08/03/2023 Weirs Times

Summer HappeningS in 1938

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr.

Contributing Writer

I have a personal interest in what happened in New Hampshire in the summer of the year 1938, and in reading the newspaper comments of that year I discover that some of the things that people were talking about eightyfive years ago are still hot topics of discussion

Theater Locations For “Sound Of Freedom” Growing Daily

today. Moreover, some of the happenings that took place in 1938 are still having an impact on lives today.

Let’s start with the “Aerial Tramway” that was installed on Cannon Mountain at Franconia and was opened to passengers on June 29, 1938. It was the first of its kind of cablecar transportation ever set up on an American mountain. The idea was

borrowed from Europe and proved to be a huge success as by August 10th of that summer of ‘38 the cable-suspended cars had carried 50,000 passengers to the top of the mountain.

Another New Hampshire innovation and first of its kind in the world, the Mount Washington Cog Railroad, had already been operating for 70 years in 1938. The tramway, in its initial year of operation,

on some days had to turn away prospective riders for lack of room.

An article in The Exeter News-Letter of August 19, 1938 focused on a subject it declared that we are always interested in, namely, “ ...the proposals of those who would make us all happy and prosperous by seizing and redistributing existing wealth.”

The government was said

Angel Studios, the platform empowering filmmakers with full creative control to crowdfund and create, has reached a new theatrical milestone. Angel’s hit movie SOUND OF FREEDOM is continuing to add screens this weekend, representing the fourth consecutive weekend in which the film is adding additional screens. SOUND OF FREEDOM enters its fourth weekend screening in 3,411 theaters, and is crossing the total booking threshold of over 4,000 screens and topping $130M in box office revenue.

“Everyone in the industry knows that films are generally supposed to lose screens week-over-week, not add them. And yet, the incredible

See FREEDOM on 32

WEIRS, LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, N.H., THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023

The “Aerial Tramway” that was installed on Cannon Mountain at Franconia and was opened to passengers on June 29, 1938, the same year New Hampshire history columnist Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. was born. As we wish Bob a Happy Birthday he tells us what else happened the year of his birth.

POSTCARD FROM PUBLISHER’S COLLECTION

When The Unfit Rule...

To The Editor:

Every nation has had their immoral and corrupt. Once they moved into the seat of government, that nation crumbled and fell.

“To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now enjoys....whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown our present republican form of government, and all the blessings which flow from them must fall with them” Jedediah Morse.

We see that within our country today. Proverbs 29 verse 2 “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn”.

When the unfit rule and the rule of law has no standing, they no longer lurk in the shadows but flaunt their new powers as legitimate. They know exactly what they are doing, in hopes of destroying our country and rebuilding it in the image of their god. Their ill gotten powers are only for a season. Once the destruction is over and the destroyers have fallen along the wayside. This community will Build back better than ever.

“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody” Thomas Paine.

When the Constitution is reestablished in full force and honored once again and we have become citizens once again. Build back Better will have its true meaning and effect.

Gene F. Danforth Danbury, NH.

Thanks From Garden Club

To The Editor:

July 20th the Community Garden Club of Meredith hosted a free program supported by a generous grant from New Hampshire Humanities. “Unusual Weathervanes of the Granite State” presented by Glenn Knoblock was held at the Meredith Community Center. The audience was packed and attendees were most enthusiastic as they learned more about “N H on High”! Four examples of local Meredith weathervanes highlighted in the presentation included: Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant, First Baptist Church, First Congregational Church and Mill Falls Marketplace.

Many thanks to the following for their help and support: Greater Meredith Program sign program, MVSB for posting on their digital signs in both Meredith and Laconia, Meredith DPW, the staff at the Meredith Community Center, Hannaford Supermarket, the Meredith News, The Weirs Times and The Laconia Daily Sun. Garden Club members volunteer in many areas of Meredith. As you are walking in our town, notice the signs indicating that volunteers plant and maintain the gardens that we all enjoy.

Carol F. Gerken

Community Garden Club

Of Meredith, Volunteer

Turning The Tide

To The Editor:

I recommend to the reader, all concerned citizens and State

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

Representatives to contact Joanna Martin, Publius Huldah at publiushuldah@gmail.com to get the complete picture of how the “tidal wave of truth” throughout our nation over the past year has finally turned the tide against the false claims and assurances of Convention of State COS lobbyist, attempting to convince State legislators to make State Applications for a Article V Constitutional Convention.

The scoreboard according Publius Huldah is: “So far this year 20 States (Red States & Blue States): Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, Utah, Texas, Virginia, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Kansas, Iowa, New Hampshire, Kentucky, New Mexico, Maryland, Vermont and Washington State have rejected the “COS” and/or “term limits” application for Congress to call an Article V Convention. No State has passed the “COS” application this year.”

Surely false claims and assurances have certainly contributed to their defeat. For these falsehoods have boomeranged back at COS are: “fake emails & petitions to claim the false image of wide support and smearing those who oppose them.” Here in NH in 2016, smears at the John Birch Society accused us of attempting to bribe a Committee Chairman. Again, I suggest concerned State Representatives and citizens who seek a 50 state perspective on the tactics and defeats of COS , to contact Joanna Martin at Publius Huldah at PubliusHuldah@gmail. com

Russ Payne Merrimack, NH.

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.

paddling THe lakeS Of THe ClOudS

Lakes of the Clouds lives up to their name! Becca in her packraft surrounded by swirling clouds while she is paddling on Upper Lake of the Clouds. Lakes of the Clouds is not just the name of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s famous Hut. Lakes of the Clouds are a pair of mountain lakes located between Mount Washington and Mount Monroe, near the Hut. These mountain lakes are the highest in New Hampshire, sitting at just over 5,000 feet. The hike from Base Road to the Lakes and the Hut is about 3 miles one-way.

Mount Washington reached record rainfall numbers in June and I wouldn’t be surprised if July breaks the record too. Nearing the end of July it seemed like it would rain every day so when a day that had a promise of some sunshine we decided to take advantage of all the water and make a trip to paddle the Lakes of the Clouds.

Lakes of the Clouds

are a pair of mountain lakes located between Mount Washington and Mount Monroe and are the highest in New Hampshire at just over 5,000 feet. These small tarns are made famous by the popular Lakes of the Clouds Appalachian Mountain Hut. The full service Hut is operated in the summer and into the fall. It has bunkrooms and ac -

commodates 90 guests. Day hikers are welcome to fill their water bottles and use their bathrooms. I don’t think the Hut encourages swimming or boating. But I do believe the tales of the Dartmouth Outing Club lugging a canoe to paddle around the Lakes. I thought I recalled a canoe hanging from the ceiling of the Hut a million years

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

An Evening Of Broadway At Colonial Theatre

LACONIA - The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction will hold its second annual theater fundraising event, An Evening of Broadway, on Tuesday, August 15, at 7 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre Laconia.

The event is family-friendly, and tickets range from $20-$30. Individuals are also invited to sponsor a seat for $20 per child to allow children from the Boys and Girls Club and other local nonprofits to attend at no cost.

Squam Sunrise Stretch

Need to take a break from the busy hustle and bustle of daily life? Or maybe you just want a chance to have a peaceful morning stretch in a beautiful environment. Experience the quiet serenity of Squam Lake in the early morning with a mindful stretching session. Stretch on your own or with a group led by Lakes Region Conservation Corps member Logan who will direct sun salutations and a stretching circuit where participants can share their favorite stretches. Join the Squam Lakes Association Friday, August 4th from 5am to 6am for an early morning stretch! Don’t forget your yoga mat! This event will take place at the Squam Lakes Association headquarters overlooking the peaceful Piper Cove of Squam Lake. For more information, or to sign up for this free Adventure Ecology program, visit the SLA website (squamlakes.org) or contact the SLA directly (603-968-7336). The SLA also offers other Adventure Ecology programs throughout the year. These free programs are open to the public and cover a variety of nature and conservation related topics. The Adventure Ecology programs are presented by the LRCC AmeriCorps members at the SLA who perform important conservation work in support of the Association’s mission.

The Squam Lakes Association is dedicated to conserving for public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed. In collaboration with local and state partners the SLA promotes the protection, careful use and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces and wildlife of the Squam Lakes Region.

Lakes Quilters’ Guild Quilt Sale

It’s time again for the Ladies of the Lakes Quilters’ Guild Quilt Sale and Exhibit at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Wolfeboro, August 4th and 5th. Items for sale include handcrafted quilts, home décor items, holiday goodies and more! The Quilt Sale will be held in the Church undercroft.

The Quilt Exhibit is being held in the Church Nave and will highlight the finest works of LLQG members. There will be displays illustrating the kind of quilts that LLQG donates to charities—David’s House and Carroll County Advocacy Center to name a few. Also, examples of placemats donated to Meals on Wheels and local nursing home residents and pillowcases donated to Hope House.

In the Nave, you will also see some of quilts that LLQG members made at classes during the past year. Sarah’s Star, Jelly Roll Race, Disappearing Nine-Patch Madness and Quick Trip. Sarah’s Star was taught by member Sarah Silk and the other “refresher” classes were taught by various members at LLQG “sit n sews.”

Don’t forget! Friday August 4th and Saturday August 5th—both days 10-4.

Best of all—admission is free!

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or in person at The Colonial Theatre box office at 609 Main St., Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The show will offer musical performances of all ages from local community theater groups, including Franklin Footlight Theatre, Gilford Performing Arts, Interlakes Theatre, One Light Theatre, Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative, Streetcar Company and Winnipesaukee Playhouse. Students from Broadway North Dance Studio and Stages Dance Academy will be performing as well. This event is made possible by the presenting sponsor, Franklin Savings Bank, and Lakes Region Fence, the Lights, Camera, Action Sponsor. For more information, contact Jennifer Kelley at Jenn@ChildrensAuction.org or call 603-5270999.

