06/08/2023 Weirs Times

Dupuis-Cross AmeriCAn Legion AnD

AuxiLiAry CeLebrAte memoriAL DAy

Active members of the DupuisCross American Legion and Auxiliary solemnly celebrated Post Everlasting to pay their last respects to departed members June Tackett, Claire Reis, David Cuomo, and Roland Moore. After the service, they gathered out-

side at the war monument honoring Ashland’s heroes to hold the annual Memorial Day Celebration led by Scott Moore, Legion Commander and Jeanette Stewart, Auxiliary President. A wreath was laid to commemorate the fallen.

Historically, Ashland was a part of Holderness before 1868. Therefore, Veterans of the Revolutionary War, the Spanish American War, and the Civil War are part of both Ashland and Holderness. To honor that, the Dupuis-Cross American

Cemetery Walk In Ashland

Ths Ashland Historical Society will present a Cemetery Walk at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, in Green Grove Cemetery. Costumed re-enactors will portray interesting people from the past at their grave sites. Adolph and Clara Schelzel will recall his business and sports career in Ashland. Benjamin and Ann Jewell will discuss the construction of the Mount Livermore House.

George and Emma Scribner will talk about his career as treasurer and president of the Ashland Knitting Company and her bequest of the Scribner Memorial Building, now the home of the Ashland Town Library. James and Roxanna Briggs will describe his immigration from England to America, where he worked as a child in his father’s woolen mill in Ashland, and then became an attorney, a Civil War officer, speaker of the N.H.House, and Congressman. Transportation by cart will be provided for those who have difficulty walking.

If it rains, the Cemetery Walk will be held at the same time on Sunday, June 11. Green Grove Cemetery is located on Main Street (Routes 3 and 25) near the I-93 interchange in Ashland village.

WEIRS, LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, N.H., THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023

VOLUME 32, NO. 23

Members of the Dupuis-Cross American Legion Auxiliary Unit 15 and the Dupuis-Cross American Legion Post 15. Jeanette Stewart, Jane Sawyer, Phyllis Reitsma, Scott Moore, Christine Cilley, Gilbert Dilly, David Hooper, Michael Hayes, John Harville, Sue Harville at the war monument honoring Ashland’s heroes. BOB LETOURNEAU PHOTO

In Defense Of Dandelion Greens

In response to Eric N. Gibson’s piece of dandelions (518.23 Weirs Times).

Spring has surely arrived: yards are dotted with fuzzy round yellow blooms springing out of a thatch of shaggy greens, Ingesting these bitter bits of nature’s spring offerings has been a ritual for as long as I can remember.

I am 84, Dandelion greens are said to “spring clean” one’s body of toxic sludge accumulated throughout winter’s idle indulgences.

As soon as the appear in my yard I include them in my daily fare: in salads, sandwiches, soups, stir frys and hors d’oeuvres. I begin by picking 8, my lucky number, and adding those to whatever is on my menu.

I increase the number daily and gradually, never allowing it to become excessive or overwhelming. By the time sufficient herbs, spices, garlic, and/or salad dressing is applied, those bitter little weeds are all but indistinguishable; and so they go to work, do their job, and once again my “plumbing” is pristine.

So, “Mange”, “Bon Appetit” and here’s to healthy living.

Amelias’ Granddaughter.

(Name withheld upon request)

Thanks To Dr. Aronson

To The Editor: I would like to take a moment to publicly thank Dr. Mark Aronson who has served the Lakes Region and beyond with his medical practice as he has just announced his retirement after more than 30 years as a family physician.

When I think about all that has happened to my family over the past 30 years as my children grew up, played sports, traveled around the world, and became adults, Mark was always there for all those milestones caring for all our changing medical needs.

My family is not unique in that we have experienced the usual health issues that come with kids and aging, but also some real health issues that changed our lives forever. The complexity of medicine is overwhelming to most of us so having a trusted family friend has been vital to help us deal with the emotional side of a medical issue.

Mark always spoke to us directly and clearly so we felt confident about his medical guidance. I don’t know if they taught this in medical school he attendee but it was always helpful to my family to have Mark leading us during our sometimes-challenging medical situations.

Lastly, behind the scenes I also know that the medical profession has changed immensely during his many years in his family practice often making medical decisions

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

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

complicated so I thank him for helping my family navigate not only the illness but also reality of the insurance bureaucracy. Dr. Mark Aronson will be missed by my family but we are forever grateful for his compassion, professionalism, and expertise. We wish him well in the next chapter of his life as it is well deserved. He has led a life of service to our community and I hope you will join the Allen’s in celebration of remarkable career where he changed literally thousands of lives during his medical career.

Happy trails, The Allen’s in Center Harbor

and places that make New Hampshire the best place in the world to live. No, none of the daily grind news will be found in these pages, just the good stuff.

Published year round on Thursdays, we distribute 24,000 copies of the Weirs Times every week to the Lakes Region/Concord/ Seacoast area and the mountains and have an estimated 60,000 people reading this newspaper.

To find out how your business or service can benefit from advertising with us please call 603-366-8463.

Yours truly and Julie at the start of our southbound Cohos Trail section hike. The northern terminus of The Cohos Trail is in Pittsburgh, NH on the Canadian border. The 170 mile Cohos Trail crosses the entire length of Coos County from the White Mountain National Forest to the Connecticut Lakes Region. Many trails along the Cohos Trail make wonderful day hikes. The hike along the border swath to the headwaters of the Connecticut River, 4th Connecticut Lake is a short two mile hike round trip. Falls in the River Trail along the Connecticut River just below 2nd CT Lake is a favorite for its loud and lovely cascading waters. These two hikes are worth the long drive to the Great North Woods.

The Cohos Trail runs the length of Coos County from the Canadian Border to its most southern reaching point at the bottom of Crawford Notch in Hart’s Location. The trail is 170 miles long. Some people backpack and thru-hike the entire trail but a lot of people section hike the

trail too.

Julie and I decided to section hike The Cohos Trail going south bound (Sobo) starting from the Canadian Border and have the most fun doing it. To slack pack we had to each drive our own car so we could hike a section point to point. This way we

could travel light by spotting a car at our day’s end. The most northern part of the trail lends itself well for slack packing because we’d always be near Route 3 and the trail is made up of many trails that are popular day hikes.

Julie left her car

“The

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Incredible Charles Miller” Program At Wright Museum Of WWII

The Wright Museum of WWII is proud to announce the lecture “The Incredible Charles Miller: The Story of an Unknown New Hampshire Man Who Secretly Left a Stunning Visual Diary of his Deployment in the Pacific Theater During WWII.” The lecture will take place on June 13, 2023, at 6:00 pm. Following the lecture there will be a reception and viewing of the Wright Museums’s own traveling exhibit Private Charles J. Miller: WWII Paintings from the South Pacific at 7:00 pm. The lecture will be delivered by Peggy Hennelly-Maniates, Executive Director of the Wright Museum of WWII Hennelly-Maniates will discuss how a humble New Hampshire man, who left school at the age of 12 to financially assist his family, never had the opportunity to take a formal art class and relied upon art books borrowed from his local public library. Miller created over 700 paintings of his time in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He drew on whatever he had available from large sheets of paper to the inside of cigarette cartons and colored them using children’s watercolor sets. With these simple materials Miller created powerful works of art, full of wonderful color and skilled draftsmanship, with dramatic action and keen observation. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session before the reception, where attendees will have the opportunity to ask the speaker and the Miller family questions about the artist and his legacy.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share this wonderful exhibit with our museum visitors. The exhibit has been traveling the United States for the last 4 years. “ said Justin Gamache, Curator of the Wright Museum. “This lecture is an excellent opportunity for art lovers and World War II enthusiasts alike to gain a deeper understanding of Private Charles Miller’s work.” Reservations are required and can be made by calling 603-569-1212, reservations must be made by June 6th. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more on one of New Hampshire’s native sons.

Doors open at 5:30 pm, lecture begins at 6:00 pm.

For more information, please visit WWW.Wrightmuseum.org or contact Donna Hamill at 603569-1212 or donna.hamill@wrightmuseum.org

Castle in the Clouds to Host Inaugural Community Arts Festival

Moultonborough – Castle in the Clouds is hosting its inaugural Community Arts Festival on Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Presented in partnership with the Lakes Region Art Association, this new event will feature many local artists and organizations from the local community. The Community Arts Festival is free to attend and open to the public. The rain date for the event will be Sunday, June 11.

The Community Arts Festival will include dozens of booths offering a wide variety of interesting topics, including handmade jewelry, fancy cookies, upcoming theater productions and everything in between. In addition, art activities, demonstrations, and performances will be showcased throughout the day.

Kids and adults are invited to participate in a festival scavenger hunt by visiting the Castle in the Clouds booth and picking up the festival scavenger hunt guide. Participants will then visit booths and talk with the artists, crafters, and community organizations to find the scavenger hunt items. Every participant can turn in a completed festival scavenger hunts for a prize.

For more information about this event, please visit castleintheclouds.org/community-artsfestival/.

American Independence Museum To Offer Free Admission to Active Military

Exeter- The American Independence Museum (AIM) has joined the Blue Star Museums initiative to provide free admission to currentlyserving U.S. military personnel and their families through Monday, September 4.

Participation in this initiative, according to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, is especially meaningful given the origins of the museum itself. “We were founded by the Society of the Cincinnati, the nation’s oldest patriotic organization,” she said. “The founders were officers of the Continental Army who served together in the American Revolution.”

