORD GILFORD.

Saturday, April 27, 2024 9:00am - 4:15pm

WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT WINDHAM

Saturday, April 27, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

MARINE PATROL- HQS GILFORD

Monday, April 29, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm Plus, 1 additional day.

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY- HQS CONCORD

Saturday, May 4, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

MARINE PATROL- HQS GILFORD

Saturday, May 4, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

MOULTONBOROUGH PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

Saturday, May 4, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT WINDHAM

Saturday, May 4, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm

Madbury FD Madbury

Monday, May 6, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm Plus, 1 additional day.

BOBBERDOODLES

Portions About 23 Cookies Time: About 75 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks Butter (226g) cool room temperature

1 ¼ Cups Sugar (250g)

2 Egg Yolks

1/3 Cup Discard (75g)

1 tsp. Vanilla

2 Cups AP Flour (300g)

2 tsp. Baking Powder (10g)

¾ tsp. Salt (6g) omit if using salted butter

Cinnamon and Sugar in a bowl for rolling

-PREPARATION-

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

- Line three cookie sheets with parchment paper.

- Combine Butter with Sugar and blend completely. Add egg yolks, one at a time combining thoroughly then add in discard and vanilla and continue to mix until just blended.

- In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt (if using) and whisk together. Add the dry ingredients by the cup to the butter mixture and continue to mix until incorporated.

- In a bowl combine cinnamon and sugar. Using a scoop, make dough balls and roll each in the Cinnamon Sugar mix, then place on a cookie sheet about 2 inches apart (9 to 12 per cookie sheet). Bake each sheet of dough balls separately for 12 to 14 minutes (refrigerating remaining sheeted dough balls). Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

- Store in an airtight container. Author claims they are better the second day. Mine didn’t last that long.

FEAST from 13 true Gibson fashion, I dove in the only way I knew how… “CANNON BAAAALLL!!!”

downright apprehensive. After hearing these comments I began to read up on the subject. And the more I read, the more I wasn’t so sure I wanted to take on the responsibility of feeding, changing, and caring for this little life in a jar. After all, I was enjoying my “Empty Nest” years. (Yes, Junior is still living at home but he’s been relatively self sufficient for about five or six years now, living the life of a reasonably responsible adult.) In short, it had been quite some time since little lives depended on me to, well… keep them alive!

Mulling it over I decided to go for it. “What’s the worst that could happen?”, I reasoned. “I’ll have a jar of goo and I’ll be out a sack of flour and some water. Whoopie do!” And just like that, in

So far this adventure has been fun, and not just for me but for the whole family. Each day after feeding we all watch the jar to see if Bob doubled. (That’s a good sign.) Doubling tells us that the fermentation process is working. Wild yeast is being taken from the air and mixed with the daily dose of flour and water. But along with this daily feeding you will typically take some starter (called discard) out of the jar before feeding. This is important, especially if you are not using your Starter every day.

Fortunately, discard can be kept in the fridge and measured off as needed. Hence, Bob begat “Bob Junior” and too Bob begat “Bob the Third”(and, if I don’t start using more discard there

Cookie recipe at the Make it Dough website and since the only thing I changed was the addition of rolling the dough in Cinnamon and Sugar I have included the website: https://makeitdough. com/sourdough-sugar-cookies/#whatyou-need

tory.

So far I have been reluctant to try my hand at bread making. I lack the patience for the proofing process as well as a proper covered vessel to bake in. For now, I am finding the joy in working with Sourdough Discard and keeping Bob

alive and healthy, experimenting with recipes while building up my courage to break bread in a future Simple Feast… Enjoy!

may even be a Baby Bob begotten soon. (Or would that be a begotten son?) And while on the subject of Bob and his progeny, one thing I have found rather confusing is if Bob gave life to Bob Junior and Bob gave life to “Bob the Third” would that technically make “Bob” a Roberta? Or at the very least, a “Bobbie”? Perhaps I should just stick with the biblical term begat in this instance. However, this is the 2020’s, and if the mainstream media and feel good science is to be believed, “anything is possible.” I, for one, try to steer clear of such complicated matters. And, as usual, I digress.

