03/24/2022 Weirs Times by The Weirs Publishing Company

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

VOLUME 31, NO. 12

THE WEIRS, LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, N.H., THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

COMPLIMENTARY

Soft Plastic Collection Drive

Young Fahim Fazli (L) and a young Ukrainian boy. Seeing the young Ukrainian’s tears reminded Fazli of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 that tuned him into a refugee.

A Ukrainian Orphan And An Afghan-American Actor by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

Veteran Hollywood actor Fahim Fazli knows how to cry in front of a camera, but the tears he recently shed in front of his televi-

sion set were real. Fazli was watching video of a Ukrainian boy bawling his eyes out as this victim of Russian aggression crossed the border alone into Poland. The young lad was now a refugee, not

knowing if or when he’d ever return home. The poignancy of the moment struck a chord with Fazli, as earlier Russian aggression had once turned him into a refugee. Hence the authentic tears.

Fazli was twelve when the Soviet Union invaded his native Afghanistan in 1979. His mother was a mid-wife for Afghan President Haffizullah Amin. After Amin was murdered by See ORPHAN on 24

On Saturday, March 26, from 11am to 1pm, the Laconia-Gilford Lions Club joins with the Green Sanctuary Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Society in their latest soft plastic collection drive. It will be held in front of the Little White UU Church at 127 Pleasant Street in Laconia. They will be collecting plastic grocery bags, vegetable bags, bubble wrap, newspaper sleeves, bread bags, air packing bags, dry cleaning bags, wood pellet bags, ice bags, cereal box liners, plastic fills labeled with # 2 or # 4 recycling symbols. They ARE NOT collecting hard plastics and are no longer able to accept pet food bags. Each and every piece of clean plastic is sent to Maine via the way station in Hannaford’s in Gilford to be repurposed into composite decking and outdoor furniture. Each year their total collected increases. This is due to the Interact Club at LHS students plus the Taylor Community which have set up plastic collection bins and because of the efforts of many individuals and families.

& AD RE

SHARE ONLINE FOR F

THE

WEIRSTIMES.C

Starting Inside This Issue: IT’S SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT TIME!!

RE E

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

A-1 Firewood Quality Hardwood

• Green or Seasoned • Cut, Split & Delivered • Buyer of Standing Hardwood

www.a-1firewood.com

603-978-5012

—OBITUARY— WILLIAM BARNARD III, 79 William Amsden Barnard III (“Bill”), passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on February 27, 2022 in Concord, NH. Bill was born in Concord, July 3, 1942 to William Amsden Barnard II and Florence Barnard (nee Corson). He lived a full, adventurous life and loved to entertain people with his life stories. As a teenager, he was the bugler for the American Legion Post 31, a position he held through his high school graduation from Penacook High School in 1961. After graduation, Bill joined the United States Air Force serving four years as a jet aircraft mechanic specialist and honor guard member. Upon separation from the service, he was hired by the Concord Police Department, attending the first New Hampshire Police Academy, receiving the #1 class pin. Bill earned a degree in Criminal Justice and served the Concord community for 29 years, in various positions, working his way up from badge #35 to badge #1. He helped solve many high-profile cases including conviction of a Charles Manson accomplice and apprehending kidnapper Emanual Garrett. Bill retired from the Concord Police Department in 1991, and was recruited by NH Chief Justice to establish the NH Supreme Court security team and security procedures, which are still in use today. Bill was assigned badge #1 and served the NH Supreme Court for 28 years, retiring from the court in 2018. Upon retirement, the court retired his badge number. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying golf, offshore racing and big game hunting and fishing with his friend, the late Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox. Other passions included playing the trumpet, and collecting and driving classic cars. He was the sole proprietor of, Bear Hill Landscaping for over 20 years. He is survived by his wife Martha (Howard) Barnard; a sibling; nieces and nephews; and friends, including his dear friend Charlotte Johnson. He was predeceased by his parents, and sisters Margaret Mulcahey, Barbara Henderson, and Betty Ford. A Chapel Service will be held at 2pm on March 28, 2022 at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen NH 03303. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bennett Funeral Home of Concord, NH.

Education And The U.S. Constitution by Hal Shurtleff Director, Camp Constitution Alton, NH

A few years ago, I visited the Millis, MA public library, and perused their book sale table where a purchased for $1 a gem entitled History of The Formation of the Union under the Constitution: With Liberty Documents and the Report of the Commission. It was published by the U.S Government Printing Office in 1941 on behalf of the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission whose members included President Franklin Roosevelt. The book contains a chapter entitled “Questions and Answers Pertaining to the Constitution.” On page 128, we read: Q. The United States government is frequently described as one of limited powers. Is this true? A. Yes. The United States government possesses only such powers as are specifically granted to it. And: Q. Where in the Constitution is there mention of education? A. There is none; education is a matter reserved for the states. This was published by New Deal Democrats who signed off on the publishing of the book. What happened since 1941?

The only way for the U.S. government to have any legitimate or legal involvement in education is to add an amendment to the Constitution to make involvement in education constitutional, but such an amendment was never added. So, why is there a Department of Education and why does the U.S. government spend billions of taxpayer dollars- $79 billion in 2020-funding education? The Morrell Land Grant College Act of 1862 may have been the first time the U.S. government got involved with education. Named

after U.S. Representative and later U.S. Senator Justin Morrill from Vermont, it set aside federal land to build agricultural and mechanical schools. In 1867, under the Andrew Johnson Administration, the Office of Education was created for the “purpose of collecting information on schools and teaching that would help the States establish effective school systems.” Politicians violated the U.S. Constitution back then as well. And like all government entities, its power and influence grew incrementally. Senator Morrill was

at it again when the “Second Morrill Act” was passed in 1890 giving the Office of Education the job of administering support of the land-grant schools. Vocational education became the next major area of Federal aid to schools, with the 1917 Smith-Hughes Act, and the 1946 GeorgeBarden Act focusing on agricultural, industrial, and home economics training for high school students. The same year that the federal government published the abovementioned book stating that the federal government has no role in education, the New Deal Democrat controlled Congress passed the Lanham Act which, among other things, granted money to public schools around the U.S. The federal unconstitutional floodgate opened wide in 1958 when Congress passed the National Defense Education Act. This act was justified by its supporters due to the launching of Sputnik by the Soviets even though we already had the technology to launch our own satellites. In 1965, Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the Higher Education Act, See SHURTLEFF on 29

Our Story

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

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

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

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

Exploring ThE lEgEnd & lorE of our graniTE STaTE

Parents And Teachers In 1876

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

APACHE

Tax Preparation Prior Years Unfiled Returns Our Specialty!!!

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer

“To every person of common observation, one fact is painfully apparent, connected with the history of the past municipal year, viz., our common schools have not been of the character that could be desired. Many and flagrant have been the errors committed, and many- alas, too many – have been the failures in the conducting of our schools.” Those were the observations of Aaron W. Ayer of the town school committee concerning the Wolfeborough, New Hampshire schools in the year 1876. And Mr. Ayer was not the only town school official who found fault in their town’s educational system. C. R. Gould said of the Northfield schools, “In my best judgment there has not been a single instance of an entirely successful school in town during the year.” The New London observer, Charles W. Gay, opined “That the teaching of morals is sadly neglected in nearly every school is evident to the most ca-

Picture from the past of Lancaster, NH, teacher and students. sual observer.” Parker T. Smith, from Springfield, commented, “Our schools are not what they should be.” In fairness to the towns mentioned above I should point out that the 1876 Report of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for New Hampshire, from which I took the above quotes, only printed extracts from the school reports, not the whole reports. Furthermore, that doesn’t mean that they had nothing good to say about the schools. Part of the purpose of the State Superintendent’s report, as a whole, seems to have been to suggest ways to improve the schools, but it didn’t shy away from pointing out what was wrong with them. Teachers, parents, lack

of aids, and communities were all said to share blame when there were failures to succeed. Samuel Bowker of Salem felt that more teachers needed to avail themselves of a Normal School training, and advised them that there was such an institution in Plymouth. F.J. Peaslee of Newbury added that their teachers had been as competent as could be expected of those who hadn’t had Normal School training. He wrote, “We get as good teachers as we pay for.” Of teachers, from Rochester, the statement was “Not one in five...ever ought to see a school-room, except as scholars.” Tamworth reported having a few good teachers, with most of them be-

ing young and inexperienced, while Sanbornton echoed the fact of having young and inexperienced teachers who knew little about See SMITH on 26

How self-employed individuals can repay deferred Social Security tax How can low-income families register for monthly Child Tax Credit payments Focus on fraud: Romance and Remarriage in later years Late Filer? No Problem Statutes of Limitation for Tax Collection Protect Your Tax Returns from Past Years Why You Should Always File Returns for Past Years, Even if You Haven’t Filed In Years Time Limits for Refunds and Audits Remedies for Missing Tax Documents Are My Social Security Benefits Taxable? Records You Need to Keep

ApacheTax@yahoo.com 732-501-2985

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Civil War Technology Program At Meredith Historical Society

The Meredith Historical Society is pleased to announce its upcoming program on April 5th“From Guns to Gramophones: Civil War and the Technology that Shaped America”, presented by Carrie Brown. Carrie will explore the technological triumph that helped save the Union. Her program will focus on the critical and somewhat surprising role of New Hampshire and Vermont in producing industrial technology that won the war and changed American life. A resident of Enfield, New Hampshire, Carrie Brown holds a Ph.D. in American Literature and Folklore from the University of Virginia. She is an independent scholar who also works as a freelance history curator for museums in New England. Carrie has curated two exhibitions on the Civil War for the American Precision Museum, as well as exhibitions on the history of aviation, the early years of the automobile, and the bicycle. Karen Thorndike, President of the Meredith Historical Society noted that the Society is grateful to NH Humanities for their support in making this program possible. “What a great way to kick off the 2022 Program Series,” she added. The presentation on April 5th will be at the Meredith Community Center, 1 Circle Drive. Doors open at 6:30 PM for light refreshments. The program begins at 7:00 PM. All programs of the Society are free and all are welcome! For more information about the Meredith Historical Society and a complete schedule of upcoming programs please visit them on Facebook or at www.meredithhistoricalsocietynh.org

Artist In Residency Exhibit In Dover The Art Center in Dover, NH presents the “Artist in Residency Exhibition”, a fine art installation that showcases some of the best work of seasoned and up and coming seacoast artists. Artists Lillia Shuel, Lindsey MacMurdo and AJ Jessome and Printmakers Diane St. Jean,

Luccas Booth, Beth Wittenberg, Kristen Lanzer each spent four months at The Art Center in the Art Center’s Artist in Residency Program to create the body of work that is presented in this impressive collection. The show highlights several different styles of printmaking including monoprint, linocut, etching and collagraph. Photography, watercolor, oil painting and drawing are also featured. The exhibit runs through April 31st with an artist’s reception scheduled for April 9th from 6-9 PM. The Art Center located at the Washington Street Mills, 1 Washington Street, Suite 1177, Dover, NH

“Made In Plymouth” Exhibit Many people think of Plymouth as a sleepy college town, but at points in its past it was a hive of industry, manufacturing goods that were shipped across the country and around the world. On Saturday, March 26 the Plymouth Historical Society will launch “Made in Plymouth, NH,” its newest exhibit, featuring over a dozen industries — large and small — from Plymouth’s founding to today. While some goods were common items that were made in most towns, others were quite unique and surprising. Come and discover the histor y hidden in your own backyard! The exhibit displays include brief narratives, interesting photos and actual artifacts when possible. All are invited to the opening on Saturday, March 26 from 10am–1pm or to visit any Saturday from 10am–1pm through December. The Plymouth Historical Museum is located in the historic Webster Courthouse, just behind Town Hall and is handicap accessible. Admission is free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you.