Members of the Society today, noted Carr, can trace their lineage back to those who fought in the American Revolution. “While the museum is focused on much more than the Revolutionary War, today’s active military have historically found special meaning in our collection and stories,” she added.

One example of such storytelling at AIM is that of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben’s book on Regulations for the Order and Discipline of Troops of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1779. “Baron von Steuben was a Prussian military officer recruited by Benjamin Franklin to train the Continental Army in European military techniques,” said Maddie Beihl, AIM curator.

Arriving in Portsmouth, NH in 1777, von Steuben traveled to Pennsylvania and joined George Washington at Valley Forge. His training quickly paid off, transforming the struggling American Army, and they began to win battles.

“US military members often recognize the drills in von Steuben’s book, as some are still in use to this day,” said Beihl, who noted the book is currently on display at the museum.

Meredith Historical Society Offers Plant Cuttings from Antique Rose Bush

A pretty yellow rose bush tells a story of Meredith’s history. It is believed that the yellow rose plant now blooming in the garden beside Meredith Historical Society’s Main Street building was carried across the Atlantic in the 1800s by workers in one of the mills located at today’s Mill Falls Inn and Shops. As the plant flourished, area residents took cuttings and yellow roses were soon seen all around town.

Desiring to revive this piece of history, a limited number of small cuttings from the original plant are being sold by the Historical Society with the hope that this yellow rose will not only become a beautiful hallmark of Meredith, but will also honor the mill worker who brought it from the homeland. A future map of Roses in Bloom is planned to showcase this unique bit of history. Plantings will be offered for sale until June 10. Priced at $10 per plant, pre-orders can be taken by email: meredithhistoricalsocietynh@gmail.com or calling 603-520-6482. Pick-up is during museum hours of 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Meredith Historical Society is a 501.c3 non-profit organization.

by Brendan Smith

supermArket sweep

My wife Kim does all of the major food shopping for our household.

I’m not usually at the supermarket unless I need to stop in for a quick item or two that is a “definite” need for the moment.

But last weekend I did go along for the “big” shop for the month since we happened to be coming back from somewhere else which happened to go right by the supermarket.

Once inside, I decided I would take over as the pilot for the shopping cart. This follows closely with my need to also be the pilot in the car. I don’t do well as a passenger, especially in the front seat, as I watch the traffic ahead and continually step on imaginary brakes.

I feel piloting the shopping cart is an important job. Controlling this vehicle while acquiring the goods for mass consumption is taken way too lightly by others at the supermarket. To them it is just an afterthought and their ineptness in navigation can have a great effect on others’ shopping.

A straggler in the middle of the beverage aisle can slow down one long enough that they miss out on the two for one on baked beans,

Another reason I decided to pilot the cart is because Kim actually knows where everything is in the store. She was my GPS, without which even my remarkable skills at calculating the correct circumference in turning the shopping cart at the end of an aisle into the main thouroughfare without impeding other shoppers’ progress, was really of no value if the journey is nothing but useless wandering.

First stop was to find some pre-cooked bacon, which we have come to enjoy. But alas, at first, there was only bacon that needed to be microwaved for 3-4 minutes

in order to be edible. This was a quandry, but we figured we could suck it up if that is all we could find. After all, our ancestors never had a choice beyond cooking raw bacon in a pan for way more than four minutes. The horror!

We made pretty quick work of finding what we needed, getting the items into the cart and proceeding to the next. My skill at surveying each aisle as we turned into it and planning our move down it, was, if I must say so myself, a thing of beauty,

Even the two ladies in the middle of the cereal aisle having a long chat about this and that while oblivious to those around them who had to find ways to maneuver around them at the last second, were no deterrent.

I spied a small opening to the left of one of them that was, I judged, just wide enough for me to make it through, long before I was even near them.

Not a step was lost as a box of cereal and carton of oatmeal was placed in the cart just as I silently eased past the two chatterboxes. (I thought I heard a small smattering of applause from other shoppers.)

I always made sure to keep the cart tight to the sides of the aisle when Kim was in ingredient reading mode (watch that sodium content). That way other shoppers could easily get by us, as well as catch a quick glance into our cart to see what it is exactly our diet consists of. (C’mon, admit it, you do it too.)

There was one error made so we had to backtrack from the produce section back across the entire store to the chilled juice section. Still, I took a quick glance at the layout; judged which route would be the most efficient, and got us across the entire store and to the OJ in what I’m sure, if Guinness had a world record for it, I would be in contention.

Once all was gathered, it was off to the checkout.

A quick scan and calculation in my head saw that number nine

would be the fastest. There was a young girl who was unloading just a few items and I quickly pulled in behind her.

I saw an opening on the conveyor, but the plastic divider that would separate our goods from hers lay snugly in the narrow metal valley that was designed for that purpose.

I assumed, as supermarket etiquette requires - yes, there is a book- the girl would act in kindness and place the plastic divider between our orders since it was a bit out of reach for me. Instead, she studied her phone diligently as though the secret to life was in there somewhere.

Saying “Excuse me,” seemingly unheard by the deep thinker, I proceeded to reach for the divider myself. It was a long stretch and I knew my shoulder might be sore the next morning.

My agility with the shopping cart through the automatic doors, across the parking lot and to our car was, well, you needed to see it to believe it. Once the car was loaded it was a quick, two-step to deliver the cart to the corral; an unheralded skill that not even some of the savviest cart handlers can accomplish as can be attested to their abandonment everywhere else.

The trip was a success and we arrived home safely with the goods.

I suppose I could use my shopping cart skills more in the future, but I don’t want to be a showoff.

(By the way, we did find the precooked bacon.)

“I Really Only Did It For The SocksStories & 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)

Skelley’s Market Skelley’s Market

It For The

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)

St. André Bessette Parish Mass Schedule at Sacred Heart Church

Saturdays: 4pm; Sundays: 7:00, 8:30 & 10:30am

Daily Masses: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8am, Tuesday: 5:00pm

All Masses Livestreamed at standrebessette.org

Sacred Heart Church is open daily for private prayer

www.standrebessette.org

Weirs Times Editor

ron DesAntis, reAL presiDentiAL Firepower

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced he’s in.

He’s running for president.

I caught DeSantis’ remarks in Orlando at the annual meeting of the National Religious Broadcasters the day before he formally announced.

our FAke spenDing DebAtes

by Star Parker Syndicated Columnist

It was immediately clear that this is no ordinary politician.

It has been said that there are two types of people. Those who want to be someone and those who want to do something.

DeSantis is clearly that latter. And at age 44, he has already done a lot.

Yale baseball captain, Harvard Law School, Navy veteran -- including serving in the war in Iraq --three-term U.S. congressman and two-term governor of Florida, the nation’s third largest state in population and fourth largest in economy.

What immediately spoke to me, and probably most of the 4,000 Christian broadcasters in the room, was DeSantis started right off talking about bringing water from the Sea of Galilee in Israel to Florida to baptize his three children.

This is a man who stands firmly in cement regarding his view of the world in terms of right and wrong, and man’s ability and responsibility to make the right choices.

His battle against woke culture is really a battle for freedom and against indoctrination.

And hence DeSantis’ remarkable achievement of making school choice available practically throughout the whole state of Florida.

This puts parents in charge of their children’s education -- not politicians, bureaucrats or unions.

This defines real conservativism. You start with clarity about right and wrong and then give people freedom to live their life as they choose.

DeSantis’ list of accomplishments as governor in many important areas is long. But the headliner is his bold and courageous move in opening his state’s economy and schools during the pandemic, when most other states were still closed.

He has made the point that Disney, which has fought him in his battle against sexual

This week, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and President Joe Biden cut a deal to raise the debt limit. The breakthrough came after three months of Biden pledging not to even negotiate over the debt limit. Instead, Biden was forced to concede to a 1% cap on increases for non-military spending, a cutback on IRS funding, a clawback of some unspent COVID-19 allocations, and addition of work requirements for some federal aid. The compromise deal was indeed far less than House Republicans had demanded, as Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., tweeted, “After factoring in a small cut to discretionary spending over the next 2 yrs, we are still talking about ~$6T more or less in spending bc of large increases in spending elsewhere. ... Govt grew massively over the past 3 years. This growth was supposed to be emergency funding only during COVID. During this time, govt grew 40% or by $2 trillion from 2019 to 2023. We went from spending just over $4T to spending just over $6T.”

by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist

actually president. In fact, Trump campaigned in 2016 against changes to entitlement programs, which represent the biggest driver of our national spending addiction -- some 62% of federal spending annually. Combine that spending with 10% of our spending on net interest and another 13% or so on defense spending, and the discretionary outlays at issue represent under $1 trillion. That’s a lot of money, to be sure, but making serious cuts to that number would still put our budget in the $5 trillion range.

The reality is that our budgetary debates are generally about shifting deck chairs on the fiscal Titanic. By 2053, we will be dedicating in excess of 21% of our national budget to debt service alone. Mandatory spending will constitute 58% of our spending. We aren’t going to cut our way out of this problem by targeting discretionary spending in the main.

Every word of that critique is true. Compared to conservative ideals, the compromise bill is indeed a flaming bag of fiscal manure. But conservative ideals weren’t on the table. Biden is the president. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. -- thanks in large part to the tender 2020 ministrations of President Donald Trump in the Georgia Senate runoffs and his further interference in the 2022 Senate races in Georgia, Arizona, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania -- is still the Senate majority leader. This means that Republicans were never going to get a big win on budgetary matters.