Back to discard, I can tell you that Sourdough Discard recipes abound! In fact, one is fast becoming my favorite cookie. I stumbled upon this Soft and Chewy Sourdough Discard Sugar

Because I like Snickerdoodles better than Sugar Cookies I combined Cinnamon with the Sugar to roll the dough balls in. And using Cinnamon (and the Sourdough Discard) is what turns these Sugar Cookies into deliciously tender chewy Snickerdoodles or as I call them “Bobberdoodles”. The discard gives these cookies their signature tangy bite that would otherwise come from Cream of Tartar in a traditional Snickerdoodle. And the Cinnamon well, hopefully that is self explana -

St. André Bessette HOLY WEEK SERVICES 2024

Holy Thursday March 28: 8:00 A.M. - Tenebrae

(Office of Readings & Morning Prayer)

7:00 P.M. - Mass of the Lord's Supper

Good Friday March 29: 8:00 A.M. - Tenebrae - Sacred Heart

3:00 & 7:00 P.M. - Veneration of the Cross

Holy Saturday March 30: 8:00 A.M. - Tenebrae

8:00 P.M. - Easter Vigil

PLEASE NOTE: NO 4pm SATURDAY MASS

Easter Sunday March 31: 7:00, 8:30, 10:30 A.M.

SACRED HEART CHURCH

291 Union Ave., Laconia

New Hampshire M arine Patrol

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To search/register for a Boating Education Class visit our website at www boatingeducation nh gov or for information regarding boating laws and regulations visit www marinepatrol nh gov

Remember t o wear your lif e jacket!

by JoAnn Dersons Syndicated Columnist

* Use a muffin pan to make cookie cups for ice cream or fruit. Just flip your muffin pan over, and press dough over the upturned wells. It will puff up a little, but once it settles, they make very nice bowls. I do this with pizza dough as well. Prebake for a few minutes to form the bowl, then fill with ingredients and complete baking.

* If you can put a tension rod in the cabinet under your sink, you can use it to hang spray bottles for extra storage.

It’s amazing how much space clears up, and it’s easy to find the bottle you need.

* Got popcorn? For a healthier (and much less expensive) version, go old-school: Put popping corn kernels in a regular brown paper bag, seal the bag, then microwave.

* “Bread tags (the little plastic clips that hold bread bags closed) make great cord organizers when you are using a multiple outlet power strip. Write the kind of device (e.g. TV, Xbox, cable box) on the tag, then clip it to the plug end of the cord.

When you need to unplug, it’ll be easy to see which is which.” -- C.C. in Ohio

* Travel a lot? Make use of those shower caps by pairing up shoes and using the shower cap to hold them together while simultaneously protecting your clothes from the shoe bottoms. Smart!

* “I make plenty of cupcakes for my children’s various events, but I kept having unreturned cupcake carriers. Those things are expensive! I make my

own now, using a box lid. The lids for paper cartons work really well. Cut a cross into the lid top with a razor or carpet knife, and press down. Make it the size of a cupcake. Insert cupcakes and go.” -A.R. in Georgia

* Soak your metal tools in Coca-Cola when they get gummed up. It does a great job of loosening the gunk, and after a few hours in a Coke bath, you can almost just brush stuff right off. Makes you wonder about drinking it, but whatever works!

* If you get the Sunday newspaper, you likely get coupons. Perhaps there are others who would enjoy any coupons you don’t use rather than your recycling them. Ask your neighbors and friends.

* To make a cottage cheese dip, blend it in your food processor until smooth and add your dip flavoring packet or season with flavors as you would sour cream.

* If you have a smartphone (or just a cellphone that takes pictures), here’s a novel way of keeping track of printed information: Snap a quick pic. This works for store hours (get the store name in the picture with the hours), receipts, sales advertisements for reference when shopping and much much more. You can delete the photo when you are done.

up,” explains electrical engineer Lee Cordner, “They’re able to sell the excess power ... into the grid exactly when the grid doesn’t need it. The grid is then inundated with solar power and can’t use it all. Nonetheless, they get paid a very high price for that power.”

Nice for homeowners.

Taxpayers pay for rich people to have a highly subsidized solar system. I put panels on my house partly because of a tax credit.

But I don’t delude myself by thinking that solar power will measurably reduce climate change, or that wind power is especially green.