Durham County Poets At Franklin Opera House Fr a n k l i n O p e r a House welcomes Durham County Poets on Saturday, April 9th, at 7:30pm. This lively, soulful group was born out of the vibrant music scene of Ormstown, Quebec-Canada, once called County Durham. These seasoned musicians, all of whom are also songwriters, mana g e t o wo r k t o gether individually and collaboratively in composing their music. Delving into a variety of styles and genres, their musical influences include a broad range of artists from The Band to Dire Straits, and from James Taylor to Muddy Waters. They have managed to weave it all together to create their own musical style They stand out for their original blend of blues, gospel, and folk. With four acclaimed albums under their belt, including their latest effort, HAND ME DOWN BLUES (September 2019), produced by Bill Garret, they have made it to several “Best-of” lists and charted on satellite and community blues radio stations. They have released 4 indie albums in 10 years with their latest-almost-all-blues effort receiving a JUNO nomination, followed by 2 Maple Blues nominations and a 2021 Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination for lead vocalist, Kevin Harvey. In 2020 they took home the Juno Award for Blues Album of the Year. Tickets are available now at franklinoperahouse.org or by calling (603) 934-1901. $16 Adults, $14 Seniors and students.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

F O O L NEW HAMPSHIRE A

in brendan@weirs.com

Live Free or Die.

*A FLATLANDER’S OBSERVATIONS ON LIFE

Central Baptist Church of Gilford, NH Independent, KJV

Just Rewards We have some cards pinned to our refrigerator by magnets. The cards are from local merchants we do business with. They are by Brendan Smith enticements to Weirs Times Editor keep us coming back to do more business with them The cards keep track of how many items we purchased and, when we get to a certain number of items, we are entitled to a free one or at least a certain dollar amount in goods. I have cards from other businesses as well that are of a handier size that fit neatly in my wallet along with the sturdier plastic cards from some other businesses that they swipe when I make a purchase at their store. When I reach a certain dollar amount, I am rewarded with a dollar discount which I can either use at once, or, if have the time and patience, continue to accumulate and cash in for an even bigger reward down the road. I sometimes daydream of that moment, having patiently watched over the years as my restaurant points climbed to epic proportions. In my daydream I have invited a bunch of friends out to dinner on me. “Your total bill was two hundred and fifty dollars, but with your rewards it is now only twelve dollars and sixtyfive cents,” says the nervous waitress who hopes I have the sense enough to realize that I am supposed to tip on the full amount, not just the discounted total. In my daydream, all my friends’ eyes turn towards me as the announcement echoes throughout the restaurant. Conversations at other tables stop and silverware is held is suspended animation. I rise,

entral Baptist hurch

plunk down thirteen dollars, then I turn to the waitress, a nervous drop of sweat on her upper lip. I reach into my wallet again and go to pull out a couple of dollars just to tease here a bit. Then I nod, pull out a fifty, place it on the table, give a wink and then stride towards the exit, head held high, my friends following a few feet behind, all other eyes upon me, having accomplished what so many others have failed to do. Finally a resounding echo of applause breaks out. After all, this is my daydream. Of course, in real life, I use up the discount on my very next visit, even if it’s just a couple of bucks. I like to use that age old, worn out saying that most people use when they are feeling the need for a little instant gratification: “Life Is Short. Why Wait?” Of course, these cards are good business for both the customer and the business owner. I have a tendency to keep going back to those businesses in order to get my well-deserved rewards. Spending twenty dollars for ten cups of coffee and then getting a free coffee does feel a lot better than it should. But, hey, it’s the small pleasures that make the day. The other night I laid out my plethora of cards, some from businesses not very close by that I stopped in during a drive to somewhere else. Of course, when offered their cards that would eventually get me a free 22-ounce coffee or a free “Super Submarine Sandwich” I would always say yes even though the odds of me visiting that business again are small. Still, you just never know (which is another of those age-old worn-out sayings for justifying something that you probably shouldn’t have done). I started to think that it would be a great idea if we

could incorporate rewards cards into other parts of our lives. Maybe the police, instead of just issuing tickets for traffic violations, could also be able to pull over a motorist who did something like let another driver who has been waiting for an opening into traffic or maybe for drivers who actually wait until it is clear to make a right turn on red, and then punch the drivers “rewards card.” Maybe if you get twenty punches you get fifty dollars off your next vehicle registration or even be allowed to have your license renewal photograph be taken a few times until you get one that you actually like. Just an idea. Maybe supermarkets could have someone in the parking lot who punches the card of every shopper who puts their cart properly into the corral. Ten punches gets you ten dollars off the next time they shop. Of course, there would be some great rewards card ideas that would be hard to get going, but good ideas just the same. It would be nice to have personal rewards cards we could give to others and reward them for things like common politeness. Not something that should really be rewarded, but, unfortunately, it does seem to be a fading human trait that might be extinct soon. Anything to give it a little boost again is fine with me. It would be nice to see a few of them on people’s refrigerators. Brendan is the author of “The Flatlander Chronicles” and “Best Of A F.O.O.L. In New Hampshire” and his latest book “I Only Did It For The Socks Stories & Thoughts On Aging” . All are available at BrendanTSmith.com.

401 GILFORD AVE.,GILFORD, NH • CENTRALBAPTISTNH.ORG

NOW ON SALE! BRENDAN SMITH’S NEWEST BOOK! “I Really Only Did It For The Socks Stories & Thoughts On Aging”

Order your autographed copy today for $16.99 plus $3 shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like.) Make out checks or money orders for $19.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: Socks Book c/o Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 Or order online at BrendanTSmith.com (Autographed copies also avail. at the Weirs Times)

NOW ON SALE!

BRENDAN SMITH’S NEW BOOK!

Skelley’s Market

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

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

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

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

“I Really Only Did It For The Socks Stories & Thoughts On Aging”

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

Order your autographed copy today for $16.99 plus $3 shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like.) Make out checks or money 374 Governor Wentworth HWY orders for $19.99 to Brendan Moultonboro, N.H.Smith 03254 and mail to: Socks Book c/o Weirs Times, Call 603-476-8887 • F: 603-476-5176 PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 www.skelleysmarket.com Or order online at BrendanTSmith.com (Autographed copies also avail. at the Weirs Times)

Skelley’s Market

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Denver Covers Up Lee Keltner’s Assassination Self-described “Progressive Prosecutor” Beth McCann, the district attorney of Denver, campaigned on a promise to “keep our city safe and provide equal justice for all,” “to rebuild trust” and “to keep open lines of communication.” Bullcrap. McCann’s syrupy sweet talk is a sick, twisted and deadly crock. The Mile High by Michelle Malkin City’s homicide rate is at a record high; Syndicated Columnist aggravated assaults are skyrocketing. COVID lockdowns decimated local businesses, but roving “homeless” agitators took over downtown Denver and turned it into a riot-friendly, drug-addled, violence-wracked empire. McCann vindictively prosecuted besieged motorist Jennifer Watson, who was attacked by George Floyd rioters blocking downtown streets, instead of prosecuting the thugs; a jury acquitted her on McCann’s most overblown charges. As many law-abiding citizens and I learned the hard way in July 2020, you can’t hold a “Back the Blue” rally downtown in Civic Center Park without getting ambushed and beaten bloody while cops stand by and do nothing. And as more patriots learned just a few months later in October 2020, you can’t peaceably assemble to support law and order without the risk of getting harassed by professional agitators, stalked by leftist media and killed. Last week, just as the high-profile case involving the assassination of Colorado patriot and cowboy hat-maker Lee Keltner was headed to trial after a 17-month delay, Progressive Prosecutor Beth McCann dropped murder charges against Matthew Dolloff, the Occupy Wall Street/antifa/Black Lives Matter sympathizer who fraudulently and illegally posed as a “security guard” for liberal local news station KUSA-TV (“9News”) before shooting Keltner in the face at point-blank range with a gun that the news station denies knowing he was carrying. After initially charging Dolloff with second-degree murder, Progressive Prosecutor McCann has now magically determined that “we are not able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” She will move to drop all charges at a pretrial conference next Monday and splattered the news across the local media before all members of Keltner’s immediate family had been See MALKIN on 29

Push Where There’s Mush There is no substitute for American strength. When America’s enemies find weakness, they exert pressure. And today, America’s enemies are finding weakness at nearly every turn. by Ben Shapiro Vladimir Lenin supSyndicated Columnist posedly stated that his preferred foreign policy strategy was to “probe with bayonets: if you find mush, you push. If you find steel, you withdraw.” Vladimir Putin follows the same strategy. This week, as his forces shell Kyiv and batter Kharkiv, Putin has been upping the ante. He has unleashed strikes against Ukrainian targets near the Polish border, tacitly threatening to attack a NATO member. He continues to leverage his natural gas and oil supply to hold Europe hostage. His foreign policy apparatus continues to threaten the possibility of wider war should the West send in further armaments including MiGs sufficient to repel the Russian invasion. He has reached out to China for support. And he has utilized America’s overweening desire for some sort of Iranian nuclear deal to press for American concessions on evading sanctions. All of Putin’s pressure has met with mixed response. The West has continued shipments of certain types of materiel, including Javelin and Stinger missiles. But this week, the Biden administration signaled first that it would allow shipment of MiGs to Ukraine, then backed off, claiming that such shipments might amount to escalation. Meanwhile, the West’s economic sanctions are being maintained -- but Russia announced this week that the United States had made written concessions that would exempt Russia’s ability to trade with Iran, despite Iran firing missiles at a U.S. consulate in Erbil, Iraq. What’s the chief message from all of this waffling? That the West’s threats are, at best, sporadically credible. Russia believes that if it ramps up the pressure harshly

enough on Ukraine and threatens the West enough with nuclear war, it will be able to pry out of Ukraine diplomatically what it has been unable to pry out of Ukraine militarily -- and Russia may well succeed. After all, Germans can’t continue to pay $8.25 per gallon for gas forever. At the same time, China, which has been playing both sides against the middle, is watching. China has been offering itself out as a “neutral mediator” between Russia and the West, despite the fact that China is an out-and-out Putin ally. China has been buying up troubled Russian assets at bargain-basement prices, strengthening both their connections with Russia and their portfolio -- and meanwhile, China has received little credible threat of blowback from the West, which does not want to exacerbate inflationary problems by intensifying supply chain issues. As The New York Times reported, “a consensus is forming in Chinese policy circles that one country stands to emerge victorious from the turmoil: China.” Investors are beginning to worry about the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Nonaligned countries are increasingly skittish about Western promises. It is no coincidence that as Team Biden reaches out to Iran via Russia, Saudi Arabia has declined to take Biden’s phone calls and instead reached out to China. It is no wonder that India, which buys exorbitant amounts of weaponry from Russia to counter China and Pakistan, has refused to denounce Russia. When the West wavers, it becomes a bad bet. Western deterrence already failed in Ukraine. If the West fails to reestablish deterrence in the next phase of global geopolitics, the results will be even more dire, and the realignment currently playing out will only accelerate -- to the detriment of the U.S. and her allies. Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire. com.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

A Principled Politician I dislike politicians. I don’t trust people who are so desperately eager to run others’ lives. But Rep. Ron Paul is different. He wants government to leave us alone. by John Stossel He promoted the Syndicated Columnist benefits of limited government and free markets long before I’d even thought about them. I first interviewed Paul in 2007. ABC News wouldn’t broadcast it. They only played it online. Now everything’s online. I like it better that way. This week I released a new, longer

video with Paul. Paul ran for president three times, losing first as a Libertarian -- and then twice as a Republican. The second time, he won 10% of the primary vote. I then thought Americans were finally coming to appreciate libertarianism. The New York Times Magazine even asked, “Has the ‘Libertarian Moment’ Finally Arrived?” That was the kiss of death. Libertarian candidates now get fewer votes than Paul got in 2012. “Did you make progress?” I ask him. Paul says his goal was to get people to think about freedom. He’s succeeded there, at least somewhat.