For that matter, Republicans couldn’t even get a big win on budgetary matters from 2016 to 2018, when they controlled both houses of Congress and Trump was

But nobody will touch the real drivers of our budgetary bloat and economic stagnation -- Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. To do so would risk the wrath of entrenched interests in the United States. So instead, we’ll simply increase the size and scope of federal spending, placing an unsustainable burden on our economy and then eventually mandating vastly increased taxes or serious austerity measures. There is no third path forward. Our politicians know this. But they’re in the business of kicking cans down the road while posturing over the placement of the deck chairs. The iceberg looms, but their reelection efforts rely almost completely on ignoring its presence as we bear down, full speed, on our fiscal doom.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author; his latest book is “The Authoritarian Moment: How The Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.”

Social Security is toast.

So is Medicare.

Too many of us old people live longer, so there are not enough working people to support us.

time bomb

system from going broke, raised France’s retirement age from 62 to a measly 64.

People have been protesting ever since.

didn’t even live until age 65. Social Security was just for the minority who did.

projected to run out by 2034.

Medicare’s reserves will run out even sooner.

by John Stossel Syndicated Columnist

Soon both Social Security and Medicare will be broke.

Our politicians don’t have the guts to do anything about it. Or even talk about it.

It’s easy to see why.

Recently, France’s president, trying to keep his country’s pension

In America, politicians who even hint at such solutions get screamed at by misinformed seniors: “Don’t touch my retirement funds! You took money from my paycheck for years; that’s my money I’m getting back!”

But it’s not. It’s young people’s money. People my age rarely realize that most of us now get back triple what we paid in.

When Social Security began, a government retirement plan made financial sense. Most Americans

But now Americans live, on average, to age 76. I’m 76. Henry Kissinger is 100. Since most of us live so long, there are just not enough workers to pay for us.

Yet our vote-hungry politicians won’t say that in public.

Even Donald Trump cowers, saying, “No one will lay a hand on your Medicare or your Social Security.”

The most clueless, like Sen. Bernie Sanders, even deny the obvious truth. He shouts: “Social Security today is not on the line going broke!”

But it just is. Reserve funds are

Of course they will. When I first got Medicare, I was surprised how no one even pays attention to costs. Everything seems free.

“Get an MRI,” says my doctor. I immediately do. I don’t ask the cost. The MRI people don’t mention it either.

Months later, I get a complex notice that says my MRI cost $2,625 and I must pay $83.65. Or sometimes, nothing. Who did pay? Blue Cross? Taxpayers? The paperwork is so complex that I don’t even know.

syriAn Crisis worsens; worLD yAwns

Mudawi, a UN Deputy-Director for humanitarian affairs. Addressing the Security Council she stated, “After twelve years of conflict, the vast majority of the Syrian population continues to face daily challenges to meet the most basic food, health, and shelter needs.”

than 130,000 people missing; the displacement of 12 million Syrians; the use of chemical weapons by the regime against the population.”

by John J. Metzler Syndicated Columnist

The world seems to have forgotten about Syria. You could excuse this after a dozen years of bloody conflict, humanitarian catastrophes and a jarring earthquake in February. Equally there’s a global crisis overload from the Middle East to Eastern Europe and looming in East Asia. Syria’s place in the constellation of conflicts seems to have dimmed and clearly been overshadowed. We have become numb to the pain.

“Syrians need the support of the international community now more than at any time in the past 12 years,” implored Ms. Ghada Eltahir

She added, “A staggering 15.3 million people require humanitarian assistance throughout the country, representing nearly 70 per cent of Syria’s population.” And humanitarian aid is in short supply and often blocked at northern border crossing points.

French diplomat Ms. Isis Jaraud Darnault stated unequivocally, “Bashar Al-Assad’s regime and its allies are responsible for a war with unprecedented consequences: more than 500,000 deaths; more

But let’s not forget that a gaggle of jihadi terrorist organizations facing the Russian-backed Assad regime have kept this witches brew boiling for over a decade. There are few winners.

Now there seems to be some diplomatic movement in the political logjam; Assad is being curiously courted and brought back into the Arab League. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who a decade ago supported anti-Assad militants, has welcomed the Ruler of Damascus back at a Saudi Summit. Not long before, Moscow hosted a meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, Syria, and Turkey.

Geir Pedersen, the UN’s Special Envoy for Syria stated, “It is vital that the recent diplomatic moves are matched with real action. Because let us remember that the Syrian people continue to suffer on a massive scale.. the economy continues to reach new lows.”

Ambassador Pedersen added, “The cumulative effects of a decade of war and conflict, corruption, the Lebanese financial crisis, COVID, sanctions, illicit drug trafficking, and the war in Ukraine means that the economic morass of the Syrians has never been more acute. Changing this must be a key priority of any confidence-building process too.”

There are at least 6 million Syrian refugees. One million Syrians are in neighboring Lebanon; the small

This series of Letters

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

Letters From God Letters From God

QUESTION: How Can We Resist The Pull To Practice What You Have Called Evil?

This is a great question and very relative to the upside-down world you are living in. In a very short time, what once was laws and practices that embraced me and my will are now coming from hell. Not only are they coming from hell but they’re being legalized by your government and sanctioned as being good. I’d like to answer your question by referring you back to my book the Bible and particularly to the book of Psalms. This book was used as the songbook for my chosen ones of Israel. The melodies used have long faded but the words remain faithful to the original writers, who wrote ultimately to express my thoughts.

The very first song, Psalm 1, stands as an entrance way to the rest of the book of Psalms but also the entire Bible. It speaks of the reality of evil coexisting with good and provides a way that you can resist the gravitational pull to evil. It also reveals the destiny of those who continue to walk in ways that are contrary to my will and those who walk in the center of my will.

It begins with a promise of “blessing” for the man or woman who avoid certain things that I have declared

and remain evil but also who practice certain things that I have declared and remain good. I have never changed my will. (:1) To be blessed means that your life is happy. It’s the absence of unnecessary pain, suffering, conflict and even death. It’s a state of mind and heart of contentment and joy at the circumstances of your life. It is ultimately experiencing my blessings from heaven because you honor me and obey me. How then does one experience this blessing, this happiness? First you must recognize that there is a world of evil around you and you’re constantly being lured into that world and never as much as you are right now in your country. If you ever hope to have my blessing you must avoid those who practice these things at all cost.

First you must never “walk in the council of the wicked.” They have never come to me and sought my counsel. In fact, they have rejected me and created their own wisdom which is faulty and will lead to death. Never rely on their counsel. It is a dead-end street! Next don’t “stand in the way of sinners.” This is a progression from living by casual counsel to standing in the path or the way of sinners. This person has made a commitment to stand with those who reject me. The final progression is that you must never “sit in the seat of mockers.” This represents a dedication of yourself to being with

those who reject me, mock me and live in ways that come from hell and not heaven. These are three negative truths that if you ever hope to be filled with life and blessing, you must avoid.

But now listen to the positive. If you wish to resist the gravitational pull of sin and wickedness you must “delight in my law.” (:2) In other words, my words as revealed in the Bible and my will concerning what is right what is wrong. A person who treasures my word and lives by it is described as one who “meditates on it day and night.” In other words, it is so valuable to them that it captures their thoughts and is applied in everything they do. This practice of both negatives’ to avoid and positive’s to embrace will keep you from falling to the evil predators looking to trap you in their web of evil.

I used two illustrations that gives you a sense of the difference in the quality and quantity of life that you’ll experience, now and eternally, depending on whether you follow my word or don’t. (:3) For those who do, you’ll be “like a tree planted by streams of water.” As you know you could be in a desert but if there’s a stream and a tree planted nearby, it will flourish. It’s described in this Psalm as yielding its “fruit in season” and “whose leaf does not wither ” and “whatever he does prospers. ” When you walk in my ways and obey me you will be like that tree tall, strong, enduring, fruit bearing and prosperous. But notice the

contrast for those who are wicked, “they are be like chaff.” (:4) It’s hard to illustrate two things that are as opposite as a tree growing beside streams of water and chaff. Chaff is the thin cover over kernels of wheat which are removed by tossing them into the wind and they are blown away. It is a picture of worthlessness and impermanence that is blown away from the kernel of grain which possesses life.

Why the difference?

The psalm concludes with the fact that I, God, “watch over” and bless those who obey me with life now and forever and make you like a tree planted by streams of water. The “wicked” who reject me will perish physically and then be cast away from me, the source of life, for eternity, much like chaff that is blown away. (:5)

Everyone will once day stand before me in judgment. How you resist the gravitational pull of evil will determine your destiny.

I love you, God

These letters are written by Rev. Dr. Samuel Hollo, pastor at the Community Church of Alton, NH.

Should You Consider 401(K) Loans Or Withdrawals?

At some point, you may have more money in your 401(k) than in any other investment. And even though your 401(k) is intended for your retirement, you may one day think you have to tap into your account early — but should you? And if you do, how should you go about it?

If it’s possible to avoid taking money from your 401(k) before you retire, you probably should do so. You could spend 25 or more years in retirement, and you’ll need to pay for those years, so you may want to look for alternatives to your 401(k). If you’ve built an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses in cash or cash equivalents, you could use some of this money. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you could use it to pay for qualified medical expenses. Or you could sell some of your taxable investments, rather than going into your tax-deferred 401(k).

But if you have determined that you must look at your 401(k) plan to meet a short-term funding need, you’ll want to carefully consider how to go about it. You typically have two main choices: loans or withdrawals.