“Just to produce one turbine, we have to extract 900 tons of steel, 2,500 tons of concrete, and 45 tons of non-renewable plastic,” explains ecologist Merlin Tuttle. “Then we’ve got to transport that and burn fuel, getting it all carried across the world. None of these things that go into a turbine are renewable.”

And they wear out. Turbines now get shut down in just 10 years for maintenance. Maintenance costs almost as much as a new turbine, but it’s worth it to “green” companies because of government handouts.

Biden announced an $11 billion subsidy to “bring clean energy into rural communities.” That mostly encouraged people to put wind and solar in inappropriate places.

Solar power makes sense in America’s south, and other sunny places. But an above average number of solar subsidies go to Minnesota.

In the documentary, a Minnesota resident laughs and says, “The state is about to give

me a whole bunch of subsidies to ... build solar in scenic, sunny Minnesota.”

The “Juice” series highlights the stupidity of government throwing money at “green” schemes pushed by the politically connected.

When solar and wind

become more efficient, they’ll be cheaper and people will adopt them on their own.

Politicians should stop their destructive meddling.

You can watch the full documentary at JuiceTheSeries.com.

STOSSEL from 7

Intrigue AI mimics the cerebral cortex of the human brain to quickly and more accurately ‘fill in’ the gaps produced when our hearing system falters.

• Replicates how our “normal” auditory system works.

• Distinguish words and speech more intuitively and naturally.

• Hear soft sounds without distracting noise.

• Reduce the effort it takes to listen and hear.

E.D. Sanborn emphasized the influence of the Puritan Church in the affairs of the people in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in Colonial days. There are alarmists in today’s world who are concerned about Christian nationalists, but even within a democratic republic people are going to want their own ideologies, whether it is the Christian faith or some other religion or worldview, to dominate the enacting of laws and policies. The Christian influence in New Hampshire’s first towns and in the establishment of State and National constitutions should not be forgotten.

Sanborn asserted that the Rev. John Cotton, whom he called the first minister of Boston, had said that “the government (of Massachusetts) might be considered a theocracy, wherein the Lord was Judge, Lawgiver and King.” There was not a separation of church and state in Massachusetts or New Hampshire in those days, though we cannot claim that there is complete separation of the two in today’s world either when we see the President of the United States and other politicians campaign from church pulpits. But in those early settlements there seemed to be no aversion to the local governments being established by the church or the church dictating the affairs of government. There was no state or national Constitution or by-laws to restrict the interaction of church and state.

Sanborn did see advantages in the New Hampshire towns joining Massachusetts.

“New Hampshire,” he said, “was elevated in

morality and strengthened in government, with her connection with the larger and stronger state. She also borrowed her school system, her academies and college from the same source. Free schools were established in Boston in 1635.” He was in praise of both states for providing free education for both boys and girls, and rich and poor.

The grant to John Mason of the land that is now New Hampshire was vague as to exactly what land was included, so in 1652 the government of Massachusetts sent Captains Edward Johnson and Simon Willard, with surveyors and Indian guides to determine where the northernmost part of the Merrimack River began. The Indians had told them it was at the northern outlet of Lake Winnipiseogee which they called Aquedocktan. As a result of this survey team we now have Endicott Rock at

in its earlier years indicate a desire to give adults more free range. The Granite State had imitated Massachusetts, he stated, by regulating social intercourse, manners and dress by sumptuary laws. “In Massachusetts,” he wrote, “the drinking of healths, the use of tobacco, the wearing of long hair, the use of gold or silver lace, unless the wearer was worth two hundred pounds, were offences presentable by the Grand Jury...These minute and vexatious laws were adopted for a time in New Hampshire. They disappeared with increasing light and culture.”

the channel from the big lake in the Weirs, with the initials of the captains, E.J. and S.W. upon it, along with the name of Massachusetts governor John Endicott, marking what is thought to be the white man’s first exploration of the area. And then there is a tree in Sanbornton that was supposedly marked by the same crew to show the northernmost point of Mason’s grant, and thus the northern boundary of the property of Massachusetts. The Indians were in error in that the Merrimack River is partially supplied with water from the Pemigewasset with origins much further north.