Rude Wake Up Call We knew it was coming. We planned for it. But then we calmly dozed off again. The rude jolt of the alarm followed by John J. Metzler the news of RusSyndicated Columnist sia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our second thought followed; What about our Energy supplies? Western Europe, including our NATO allies, have become dangerously dependent on Russian gas and oil for a generation. The USA far less so. So when President Joe Biden at long last cut American imports of Russian petroleum, the markets quaked, but soon rebalanced. Yet gasoline prices at the

Paul first got politically active in 1971, when President Richard Nixon took the U.S. dollar off the gold standard. “The money issue touches every aspect of liberty,” says Paul. “If you’re inclined to think that we’re in too many wars, well, there wouldn’t be -- if they couldn’t just print money for it.” Now the Federal Reserve does just print more money. When Paul first went to Congress, he says, “nobody cared about the Federal Reserve.” His presidential campaigns brought attention to the Fed, and the liberty movement, especially from young people. In fact, Paul came in first place among young people in almost every

pump for consumers and commerce spiked again. We all feel it. The recent jump in gasoline, what the Administration blatantly calls the Putin price hike is true; but only partially. American gas prices have been steadily rising a year before the Ukraine invasion. Last March 2021, the price stood at $2.88 per gallon. Then it moved a month ago to $3.52, and now spiked to $4.30. It’s a 75 cent rise since Russia’s invasion. American drivers now routinely face European gas prices. It’s all part of the forty year high in consumer price inflation which now stands at 7.9 percent! While I support closing the Kremlin’s oil spigot, why were we buying Russian fuel in the first place? Simply because we have by political

Republican primary. But now Sen. Bernie Sanders is most popular among the young. I remind Paul, “young people today say they prefer socialism to capitalism.” Paul responds, “There’s more socialist professors.” Although Paul was always anti-war, after 9/11, he joined the congressional majority and voted to send soldiers to Afghanistan. He wanted to find and punish the people responsible for the attack and get right out. “That did not mean (America) had the authority to occupy and try to transform Afghanistan,” says Paul. Yet that’s what American politicians See STOSSEL on 28

Energy Dependency

choice shut down U.S. pipelines and domestic production. The Biden Administration seems to prefer “cheap foreign oil” to reliable domestic production. About 8 percent of U.S. oil imports came from Russia last year. Thus while the Russian shutoff won’t cause serious problems in the U.S. it would be catastrophic for the Europeans who have become dependent on Russian energy. Russia’s major Druzhba pipeline pumps nearly a million barrels to oil a day to the European Union; Germany and Poland being major recipients. Thirty percent of Europe’s crude oil comes from Russia. Though the U.S. and United Kingdom banned future Russian oil imports, Germany and France could

not make such a commitment; they would face economic ruin. Besides petroleum there’s the more talked about natural gas which connects European countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Netherlands to the spiderweb of Russian pipelines, many dating from the Soviet era, which encourage the energy dependency. Firms like Russia’s Gazprom whose unmistakable advertising at any European soccer tournament subliminally reminds us of this connection. While we may say, hasn’t the controversial Nordstream II pipeline to Germany been cancelled? Now yes, but Biden gave it the green light only last year! And NorSee METZLER on 23

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Voted Best Hearing Center

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Letters From God This series of Letters From God is an attempt to put the thoughts of God as revealed in the Scriptures as they relate to individuals and the nation of the USA.

who vote leaders into office must themselves be humble and desire to have leaders who are humble. Both people and leaders must have hearts that forsake any form of evil or wickedness and pursues only what is right and loving. It must have leadership that is willing to give their lives for their constituents instead of sapping the life from their constituents (Mark 10:45). How is this possible you might ask? The human heart is sick and always moves towards selfishness and wickedness. Without me, God, this condition will always grow worse. Only through faith in my son, Jesus, and his sacrifice for your sins, can you be restored to a relationship with me (Ephesians 2:8-9). In dependence on me, you can not only be forgiven your sins but receive a changed heart that is good and leads with love instead of a lust for power at any cost (Ezekiel 36:26). You must remember that this is how you began. You were one nation under me, God, looking to me for blessings and relying upon me to mitigate the evil in the hearts of all, citizens and leaders. You’ve never done this perfectly but you did do it substantially so that over the years of your history I was able to limit the degree of sinfulness and leadership failure so that you could prosper and continue to be the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Have you noticed that since you began to abandon me, everything is collapsing in

your democracy? You’ve appointed leaders who have little or no regard for me. Many are believers in name only and observe ritual religiosity but not genuine faith. You have appointed others as leaders who openly defy me and my word and will. They rejoice in living according to their own ways even if I have declared that those ways are not only evil but will bring judgment. As a result, as I said in Matthew, “because of wickedness, the hearts of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12). Many of your leaders’ hearts are cold. The hearts of world leaders are cold. When one manifests weakness the other quickly uses the opportunity to rapaciously grasp whatever they desire regardless of the cost, especially of human life. You are witnessing this in Russia, attacking the Ukraine, as I speak. This behavior is thrusting you and the world into chaos. This condition will continue and only grow worse if you continue to reject me. Your only hope and the hope of the world is for you to bow before me, your creator God, and first seek forgiveness. Forgiveness for your sin of making yourselves God and forgiveness for the sinful deeds you’ve committed during this period of history. Then you must trust me for my power to change your cold and sinful hearts. If you seek me, you will find me if you seek with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). I will then give you a heart of flesh and replace the heart of stone. I will give you the ability to resist your evil desires and in-

Letters From God

QUESTION: It Appears That The Influence Of Democracy Is Waning. Will It Prevail? Your democracy is a magnificent experiment. It represents leadership by the people instead of by one or a few individuals. It is in fact a Republic, because through a democratic process you elect leaders to represent you in your houses of Congress. However, it is susceptible to fatal flaws. Whereas rule by one or a few can lead to tyranny so also rule by many is just as vulnerable. Leadership of any kind is dependent on the heart, character and nature of the leaders who are elected. If they are selfish and evil, they will rule with an iron fist and ultimately seek to control its constituents. These leaders may initially seek to give the people what they want but because their hearts lack selfcontrol and are filled with selfish desires and wickedness, they will rob the citizenry of their rights and desires and begin to assume oppressive dominance. At this point the democracy will be as flawed as any other form of government. It will enter into a tailspin of selfdestruction. What is the answer to this fatal flaw within a democracy? It’s a changed heart. Those

stead demonstrate loving and sacrificial desires to help and serve others. When your democracy is filled with men and women who not only live this way but vote for leaders who will encourage this way, you will be restored. You will experience even greater heights of success and prosperity. But if you fail to do this, you are sealing your fate. If you think your democracy and your past successes would deliver you, you are a fool. The future is in your hands and in your hearts. Turn to me and I will bless. Continue to turn away from me and you will reap what you sow. It will not be enlivening but deadly. I love you enough to say this and it’s true. God These letters are written by a New Hampshire pastor.

NO PRESSURE, NO GIMMICKS, NO KIDDING! 159 D.W. Hwy, Belmont, NH • 603-524-8821

Tennis & Fitness Club

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

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

KIDS TENNIS CLASSES: CL 6 WEEK SESS INICS ! IONS, Power Yoga, On AGES 3 & DROPS IN AVAIUP. LABLE. The Ball, Barre, ON-SITE E AR CHILD C LE B A IL AVA

FITNESS

THE PLACE FOR

FITNESS CLASSES! TENNIS

TRX/HIIT, Cardio X-train, Pilates, Zumba, Spin & Core

RACQUETBALL

KID’S CLUB

GILFORDHILLS.COM • 603.293.7546 314 OLD LAKESHORE ROAD • GILFORD

Tennis & Fitness Club 45,000 S Q. F T. FAC I L I T Y!

THE PLACE FOR

FITNESS CLASSES!

ON-SITE CHILD CARE AVAILABLE

POWER YOGA

KIDS TENNIS CLINICS ! 6 WEEK SESSIONS, AGES 3 & UP. DROPS IN AVAILABLE.

FITNESS

TENNIS

SCHEDULE CLASSES & CHILDCARE VIA OUR NEW ONLINE PORTAL! EQUIPMENT: Free Weights Cardio Room Nautilus Circuit Hammerstrength Basketball Court CLASSES: Power Yoga, On The Ball, Barre, TRX/HIIT, Cardio X-train, Pilates, Zumba, Spin & Core

RACQUETBALL

KID’S CLUB

GILFORDHILLS.COM • 603.293.7546 314 OLD LAKESHORE ROAD • GILFORD

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 — Serving ServingLaconia LaconiaDaily Daily

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

When Good Lures Go Bad by Tim Moore Contributing Writer

D.A. LONG TAVERN Always Lots Of Fun On Tap! EXCEPTIONAL CRAFT BEER LIST • COCKTAILS • WINE

GRAB A BITE TO EAT! Made to Order Pizza, Chicken Fingers Hot Dogs & French Fries

Explore our rotating draft selection with 12 carefully curated offerings!

TAVERN HOURS Open Every Day, year round

Open Daily At Noon Sun. - Thur. noon -10pm Fri. & Sat. noon - 11pm

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

All fish have a place and time that they bite best. It could be a particular profile that triggers them that day, or maybe a color. How they bite is dependent on many factors such as water temperature, clarity, and time of day. When one of these factors changes, so does the way fish behave toward prey items, like your lure. These abrupt changes in fish behavior can be frustrating, especially when your favorite lure isn’t working. Sometimes the most subtle change to your lure will turn things around. Have you ever fished your favorite spot, with your favorite lure, yet still can’t get a bite? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve cycled through lure after lure, trying to make fish bite on days when they were finicky. I have also had days

Some days fooling the fish you are after is a matter of offering them some variety. when I missed most of the fish that bit, yet never changed how I fished the lure I was using. Here are some tips that might help on

days like these. Northern pike are one of the best examples of moody fish. There are days when they will hit a pearl

New Hampshire Marine Patrol

Get your New Hampshire Safe Boater Education Certificate! New Hampshire has 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. The New Hampshire boater education course covers a range of topics from safety instructions to boat handling to reading the weather and prepares you for a variety of situations you could find yourself in while on the water. 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 to wear your life jacket!

