11/07/2024 Weirs Times

PreParing For War - Civilians About To Become War Heroes

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer

“Just as far as I could I had my own way in everything.”

Most of us cannot make such a bold statement, but Edward Ephraim Cross was referring to his command of the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment during our country’s Civil War or War of Rebellion.

Mr. Cross had returned from Sonora, Mexico where he had been commanding a Sonoran army garrison, to the town of his birth, Lancaster, New Hampshire. He was called upon

to be the Colonel of the Fifth New Hampshire Regiment, which he agreed to do on the condition that he could have complete charge of the operation of the army unit. In saying that he had his own way, he was affirming that the agreement had been kept. He gained a reputation for being one of the toughest officers in the Union army, and it appears that his regiment was considered one of the best. The regiment’s losses of life during the war were also said to be the most of all those in the Union Army.

See SMITH on 27

Free Car Wash For Veterans And Military Personnel

Wolfeboro Carwash & Executive Detail, along with nearly 4,000 other car wash locations across the nation will provide FREE car washes to veterans and current military service personnel, under the Grace For Vets FREE Wash Program on Monday, November 11th from 10am-2pm. Washes will be given rain or shine. The FREE washes are given to honor and recognize those that have and are serving in the armed forces.

Wolfeboro Carwash & Executive Detail owner, Andrew Swenson’s, father Greg served in the Army reserves, His uncle

served in the Marines and as many of us have experienced, has grieved the loss of friends and/or family who have lost their lives in or as a result of service to their country. You will notice the American flag on their company shirts in honor of our military. “This day is about honoring and recognizing those that have and are serving and protecting our country, says Swenson. Our family and employees look forward to our 14th year giving back to those that have given so much.”

Setting Record Straight

To The Editor:

When someone with a life record of honesty and integrity is effectively accused of lying (though the seemingly polite but inaccurate word used was “protestations”), it is beyond sad. Rather, it is, utilizing a word made famous by Hillary Clinton describing Republicans, deplorable.

One of my opponents in the November 5 election has persisted in claiming me to be untruthful, compelling me to reiterate in print for the third time that, “For the record and in fact, I am not in favor, nor have I ever been in favor of New Hampshire or any other state(s) seceding from the United States.” In fact, and as the son of a World War 2 veteran, I have always been an ardently loyal and profoundly grateful and proud American.

Additionally, and in response to yet another unfounded, unsubstantiated and untruthful accusation leveled at me by Ruth Larson, the Democrat Party candidate for

the New Hampshire House in Belknap District-7, in 2024 I did NOT “push a secession amendment” CACR 20…[that] would require New Hampshire to secede if the national debt reached a certain amount.”

I was not the sponsor of CACR 20, nor a cosponsor of CACR 20. Further, I voted with the majority to Indefinitely Postpone an up or down vote. This was a voice vote, which apparently provided Ms. Larson the license and cover to accuse me of something that is patently false. I was NOT “one of a handful of legislators who objected and demanded further consideration.” Her claim is deplorable, fabricated “fake news.”

Honest differences honestly presented ought to be the norm in political discourse. Yet I am not so naïve as to recognize that people cleverly put forth claims that are misinformation. This type of behavior ought to be rejected and repudiated in politics, not only by voters but also by everyone in every sphere of life.

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

Did Not Like Editorial

To The Editor:

Wow. I knew that the Weirs Times was rightwing, but you are bordering on crazy -- 1950s, one-world government crazy. Do you wear your tin foil hats to work every day?

In your front page, 31 October editorial, you state that Kamala Harris was “installed by a handful of power players” and that if Kamala Harris is elected, an “organization of behind the scenes unelected players … will be making the decisions for this country going forward.” You clearly state that America will become part of a “Global system of government.” As I read this, I could hear a cuckoo clock calling in the background.

Ah, but you continue: “the real powers in charge of the Democrat Party will do everything they can to see that their anointed one is crowned so that they can rule from behind their curtain and bring us in line with the rest of the world.” Say hello to Joseph McCarthy while living in your

Provide Aid To Americans To The Editor:

Our foreign aid for fiscal year 2025 is around $95 billion, and a number of countries receiving this aid do not seem to appreciate the generosity of the United States.

We have many people in the U.S. who are in need of financial assistance who would be much more appreciative of the aid.

The hard-hit residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida who experienced the devastation from hurricanes Helene and Milton should have priority over aid to any foreign countries. These southeastern states need the humanitarian aid, including food and water; and need funding for longterm projects to rebuild infrastructure. Maybe we should use the money to provide grants and very low interest loans to devastated U.S. residents to help them rebuild their homes, businesses and lives.

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.

Tanque Verde ranch our TriP To an arizona dude ranch

Going to a dude ranch was Sharon’s idea. I thought why not since there isn’t any skiing to be found in October and it sounded like a good time. It isn’t possible to fly directly to Tucson. Arizona from Logan. A shuttle from Tanque Verde Ranch picked us up at the Tucson Airport (it’s maybe a little bigger than MHT.) We did arrive at the Ranch in time to have a fabulous burger and beer in their Dog House Saloon before going to bed way too late. This is where we ended each day because it was a good place to meet other people and talk about things we all did. Our room was large and in the morning the view through the sliding glass doors re-

Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, Arizona: Sharon rides her horse Colonel along the trails between the cactus. Established in 1868, the Ranch is located on 640 acres in the Sonoran Desert and adjacent to the Saguaro National Park. The guest ranch offers many other activities beyond horse riding such as archery, axe throwing, tennis, fishing, mountain biking and much more.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Wolfeboro Friends Of Music Presents The Bennewitz Quarter

Wolfeboro Friends of Music expands upon its 89th season with a celebration of the world’s greatest music through the virtuosity of four amazing musicians on violin, viola, and cello. This very special international concert takes place at the First Congregational Church, South Main Street, Wolfeboro NH, on Sunday, November 17th at 3pm

The Bennewitz Quartet is one of the top international chamber ensembles, a status confirmed by their victories in prestigious competitions and by the acclaim of the critics: This is the third of nine concert performances comprising the current season running through May, 89 years of artistic excellence in service to NH’s Lakes Region! season sponsors support the Wolfeboro Friends of Music: Paul Zimmerman Co. The Kalled Gallery/ Wolfeboro, and Diana and Greg Jonas.

Tickets are available for $37.50 at the exciting new website: www.wfriendsofmusic.org; by calling (603) 569- 2151 and at the door on the day of the concert.

High School students with ID will be admitted free of charge.

Children accompanied by an adult ticket purchaser will be admitted free of charge. For additional information, visit www.wfriendsofmusic.org

“Buried New Hampshire: Stories of New Hampshire’s Dead”

The Lakes Region Genealogy Interest Group invites the public to attend a presentation by Rick Davidson and Bill Thompson on “Buried New Hampshire - Historical Graves of New Hampshire’s Famous, Infamous, and the Odd and Unusual” on Thursday, November 21 from 10:30 am to noon at the Wolfeboro Public Library. The program is designed for anyone interested in New Hampshire, its people, and its history. From the Seacoast to the White Mountains to the Great North Woods, New Hampshire’s burial grounds vary from urban park-like cemeteries to single lonely markers hidden deep in the woods. Tombstones tell fascinating stories of the past and may tell of heroic deeds or great tragedies.

Davidson and Thompson have a long history of roaming New Hampshire together fly-fishing, exploring, and photographing its historic and natural beauty. This led to years researching legends, following clues, and photographing Granite State cemeteries. Celebrities, murderers, victims, heroes, and famous historical personages can be found in New Hampshire’s final resting places. Rick and Bill will share many intriguing photographs and stories in this presentation.

Rick Davidson is a photographer, novelist, and retired teacher. With his wife, he operated Davidson Photography for many years. Bill Thompson and his wife owned the North Country Angler Fly Shop in North Conway. Now that he’s retired, Bill enjoys photography and vintage cars. More information can be found on the Lakes Region Genealogy Interest Group website and on their Facebook page or at the Wolfeboro Public Library’s website at wolfeborolibrary.org.