I heard something about a bill being introduced into the New Hampshire legislature here in 2024 to make some kind of a law permitting parents to raise “free range children.” Professor E.D. Sanborn’s 1877 article about New Hampshire’s ties to Massachusetts

LACONIA PUTNAM FUND PRESENTS

THE ROCKIN’ DADDIOS will be a blast from the past! Bringing a nostalgic 50s and 60s vibe to the stage with over 30 years of experience performing together. Plus, show openers the SAZERAC SWING BAND will get the audience in the mood for a night of retro fun! Don’t miss on the chance to experience the Rockin’ Daddios and the Sazerac Swing Band live at the Colonial Theater!

SMITH

Rev, John Cotton

see. One run we did get to see a rainbow as we skied.

Kris appreciated that I brought an extra pair of rain pants for her to wear over her ski pants. It was also special for us to have the trails all to ourselves. Very few people chose to ski in the rain.

The next day was disappointing but the weatherman had warned us. We had spent the night at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel right at the base but we wouldn’t be walking to the lifts in the morning. The flash freeze accompanied by even higher winds than the day before

On the sunny cold summit of Saddleback, yours truly and Kris are bundled up tight. The big view of the surrounding mountains and snow covered lakes goes on forever. Saddleback is located near Rangeley, Maine and the ski resort has 2000 feet of vertical. Saddleback is on the Indy Pass.

had most all the ski areas in Maine closed for the day. Even the cross country ski trails at the Sugarloaf

Outdoor Center and at Rangeley Lakes were closed.

We enjoyed a long breakfast and then drove to Rangeley. More disappointingly, we didn’t see any moose along the way. We joined our friends in Rangeley at a house that one of the gals had rented and organized all the meals for a big ski weekend (thank you Peg).

Kris and I went for a

walk and ended up at the River’s Edge Sports and we spent a lot of time going through the album of photos of the hunters with their big moose and deer. There were a lot of deer that were well over 200 pounds!

The next morning the flash freeze had not let up yet, it was minus 7 degrees but it did warm up to 14. Some went to Sugarloaf and the rest

of us went to Saddleback. It was a super clear day and thankfully there was little wind. We skied all day with just a couple of warm-up breaks in the lodge. Thank goodness the groomers did an excellent job of making the rain soaked-frozen snow into nice loose granular ski-able snow.

The next day Saturday nearly everyone went back to Saddleback to ski. But a few of the gals decided to hike up to the firetower on nearby Bald Mountain. Rangeley is a pretty area, the big lake was ice and snow covered. There are beautiful mountains all around and the Appalachian Trail crosses over Saddleback and nearly to the summit of Sugarloaf on its way to Katahdin.

Saturday was a little busier but the lift lines were still small and they

Things you see when you rent a house in Maine--a moose foot coffee table.

Kris cruising down Black Mountain of Maine in Rumford. This wonderful small area has over 1,100 feet vertical and lots of glades. Black has a Nordic Center and a tubing park too. They have fantastic deals on lift tickets. L.L.Bean Days $45 Sundays and Black Mountain is on the Indy Pass. SkiBlackMountain.org.

Yours truly, Mindy, Peg and Kris riding the lift at Saddleback. Don’t forget to buy your season pass for next year for the best value! The prices won’t get any lower than they are right now.

PATENAUDE from 32

opened up a few more trails too, including the steep straight Tight Line Trail. Surprisingly I got Kris to ride the T-bar with me! It’s not her favorite lift and it went well.

Sunday morning we all headed home but Kris and I had one more ski day left in us. We

drove home through Rumford so we could ski at Black Mountain. No high-speed chairlifts but there is a nice triple chair that gives a good lift to the top and a fine view of the Sunday race series. The finish line announcer was precious, “nice work you almost beat your mother” and “you better stop

sunny warm days on the slopes. And lots of time spent together with friends on the lifts and together back at the rental house.

What a good time we had in Maine.

Have Fun.

now you’re a lot slower than your first two runs”--the race sure kept us entertained. Black had a lot of trails open and it was almost 45 degrees and sunny. We had fun skiing on the soft snow. We made ten runs before we called it quits. We experienced it all: rain, bitter cold and

METZLER from 7 Revolution toppled the pro-Western reformist Shah.

mantra of religious regulations promulgated but equally enforced by the ruling Islamic Republic. The massive women’s pro-democracy demonstrations which followed Amini’s death, ignited a long smoldering frustration with the theocratic regime in Tehran.