Whisperer from Daddy Mac Lures on an offset hook with a vengeance, but let the water cool down a few degrees in a short period of time, and they won’t touch it. These are the days when many anglers begin cycling through different lures, trying in vain to trigger a response from wary fish. Well, this is when I break out a red permanent marker and color the sides of the Whisperer with it. White spinnerbaits are great for pike, but they also have days when the fish won’t hit them and the red marker often does the trick. Neatness doesn’t count, just a few scribbles of the marker to make your lure look wounded, or just different will often make it look too good for a fish to pass up. Spinnerbaits and spoons are known for causing short strikes. A short strike is when a fish hits the front, or head, of the lure and your line causes it to miss the hook. It’s a painful experience to have only one lure that seems to work that day, yet most of the fish that hit it are missed. One way you can prevent short strikes is to add a soft plastic lure to your hook. Short strikes are so common with spinnerbaits that some lure compaSee MOORE on 14

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

The Loon Center

& Markus Wildlife Sanctuary

World Cup Soccer 2022 at one college and then by the son at another? (Answer follows) Born Today That is to say, sports standouts born on March 24 include Dutch soccer goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw (1963) and NFL quarterback Peyton Manning (1976).

by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

Last week we wrote about the Russians being banned from international sports events such as World Cup Soccer. So when and where is the next men’s World Cup? The “when” is December of this year. The “where” is Qatar. So where is Qatar? This Arab emirate is on the west coast of the Persian Gulf, bordering on Saudi Arabia. Oil wealth has made the former British protectorate fabulously wealthy. The small nation is mostly desert with a hot and humid climate, especially from June to September, with daytime temperatures as high as 122 °F. That explains why the World Cup games will go in December. The event usually takes place in June. This will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab “world.” It will also be the last one with 32 teams, with the eight groups of four. In 2026 the field will expand to 48. It reminds me of NCAA March Madness which went from eight to 16 to 24 to 32 to 48 to 64 to 68. Is bigger better? Maybe. The more the Merrier. If March Madness still had only eight teams, then it wouldn’t be nearly as good. I’m reminded of the old Indiana High School basketball playoffs

Sports Quote “I did golf for a while but I wasn’t very good at it. But I enjoy all sports, not just football. I also like basketball and baseball and I really got into the World Cup.” – John Madden Sports Quiz Answer

France football star Antoine Griezmann. which involved every high school, starting with sectionals then regionals, then states. Should every country be involved in the World Cup? Actually, they are. There are qualifying competitions to get down to the 32 teams. FIFA’s six continental confederations organize their own qualifying play-ins. The host Qataris are guaranteed a spot, although the reigning champs from France will have to qualify. The U.S. did not make it to the last World Cup show in 2018. A 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago bounced the Americans last time around. Yes, there is a country called Trinidad and Tobago and yes, it kept USA from being one of the 32 World Cup teams that traveled to Russia, of all places. (Maybe if Russia was hosting again in 2022

there would be no Ukrainian War.) This time around The Americans have a big qualifying game coming up on March 24 against Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Ninety thousand fired up Mexicans will give the home team an advantage there. So that wraps up this soccer column for our local futbol fans. We’ll do anther one in November when we know who’ll be in Qatar. But we already know one country who won’t be there. Russia. Hopefully the USA will be in the mix in Qatar. If they can just get by Trinidad and Tobago this time around …. Sports Quiz Who is the only college football coach who was hired at two different colleges, first by a father

Sports Quiz Answer Don Brown was hired as head football coach at Plymouth State by Steve Bamford in 1993. After leaving Plymouth, Brown went on to serve as a head coach or an assistant coach at Brown University, UMass, Northeastern, Maryland, Connecticut, Boston College, Michigan, and Arizona, where his salary exceeded $1 million a year. Steve Bamford’s son Ryan hired him to return to UMass in 2021. State Representative Mike Moffett was a Sports Management Professor for Plymouth State University and NHTI-Concord. He coauthored the award-winning “FAHIM SPEAKS: A Warrior-Actor’s Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back” which is available on Amazon. com. His e-mail address is mimoffett@comcast. net.

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

• Free Admission • Award-winning videos, exhibits & trails! Lee’s Mill Rd, Moultonborough, NH

603-476-LOON (5666) • www.Loon.org

SEE WEBSITE FOR HOURS

Now In 5th Printing!

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

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

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

GRAY MATTERS

Counseling & Wellness, PLLC Leslie A. Gray, LCMHC, RYT

The community asked and we answered! In an effort to meet the increased need for mental health counseling, we have expanded our practice and are now accepting new clients as a result. Please call 603.260.1101 to inquire further. 109 Court Street Laconia, NH • graymattersnh.com

BIRDS For The

New England’s Wild Birds & Their Habitats

The Best Of Two Worlds by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer

March is a crazy and unpredictable month for wildlife watching. One day you’re completely absorbed by winter. You bundle up, head outdoors and see all the nature that our coldest months have to offer. The next day it appears as if spring has the upper hand. The winter birds seem to have disappeared and early migrants, such as red-winged blackbirds and eastern phoebes, fill the warm air with breeding and territorial songs. In the evening, the chorus of spring peepers dominates the airwaves.

Moulton Farm FARM MARKET •GARDEN CENTER & BAKERY

AL’S CATCH S FOOD EA FRESH Srs, Fri u h T ays & Saturd

WE’RE OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

OPEN DAILY 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Route 25, Meredith, NH 279-3915 • www.moultonfarm.com

Red-winged blackbirds have returned to New England to scope out suitable breeding areas. The struggle for seasonal supremacy goes back and forth throughout the month. February is clearly winter’s domain and spring eventually takes over sometime during April. But March is a fickle month, allowing ownership to neither winter nor spring even though the calendar says it’s officially spring on March 21, give or take a day. New England weather is beholden to no calendar. The shifts can take place daily. One day early in the month, I was looking at ducks in an open pool of water on a reservoir. I returned literally the next day and the pool was frozen

over and remained that way for about a week. There are freezing cold days and usually some snowfalls in March. Any snowfall in March could be the last one so it’s a good idea to enjoy the feeding frenzy that takes place at the bird feeders when it snows this late in the winter. Then there are March days like the ones last week when it hit nearly 70 degrees. I walked along a section of a river where just a few weeks ago I watched common mergansers and ringnecked ducks, only to notice that this time the area teemed with signs of spring. Red-winged blackbirds, although

difficult to find, were singing their hearts out. Their song may not be melodic, but it is pleasant and most certainly welcome. While the blackbirds’ song filled the air near the water, the other side of the trail was alive with a pleasing chorus of house finches — dozens of them. Spring was definitely in the air. To top it off, as I walked back to the car, I checked my pant legs and found three deer ticks. I realize that the tiny disease-carrying monsters can be found during all four seasons, but I was hoping to not see them for at least a few more weeks. No See BOSAK on 23

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

THE SIMPLE FEAST Remember When Hash ed Rye topped off with a good Sauerkraut is, to this day, my favorite sandwich. And what about the hash? Well, as a kid, for as much as I didn´t like Corned Beef, I liked hash. If we had a Boiled Dinner on Sunday, then Hash on Toast Monday night was a bet you could win. I remember mom would make hash out of Pot Roast, Roast Beef, Ham, or Corned Beef. The ingredients were the same for any hash; leftover meat, leftover potatoes, maybe an onion, black pepper, and See FEAST on 15

by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer

Recently we spent a few days perusing a selection of antique shops in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The articles for sale, while most being too expensive, brought back a host of memories for this kid born out of time. One item we saw many of was the food grinder. Back before the advent of the electric food processor the cast metal food grinder was a workhorse of the kitchen. This funky contraption resembled a cross between a crank start for a Model T and a mid-evil torture device. Made of three or four cast metal components and a few fittings it clamped onto the work surface by means of a heavy jaw at its base; a screw under and feet above, created the clamp. When affixed to the table it was usually high enough to fit a catch bowl under the business end at the top. The ¨business end¨ was a hinged casting that typically clamped around a removable feed auger fit with a crank handle on one end and a blade on the other. The user was only limited by their strength and imagination when it came time to feed this little wonder of kitchen mayhem.

With endless possibilities, typical fodder was raw and cooked meats, vegetables, breads and crackers, and nearly anything else that one could fit into the funneled opening on the top. With the mere change of a blade, it could go from coarse to fine grinds, turning a host of products into ingredients for sausage and forced meats, meat loaf mix, stuffings, and my favorite… hash. I hated boiled dinners when I was a kid; especially Corned Beef. For many years I met Corned Beef and Cabbage on my plate with about as much reluctance as a kid being served a spoonful of Castor Oil. The meat was too salty, the potatoes were too dry and crumbly, and the carrots, by contrast, were too mushy. To a 10 year old, the only joy I found in eating cabbage was the funny noises you could make a few hours later.

In my late teens I apprenticed as a Meat Cutter. My boss and coworkers found out that I hated Corned Beef. Around the second week of February, as we would start making tens of gallons of brine and began rolling, tying, and sinking a few hundred pounds of beef into buckets in anticipation of St. Patrick´s Day, the teasing began. ¨Your mom called. She ordered an 8 pounder. She said she knew how much you loved Corned Beef. And she wanted five pounds of cabbage too.¨ My stomach turned at the thought. I could hear my boss giggling as I frantically rifled through the order cards to see if mom actually placed an order. But somewhere, somehow, at some point in time, I began to really, honestly like Corned Beef with all the trimmings. A Reuben on Pumpernickel or Seed-

ONE STOP HAS IT ALL!

FREE COFFEaEs

With G e! Purchas

KEEP IT CLEAN!

Convenien rive Through Cart D Wash

$2.00 OFF CARWASH*

*with this coupon. Not to be combined with other offers. Expires 4/3/22

$2.00 OFF CARWASH*

*with this coupon. Not to be combined with other offers. Expires 4/3/22

$2.00 OFF CARWASH*

*with this coupon. Not to be combined with other offers. Expires 4/3/22

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

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

JUST GOOD FOOD!

OPEN Tues. - Sat. 11am - 10pm

Laconia’s Best Pizza Delivered

Blackboard Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Specials

To Your Door!

PIZZA / CALZONES • SALADS SUBS / SYRIANS • SEAFOOD

TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

OPEN THUR - TUES 6AM-8PM WED 6AM - 2PM

INDOOR, OUTDOOR or TAKE-OUT !

10 PLYMOUTH ST., MEREDITH • 279-8723

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

NEW Craft Beer Destination in The Weirs! HOME OF

Rotating Craft Taps • Fabulous Lake Views —BEST PIZZA IN THE REGION—

TRIVIA!

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT 6:30 - 9pm

$25/$15/$10 Gift Certificates to 1st - 3rd Winners

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

The

“Th e Fin est Sze chu an & Ma nda rin Cui sin e in the Lakes Reg ion ” Celebrating

For Health Conscious People ...

Serving Lakes Region!

& VEGETARIAN DISHES

Copper Kettle

CALL FOR TAKE OUT Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am - 8pm 331 SOUTH MAIN ST., LACONIA

603-524-4100 SHANGHAINH.COM

Turkey • Steaks • Prime Rib • Seafood OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER

Trivia In the Tavern THURSDAYS @ 7pm

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

nies offer them with a soft plastic tail already added. I fish white and red spinnerbaits for pike a lot in dirty water and sometimes find it useful to add a Whisperer to the hook, but a fluke or senko will also work. Adding a soft plastic trailer makes the lure longer, which will often shift the strike zone back toward the hook, and increase the number of fish you catch. There are many modifications that can be made to most lures such as adding color, rigging trailers, or even bending them to change how they swim. The trick is to be creative. Contrary to my title, good lures don’t go bad. Complacency and sometimes laziness is often the death of a lure that once worked. The next time you’re struggling and want to begin cycling through different lures, first consider

doctoring the ones that you know work. The smallest modification can turn a frustrating day of fishing into one of the best that season. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Tim Moore is a fulltime professional fishing guide in New Hampshire. He owns and operates Tim Moore Outdoors, LLC. He is a member of the New England Outdoors Writers Association, and the producer of TMO Fishing on YouTube and the Hooked with TMO Fishing Podcast. Visit www.TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information.