Learn more about the Auction at ChildrensAuction.org.

Meredith Events

WALKING TOURS - Docents who have been trained in the background of the various sculptures placed in Meredith’s village and parks will lead tours of the 2023 Meredith Sculpture Walk this summer. There are 28 new pieces displayed along with 4 returning pieces from last year. Docents will explain the creative process of the artists while they sculpted their pieces as well as the materials and construction. In its tenth anniversary year, this is an opportunity to learn more about the public art that has been installed by the Meredith Sculpture Walk Committee of the Greater Meredith Program.

The tours will be held on Wednesdays, through September 13 at 10am. Meet in front of the Innisfree Bookshop at Mill Falls Marketplace. Special group tours can be arranged by calling 603 279-9015.

MEREDITH ON CANVAS -PLEIN ART

EVENT - The Meredith on Canvas Plein Air Event invites you to their grand finale Sunday August 6th from 1-3pm at Karlins Wine, Cheese & Provisions, 20 Main Street in Meredith.

Stop by to see the numerous works of over a dozen artists who participated in the 3 part Plein Air event. All work is available for sale. Enjoy wine tasting provided by Karlins with nibbles provided by the Meredith On Canvas Committee. This event will take place rain or shine.

THingS We Said TOday

This is a tricky time to be alive.

It seems that most things you might say will offend someone in some way even when you believe what you are saying is not at all offensive.

lot of other things shouldn’t be said as well even though saying those things really wasn’t even close to being as bad as those original things that people used to say that everyone agreed shouldn’t be said any longer.

by Brendan Smith

But the rules change every day and unless you keep score you are bound to hurt someone’s feelings with something that may not have hurt their feelings a week ago.

This is not the fault of the person who hurt the feelings that wouldn’t have been hurt the week before and it isn’t the fault of the person who was offended but probably wouldn’t have been offended the week before since they didn’t know they were supposed to be offended.

It’s really the fault of the people who are deciding what is suddenly offensive.

Now, before you yell at me for offending you for saying something against things that are offensive, I ask that you take a few minutes to read what I have to say. (Asking someone to read what someone has to say wasn’t considered offensive when I wrote this, so if it is considered offensive now, I apologize.)

First off, you will get no argument from me that there are things that people used to say that they never should have said, and today more and more people realize that they shouldn’t say those things anymore and most of them don’t.

I agree this is a good thing and I’m sure you do too. (I would give some examples, but they might offend you.)

Over the years, as people came to realize that certain things that were always said before should no longer be said, more and more people decided that a

Over the years, the list of what shouldn’t be said has grown so big that it’s become hard to keep track of what people were once allowed to say and what they should not say now.

Sometimes a thing you said that was okay to say one day is not okay to say the next and if you weren’t aware that now you weren’t allowed to say what it was you could say the day before, you would say it and someone might be offended.

In fact, I can’t even repeat the words that we are no longer allowed to say because even by just writing them here to try to educate some readers about certain words that they used to use but should no longer do so, I may hurt the feelings of someone whose feelings I am trying to stop from being hurt by educating people on certain words they shouldn’t be saying.

It certainly is complicated and not at all easy to say.

Sometimes new words come along that never existed before to replace older words that should never be said and sometimes before anyone comes to realize that there is a new word now to replace the old word, someone has already decided that this new word should never be said by anyone either.

Usually, when this happens, another word, never before seen, is created to replace the older new word that no one should ever say which was originally created to replace another word no one should say. Still, there is no guarantee that the new word created to replace the newer older word will be correct to say next year. You will have to wait to see if that word will offend someone.

Chances are good that it will.

As someone who deals with words, I take this very seriously and I try to keep on top of what words that I may have used yesterday may be offensive to someone today. I was thinking of putting together a new dictionary to help keep people abreast of what words you should no longer say and what words have replaced them. But that would really be an ongoing 24/7 project and I don’t think I am up to the task.

The dictionary would have to be updated constantly in order to keep up with the old new words which were not offensive a few days ago and are being replaced by new words which are not considered offensive for the moment.

So, I will do my best to keep myself educated on what words were fine yesterday and are taboo today so as to make sure that I don’t offend anyone in my columns. (Of course, once this column goes to press one of the words within may be deemed inappropriate in the meantime and that is out of my hands, so I apologize in advance.)

It’s a tricky time to be alive and we all need to keep on our toes to make sure we are up-todate on what is offensive, what isn’t and what may soon be.

I wish you the best and good luck out there (which when I wrote this was not considered offensive, but if it is offensive today I apologize unless, of course, apologizing is now offensive.)

Skelley’s Market Skelley’s Market

Weirs Times Editor

CHriS CHriSTie’S grade B CandidaCy

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is getting a lot of media -- way out of proportion to the impact he has made as a candidate, measured by his low standing in the polls and the very modest amount of money he has raised.

nO, iSrael iS nOT in exiSTenTial danger Of Civil War

by Star Parker Syndicated Columnist

The explanation for this seems clear. The media loves his sharp and aggressive animosity to and criticism of former President Donald Trump.

But the American people are looking for a leader. Could Chris Christie be that man?

If Christie wants to be that man, he is going to have to do a better job showing how America gets back in the race and focus less on what’s wrong with other candidates.

The Cato Institute publishes a biannual fiscal policy report on the nation’s governors. It rates each governor according to success in cutting taxes and spending. Governors are scored and ranked A, B, C, D or F.

Christie was rated three times during his two terms as governor of New Jersey. Each time he came in with a solid B.

But Americans are looking for, Americans need, an A leader.

When asked on CBS’ “Face the Nation” about the new Black history curriculum in Florida, which teaches “how slaves developed some skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit,” Christie replied as a politician and not as a leader.

With little knowledge of the full thrust of this curriculum, Christie immediately attacked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, including calling the Stop Woke Act as “micromanaging curricula in schools.”

Regarding Black history in particular, the passage quoted above is taken totally out of context and in no way can be construed as justifying slavery. The point is to show that despite the evil and oppression, the spirit of those enslaved prevailed.

Moreover, included in the curriculum is the directive to “analyze the contribution of founding principles of liberty, justice and equality in the quest to end slavery.”

Of course, the real answer is competition, and DeSantis has been superlative in making school choice available throughout the State of Florida.

But as long as many kids are still in public schools, responsible leadership means pushing back against woke content and making sure truth about American history and culture are taught. The Stop Woke Act signed by DeSantis accomplishes this important objective.

Christie deserves credit for

by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist

This week, according to sources ranging from the Biden White House to Moody’s to The New York Times’ Thomas Friedman, Israel entered into a period of serious existential danger. What prompted this crisis? Not a potential Iranian nuclear attack; not the presence of violent terrorist groups embedded in Judea, Samaria and Gaza. No, according to our foreign policy elite, the breaking point is the Israeli government’s passage of a mild version of a judicial reform. That reform curbs the overweening power of the Israeli Supreme Court, which declared in the 1990s that it had the unilateral ability to strike down executive actions by simply declaring them “unreasonable.” Now, the Israeli Supreme Court will still be able to strike down executive actions -- but they’ll have to ground their rationale in actual law, rather than simple political disagreement.

This judicial reform has prompted spasms of apoplexy in Israel among those who voted against the current coalition government. That isn’t so much about the actual content of the judicial reform; many of those in the center of the Israeli political spectrum fully acknowledge that the judiciary has arrogated too much power to itself. It’s more about the realization by many secular Israelis that the state of Israel is growing more religious on a demographic level. According to Pew Research data from May 2015, approximately 40% of Israelis identified as hiloni (secular); another 23% identified as traditional; 10% identified as religious Zionists; and 8% were ultra-Orthodox. Since then, the imbalance in favor of those with stronger religious ties has grown.

For decades, secular Israelis were willing to make some concessions to the more religious Israelis in terms of religious practice -- for example, former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion’s decision to grant military

exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students -- but unwilling to grant governmental power to them. That unwillingness is what led to the so-called Judicial Revolution of the 1990s by secular Leftists.

Now that a religious and traditional coalition has taken power, many secular Israelis feel truly insecure. And they believe that if they lose any control over the judiciary, they may lose all power in the state, even as they disproportionately serve in the military and comprise a heavy share of the state’s economy. To that end, mass protests have been unleashed across the state of Israel, shutting down roads and even the airport; some military reservists have even threatened not to serve. All of this has been exacerbated by Left-wing politicians declaring that democracy itself was at stake if judicial reform became law -- an obvious untruth.

Seeing this mass protest, the current government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu radically scaled back its original judicial reform proposal to the far milder version passed this week. Nonetheless, the media still covered that judicial reform as a wild exercise of authoritarian power -- despite the fact that it is objectively far more authoritarian to shut down the workings of an elected government via non-electoral means than to shift power from an unelected judiciary to an elected executive branch. The Israeli coalition actually had virtually no choice but to pass the judicial reform -if they had done anything else, they would have conceded that their coalition had zero actual power despite an election. And that would have been the most dangerous antidemocratic precedent of all.

As Israel prepares to commemorate Tisha B’Av, the fast for the destruction of the First and Second Temples, Jews remember that “sinat chinam” -- baseless hatred -- is the cause of all destruction. The current conflagration in Israel will be healed, but not by legislation or protest. It will be healed by the Israeli people -- who, contrary to the media coverage, still share a culture, history and tradition.

by John Stossel Syndicated Columnist

free TO Try STuff

Politicians have big plans for us.

President Joe Biden repeatedly says, “I have a plan for that.”