Now the long simmering revolt has reached another stage; nationwide Parliamentary elections for the Islamic Republic were overwhelmingly boycotted by voters, especially the young. Iran’s Interior Minister said 25 million of 61 million eligible voters cast ballots in the elections for the parliament and the Assembly of Experts, which chooses Iran’s supreme leader. The regime claimed a 41% turnout, the lowest since the 1979 Islamic

Interestingly former reformist president, Mohammad Khatami, (1997-2005) chose not to vote, having warned that Iran was “very far from free and competitive elections.”

Voter apathy was particularly evident in the capital, Tehran, which holds the most seats in the 290-seat parliament. In Tehran, only 1.8 million of the 7.7 million eligible voters, 24 percent, cast their ballots according to official figures.

Significantly nearly 400,000 invalid ballots, many blank, were cast, a sign of voter frustration. About 40 moderates won seats in the new parliament, yet the legislature remains overwhelmingly dominated by hard-liners.

Younger people are “tuned out” to the appeals and demands of the Tehran authorities whom they see as distant and socially discriminatory. Even though the wearing of the Hijab is mandated for women, a recent conversation with a young Iranian from a

provincial city outside Tehran told this writer that “almost all young women” are flaunting the rules and not wearing the headscarf. Yet he cites deep desperation and disillusion inside Iran where corruption runs rife and the future seems bleak even for an educated population. This 30 something fellow sees an internal collapse within five years.

The clock is ticking for the Islamic Republic of Iran, the authoritarian theocratic regime which has ruled this once respected land for 45 years. Iranians will soon celebrate the Nowruz, the Persian New Year on the first day of Spring. It symbolizes the triumph of Light over Darkness. Hopefully its a fitting metaphor for Iran’s future.

John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of Divided Dynamism The Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China.

liance is also hosting activities to promote the trades out of concern about gaps in the old building trades caused by retiring workers. Roundtable talks and educational sessions with seasoned trades professionals, plus apprenticeship and job postings will be offered.

Other topics include how to research your house’s history, window repair, plants for your older home, painted wall preservation, insurance, and home buying strategies, as well as demonstrations including timber framing, woodworking, wood finishing, upholstering and ropemaking.

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance strengthens communities and stimulates local economies by encouraging the protection and revival of historic buildings and places.

Passion For Old Places

The Old House & Barn Expo features individuals in the historic preservation movement that bring their personal passion to work on both landmark buildings and the “house down the road,” as well as energy to ignite a new generation of hobbyists and practioners.

•Jackson DuBois, interim director of the Timber Framers Guild, will speak on his journey to rebuild the spire at Notre Dame of Paris.

•Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, founders of Cheap Old Houses, will describe their adventures with their own fixer-upper as well as stories of others’ purchase and rehab projects in both city neighborhood and rural settings. The couple has 2.7 million followers on their social media platform.

•Tom Bodett, found-

er of Hatchspace, is a woodworking advocate who wants his Brattleboro, VT makerspace – and others -- to “leave the light on” for people of all ages. He built houses in Alaska as a young man, had career as a writer and humorist (including as a panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me!” and Motel 6 spokesperson), and is glad to be back working with his hands.

•Conservator David Ottinger will speak about discovering, uncovering and preserving rare c. 19th century painted walls. He is the co-founder of the nonprofit Center for Painted Walls Preservation.

•Attendees will also have a chance to learn about event host Saint Anselm College’s stewardship of the 1965 modern-style Abbey Church and the recent revival of the old boiler plant as its new Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute.

Help With Critical Choices

Overwhelmed by high heating bills, a sagging barn or too much inherited furniture? Experts at the Expo will offer practical advice and a boost in the right direction.

•Scott Hanson, Hanson Historic Consulting

will offer energy efficiency strategies in his talk, Snug as a Bug: Insulation and Ventilation for Historic Houses.

•Self-proclaimed “Furn Nerd” Caroline Alexander of Sunrise Vintage & Antiques will offer advice for using and deaccessioning old furniture.