STOP RIGHT IN!

T A V E R N

RS SPECIAL GLUTEN FREE ITEMS 21 YEAth e

MOORE from 10

Connect With Us!

MADE HOMEA ME LS

DAILY SPECIA LS

A homestyle, cozy restaurant right in the heart of Alton. Hand pressed burgers Breakfast Sandwiches

—SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH— Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 6am - 2pm Sun. 7am - 2pm (Closed Tues & Thur) 19 Village Circle Alton, NH

scovillfamilyrestaurant.com • 603-875-0191

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

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

WEIRS TIMES’ BEER FINDER

REMEMBER WHEN HASH

Yield: 4-8 servings (depending upon appetites and accompaniments) Prep. Time: 40-50 Minutes Ingredients: 2 cups of cooked meat (Corned Beef, Pot Roast, or Ham) 2-3 large cooked potatoes 1 medium onion diced 1 half green pepper diced 1-2 cups cooked carrots ½ tsp. Black Pepper ¼ tsp. Old Bay Seasoning ⅛ tsp. Salt if not using Corned Beef or Ham 3 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 6-8 slices of your favorite bread for toast

FEAST from 13 a dash of salt. To really stretch it she may even toss in a carrot or two if there were any left over. And perhaps even a green pepper. We were usually spared the beets for Red Flannel Hash, although once or twice… Regardless of its makeup, all ingredients were cut into manageable chunks and then fed into the food grinder. Coarsely ground together using that old hand cranked food grinder, it was the best thing for making hash, not too coarse and not too fine. Getting home from school in time to help, mom would let me grind all those bits and pieces of leftovers together. It was fun standing there as a little kid, turning away at that crank pretending I was trying to start some sort of giant machine. Sometimes I would let out an evil laugh as I listened to the meat and vegetables snap and crackle under the

pressure of the auger forcing scraps through the blade. Fried in a skillet with a dollop of Crisco or margarine and served on toast with ketchup, hash made with leftovers from a boiled dinner was delicious. I still have a food grinder stored away somewhere, its years of service are now just old memories, like those of this Simple Feast.

--Medium dice by hand or coarse chop in a food processor the meat, potatoes, and carrots, setting each aside. (You want small recognizable pieces not puree or paste.) -Fine dice the onion and green pepper. -Heat two teaspoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a skillet set on medium heat. -Add the onion and green pepper into the skillet. Saute both in the hot oil, cooking until onions are translucent. -Add in potatoes and cook until brown and crisp, stirring often. -Add in the remaining Olive Oil and the meat and carrots. Heat thoroughly. -Add seasonings and cook to desired doneness. (Potatoes are crisp and meat is tender.) -Remove hash from heat and serve over buttered toast with ketchup or BBQ sauce.

ACKERLY’S

Grill & Galley 83 Main Street, Alton 603.875.3383 Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com Stoneface -IPA Smuttynose -Old Brown Dog Harpoon -Winter Warmer Great Rhythm -Resonation Moat Mtn -Stout

COPPER KETTLE TAVERN

At Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant 233 D.W. Hwy, Meredith 603.279.6212 hartsturkeyfarm.com Henniker - Working Man’s Porter Concord Craft - Safe Space Stoneface - IPA Moat Mtn - Blueberry 603 - Winni Amber Ale ...+6 More On Tap

D.A. LONG TAVERN

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

JOHNSON’S TAPHOUSE

Featuring 36 BEERS on Tap!

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

603.859-7500 | EatAtJohnsons.com

At Funspot 579 Endicott St N., Weirs 603.366.4377 funspotnh.com Moat Mtn - Matilda’s Red Rage Foundation - Casco Gold Lager True North - Eye of the Storm Northwoods - Landlocks & Brookies Woodstock - Kanc Maple Porter Smuttynose - Double Kind ...+6 More On Tap

JOHNSON’S TAPHOUSE

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

www.wrapcitysandwiches.com

At Johnson’s Seafood & Steak 69 Rt 11, New Durham 603.859.7500 eatatjohnsons.com/ newdurham Orono -The Way Life Should Be Widowmaker -Blue Comet Northwoods -Glass Bells -Expedition Stout Woodstock- Frosty Goggles Lone Pine - Oh-J ...+30 More On Tap

MORRISSEYS’

Porch & Pub 286 S. Main St., Wolfeboro 603.569-3662 Morrisseysfrontporch.com Smithwick’s Guinness Harp Concord Craft Safe Space Concord Craft Coffee Stout Stella Artois ...+11 More On Tap

OVER THE MOON FARMSTEAD 1253 Upper City Rd, Pittsfield overthemoonfarmstead.com CIDERS: Thirteen 5 Barrel-aged BEER: Full Moon Blanket (Belgium Strong); La Lune Blonde (Belgium Blonde Ale); German Pilsner; American Pale Ale; 7-Series Boch; Industrial Gold; ESB; Extra Stout SESSION MEADS: Razz What She Said; No Need To Argue

PATRICK’S PUB

18 Weirs Rd., Gilford 603.293.0841 Patrickspub.com Patrick’s Slainte House Ale Great North - Moose Juice Guinness Tuckerman - Pale Ale 603 - Winni Amber Ale Woodstock - Moody Brew IPA ...+9 More On Tap

THE WITCHES BREW PUB

At The Craft Beer Xchange 59 Doe Ave., Weirs Beach 603.409.9344 FB @craftbeerxchange Ace – Pineapple Cider Schilling – Czech Pils Long Trail – Vermont IPA Sip of Sunshine DIPA 3 Floyds – Zombie Dust Moat – Imperial Stout ...+30 More On Tap

** Tap listings subject to change!

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

What To Ask When Hiring A Contractor recordhigh real estate prices, a growing number of homeowners are remodeling or renovating their existing homes rather than buying new. Increased demand and continued supply chain issues, however, have led to delays in getting quotes, uncertainties in the availability of materials, rising costs and an increase in homeowner frustration. Whether you’re looking at a new roof or siding, adding a deck, upgrading windows or insulation, you

compare contractors and reduce the time to get multiple estimates.

(NAPSI)—With

want to find a contractor who gets it right on the first try (and can meet today’s fast-turn demand). What To Ask To help, here are three important questions to ask potential contractors so you can find the right resource in a challenging environment: 1.“Do I need to meet with you in person to get a quote?” Contractors have followed the same manual transaction processes

for decades. But home visits with pad-and-paper estimating is outdated, especially with digital-savvy homeowners. Today, roofing, fencing and even siding companies can provide a preliminary quote without sending representatives to your house. Satellite measurements and a quick phone call are all you need to understand basic pricing and inventory availability for shingles, siding or lumber. Digital sales platforms help homeowners quickly

2.“How soon can you start?” How quickly a contractor can begin depends on pricing and availability of labor and materials. Be wary of contractors who offer services for unbelievably low prices—it’s safer to pay more for a premium, professional job than take a gamble on a risky contractor. Top contractors will prepare a digital estimate, taking current pricing into account. Using dynamic tools, your contractor should be able to make realtime changes to estimates and contracts to show how the materials selected will influence the schedule and cost. Similarly, such contractors will have access See ASK on 23

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Bring a Bit of Spring Indoors by Melinda Myers Many gardeners are busy pruning shrubs to remove winter damage, control the size, or provide a bit of shaping before the season is well under way. Save some of the branches or cut a few from spring flowering shrubs to brighten your indoors. You’ll enjoy the added spring color provided by branches of forsythia, quince, pussy willows, and other spring flowering shrubs for bouquets and arrangements. Use a pair of sharp bypass pruners with two sharp blades that cut like scissors. These make clean cuts allowing the wound to close quickly and reducing the risk of insects and diseases moving in. Start by removing crossing or winter damaged branches. This helps manage plant growth while harvesting some stems for your enjoyment. Look for stems at least 12” long with lots of flowers or buds to maximize flowering. Make cuts above a healthy outward bud, where a branch joins another branch or just above ground level. Combine planned renewal pruning with a bit of indoor enjoyment. Remove a few of the older stems of forsythia, lilac, and other multi-stemmed spring flowering shrubs back to ground level. This encourages new growth at the base of the plant. Cut the larger branches down to a useable size for your indoor enjoyment. Then finish any

Serving the Lakes Region to the Great North Woods for over 5 years!

DIVISION OF HARD SURFACE SOLUTIONS

603-393-1336

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Specializing in residential garages, basements & small businesses.

The branches of ‘Flowering Quince’ add color and beauty to the indoors. needed pruning after the plants put on their spring display so they can form new flower buds next spring. Avoid severe pruning that can result in excess growth. Removing no more than one fourth of the total growth will result in more even growth. Repeat as needed for the next year or two to reduce the size and improve the beauty of overgrown plants. Harvest stems for forcing on a sunny day or when temperatures are above freezing for better results. Don’t smash the stems as often recommended. Instead make one or more slits in a crosshatch or star pattern on the bottom of the stems before placing them in water immediately after cutting. If possible, submerge the whole stems in a tub of water overnight. This encourages the stems and buds to absorb wa-

ter and break dormancy. Set the stems in a bucket of cool water, about 60° to 65ºF, in a bright but indirectly lit location after soaking overnight or immediately after pruning.

Mist the stems as often as possible the first few days or place a plastic bag over the stems to boost humidity and prevent the buds from dropping. Change the See SPRING on 22

Choose from 100’s of Standard Colors, or Customize Your Own Color to Suit Your Own Style!

www.lakesregionepoxy.com

WE ARE THE LAKES REGION’S GARAGE EPOXY FLOOR SPECIALISTS

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Backyarding Trends in 2022: Americans Will Continue To Expand Outdoor Living (NAPSI)—“Backyarding”—

the trend to move indoor activities outdoors

that was made popular during the pandemic — is here to stay and will

•Septic Pumping •Drains Unclogged •Septic Pump Repair & •Septic System Installation Inspections From the Lakes to the Mountains, We Are At Your Service! MOULTONBOROUGH: 476-5557 | MEREDITH: 279-4313 www.lampreyseptic.com

continue to expand in 2022, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship program that encourages outdoor living and caring for green spaces. “Backyarding is a way of life now,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Foundation and its parent organization, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Homeowners spent lots of time, money and effort over the last eighteen months improving their backyards to make them an extension of their homes so they could work, cook, exercise and even vacation outdoors. We believe people will continue to ‘backyard more’ in the coming year and beyond.” The TurfMutt Foundation predicts the following backyarding trends for 2022: •Lines between the indoors and the outdoors continue to blur. Doors and windows will be opened to the great outdoors and more people will enjoy breakfast or a nightcap on the deck. Decorating choices will marry the outside and the inside, with colors and tones that provide more visual connection between indoor areas and the backyard, for a seamless transition. •Offices turn to the outdoors. There will be no need to turn to technology to create

a virtual backdrop for video calls. Trees, flowers, bushes and other plants are a beautiful video call background. Privacy screens, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi extenders become more common. •Kids (and adults) spends more time outside learning. Kids will take online classes or do homework under the shade of a tree, in an outdoor classroom at school or at a patio or picnic table. They brush up on STEM concepts (TurfMutt’s free lesson plans can help) by planting and studying flowers, bugs and weather. •Al fresco dining becomes the norm. Grills, pizza ovens and overhead lighting with seating will make many homes outdoor eateries for families and neighbors. Interest in outdoor kitchens, pergolas, shade sails and landscaping will define and enhance outdoor dining. •Business deals get cooked up in backyards. While socializing around fire pits and watching the kids play soccer on the lawn, adults will have the informal conversations that used to happen in other venues. Games of croquet and cornhole could turn easily into business networking opportunities. •The backyard is the first place people turn to for relaxation and stress relief. Yoga, See TRENDS on 22

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Spring Hacks To Prep Your Home For Warm Weather With warmer weather on the way, it’s time to deal with the associated household hassles of the season. Here are three hacks that will help you create a healthy, comfortable home during the months ahead:

Banish Flying Bugs Fruit flies, gnats and flies tend to proliferate indoors in the warmer months. Not only do these creatures come with a serious ick factor, they can harm your houseplants and even put your family’s health at risk by carrying germs from dirty surfaces to clean ones. A safe and easy way to defend against buzzing invaders is to plug Zevo Bug Traps into outlets around your home, especially in areas where these bugs enter your

Save $10 Off

$199

Chimney Swe

603-520-7217

o Chimne ide

spection

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

home and gather, like garages, entryways, covered porches, trash cans, drain pipes and kitchens. Rather than relying on chemical insecticides, they use multi-spectrum light technology that bugs find irresistible. Once attracted, flying

with this cou

Beat the Heat Beyond having your HVAC unit serviced and changing your air filter regularly, you can beat the heat at home with a few smart strategies. One change you can make today that will also reduce your carbon footprint is to swap out your heat-emitting incandescent light bulbs for cool LEDs. Likewise, appliances that are not in use but plugged in could be generating unnecessary warmth, so unplug when you can. Finally, use shades and blinds strategically to block out the sun and prevent a greenhouse effect indoors.

insects are trapped in a super-sticky adhesive backing. Each trap cartridge offers continuous defense for up to 45 days or until it’s full.