43rd Bridgewater Turkey Trot

The 43rd Annual Turkey Trot hosted by the Newfound Country Store and the Tapply-Thompson Community Center will be on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 28, 2024, starting at 9:00 a.m. The Turkey Trot features a 3.5-mile loop around Whittemore Point starting and finishing at the Newfound Country Store.

Every year the Turkey Trot brings together runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to celebrate an early morning kick off to the Thanksgiving holiday. Running the Turkey Trot has become a Newfound area family tradition for many residents and visiting relatives. For this year’s runners will receive a special commemorative tie-dye buff / neck warmer with the Turkey Trot logo.

Pre-registration is available on-line at https://ttccrec.org/special_programs/turkey-trot/, or runners can register in person at the Newfound Country Store. Registration fee is $20 & preregistration will guarantee a Turkey Trot buff!

The Annual Bridgewater Turkey Trot is a great event that raises much needed funds to support Newfound area children & families in need as well as supporting some of the vital programs offered by the Tapply-Thompson Community Center in Bristol. This is a great opportunity to help the community, have some fun, win some raffle prizes, and burn some calories to make room for Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition or carrying on a long-standing family tradition we’re excited to see you there!

For more information on the event, please email info@ttccrec.org or Holly@nfcountrystore.com and be sure to visit the Turkey Trot Facebook page at www.Facebook/NewfoundCountryStore.

“Mary Poppins” In Wolfeboro

This November, the Kingswood Arts Center will feature it’s first production with flying performers when they present Disney’s and Cameron McIntosh’s Mary Poppins, on Friday, November 22nd at 7pm, Saturday 23rd at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday at 2pm in the Kingswood Arts Center. Much like the film, the production entails the titular character, as well as several others, flying through the air during the performance. In order to do this properly, Kingswood has employed the services of ZFX Flying.

The actors had to face several physical demands while flying. “I’ve learned that it takes a lot of control and athleticism.” notes Kristin Cooper who plays Bert. However, the payoffs are worth it. Kaitlyn Cooper, who plays Mary, remarks “Being able to fly as Mary Poppins is such an incredible experience! With teamwork throughout the cast and crews, it truly brings the magic of the show to life and allows us to create unforgettable and iconic moments on stage.”

The adults that have to oversee the process have been hard at work too. VIctoria Goldberg has been in charge of coordinating the flying rehearsals. “I have loved being a part of helping them learn and feel confident while in the air. It feels good to be able to teach them a new skill in their acting journey. We have all had so much fun with this opportunity.” Flight Operator Carrie Kinzlmaier adds “Working the ropes requires the right timing and touch, and it takes more finesse than I thought. The character and fly crew work together like dance partners to move her “effortlessly” across the stage.”

Tickets are available in advance online at kingswoodtheater.org, or at the door before each performance.

by Brendan Smith Weirs Times Editor

OOL

NEW HAMPSHIRE

FolloWing The SignS

Well, it’s finally over. After weeks of anticipating the big day, it’s now all said and done and, if you feel like me, you are excited to see it come to an end.

Each season, as it gets closer and closer, I watch with great anticipation for the final day. When that moment finally arrives, I feel relieved, but still with a slight sense of dread in knowing that the hard work is really now only begun.

Yes, the last leaf has fallen off the trees in our yard and now the cleanup begins.

Yet, though the falling of the last leaf instills in me that slight feeling, since I know that the bare trees also signal the oncoming change in temperature downward, followed by the inevitable days of snow, sleet and freezing rain, I know that my task in cleaning up many of the leaves before the onslaught will not be all that bad.

The street I live on is replete with a variety of trees, each which has made the journey from blossoming to the changing of color to the leaves final plunge downward covering lawns, streets and driveways.

Even with the thought of the upcoming labor in their clean up, that first look of seeing their vibrant colors strewn about on the surface can’t help but be admired.

A piece of art from God for sure.

I am grateful that the sight is pretty much unaffected by a certain blight that also is strewn about the ground this time of year as well.

Political signs.

There is only one on our street, a small one that becomes barely noticeable over

time (and the first on I have seen on our small street since I moved here sixteen year ago). Though I understand that showing support for your preferred candidate is as American as apple pie (as the saying goes) and I appreciate the enthusiasm for the election process, I am always grateful that as the summer turns to fall and the signs become more prominent and the leaves start to change and the colors fill the sky, that in my particular neighborhood things never have gotten out of hand with the political signs.

I don’t have to go to far to enter the land of these signs once I leave my street.

Not far from where I live there is a giant sign for one of the presidential candidates that is big enough to use as a net for a volleyball game. Not far from that is a house with a row of smaller political signs for different candidates that if you are driving by, even at the 30mph speed limit, you could never be able to read the names on each and every one. (Still, you really only need to read one sign, and you can figure out who the rest of the names are.)

It isn’t much of a drive either to ride down some streets where there seems to be a small civil war brewing with political signs on nearly every lawn, some trying to scream louder than the other and certainly not in alignment on their thoughts on who should be elected.

I can only hope that the neighbors can somehow continue to get along after the show is over.

A further radius out I will drive past the public intersections, especially those with grassy areas which were most likely installed to add a small touch of beauty to offset the burgeoning traffic on the roadways. Any other time of year

possibly a smile would find its way to my face as a local ladies club may have generously planted some colorful flora for appreciation. But today, at election season, it is merely a mish-mash of dozens of political signs that I can only pray no one is actually trying to read while focusing on the road ahead.

The roadways themselves are littered with scatterings of signs as you head toward your destination. Right and left they appear, sometimes a half dozen for one candidate in a row within a short diatance. (Makes me think twice before making a donation to help one if they think this is a good use of their funds.)

I stop and think (at red lights of course, not just randomly) how this is going on everywhere in New Hampshire as well as the rest of the country. (There is a certain hypocrisy to see dozens of signs littering the roadways heralding a candidate who promises to protect the environment.)

It’s when I arrive back home that I take a deep breath and appreciate our little street, with the one random sign. As far as my eyes can see I only notice the leaves, their beautiful colors and the blanket they make on the earth.

There’s no signs telling me that so and so will do this or that or that whatstheirname is no good or you know who will do you know what.

It really is a nice little patch of land to be living on during these especially hectic and divisive times of year.

God’s signs are truly the best ones. It’s sad that so many folks don’t seem to understand that and think that the names on the signs are the only solution.

I go and grab my rake and get to work.

Order your autographed copy today for

plus

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

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

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

Letters From God Letters From God

QUESTION

Can Any Presidential Leader Restore America’s Greatness?

Leadership is essential for any venture to be successful. I have designed life to be vibrant only through leadership. Though leadership is imperative, it has limits to what it can do to bring about prosperity. With the right leaders you will flourish but with the wrong leaders you will languish.

This begs the question however, what is “right” leadership? The answer to this goes back to my design for great leadership. Since I am your creator God and the one who designed life as you know it, you must follow my design in order to enjoy the delights of the design. If leaders, even the best, violate my design, they cannot lead you to prosperity. If I am against them because of disobedience, all human efforts will be futile. This is an inviolable principle that is true for any design. If you violate the manual given by the creator of the design, you cannot enjoy the delights of the design.

When I wrote to my chosen people, Israel, through Moses in the book of Deuteronomy, found in my book, the Bible, I detailed what is essential for life. Listen carefully! “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear

the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13.)