“I alone can fix it,” shouted President Donald Trump.

But most of life, and the best of life, happens when politicians butt out and let us make our own choices.

Chinese philosopher Zhuang Zhou called that “spontaneous order.”

Thousands of years later, economist F. A. Hayek added that order comes

“not from design, but spontaneously.”

Did you eat a banana this morning? No central planner calculates how many bananas should be grown, who will pick them, when they’ll be harvested, how they’ll be shipped or how many to ship. We get bananas and most everything in life through billions of individuals, planning, cooperating and reacting on their own.

“Think about spontaneous order on a road,” says The Atlas Network’s Tom Palmer.

Right. Millions of people, some of them morons, propel 4,000-pound vehicles at 60 miles per hour, right

next to each other. We rarely smash into each other.

There are rules, like “pass on the left,” but for the most part, people navigate highways on their own.

Likewise, no one invented language, but the world has thousands. “Experts” tried to invent better ones, like Volapuk and Esperanto, which supposedly would let us communicate better.

“No one speaks these languages,” says Palmer, because language evolves spontaneously. “That is always superior to top-down systems that rely on the information in one brain.”

Amazingly, my town, New York

pariS OlympiC COunTdOWn raiSeS rigHTS COnCernS

PARIS —The one year countdown for the opening of the Paris Summer Olympics has begun.

century ago, only 44 nations participated in the Paris games; today there are expected to be nearly 200 participant countries according to the International Olympic Committee.

City, has twice now allowed spontaneous order that makes my life much better.

City government once managed Central Park. When it did, trash was everywhere, and most of the grass was dead.

The city then agreed to let a private nonprofit, the Central Park Conservancy, manage most of the park. Without a government plan, people came together, giving money and time to turn the park around. (Disclosure: I was one of them, and now I’m a conservancy director.)

Now Central Park is beautiful. Forty million people spend time there

by John J. Metzler Syndicated Columnist

The return of the Olympics to France is largely met with eager anticipation for this international sporting extravaganza, but is equally tempered by the usual security concerns, political controversies, and yes, the legendary Parisian traffic.

When the 2024 Summer Games open on July 26th next year, it shall mark the centenary of the Olympics held in Paris in 1924. A

Equally the Paris Olympics are following in the wake of the cancelled Tokyo Olympics scheduled for 2020, but suspended by the global Covid-19 pandemic, and then fitfully restarted a year later with little enthusiasm and limited spectators.

Now the French capital holds the grand stage to host the largest Olympics in modern times with thousands of athletes, millions of fans not to mention the global media extravaganza.

The French really know how to present a spectacle of light, sound and animation. One has only to look at the glittering light shows on the Eiffel Tower nightly to see that is but a taste of what is to come for the ceremonies.

The Olympic opening ceremony will take place not in a stadium but rather along the River Seine which winds through Paris passing spectacular monuments and bridges. The ceremony highlights the parade of athletes held on the Seine, with boats for each national team. This Neo-Pharaonic spectacle shall sail through the city center for four miles, while 10,500 athletes will be viewed along the way by over 600,000 spectators.

Among 28 Olympic sports, four new sports have been added to the roster including Skateboarding and Surfing. But there’s no surfing the waves on the River Seine in Paris so that shall take place in faraway French Tahiti.

Sporting venues inside and around Paris are set among the monuments and grandeur of the City of Light as a backdrop.

Naturally such grandiose plans in an area as historic and urban as the French capital are going to get some pushback. The roads and esplanades along the River are shared in may places by the venerable bookseller stalls which have their outdoor shops literally along

mCauliffe-SHepard diSCOvery CenTer riBBOn CuTTing fOr SCienCe playgrOund

by Bob Letourneau Contributing Writer

On Monday July 17th the McAuliffeShepard Discovery Center held our Ribbon Cutting event with Governor Chris Sununu for the Science Playground.

This was a wonderful experience that was over 20 years in the making.

Governor Sununu was introduced by our Chairman Bruce Andrews and our Board of Directors were in attendance for the event. A letter was read from Senator Shaheen by Chris Scott. A letter From Congresswoman Kuster was read by Amy Slatterly.

Our Wonderful Executive Director Jeanne Gerulskis gave a brief history of the Playground and what our beautiful Discovery center offers to all.

The kids are going to love this playground where they will continue to learn about the science of space exploration. Governor Sununu even got

down on his hands and knees to paint the walkway with the children.

A huge thank you to all the donors who made this possible, please see the photo of all our donors.

There are openings for the Summer STEM Camps for Kids ages 5-14 through August 11th. If you are inter-

ested please visit our website at www.starhop.com

The Planetarium is open every day with shows for our 10K theater, only one of 3 in the entire USA This is an experience you don’t want to miss…

The McAuliffeShepard Discovery Board of Directors, staff and volunteers encourage New Hampshire residents and visitors to the Granite State to make a visit to the Discovery Center a summer must-do.

Dedicated to NH Space Pioneers Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard, the McAu -

liffe-Shepard Discovery Center features 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space science, a full-dome, all-digital planetarium and a variety of science, technology, and engineering and mathematics programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups and lifelong learners. For more in-

formation, visit www. starhop.com

Photos by Bob Le -

Governor Sununu gives remarks at the opening of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

The Ribbon Cutting.

The Governor helps to paint the walkway with the children.

N.H. Rep James McKay And Executive Director of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center Jeanne Gerulskis.

tourneau who also sits on the board of the Discovery Center.

This series of Letters

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

QUESTION:

Why Should I Live

To Please You?

In my son, Jesus’ sermon on the mount, he described for all to hear, why you should live to please me (Matthew 6:19-24).

It is quite simple. You, your world and everything in it are dying.

I live in eternal light and life with no sickness or death. If you ever hope to live with me, once you die physically, you must live in such a way that I am pleased with you and can welcome you into my kingdom of life. Please know, that it isn’t my fault that you are dying. I created humanity with the intention that all would live with me forever and enjoy my eternal life. I created the first man and woman with no sin or disobedience against me or my will. Because they were holy and sinless, as I am, we were able to dwell together, and in this condition, they would have known my eternal life. Once they decided to sin against me and disobey me, as all humanity has done since then, we became separated. As such, they and you were cut off from me and the life I alone can give and you began to wither and die, even as a branch cut off from the vine. I have made a provision for you to be restored but it will require that you follow my will.

The most important decision you must make is to humble yourself and recognize you are not God. You must see that your pride has led you to live as you please and as a result you have disobeyed me, another word for sin, with the result that even one sin separated you from me, a holy God. Without a Savior, your condition will continue for eternity. You must then ask my son, Jesus your Messiah and Savior, to pay your penalty for sin so that you can be restored, and I can pass my life into you again, during your lifetime and then after your death, for eternity. But this leads to the question you asked, “why should I live to please you?”

Once you have received forgiveness from my son and been restored, you will recognize that since you and the world are dying, trying to invest in it for permanent security is foolish. My son described this dying process as losing your investments or treasures as “moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” (:19) Death will rob you of everything you invest in on earth if that is your primary focus. Would you invest all your wealth in a bank that you know will fail? Would you board a plane that you know will crash? Recognizing this reality, you will want to please and obey me during your lifetime in expectation of having your eternal future secured by the

way you live during the course of your short and failing lifetime. When you do make this your focus and begin to live to please me, you will discover a number of things. First, I will begin to provide for all your earthly needs in your dying world. “Seek first my kingdom and righteousness and all these things, (earthly needs) will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). Then you will realize that by living to serve and please me you are actually ensuring not only that you will be with me but that when you get there all your efforts on earth will have led to blessings in heaven for eternity, that you will never lose (:20). In view of this you must, as my son taught in his sermon, choose whom you will serve, please and obey during your lifetime. You can’t serve both self and money to secure yourself and at the same time serve me and my resources. By choosing one over the other, you in fact will come to hate the other (:24). So if you have chosen to rely on yourself, money and self-securing, you hate me, God. You will have none of my blessings in your lifetime or for eternity. If, however, you chose to rely on me and seek to please and obey me, you will hate self-reliance and the empty pursuit of money to secure yourself. You will see that it only leads to death and the loss of your investments, as well as eternal life.

Since your focus

in life, which my son termed as “eyes,” represents where your heart is, that is where you will receive your reward (:21). If it is on the here and now and money, your heart will be given to this and the reward will be death because you and the world you live in are dying. My son described these eyes or focus as a condition in which, “your whole body will be full of darkness,” the darkness of death (:23). If your “eyes” or focus are on me however, by living to please me and obey me, your reward will be all my treasure of life for eternity. My son described this condition as “your whole body will be full of light,” that is life (:22). There is no middle ground. It is one or the other.

You will stand before me one day in judgement! How you live and invest your life now will determine your future loss or reward. Listen to me and the words of one of my faithful servants, Jim Eliot: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.”

I love you, God

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

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BIRDS For The

New England’s Wild Birds & Their Habitats

by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer

When thinking of the most exciting months for birdwatching in New England, August typically does not come to mind. April and May maybe. Perhaps September and October. But August?

On the surface, August may be one of the least exciting months for birding. Spring migration is well behind us. Fall migration still lies ahead. Nesting season, for the most part, is over. On top of all that, it’s hot, humid and sticky out.

Scratching beneath the surface unearths a different story about August. It is indeed a migration month, there are a lot of birds to see on or around water, goldfinches are plentiful, hummingbirds pay frequent visits and it’s a great month to expand beyond birding to look for butterflies, dragonflies and other similar critters.