Fully Insured

pon

When you’re done with a cartridge, simply throw it in the trash and slide a new one in, without ever having to touch the dead bugs. See WARM on 23

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

On-Trend Ideas For Sprucing Up Your Deck Installing or updating a deck can transform your outdoor living area. Not only is a deck aesthetically appealing, but it also

allows you to create additional space for a wide range of uses, whether it’s a lively entertainment zone or tranquil, relaxing re-

a 25-year warranty against color shifting. Multi-Seasonal Spaces Once you create an incredible outdoor space, you’ll likely want to use it as often as possible. That’s why many homeowners are designing decks with multiple seasons in mind. Features like retractable walls can help you block cool breezes and trap the warmth of space heaters or a fireplace while roofs provide shade and fans help circu-

—SW—

SUZANNE’S WINDOWS

treat. If you’re planning a deck build or renovation in 2022, consider incorporating one or more of these design trends identified by Westlake Royal Building Products,

—Hunter Douglas Certified Consultant— Suzanne’s Window Treatments, LLC Alton Bay

781-272-7878 • suzanneswindows.com

Delivery & Setup

PLYMOUTH MEREDITH 603-238-3250 603-279-1333

599 Tenney Mtn. Hwy.

Junction of Rt. 3 & 25

y oz

Cabin Rust ic

-F ur ni

ture & Mattre sse

FLoRcaElE

L I V I N G RU S T I C

OPEN DAILY 9am-5pm • SUNDAYS 10am - 4pm • CozyCabinrustiCs.Com

a leading manufacturer and distributor of materials for home remodeling, building and construction. Creativity in Design While decking design features used to be reserved for luxury upgrades, creative flair is increasingly mainstream. Some options for incorporating greater depth and style into your deck design include mixing and matching boards to create patterns, inlays and focal points or utilizing two-tone designs for more visually interesting aesthetics. On-Trend Colors Classic lumber-toned decks never go out of style, but adding some flair with an eye-catching color is a subtle way to elevate your deck’s aesthetic appeal. Some designs incorporate color throughout while another way to bring color to your deck is

through distinctive inlay design or other design features. Working with a product like Zuri Premium Decking gives you a selection of six ontrend colors, including Hickory, a true midtone brown, as well as Chestnut, Walnut, Pecan, Brazilia and Weathered Gray. The planks feature minimal grain repetition to capture the look of true exotic hardwood with no painting, staining or resealing needed, and all are backed by

late the breeze during warmer months. Decks built with clean, simple lines can offer a connection to nature as well as convenience for homeowners transitioning from indoor to outdoor spaces. Popularity of Composite Decking Weather patterns can cause substantial damage to a home’s exterior materials, including a deck where natural wood is prone to drying out. This creSee SPRUCE UP on 21

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

SPRUCE UP from 20 ates an upkeep cycle that requires ongoing investments of time and money. An alternative to natural wood, such as Zuri Premium Decking by Royal, combines the low-maintenance, high-durability properties of composite decking with the exterior environmentdefining presence of exotic wood. The result is an authentic look with zero-maintenance upkeep. Bringing The Inside Out A deck’s design elements were once limited to predictable furnishings like a picnic table and grill, but those days are gone. Homeowners seeking to create an outdoor oasis are bringing amenities of the indoors outside. You’ll find outdoor kitchens and weather-proof TVs, rugs and furniture, allowing homeowners to incorporate the con-

venience and comfort of indoor living rooms and kitchens into their outdoor spaces despite elements like snow, wind and rain. Masonry as An Accessory If you love the look of masonry but have your heart set on a deck, you can take the path of many homeowners and incorporate masonry as an accessory or design element. Mixing building mediums provides texture, which creates

an immersive tactile experience through sight and touch. Options like a fireplace or firepit, pillars, skirting, bench seats, planters, water features, kitchen or bar space and walkways can all complement and enhance the decking so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Clean Sightlines A deck is an ideal vantage point when you have a beautiful view to enjoy and using the right materi-

als can enhance that experience. Creating a clean, sophisticated and unobstructed view is easy when you outfit your deck with the right lighting and use cable or glass railings, which provide safety along with clear views of the landscape beyond. Find more tips and ideas to spruce up your outdoor living space at liveabode.com.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

SPRING from 17

and forcing a variety of branches over time for continuous indoor bloom. Prolong their beauty by moving the flowering stems and flower arrangements to a cooler location at night. Make notes on what worked well in spring arrangements to help you plan for next year. Whether you force them into bloom or harvest when in bloom, you will enjoy the added spring color indoors.

water every two or three days making sure the cut ends of the stems are always in the water. The buds should start swelling and flowers start to appear in several weeks. Cut the stems to the needed length and use them in flower arrangements. They look great mixed with spring flowering bulbs, greens and other spring flowers from your garden or florist. Or display them in a vase all on their own. Continue cutting

Melinda Myers has

written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

TRENDS from 18 hammocks, reading nooks, calming water features and more add spa-like features to the backyard. More people plant with peace of mind at heart, adding colors that make them feel good, while aiming for sensory or emotional connections. •Outdoor entertainment evolves. Movie projectors with sound systems and outdoor screens turn the yard into a theater under the stars. Expect to see fire pits, outdoor games

and more that enhance outdoor recreation. •Homeowners will plant with wildlife in mind. Knowing the backyard is a habitat for pollinators, insects, birds and other wildlife, homeowners likely will choose plants, trees and shrubs that nurture and support wildlife—delighting in discovering them. •Pampering pets only increases. Fencing, sandpiles for digging, doghouses and even agility courses for pets to enjoy will be-

come more common. More people discover their backyarding personality types and design a yard that matches their outdoor lifestyles. They will map out their yards, take an inventory of tools and equipment available to create and maintain their dream and then work hard to create a defined backyard that meets their needs over the coming year. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com.

SERVICES DIRECTORY • Junk Removal • Estate Cleanouts • Spring / Fall Cleanups • Brush Removal • Lawncare

603-545-8609

CompleteCleanouts.com

Bruce Thibeault PAINTING Over 30 Yrs. Exp.

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

603-364-2435 BruceThibeaultPainting.com

Colonial Colonial SidingSiding Since 1976 !

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

Alton Bay 875-2132

INSURED • REFERENCES • SNOW PLOWING

Dumont Cabinet Refacing & Counter Tops — AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE —

Cabinet refacing includes new doors and drawer fronts of your choice

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

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

• Closet Storage

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

Old Fashioned STONEWALL RESTORATION

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

603-471-1954

Paul C. Dupont & Son Building Installing Harvey Building Products

WindoWs • doors • siding

Visit HarveyBP.com

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

603-387-0015 —— 603-387-0026

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

ASK from 16 to real-time inventory via a mobile device so you can choose products, such as shingles, that are actually available, reducing delays.

3.“How do you handle changes?” This is another area where a contractor using a digital sales platform can add value. By plugging in different options, your contractor should be able to tell

you exactly how changes will affect cost and timing. No need to wait days for a return phone call—using digital documents means a revised quote and contract can be sent quickly, helping to keep projects moving.

METZLER from 7 dstream I opened in 2011 and still remains operational. Britain’s outspoken Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ending the West’s dependence on Russian oil and gas was vital to end Kremlin “bullying.” The UK plans to “phase out Russian oil im-ports by the end of 2022. That’s a good first step. “We must become independent from Russian oil, coal and gas,” stated European Commission President Ursela von der Leyen who added, “We simply cannot rely on a supplier who explicitly threatens us.” Thus Putin’s bloody war against Ukraine has a number of dimensions beyond the military aggression, namely highlighting Europe’s and the USA’s energy dependence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned the German Parliament (Bundestag) that a new type of Berlin Wall is being built, dividing Europe between freedom and oppression. He clearly critiqued German energy policies for contributing to that wall of division. Russia entered the G-7 club of the developed countries when

in the boundless enthusiasm of the postSoviet era, President Bill Clinton pressed for Russia’s entry into the G-8. The economic grouping reverted back to G-7 when Russia invaded Ukraine the first time in 2014, following its illegal seizure of the strategic Crimea Peninsula. Boris Johnson stated that the West made a “terrible mistake” in letting Vladimir Putin “get away” with annexing Crimea in 2014. But back to Biden. The Administration is now looking for new crude oil suppliers; Venezuela and Iran among them. Have we heard that Venezuela is run by a thuggish pro-Moscow regime? Or that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains an implacable enemy of the U.S. and Israel? Back in the 1980’s President Ronald Reagan pushed back to the former West German government’s “business as usual” pipeline politics and deals with the Soviet Union. Ronald Reagan was mocked and derided by the business establishment given his opposition to the Yamal pipeline. Now more than a generation later, Europe and the United States are feeling the ill effects. And it was kind

of Ukraine’s embattled President Zelensky to remind us. 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.

WARM from 19 Pair these traps with Zevo home bug sprays, which are powered by essential oils, for whole home protection. To learn more about defending your home against insects, and for trapping tips, visit zevoinsect.com. Master Mold Thriving in warm wet environments, mold is something to watch out for at home, especially during spring and summer. Much more than an eyesore, mold is bad for your home’s infrastructure and bad for you. Mold can cause a number of allergic reactions and can sometimes even be toxic. However, you can reduce the risk of mold forming by managing your home’s

humidity. Use fans and other ventilation in bathrooms and the kitchen when showering, running the dishwasher and doing other tasks that invite humidity. Test the humidity of various rooms in your home with a hygrometer and use a dehumidifier where needed. According to the EPA, the ideal indoor humidity is between 30 and 50%. Employing warm weather hacks at home can help you maintain clean, comfortable spaces, all season long.

BOSAK from 12 such luck. Even around the house, male cardinals are brightening the mood in the neighborhood with their awesome spring songs. But at the same time, I saw a few fox sparrows — a winter bird for New England — at the feeders. It’s hard to get a read on March. I’ve lived in New England long enough to know that more cold weather and more snow is coming. And, truth be told, I’m reluctant to let go of the winter wildlife anyway. But it’s also hard to not look forward to consistent warmer temperatures after getting that first taste of spring. I guess the best way to look at March is that it gives us the best of two worlds.

