05/16/2024 Weirs Times

The Uncle Sam II maIlboaT

by David Warren Contributing Writer

The Uncle Sam II was part of a long line of official Winnipesaukee US mailboats that operated out of Laconia, going all the way back to 1903, a service the Sophie C. proudly carries on. It was also, without a doubt, the most unusual vessel in that fleet.

When the original Uncle Sam was condemned in 1962, its former pilot Vernon Cotton and his associate Alan Perley hatched an incredible scheme. They decided to purchase a WWII surplus PT boat (PT 719) and convert it for mail service. If you ever saw a docu-

mentary about JFK and PT 109, or if you watched McHale’s Navy on TV, you already know quite a bit about PT boats. You may not know, however, that they weren’t invented here. In the late 1930’s, the British identified the need for a fast, highly maneuverable boat that could deliver torpe -

does or depth bombs to targets considered too risky or even impossible to approach by submarine. The following story illustrates how they used their motor torpedo boats (MTB).

After the Royal Navy sank the battleship Bismark in 1942, the Germans moved its

SavIng nh babIeS a 1920’S PrIorITy

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer

In these days when the headlines of our major news outlets are apt to include the word “abortion,” the headline in a magazine from 1929 caught my attention.

“Saving New Hampshire Babies” was the message it conveyed and that was the intent of a request to the appropriations committee of the 1929 New Hampshire legislature.

The article said that this request from the State Board of Health was one of the most worthwhile to be brought forward for consideration by the Granite State’s law-making body of that year. It was stated that “There is no question in the public mind regarding the value of the maternity and infancy work.”

Contrary to our present year of 2024 the public mind of 1929 apparently did not entertain thoughts of abortion as being associated with prenatal care or infancy work, so that was not a political issue in that year and for many years before or after.

The New Hampshire Board of Health was actually asking for money

to continue the work begun in 1921 by the establishment of a Division of Maternity, Infancy, and Child Hygiene. The name of the division described its purpose and was established in cooperation with the Children’s Bureau under the Department of Labor through which the federal government provided $12,988.31 annually to the State to carry on the program. The State, however, had to provide an additional $7,988.31 in order to receive the federal funds and keep the program active. The ones whom the

See BABIES on 29

Model of Uncle Sam II built by David Warren of Wolfeboro.

WEIRS TIMES’ BEER FINDER

ACKERLY’S

Grill & Galley

83 Main Street, Alton

603.875.3383

Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com

Stoneface - IPA

Woodstock - Double Brown

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

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

Little Willow - Tree Hugger

Zero Gravity - Jaws

Four Quarters - Great Bear

Unibroue - La Fin Du Monde

Feathered Friend- Backyard

Birds

Litherman’s - Cherry Bomb

+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

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

Moat – Miss V’s Blueberry

Ayinger – German Marzen

1911 – Black Cherry Cider

Jack’s Abby – Blood Orange

Able Ebenezer – Burn the

Ships IPA

Mighty Squirrel – Cloud

Candy IPA

+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!

The Rule Of Law

To The Editor:

Three of the greatest trial lawyers who ever lived--Gerry Spence, Melvin Belli, and Louis Nizer—met and expressed their deep concern for the future of the United States, a country they dearly love.

To get some clarity, they held a séance and called upon an old friend, the “Rule of Law”!

Why have you summoned me, asked the “Rule of Law”?

What we are currently seeing in this country is the destruction of the “Rule of Law” by the Demolitioncrats. With the help of the “Deep State”, they are weaponizing the law by bringing a Robespierre-like “Reign of Terror” to silence any opposition.

The “Rule of Law” reminded the trio the “Law has a past, a present and a future”!

While U.S. history has some blemishes, the “Rule of Law” has emerged victorious for over 200 years. Our Founding Fathers, the Constitution, Bill of Rights, generations of brave and country-loving Americans have created a nation dedicated to the pursuit of “Equal Justice Under Law” which appears on the facade of the Supreme Court.

Since the Obama/Biden Administration, we’ve seen a concerted effort to destroy the foundation of the U.S. judicial system! By appointing far left activist judges to the Federal Bench, they instituted what is being referred to as “lawfare” against their political enemies.

The unprecedented, malicious persecution of President Trump and the censorship by the farleft media and their corporate criminal conspirators (Facebook, Google and Deep State), have the “Rule of Law” on its deathbed.

Unfortunately, as far as the future is concerned, the “Rule of Law” does not have a crystal ball. While the outlook is dire, the “Rule of Law” sees Trump’s three appointments to SCOTUS and his re-election in 2024 as the only salvation for the USA, our children and grandchildren.

Charles Bradley Laconia, NH.

Anti-Israel College Protests

To The Editor:

The great college protest of today is against the only democracy in the Middle East. Israel is also the only non-apartheid country in the Middle East. Don’t believe me? As a Christian or a Jew, try living in one of the Muslim countries as an equal citizen. When Israel was founded in 1948, it had 700,000 Arab citizens, but due to the awful genocide, there are now approximately 2,200,000 Arab Israelis. They are full citizens.

Students are yelling slogans, displaying signs to stop the Israeli genocide in Gaza. And yet, it is Israel that has phoned ahead, dropped leaflets, warned whole neighborhoods that they were targeted—because Hamas

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

was using them to launch attacks (a war crime). In the early days, Hamas tried to block citizens from evacuating!

When asked about civilian casualties in Gaza, Hamas leadership said, “the more the better.” Is 10,000 too many? The answer, “100,000 would be better”! Why hasn’t Hamas used its billions to build bomb shelters for civilians? “That’s the UN’s job.”

Hamas wants to produce as many civilian casualties as possible! Good PR. Hamas fighters, rockets, guns, ammunition, tunnel entrances are purposely located in mosques, schools, hospitals and residential buildings (war crimes).

Today (May 6), Hamas rocketed the Kerem Shalom border crossing where Israel was sending aid to Gaza. Four Israelis were killed. Israel had to close the crossing.

The current conflict started with Hamas’ Oct 7 massacre. Their object was to kill as many Israeli civilians as possible (a war crime) and take prisoners, mainly civilians (a war crime). And, Hamas has promised it would mount such attacks again and again!

The Gaza war is nowhere as simple and one-sided as antiIsraeli slogans insist.

Michael Frandzel Portsmouth, 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.

DIy roD STorage SolUTIon

by Tim Moore

Contributing Writer

My Fiancé and I bought our house in December. When we were looking for our home, one really important aspect of the houses we looked at was where and how to store all of my fishing gear. I have a lot of it, and I hate searching and digging through piles when I need something. Whether it’s rods leaned up in a corner or piles of tackle storage boxes, I want them organized and withing easy reach or I will sometimes go without them. Nothing will prevent me from using a piece of equipment more than not having quick and easy access to it, or not being able to find it all together. Storage solutions specifically for fishing gear gets expensive and sometimes offers little or no cus-

tomization. Luckily, in my previous career I was a contractor and I have used a number of items from my contractor days as efficient and effective storage solutions outside of contracting.