Let’s start with migration. The southward shorebird migration actually starts in late June or July, so August is a continuation of that. Sanderlings, sandpipers and other “peeps” are on the move along the Atlantic and Long Island Sound coastline. Other shorebirds, such as American oystercatchers, are also still around with this

Osprey are common sightings in August throughout New England.

year’s broods. Osprey are also plentiful and with firstyear birds joining the adults in flying and hunting, they are a sure sighting at most large bodies of water in August. In the not-toodistant past, ospreys were a rare sighting along the New England coast. That has certainly changed up and down the entire East Coast as the osprey population is thriving, particularly around salt and brackish water, but freshwater as well.

While not as prolific as osprey, the bald eagle population is growing throughout New England as well. It’s

been fun to watch that population grow and spot the majestic birds around our bodies of water.

Loons are a New England specialty, and August is a fine time to observe them. First-year loons are growing fast and many unpaired loons gather together on large lakes throughout the summer. I’ll never forget the time I saw nine loons swimming together on First Connecticut Lake in Pittsburg. I was a novice birder at the time, but still appreciated the uniqueness of the sighting.

Let’s not forget about the waders. August is

a good time to find herons, egrets, bitterns and other longlegged water birds in New England. Again, many first-year birds are now fending for themselves and may be found hunting around our waters. Great blue herons, green herons and great egrets may be the most commonly seen waders in New England, but also keep an eye out for blackcrowned night herons, yellow-crowned night herons, snowy egrets, American bitterns, and glossy ibis.

Some of the waders, such as the night herons, look different as youngsters and may

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STarS and SpOrTS CeleBS amOngST uS

by Mike Moffett Contributing

Last week my cell phone received the accompanying photo of Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder Jack Suwinski and Hollywood actor Fahim Fazli hanging out together in Dana Point in Orange County, Calif., not far from Anaheim Stadium— where the Angels were hosting the Pirates. Cool.

Sports stars and movie actors spend relatively small amounts of time actually performing. For example, Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale has only played in 11 games all season. They all have families, lives, and other interests. Anyway, some of the Pirates were tooling around Dana Point early in the day, visiting the ocean before visiting the Angels. There they bumped into my friend Mr. Fazli.

Fahim, of course, has some time on his hands, what with the Hollywood strike. You can Google his story and see the many films in which he’s had roles. Some will recall that Fazli and I co-authored his award-winning biography FAHIM SPEAKS after we met in Afghanistan. I was there on special assignment with the Marines in 2010 when Fahim left Hollywood to return to his native land as an interpreter. Great guy and great story.

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The power-hitting Suwinski made his major league debut with the Pirates last year when he became the first rookie in MLB history to hit three home runs in a game which also included a walkoff homer. Sweet. After meeting the charismatic Fazli, Jack hit a tworun homer later in the day at Angels Stadium.

Fahim had given Suwinski a signed copy of our book, suggesting it might be good luck. See photo.

(For readers who believe in good luck, our book remains available on Amazon.com. Plug Plug.)

The Suwinski photo inspired a Sport-

Thought. Countless sports stars and other famous folks are forever on the loose and moving about all over the country, constantly bumping into us common folks. I want to think that most of these stars use their celebrity for good. They must know their potential influence. A smile or a kind word can create an eternal happy memory for a youngster—or oldster!

A Facebook friend recently invited others to share favorite memories of personal encounters with celebrities. I recollected attending a NASCAR recognition event in Washington at the White House in

2018 honoring Driver-of-the-Year Marty Truex. Not sure why I got the invite. Maybe it had something to do with being a state representative and sports columnist who lives about a mile from Loudon’s NASCAR Motor Speedway. So yes, it was cool to see Truex at the White House. And he wasn’t the only “big shot” I saw there—if you get my drift.

(BTW, it was great to see my man Marty take the checkered flag at the Crayola 301 in Loudon on July 17.)

A great celeb sighting was once shared with me by an NHTI nursing professor who told

Writer

Slugging Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder Jack Suwinski holds a copy of FAHIM SPEAKS which was co-authored by Hollywood actor Fahim Fazli and Weirs Times sports columnist Mike Moffett.

WOLFEBORO -On Tuesday, August 8th and Thursday August 10th, The Wright Museum of WWII will be presenting two great programs.,

Tues., August 8th

The Coast Guard in World War II - Lecture by Carmen Bazzano, USCG(Ret.)

Carmen Bazzano, USCG(Ret.) will explain how The Coast Guard played a vital role in WWII, but their story is often overlooked. Coast Guard units served with distinction in missions supporting the war effort even before formal U.S. entry into World War II.

Thurs, August 10th

Charles M. Schulz,

TWO upCOming prOgramS aT WrigHT muSeum Of WWii

jamin L. Clark. The mission of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is to preserve, display, and interpret the art of Charles M. Schulz. The Museum carries out this mission through exhibits and programming that celebrate the life of Schulz and the Peanuts characters. Come enjoy their fascinating traveling exhibit and hear from Curator Benjamin Clark about just what its like to work every day with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and of course loveable old Snoopy.

Benjamin L. Clark is the curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. Since 2003, his

caring for and interpreting the legacy of Charles M. Schulz at the museum in Santa Rosa, California, and around the world. His work has been featured in The Washington Post, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR’s Morning Edition, and more. He lives with his wife and son in Santa Rosa, California.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for both programs which begin at 7 p.m. t the Wright Museum’s DuQuoin Education Center, 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro. Admission

is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online at www. wrigthmuseum.org/lecture-series or by calling 603-569-1212.

The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, the Wright Museum features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representative of both the homefront and battlefield. For more info visit wrightmuseum.org.

Benjamin L. Clark is the curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center (right) and will be speaking at the Wright Museum of WWII in Wolfeboro on Thursday, August 10th.

The Simple Feast

Baklava inSpired BlOndieS

The Simple Feast The Simple The Simple

by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer

Ever have one of those epiphanies, a vision of enlightenment? Well, I thought for sure this was going to be one of those times: Baklava Inspired Blondies.

Baklava is a deliciously sticky sweet baked confection that you find in many restaurants featuring Mediterranean fare. Around here it is mostly found in pizza shops with a decidedly Greek flare. Baklava recipes call for sheets of filo dough glued together with butter, a sweet syrup of sugar and honey, some spices, of which Cinnamon usually plays a dominant role, and crushed nuts. Many claim pistachios, pine nuts, and cashews are traditional but less expensive nuts such as walnuts and almonds are often substituted in commercial or more economical versions of Baklava.

No one can agree on the origins of Baklava. The Greeks, Turks, and many of the southern Mediterranean cultures claim Baklava in some form as their own. What many sources do agree on is that Baklava in

one form or another dates back to at least 160 BC. Being referenced in some historic records of the Roman Empire, Baklava had come to the empire by way of the Greeks. The only thing I know for certain is that for the few times I have had it, I like it. And I have not had it often because I am too cheap to splurge, the cost of a small piece is nearly three or four dollars and perhaps more in some places.

Once you get beyond that initial feeling of eating fly wings or baked parchment paper and begin to savor the sweet buttery honey flavor mixed with cinnamon and nuts, you can appreciate the delicate tactile goodness that the filo dough brings to this tasty baked confection. But my lack of experience using filo dough and my de -

hint of cinnamon, and one or two a bit of honey, many did not. Now, I may not be a Baklava connoisseur but I am intelligent enough to know that you need, at the very least, cinnamon in your Baklava, at least according to the recipes I read. I am certain that there are plenty of people out there who can steer me in the right direction as to the historic ingredients for this dessert but you need not contact me. I refuse to spend a fortune on imported spices and Orange Blossom

sire to have a medium with more body to it sent me on a quest for the ¨Baklava Inspired Blondie¨.

I thought I was a pioneer in this quest for enlightenment. Seeking my claim to fame and fortune, perhaps even one day having this delicious concoction named after me. One can only imagine my disappointment when a cursory search of the internet found said media rife with recipes for Baklava Blondies. As usual I was “Johnny Come Lately.” It seems as though every food blogger out there has a recipe for Baklava Blondies. Upon further digging all they really were was a Blondie with nuts. “Where’s the Cinnamon? Where’s the Honey?” I asked myself as I read this, that, and the next recipe. And yes, while some did include a

laCOnia yOuTH allianCe preSenTS: parTy in THe park

The Laconia Youth Alliance and Partnership for Public Health are thrilled to announce the eagerly anticipated “Party in the Park” event, taking place on Sunday, August 6th, from Noon-5pm.

This exciting event, held at Leavitt Park in Laconia, is open to the entire community, and best of all, admission is completely free for all

attendees!

The Party in the Park promises an actionpacked schedule to entertain visitors of all ages. Kicking off at Noon, the festivities will feature a delightful pie-eating competition, generously sponsored by Beans and Greens, at 1:00 PM.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! At 3pm, the park will come

alive with the electrifying “Youth Battle of the Musicians.” This highly anticipated musical showdown welcomes talented musicians and bands under the age of 25 to showcase their skills and compete for the ultimate prize: a coveted slot on Hawk 104.9’s “Backstage” show, which exclusively features local artists. Aspiring participants

FROG ROCK TAVERN

can enter the competition by submitting a video of their performance to Katie at kaccairdo@pphnh.org along with their chosen battle song.

Beyond the thrilling contests, Party in the Park is a celebration of community collaboration. Join us to explore a wide range of community resources offered by our dedicated partners, who will have informative tables set up throughout the event. In addition to the musical excitement, attendees can enjoy a variety of lawn games and indulge in a delectable ice cream bar provided by HP Hood.

The Laconia Youth Alliance, the driving force behind this sensational event, aims to foster a stronger sense of community collaboration while empowering youth voices. By bringing people together through positive experiences like Party in the Park, the alliance seeks to decrease youth substance use and create a vibrant and supportive environment for young individuals.