First, note that each of the items I commanded were related to being in a right relationship with me, your creator God. I am the source of life and if your leaders are not in a right relationship with me, they can’t lead you to experience “life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:19) If they, through their leadership, enact policies that don’t conform to my will and enhance relationship with me, they will lead you into failure. Next, note that there are specific attitudes and actions that must be present in the heart of leaders that then must be inculcated into the hearts of the people they lead. You must fear me. My design is inflexible, and any violation will bring suffering not satisfaction. This fear is a positive fear because the fear of negative consequences leads you to do what is right, what conforms to my design and brings delight. You must walk in all my ways. Like the weak link in a chain, though the other links are strong enough to support you, the one weak link will lead to catastrophe. You must love me. When it comes to other so called “gods” they are all false idols. Never give your heart to another “god” and I will respond with love

that will, as you say, “bless your socks off.” You must serve the Lord you God with all your hear and with all your soul. You and your country as well as every person and country, were never created to serve yourself. I designed you to serve me with your full heart and soul. As you do, I will pour out all the riches of heaven to enhance your life. Failure to serve me will only deplete any resources you may muster and lead you to poverty. You must observe my commands and decrees I am giving you. It is not enough to know my will; you must follow through and observe them. Finally, note that every command and decree that I, your designer gave you, is for your own good. I know what is good for you and what is bad. I know what will help you and what will hurt you. I don’t give commands to make your lives miserable but to give you wisdom that if followed, will make your live magnificent. I love you and all my commands are given to bless you. These inviolable principles must be in the mind and heart of leaders who will then have the ability to lead you into greatness and blessing. This is why I also commanded my chosen people, Israel, to appoint over them leaders who don’t rely on themselves and the resources at their disposal. Leaders who are faithful in their marriage. Leaders who have their own copy of my book, the Bible, so that they read it all the

days of their lives and revere me the LORD and follow carefully all the words of the law I gave Israel. Then, they won’t think themselves better than those they lead and won’t turn from the right or left of my decrees. The benefit for the leaders will be that they will have a prosperous reign and their followers will flourish (Deuteronomy 17:15-20). Anything else, that violates my design for leadership, will be as effective as rearranging the chairs on the Titanic in order to stave off destruction. As I have written often in previous letters, your current leadership have been godless and have violated virtually all my designs. The result is that they have foolishly established their own policies which contradict my design and have begun to plunge you into decay. No leader you choose will be perfect, all are sinful and broken. Pray, however, that those who lead you are humble and willing to revere me and my design for life. I can work with leaders like this and continue to rub off the rough edges and make them and you, better than ever.

I love you, God

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

WhaT’S

Wrong in our naTion?

by Star Parker Syndicated Columnist

As we move to the conclusion of this election cycle, there seems to be only one thing about which all Americans agree. That is, that something is very wrong in our nation.

In the latest Gallup polling, only 22% say they are satisfied with the direction of the country. The highest this has been over the last 16 years was 45% back in February of 2020. So, despite change in party control over these years, the sense that something is wrong in the country has persisted,

More in the framework of this elec-

tion, only 39% say they are better off than they were four years ago, and 52% say they are not better off.

Most Americans do not even have confidence in the sources where they get their news. Only 31% say they have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in mass media. The first time Gallup asked this question, back in 1972, 68% expressed confidence in mass media.

A record high percent of Americans, 80%, say the country is “greatly divided” on the most important values.

In a New York Times/Siena College poll, only 49% say “American democracy does a good job representing the people.” And 76% say “American democracy is currently under threat.”

PromoTing Panic

For caSh

by John Stossel Syndicated

The world must be getting so much worse! Activists protest everywhere. Listening to them, I’d think hate, homophobia, racism and environmental threats are at record highs.

But it’s not true.

Despite our ugly election politics, for most people, life is better than ever.

Our air and water are cleaner. People live longer and healthier lives. There’s less racism and homophobia.

But if they admit that, activists would be out of a job.

In my new video, John Tierney, a journalist who’s covered protests for years, says, “For activists, success is a threat. It is going to put you out of business.”

I push back. “They’re not a business. They’re not making money doing this.”

“Yes, they are!” Says Tierney. He’s right. Environmental groups probably make the most. The head of the World Wildlife Fund pays himself $1.2 million a year.

Somehow, that will reduce climate change?

“Climate change is the perfect crisis,” says Tierney, “You can attribute anything to it, and it’s always in the future.”

The fund says climate change increased the number of “major

aFghan Women’S righTS; FeW Seem To care abouT Them

by John J. Metzler

Afghanistan’s tragedy continues.

Since the chaotic end of the Afghan war in August 2021, the South Asian country is now again ruled by the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban which has literally turned the clock back on any hints of modernization and civil and human rights advancements. The rights of women, and especially girls, have plummeted into a medieval miasma.

Fortunately during a series of human rights hearings, the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee addressed the Afghan crisis. Spe -

cial Rapporteur Richard Bennett details, “the Taliban’s systematic gender oppression, amounting to gender persecution, and which is described as ‘gender apartheid’ by many Afghans. The new so called law ‘Vice and Virtue law’ institutionalizes an expanding list of restrictions blatantly violating the rights of women and girls.”

The UN’s Richard Bennett, a New Zealand national, served as Chief of the Human Rights Section during the UN’s longtime Mission in Afghanistan. He warned, “It also impacts the entire society, including men, religious minorities and journalists, as it infringes on their cultural rights, religious freedoms, and freedom of expression. Women are literally silenced and are being seen as a threat against the Tali-

ban’s vision and strategy.”

The appalling and shameful pullout of American forces by the Biden/Harris Administration squandered the blood and treasure that the U.S. and the world community invested in trying to improve Afghanistan’s socio/economic status since 2001. Through four U.S. Administrations, billions of dollars, and more than 2,400 American lives, not to mentioned over 20 thousand wounded, the Afghan war ended with a shameful and catastrophic debacle.

The pullout triggered jarring geopolitical repercussions which were soon felt from Ukraine to the Taiwan Straits. The aftershocks remain far from over.

The enduring oppression continues. Bennett stresses, “The lack

of a strong, united response from the international community has already emboldened the Taliban… they introduced a so called “morality” law not only further restricting virtually every aspect of women’s… For over three years, girls and women have been barred from secondary education and beyond.”

Since the Taliban seized power, Afghanistan is now the only country in the world to ban girls and women over 12 years old from schools and universities, according to UNESCO.

Moreover according to a U.S. State Department Country Report on Afghanistan; “The Taliban’s edicts formalized discrimination and exclusion of women and girls from most aspects of society and at a nation-

Columnist

Syndicated Columnist

See STOSSEL on 26

A breakthrough in Ear-Brain Technology™:

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

• Replicates how our “normal” auditory system works.

• Distinguish words and speech more intuitively and naturally.

• Hear soft sounds without distracting noise.

• Reduce the effort it takes to listen and hear.

BIRDS For The

New England’s Wild Birds & Their Habitats

an old WaSP’S neST

by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer

As birdwatchers, we are trained to look for things out of the ordinary. That blot in a tree or movement in the brush just may be a bird. Often the thing that grabs your attention is nothing but a discarded balloon or wind-swept plastic bag, but very often it is, indeed, a bird.

Autumn can be tricky with falling leaves capturing our attention and tricking us into thinking birds are near. The other day, a different sort of falling object caught my attention. While it wasn’t a bird, it did lead me to an interesting bird sighting.

I was walking on a trail when something about the size of a leaf floated down in front of me. It somewhat resembled a leaf but was shaped and colored differently. It even floated down from the trees with a different kind of motion.

I recognized it as a piece of a paper wasp nest. I looked up and hanging directly above the trail was, indeed, a wasp nest. A female downy woodpecker was hammering on it and causing the debris to fall onto the trail below. The first frost of the year had occurred a few days before, so apparently the bird felt that the coast was clear. The woodpecker took

A downy woodpecker searches for food by tearing apart a wasp nest.

advantage of the nowdormant wasp nest to poke around and try to find something to eat. There must have been something in there as the bird remained on the nest for several minutes as I watched from my vantage point along the trail. It could have been larvae, or other insects that had moved in, or perhaps even the queen was still in there.

It is notable that several birds do eat wasps and bees. While not a primary source of food for many New England birds, blue jays, mockingbirds, orioles, martins and bluebirds are known to eat wasps, particularly while rais-

ing young when protein is in high demand

Worker wasps do not survive the winter and die off during the early freezes. The queen, however, will ride out the winter and either hunker down in the nest or find a more stable and safe place like a hole in the ground or rock crevice. She will start a new colony and have a new nest built next year.

The nest still has uses even if the wasps have moved out and will not use it again next year. In addition to providing a food source for downy woodpeckers (and other birds, I’m sure), the old nest can also serve as a winter

roosting spot for small birds such as Carolina wrens or chickadees.

This particular nest, however, will not be housing any birds this winter. I walked by the same spot on the trail a few days after the sighting, and it was nearly completely destroyed. Only a few scraps of “paper” dangled from the branch. Either the woodpecker continued looking for food until the nest was gone, or something else had come along and finished the job.