Being a year-round fishing guide who guides for multiple species and fishes recreationally for even more, I have a ton of different rods. Storing them in a way that keeps them safe and organized, but within easy reach isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Several years ago, I was sourcing hangers for another project. That project had a multitude of options specific to the task I was doing, and the only configuration that fit my needs was prohibitively expensive.

I remembered the storeroom at the shop of one of my former employers.

He was a high-end custom home builder and

he was a stickler for organization and efficiency. I remembered that he sometimes used plastic J hooks (the ones plumbers use to hang PVC drain pipes in basements) for

hanging things like extension cords and air hoses. It was perfect. I could hang rods from the ceiling, up and out of the way, but easily

See MOORE on 27

EVENTS & ACTIVI TIES

Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair

handpainted glassware, pottery, wrought iron creations, leather jewelry, charcuterie boards, many different signs & home decor, watercolor and acrylic paintings, face paintings, wooden decor, handpoured soaps, body care products, homemade fudge, kettle corn, books, gourmet foods, cat & dog toys, children’s toys, embroidery, quilted items, wildlife photography, alpaca products & lots more.

Held Rain or Shine Under Canopies. Friendly, Leashed Dogs Welcome. For more Info Call Joyce at (603) 387.1510. GPS Address: 1 Norcross Circle North Conway.

Preview Online at joycescraftshows.com

Don’t miss the Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair on Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26 at Schouler Park in downtown North Conway in front of the Scenic Railroad!

The times are Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 5 pm both days.

Live Music both days with North River. There will be 120 amazing arts & crafts exhibitors displaying a wide arrange of arts & crafts including handsome cedar wood furniture, beautiful wooden American flags & crosses, awesome soy candles, beautiful

The Hidden History Of Lake Winnipesaukee

Glenn Noblock, a resident of Wolfeboro, NH, will present a program at the Alton Gilman Library on May 21, at 7pm.

A NH Humanities speaker, Glenn will reveal some interesting stories and facts about the “Big Lake”. History tells us the real story about Wolfeboro’s claim as the “Oldest Summer Resort in America”, the religious sect on Gilford’s Governors Island, Massachusetts’ attempts to claim NH territory as their own, the first college sports rivalry in Center Harbor and many more tidbits of interest.

Whether a resident of the area or a visitor, you will be entertained by Mr. Norblock’s anecdotes of Winnipesaukee History.

Glenn has a B.A. in history from Bowling Green University. New Hampshire and New England history are favorite topics of his work, including African American history, historic cemeteries and grave markers, covered bridges, the Kancamamagus Highway and New Hampshire’s loon population.

This NH Humanities program is free and open to the public and arranged by the Alton Historical Society.

For more Information, contact Sandy at sandy2@metrocast.net.

Annalee Dolls Celebrates 90 Years Of Magic And Whimsy

Annalee Dolls, the cherished icon of whimsical charm, is thrilled to announce its 90th anniversary celebration in 2024. The festivities, set to commence in May and extend throughout the year, will pay homage to the spirit and creative genius of the company’s founder, Annalee Thorndike, and her continuing legacy.

Annalee Thorndike began making dolls in her childhood bedroom. She would hand paint their faces and hand dye felt fabric. Her homespun creations were infused with whimsical smiles, creative poses, and intricate details. Since those humble beginnings, Annalee dolls have captivated generations with each enchanting creation. Annalee’s visionary craftsmanship and artistry laid the foundation for what would become the most-loved and collected doll designs and a beloved tradition cherished by millions worldwide.

Annalee dolls are known for their felt fabric, spirited and mischievous faces, and clever positioning. Made for collectors and decorating around the home, Annalee fashioned her dolls from everyday life and the simpler times she knew in rural New Hampshire. They also reflect her wicked sense of humor. Her early dolls were about occupations, sports, and hobbies and then expanded to include her now-famous mice and elves and an assortment of witty and lovable characters. Her creations are a staple in the holiday and seasonal decorations for millions of people. For many people, Christmas isn’t Christmas without an Annalee Santa. All Annalee dolls celebrate the best of life with a smile. As Annalee said, “If you smile, someone else has got to smile back.”

Throughout the year, Annalee enthusiasts can look forward to events and promotions designed to delight. Highlights include:

• An anniversary Getaway Giveaway for two to Meredith, NH, including a private visit to Annalee headquarters where you can build your own special doll, attend a special Annalee-sponsored theater event, and other special gifts. Includes travel and accommodations.

• An open house at the Annalee Gift Shop on May 18th, including a silent auction, special sales, free gifts and refreshments, a book signing with Chuck and Karen Thorndike, and raffle prizes. You can also watch designers assemble Annalee designs.

• Build-a-Doll special event in July at Annalee headquarters, where attendees will get to work with an Annalee designer to build their own one-of-a-kind doll. Advance registration required.

• The release of a limited-edition 90th-anniversary doll featuring Annalee herself, a tribute to the visionary behind it all.

• Exclusive auctions featuring rare and collectible dolls.

• Special anniversary swag featuring reproductions of Annalee’s hand-drawn face sketches.

- Engaging stories shared on the Annalee website, offering a glimpse into the magical world of Annalee Dolls.

• Interviews with Annalee designers and family members, providing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creative process.

• Contests and prizes, including the much-anticipated Annalee Trivia Quiz.

• A nostalgic journey through the decades with a review of special dolls from each era, celebrating the timeless appeal of Annalee designs.

“Annalee Thorndike is recognized today as an artist and creative force who built a successful company from her kitchen table,” says Jason Ray, general manager of Annalee Dolls. “With each new design, we’re committed to her artistic legacy and her dedication to craft. It’s our pleasure to commemorate her foresight, determination, and achievements through our celebration and share it with the community who love and cherish her designs. Everything we’ve planned is designed to share a smile with everyone who cares about and loves Annalee dolls.”

Annalee Dolls invites everyone to join in the celebration. For more information visit Annalee.com or follow Annalee Dolls on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Founded in 1934, Annalee Dolls continues enchanting collectors from its home in Meredith, NH. Annalee Gift Shop, 339 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, NH. Visitors are welcome daily from 10am to 5pm.

by Brendan Smith Weirs Times Editor

OOL

NEW HAMPSHIRE

FLATLANDER’S OBSERVATIONS ON LIFE *

The greaT gorP IncIDenT

What exactly is Gorp?

Some claim that this mish mash of snack items stands for “granola, oats, raisins and peanuts.” Some insist it stands for “Good Old Raisins and Peanuts” while there is even 1913 reference that uses it as a verb and means to “eat greedily.”

Whatever it means, I know one thing for sure, it almost had me put on the terror watchlist.