For plans that allow loans, employees can generally borrow up to 50% of the vested amount of their 401(k)s, up to a maximum of $50,000 within a 12-month period. Administrative fees may apply, and Interest will be charged, but it will be added back to the 401(k) account as part of the loan repayments. Except when they’re used for a home purchase, loans must be repaid within five years, with equal payments made at least quarterly, unless payments are allowed

to be paused temporarily. If you leave the company or don’t repay the loan according to the agreement, the loan balance will likely be treated as a taxable distribution.

Now, let’s consider withdrawals. For 401(k) plans that allow current employees to make withdrawals, the withdrawal requests are usually considered either hardship or non-hardship. To qualify for a hardship withdrawal, you must demonstrate an immediate and heavy financial need to pay for certain expenses, including a home purchase, college, a medical issue or other specified costs, and your withdrawal is limited to the amount necessary to meet the need. Non-hardship withdrawals can typically be taken for any purpose but usually are not granted until you’re 59½ or older.

Unlike with a loan, a hardship withdrawal can’t be repaid, while a non-hardship withdrawal can usually only be repaid by rolling over the amount to an IRA within 60 days. But the bigger issue may be taxes. If you withdraw funds from your 401(k), any previously untaxed money is generally taxed as ordinary income and a 10% penalty will apply if you’re younger than 59½, unless you qualify for an exception. Plus, your 401(k) plan typically must withhold 20% of the withdrawal for taxes, so you’d have to take an even larger withdrawal to meet your needs.

Before embarking on a 401(k) loan or withdrawal, you may want to consult with a financial professional and your tax advisor. Taking money from your 401(k) is a big move, so make sure you know everything that’s involved.

GILFORD

NICK TRUDEL, C h FC®, AAMS™ , CRPC™, FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 293-0055

nicholas.trudel@edwardjones.com

28 Weirs Rd., Suite 1, Gilford, NH

LACONIA

BENJAMIN J WILSON, CEPA®, AAMS™, FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 524-4533

benjamin.wilson@edwardjones.com

386 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH

BELMONT

JASON R POCHILY FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 524-3501

jason.pochily@edwardjones.com

171 Daniel Webster Hwy., Suite 7 Belmont, NH

MEREDITH

DEVON SULLIVAN, CFP®, CRPC™ FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 279-3284

devon.sullivan@edwardjones.com

164 NH Route 25, Unit 1A Meredith, NH

MOULTONBOROUGH

KEITH A BRITTON FINANCIAL ADVISOR (603) 253-3328

keith.britton@edwardjones.com

512 Whittier Highway, Suite 1 Moultonborough, NH

Investing

At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question:

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

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

Not So LoNg Ago ...

Exploring ThE lEgEnd & lorE of our graniTE STaTE the sesquiCentenniAL

pArADe in ConCorD - June 21, 1938

“a mammoth pageant parade,” and “the outstanding single feature” of the day-long celebration, portraying the history of New Hampshire through three centuries.

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr.

Contributing Writer

What was going on?

Memorial Day was past and Independence Day had not yet come, but a massive parade was taking place in Concord, New Hampshire.

Since when did the capital city host a huge parade in the month of June? Why did a crowd of an estimated 50,000 to 65,000 people stand in heat reaching the upper nineties in degrees for an hour and a half as the parade passed by and the band played on?

This was the 150th anniversary of the ratification the United States Constitution by the New Hampshire Convention at the Old North Church in Concord which took place on June 21, 1788.

The approval of nine states was required in order for the document to become effective, and New Hampshire happened to be that ninth state. There were rival states that

were hoping to gain that honor, but New Hampshire prevailed. Knowing that New Hampshire holds this historic distinction it is easy to see why state officials set a day apart, 150 years later, not only to have a parade in remembrance of that event, but a whole day of celebration.

Now, 235 years later, I don’t know as I write this if there are any special events taking place this year to celebrate the actions of 1788, but I do know that the Constitution of the United States of America is much in the news as both of today’s major po -

litical parties claim to adhere to the precepts of that Constitution while also claiming that the opposing party does not. Cries of accusations of unconstitutional actions and proposals seem to be many as lawmakers and law interpreters seem to struggle over questions about what is legal and what is not legal in these United States as directed by the Constitution. Hopefully the attention being paid to what might be described as the basic law of the United States will have good results.

The 1938 parade was described by The Manchester Union as

Of particular interest was a float depicting the ratification event at the Old North Church in Concord where New Hampshire’s leaders voted the United States of America into existence. There was a reviewing stand in front of the State House where more than forty of notable New Hampshire citizens watched the parade, including Governor Francis P. Murphy and his Executive Council, United States Senator H. Styles Bridges, former U.S. Senator George H. Moses, and former U.S. Congressman Arthur B. Jenks. For some unknown reason United States Representative Charles W. Tobey was not in the V.I.P. reviewing stand, though he was reported to have been a parade spectator.

The Manchester Union hailed the sesquicentennial celebration as one of the most successful of similar events ever held in the state and one that would long be remembered by those who

Scene from 1938 Constitution Sesquicentennial Parade on Main Street, Concord, NH (photo from Manchester Union of June 22, 1938)

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by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

The “1942 Toronto Maple Leafs” was once the answer to a famous sports trivia question.

“What’s the only pro sports team to win a seven-game series after losing the first three games.”

Then in 1975 the NHL’s New York Islanders pulled off the same feat against the Pittsburgh Penguins. And Boston hockey fans will never forget the 2010 debacle against the Philadelphia Flyers, when the Bruins not only blew a 3-0 series lead, but also a 3-0 lead in Game 7 at home!

Happily, the B’s would recover and win the Stanley Cup the next year.

And speaking of “happily,” Boston fans still savor the 2004 Red Sox and how that club became the only MLB team to overcome a 0-3 series deficit and eventually prevail. That was especially “happily” because the victims of that BoSox team were the New York Yankees. So sweet.

Almost magic

Ten years ago, the Boston Celtics trailed the New York Knickerbockers 0-3 in an NBA playoff series, having been smacked down in all three games. The C’s avoided a sweep by winning Game 4 in overtime at the Gar -

Down 0-3...AnD mAgiC

“I am so sorry! I am so sorry!”

But New York ultimately prevailed 8880—which ironically took away some of the pain.

Which brings us to 2023 and the recently concluded Celtic-Heat series, which Miami won in seven games after Boston overcame a 0-3 series deficit—ala the 1942 Maple Leafs, the 2004 Red Sox, et al.

den. But then they upset the Knicks in NYC to force a Game 6 in Boston.

“We’re going,” I told Beth—with visions of the 2004 Boston baseball triumph over New York dancing in my head. I paid what I had to pay for two tickets, and we were off to Boston.

“This is going to be so great!” I told Beth. “The place will be rocking.”

And the Garden was indeed energized that May 3—a swirling sea of boisterous greenglad fans anxious to see history made, as no NBA team had ever come back from 0-3.

But the Celtics were horrible. They trailed 24-10 after a period, and 39-27 at halftime.

After three periods the Knicks led 67-47.

With less than ten minutes left to play, Iman Shumpert dunked for the Knicks to make the score 7549. I looked at Beth and said “Let’s get out of here. I’m so sorry.”

We left and took the train to Sullivan Square where we’d parked. As we walked to our car, we heard a crowd roaring on a parked car’s radio.

“And Jeff Green makes both free throws to draw the Celtics to within four! 77-73! If Boston can pull this off, it will be the greatest comeback in NBA history!”

I wanted to die. Had I dragged Beth away from the greatest Celtic game ever? After we’d left, the C’s had outscored the Knicks 242.

Derrick White’s last second tip-in for a 104103 Game 6 Celtic win in Miami will remain one of Boston’s alltime classic sports moments. The play no doubt created bedlam in hundreds of sports bars, taverns, and living rooms throughout New England and beyond. I just smile when I think of all the nonsports fans proximate to such places when White made that play, triggering those paroxysms of sound and explosions of joy.

“What was THAT about?”

What THAT was about involved an unplanned and unscripted moment of unforgettable sports magic. Like Malcolm Butler’s interception. Or Carlton Fisk’s home run. Or Mike Eruzione’s game winning hockey goal against the Soviets.

White’s basket set up a dream Game 7 in Boston where the Celtics could do what 150 previous NBA teams had failed to do when trailing 0-3 in a sevengame series. Win the series.

Derrick White.

eDuCAtion is A ‘FieLD’ trip on the new hAmpshire heritAge museum trAiL

—Featuring 21 museums in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail is an educational destination for many secondary schools.

“Many of us have developed field trips for students of varying ages,” noted Jeff Barraclough, president of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and executive director of member institution Millyard Museum in Manchester. “If you want your child or student to learn about New Hampshire and its rich history, take a field trip to a member institution on The Trail.”

One such member

institution is the American Independence Museum (Exeter, NH), which is revamping its on-site field trips for the 23/24 academic school year. Designed for 5th graders, the program is entitled, Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists.

“It’s a 2-hour program that provides students and homeschoolers with insight into the unique perspectives of loyalists, patriots, and those who remained neutral,” said Sarah Jaworski, program manager at the American Independence Museum. “It’s aligned with national curriculum standards and provides a hands-on, inquiry-based learning experience.”

The intent behind Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists, noted Jaworksi, is to help students recognize the “complex challenges” faced by

people living in the colonies leading up to the Revolutionary War. “The hope is that students can connect what happened during Colonial times with

present day life,” she said. “History has a tendency to repeat itself.”

At Castle in the Clouds (CITC) in Moultonborough, Deb-

bi Finkelstein, director of Education & Partnerships, expressed enthusiasm for their field trips, available for the first time since 2019. Offered in fulland half-day formats, field trips include a guided tour of Lucknow Mansion and guided hike.