So, mark your calendars and spread the word! The Party in the Park is a not-to-bemissed event, promising a day of joy, entertainment, and community spirit.

WEIRS TIMES’ BEER FINDER

nOW Here’S a Tip

by JoAnn Derson Syndicated Columnist

* To bring out the natural sweetness of corn on the cob, try sprinkling a little bit in the pot after the water has come to a boil.

* If the scar of a cantaloupe is rough or has a stem attached, the melon was picked too early and won’t ripen as good as one with a smooth scar. Also, check the net pattern over the outside; it should be even and an overall tan-yellow color, not green or mottled.

* You can remove berry stains from your fingers with lemon juice. Got berry juice on your tablecloth? Here’s E.B. of Mississippi’s suggestion: “Pour a generous amount of milk on the spot, let it soak for 15 minutes or more. Then soak in cold water with soap for an hour or more. Wash, rinse and dry.

”

* Soak raisins in cold water before chopping so that they won’t stick to your knife.

* “Use celery ribs lined up to create a base for your roast. This way, the juices move around more and the roast never sticks to the pan. I serve the celery with the roast, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” -- A.T. in Tennessee

* Need to chill some drinks for a party fast? Pile on the ice, of course, then add the secret weapon: water.

Icy water chills drinks quicker than placing them in ice alone. The heat is transferred from the warm drinks to the water because there’s total contact.

* Assorted hardware seems to collect in big, random piles in our tiny workshop. Nails, screws and bolts of all sizes are mixed together, tossed on the bench when a project is complete. Every so often, the kids and I make a game of sorting and organizing it using a muffin pan. It’s easy to sort by size and type!

* “After cleaning my paintbrushes recently, I decided to hang them from the clothesline to dry. It worked great, as the bristles were nice and soft when they were dry. I think it helped to hang straight down.” -O.C.

in Washington

* Before you start a painting project and head to the hardware store, determine what you might need and raid your recycling bin for containers.

* There are lots of shop, lawn and garden fluids that are not allowed in the trash. Contact your waste management provider to see if there is a place you can drop off hazardous waste in your community.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Shibley’s Drive-In Ice Cream

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

Barreled Souls - V for Vanilla

Jack’s Abby - Bella Lago

Weldworks - Brightside Tide

Notch - Garageland

Deciduous - Watermelon

Cooler

Beer Tree - Color Trees

+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

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

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

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Zero Gravity – Conehead IPA

Dogfish Head – 120 Minute

Able Ebenezer – Auburn Red

603 – Sparkle Bomb Sour

Notch – Salem Lager

Mast Landing – Gunner’s Daughter Stout +30 More On Tap

TWO Craft Beer Destinations in The Weirs!

STrange BuT True

by Lucie Winborne Syndicated C

* Because snow is composed of ice, it can be classified as a mineral.

* In 2018, the U.S. Navy equipped its submarines with Xbox360 controllers, as the control sticks for periscopes are not only expensive but challenging to master. But the change wasn’t just designed to save cash: Since many periscope operators have used Xbox controllers, the skill was easily transferred.

* Movie trailers were originally shown after the movie, hence their name.

* A lion’s roar can be as loud as 114 decibels, which is roughly 25 times louder than a gas-powered lawnmower, due to the shape of its vocal cords. The roar can also be heard up to 5 miles away.

* Because there is no true black color, all “black” pigments and dyes really only look black. They’re made up of a combination of other pigments in specific combinations to reflect the least amount of light possible.

* Starfish digest food outside their bodies.

* Before designer Louis Vuitton’s death,

he and his son Georges developed a revolutionary new lock system to better protect their customers’ luggage. Several years later, after patenting the system, Georges publicly challenged illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini to break out of a Vuitton trunk. While Houdini declined, it served as a positive ad for the new feature.

* William Hung, famous for his rendition of “She Bangs” on “American Idol,” is a 73rd-generation descendant of Confucius.

* The Vatican had music that was forbidden to be copied and was only played twice per year. It remained secret for nearly 150 years until a 14-yearold Mozart heard it and transcribed it from memory.

* Though most think it’s Italian, pepperoni is an American invention. Thought for the Day: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

-- Anne Lamott

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

by Donald Guarino Gilmanton, NH.

I’m a car spotter. Definition from Wikipedia: a person strongly interested, in an amateur capacity, in car spotting, which is observing or photographing interesting,vintage,rare modified, cars on public roads, streets , garages, etc.

In a sea of SUV’s and full size pick ups it has become quite easy to spot cars that are different .

This past week I spotted three in one day!

I was in the Hannaford parking lot drinking a Stonyfield wild berry smoothie and reading the Weirs Times when I spotted the Audi R8 . Painted in black it parked next to the carriage corral to protect the drivers side from damage.

I do the same thing with my rusted 2002 Chevy Silverado .

As a kid I wanted the fattest tire I could fit into the wheel well , even accepting a certain amount of tire rub in the sidewall. The tires on the rear of this Audi R 8 rival the width of a formula one car!

I drove to the job site on Main Street in Wolfeboro and then I heard it. The sound of a vintage V- 8 , down shifting the four speed transmission from fourth to third. The sound of excess fuel being burnt off in the dual exhaust. The car turned my head and

Car SpOTTing

I caught a glimpse of the rear of 68 Chevy Camaro. With a factory trunk lid spoiler, attractive rectangular taillights and dual exhaust. I wished it had parked so I could have spoken with the owner. That afternoon I won the trifecta ; A late model Ferrari ! This was a little more difficult because it was not painted in Ferrari red. Painted in a factory blue metallic, I did see the prancing horse logo and recognized the tail lamps.

When I got home I google Ferrari automo-

biles and deduced it was a Ferrari Tributo. A $400,000 dollar exotic! A message to the local resident who owns this beautiful machine, do not park in the Mount Washington pier parking lot. The crowd it will attract will stop traffic on Main Street.

Spotting three distinctive and interesting vehicles,I salute the owners that entertain car guys like me by actually driving them! Keep on motoring and I will keep an eye out for you.

Sandwich Home Industries and the Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery is pleased to announce that their annual Artisans on the Green will take place during Sandwich’s Old Home Week on Thursday, August 10th from 10am until 4pm.

Over thirty artisans including painters, photographers, jewelry artist, wood works, potters and a wide range of other arts and crafts will showcase and sell their work. Several artists will have demonstrations of their artistic process and show how they create such beautiful work.

The Artisans on the Green is an opportunity for the Sandwich

The Best Summer Ever Starts Right Here!

The Best Summer Ever Starts Right Here!

Summer Fun! Summer Fun! arTiSanS On THe green in SandWiCH

Home Industries to support and showcase local artist.

Lunch and a raffle will take place on the

green sponsored by the Sandwich Women’s Group.

For more information you can check out

the Artisans on the Green section on the Galleries website at www.centersandwich. nhcrafts.org.

neW HampSHire HeriTage muSeum Trail TO feaTure ‘muSCle’ in auguST

LOUDON - On Saturday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., New England Racing Museum will host the 5th Annual Hot Rods, Muscle and More all-vehicles car show, presented by Shea Concrete Products.

In addition to the car show, featuring an estimated 150+ vehicles, the event provides visitors with the opportunity to explore New Hampshire history through dozens of historical race car and motorcycle exhibits inside the museum. Visitors may also test their skills on the museum’s iRacing rig and four lane electric slot car track.

“It’s a fun day where you can simply have a great time with your family,” said Thomas Netishen, executive director. “We also have a great gift shop where people can purchase gifts for others or mementoes to remember their time here.”

Regarding the show itself, Netishen said they will award 20 trophies, including the third annual ParkerCoraine Best of Show Trophy, which honors “two incredibly important people associated with the museum.”

“Ted Parker and Gil Coraine have contributed extensively to the museum’s success,” he added. “We look forward to honoring them each year with this high quality and unique trophy.”

Other event highlights include a 50/50 raffle, food truck, and the ‘Coolest Sounding’ vehicle runoff competition, which takes place at 1:00 p.m. Event proceeds support the museum and its mission “to preserve and educate the public on the history of New England motor racing.”

“Museum events like this are a major rev -

enue source that help keep us operating,” said Netishen.

The cost to enter a vehicle into the 5th Annual Hot Rods, Muscle and More is $20, which includes two free tickets to the museum that day of the show. The cost for spectators is $5 per person with kids under 12 admitted free. To learn more, visit nermuseum.com.

In addition to the New England Racing Museum in Loudon, 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.

Where

muSiC On THe green TO feaTure peaBOdy’S COal Train

CANTERBURY - A local, New Hampshire-based acoustic Americana 6-piece band featuring strings and shared vocal harmonies, Peabody’s Coal Train (PCT) will return to Canterbury Shaker Village on Sunday, August 20 as part of Music on the Green.

“Their music is a perfect complement to the bucolic ambiance of the Village,” noted Executive Director Leslie Nolan.

“We are pleased to welcome them back to our popular summer concert music series.”

PCT features Jason Teaster on acoustic guitar, Dave Anderson on harmonica,

Steve Cybulski on banjo, Dave Carroll on mandolin, Marc Fraley on bass, and Scott Hayes on guitar and dobro. Hailing from the Contoocook River Valley of central NH, PCT plays originals and covers that tell stories that celebrate the triumphs and tragedies of the human condition.

Held outside in a natural, intimate setting, the Music on the Green series features various types of music for all ages and runs every Sunday, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., from July 2 –September 17. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $20. Music on the Green is sponsored by CCA Global Partners, New Hampshire Dance Collaborative (NHDC), and Kathleen Belko, Trustee.

Village tours are available with a reservation before Music on the Green performances, while visitors are encouraged to explore the extensive trail system on the Village’s nearly 700-acre property.