My wife Kim and I recently went on a small getaway to visit family and a grandson celebrating his first birthday in Tucson, Arizona. We had packed carryons for the four day trip, which included 4 bags of snacks including some Gorp. Two for each of us. One for the trip down and then the trip home. The plane trip was to consist of nothing more than a complimentary beverage and a small packet of two stale cookies. The Gorp would be our subsistence to help us fend off starvation for those grueling three hundred and thirty minutes.

We arrived at Logan Airport and proceeded through the rigorous security boot camp style screening conducted by an army of frazzled TSA agents.

Shoes off, belt off, pockets emptied and everything in the bins to be scrutinized to save us from dastardly villains.

Things were a bit frantic as we made our way to the security entrance. We were quickly separated to different lines. I grabbed a bin and placed my goods inside and then onto the conveyor and then took a step forward when a command came for me to “STAY WITH YOUR ITEMS.”

And I did until it seemed that I need not do that any longer and was then commanded to “STEP INTO THE SCANNER.”

I knew the routine. I stepped

into the time capsule looking gizmo, placed my shoeless feet onto the designated foot placement markers and lifted my arms, elbows out as the Star Trek transporters circles around me.

A buzzer went off and I was ordered to “STEP TO THE SIDE.”

I looked ahead into the safe space beyond security, the place where those innocent travelers who have cleared security were now ready to “move about the country” as the slogan goes.

I saw Kim, shoes back on, bag in hand, looking at me.

What was going on? Was the look in her eyes. I shrugged.

Was she possibly thinking that after all these years she never really knew me and here I was being singled out, maybe really a terrorist after all?

Another agent came over and scanned my body. Then scolded me “IS THERE SOMETHING IN YOUR TOP POCKET?”

I looked down, suddenly embarrassed by my obvious faux pas. There was my license, sitting in my pocket. I had taken it out of my wallet to present as ID and had forgotten in the chaos to put it back in my wallet which was now still on the other side of the scanner in the bin I had filled and was instructed to “STAY WITH” but was now out of reach of.

The rectangular image glowed on the screen like it was radioactive. I slowly reached into the pocket, not wanting to make any sudden moves giving the agent probable cause to tackle me to the ground.

I showed him the license.

“EVERYTHING MUST BE OUT OF THE POCKETS!” He reminded me now after the fact. I nodded and he let me continue.

Then I saw my bag finally come through the scanner. I felt relieved, anxious to grab my things and be done.

My bag was a mere two feet from my anxious hands when it was suddenly ejected over to the other side of the belt into the waiting hands of another TSA

agent.

“IS THIS YOUR BAG SIR?” she yelled waving me over.

I looked at Kim and tried to express my innocence with my eyes.

I moved to the place where suspected terrorists go and watched as the agent opened my bag. She ruffled though my shorts and shirts and other articles of clothing I had never expected anyone else to see.

Finally, she found the culprit. A plastic bag stuffed with…yes… Gorp.

She took the bag and placed it carefully on her examining table. With her gloved hand and eagle eyes she carefully pressed down easily on the goods, spreading out the peanuts and raisins, hoping not to set off one of the explosive tiny M&Ms, covering the airport with chaos and chocolate goodness.

“I have another one in the other section of the bag,” I confessed before that discovery made me look as if I was hiding it on purpose and then be dragged off to the interrogation room.

“Just Gorp you say? Not likely!” That bag of Gorp went through the same process being squished and scrutinized.

Satisfied, she put the bags of Gorp back, zipped up the bag (without refolding my clothes, but I kept my mouth shut) and handed it to me.

“HAVE A GOOD DAY!” she intoned with what I thought was a touch of sarcasm. Perhaps radioing ahead for others to keep their eyes on me.

I finally met up with Kim, relieved. She told me they had not even checked her Gorp. Was I being discriminated against? I would let it go for now.

I put on my belt and shoes, my license back in wallet and we made our way to our gate.

I never did eat the Gorp. It just seemed tainted now.

But we had a great time in Tucson all the same.

Letters From God

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

Letters From God

QUESTION:

What Kind Of Leaders Do We Need?

This is a great followup question to your last one, which was “Do we have leaders who are wise and mature?” I remind you that my answer to that was clearly, NO! In fact, as I said in my last letter, most have led more as children than mature adults. For a host of reasons, including the desire to win votes and retain political power, they have given you what you want instead of what you need.

Your leaders have no backbone to take hard stands on childish desires for “anything you want,” and have endorsed and even legalized behavior that I have called abominable and which will always lead to your demise instead of blessings. In virtually every facet of healthy living, when you have sought the “freedom” to do what is childish and dangerous to your health, your leaders have indulged you with permission, approval and endorsement, leading to your own detriment and “bondage.”

So, this leads me to answer your question of the day which is, “What Kind of Leaders Do We Need?” I want to answer this by referring you back to my book, the Bible, which I had written long ago and which remains your manual for life and successful living.

Within my book is a chapter written by one

of my servants Ezra. He lived during the post exilic period when Israel was being released from 70 years of captivity at the hands of the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians. Because they forsook me and practiced things like those your childish leaders are permitting and promoting today, I allowed them to be violently swept out of their glorious “promised land,” which I gave them. It led to bondage at the hands of ruthless foreign powers who I used to punish my people for their sins. Under the leadership of Ezra, and other “great” leaders who honored me and skillfully led their people to obey me, I brought my people back to their land and my blessings, where they would prosper once again. He and those I raised up then, were the kind of leaders that you need now! Why? It could be summarized best by a statement I made concerning Ezra and his leadership. It read, “… the gracious hand of his God was on him, for Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (Ezra 7:9-10). Essential elements of this leadership included:

•Ezra recognized that I am God, his and your creator, designer, lawgiver and judge. He knew that unless his leadership led you to conform to my will, design and laws, and experienced “my gracious hand,” he and those he led, would never prosper. He saw that their catastrophic collapse and subsequent bondage was the

natural consequence of disobeying me and my will. He understood that “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:30).

• Ezra found my will through “study” of my word and made it the basis of his life and leadership. He knew that since I designed this wisdom to give life, any other so-called wisdom would only lead to death.

• Ezra “devoted himself to the study and “observance” of the Law of the LORD.” In other words, he obeyed what he learned from me through my word and was able to lead by example and modeling, what he knew his people needed to follow as well. Without good and godly leaders who embody the wisdom I provided, those who follow will not only not desire to follow but also reject this wisdom because of the hypocrisy of their leaders. (Romans 2: 24).

• Ezra was faithful in “teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”

Leaders must pass on what they know and practice to others if they ever hope to lead their followers into lifestyles that receive my blessings and avoid my judgement and discipline.

Ezra, as a great leader, was faithful to lead in this way and as a result my people confessed their sins that led to their captivity. Once they learned my will, through Ezra’s teaching, they too followed me. (Ezra 10:1-5). As they did, I removed my hand of judgement and discipline and placed upon them my hand of

blessing, restoring them to their land and prospering them once again.