It is interesting how nature works and how everything has a purpose, or in this case, multiple purposes. Who would think an old wasp nest would have benefits for other creatures after the wasps have moved on?

FIGHT THE FLU

Flu Vaccines are available at the following convenient times:

November 14 (Thursday) Boulder Point Community Room: 8am - 3pm

November 21 (Thursday)

Speare Hospital: Front Lobby 7am - 3pm

November 26 (Tuesday)

Speare Hospital: Front Lobby 7am - 3pm

by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

In this wonderful information age, I often go to You-Tube and call up classic sports moments to re-live. Havlicek Stole the Fall. Fisk’s World Series Home Run. Vinatieri’s snow kick. So many glorious memories.

You-Tube apparently does the algorithm thing and knows what I like. So, I recently received a link to the last two minutes of Game Six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals at the Garden between the Bruins and the Chicago Black Hawks. This was the last Stanley Cup Final involving two Original Six teams. The B’s led 2-1 and were 76 seconds away from forcing Game 7 in Boston.

Then Chicago scored two goals in 17 seconds to win the Stanley Cup. Ouch. Painful.

So, to ease the pain I found the conclusion of a Stanley Cup Game 7 played at the Garden just a few weeks earlier. The star-crossed Toronto Maple Leafs led Boston 4-1 in the third period. With just over a minute left the Leafs still led by two goals as the B’s pulled their goalkeeper for an extra skater. Milan Lucic scored for the B’s to cut the lead to 4-3. Then with 51 seconds to play Patrice Bergeron tied the game to force overtime as the Garden crowd went wild.

The bruinS

Patrice Bergeron.

Six minutes into overtime Bergeron scored again for a wondrous Game 7 win.

Lord Stanley giveth, Lord Stanley taketh away.

The B’s last won the Stanley Cup in 2011.

With the Celtics having ended their NBA title drought earlier this year, what are the Bruins chances this season?

As I write this, a couple weeks into the season, the B’s are around .500.

But it was less than two years ago that the Bruins went 65-12-5 to set an NHL single season points record with 135. They then took a 3-1 first-round series lead over the Florida Panthers. But, alas and alack, Florida tied the series and came from behind to win Game 7 in overtime at the Garden, 4-3.

Lord Stanley giveth, Lord Stanley taketh away. Florida went on to lose the Stanley Cup Finals to Las Vegas. Florida and Las Vegas in a Stan-

Jeremy Swayman be that hot keeper next spring? A 26-year-old former UMaine Black Bear, Sway has shown flashes of superstardom. Star forwards David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand are all-star caliber veterans who’ve shown that they can step things up for post season.

Lee’s Mill Rd,

ley Cup Final? (Definitely not two Original Six teams. Rocket Richard must have rolled over in his grave.)

The 2023 collapse was almost as bad as 2010. Not only did Boston then blow a 3-0 Series lead to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Conference semifinals, but the B’s also blew a 3-0 Game 7 lead at home. I’m sure Flyer fans occasionally still call up that Game 7 on You-Tube.

Lord Stanley giveth, Lord Stanley taketh away.

In 2024 Boston faced the star-crossed Maple Leafs in the first round and won Game 7 in overtime in Boston. Stanley Cup Ahoy! But Florida’s Panthers again upset the B’s to dash title hopes. It’s still early in the season and what really matters is having momentum going into the playoffs, along with a hot goalkeeper—assuming the B’s make the playoffs.

Might Boston goalie

B’s coach Jim Montgomery hasn’t been all that happy with his team in the early going, but what really matters is if he’ll be happy with his team when the playoffs start. But that’s months away. Hopefully the Bruins will be there for us in April.

And hopefully they’ll get to play—and beat— the Florida Panthers in the post-season.

It’s definitely time for Lord Stanley to taketh away from Florida and giveth to Boston.

Sports Quiz

How many Stanley Cups have the Boston Bruins won? (Answer follows)

Born Today

That is to say, sports standouts born on November 7 include NBA Hall of Fame player and coach All Attles (1936) and Hall of Fame MLB pitcher Jim Kaat (1938)

Sports Quote

“I was the happiest guy in the world when I was on the ice.” –Boston Bruin legend Bobby Orr.

Sports Quiz Answer

The Bruins have won six Stanley Cups, in 1929, 1939, 1941, 1970, 1972, and 2011.

Prior Years Unfiled Returns Our Specialty!!! What’s new for 2023 Standard deduc�on changes • AMT Exemp�on • Health Flexible Spending Limits • Estate Tax Exemp�on • Gi� Tax Exclusion Much, much more! Late Filer? No Problem Statutes of Limita�ons for Tax Collec�on Protect Your Tax Returns from Past Years Why You Should Always File Returns for Past Years, Even if You Haven’t Filed in Years Time Limits for Refunds and Audits Remedies for Missing Tax Documents Are My Social Security Benefits Taxable? Records You Need to Keep

lakeS media celebraTeS big Win aT nhab

BELMONT - Lakes Media is proud to announce its success last night at the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters: 2024 Granite Mike Awards, held at the Bank NH Stage in Concord NH. All 3 of Lakes Media’s radio stations received awards and notoriety in a variety of categories, continuing to show our dedication to the communities we are a part of.

During the prestigious evening banquet, Lakes Media was honored with the following awards:

• 1st Place Documentary News for 2024 Great Solar Eclipse on Mountain Country 97

• Merit Individual Commercial for Santa’s Village Midnight

Flyer on Mountain Country 97, Lakes FM 101.5 and 104.9

The Hawk

• Merit Feature Story for Good News Story: Jake Deware Kindness Project on Lakes FM 101.5

• Merit Public Affairs/Talk for Community Forum: Focus on Mental Health on Lakes FM 101.5

• 1st Place Long Form Radio Program for Community Forum: Focus on Mental Health on Lakes FM 101.5

• Merit On-Air Personality for Zack Derby on 104.9 The Hawk

• 1st Place Station of the year for 104.9

The Hawk These awards are a testament to the hard work, creativity and ded-

ication of the entire Lakes Media team from on-air talent to marketing, sales, production staff and everyone be-

hind the scenes.

“We are absolutely thrilled and humbled to be recognized in this way,” said Dirk Nadon,

Owner and General Manager of Lakes Media. “Our mission has always been to connect with our community and deliver highquality content that resonates with our listeners. We couldn’t be prouder of the Lakes Media family and the continued support from our loyal listeners, clients and community members.”

The evening was filled with high energy and excitement, as the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters: 2024 Granite Mike Awards brought together the best in the radio and television industry to celebrate the past years accomplishments. The event featured talented individuals from all aspects of New Hampshire broadcasting, along with longtime New England Comedian Juston McKinney providing that evening’s entertainment, all while celebrating the achievements of stations and individuals of New Hampshire broadcasting . Founded in 2017, Lakes Media LLC is a leading radio station company delivering a variety of programming across the Lakes Region and North Country of New Hampshire. With a focus on community, the stations have garnered a loyal following and continues to expand its impact within the broadcasting industry.

The Simple Feast

neW england bean diP

by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer

The Simple Feast Simple

Often is the case where food serves as the medium of exchange for a greater message. Recently I was given a few jars of jams and relish. As much as I like jams, relish, to my way of thinking, is for hot dogs and tartar sauce. Since I have been limited to one or two hotdogs per month and outright banned from frying any food (with emphasis on seafood) in the house, relish has pretty much gone the way of the vacuum tube: nearly obsolete. It all started on a recent chilly October Friday evening. I received a call from my daughter asking if I would come and be a judge at the potluck soup dinner hosted by one of her friends.

The Simple

and poise that seems to come naturally. She demonstrates an ease and quiet confidence while working with animals in the show ring.

Outside of the ring she is humble, friendly, vibrant, hard working, determined, and seemingly sets a high bar for herself in anything she does. And, she can cook and can: two dying arts. Her beau is a lucky man.

yond this ring were workbenches, their tops covered with shop stuff and the various sundry items found in such environs. It was, for us and those gathered, a comfortable environment free of pomp and pretense.