To purchase tour tickets or learn more about the Village, which interprets Shaker life through tours, exhibits, buildings, gardens, and programs, visit shakers.org.

Canterbury Shaker Village is a member of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, which connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions in New Hampshire. For more information, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.

Wolfeboro Pirates Cove

5K Fun Run & Walk

“neW england Wildlife and agriCulTure” OpenS aT THe gallerieS aT 30 main

Acacia Rogers will be featured in her first ever solo show “New England Wildlife And Agriculture” at the Galleries on 30 Main in Meredith.

“I’m so ecstatic to have the immense honor of creating my first solo show,” said Rogers “And what better way than to feature various examples of the wonderful wildlife and livestock we have here! These types of subjects are by far my deepest inspirations. I have created pieces in various sizes and mediums for this exhibit including Oil, Watercolor, Charcoal, and Colored Pencil. I wanted this body of work to have a wide range of styles and colors just like mother nature.

The show will run from August 10th through August 28th at the Galleries at 30 Main in Meredith NH, with a reception the evening of Thursday the 10th from 4-6 pm, where food and wine will be served.

“To say I love nature and animals is an understatement, and to love something is not only to admire its beauty, but also to preserve and protect it,” said Rogers. “Conservation is very important to me. That is why we will be donating 10% of all show sales to the ‘Squam Lake Science Center.’ They will be providing a representa-

tive “Docent” and discovery table during the reception.

“I have lived in New England my entire life. The beautiful scenery, lakes, mountains, forests, and wildlife here have all been an incredible inspiration for my work throughout the years. I have been an avid painter since my teens. But have been drawing and creating many types of

art my entire life. It was almost an impulse from the moment I could grasp a pencil. I am mostly selftaught, though I enjoy participating in group classes when possible and consuming content made by other artists. The learning never stops and I hope it never will.

“Being an indiscriminate animal lover, I started feeling out a potential fine art career by painting pet portraits for coworkers, friends, and family. The positive response and experience kept me going. I have now expanded my artistic vocabulary to include still life, landscape, wildlife, and portraiture as well.

My mediums of choice are Acrylic, Watercolor, and Oils. As well as drawing mediums such as Graphite and Charcoal. Though Oils have become a serious favorite.

Since I was young, the idea of being a selfsustaining professional artist has never left my mind. In truth, I love painting so much that any time and energy spent in other jobs felt draining, like wasting precious days of my life.

Saturday, August 12 9:00am

I cant stay away. Now I am a full time fine artist with full determination to make this passion work as a career indefinitely, until my eyes fail me and my hands cant hold a brush. I currently sell original art, take commissions, create digital content, and teach workshops. This is the greatest challenge I’ve ever faced and I’ve never been happier.”

OVER 600 GAMES FOR ALL AGES!

BAKLAVA INSPIRED BLONDIES

Yield: 15-20 Servings Time: About One Hour Plus Cooking Times

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Butter melted / brought to room temperature

1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar (light pack)

½ Cup Sugar

2 Lg. Eggs plus 1 egg yolk (room temp)

2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 tsp. Lemon Juice

2 ¼ Cups AP Flour

2 tsp. Corn Starch

½ tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Salt (omit if using salted butter)

¼ Cup Honey

2 Tbsp. Dark Brown Sugar

2 Tbsp. Butter

2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

½ tsp. Ground Clove

¾ Cup Crushed Walnuts

¾ Cup Crushed Almonds

— Preparation —

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

- Grease a 13x9 baking pan or line it with parchment (bottom and sides)

- In a bowl combine the crushed nuts with the Cinnamon and Clove tossing to coat the nuts. Divide into two equal amounts.

- In a bowl combine 1 Cup of melted Butter, 1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, ½ Cup Sugar, eggs and egg yolk, and vanilla, stirring until mixed.

- In a separate bowl whisk together flour, corn starch, baking powder, salt (if not using salted butter). Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just enough to combine. Add in one half of the nuts.

- Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly into the 13x9 pan. Bake in the oven for 20-25 min.

- While the Blondies are cooking, in a saucepan over medium low heat, combine ¼ Cup Honey, 2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar, 2 Tbsp. Butter, 3 Tbsp. of Water, and heat to create a syrup. Stir to ensure it does not burn. Remove from the heat when sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

- Remove from the oven and, using a fork, perforate the top of the Blondies. Spoon out half of the syrup mixture over the top of the Blondies. Spread the remainder of the nuts evenly over the Blondies and then spoon over (drizzle) the remaining syrup. Return the pan of Blondies into the oven. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.

- Remove from the oven, let cool and cut into squares.

Nectar coaxed from the lips of the elusive Mediterranean Moonlight Hummingbird at 1000 Euros per millidram. Nor will I stand in the kitchen all day cracking, shelling, and pulverizing fresh pistachios just to make a pan of Blondies that hint at a Baklava suitable for service to the ancient dwellers of the thrones on Mount Olympus.

By this time some of you may be asking, “What’s a ¨Blondie?”

A traditional Blondie is, in its most basic form, an undercooked brownie without chocolate. A Blondie is considered a bar that has the outward appearance of a brownie, that bit of a ¨skin¨ on

top while possessing that signature gooey, moist, dense inside. It is typically sweet, buttery, and made with brown sugar and vanilla, its unique flavor is derived from the aforementioned ingredients.

So, why not put the two, Baklava and Blondies, together and see what we get? I cannot take full credit for this Blondie recipe, I did modify it slightly for the Baklava flare, but the basic recipe comes from “Sam” at the website Sugarspunrun.com/blondies-recipe/. I´ve used a few ideas in the past from this food blog and found the recipes to be good.

Combining the two concepts was pretty

easy in theory but in practice, not so much. I was actually a bit disappointed with the final product as it was not what I was hoping for. The bar turned out to be cakey. While it wasn’t too dry, the bar didn’t have the gooey rich density I was hoping for. Putting holes into the top did allow some of the syrup to seep into the Blondie and this gave the bar a good flavor, but it was more reminiscent of a pancake with syrup rather than a Baklava Blondie. I did get notes of the Baklava flavor from the syrup and nuts on the top but it needed more cinnamon. So, while not being wholly disappointed with the overall product, it was

honey in this recipe it was not obnoxiously intolerably sweet. And as a stand alone dessert I think this would go well, especially with a cream cheese frosting and a cup of coffee. (Now that would be yummy!) So, yes, this Baklava Inspired Blondie was decidedly different. The butter, brown sugar, and honey gave this bar a solid base flavor to build on.

The crushed almonds and walnuts dusted with spices were a

good combination and if I were to do this again I would toast the nuts before putting them on top of the bar. As mentioned, a cream cheese frosting garnished with some cinnamon sprinkled on top would be a welcome addition. Now that would be quite a dessert for this Simple Feast. Enjoy!

not what I anticipated, so in that regard it was a bit of a let down.

The good news is, for all the sugar and

FEAST from 15

to be working on the problem of distributing the nation’s wealth, but some findings by a Professor Epstein of the University of Buffalo, raised questions about the benefits of sharing the wealth among the people.

It was reported to be “a wild claim “ that ten per cent of the people of the U.S.A. in 1938 owned 90 per cent of the wealth. Professor Epstein commented on the popular suggestion that all individual income above $5,000 should be distributed. In 1931 the number of people earning more than $5,000 a year was estimated at 400,000 with the total amount of money involved above the $5,000 per person being about four billion dollars. Dividing these billions among the whole

population, according to Epstein, would give each inhabitant about $33 and ruin the economic system. I assume that others probably had different estimates about the economy.

Agricultural Commissioner Andrew L. Felker in a speech at Rumney offered his opinions concerning race tracks and state run liquor stores. Prohibition had ended just a few years earlier and the state had taken oversight of the liquor business, but Felker was not comfortable with the state advertising for the sale of liquor or the involvement with race tracks.

He said that the existence of state liquor stores offered “constant temptation to weaklings to divert to liquor money sorely needed for the bare necessities of life.” Felker called the liquor stores and race tracks “money wasters and makers of poverty.” Andrew Felker was from Meredith and served as Commissioner for many years.

That the thoughts of yesterdays are the same as today’s thoughts is revealed by reading the Rev. Edgar Warren’s newspaper column of August 19, 1938 which was titled “Summer Is So Short.”

By the calendar summer is as the same duration as the other three seasons with all being three months long, but it seems as if we have come to think of summer as being only the months of July and August.

Rev, Warren thus wrote 85 years ago, “One thing that impresses us about summer is its brevity. It comes and goes like a passing cloud. We look forward to summer for months. We plan what we will do when the

golden days of July and August come. We carry out some of our plans.....But soon, all too soon, comes the imperious summons to return to the routine of work or school. There is a sadness connected with the departure of summer; it has been so beautiful and so brief..”

The columnist spoke of summer as a lovely memory and a delicious anticipation, declaring that “other summers will come.”

Then as now maybe we wouldn’t appreciate summer as much if we did not have three other seasons in New Hampshire, though some may enjoy them as much as summer.

For the town of Hampton, New Hampshire the word tercentenary was synonymous with 1938 as it represented the 300th anniversary of that town, having been one of the first four settlements in the state. As

Agricultural Commissioner Andrew Felker was not comfortable with the state advertising for the sale of liquor or the involvement with race tracks.

Newspaper columnist Elvin J. Prescott.

Wrinkled newspaper from 1938 shows the Weare House where President Washington stayed overnight - open for tercentenary celebration at Hampton, NH.

the town planned its celebrations for the 300th anniversary it also remembered the events of the 250th anniversary in 1888, and the newspaper reported, “As is fitting, survivors of the activities in 1888 will be accorded fitting honors in 1938.” For that 1888 celebration an elaborate dinner was served under a tent holding 800 guests which was followed by numerous speakers who “... glorified the past of the old town and made more or less erroneous prophecies as to its future,” according to The Exeter News-Letter.