“We have workbooks for students to use throughout the mansion with questions and activities that provide them with a variety of interactive and critical thinking opportunities,” she said.

Questions that guide CITC’s field trip curriculum include: ‘How does technology influence your life on a daily basis’ and ‘What can land use and change

See TRIP on 35

Teacher leading a school group at Castle In The Clouds in Moultonborough.

For The

New England’s Wild Birds & Their Habitats

wArbLer seAson

by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer

Another warbler season is in the books.

Sure, there are still the late-migrant stragglers that will be seen into mid-June and, of course, the ones that will nest and stay with us all summer, but the peak of the warbler season has, sadly, passed.

For me personally, I did not see a huge variety of warblers, but I did see plenty of the more common warbler species over the last few weeks.

The warbler sightings, for me, started in late April with a walk that yielded dozens of yellow-rumped warblers. Over the last few weeks, it has been largely blue-winged warblers, common yellowthroats and American redstarts. In the last week or so, yellow warblers have been showing up more and more on my walks and are becoming the dominant warbler species.

Those are also the main warblers that will nest in my area of New England. Each part of New England has its common nesting warblers and, thankfully, we will get to see them throughout the summer. If we are lucky, we’ll see their youngsters too.

It has been fun over the last couple of years

A blue-winged warbler sings from the brush in New England this spring.

getting to know the American redstart and blue-winged warbler better. I found a few places where redstarts nest, and I visit there frequently in late spring into early summer. Redstarts are, in my opinion anyway, one of the more interesting-looking birds and remind me of Halloween every time I see one. The black and orange coloring is unique in the warbler

world. At least among the ones we see in New England.

Blue-winged warblers are largely yellow, like many warblers that nest or pass through New England, but their unique, black eye straight gives them a different type of look - almost like a little bandit.

Blue-winged warblers are also unique and fairly easy to find from their insect-like call. It

appears to be a rather subtle call, but it can be heard from far away, especially during an early morning walk when the world is still quiet and calm. Yellow warblers and common yellowthroats will nest throughout New England. In both cases, the birds are usually heard before they are seen. That is if they are seen at all, as they like to hang

See BOSAK on 34

CHRIS BOSAK PHOTO

The Simple Feast

me AnD the CApt’n

WEIRS TIMES’ BEER FINDER

by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer

The Simple Feast Simple The Simple

If cereal had a sinful side I am certain it would be cereal treats, those deliciously sticky gooey squares, the ¨cash cows¨ of the dental trade. Because of its ability to cling to your teeth and, within seconds, is boring a hole through that outer protective layer of enamel to get to the root of the matter, quite literally, the cereal treat has been both loved and despised by many. But cereal treats are truly ever so scrumptiously delicious while too, being so incredibly easy to make. With humble origins going back to 1939, two cooks working in the Kellogg’s test kitchen are credited with developing the first Rice Krispies Treats. Since that time, be you a purist or of a more adventurous spirit, I think most will agree, that there is just something about the satisfying simplicity of cereal treats that defies all logical comprehension. After all, what’s not to like about cereal, mixed with molten melted marshmallows and butter then dumped into a greased pan to cool?

In this ever changing world we live in, today’s cereal treats are often a far cry from what moms used to make. Stretching both breadth and width in our collective quest to “Gourmet-ize” everything we eat, even cereal treats have succumbed to the craze. Combining peanut butter, chocolate fudge, or even caramel with melted marshmallows, butter, crispy rice and other sugar laden cereals, then gently blending these with candy of all description, we create these confections, these unrecognizable grain based carbohydrates, in an effort to redefine what a cereal treat is.

Why, even now, as I sit writing this, my tongue is trying to pry

free a stray chunk of cereal treat wedged in a newly forming cavity. All part of the fun of cereal treats. It reminds me of a kid we grew up with, “Mr. Tactile”. every neighborhood had one. He’s the kid with the braces who constantly had his fingers so far into his mouth that it looked like he was performing a self-inflicted tonsillectomy as he scratched away at every nook and cranny of each molar. That same kid had the dirt and gear grease under his fingernails from a half hour spent rehanging that grimey bike chain on his Ten Speed. Growing up, any name brand cereals were a treat in our house, say nothing of the sugar cereals. All cereals were expen -

ACKERLY’S

Grill & Galley

83 Main Street, Alton 603.875.3383

Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com

Woodstock - Dbl Pig’s Ear

Great Rhythm - Squeeze

Baxter - Coastal Haze

Tuckerman - Pale Ale 603 - Summatime

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

At Funspot 579 Endicott St N., Weirs 603.366.4377 funspotnh.com

Unseen Creatures - Alone

Shipyard -Smashed

Pumpkin

Jack Abby -Red Tape

Muddy Road -1762 Porter

Northwoods -Autumn Buzz +30 More On Tap

MORRISSEYS’

Porch & Pub

286 S. Main St., Wolfeboro 603.569-3662 Morrisseysfrontporch.com

Morrisseys’ 20 Year Lager by Great North

Smithwick’s Guinness

Harp

Concord Craft Safe Space +11 More On Tap

OVER THE MOON FARMSTEAD

1253 Upper City Rd., Pittsfield overthemoonfarmstead.com

Oatmeal Stout

London Porter

Pitt Stop Pils

Coffee Porter

sive, knock-off brands were yet to come of age. And generic cereals were just that, enormous clear cello bags with a white field and black lettering printed on it. So the breakfast cereal of choice, purely for the sake of economy, was generic Puffed Rice. In fact the closest to Sugar Puffs we got in our house was a bag of Puffed Rice the size of a body pillow and the ever present sugar bowl on the kitchen table. Not good fodder for cereal treats, say nothing of eating it out of a bowl.

But, I can still remember the first time the “Capt’n” came to breakfast at the Gibson house. I don’t remember there being a specific occasion.

Up Here

Zero Gravity - Frankie

Litherman’s - Lil’ Peach

Allagash - Wildlife Report

OEC - Solstice

Jack’s Abby - Ray Catcher

+6 More On Tap

FOSTER’S TAVERN

403 Main Street Alton Bay, NH 603-875-1234 fosterstavernbythebay.com

Bud Light

Tuckerman - Pale Ale

Aqua Vue Haze -Muddy Road Brewery

Sam - Seasonal

Allagash - White

Maine - Lunch IPA +2 More On Tap

JOHNSON’S TAPHOUSE

At Johnson’s Seafood & Steak 69 Rt 11, New Durham 603.859.7500 eatatjohnsons.com/ newdurham

Lone Pine -Brightside Widowmaker -Blue Comet

No Need To ArgueCranberry Mead

Maple Apple Cider +6 More On Tap

PATRICK’S PUB

18 Weirs Rd., Gilford 603.293.0841 Patrickspub.com

Patrick’s Slainte House Ale

Great North - Moose Juice

Guinness

Clown Shoes - Bubble Head

603 - Winni Amber Ale

Tuckerman - Pale Ale

+9 More On Tap

THE WITCHES

BREW PUB

At The Craft Beer Xchange

59 Doe Ave., Weirs Beach 603.409.9344

FB @craftbeerxchange

Notch – Salem Lager

Dogfish Head – 120 Minute

Kilkenny – Irish Red Ale

Victory – Sour Monkey

Woodstock – Lemon Blueberry

New Holland – Imperial Stout

+30 More On Tap

** Tap listings subject to change!

LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK 2023

17th

Peter Makris MeMorial run - Sat. June 10th

The Official Kickoff for Laconia Motorcycle Week -

What started as a pledge to honor NASWA Resort patriarch Peter Makris, this 17-year-old charity run will be “The Official Kickoff” to the 100th Anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week, Saturday, June 10TH. The Peter Makris Memorial Run continues to offer the best riding experience in Laconia, thanks to the escort of NH State and local police, offering a “feet-up” ride through the Lakes Region’s scenic hills, lakes and small towns.

The annual Peter Makris Memorial Run has to date raised over $550,000 for area charities and embraces the aspects of life that meant most to Peter—family, friends, The NASWA, veterans and the Laconia Fire Department. Peter was instrumental in leading the rest of the lake business community in many endeavors, including support of the Fire Department’s crucial rescue services and funding its first rescue boat. After Peter passed from a

Always Lots Of Fun On Tap!

tough fight against cancer and pneumonia, the biker and Laconia community rallied around this event that was created in his memory and in memory of his warmth and that beaming smile he happily shared.

Last year, 40 members of the Leathernecks club came from all over New England and New York to lead the run and the Makris family welcomes back ALL U.S. Marines as the

Leathernecks lead the ride, and ALL veterans and riders to again join in the good ride for good causes.

“We want to thank everyone who has participated for the last 16 years in this annual NASWA tradition and invite you to come back again!” says Cynthia Makris, president of the NASWA Resort and of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Board; she has followed in her father’s footsteps and joins with her mother, 98-year-old Hope, to make the NASWA Resort a strong business,

community servant and contributor. The Resort was founded by Hope’s parents in the early 1900’s when they purchased a natural spring water plant (hence the name NASWA), and she now guides the four generations of the Makris family in maintaining its legacy. Hope’s penchant for baking has supplied the resort’s award-winning “Hope Made” desserts for years.