ACKERLY’S

Grill & Galley

83 Main Street, Alton 603.875.3383

Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com

Stoneface - IPA

Moat Mtn. - Blueberry

Great Rhythm - Pale Ale

Baxter - Coastal Haze

603 - Amber Ale

COPPER KETTLE TAVERN

At Hart’s Turkey Farm

Restaurant

233 D.W. Hwy, Meredith

603.279.6212

hartsturkeyfarm.com

Fiddlehead - IPA

Guinness

Tuckerman Pale Ale

Allagash - White

Shipyard - Pumkinhead

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

“We need an unbiased opinion.”

“I hardly think that with you and your brother there and he bringing something I made, that I would be the best candidate to serve as judge.”

“Well, Sydney insists that you come and offer critique.”

My daughter knew that her words would cinch the deal as I simply adore Sydney. This young lady has a grace

Arriving, we were but one of a few cars in a sea of trucks parked outside of the brightly lit barn garage, a sign that this was a “farmer kids” get together. We were greeted by the hosts and ushered into the shop where the faces were familiar, smiles were abundant, and the board was set dead center of the shop bay surrounded by improv seating: sturdy tool boxes, upside down five gallon buckets, and a variety of folding lawn chairs. Be -

The candidates to partake of: Clam Chowdah, Southwest Tomato Bisque, Zoupa Soup, Pasta Soup, Taco Soup, and Beef Stew. Along with these soups the table was adorned with a variety of munchies from chips to yeast rolls to Apple Crisp. I actually had to recuse myself from judging the Beef Stew because I had made it for my son to take with him to the potluck. But, tasting the soups, each had their high points and some minor flaws. Yes, that includes my Beef Stew too. And judging off the cuff, without set criteria, does have its drawbacks. I know and like these “kids”

but, try as I may not to give any scathing criticism, it was insisted that I “be honest” in my appraisal. I started with the Clam Chowdah, something I naturally gravitate to as it is always my “go to” when available while eating out. You really have to screw up Clam Chowdah for me not to like it. Manhattan Style Clam Chowder is a clear example of screwing up Clam Chowdah. As far as I am concerned, anyone who has the audacity to put tomatoes of any sort in Clam Chowder and call it “Chowdah” need not trespass any further east toward New England than the Hudson River! Other than a bit too much salt (I am becoming more salt sensitive) and a thin milk broth as its base, the Clam Chowdah was good. It had plenty of clams, the potatoes were done

+6 More On Tap

D.A. LONG TAVERN

At Funspot

579 Endicott St N., Weirs

603.366.4377 funspotnh.com

Henniker - Flapjack

Schilling - Boniface

Heavy Reel - Coastline

Northwoods - Autumn Buzz

Delirium - Nocturnum

Blaze - Brunchside

+6 More On Tap

FOSTER’S TAVERN

403 Main Street

Alton Bay, NH

603-875-1234

fosterstavernbythebay.com

Tuckerman pale ale

Aqua Vue Haze

Allagash white

Maine Lunch

Guinness

Stoneface IPA

+10 More On Tap

Morrisseys’ 20 Year Lager by Great North Smithwick’s Guinness Harp

Concord Craft Safe Space +11 More On Tap

PATRICK’S PUB

18 Weirs Rd., Gilford

603.293.0841 Patrickspub.com

Patrick’s Slainte House Ale

Great North - Moose Juice

Guinness

Clown Shoes - Bubble Head 603 - Winni Amber Ale

Tuckerman - Pale Ale +9 More On Tap

THE WITCHES BREW PUB

At The Craft Beer Xchange

59 Doe Ave., Weirs Beach

603.409.9344

FB @craftbeerxchange

Jack’s Abby – Blood Orange

Wheat

Golden Rod – Mango Cart

1911 – Raspberry Cider

Kettlehead – Dreamstate

Able Ebenezer – Lady of the Lake Lager

Last Chair – Powder Bear

+30 More On Tap

RESTAURANT OR BAR OWNER?

Contact Us Today to Find Out How to Promote Your Business here! sales@weirs.com or 603-366-8463 x 319

** Tap listings subject to change!

Strange But True

by Lucie Winborne Syndicated Columnist

* A California man who made a personalized license plate that said “No Plate” received more than 2,500 parking tickets.

* Omphalophobia is the fear of belly buttons.

* Avid readers won’t be intimidated by a hefty novel, but they’ll still surely be impressed by what’s been deemed the largest book ever. Weighing more than 3,000 pounds and measuring

16.40 feet by 26.44 feet with 429 pages inside, the book, which is titled “This is Muhammad,” was created in 2012 by 50 people working together in the United Arab Emirates.

* Prior to 1949, tennis court grass was kept at 2 inches long -- that is, until a player was bitten by a snake. It’s now typically maintained at a length of 8 mm.

* Scientists have found evidence of takeout restaurants in the remains of Pompeii.

* Japan has the highest density of vending machines worldwide, with approximately 5 million machines, or one machine for every 23 people. You can buy everything from live lobsters and bread in a can, to underwear and Buddhist amulets from a vending machine.

* The first European who learned to smoke from the natives was arrested back home because people thought he was possessed by the devil.

* Dolly Parton’s parents paid the doctor who delivered her with a bag of cornmeal.

* The most expensive domain name ever sold was Voice.com, which was acquired for $30 million in 2019.

* Caribbean sperm whales have their own accents.

* After an 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico City in 1985, nearly all newborn babies survived a collapsed hospital for seven days without nourishment, water, warmth or human contact.

* A flea can accelerate faster than a space shuttle.

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

annual Taylor communiTy indoor yard Sale and craFT Fair

Start your holiday shopping early at the Taylor Community Indoor Yard Sale and Craft Fair!

Volunteers at Taylor Community are busy gathering items donated by the residents, organizing and pricing them for the event to be held on Saturday, November 9, between 9am and 2pm. at the Woodside Building, located at 435 Union Avenue in Laconia.

In addition to these gently used

items of all kinds, local crafters will be there selling their creations. You’ll find seasonal and holiday decorations, quilted pieces, photography, baked goods, jewelry, jams and jellies, and handmade greeting cards, to name a few. Proceeds from the Indoor Yard Sale, crafter table rentals, the bake sale and the jewelry tableare donated to the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction and the TC Sunshine Fund. Come early for the best selection, find a special treasure, and support a good cause!

cenTer harbor church’S annual holly Fair

The Center Harbor Congregational Church, UCC, invites you to our annual Holly Fair on November 23!

The church is located at 52 Main Street in Center Harbor, overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Many church members and friends have produced beautiful items to decorate your home or give as gifts. Visit the Christmas Shop, Baked Goods, Knit and Crocheted

Items, Home Decor, Candles and Pottery, Country Store, Jewelry, Gift Baskets, and a Silent Auction featuring local merchants. There is something for everyone!

The Holly Fair is open from 8 am to 2 pm. Come early for the best selection. See you at the Fair!

Farm kiTchen & bakery SamPling eVenT aT moulTon Farm

Making delicious meals easy for people and incorporating locally grown foods are

the thoughts that drive the farm kitchen and bakery team at Moulton Farm. A sampling event

Nutcracker Christmas Fair

Friday, November 8, 5:00 - 8:00 pm Saturday, November 9, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm

St.André Bessette Parish Hall

31 Gilford,Ave.- Laconia,NH

showcasing some of the “everyday” dishes and special holiday items made by the team will be part of the Meredith farm’s open house on Saturday, November 9, from 11 am to 2 pm.

“We make a lot of different items, and the inspiration comes from different places,” says Jeff Mills, the farm’s general manager.

“Sometimes a classic dish inspires our team.

That’s how our meat pies and Mediterranean

turkey meatloaf got started. At other times, it’s a family favorite that inspires them. That’s how it was with our zucchini wrapped chicken enchiladas and turkey chili.”

Besides the opportunity to sample items made in the farm’s kitchen and bakery, visitors can also sample items from local businesses the farm partners with and vote for their favorite farm gift basket. One lucky person will win their favorite. The event is free and runs from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, November 9.