In the evening at the observance of the 250th anniversary of Hampton a letter, which was postmarked as being sent from Center Harbor, NH, on August 4, 1888, was read from the poet, John Greenleaf Whittier.

Whittier mentioned historical events in Hampton, and mentioned that one of his ancestors was the the son-in-law of Rev. Stephen Batchelder. Batchelder (or Bachiler) is often spoken of as the founder of Hampton, and his sonin-law was Christopher Hussey. This is of special interest to me as Hussey’s daughter,and Batchelor’s granddaughter, married my several generations back great, etc.-grandfather, a John Smith, which would make Batchelor, Hussey, and Whittier descendents relatives of mine.

For those who are concerned that New Hampshire might be becoming like Massachusetts let me relate a story told by Rev. Elvin J. Prescott in a newspaper column in 1938 about New England Country Parsons.

When a new mayor took up his office in a certain Massachusetts city a preacher was asked to offer a prayer at the occasion. The man started his prayer by saying, “Oh Lord, You know the government of our city is rotten, you know that the men who have held office in our city were many of them scamps. You know that many of them were elected to

office because they put a lot of money into the election. Now here is - naming the incoming mayor - you know he never did his duty in the past, but we hope you will see to it that he does it from now on. Amen.”

He was not invited to make the prayer the next year.

Also happening in the summer of 1938 was the annual re -

union of the New Hampshire Veteran’s Association on August 25, 26, and 27 at the Weirs. Highest temperature in Manchester in the summer of ‘38 was 98 degrees and the big weather event of the year was the 1938 hurricane shortly after summer officially ended in September.

ago? There isn’t one now.

Becca and I hiked up the rugged Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail starting from the hikers lot at the Cog Railway. The cost to park and hike from the Cog is ten dollars per person. We thought it was worth the price to use their facilities, check out the Cog Museum and hike the spur to the trail, saving half a mile and a little climbing.

We carried our packrafts, paddles, food and some clothing in our backpacks. It was

cloudy above and it was warm and muggy.

The Ammo Trail is rugged and follows near the cascading waters that drain the Ammonoosuc Ravine and are the headwaters of the Ammonoosuc River. It is a lovely place.

The river had washed the trail in a few places but it wasn’t hard to hike around. The only people we met on the hike up were a professional trail crew who were completing work on a reroute of the trail that totally removes the trail along the river below Gem Pool. We

NO PRESSURE, NO GIMMICKS, NO KIDDING!

didn’t take this as good news. This seemed like overkill to resolve the issues along the river.

I love walking along brooks and rivers and it appears the Forest Service wants to remove every trail far away from cascading water.

The trail above Gem Pool is straight up and rocky, ledgy and crosses the river several times.

This isn’t the kind of trail to hike if it is your first time hiking, it is strenuous. As we hiked higher we felt like we

were climbing into a cloud because we were. We could only see 100 or 200 feet around us.

At the hut we dropped our packs and it felt good to climb without them on our backs as we made the steep but short, just under half a mile, to the summit of Mount Monroe. We couldn’t see Mount Washington, we couldn’t see anything but we tagged the highpoint and turned around.

At the hut there were a few people around,

push us back. I would estimate the size of Upper Lake of the Clouds is something like 500 feet long and 200 feet wide.

I don’t know what the deepest point is but it was well over my head this day.

The rock cairn marking the Dry River Trail at the end of the Lake looked spooky in the swirling clouds.

Once we mastered Upper Lake of the Clouds we decided to move on up the Crawford Path another minute or two to reach the Lower Lake of the Clouds. “Becca!” I yelled as my raft went flying by her just missing knocking her down. The wind gust had ripped it out of my hands like a kite and I went after it grabbing it on its third bounce. Becca had a good laugh but I didn’t enjoy that kind of excitement.

it wasn’t even noon yet. From the Hut the hike to Upper Lake of the Clouds is just a minute. We liked what we saw, lots of water and only the largest of rocks weren’t below the surface. We inflated our rafts and went to work floating and paddling around.

The wind picked up with occasional stronger gusts that began to move the clouds and mist around. It was fun to paddle against the wind and then allow the wind to

Lower Lake of the Clouds is smaller, maybe half the size of the Upper Lake. But it rests right on the lip of the Ravine creating an infinity pool effect. The far edge of the Lake looked like it just dropped off the edge. As we floated around we watched a few hikers headed up the trail to Mt. Washington. Then we noticed it was brighter out and now we could see Mt. Monroe bursting through the clouds. It never cleared for a peek at Mt. Washington’s summit but seeing Monroe come and in and out of the clouds was pleasantly beautiful.

After packing up our rafts we went inside the hut. There were now dozens of people outside and inside the hut. We chatted with one of the “Hut Croo” and he didn’t know anything about the trail relocation. But he was spot on about the weather,

See PATENAUDE on

ecca on the cloud capped summit of Mount Monroe, elevation 5,384 and ranked 4th highest on the New Hampshire 4,000 footer list.

Mount Monroe in the distance peeking out through the clouds as Yours Truly prepares to launch her packraft on Lower Lake of the Clouds.

The water was high at the Gem Pool on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Becca convinced me we should go for another little paddle.

Falls and joined the teenage boys jumping off the ledge into the pothole in the Upper Ammonoosuc’s gorge. One jump was enough for us. Have fun.

Amy Patenaude is an avid skier/outdoor enthusiast from Henniker, N.H. Readers are welcome to send comments or suggestions to her at: amy@weirs.com

Yours truly paddling on Upper Lake of the Clouds. The roof of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Lakes of the Clouds Hut’s roof can be seen in the distance.

PATENAUDE from 30

it is always changing. The trail seemed more wet and slippery on the way down and the mile from the Hut down to Gem Pool felt long. Since we had our boats we decided to inflate them and float around Gem Pool! Yes it was silly small but

it was too much fun to float right up to the base of the waterfall. Then it started raining hard so we packed up quickly. Thankfully the shower only lasted five minutes and the weather cleared and the sun came out. Better late than never.

Back at the Cog Rail-

way we went inside to the cafeteria and got something good to drink.

From the Cog Station’s deck we watch the 4 o’clock Steam Train chug it’s way up the highest mountain in the Northeast.

To cool off we stopped on Base Road at Upper

BOSAK from 11

not fit the picture seen in field guides. Both night herons are mottled brown as youngsters.

The woods and fields may be more quiet than they were a few months ago, but the birds that nested in New England are still around. I remember an August walk last

year when American redstarts were the dominant bird on a trail that ran along the wood’s edge.

August is a great time to observe butterflies and dragonflies in New England. There was a time about 20 years ago when dragonfly watching was becoming a big thing, at least in the circles I

hung out in. I haven’t heard too much about the hobby in recent years, but dragonfly watching does have similar rewards as birdwatching. It’s a challenge and there is a great variety of species to be found in New England.

I’m sure I missed drawing attention to some of the thrills to

be had outdoors in New England in August, but I think the point is clear: August may not be as highly anticipated as April or May for birdwatchers, but there’s still a lot to see out there. Let me know what you find.

word-of-mouth driving SOUND OF FREEDOM continues to spread. In response, we are continuing to expand our offering in theaters this weekend,” said Brandon Purdie, Angel Studios Head of Theatrical. “Our theatrical partners have stepped up in a huge way to allow for more people to see the film.”

SOUND OF FREEDOM Theater Counts by Week:

July 3: 2,634

July 7: 2,852

July 14: 3,265

July 21: 3,285

July 28: 3,411

Starring Jim Caviezel, Academy Award Winner Mira Sorvino, Bill Camp, José Zúñiga and Eduardo Verástegui who is also a producer, and written and directed by Alejandro Monteverde.

SOUND OF FREEDOM, based on the incredible true story,

shines a light on even the darkest of places. After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.

In New Hampshire, SOUND OF FREEDOM is being shown at Gilford Cinema 8, Smitty’s Cinema in Tilton, Regal Concord in Concord, Mt. Valley Mall Theater in N. Conway and various other theaters throughout the state.

Find locations at https://www.showtimes.com/movies/sound-of-freedom-170653/movietimes/new-hampshire/

COUNTRY BRAID HOUSE

•Carry

FREEDOM from 1

every year. Despite the crowds, the park works well, without strict government rules.

Musicians play music, asking for donations. There are many of them, but on their own, they figure out how to stay far enough away from each other.

Skate dancers spontaneously chose a spot where they meet to skate. Hundreds gather and dance to music. No one tells them where or how fast to skate. No one says, “Go left, go right.”

“You just skate with the flow of the music,” one skater says in my new video.

I play volleyball in Central Park. There’s no volleyball boss. People just show up and play.

Pickup basketball is famous for that. Players know the rules, otherwise there wouldn’t be a game, but who gets to play, and the playing, is spontaneous.

Central Park is filled with walkers, runners, skateboarders, bikers, pedicabs and horsedrawn carriages. But there are no traffic cops. People maneuver around each other on their own.

There are some rules. You can’t drive a car in the park. You can’t play soccer on grass right after it rains. But rules are minimal.

Police usually ignore lawbreaking. Unlicensed vendors sell water and fruit. Some people drink alcohol. But as long as they don’t bother anyone, police and park workers leave them alone.

Government that governs less, governs best.

Politicians usually want to control more things. My town has been the worst example of that. Progressive politicians add so

many rules they make it nearly impossible to do anything new.

Own a restaurant and want to put some tables outdoors? Restaurant owner Jeremy Wladis says he needed permission from 11 agencies.