The Peter Makris Memorial Run demonstrates the generosity of bikers that enable

the charity to give back to the community with causes ranging from the Laconia Fire Department’s Life Saving Fund and fire rescue boats, Easter Seals “Veterans Count,” a program that assists veterans, active-duty military and their families and the Lakes Regions Emergency Response Team (CERT) team. Makris was a proud U.S. Marine and member of the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club, so the Building Dreams for Marines is included, a Nashua, NH-based charity that helps mobility-challenged Marines modify their homes. The run also contributes to the Belknap House for homeless families and supported the NH Veterans Home by purchasing 10 TVs for isolation rooms and solar Christmas lights to brighten the residents’ spirits.

Schedule – Saturday June 10, 2023: 8:30-9:30 AM – Registration At The NazBar & Grill - $50 or $75 VIP, front-of-thepack, and includes for the first 150 pre-registered a 17th Anniversary collector T-shirt by renowned Harley Davidson artist, David Uhl’s Studio Design Group, gourmet BBQ Buffet and a chip for a free beer “on Peter.”

PRE-Registration on the NASWA Website by June 1 earns a sur-

LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK 2023

MAKRIS from 18

prise 100th Anniversary commemorative gift!

10:00 AM – Inspirational opening ceremonies across the street at The NASWA parking lot on Weirs Boulevard include the National Anthem sung by retired US Army Sargeant First Class Lynn Santosuosso and “Amazing Grace” by Blues Legend, James Montgomery. The Blessing of the Bikes by Fr. Marc Drouin precedes the ride.

10:30 AM – Kickstand UP for a no-traffic, “feet up” cruise, thanks to the escort of the State and Local Police. Breezing

through traffic, riders cruise to another Laconia legend, The New Hampshire Motor Speedway, courtesy of NHMS GM Dave McGrath, and run exciting laps around the track and road course.

12:30 PM – After the ride, the fun continues back at the NazBar & Grill for the After-Ride Party.

This year’s gourmet lunch will go on record, surpassing any other bike event, with a BBQ by Boston Celebrity Chef Anthony Ambrose. The menu will include:

• Backwoods Barrel Smoked Brisket and Hog Butt

MAE WEST MEMORIAL MOTORCYCLE RUN

• Badass Swamp

Style Jambalaya

• Crispy Catfish

Dirty Rice Burritos

• Sunnyside Up Tuna Steak with Coconut Wasabi

•Mini Hog Dumplings & Jap White Yams

The lunch is accompanied by a beer “On Peter,” participation in the 50/50 raffle and live music from the resort’s ever popular The James Montgomery Band.

To pre-register go to information, visit www.naswa.com, bit. ly/23PMMR, or call 603-366-4341.

62nD AnnuAL rACe up the mt. wAshington Auto roAD

Starting at 9am on Saturday, June 17th, the 62nd annual race up the Mt. Washington Auto Road, which features “only one hill,” will welcome over 1000 runners looking to experience the majesty, mystery, and challenge of this legendary race. After a weather shortened Delta Dental Mt. Washington Road Race in 2022 where the weather and two race records were the stars of the event, the field is set and hopes are high to again race to the top.

The 2023 Delta Dental Mt. Washington Road Race is stacked with elite talent vying for the title. Heading the list on the men’s side, and the overwhelming favorite, is Joe Gray, 39 of Colorado Springs, Colo. Gray is coming off a first US men’s finish at the Vertical US Mountain Running Championship in Sunapee, NH in April.

There will be plenty of men looking to take down the “G.O.A.T.” all of whom have impressive credentials and the ability to do it. Last year’s second place finisher in the shortened version of the race, Everett Hackett, 33 of Hartford, Conn., just finished the Boston Marathon in April in 58th place overall in a time of 2:24:20. In short, Hackett is in prime shape to give the max-

imum effort required over the 7.6 mile course. Eric Blake, 44 of West Hartford, Conn., is a three-time winner and 15-time top three finisher at Mt. Washington. Coming off a third place finish in 2022, Blake is looking to return to the top of the podium.

With the absence of seven time winner Kim Dobson due to injury, the door is wide open for another women’s race winner.

Sponsored by Delta Dental, the race ascends the Mt. Wash ington Auto Road from Pinkham Notch, N.H., to the 6,288foot summit of Mt. Washington. In addi tion to the unrelenting grade, runners face the added challenge of Mt. Washington’s famously high winds, precipitation, and un predictable temperatures which makes this race one of a kind.

Prizes include $1000

apiece for the first male and female finishers, smaller cash prizes for the next five men and women and the top three male and female masters (over 40), prizes for the first male and female finishers from New Hampshire, and a $5000 bonus for setting a new course record. The race will take place on Saturday, June 17th, starting at 9 a.m.

the Clouds

The NH Jewish Food Festival Offers 2023 Menu At 2022 Prices

LACONIA –The New Hampshire Jewish Food Festival, presented by Temple B’nai Israel, will be open for orders on June 11 without increasing prices from last year.

“Although our costs have increased, we are trying to help beat back inflation by holding prices at 2022 levels,” according to the Food Festival committee chair, Stu Needleman. This is welcome news for all.

The 26th annual NH Jewish Food Festival was built on 19thcentury recipes that have met 21st-century technology including an online ordering system and curbside

drive-through pickups. Almost every item sold is made by teams of volunteers in the kitchen of Temple B’nai Israel using the recipes that were handed down from generation to generation. Every recipe, from

Bubbie’s Chicken Matzah Ball Soup and Zaydie’s Brisket, to sweet creamy noodle kugels and flaky potato knishes, are made with the authentic recipes and attention to detail that will ensure the outcome is perfect. Over the years there have been many changes to the Jewish Food Festival, but the consistent component is the focus on the food. The teams of Food Festival cooks are never satisfied unless the products they produce are unsurpassed.

The menu options for 2023 include the traditional favorites that sell out every year - sweet cheese blintzes, two kinds of knishes, potato and ground brisket, crispy potato latkes, homemade challah, rugelach, strudel, and many other luscious treats that are not easily found in this part of New Hampshire. As in previous years, you will find corned beef, pastrami, and beef tongue available to purchase. These deli favorites are transported from Evan’s Deli in Marblehead, MA directly to the TBI kitchen to be sliced, packaged, and refrigerated so it is delivered fresh to you. These deli favorites are also sold in a

Old people who scour supermarkets to save a dollar on groceries never comparison shop for MRIs or heart surgery. “Why should I?

Someone else pays.”

As my new video illustrates, Medicare is a bomb with a burning fuse moving closer.

“Sooner or later, it will blow up,” says economist Dan Mitchell of the Center for Freedom and Prosperity. “Politicians figure oh, well, maybe it blows up in five years or 10 years or 20 years. I won’t be in office anymore.”

Some claim raising taxes on rich people would solve the deficit, but it won’t. There just aren’t enough rich people. Even taking all the money from every billionaire wouldn’t cover our coming bankruptcy.

The only solution is cutting benefits, raising the age when benefits start (sensible, since we live longer) or, Mitchell’s preference, privatizing retirement plans, like Australia and Chile did.

America’s politicians won’t do any of those things.

So what will happen?

“The only other alternative is printing money,” says Mitchell.

“I suspect that’s what America will do,” I tell Mitchell. “We’ll be like Zimbabwe.” Zimbabwe’s president printed money to fund his deficit spending. When the currency collapsed in 2009, Zimbabwe was printing hundred trillion-dollar bills.

Yet politicians don’t

learn. In the current debt ceiling deal, Speaker Kevin McCarthy got President Joe Biden to “claw back” unused COVID relief funds and keep two years of non-defense discretionary spending roughly flat.

That’s a little progress. But Biden wants to spend a record $7 trillion next year.

McCarthy said Medicare and Social Security were “completely off the table.”

So the programs are still doomed.

“Sooner or later bad things will happen to senior citizens,” explains Mitchell. “The

government will either cut their benefits or all of a sudden start rationing health care. Or reimbursement rates will be so low that you won’t be able to find a doctor or hospital to treat you.”

Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom. He is the author of “Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media.”

STOSSEL from

“Lunch Pack” option that includes a loaf of “When Pigs Fly” NY style rye bread, deli horseradish mustard, half-sour pickles, homemade coleslaw, and rugelach for dessert. Pick up and go… to the beach, the boat, or the backyard. Mark your calendar now, and don’t wait until the ordering period closes on July 9th to place an order. Quantities are limited and likely to sell out

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FOOD from 24

CEREAL TREATS

Yield: 20-24 Treats Time: About 60 minutes (15 prep -45 to cool)

INGREDIENTS

6 cups of cereal

1-10oz bag of mini Marshmallows

3 oz. Marshmallow Fluff

1 stick of butter plus 1 Tbsp.

1 9x13 baking pan

1 Wooden Mixing Spoon Plastic Wrap large enough to cover the pan

— Preparation —

- Liberally grease with a Tablespoon of butter a 9x13 baking dish (bottom and half way up the sides.)

- In a large bowl measure out 6 cups of cereal.

- In a large pot on medium low heat melt 8 tablespoons of butter. Into the melted butter empty the 10oz bag of marshmallows and 3 oz. of fluff. Stir and fold the marshmallows until nearly completely melted and blended with the butter.

- Turn off the heat and add in the cereal, folding with the melted marshmallow butter mix. The mixture should look like cereal trapped in spider webs.

- Empty the contents of the pot into the greased baking pan and spread evenly to all sides and corners.

- At this point top with any toppings (candy, chocolate chips if desired and cover with a sheet of plastic wrap. Press firmly on the plastic wrap to ¨set¨ the cereal treats and let cool thoroughly (about an hour) before removing the plastic wrap and cutting treats into serving sizes.