Dumont Cabinet Refacing & Counter Tops Cabinet refacing includes new doors & drawer fronts of your choice

SAMPLES BROUGHT TO YOU! Cabinet refacing • DOOR No Messy Countertop Refacing (SAVE BIG!) ! starts at only • New Countertops Demolition

BEFORE

35% Cost

of cabinet replacing. AFTER

• New Drawers • Custom Vanities • Closet Storage

The Affordable Alternative!

Free Estimates.... Compare and SAVE BIG! • Meredith, NH 603-279-6555 The photo on top left shows a dark woodgrain kitchen that was refaced with a light cherry woodgrain, plus new doors and drawer fronts to brighten up kitchen. The same kitchen could have been refaced with any woodgrain or solid color you see in the photo of sample doors.

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

CALL US FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE 603-279-6555

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

ORPHAN from 1 the Russians, Fazli’s mother Fahima was alerted that she was on a Communist hit-list. With no time to lose, Fahima fled the Afghan capital of Kabul, along with Fazli’s two sisters, Almara and Mina, and a brother, Suhail. Fahim stayed behind with his father Jamil and another brother, Hares, hoping to also escape later. Sadly, it would be years before Fahim learned of his mother’s fate. In the meantime, he, his dad, and his brother adapted to the Soviet occupation. “But we didn’t call them Soviets,” recalled Fazli. “We just called them Russians.” Young Fahim engaged the Russian soldiers and even learned some Russian, all the better to eventually counter the occupiers. His linguistic gifts would later serve him

Fahim Fazli, Mike Moffett, and New Hampshire Executive Councilor Joe Kenney atop Mt. Washington, which has been considered as a film site for a Hindu Kush escape scene for Fahim’s film project.

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

—Call for pricing

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

Fully Licensed Facility License Number: 21J-001A Permit Number: DES-SW-PN-11-006

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

201 Abel Road, Bristol, NH 03222

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

well. By 1983 the time came for Fahim, Jamil and Hares to escape as well. A Russian noose was tightening around the rest of the Fazli clan, and so Jamil decided to try find out what happened to the rest of the family—from whom they’d heard nothing for four years. Dodging Russian patrols and attack helicopters, the three Afghans, aided by a guide named Abdul, made a harrowing escape east through the Hindu Kush mountains. Eventually they got to Pakistan where they joined millions of expatriate Afghan refugees. They shared contact information with the American Embassy in Islamabad and pleaded with officials to help them find Fahima and the two sisters and brother. Were they alive or dead? In Pakistan, India, or some other land? Soon the truth was discovered. Fahima, Suhail, Almara, and Mina were alive! They’d made it to America where they were told that Fahim, Jamil, and Hares were dead. A magical phone call reunited the family emotionally, if not physically. A real reunion would take a couple more years. President Ronald Reagan fought to open doors for Afghan refugees and in 1985 the Fazli family reconnected for a joyous celebration in Virginia. “It all taught me the most important lesson I would ever learn,” recalled Fahim. “Have faith. Never give up.” Eventually the Fazlis moved to California where Fahim learned English, studied American history, and became a citizen. He was now positioned to pur-

sue his dream of acting. Against all odds he eventually earned a membership in the Screen Actors Guild and embarked on a Hollywood career that would see him involved in over 50 film and TV projects, while working with Hollywood’s biggest stars. Have faith. Never give up. Fahim was initially typecast as a bad guy. Movie buffs will recall him roughing up Robert Downey Jr. in an Afghan cave in the first Ironman movie. Many more rolls were to follow, to include American Sniper with Bradley Cooper and the Academy Award winning Argo with Ben Affleck. He’d later move on to more sympathetic roles, such as Tariq in Rock the Kasbah, which also included Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, and Kate Hudson. But it was while cultural-technical advisor for Charlie Wilson’s War that Fahim’s life took a dramatic turn. The movie was based on the true-life story of a Texas congressman who arranged for the secret funding of an Afghan resistance movement that eventually expelled the Russians from Afghanistan. That project allowed him to get to know Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ned Beaty, Amy Adams and others. But it was Charlie Wilson himself who encouraged Fahim to return to his native land to help in a new fight against Taliban extremists, against whom American forces were engaged in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. And thus it came to pass that Fazli qualified as a certified interSee ORPHAN on 25

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 — ORPHAN from 24 preter so as to return to Afghanistan to translate for U.S. forces. At age 43 Fahim put on an American uniform, the only Screen Actors Guild member to leave Hollywood to go into harm’s way after 9/11, following in the footsteps of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and other luminaries who’d left Tinseltown to fight for their country in another war, against similarly evil enemies. Eschewing a safe job translating for highranking officers and officials in the relative safety of Kabul, Fazli asked for the most dangerous job in Afghanistan, serving as an interpreter with the United State Marines in volatile Helmand Province. There the charismatic actor was quite effective at bringing together Afghans and Americans. Fahim made people laugh, which was an anathema to the extreme fundamentalists. So in 2010 the Taliban put a price on his head. That’s when I met Fahim at a Marine outpost in Delaram, in northern Helmand Province. On special USMC assignment as a lieutenant colonel, I’d heard of Fazli’s exploits and met him at a special event involving the district governor. Fahim and I exchanged cards and stayed in touch. That summer Fazli and his battalion (Third Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment) returned safely to America. Remarkably, 3/4 did not lose a single man during its many months in Afghanistan—thanks in part to Fahim. I eventually caught up to him in California and we discussed doing a biography that would do justice to his re-

Actor Bill Murray “devouring” the award winning book FAHIM SPEAKS on the set of ROCK THE KASBAH in Morocco. The book was co-authored by Fahim Fazli and Mike Moffett. Fazli had a significant role in that movie, which also starred Bruce Willis and Kate Hudson. markable journey. Hollywood’s top military actor and advisor, Dale Dye, saw potential in our proposed project and his Warriors Publishing Group made Fahim’s dream of a book a reality—FAHIM SPEAKS: A WarriorActors Odyssey from Afghanistan to Holly-

wood and Back. Our book earned critical acclaim and won the Gold Medal for “Top Biography” from the Military Writers Society of America. It inspired several script adaptations and Fahim’s latest dream is that his story will become a movie, thus

bringing his inspiring real-life journey full circle, back to Hollywood. All of which brings us back to Russian aggression and the terrified young Ukrainian boy, now a refugee. “Seeing that little boy all alone and crying as he crossed the border gave me such flashbacks,” said Fahim. “Where was his mother? Had the Russians killed her? I could so relate to his anguish. My heart broke.” But Fazli’s emotional distress also reinforced his profound gratitude that fate led him to reunite with his family in a safe country where amazing dreams of freedom—and Hollywood—came true. “I love America,” said Fazli. “That’s why I wanted to give back and that’s why I put on a uniform. We have such a beautiful country here that is hard to truly appreciate without having spent time in other lands. Like war-torn Afghanistan. Or embattled Ukraine. The little Ukrainian boy’s tears of anguish prompted Fahim’s flashbacks and his own tears; tears that

rolled down his cheeks and into a beard that is now flecked with grey. But Fahim’s own journey gives hope that someday there might also be tears of joy for the likes of

the little boy—such as were shed when his own family reunited in America. “Have faith. Never give up.”

—OBITUARY— LEO ISADORE POITRAS JR., 85 Leo Isadore Poitras Jr., of Hooksett, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Leo was 85 years old. He was born on August 14, 1936 to Leo Poitras Sr. and Maria B. (Chretien) Poitras of Manchester, NH. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris Mary Viola (Vincent) Poitras, his son Norman Leo Poitras and his daughter-in-law Vera (Lee) Poitras. He was predeceased by his brother, Roger W. Poitras. He leaves behind several cousins, a niece, a nephew, family members and friends. Leo grew up in Manchester and graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1957. He and his good friend, Norman ‘Buzzy’ Plantier, got into body building in their youth. Leo even won a few competitions. For a time, Leo worked at Buzzy’s Building Materials in Manchester. That was where his love of wood and fine craftsmanship developed. He learned the finer tools of the trade from Buzzy, and discovered a talent for making raised panels and fine cabinetry. He loved being able to turn homes into masterpieces using crown molding and wainscoting, making custom-built cabinets and restoring stairways. He had his own business for 40 years. In 1970 Leo and Doris welcomed Norman into their lives and the beautiful baby became the object of their affection from that point on. Norman often accompanied Leo to work on weekends where he served as a gopher, getting tools, doing errands, and helping as much as he could. One day Norman watched his father’s pencil roll off a counter and knew that the work day wasn’t going to end until that counter was true and level. “There was no bike riding that day,” he said. It was through woodworking that Leo’s love of history naturally developed. He loved old tools and how they turned wooden blocks and boards into treasures. Over the years his collection of hand planes grew and he was proud to show them off to admirers. He loved visiting colonial Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, NH, where he could see tradesmen working with 18th century tools and creating beautiful, usable, historically accurate elements. He joined the Hookset Historical Society after he retired and helped them create hand carved wooden signs for the 197-year-old town. He loved gardening and growing flowers and vegetables. When his son opened Casual Cape in Moultonborough in 2001, Leo spent hours restoring the 1760 center chimney Cape Cod style. Leo worked hard to restore it to its authentic beauty. The work included making raised paneling around the fireplace, replacing old pocket shutters, and building a front door out of old pine. His easy manner and sociable nature made him a welcome presence in the gift shop and people stopped by to visit and watch him work. He loved everybody and he loved life. Everyone who met Leo loved him. He made an impression on everyone. Leo was a strong but gentle man who loved all animals. He loved dogs, and had a special place in his heart for Lizzy.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Plymouth Normal School. governing and “imparting instruction.” Center Harbor indicated that about one half of their teachers had been competent and successful, with only one failure, and Andover had a few good teachers. The rest were passable. Sunapee, Mason, and Webster all expressed satisfaction with their teachers, but poor Dalton felt “The average is low, and not improv-

ing.” And in Wolfeborough: “We have been very unfortunate in our teachers.” A big question of the year 1876, 100 years after the country declared its independence from Great Britan, was put to school leaders as Question #6: For the past school year 503 male teachers, and 3,166 female teachers have been employed in the public schools. State the effect this general

employment of female teachers is producing upon your schools. The answers from a large number of towns revealed mixed opinions. From J.A. Dana in Ashland: “Female teachers are the best for our schools.” mander M. Bunker of Barnstead agreed, saying, “The employment of female teachers is resulting in increased efficiency in our schools.”

Street AntiqU

n o i n & COLLECTIBLES

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

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

John Wesley Simonds- NH State Superintendent of Public Instruction for five years. Franklin’s G.R. Stone declared that females were equal to males in their effectiveness as teachers. However, others, like A.J. Bennett of New Boston felt differently. Bennett wrote: “In many of our schools the employment of male teachers is demanded; the constant employment of females for the past years create this demand.” P.P. Whitehouse of South Hampton offered the opinion that after 11 years of having only female teachers in his town that the winter schools would benefit by going back to the old order of things with the employment of male teachers. The report from Winchester was,“Females are our only alternative: we have not money to hire male teachers.” Let’s go back to Mr. Ayer of Wolfeborough and see some of what he had to say in 1876 about parents and the school.