“You had to get a lawyer, get an architect. It literally takes a year!”

But during Covid, something amazing happened. Politicians actually loosened the outdoor table rule. Restaurants quickly opened outdoor seating in sheds on the street.

It’s great. The streets around my apartment feel safer now because at night, they are alive with people.

“We need flexibility to allow people to experiment,” says Palmer. Freedom to experiment brings the best in life.

More politicians should learn from Central Park and, amazingly, from politicians in New York City who actually let go a little.

Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom.

saying we need to reform our entitlements -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.

In this regard, he distinguishes himself from Trump, who somehow does not think he needs to address this huge problem facing the nation.

What does Christie say? “We need to make sure we preserve the systems, but we have to do it honestly.”

But this itself is not honest, because we cannot preserve the systems as they are.

Regarding Social Security, he wants to means test so that higher-earning Americans do not get benefits and he wants to raise the retirement age for younger Americans. However, if we remove Social Security benefits for high earners, Christie surely doesn’t mean they also stop paying payroll taxes. So, he proposes to transform Social Security into a welfare program, where higher earners pay in and only lower earners get benefits.

Regarding raising the retirement age, can we tell someone 40 years old that has been paying taxes for 20 years, under the assumption of a certain benefit

structure, that suddenly we are changing the rules?

If Christie means only raising the retirement age for those who will be entering the workforce after the change is made, this won’t work because the current projection from Social Security trustees shows insufficient funds beginning in 2034, just

11 years from now. Chris Christie is energetic and provocative. But he needs to move from grade B ideas to grade A ideas -- or soon the Sunday morning talk shows will no longer have him around.

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.

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Located on the western shore of Long Pond, this expansive waterfront property boasts over 4,000 square feet of relaxed, cozy living space. The lot itself is a bit over 2 acres in size with ledge outcroppings that feature beautiful plantings tucked here and there, all leading down to a stretch of waterfront exceeding 260 feet in length. Deep frontage accessed by a large Shore Master dock system and swim float, provide the owners with access to fishing, paddle-boarding, boating, swimming, sun bathing - all in one of the most secluded and private coves on Long Pond. The open concept floor plan gives owners and their guests a panoramic view of the water and the lakeside deck, over 60 feet in length is the perfect outdoor space for large gatherings. This custom kitchen with Blue In The Night granite countertops, freestanding island and high end appliances is a delight. A first-floor primary suite offers a sweeping view of the water and features a huge walk-in, tiled dual shower. Upstairs there are 5 bedrooms (3 facing the lake) including one with its own private entry. The spacious 3-bay garage is nothing short of spectacular with a massive bonus room overhead, accessed through a sliding barn-style door that feels like you're entering a secret passage. Heated and cooled, this room will be a favorite room for games, home theater etc. For Homeowners here, a 40-acre conservation easement, with Lost Pond, borders the western side of Lake Ridge Road; in the winter, ski or walk over to ice skate! And Sugarloaf is 1hr and 15 min. away! Golfers can hit Belgrade Lakes Golf Course -10 minutes away. Belgrade Lakes Village & famous Day's Store is a10-min. boat ride away.

of the time that former President Richard Nixon sat next to her on a commercial airline flight.

“I couldn’t believe it was really him,” she recalled. “I was overwhelmed. But he was very friendly. Almost too friendly. As soon as we landed, I headed straight to the nearest bar in the terminal for a drink.”

One never knows whom one might run into when out and about. One could meet a sports star, a movie actor, or a former president.

Or even a Pittsburgh Pirate!

Sports Quiz

What is the second oldest baseball park in the American League, behind Boston’s Fenway Park which opened

in 1912? (Answer follows)

Born Today

That is to say, sports standouts born on August 3 include NHL

scoring star Marcel Dionne (1951) and NFL quarterback Tom Brady (1977).

Sports Quote

“I always thought that to win a Pulitzer

Prize you had to do something big, like bring down a President, as opposed to just correctly quoting Tommy Lasorda.” – L.A. Times sports columnist Jim Murray, after winning a Pulitzer.

Sports Quiz Answer Angels Stadium in Anaheim opened in 1966.

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.

Two young naval officers help guard Marty Truax’s race car at a 2018 White House NASCAR recognition event in Washington attended by the Weirs Times sports columnist.

the river. More than 200 “bouquinistes,” who comprise the largest open-air book market in Europe, are pushing back to municipal plans to move the bookstalls which are fastened to walls along the banks of the Seine. Jerome Callais, head of the Paris Booksellers’ Cultural Association, which represents 88 percent of bouquinistes, said they had “no intention of moving” according to the news site France24. The riverside second hand book and poster stall tradition goes back hundreds of years.

Naturally the unspoken word concerning any Olympiad, especially in a city such as Paris, remains the risk of terrorism or extremist demonstrations. Paris sadly has seen both with major Islamic jihadi attacks as recently as November 2015 and serious and sometimes violent demonstrations over the past year. This remains a sober reality for any Olympic venue, especially one such as Paris which must balance its image and access with serious security.

While security shall be exceptional and warranted there’s a new concern over widespread camera technology which is inked to yet unspecified Artificial Intelligence (AI) gathering capacity.

“We are not China; we do not want to be Big Brother,” says one Paris-based AI entrepreneur bidding for an Olympics video surveillance contract. French law explicitly rules out using facial recognition technology, as China uses, to monitor suspicious individuals, but rights

advocates fear government overreach.

Though the cost of the upcoming Paris Games is slated at about $8 billion, that’s lower than London in 2012, and is shared between governmental and private sources. Sadly corruption concerning contracts have also shadowed the games. Moreover Olympiads throughout recent history have been plagued by cost overruns leaving a financial legacy of debt sometimes decades after the events.

Naturally there are the controversies over some participants.

Given Putin’s war in Ukraine, will Russia’s team be permitted to participate? How will China bully or coerce any team from Taiwan? The International Olympic Committee hasn’t decided if athletes from Russia may compete in Paris.

A bit of history. Ireland was given formal recognition as an independent state for the Paris Olympics in 1924, and it was at these games that Ireland made its first appearance in the Games as an independent nation.

Now the Clock is ticking for Paris 2024.

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.

In 1993, the Guttman institute of Applied Social Research found that 78% of Israelis always or sometimes lit Shabbat candles, while 81% always or sometimes fasted on Yom Kippur. Israelis do not see one another as enemies, even if they currently see one another as serious opponents. Generosity between secular and religious Jews will break the current ugly stalemate.

Israel will not collapse. It will not break into civil war. It will continue to be a fractious and chaotic country filled with highly opinionated people who fight with each other, protest each other, argue with each other -- and then share arak and chamin and cholent and falafel.

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One Item or Entire Estate ~ Cash Paid For: All Antiques: American and Continental furniture, paintings, oriental rugs and bronzes. Historical documents, old books and maps, nautical items, barometers and sextants. Old prints, movie and travel posters. Old photography, cameras and musical instruments. Gold and Silver U.S. and foreign coins

Civil war and all military items, guns, swords, medals and old flags. Old advertising, wooden and metal signs, vintage whiskey and wine, old weathervanes, old pottery, old jugs, crocks and textiles, lamps and lighting, glass and china.

Old toys, banks, trains, sports memorabilia and comic books. Over 40 years experience in the antique business. Chinese and Asian arts, jade, ceramics, oriental textiles, furniture and art.

Classic car s and motorcycles, gas pumps, oil cans and signs 25 year s and olde r.

All estate and contemporary jewelry, diamond rings, brooches, Patek, Rolex, all watches and charm bracelets. All Fine Gold and Silver Jewelry. Sterling silver flatware, tea services, trays and all silver and gold.

Certified by Gem School of America Member: New Hampshire Antique Dealers Assn.

603-496-1811 603-934-5545 jlake@metrocast.net

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FOR RENT

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

FOR SALE

TIMESHARES SOMETIMES GET A BAD RAP. You won’t want to trade this one. Orange Lake, Florida, Weeks 8 & 9 (February-Sometimes school vacation). One floor, full kitchen, laundry, 2 bed/2 bath. Purchase for $19,000. Rental program for when you can’t go. Enjoy restaurants, golf course, water park, more. Call 978.371.2442 or email carol@actionunlimited.com

LOOKING FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES

BIG GUY AUCTIONS (NH LICENSE #4079) does monthly auctions at the Dover Elks Lodge and is looking for consignments in our monthly auctions. We will consign 1 item or entire contents of your goods. Some of the items we are looking for but not limited to is Gold of any type (broken jewelry included) silver of any type, toys, early paper or magazines, baseball cards and non sports cards, advertising, military, guns and knives, fishing equipment, old cans with advertising on them, jewelry, coins, comics, paintings, early action figures and models, postcards, milk bottles and so much more. We pay the highest commissions and pay within one week after auction.

For more information please contact Mike Donnell by text at 603-703-1778 or email at mdonnell@sau53.org

by Parker & Hart

SUPER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE CLUE: SHE’S OUT

B.C.

MAGIC MAZE SUDOKU

THEME THIS WEEK: AIR----

CAPTION CONTEST

OUR PICK FOR BEST CAPTION

“I don’t need a life vest; I’m wearing a very ‘lively’ 3-piece suit!”.

-Roger Dolan, Milford, MA.

Runners Up : “I prefer two ‘skis’ instead of one because I’m Polish on both sides!” - Ken Swidrak, Grafton, MA.

Thank God it wasn’t snow!! - John Brennick, Rochester, NH.

With all the traffic jams lately, he decided to go this way to his business meeting -Barbara Bowman, Franklin, 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 #976

PHOTO #974

The Winklman Aeffect by John Whitlock