\Your current leaders have failed you in every way. They have not sought me and my will. They have not studied my will but instead have imbibed the wisdom of a sinful world, that has embraced and encouraged the wisdom from hell. They themselves have not observed or practiced my laws but have modeled lifestyles that continue to incur my wrath. They have not taught you my wisdom for life but indirectly, by their lifestyles and directly by their sanctioning behaviors that I call abhorrent, they have taught you to stray farther from me, my love and the life that only I can give. May I remind you that no nation that has repeated this mistake, has continued to prosper and instead accelerated their demise and destruction.

The next time you choose leaders, don’t choose “children” who will give you what you want but instead choose “mature adults” who will give you what you need. You cannot live without me, the source of all life. You cannot live without following my word and will, revealed in my book, the Bible. You will need good, godly and faithful leaders for these “vital” tasks. Find them, and allow them to guide you to me, my will and to life. I love you, God

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

If yoU can’T Tell The baD gUy yoU’re The Problem DraIn The SwamP?

by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist

The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is the most morally clear conflict in modern history. It pits an actual terrorist group that just engaged in the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust against a democratic country that protects citizens Jewish, Muslim and Christian. It pits a monstrously evil tentacle of Iran -- handed control of the Gaza Strip by Israel in 2005, when Israel pulled out of that area and forced 8,000 Jews out of their homes -- against a democratic ally of the United States. It pits an army of atrocity-seeking villains

-- who are attempting to maximize Palestinian casualties by locating themselves among civilians, stealing humanitarian aid and literally murdering anyone who gets in their way -- against an actual professional army risking the lives of its own soldiers in order to protect (SET ITAL)Palestinian civilians.

And yet Joe Biden can’t quite make up his mind.

On the one hand, Biden mouths platitudinous support for Israel in its battle against Hamas. On the other, he continues to grant the central premise Hamas promotes, which is that Israel is a human rights violator and indiscriminate killer of Palestinians -- even as Hamas holds Americans hostage in Gaza. Biden

See SHAPIRO on 12

by John Stossel Syndicated Columnist

Presidential candidate Donald Trump promised to “drain the swamp!”

The “swamp” is the permanent Washington bureaucracy working to perpetuate itself.

In 2020, thenPresident Trump said he was succeeding: “We’re draining the Washington swamp!”

But it’s not true.

“He made government bigger ,” Economist Ed Stringham says in my new video. ‘That’s going in the wrong direction. Looking through a list of agencies, every single one I could see, there were more employees after his presidency than before.”

Trump added almost 2 million jobs

by John J. Metzler Syndicated Columnist

to the federal workforce.

He did make some cuts at the State Department, Labor Department, Education Department and his own office. But total spending under Trump nearly doubled. Some was in response to COVID, but billions in extra spending came before.

That spending increased the size of the swamp. New programs filled Washington with more bureaucrats. Trump launched a $6 billion “Farmers to Families” Food Box Program to bring food from farmers to families.

“Last I checked,” jokes Stringham, “we have an industry for that. It’s called the supermarket industry. It exists for a reason. Markets are good at getting things from farmer to consumer.”

Trump pandered to women, signing a Women, Peace and Security Act, the Woman Entrepreneurship and

See STOSSEL on 12

chaIrman XI goeS To eUroPe

Paris in the Springtime! A perfect setting and venue for China’s Chairman Xi Jinping to visit to discuss geopolitics and commerce with French President Emmanuel Macron on whose politically pivotal position inside the European Union remains crucial.

But first the pomp and splendor of his red carpet visit to les Invalides Military Museum feted with a guard of honor and a military band all set in the shadow of the Emperor Napoleon’s tomb. Then to the Presidential Elysee Palace

for a taste French glitter against a backdrop of what France does best; to excel in glam, setting, and banquets. And then the round of Cognac, geo-politics and trade!

Importantly Macron pressured Chairman Xi over China’s significant support to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The French leader stressed, “Without security for Ukraine, there can be no security for Europe.” China’s leader pushed back firmly on Western criticism of tying Beijing to supporting Russia, claiming that China, “was not the origin of this crisis, nor a party to it, nor a participant.”

Speaking without too much irony, China’s communist leader countered, “We oppose the crisis

being used to cast responsibility on a third country, sully its image and incite a new Cold War.”

Such statements conveniently overlook Beijing’s role in supporting the Russian arms industry with micro-chip and other hightech supplies for Moscow’s military. Moreover, from the start of the Ukraine war, China dramatically upgraded its oil and gas imports from Russia thus effective-ly countering the Western sanctions slapped on Putin.

President Macron who fancies himself both as a Promethium powerbroker inside the EU not to mention the self-anointed arbiter of the fate of embattled Ukraine, was a natural for Chairman Xi’s flattery. China’s Xi knows how to

play to Macron in the vainglorious tradition of raising your opponent to a lofty level from which he cannot step down without your help. Conversely through, let’s not forget Emmanuel Macron has his own unique talents for “talking with tyrants” as he has with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and of course China’s Xi. Apparently the French President rose to the high ground and held firm with the dictator.

Chairman Xi planned to divide the European Union at a vulnerable link. “For the Chinese France holds unique charm,” stated the national daily Le Figaro , based on literature and policy inde-pendence. French President Charles de Gaulle switched diplomatic ties to

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(L to R) Miss NH Director Sarah White; Kylie Laroche -Miss NH Teen 2023; Miss Winnipesaukee Scholarship Director Tina Gebhard; Emily Spencer - Miss NH 2023 and Director Amanda Schultz at the recent Miss NH Scholarship Program held on April 25th in Derry, NH.

BIRDS For The

New England’s Wild Birds & Their Habitats

may bIrDwaTchIng

by Chris Bosak

Contributing Writer

Visions of warblers, tanagers, orioles and grosbeaks may dance in the heads of birdwatchers in May, but the woods and fields are filled with a myriad of other types of birds as well.

While birds such as vireos and flycatchers continue to fascinate (and confuse) me, it has been thrushes that have captured a large portion of my attention so far this spring. Wood thrushes in particular have been plentiful and conspicuous on my walks. By conspicuous, I mean I hear their flute-like songs several times as I wander through the woods. They can be amazingly difficult to find even as the song makes it seem like the bird is right in front of you. My actual find rate on wood thrushes is embarrassingly low — about on par with my batting average from my high school baseball days. When I do find the bird, I can’t help but stand there and marvel at it. How can that awesomely musical song come from a relatively nondescript bird about seven inches long? Lang Elliot, who is well-known for his bird recordings, wrote: “The song of the wood thrush is undeniably one of the most beautiful of all forest melo -

dies.”