He indicted that many times parents were, either directly or indirectly, “.. the cause of the poor schools of which they complain so bitterly.” Because some parents did train their children in the way they should go, Mr. Ayer thought that in many classroom cases of misbehavior the parents needed to be disciplined more than their children. Tuftonborough’s L.T. Piper expressed the desire “...that parents will sacrifice a little time, prejudice, and self-will, frequently visit our schools, and lend their influence to create that perfect harmony which ought to exist between parents, teachers, and scholars.” Joe Dearborn of Tilton added,“Our schools would be made more interesting, and be greatly benefited, by more frequent visits from parents and citizens.” From Northfield came

the statement that “It is of the greatest importance that the parents should exhibit an interest in the school, and know what is there being done.” J. B. Robinson continued by asking “who among you...trust the training of your children to one who may be a comparative stranger to you, without ever stopping in to see for yourselves how this important trust is being executed?” Edward Savage of Lancaster added that parents should know “...what is done with the minds of our children.” Hosea Snell of Lee warned parents of the injurious practice by some parents of building prejudice in the minds of their children against their teachers by comments made at home. He advocated cooperating with the teacher and restraint of criticism without knowing the facts of a situation. nd the opinion from Campton (Quincy Blakely) was:“While parents have rights that ought to be respected, they should remember that teachers are by law entrusted with authority to govern as well as teach the pupils while they are under their care...” In July of 1871 it became the law in New Hampshire that every child between the ages of five and fifteen must attend school. In June of 1876 it was reported that during the year past there were 4,164 children between the ages of five and fifteen who were not attending school. Suggested solutions to the absentee problem as printed in the 1876 Superintendent’s Report included the need for better parents and better teachers.

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

ACAM

American Classic Arcade Museum

FARM FRESH ICE CREAM

250 ARCADE CLASSICS!

(IN SEASON)

Located Inside Funspot

BOWLING GAMES

INDOOR MINI-GOLF

KIDDIE RIDES

D.A. LONG TAVERN

CASH BINGO

FREE PARTY ROOM

BRAGGIN' DRAGON RESTAURANT

YOUR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SUPERCENTER SINCE 1952! Route 3, 579 Endicott St N, Between Meredith and Weirs Beach, NH 603-366-4377 • www.FunspotNH.com • OPEN ALL YEAR

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

STOSSEL from 7 tried to do. In a 2007 Republican presidential debate, the audience booed Paul when he suggested that the U.S. was attacked because “we’ve been bombing Iraq for 10 years ... what would happen if somebody did it to us?” Candidate Rudy Giuliani won applause responding, “That’s really an extraordinary statement ... I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before.

And I’ve heard some pretty absurd explanations for Sept. 11.” Really? Giuliani hadn’t heard that explanation before? Then he wasn’t paying attention. Osama bin Laden long complained about Westerners occupying the Middle East. “Expel them in defeat and humiliation from the holy places of Islam,” he wrote. Posting American soldiers in other people’s countries is certainly

a serious provocation. I’d be mad if Chinese soldiers patrolled my street. Giuliani won the debate applause, but 15 months later, no delegates. Paul won 21 delegates. But today American politicians still want to police the world. The United States has 750 bases in 80 countries. Paul calls the military industrial complex “the most deadly PAC.” Last month, President

Joe Biden sent 3,000 soldiers to Eastern Europe saying, “As long as (Putin’s) acting aggressively, we are going to make sure we can reassure our NATO allies and Eastern Europe that we’re there.” “That’s garbage,” Paul responds. “By what right do we go over there? There’s no national security. We had troops in Saudi Arabia for national security and look at what that brought ... it has nothing to do

with helping Americans, except those who might get a better paycheck.” I push back. “President Biden would say, ‘We have to go there just to deter Russia. If we don’t, we’re inviting them to invade other countries.’” We shouldn’t let government scare us into going to war, says Paul. “Fear is the tool of totalitarians.” Paul’s anti-war arguments have shifted public opinion. Today we might be fighting in

Ukraine if it were not for Ron Paul and his warnings about the risk of America policing the world. John Stossel is creator of Stossel TV and author of “Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media.” For other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

THE CLASSIFIEDS SOUTH END PIZZA

Explore Prince Edward Island this Summer or Fall

My two-bedroom cottage near Tignish provides sweeping views of the ocean, the beach, and the North Cape lighthouse. Enjoy kayaking, bicycling, walking the beach, swimming the warmer Gulf Stream waters, and exploring the community of Nail Pond and the many PEI attractions. The newly constructed cottage sleeps six comfortably. Weekly rent is only $900. Contact Scott, for more information at 603-254-5032, or scottm@plymouth.edu.

is looking for a part-time delivery driver & kitchen help. Call 603-455-1710 or stop by to inquire. 302 So. Main St., Laconia

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

Judy A. Davis Antiques

One Item or Entire Estate ~ Cash Paid For:

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

603-496-1811

603-934-5545

jlake@metrocast.net

cJfflll-Jcills AT

THE

LAKE

Positions available: LAUNDRY ATTENDANT GROUNDS ATTENDANT ROOM ATTENDANTS MAINTENANCE Starting Rates up to $17 per hour Apply on-line https://careers.tpghotelsandresorts.com/jobs Apply via email at: nsquire@millfalls.com

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 — MALKIN from 6 notified. So much for rebuilding “trust” and those “open lines of communication.” “Lee’s life mattered,” his mom, Carol Keltner, told me this week. “The family is devastated” by McCann’s shocking decision. “There will be no justice for my son,” she lamented. She is urging Coloradans to join her daughter and Lee’s sister, Suzan, this coming Monday, March 21, at 10 a.m. at the Denver Courthouse on 520 W. Colfax Ave. for a peaceful rally in Lee Keltner’s name. Suzan Keltner told “Denver in Decay” documentarian and KNUS radio talk-show host Steffan Tubbs that the DA’s office had initially informed her family last fall that the prosecution was “in essence, a slam dunk case.” What changed? Well, just like the “science” now tells the COVID-19 tyrants that masks and lockdowns are no longer necessary in the midst of a heated political campaign season, the “law” now tells McCann that Lee Keltner’s murder was not murder -- despite her office failing to interview key witnesses about what they believe was a coordinated ambush involving Dolloff, BLM radical Jeremiah Elliott and 9News producer Zack Newman. Lee’s friend and witness to his murder, Steven Wright, calls KUSA’s activist journalists “the 9News hit team” and told me he vows he “will not stand down” until the whole truth of Keltner’s death is exposed. The station has a history of fomenting hatred against conservatives, including

mocking those of us attacked at the July 2020 Back the Blue rally, and sneering at and smearing those who attended John “Tig” Tiegen’s peaceful October 2020 “Patriot Muster,” where attendees were harassed by antifa and BLM agitators as they departed -- up to and including the moment Lee Keltner was stalked by Elliott, with Dolloff and Newman trailing nearby, while cameras rolled. Elliott was captured on video running from the murder scene, gloating about “one less white supremacist” and “f--- yeah, right in the f---ing dome.” Wright left several unreturned messages with the DA, informing them that, “You don’t have all the facts. This entire ambush was around a violent episode that was premeditated. Once the cameras came out, Elliott went full idiot. This was exactly 9News’ objective. Depose me.” “We believe Lee was targeted,” sister Suzan told YouTube podcaster Madyson Marquette last week. But after “begging and pleading” with prosecutors to move forward, Suzan Keltner was told McCann’s office would not let a jury of Lee’s peers hear the evidence. What changed? Tubbs told me: “Several witnesses have told me that though they made themselves available, they were never interviewed by police or the DA’s office. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann is a disgrace to her profession. She caved likely due to media attorneys and fear of being canceled. ... This could have been delivered to a grand jury.

Dolloff should have at minimum faced a jury of his peers. Let them decide. ... I hope Monday’s rally sends a loud (peaceful) shock wave to the idiots in downtown Denver.” And a warning for the rest of law-abiding America: Beware the Progressive Prosecutor who delivers “justice” for some, retribution against patriots, cover for media propagandists, and a Third World hellhole to the taxpayers who fund her paychecks. Michelle Malkin’s email address is MichelleMalkinInvestigates@protonmail.com. To find out more about Michelle Malkin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

SHURTLEFF from 2 the latter funded college tuitions, and gave the U.S. government a near monopoly of college loans while drastically increasing the cost of a college education. These grants are now known as Pell Grants named after Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island. In 1980, President Carter with the full support of the National Education Association, made the Department of Education a cabinet level entity. In the late 1980s and 1990s, under George H.W. Bush, the “Education President,” Bill Clinton, and George W Bush, the federal government gave us Outcome Based Education, Goals 2000, No Child Left Behind, and School to Work. During the Obama Administration, we got the disaster called Common Core. My mentor, the late Sam Blumenfeld, a pioneer of the modern homeschool movement documented what he called “the deliberately dumbing down of America.” His last book co-written by Alex Newman entitled Crimes of the Educators explains how it happened. A book published by the federal government with the blessing of Franklin Roosevelt rightly reads that our

federal government was a government of specified powers, and that education was not one of these powers. But, over the past one hundred years, members of Congress from both major parties violated their oaths of office and voted for these programs. A correlation can be made between the unconstitutional involvement of the federal government and the decline of academic standards. In 1983, the National Commission on Excellence in Education issued a report entitled A Nation at Risk. The commission concluded that if a foreign power did to our schools what we did, we would consider it an act of war. The commission made recommendations, but it did not address federal involvement in government schools, nor did it advocate reintroducing intensive phonics. As an aside, around the same time that this report came out, the Reagan Administration came under fire when it cut funds to school lunch programs and classified ketchup as a vegetable. The correct answer of the Reagan Administration should have been said that it has no authority to fund school lunch programs. While we have much to do to unravel one hundred years of fed-

eral government overreach, which should include supporting and voting for constitutionalists. I recommend reading Crimes of the Educators by Sam Blumenfeld and Alex Newman. This book should prove to be an eye-opener and will give people a clear understating of the problem. Sam was a pioneer in the homeschool movement who spent most of his adult life warning parents about the plans of the so-called progressives to deliberately dumb down America. Camp Constitution inherited most of Sam’s books, papers and recording and with it, we created the Blumenfeld Archives-a free online resource: https:// campconstitution.net/ sam-blumenfeld-archive/ Another excellent resource is Freedom Project Academy https://fpeusa.org/-a fully accredited classical education on-line K-12 school. Readers who would like a PDF version of History of The Formation of the Union Under the Constitution, Crimes of the Educators and/or a free pocket copy of the U.S Constitution may Email me at campconstitution1@gmail.com

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Super Crossword

PUZZLE CLUE: HER LEADING FATHER

B.C.

by Parker & Hart

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —

Sudoku

Magic Maze PLACES IN U.S WITH BIRD NAMES

Caption Contest OUR PICK FOR BEST CAPTION

PHOTO #902

Due to it’s emerging silliness, the Olympic Hop,Skip and Jump competition was eventually cancelled. -David Doyon, Moultonboro, NH..

Runners Up : Hey Margie - Did you know that Superman started out this way? - Sandy Percy, Laconia, NH. A university sorority chapter subjects newest candidates to wearing costumes while jumping hurdles during a public hazing ritual. - Jean Cram, Pittsfield, NH. Those who have a boiled dinner before the St. Pat’s Marathon, never run out of “gas.”- Bob Patrick, Moultonboro, NH.

CAPTION THIS PHOTO!!

The Winklman Aeffect

PHOTO #904 Send your best brief caption to us with your name and location within 2 weeks of publication date... Caption Contest, The Weirs Times, P.O. Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 email to contest@weirs.com

by John Whitlock

— THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, March 24, 2022 —