Moulton Farm, located at 18 Quarry Road off Route 25 in Meredith, is open seven days a week through December 31. In addition to foods from the farm’s kitchen and bakery and seafood from Sal’s Fresh Seafood, starting in late November, the farm will have wreaths made at the farm, holiday plants, and New Hampshire grown Christmas trees. More information is available at MoultonFarm.com

SurVey reVealS WhaT’S ToP oF mind For holiday ShoPPerS

(StatePoint) As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are planning to kick off their shopping earlier this year, aiming to lock in low prices, take advantage of promotions, and ensure all their gifts arrive on time. A recent survey by Sensormatic Solutions reveals key insights that can guide both shoppers and retailers during this busy time.

According to the survey, 52% of respondents plan to start their holiday shopping earlier than last year, and while shoppers are looking for deals, 48% plan to spend more than they did last year.

“Understanding consumer trends is critical for both shoppers and retailers alike,” said Christa Anz, global marketing leader, Sensormatic Solutions. “This

survey highlights important considerations that can enhance the shopping experience and inform retail strategies.”

Here are some of the survey’s top findings:

• Early Shopping Trends: Over half (54%) of shoppers plan to begin their holiday shopping before November. This trend indicates a shift towards early planning to secure deals and avoid the rush of the season’s busiest shopping days. Early shopping also helps lock in the best prices and ensure stock availability.

• Preferred Pickup Options: This year, 42% of shoppers plan to use Buy-Online-Pick-Up-inStore (BOPIS), and 35% will opt for curbside pickup. However, 29% of respondents are concerned about possible long wait times, suggesting to retailers the importance of efficient customer service during peak hours and the need to provide several pick up options.

• Spending Management: While nearly half of shoppers plan to spend more this year, 52% of respondents noted they

are creating a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. In fact, 64% of younger shoppers have used recent deal days and flash sales to maximize their spending.

• Prioritize Safety: Safety is key to a productive holiday shopping season. In fact, 69% of consumers feel safer with visible security measures such as security personnel, surveillance cameras, and Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags, and 34% of them consider these features essential for in-store shopping. This aligns with performance data that suggests such visual deterrents can effectively reduce theft and organized retail crime. Retailers should prioritize safety features, such as surveillance cameras and security personnel, to foster a positive shopping environment.

just right, and the flavor was “Chowdah”. My personal preference is for a thicker broth, not sludge as if it had sat in the pot warming all day, and not thin like 1%. I like it to be more like heavy cream. It was, judging from the amount left by the time I got there, a runaway favorite that night.

The Southwest Tomato Bisque was a close second. Not a fan of spicy hot foods, but this one was good. Sydney’s beau made this with tomatoes, carrots, and hot peppers. The carrots used in the puree gave the illusion of “bisque”, there was no dairy product used but this “soup” had a light orange hue. Too, it had the typical “viscous” bisque quality while not being a noxious “baby food” consistency. Each flavor was noticed, nothing masked by the hot peppers which followed as a subtle throaty “gotcha”. This could easily find a place on any TexMex restaurant menu.

The Zoupa Soup was interesting. Made with kale, potato, and sweet breakfast sausage in a homemade chicken stock, the soup had a striking note of “Sugar Cookie”. It was determined that this was due to the sweet breakfast sausage. With some minor alterations to the ingredients, this soup would be a great foundation for Italian Wedding Soup.

The Pasta Soup was disqualified. Made of beef, tomato product, beef broth, bowtie pasta and seasonings it was tasty. As a pasta dish, I could have eaten it by the bowl full. It was delicious! A real potluck pleaser

NEW ENGLAND BEAN DIP

YIELD: About 2 Cups TIME: 15 Minutes Plus Chill Time*

INGREDIENTS

1 15.5 oz. can Red Kidney Beans

½ Cup Whipped Salad Dressing (Mayo is OK) 1/3 Cup Sweet Pickle Relish

1 tsp. Minced Garlic

1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. Horseradish Sauce

½ tsp. Old Bay Seasoning

½ tsp. Onion Powder

PREPARATION

- Drain and rinse kidney beans under cold running water. Set aside to drain.

- Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl, mixing thoroughly.

- Divide the kidney beans to approximately 1/3 and mash the 1/3 with a fork or spoon. Add the mashed beans to the “dressing” and combine.

- Add the remaining whole beans and gently mix to coat.

- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

- Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley, or a dust of paprika or Old Bay and serve with your favorite cracker or crostini bread.

*For stronger horseradish flavor make about a day ahead of service otherwise same day is fine.

for sure, kids of all ages would gobble that up in a heartbeat. But this was a pasta dish, it had soaked up all of the broth while cooking and at rest during the day. So, it was declared a pasta dish by this judge. Since it was my son’s girlfriend I highly encouraged her to make it anytime. I’d even buy the ingredients for her! For my efforts I was given not only the pleasure of spending an hour with these young adults, most of whom I have seen grow into some truly wonderful people over the last ten plus years, I was also given a couple jars of homemade jam to try and the aforementioned relish. Being a Zucchini Relish, I decided, since I didn’t eat relish with any sort of regularity, I would make something with it. But what? Well, looking in the fridge I made a mental note of minced garlic and a

bottle of Horseradish Sauce. Then it hit me, “Bean Dip!”

With a little internet sleuthing I happened upon a few recipes for New England Bean Dip. Settling upon a likely candidate, I began to modify the recipe to my liking. What I ended up with is a Bean Dip worthy of any New Englander’s salt. Incorporating the use of the Zucchini Relish, along with the prerequisite Horseradish Sauce and Kidney Beans, I used Old Bay Seasoning and minced garlic and a few other odds and ends found in nearly any spice cupboard. I was re warded with a pretty darn good New Eng land Bean Dip that had body, substance, a flavorful bite, and, while it will not win any contest for being “Most Photogenic” the flavor left me wanting for more.

most from this experience was that all these friends, some new, some old, were doing what generations before them used to do… gather together to enjoy each other’s company while strengthening the bonds of friendship over a delightful repast. They did not care about how or where they got together, and they welcomed everyone. A house didn’t have to be made spotless, nor heated, nor carpeted. Some brought lap blankets or a spare jacket from the car. Others just snuggled closer to their other half.

My better half and I consider ourselves very fortunate. Our kids have, up to this point, always kept us as part of their lives. They have shared with us their trials and trib-

ulations, as well as the abundant good times that they continue to have with their friends. While not being overly protective “helicopter” parents, we have tried to be active and supportive in our kids’ activities, clubs, and organizations while they were growing up. In doing so, we have been blessed with broadening our circle of friends while watching friends we all care about grow, learn, and do while on their adventure into adulthood. It is, without a doubt, a treat beyond measure to be invited to their Simple Feast.

Enjoy!

Beyond the bean dip, what struck me

vealed a lovely cacti covered hillside. We were hungry for breakfast at 7:30. Yes, the three hour time zone change didn’t fool my growling stomach, it knew it was 10:30 am back home.

Breakfast was very good in their spacious dining room; we ordered off the menu or visited the well stocked buffet that welcomed us each morning. We learned that the wood ceiling was made of Saguaro Cactus ribs. The ribs/sticks are the skeleton of dead Saguaro Cacti.

Our plan was to ride horses as much as our bodies could stand and to enjoy the Ranch in the Sonoran Desert.

After breakfast we went to the Wrangler’s Roost for our first horse outing–intermediate horsemanship lesson, 1.5 hours. We arrived

The Crested (Cristate) Saguaro! There are more than 2 million Saguaros within the Saguaro National Park and only 75 Crested Saguaro have been found in the Park. We saw two in the park and one outside of the Park at the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. They are certainly unique and are formed because of a gene mutation. This cactus is in the National Park, just a short walk from the Mica View Picnic Area.

and the horses walked us down to the Corral that was bigger than a football field. There were 7 of us in the class. Our wrangler, Bill, started with the basics: toes up, heels down, stay in your seat and how to turn the horse. We took turns going around cones and then we trotted around. Then those that wanted to loped (canter), we took turns one at a time riding around the corral. It was really fun and helpful to watch others and hear Wrangler Bill’s instructions and tips.

Did I say it was hot? Everyday by 10 am it was well into the 90’s; one day it hit 99 degrees!

We drank lots and lots of water. We were warned not to wait until we were thirsty to drink because then it would be too late not

GILPATRIC METAL RECYCLING

The Sonoran Desert is the home of the famous Saguaro Cactus with its big arms. The cactus stars in many western movies. The Sonoran Desert is big and covers parts of Mexico, California and Arizona.