Wood thrushes also have a distinctive call of repeated sharp notes that also echoes throughout the woods.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes it as “machine-gun-like alarm notes.” I hadn’t thought of that before, but it does make sense.

Wood thrushes are one of several members of the thrush family to grace New England’s woods. Most thrushes sport a distinctive brown body with spots on the chest. The shade of brown and the amount of spots on the chest vary from thrush to thrush.

The wood thrush is a rich brown with several distinctive spots that cover the chest and belly. The other thrushes — including

hermit thrush, Swainson’s thrush, Bicknell’s thrush and veery — have lesser degrees of spotting with the veery having the least amount. Hermit, Swainson’s and Bicknell’s thrushes are very similar looking and often take an expert to tell them apart. Of those thrushes, the hermit thrush is the most common.

Ovenbirds and waterthrushes are similar in appearance to thrushes but are actually warblers. American robins and eastern bluebirds are indeed thrushes but do not resemble the aforementioned family members in appearance or song.

I was surprised during a walk the other day when I heard a thrush’s alarm call and turned to see a veery on the trail

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right behind me. I took a few photos of the bird before it hopped up onto a nearby branch and posed for a few more photos. Veeries have one of my favorite songs: a twirling melody that reminds me of the old Space Invaders game on Atari 2600. (Yes, I am that old.)

Early and mid May is always a whirlwind for birdwatchers. As soon as you get home from a walk, you’re ready for the next one and wondering what you’re missing by not being out there. The only thing you can do is be out there as much as possible. The season goes fast.

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A veery, a type of thrush, spotted in New England last week.

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by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer

I thought it would never happen! I have stopped loving that which I once found to be the ultimate lunch time comfort food: baloney and cheese on cheap split top wheat bread with ketchup and mustard.

Back when I was a kid, baloney (only called Bologna at the Deli counter) could be had for less than a dollar a pound. In fact, today I choke at the thought of paying deli counter prices for Bologna. (I know some of you reading this are just choking at the thought of buying baloney, say nothing of the cost.)

But, when accompanied by the ever present sliced American Cheese (another staple food of nearly every 1970’s household), and yellow mustard, that was THE sandwich of nearly every kid in America at that time. Ham was a rare occasion while chicken was as scarce as, well, hen’s teeth. And, if you were not eating these then you had a PBJ in your Six Million Dollar Man or Scooby-Doo lunch box.

In 1974 Baloney was put on the fast track to stardom when Oscar Meyer marketing executives teamed up with “Madison Avenue” and,

just by chance, happened upon a cute curly headed little kid dressed in overalls. With shooting nearly wrapped up for the day and about 20 minutes of daylight left, the director asked if any kid could sing that now classic jingle from start to finish. Little Andy Lambros, at four years old, raised his hand and said he could. Sitting him down on a dock, a fishing pole in one hand and half of a baloney sandwich in the other, he proceeded to sing the song that, five decades later, multiple generations can still sing by heart.

After seeing that commercial, what kid didn’t want a Baloney Sandwich? And being cheap eats, what parent could resist the temptation of putting the same on a paper plate with

some chips and calling it lunch? The only thing cheaper, dollar for dollar, was peanut butter by the bucket and jelly by the jar.

But here we are 50 years later and I will be the first to admit that the favorite sandwich of my youth, a baloney and cheese with ketchup and mustard, just does not hold the same appeal that it once did. So what happened? Why is it that my beloved sandwich has lost its appeal? Well, without the resources of Mr. Peabody and his boy Sherman nor the brain of Bill Nye the Science Guy, I had to resort to the modern equivalent… Google. It seems that I am not the only one to have asked this question. After an exhausting search lasting several minutes reading a handful of

sites. And after weeding out the fiction, opinion, and blarney from the science, facts, and truth of the matter, I have determined that it all comes down to this: I’m getting old. Yes, that’s right, I, like so many others out there, are growing older.

But, if you are anything like me, this answer was not good enough. I wanted to know the “why” behind the answer. And so, once again, like Don Quixote, I donned my armor (put on my camo pants and pink fuzzy bunny slippers), picked up my helmet and lance (coffee cup and chocolate cruller), and sat upon my faithful steed (the BarcaLounger), to set off on my quest (internet search) to find out why my favorite sandwich was no longer my favorite sandwich.

Having been nearly 30 years since I wrote anything even remotely resembling an undergraduate research paper, try to overlook my lack of APA style on the footnotes. This aside, according to an article published in livescience.com our taste buds change over time. (No kidding!) And not only do they change, but for the worse, decreasing in both sensitivity and in number. It is estimated that we are born with over 10,000 taste buds and that these taste buds, like other parts of our body, can regenerate. But as our body ages, both the rate of regeneration and the quantity of taste buds decreases. So someSee FEAST on 14

has spent the last several weeks pressuring Israel not to go into Rafah, the sole major repository of the Hamas terror apparatus, where some four brigades of terrorists are digging in. Instead, he has deployed his head of the CIA, his secretary of state and a wide variety of other officials to promote “negotiations” between Israel and Hamas.

In fact, he’s done more than that for Hamas. While fully articulating his understanding that Hamas seeks a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza, which would leave them in control and hand them a victory they could never earn on the battlefield, Biden has pushed just that: a permanent end to the conflict leaving Hamas in place. Biden has not explained just how this would benefit the United States, Israel, the Palestinians themselves or the region more broadly. He has simply calculated that an end to conflict is an end in and of itself.

To that end, Biden has been slow-walking aid to the Israelis

STOSSEL from 7

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That just made the swamp bigger.

Probably permanently.

“Once government implements a program,” Stringham points out, “it becomes very difficult to roll that back. You’ve created a whole new constituency of lobbyists who love their new income.”

Seventy years ago, Congress feared America wouldn’t have enough mohair for soldiers’ uniforms. So they subsidized mohair production.

Today, the military doesn’t use mohair. But the subsidy continues.

-- including ammunition that allows for better targeting, which would minimize civilian casualties. He has deployed his negotiators to play both sides of the table, even going so far as to allow his CIA head, William Burns, to negotiate with Egypt and Qatar a series of terms without submitting them to the Israelis -- and then allowing Hamas itself to declare its acceptance of such nonsensical and irrelevant terms, presumably in an effort to humiliate the Israelis into accepting their own quasi-surrender. Biden has trotted out spokespeople to claim that America continues to back Israel, while simultaneously claiming -- falsely -- that Israel is engaging in human rights abuses.

The result is the worst of all possible worlds for Biden: a dissatisfied radical base convinced that Biden is behind the war in Gaza; an angry pro-Israel citizenry bewildered by Biden’s inability to call evil by its name; and a stalemate in Gaza, which means that radical protesters

once and for all.”

I doubt it.

Trump doesn’t understand the source of the swamp.

When a reporter called him out, saying, “You didn’t drain the swamp like you said you would,”

Trump replied, “I did. I fired Comey. I fired a lot of people.”