FEAST

from 17

A holiday? A Birthday? More likely, an accidental sacking by the bagboy at Siegels City or Sawyer Mills. The justification is lost to history but to us, at that time, in that place, it was as if the breakfast gods were smiling down upon our household from wherever they reside. My brother and I were only too eager to dig in. There we were, the two of us, side by side, wolfing down the “Capt’n” milk dripping from our chins. Why, you’d have thought we had never seen cereal before.

So, what happens when you take a Crispy Rice cereal (or nearly any cereal for that matter) and mix it with a molten mass of melted butter and marshmallow? The alchemy that takes place can only be described as something

beyond magical. The taste alone is sooo delicious! And there is no right or wrong to cereal treats as long as some basics are followed; cereal, butter, and marshmallows are at the very core. I use about 6 cups of cereal, a stick of butter (I like salted butter), a bag of mini marshmallows, and a big gob ( a heavy half to three-quarters of a cup) of marshmallow fluff for that little extra gooeyness.

Not having made cereal treats in quite a while, inspiration hit, of all places, as I walked the aisles of the local “All for a Dollar Twenty-five Store,” marveling at just how much their food section has expanded. I paused, feeling as if I were being watched.

Looking about I finally noticed a pair of eyes peering out from under white bushy eyebrows and a welcoming grin

across a happy grandfatherly mug. A familiar face, albeit he’d seen his share of niptuck and airbrushing over the years, but who hasn’t? Why, I’d bet most celebrities and Olympic athletes to grace the cover of a cereal box over the last Forty-five years have had so much work done, they’d be nearly unrecognizable at this point. But, like an old friend, there he was, “The Capt’n” with a bag of colorful “berries” cereal. And just a bit further down the aisle, a bag of mini marshmallows and some fluff. Well, that’s when it hit me, Cereal Treats! I could already feel the sugar buzz coursing through my veins as the little kid inside me screamed with delight while running in circles all giddy. “Oh, I gotta do it!” If for no other reason than to pacify the in-

ner child. So, knowing I had butter at home I bought the ingredients and started living the dream.

Since then I have made a few more pans, Crisp Rice Cereal Treats with Fruity Rings and Crisp Rice Cereal Treats with Honey O’s. I even added a sleeve of crushed snack crackers to a pan of cereal treats remembering how good these buttery rich salty rounds were with fluff. Give it a try. These crackers offer the cereal treat a decidedly delicious but subtle sweet and

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Paying last respects to departed members June Tackett,

Custom Sawing Legion and Auxiliary went to Holderness to hold a Memorial Day celebration.

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The Holderness Memorial Day celebration was led by Lisa Lovett, Holderness Library Trustee. Students from Holderness Elementary sang and played the Star Spangled Banner to begin the celebration. Scott Moore, Legion Commander and Jeanette Stewart, Auxiliary President led the ceremony before a large crowd. A wreath was laid. Ending the ceremony, the band played a medley of the Armed Forces service anthems.

Back in Ashland, they all assembled at

MEMORIAL from 1 See MEMORIAL on 29

Claire Reis, David Cuomo, and Roland Moore.

A wreath was laid to commemorate the fallen.

Students from Holderness Elementary sang and played the Star Spangled Banner to begin the celebration.

monument

Green Grove

a granite monument erected by the Grand Army of the Republic OW Keyes Post to the unknown dead of the Civil War. It is tall and narrow with a very simple inscription “GAR / 61-65 / Unknown”. A short and simple ceremony was carried out, along with a wreath laying, with dignity and respect for those who gave their lives in the service of our country and have gone to their eternal rest. Ceremonies such as these make us proud to be an American. May God Bless America.

MEMORIAL from 28

At the Holderness Memorial.

A large crowd gathers for the Holderness Memorial.

Assembling at the G.A.R. monument in Green Grove Cemetery in Ashland. BOB LETOURNEAU PHOTOS

where the trail crosses at West Inlet Road and then she jumped into my car and we drove to the border. There is a day parking area for hikers and there is no need to check in with customs. We grabbed our packs and walked to the border and the trailhead. We headed down Sophie’s Lane and began hiking Sobo to Julie’s car.

Friends warned us it would be buggy and muddy but our headnets stayed in our packs and our feet stayed dry thanks to the dry weather. We followed the snowmo-

bile trail/forest road south and enjoyed the rolling terrain and walking along the west bank of the 3rd Connecticut Lake.

The wild flowers weren’t open yet; spring was still early here two hours north of Franconia. We kept our eyes open for Moose but we didn’t see any.

Just south of Deer Mt. Campground we left the snowmobile trail and headed down Upper Blackcat, a nice path through the forest. We followed the yellow blazes that helped us stay on the trail. Even though we

KINDRED SPIRIT FARM

Julie enjoying our second lunch on the shore of the 2nd Connecticut Lake along the Cohos Trail. The Cohos Trail is where you see more moose than people, is what we joked.

weren’t far from Rte 3 it was so quiet. With now a good 7 miles behind us we were on our way and needed to go back to get my car and to complete the official northern terminus of the trail. The 4th Connecticut Lake Trail is a two mile lollipop-loop that is a popular day hike. We hiked east along the border swath and made theshortishsteep (400 vf) climb up to the headwaters of the Connecticut River. We went clockwise

around the small boggy lake and before heading back down the swath we took a herd path down to the edge of the water to sit down and eat our lunches. We watched a duck swim around while I reminisced about the last time I was here when the weather was not as nice. This day there were no bugs and lots of warm sunshine, we counted our blessings.

Nearing the custom buildings the sound of the flags flapping

in the wind was surprisingly loud. Before calling it a day we spotted the cars again to hike more. We continued down Middle and Lower Blackcat. We took the spur path down to the spring for some nice cold water. The tree’s leaves were not out and we enjoyed the open woods. We noticed a lot of fresh sawdust made by volunteers using handsaws to remove trees that had once blocked the trail. We were happy to have a well marked and clear pathway as we hiked SoBo.

We crossed Rte 3 and began walking down R&J Chaput Trail and past Lainie’s Lair. We didn’t find anyone hiding in the cave but when I climbed up the ledge and around the big boulder there was a bench where one could sit and keep an eye on the trail.

We’d been hiking in the forest just west of 2nd Connecticut Lake and then we popped out at its dam. Below the dam The Falls in the River

Trail begins and it is another popular trail for day hiking. The trail follows the Connecticut River and its beautiful cascading waters and to the gorge known as Falls in the River. We took our time and enjoyed the river, taking herd paths to be closer to the edge of the river. This was our last section of the day and we took the Moose Alley Spur back to the trailhead parking.

Lucky us we had a wonderful supper at the Buck Rub and we got a room in their lodge right behind the restaurant for the night. After hiking 15 miles we sure slept well.

The next morning we were waiting outside of Young’s Store to open at 7 am with a few others. They make the best breakfast sandwiches and coffee. We left a car at the Cohos Kiosk near the store and we drove back to where we left off.

We thought Moose Alley Trail would have moose and we hiked silently hoping at least one would show up but such luck.

The Bog Bridge Trail was fun, the boardwalk was long. We passed by materials ready to replace the rotten boards. I learned that the work would be performed on National Trails Day, June 3rd by volunteers. We crossed Rte 3 again and headed up the Round Pond Brook Trail. We passed by the recently oiled Tillotson Hut, the volunteers take such good care of everything up here. This new shelter was once on display at the Museum of the White Mountains before it was reassembled on the trail.

We followed the brook then we hiked around the pond on the road past houses. Then we

We covered 28 miles in two days and only met two other hikers and the moose were hiding on us.

The

was

Mountains in Plymouth NH before it was reassembled at its permanent home on the Cohos Trail. For more information about the Cohos Trail visit their website at CohosTrail.org. The volunteer organization has information about thru-hikes and day hikes and in their store you can buy maps and books.

Museum

began our push over Covell and Prospect Mountains. I have visited these peaks before when I was checking off the 2k peaks on the New Hampshire Highest 500 list.

This day was a lot hotter than the previous day and we really felt the heat as

we worked our way up and over the mountains. Again the trail was pretty and well marked and maintained.

From the summits we enjoyed big views across 1st Connecticut Lake to Magalloway Mountain and beyond. Every once in a while a black fly would bite

me. Julie found a tick crawling on her pant leg while we ate lunch on top of Mount Covell.

We met our first people out hiking. A local resident was leading his mother up to see the view from Mount Prospect. These peaks are a splendid day hike too.

Dumont Cabinet Refacing & Counter Tops

The long walk down Danforth Road was hot. The town’s grader was grading the road as we walked towards Young’s Store. We didn’t see any more yellow blazes but there was nowhere else to go. This day’s 13 miles

really felt long. I guess we have to work on our trail legs.

Back at the car we jumped in and we’d be driving past the ice cream shop on our way to the car at our starting place. I had been talking about ice

cream at Moose Alley Cones for the last hour and wouldn’t you know they’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. No Moose for us. We’ll be back soon. Have Fun.

Neil Tillotson Shelter located along the Round Pond Brook Trail

on display at the

of the White

refaced

any woodgrain or solid color

see in the photo of sample doors.

On the Cohos Trail from the summit of Mount Prospect, elevation 2,204 feet, there is a grand vista across First Connecticut Lake to Mount Magalloway.

participated. The hot weather, however, according to the Union, “...was much too warm for the spectators- say nothing about the marchers...”