Sharon and I both felt muscles we didn’t know that we had and we found our seat bones. We had lunch and enjoyed an hour at the pool before going back to the horses. We went out for a walking horse ride. We rode under Cottenwood Trees and along a dry wash (brook/ drainage) that we were told is full of water from the snowmelt in the spring. It was hot but the trees provided a little bit of welcome shade for us and the horses.

all the words to the songs. Some of us did some swing dancing before it was time to head back.

As we were leaving a few Javelinas got near the tables hoping someone left behind something they could eat. They resemble boars but we were told they aren’t part of the swine family. We had no desire to get close to them. We stopped by the Dog House Saloon on our way to our room.

Dinner on Wednesday and Saturday nights is a Cowboy Cookout held at their Cottonwood Grove. A big barbeque of ribs and chicken or steak and all the fixings was served to us. A three piece band played all my favorite country songs and I surprised Sharon that I knew

We were on horses early for a ride to breakfast and we rode up the hills that we looked at from our room. Our horses carried us between the big Saguaro Cactus, Barrel Cactus and Prickly Pear too. The horses stepped between the rocks and up and down drainages. Tucson is surrounded by

mountains. The scenery made me feel like I was in a western movie and I was continuously wowed by what I saw. Breakfast was outdoors on top of a hill with a big view. Pancakes, eggs and plenty of the best bacon. We saw deer, roadrunners, a turkey and I was glad we didn’t see any rattlesnakes.

We took the intermediate horsemanship lesson three times, we went on walking rides and intermediate trotting rides. No two rides were alike. We didn’t have the same horse every ride. We didn’t think this was ideal but it was interesting to experience the differences. Some horses are better than others. I am sure the horses think the same thing about their riders.

I also took the lope test three times. Loping around the corral was my favorite part of the lessons; riding comfortably and fast. I didn’t feel like I failed but I didn’t pass. From what I saw, only a few pass this test and then are permitted to go on loping rides on the trails. Another guest and I took it together all three times. The first time only his wife passed, in our small group. This was his fourth trip to the ranch and he had no issues passing on his previous visits. I still don’t know what to think about this but I didn’t dwell on it. I had plenty of fun trotting along and doing the walk rides and taking the lessons.

There are many activities at the Ranch. Mountain biking, hiking, axe-throwing, arts & crafts, fishing, bird watching and more. We rode the horses and swam in the

Yours truly and Sharon on our horses in the Sonoran Desert at the Tanque Verde Ranch. It was hot, mid and high 90’s but we had a cool time riding and especially at the swimming pool

pool. Just once we did something different and that was to take the Saguaro National Park Jeep Tour. The Ranch borders the National Park and it is a short ride to the Park’s entrance. Our driver Wes kept us listening to him keenly for almost three hours as we drove the loop road in the park. We stopped many times along the way to look at plants and natu

ral features. Wes took our photo in front of a giant Saguaro Cactus. We also saw and learned about the rare Crested Saguaro Cactus caused by a mutation that causes the

top to grow into a fan shape. He even brought along some tasty cookies made from mesquite powder (flour) and some Barrel Cactus fruit. We didn’t pick or take anything

inside the National Park. We were so glad we decided to do this outing, we learned so much and enjoyed the environment and different climate zones. Our last ride of our adventure was a spectacular sunset ride. It was my fourth ride of that day and Sharron got quite a kick out of seeing me totally exhausted. She smartly took some extra pool time instead of more rides. The setting sun’s glow changed the colors of the desert. We rode high up in the hills and looking down on the tops of the Saguaro their spines reflected the light and looked like they were white capped. The Barrel Cactus spines looked orange. The mountain glow on the surrounding peaks filled our eyes.

Wranglers Bill, Ashley, Cat, Mike, Aspen, Marty—I wish I was better remembering

Fall into Comfort

all names of the wranglers that helped all of us get on and off our horses, instruct and lead our rides. Thank you for helping make fun memories. And the horses, Sharon loved Colonel and I liked Tucson, Ghost and Trail Mix, we were glad we got to ride with them.

We tried something different–Giddy Up and 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

STOSSEL from 7 hurricanes.”

“There’s been no long-term growth in the intensity or the number of hurri -

canes,” Tierney points out, “but every time one comes, it’s a great photo op for the crisis industry to use to say, ‘This is climate change!’”

When it comes to deceitful self-dealing, says Tierney, “The ultimate example is the Southern Poverty Law Center.”

LONG TAVERN D.A. LONG TAVERN

this hatred and racism,” Tierney continues, “when all the evidence shows just the reverse.”

still a racist country.

When the SPLC opened, it promised legal help to those harmed by racism. After its lawsuits bankrupted chapters of the Ku Klux Klan, the SPLC changed its “Klanwatch” to “Hatewatch,” Tierney points out, “fabricating the idea that there’s a rising tide of hate in this country. ... It scares people, and they get money.”

“They think they’re making the world a better place,” I suggest.

“But they’re not!” he says. “They’re viciously attacking and smearing.”

Smearing groups like “Moms for Liberty” and “Moms for America.”

“Scaremongering and giving people the idea that there’s all

The SPLC’S founder said he’d stop fundraising once they raised $55 million. Now they have $600 million, and they ask people for more money.

Another branch of the crisis industry, The Human Rights Campaign, claims that American gays are under attack. They issued a “national state of emergency” for LGBTQ+ people.

But “Last year, public support for gay rights reached an alltime high,” says Tierney. “Gays can marry in every state. There’s no stigma against homosexuality. Gay characters used to be taboo on television; now they’re practically obligatory. An antigay slur is this career suicide. But these activists need to declare some kind of emergency.”

Racial justice activists claim America is

“How did this fundamentally racist country elect Barack Obama and reelect him?” asks Tierney. “There’s even been a decline in the search for racist jokes on the internet. People are more committed than ever to treating everyone the same.”

I bring up George Floyd’s killing.

“But that was a very rare event,” says Tierney. “Studies do not show any racial bias in police shootings. Taking one death and turning that into a ‘national reckoning with race’ was incredibly lucrative for activists.”

They raised more than $10 billion after George Floyd was killed. BLM’s leaders spent $12 million of it on luxury properties.

And their anti-police protests probably killed people. Violent crime increased sharply.

Activists’ self-promotion often kills.

“One of the great public health advances (of) this century has

been vaping,” Tierney points out. “Once vaping devices were introduced, smoking rates plummeted to historic lows.”

Lots of lives are saved because vaping is much safer than smoking.

“But this was a huge threat to anti-smoking activists,” says Tierney. “If people were quitting on their own, what happens to us? So, they started scaring people about vaping.”

“They’ve succeeded in persuading most people that vaping is as dangerous as smoking,” he adds. “That is a horrible thing to do to the public. But it’s been very good for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. It’s great for their careers. It’s terrible for public health.”

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

Good thing that your paper is “complimentary.” I don’t think that you could get people to actually pay to read this nonsense. I wouldn’t; but, personally, I am thankful for the paper’s existence – I use it to line the bottom of my bird’s cage, where it serves its only useful purpose.

Joe Novak Center Harbor, NH

NOVAK from 2

I think it is appropriate as we observe Veteran’s Day in this year of 2024 and honor living veterans, as well as those who have passed on, to think of one of New Hampshire’s war heroes and the brave men of “The Fifth” that he commanded.

Colonel Edward Cross was chosen by Governor N.S. Berry to lead this particular regiment representing Coos County and the north country of New Hampshire and he was the first person to enlist in the new regiment. I invite you, the readers, to imagine what it was like to be taken from some area of civilian employment and to become part of a division of the army preparing to fight against rebelling countrymen.

Col. Edward Cross was born in Lancaster, N.H. on April 22, 1832. He began working in the newspaper industry at age 15, being a printer at the Coos Democrat. He moved to Ohio in 1850 and worked as a printer and then as a reporter at the Cincinnati Times He then went to Arizona where he started a newspaper before going to Mexico and then back to New Hampshire where he became one of those volunteering to be one of the 300,000 men that President Lincoln asked to join the army.