“He fired a couple people,” replies Stringham, “but hiring additional people for government jobs -- that’s not draining the swamp; that’s making things worse.”

Much worse, because once you hire government employees, it’s nearly impossible to fire them.

They “can show up late, not show up at all, show up drunk,” says popular Youtuber Armand Curet, who works for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

will undoubtedly descend on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in order to harass Biden as he receives his renomination.

It’s all stupid.

But it does raise an obvious question: why?

Why is this so seemingly tough for Joe Biden? Is it all just a misread of the political moment -- adherence to a stunningly imbecilic belief that if Biden appeases extremists within his party, he’ll be able to win the 2024 election? Or is it something deeper -- a moral malaise that has taken root in the upper echelons of our politics, in which Western powers, including Israel, are seen as inherently problematic while the West’s enemies, including Hamas, are seen as inherently victimized? If the tens of thousands of protesters on America’s streets are any indicator, the latter seems more likely than the former. Which spells doom for a West that cannot see the difference between decency and barbarity.

panies built most of them. Politicians then forbade the entrepreneurs to raise prices from a nickel to a dime, driving them out of business. The city took over the subways and, guess what ... raised the price much more. Private enterprise is simply more efficient.

America doesn’t need the Labor, Agriculture, Commerce departments. Those things just happen. They work better if government gets out of the way.

Trump didn’t privatize any department.

“He did do some deregulation,” I say to Stringham.

“We’re stuck with it,” says Stringham, “because now there’s a whole group of new people on the payroll who like what they have.”

At least Trump acknowledges his failure to drain the swamp.

“When I said it, it sounded very easy and it was going to happen real fast,” he says. “I didn’t know the swamp was this dirty and this deep.”

Elect me again, he promises, and “we will drain the swamp

Instead of hiring more bureaucrats, Trump could have turned to the private sector.

“Privatize!” Exclaims Stringham. “Government doesn’t need to be doing all these things. We have markets.”

Markets work better. They even create things people assume can only be done by government.

When I ask people, “Who built NYC’s subways?” everyone answers, “Government.”

But it’s not true. Private com-

“Government spending increased dramatically,” Stringham replies. “I don’t see that as draining the swamp. I see that as making the swamp a lot bigger.” There’s only one way to drain it, he adds: “Don’t have the government in control of so many things.”

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

by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

An old hockey bromide goes “There is nothing more exciting in sports than an NHL Game 7.”

While that bromide may be debated, it’s certainly true that any playoff Game 7 is inherently exhilarating. Especially when it involves our Boston Bruins. And most especially when a Bruins Game 7 goes into overtime—such as occurred on May 4 at Boston’s TD Garden against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Two star-crossed teams faced off that night. The B’s were cursed with Game 7 blues. In 2022 Carolina ended Boston hopes with a 3-2 Game 7 triumph. The next year, 2023, was even worse, because after a recordbreaking NHL season the B’s were vanquished in the first round by Florida in an overtime Game 7.

But 2010 was maybe the worst. The Bruins had a 3-0 series lead against Philadelphia’s Flyers who came back to force a Game 7 in which the Bruins took a 3-0 lead. But four straight Flyer goals did the B’s in. It hurts to lose when a team you love goes down, but the agony of that loss really created lasting depression for many Boston fans.

(However, a 2011 Stanley Cup naturally cured that depression!)

So having watched

The brUInS anD nhl game SevenS

Hope Hicks, once in Trump’s inner circle, takes the stand in his trial

NEW YORK (NYT)

— Hope Hicks, Donald Trump’s former press secretary and White House communications director, testified Friday at his criminal trial in Manhattan about the deep anxiety that gripped Trump’s campaign after the revelation of the “Access Hollywood” tape in October 2016, in which he bragged about indiscriminately grabbing women’s genitals.

“I was concerned, very concerned,” Hicks said, of her reaction, adding she knew it was “going to be a massive story.”

After getting an email requesting comment on the tape from The Washington Post, which broke the story,

Hicks sent an email to several other senior aides, with possible responses, including: “Deny, deny, deny.”

A onetime member of Trump’s inner circle, now sitting just feet from the defendant in a Manhattan courtroom, Hicks was the third witness to testify Friday morning. The announcement of her appearance elicited a gasp from members of the public in the overflow courtroom, where much of the press corps also sits. After saying she was “really nervous,” Hicks described how she came to work for Trump after a career in public relations, including working for the former president’s older daughter,

CORMIER from page 5

score. At that point they’d scored two goals in three games, one of which was with one second left to play in Game 6. The announcers kept pointing out that the team that scored first in a Game 7 wins almost 80% of the time. Then midway through the third period Bill Nylander scored for Toronto.

the B’s blow a 3-1 series lead against Toronto, current Bruins fans fought that familiar feeling of foreboding. (Alliteration alert!) Another first round elimination loomed. Especially as Toronto was overdue for hockey success. And talk about overdue!

A few years ago, I took in a Maple Leafs-Canadiens clash at Montreal’s Bell Center. (A great game where Montreal came from behind for a dramatic win.) During the contest, fans chanted “Sixty-SEVEN! Sixty SEVEN!” The taunting chant was a reminder that Toronto hadn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967—the NHL’s longest ongoing “Cup Drought.”

(Remember how Yankee fans in New York

has learned from his predecessor the obligations that come with the position.

used to chant “NineteenEIGHTEEN, NineteenEIGHTEEN” when the BoSox came to town? But that chant ceased after 2004, of course.)

“Having worked with County Attorney Livernois for years, his dedication to the job inspired me to do everything I could do for my cases,” Cormier wrote. “I strive to set that same example for the other attorneys in the office.”

In his letter of recommendation, Livernois credited Cormier’s knowledge of law, his skill as a

After fifty-seven years of annually disappointing Toronto fans, the Leafs were definitely overdue for success.

That added to my foreboding as I set up shop to watch all of Game 7 on my recliner in front of my big flat screen surrounded by munchies and libations, with a computer to my right and phone in hand to exchange messages with fellow fans all night long.

It looked like yet another first-round sevengame Boston playoff departure for the starcrossed Bruins.

But …

Ivanka. She described holding an increasingly important role in his company and then his campaign starting in 2015, eventually meeting with him or speaking with him daily. As his campaign press secretary, she said, she worked oneon-one with Trump, “who is better than everybody at communications and branding.”

I reminded myself that the Leafs were ALSO star-crossed.

“Sixty-SEVEN! Sixty SEVEN!”

But, in a sign of their cooling relationship, she said she had not spoken to Trump since summer or fall of 2022. That is around the time when text messages she had exchanged with a colleague criticizing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob were made public.