•Ian Blackman, Rodney Rowland, Arron Sturgis, Steve Bedard and others in the old building trades will offer advice about how to evaluate, phase and address repair and restoration issues from foundations to chimneys. They will share how old houses are adaptable to address changing needs within a household or external issues like increases in severe weather.

•Henry Homeyer, garden expert and columnist , will talk about how to select and grow trees, shrubs and flowers that have stood the test of time for older homes.

New Preservationists

Just as the number of craft breweries continues to increase in New Hampshire, interest in old building-related crafts among younger people is growing too, according to New Hampshire contractors and designers.

•David Deysher of Coldwell Banker Real

Estate said that he sees more young families attracted to antique homes than he’s seen in the 25 years he’s been in business. “Like comfort food, older homes provide a comfort level, in many cases reminding them of their own youth and in many respects providing a sanctuary from the world we live in,” he said.

•With good planning, old houses can provide lots of flexibility. Post-pandemic work and lifestyle changes, and the lack of building stock for sale, are drivers in this. Experts tell us that adaptations in lighting placement, electrical service and Wi-Fi strength are often more important than other physical changes. Old buildings also can be divided up, offering “micro” home possibilities that are popular in cities like Portsmouth, Manchester and Concord and in rural areas. Many municipalities are stepping up efforts to require or encourage accessory dwelling units to ease the housing crisis.

•With craftspeople retiring, we need more young people entering the old building trades according to Understanding and Advancing the Preservation Trades, a recent report by UNH Cooperative Extension

for the N.H. Preservation Alliance and three of its statewide peer organizations. Surveys for the report highlight high job satisfaction and good pay as well. The Expo will offer informal and formal opportunities for prospects to discuss career paths. Exhibitors include North Bennet Street School, Heartwood School and other educational organizations, and the Preservation Alliance will showcase information on jobs, internships and scholarships.

•Historic buildings seem to be getting younger too. Thousands of post-World War II houses are now reaching that 50-year threshold of being considered historic. These homes are often of smaller size, which means greater affordability, and are characterized by distinctive styles, clean lines and use of new materials.

Tom Bodett, founder of Hatchspace.

tive as sophisticated as Thomas could in no way be Black.

And therefore, he could even be a racist and sympathetic to racists.

Absurd? Of course.

Is it demeaning and insulting to Thomas? Of course.

Liberals are not only very tolerant of sloppy thinking. They are also tolerant of sloppy journalism.

Mayer’s latest coverage, which she first reported in the New Yorker in 2017, appears under the headline “The Scandal of Clarence Thomas’s New Clerk.”

What is the scandal? Thomas has hired Clanton “who became notorious in 2015 for

apparently sending texts that said, ‘I hate Black people ... ‘”

“Apparently” is enough for Mayer and her liberal compatriots to convict.

When Pryor hired Clanton, who had a previous clerkship with Judge Corey Maze in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, seven congressional Democrats called for an investigation. An investigation was conducted by Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston of the Second Circuit.

The end of Livingston’s investigation of the incident was a green light for Clanton.

Livingston pointed out that both Maze and Pryor knew of the allegations when they

hired her, rejected their validity and found her to be highly competent.

As part of the Second Circuit investigation, Thomas sent a letter saying, “I know Crystal Clanton and I know bigotry. ... Bigotry is antithetical to her nature.”

Thomas and his wife, Ginni, have known Clanton for years and Clanton actually lived with them for almost a year.

If she was a racist, how could Thomas not know it?

Yet despite this, liberal journalists continue on about him hiring a racist as his clerk.

When will we realize that the real racism belongs to liberals who see every Black American as a liberal

mannequin, denying their uniqueness, integrity and individuality? When will we realize the disservice to Black Americans and all Americans in denying the humanity of Black Americans who are conservative?

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To

find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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One or more weeks at Orange Lake Country Club Resort in one floor unit. Enjoy water park, swimming pools, restaurants, golf and more on the days you choose not to go to Disney. Sleeps six, full kitchen, washer/dryer $2100, includes much. 978-371-2442 Feb, Mar, April weeks.

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Answers On Page 36

The Winklman Aeffect by John Whitlock