A morning presentation on that June 22nd of 1938 on the State House plaza was one of the highlights of the day and featured speeches by former Senator Moses and the then current Governor

Murphy. The presiding official of the program was Francis H. Buffum, the chairman of the Sesquicentennial Commission. The invocation was given by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jeremiah S. Buckley, vicar general of the diocese and rector of St, John’s Church of Concord. The benediction was given by Rt. Rev. John T. Dallas, D.D., Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire.

Music for the morning event was provided by Nevers Second Regiment Band, conducted by Lieut. Arthur F. Nevers of Concord, and, besides Moses and Murphy, a prizewinning speech was given by a student of Rivier College in Hudson.

In his speech Senator Moses explained the procedure used to produce and ratify the national Constitution. The Constitution was submitted through Congress by the Philadelphia Federal Convention and, in New Hampshire, a group of delegates chosen by the people formed the New Hampshire Convention which scrutinized the document. The final meeting of the New Hampshire Convention was held in the Old North Church and the Constitution passed the scrutiny of that body on June 21, 1788.

Exeter, New Hampshire, had its own, apparently more quiet, but yet important, observance of that Constitution Day. The ratification of the Constitution occurred 150 years after Exeter became a town and the sesquicentennial celebration was mostly an evening affair. Banks in Exeter were closed on June 21, 1038 but most of the stores were open. In the early evening the Exeter Brass band which was first organized in the year 1847, gave that week’s weekly concert in the town square. Then there was a Town Hall program beginning at 9:30 that featured a national radio broadcast sponsored by the American Bar Association, the first part of which came from Radio City with a drama presentation of events leading up to the ratification and switching to Exeter, which had once been the capital

of the State, to show New Hampshire’s role in the ratification process. Before New Hampshire’s ratification vote at Concord,

Exeter had been the location of discussions on the topic. The Exeter Tercentenary Chorus sang several

See SMITH on 33

Former NH Senator George Mioses- speaker at Sesquicentennial.

other was a new Lockheed Electra which could also carry 21 people and was shown by the Boston and Maine airways. Those were some of the highlights of that festive day of remembering New Hampshire’s role in adopting the Federal Constitution.

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A Boston & Maine Railroad Locomotive named “Constitution” that was on display at the Railroad Station in Concord on June 21, 1938.

selections to conclude that town’s program.

Returning to the Concord parade, the State National Guard displayed their mili -

tary might with 1400 officers and men from all over the state marching in the event, along with a show of big guns of various types. Regiment bands

also entertained the spectators. In addition to the parade an afternoon drama about New Hampshire’s role in the ratification of the Constitution was presented in Representatives Hall at the State House with a radio broadcast hookup. A new Boston and Maine locomotive, appropriately named the “Constitution,” was on display at the Concord Railroad Station which featured an air-conditioned coach and Pullman sleeping car. The airport saw many visitors coming to view two airplanes “ of the most advanced type.” One was shown by American airways and was a Douglas “sleeper plane which could carry 21 passengers. The

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Remember t o wear your lif e jacket!

Laconia’s Endicott Rock float in the 1938 parade. (Manchester Union photo)

SMITH from 32

you want to be on Lake Winnipesaukee!

out in brushy areas and remain hidden if possible. Yellowthroats often like to stay low to the ground in their skulking.

I’ve focused on warblers in this column, but I also had some good luck finding other colorful songbirds such as rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting and scarlet tanager. I watched a female rose-breasted grosbeak collect nesting material a few weeks ago. It’s good to know they will be sticking around and raising young here.

With spring migration mostly behind us, what’s next for birders? Birds won’t be as noisy or active as they have been over the last several weeks, and the variety won’t be as great, but watching them raise young is always a highlight of late spring and early summer. Of course, many birds have had their first broods already, but the nesting and rearing will last for the next few months.

Every season has something to offer birdwatchers. There’s always something interesting to observe, so get out there as much as possible.

country hosts the largest number of refugees per capita in the world. At least three million more have fled into Turkey. And let’s not forget during the Summer of 2015 when more than a million Syrians fled to Germany and Sweden.

But the conflict’s instability goes well beyond Syria’s borders; the country has emerged as a nexus for international Islamic jidahi terrorist groups not only opposing Assad’s rule, but destabilizing the region, especially Lebanon’s sensitive border with Israel.

But reaching a long awaited political solution is not as easy as we assume despite the war weariness. “For France, there can be no lasting return to stability in Syria and the region without a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians and enables them to live in peace in their country. The parameters of the political process are known,” Jaraud Darnault stressed.

Before the conflict exploded during the “Arab Spring” of 2011, approximately 10 percent of Syria’s 22 mil-

lion population was Christian with the majority being Sunni Muslim. Today that number is drastically lower; of the 2.2 million Christian inhabitants prior to the war, only approximately 638,000 remain. Christians were particular targets of jihadi forces opposing the government.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield informed the Council, “Until there is political progress toward a durable resolution of the conflict, U.S. sanctions will remain in place…The United States will continue to hold the regime accountable for its abuses, including torture and killing.” Credible reports cite at least 130,000 people held in regime run detention centers.

“It is time to see the Syrians engaged in dialogue and return to discussing their own future together in the Constitutional Committee,” cautioned Geir Pedersen, “to facilitate a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political resolution that restores Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.”

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That’s a tall order for a beleaguered land bathed in blood, religious sectarianism and political division. Syria’s ongoing trauma must not continue; the hate and devastation has exhausted everyone.

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.

BOSAK from 15 METZLER from 7

But the Celtics just lacked that “je ne sais quoi” in the penultimate game against Miami. The Heat played great en route to 10384 Game 7 win. The first-minute ankle sprain by Celtic star Jayson Tatum was a harbinger.

Still, memories of the wondrous Game 6 will linger, and images will remain of strangers embracing and crying for joy in pubs throughout New England and beyond. And the countless Celtic fans who showed up at the Garden for Game 7 on May 29—or who watched on TV—were unified in their passion for a basketball team, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or political affiliation.

And that’s what—at times—makes sports so special. Almost magic.

Sports Quiz

Besides the aforementioned, what is the only other pro sports team to overcome an 0-3 deficit to win a seven-game playoff series?

(Answer follows)

Born Today

That is to say, sports standouts born on June 8 include all-star Baltimore Oriole shortstop Mark Belanger (1944).

Sports Quote

“During my playing days I was such a dangerous hitter that I even got intentional walks in batting practice.” – legendary MLB manager Casey Stengel

Sports Quiz Answer

In 2014 the NHL’s L.A. Kings overcame a 0-3 deficit against the San Jose Sharks to advance from the first round. They’d eventually win the Stanley Cup.

State Representative Mike Moffett was a Sports Management Professor for Plymouth State University and NHTI-Concord. He coauthored the awardwinning “FAHIM SPEAKS: A WarriorActor’s Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back” which is available on Amazon.com. His e-mail address is mimoffett@ comcast.net.

PARKER from 35 about what voters want to see and hear.

indoctrination among youngsters in school, profited handsomely because they were able to operate their business in Florida during the pandemic while being forced to close in California.

It speaks much about the widespread unfortunate realities of many corporations today, which on the one hand profit from freedom and capitalism and at the same time promote policies that undermine that very freedom.

One line of criticism that has been aimed at DeSantis is that he is not charismatic and that, in the words of The Wall Street Journal, “He’s a cultural brawler more than a likeable unifier.” The Journal suggests he adopt a little of “Ronald Reagan’s self-deprecating humor.”

But DeSantis is a soldier, not a socialite, motivated, as was Reagan, to do what is right for the country. He is not going to reinvent himself based on alleged wisdom from political consultants

More importantly, the leadership challenges today are even greater than those faced by Reagan. Our fiscal and cultural challenges are daunting.

Our national debt today is about 100% of GDP. When Reagan ran in 1980 it was less than 25%. Federal spending today is almost 25% of GDP. When Reagan ran it was 20.6%. The federal budget deficit now is 5.4% of GDP. In 1980 it was 2.6%.

As result of dramatic expansion of government, our economy today is growing around 2% per year, well below the historic rate over 3%.

As a result of the breakdown in traditional values and family, the country is aging. The percentage of Americans over 65 stood at 16.9 % in 2020, compared to 11.3% in 1980.

The birth rate of babies to unwed mothers is now 40%, compared to 18% in 1980.

If there is any hope in turning it all around, it’s more important that our leadership is tough than jovial.

From what I have seen so far, Ron DeSantis has exactly what America needs in 2024.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

TRIP from 14

tell you about the people who inhabited the land?’

“The lesson plan itself pairs social studies (history) with STEM topics, such as geology and technology,” added Finkelstein.

In reflecting on the educational experiences possible throughout The Trail, Barraclough said member institutions are an “underutilized resource in the state,” which is something he hopes can change. “We are actively working with schools to develop educational programs and field trips that complement the inschool learning experience,” he said. “We would love to work with more schools and educate even more students.”

To learn more about field trips at the American Independence Museum and Castle in the Clouds, visit independencemuseum.org and castleintheclouds. org, respectively.

In addition to the American Independence Museum and Castle in the Clouds, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or any member institution, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.

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CAPTION CONTEST

OUR PICK FOR BEST CAPTION

How it worked when the crash dummies were real people.

-David Barth, Laconia, NH.

Runners Up : The Model T could take a licking and keep on ticking! - Bill Pawluk, E. Northfield, NH.

The first Demolition Derby had two drivers and one car. - Rick Kaufman, Dover, NH..

Building a spaghetti western stagecoach.

-Jean Cram, Pittsfield, NH

CAPTION THIS PHOTO!!

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

PHOTO #868

PHOTO #865

The Winklman Aeffect by John Whitlock