The colonel received his commission from Governor Berry on August 27th of 1861 and began recruiting men to join him, so when marching orders were issued at Camp Jackson in Concord, which had been their training camp, on October 26, 1861, there were 1,010 men in the Fifth New Hampshire Regiment. The orders included the command to leave Concord on October 29th at 7:00 o’clock with the Washington D.C. area as

their destination, after packing on Monday and staying in Concord on Monday night. Instructions included limiting the amount of personal goods the newly trained soldiers could carry. Two days’ rations of boiled ham and hard bread was packed in barrels and each soldier was to carry one day’s ration of dried beef and soft bread, and to carry his tin cup for use on the march. A party of noncommissioned officers were to staybehind “to arrest deserters and collect stragglers.”

The unit was transported by use of two railroad cars, steamboats and ferries. The officers were charged with enforcing the rules, including preserving good order and perfect sobriety, which would involve inspecting canteens and haversacks, and throwing out all intoxicating liquor. There was to be no cheering without orders to do so, “nor will any soldier enter any grog shop or saloon, in case the regiment halts in a city, but each officer and soldier will strive to preserve self-respect, and conduct like brave, loyal, intelligent citizens.”

discovered and taken away in chains. The second Camp for Colonel Cross’s soldiers was at Bladensburg, Maryland, and it was named Camp Casey. They arrived there on October 31st, slept on the bare ground that night, and on the next day, Nov. 1st, pitched their tents and engaged in the other

an excellent officer who exhibited professionalism and courage and expected the same from his soldiers. He kept a journal during the war and saved newspaper clippings of war doings. He wrote letters to newspapers that did not correctly report war happenings to set the records straight. The

members of the unit from every region of the state, and though they represented a mixture of business men and mechanics and farmers, they were seen as a group of generally intelligent men.

So it was on a Tuesday morning, October 29, 1861, that the Fifth New Hampshire Regiment gathered into an organized line to march to the train depot.

According to the history of the regiment the colors were “..waving gaily and the band playing ‘The Girl I Left Behind Me,’ “and the soldiers boarded the train amid tears and cheers.

“Alas!” the historian wrote, “many a brave lad who followed his colors so gaily that day will never again see his native hills - home, father, mother, wife, sweetheart - all given up for their patriotic devotion.”

Most of the rifles for the soldiers were not supplied until the Fifth reached Washington, but they were accompanied by a chaplain and surgeons, and supplied with 13 covered wagons, including one for the headquarters, one for the hospital, and one ambulance. Fifty-two horses were available to power the wagons. The regiment was transported from Long Island by the steamer “Connecticut.” A man on the ship tried selling whiskey to the soldiers, but he was

tasks necessary to mke an acceptable camp.

About a month after arriving at Camp Casey the Regiment moved again to their winter location near Alexandria, Virginia. This location was named Camp California. Col. Cross had a reputation of being

men of the Fifth were reported to be those of greater than larger size, so the clothing ordered for them included more than ordinary of larger than normal sizes, and a more than usual number of them were above five feet and eight inches tall. There were

According to the history book of the Regiment “The men had a reputation for good order, sobriety, and patriotic devotion unexcelled by any.” There were apparently some exceptions, but generally they were seen as “earnest, honest, reliable men.” After many months of preparation General Sumner was quoted as saying, The Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers needs only one thing to render it the best of regiments- that is a baptism of fire.”

The writer of the Fifth’s history responded by saying, “It received that baptism, and that without stint, not by sprinkling, but by immersion.” Cross would lead his men into battle at Fair Oaks, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.

More next week

Colonel Edward Ephraim Cross.

did

The recently concluded General Assembly debate barely mentioned the case of Afghanistan, let alone the trauma facing its citizens. Though the international community faces a growing list of crises, the tragedy in Afghanistan dates from the late 1970’s and the Soviet invasion of the country. Moscow’s move led to the rise of Islamic militant groups such as Taliban and equally put the country in a state of near permanent conflict for forty-five years.

Today in the Freedom House global ratings of civil and political rights, Taliban Afghanistan ranks 6

out of 100, namely one of the world’s most repressive countries.

Significantly no country in the world formally recognizes the Taliban government; equally the Taliban does not hold the Afghanistan seat at the UN.

Amid severe shortcomings in women’s rights, Afghanistan’s 45 million people still face staggering underdevelopment, food and medicine shortages and lack of heath care. UN humanitarian aid remains the only tenuous lifeline for a beleaguered land where about half the population needs food and health assistance.

The UN’s Richard Bennett concluded, “We must send a clear message to the Taliban: there will be consequences for viola -

tions of human rights. We need to demonstrate to Afghans that the international community stands with them, not just in words, but through decisive actions.”

A key issue remains that the Taliban regime’s isolation has been hostile to foreign aid donors and outreach. Taliban thus becomes a victim of its own hubris and self-serving arrogance; but sadly it’s the Afghan people, especially the women, who suffer under this dystopian regime.

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.

The devastation and financial difficulties of people losing homes and businesses in Western wildfires, and the people experiencing hurricane damage in areas of Texas and

REP TERRY from 2

Under our nation’s Constitution persons running for political office are provided a wide berth of protection when engaging in speech which is untrue and even defamatory. The burden is upon the accused candidate to determine whether or not he or she will respond. Wisely, and even though frustrating, we have decided that it is up to voters to determine both the accuracy of the claims and the character of

Louisiana should also receive assistance.

Our government should cut back some foreign aid and make those funds available to states hard hit by natural disasters. An initial 10% across the

the persons in view.

Ms. Larson, like the home team in baseball, had the last word in another area publication before the November 5 election. However, and full well knowing that this letter will not be published until afterwards, I nevertheless believe that there is no deadline for speaking the truth.

Should I be returned to Concord for a third two-year term, I will continue to serve with honesty and integrity. Should Ms. Larson’s

THE CLASSIFIEDS

board cut in foreign aid of about $10 billion would be a good start to providing some relief.

Donald Moskowitz Londonderry, NH

positions and misrepresentations be validated by a majority of voters in Alton and Barnstead, she can look forward to me watching her as closely and fervently as she has been me. However, in contrast to her, any disagreements that I have with her will be founded upon my hallmark commitment to be truthful.

State Representative Paul Terry Alton, NH.

and

All agree that some

problem.

Is it possible to put a finger on what is causing the cynicism and disillusionment that grips the psyche of our nation?

My view is the problem is the drift of the nation from its founding principles.

To put it another way, we have no choice about whether we have faith or belief. But we do have choice about what it is we believe. The dramatic change that has taken place in

America is the uprooting of the Bible as our starting point for right and wrong.

We have exchanged our faith in God for a faith in government.

In 1950, Gallup reports 0% of Americans said they have no religion. By 1970, this was up to 3%. And by 2023, this was up to 22%.

Over this same time, in 1950, the federal government consumed 14.2% of our GDP. The estimate from the Congressional Budget Office is that in 2024, that percent will be 23.9%.

The preamble to our Constitution explains

its purpose is “to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity.”

Our Constitution was not presumed to be the source of our freedom. We are already free by virtue, as noted in the Declaration of Independence, of being created thus by our God.

Our Constitution was designed to limit interference by government in the ability of free, God-fearing men and women to live their lives as they see fit.

The guideline for behavior, for right and wrong, is that which is transmitted to us from our Creator through

the Bible.

Under this reality, America grew and became great.

However, success brings the sin of pride, and we begin to attribute our success to our cleverness rather than our faith and personal responsibility. As increasing numbers of Americans have turned away from God, they have turned more to government.

The sad paradox is that as Americans turn to government, they abrogate the very freedom that the founders envisioned government’s role to secure.

The result is less eco-

nomic growth, breakdown of the American family and disappearance of children.

Growth of government, growth of federal debt and no children is no formula for a country with a future.

I believe this is what Americans are sensing and what is producing all the negative feelings and pessimism.

We must return to the vision of our founders.

A free nation, under God. And a Constitution that secures “the blessings of liberty.”

Short of this, although we may experience ups and downs,

the nation will not realize its great potential.

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

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

by Parker & Hart

SUPER CROSSWORD

B.C.

PUZZLE CLUE: WHY A JAY?

WORDS FOUND ON A 5 DOLLAR BILL

Answers on Page 26

The Winklman Aeffect by John Whitlock