I recalled a 2013 Game 7 in Boston in which Toronto led 4-1 going into the final period. With two minutes to go the Leafs still led 4-2 as Boston pulled its goalie. The B’s then scored twice to force overtime. Patrice Bergeron won it for Boston in overtime.

prosecutor, and his character. He noted that Cormier has served as a member of the NH Bar Association’s Ethics Committee, “Not surprisingly, therefore, in all my dealings with Attorney Cormier, he has demonstrated a commitment to the highest ethical standards and has exercised his duties with integrity and honesty,” Livernois wrote.

After taking his oath, in a Belknap Superior Court courtroom on Friday, Cormier told the crowd in attendance, “Now the fun really starts. I hope I can live up to expectations.”

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“There is nothing more exciting in sports than an NHL Game 7.” And exciting it was. 0-0 after one period. 0-0 after two periods. The B’s just could not

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And so it came to pass that late in the third period on May 4 Hampus Lindholm scored for Boston to tie the game. Overtime. What is more exciting than a Stanley Cup Playoff Game 7 that goes to overtime?

And with two starcrossed teams—one of which had to win.

Enter Bruin forward David Pastrňák. His goal two minutes into overtime dispatched the Leafs. Pandemonium in Boston. Heartbreak in Toronto.

Inc.

“Sixty-SEVEN! Sixty SEVEN!”

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where between age 40 and 50 we may find our taste preferences begin to change. And by age 60 we may experience an even greater loss of taste as our taste buds continue to decline in both number and sensitivity. This may explain why some of those foods we found appealing as a kid (baloney and cheese with ketchup and mustard for example) just don’t have the same “Yum Factor” now, as they did back then.

Along with age, experience plays a key role in our preferences. As a child, up through our teenage years, and into our early 20’s is an impressionable time. If we were exposed to a variety of foods back then, the chances of liking more foods as we grow older is greater. However, if we had a negative experience with food in our youth, that too may stick with us. I can recall coming home sick as a dog after a late night out with friends. We stopped off at an allnight diner for breakfast around midnight. No matter how appealing it sounds, to this very day just the thought of Sausage Gravy with Biscuits makes me ill.

According to WebMD, not only age and experiences, but also medications, illness and in -

FEAST from 14

fections, and habits all have an affect on our sense of taste and smell. Not that reading this presents anything new in terms of an “Ah-ha!” moment, but it is worth mentioning. Since our sense of taste and smell work together it makes sense that if these are affected or impaired by illness or infection then the flavor of foods may be temporarily affected. Add to this, people on certain medications, either to alleviate symptoms and offer temporary relief from an illness, or on a regiment of prolonged medications to help with certain chronic conditions, may experience decreased taste and smell. While it may be easy to point toward medications, illnesses, aging, experiences and habits as reasons why some foods just don’t have the same appeal that they once had, there are many reasons why the food industry itself should also shoulder some of the burden for why foods just don’t taste the same as they once did. In fact there are more than 5 billion

reasons annually as to why the food industry is also responsible for the change in the taste of food. Because that’s how much has been spent each year by the food industry (figures from 2011-2021) in re search and development to create new products while reinventing old products. So is re-engi neered food to blame for the lack of taste or are we just getting older? Or is it both? (Not wanting to stray too far off topic but it does beg the question.)

joyed.

*Why do our flavor preferences change over time? Nicolette Lanese 10/16/21, livescience. com

**Why Might My Sense of Taste Change? Steve Brown, 3/7/24, webmd. com

While I could point to nearly any of these factors mentioned above as the reason why my favorite sandwich from my youth has lost its appeal, I guess it is just easiest to say that I have grown up and my tastes have changed. My baloney may still have the same first and last name, the American Cheese is still a creamy combination of pasteurized mild cheddar and Colby (I hope!) and the mustard and ketchup are still as tangy and sweet as they ever were, but this sandwich of my youth just isn’t the same Simple Feast I once en-

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(Family Features) Home improvement projects often focus on updating the aesthetic of your house, but upgrades that make your living space more secure and comfortable for you and your family are sometimes even more important.

From your front door to the interior of your home and more, these ideas from the experts

at Masonite, a global industry leader in interior and exterior doors, can help provide greater peace of mind - ensuring what matters most is always protected.

Ensure Your Home Is Well-Lit

A well-lit home exterior makes it easier to spot potential threats and may even deter

people and animals that don’t belong on your property. Automatic outdoor lighting, either set to a timer or triggered by motion or light sensors, can help you see what’s going on outside. Ensure fixtures on your porch, patio and garage are in good working order and replace burned out bulbs or lights that no longer function. Adding landscape lighting can also aid in security while boosting curb appeal.

Protect Your Home With A Secure Front Door

Upgrading your front door can do much more than just improve the look of your homeit’s also an important part of providing enhanced security for you and your family. With four times more impact resistance than a standard deadbolt lock, the M-Protect

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by Melinda Myers

Gardeners know and research is proving that gardening, even viewing a garden, as well as spending time in nature is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It improves strength and flexibility, lowers blood pressure, and elevates our moods.

This is also true for the youngsters in our lives. Recent studies found that school-aged children who participate in outdoor activities have better vision than those who spend most of their time indoors. Children who engage in nature and gardening are more focused, score better on exams, and are less likely to develop or exhibit symptoms of ADHD. And kids who play outside and get a bit dirty also have stronger immune systems.

Help get the kids in your life involved in gardening. There are a variety of ways to get youngsters involved no matter how much space or time you have.

Consider giving each child their own garden space or a container garden to design, plant, and tend. Containers are a great option when planting space and time are limited. And just about anything can be grown in a pot. An old 5-gallon bucket or washtub with holes drilled into the bottom, recycled nursery pots, or a colorful raised planter make great gardens.

Provide them with some kid-sized tools and

Research has shown that gardening and spending time in nature is beneficial to kids, including but not limited to better vision, increased focus, and a stronger immune system.

equipment. The tools’ smaller scale will be easier for them to handle and having their own tools that match yours makes gardening even more special. Consider investing in a set of kids’ gardening tools including hand tools, longhandled tools, and even a wheelbarrow like those at Corona Tools USA (coronatools.com).

Keep in mind the goal is for kids to have fun and develop an interest in gardening. You may

need to bite your tongue when their combinations are rather unique, or plants are spaced improperly. Provide some guidance but be prepared to let them experiment and learn from their failures as well as successes.

Kids like to water even at an early age. The biggest challenge is getting the water to the plant but that will come with time, practice, and a few water-soaked outfits. Your efforts will be

rewarded when your child takes over watering your container gardens.

You may notice kids often find bugs and worms more interest-

See MYERS on 23

99%

Sewage clogS coUlD

(BPT) - Do you have good flushing habits?

Flushing may seem like a simple, routine task, but unfortunately, many people flush items that can cause major problems for local and national sewage systems.

Wastewater agencies and wipes industry experts recently collaborated on the largest known domestic sewage collection study to help determine what exactly is clogging sewer lines and equipment. The final study results are now available, and they add up to a massive problem.

What do the numbers say?

The study captured, sorted and identified over 1,700 items collected during peak flow times. The materials found included:

* 34.1% non-flushable wipes labeled with the “Do Not Flush” symbol (baby wipes, cleaning

wipes, makeup wipes, etc.)

* 64.9% other nonflushable items (paper towels, period products, trash, etc.)

* 0.9% wipes labeled as flushable

Wipes labeled as “flushable” accounted for less than 1% of sewer system debris and were in the process of breaking apart, while the majority of the nonflushable items collected were fully intact. It can be tempting to assume that flushing a non-flushable item occasionally may not be a big deal. However, items like paper towels, baby wipes, makeup wipes, rags and more are not designed to pass through sewage systems at any point in their lifetime.

Unlike flushable wipes made from natural fibers that break down easily, non-flushable items can clog the pipes in your home. Even if

they pass through your home’s waste system, they can cause problems in your local sewer system and beyond.

The pumps, augurs and pipe networks of municipal wastewater systems are not made to transport or break down these materials. When enough nonflushable items come together, they can congeal to form cement-like fatbergs, which are expensive to remove.

Each year, a significant number of sewer spills occur, many caused when nonflushable products make their way into the wastewater system. These wastewater spills are messy and expensive to clean up. More importantly, wastewater spills threaten public health and the environment.

Fixing problems caused by non-flushable products is quite expensive. A home clog can cost homeowners anywhere from $175 to more than $1,000 to fix. Even if you don’t pay for a plumber for your pipes, you may end up paying for damage to wastewater systems.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies estimates that local public agencies throughout the U.S. (and the ratepayers they represent) spend more than $440 million each year to respond to sewer overflows caused by inappropriately flushing “Do Not Flush” labeled

wet wipes and repair wastewater treatment equipment.

While non-flushable products clogging the nation’s sewer systems is a massive problem, everyone can do their part to solve it. You can help by learning and practicing smart flushing habits.

Common household items that you should NEVER flush include:

* Baby wipes, household cleaning wipes and makeup wipes

* Paper towels and facial tissues

* Fats, oils and grease

* Food, trash and plastic bags

* Rags, cloth and disposable gloves

* Cotton balls, cotton swabs and dental floss

* Feminine products

* Hair and hair weaves

* Medications and syringes

Be especially cautious when flushing wipes. In the U.S., 90% of wipes sold are non-flushable. When purchasing and using wipes, look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol on the front of the packaging. If you can’t find the symbol, err on the side of caution and dispose of the wipes in your garbage can. Take care of your pipes and help reduce damage to the nation’s sewage systems by practicing smart flushing habits. To learn more about the study, visit FlushSmart.org/ CA-Collection-StudyReport.

James Herrick, PE

it running efficiently while remaining a comfortable and safe space for you and your loved ones.

Upgrade Fire And Co Safety Solutions

While you’re ticking through your list of spring maintenance to-do’s, don’t forget about the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Proper smoke and CO alarm placement, regular maintenance and alarm replacement are essential to keeping your family safe. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that alarms be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Alarms should be tested regularly, and if the device is battery-powered, batteries should be changed at least every six months.

To make maintaining your smoke and CO alarms easier, upgrade to a 2-in-1 smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, such as the First Alert 10-Year

placement and latenight battery chirps for a decade. Easy to install, 10-year alarms come equipped with a mounting bracket and installation kit - making safety simple for you and your family.

Check For Winter Wear And Tear

Winter’s extreme temperatures can take a toll on the outside of your home and its appliances. Examine the outside of your house and roof to check for fallen branches or debris that could block gutters or downspouts and cause a drainage problem. Inspect the driveway and sidewalks for new potholes or cracks that may have developed in the cold, and ensure all exterior lights are working properly.

SIMPLE from 19

Tune-Up Your Cooling System

When the weather gets milder, schedule a professional maintenance service to ensure that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are operating optimally and won’t quit after the first heat wave. If you don’t already have one, upgrade to a smart thermostat, like a Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat, which allows you to adjust your temperature from anywhere and set different temperature schedules for various times of the day. ENERGY STAR certified thermostats can provide comfort when you’re home, and energy savings when away.

Change Your Air

Filters

Over a long winter, your heating system’s air filters naturally accumulate dust and other airborne particles, which can clog your air filter, impact indoor air quality and affect system performance. Regularly replacing your air filters is a great way to help maintain indoor air quality and support a comfortable environment for your family. Clean air filters also allow for better air flow, reducing the stress on your home’s HVAC system and promoting energy efficiency.

Secure Windows And Doors

Warmer weather often breeds more home break-ins as burglars like when windows are open at night or garage doors are open during yardwork. But you can help lower the threat by hardening the tar-

get. Walk around outside of your home to inspect doors and windows for working locks and be mindful not to leave valuables in sight. If you have cars parked in your driveway, keep them locked and garage door openers should be tucked away.

To help protect what matters most and learn more fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert. com. For assistance with HVAC or home security assessments, contact your local professional service.

Layla Baker led the way for the Prospect Mountain girls, finishing in a time of 29:23 for 40th place overall.

place overall with a time of 39:01.

out

for the

PROSPECT MOUNTAIN

Boys’ Soccer at Raymond; 4

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Caiden Wainwright led the way for the Prospect boys, finishing in 24:01 for 37th place.

Lyndi White was next

Avery Guinta was

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Thursday, Sept. 28

BELMONT

Wolves in 33:14 for 67th place. Trew Reed finished in 69th place in a time of 38:33.

Sports Editor Joshua Spaulding can be reached at 279-4516, ext. 155 or josh@salmonpress.news.

Volleyball vs. Conant; 6 Tuesday, Oct. 3

KENNETT

Boys’ Soccer vs. Bow; 4

Reduce Fire Hazards

Boys’ Soccer at Prospect Mountain; 7:30

Cross Country Home Meet; 4

GILFORD

Boys’ Soccer at Kearsage; 6:45

Field Hockey at Littleton; 4

Girls’ Soccer at Kearsarge; 5

WINNISQUAM

Boys’ Soccer at St. Thomas; 4

Friday, Sept. 29

BELMONT

Girls’ Soccer at Prospect Mountain; 7:30

Volleyball vs. Newfound; 6:15

GILFORD

Saturday, Sept. 30

Boys’ Soccer vs. Prospect Mountain; 11

Cross Country at Coe-Brown; TBD

Field Hockey vs. St. Thomas; 4

Girls’ Soccer vs. Prospect Mountain; 12:30

Volleyball vs. Laconia; 4:45

GILFORD-BELMONT

Football vs. Laconia; 7

WINNISQUAM

Boys’ Soccer vs. Farmington; 10

Volleyball at Mascoma; 6:15

GILFORD

Many elements of a home like furnaces, chimneys, hot water heaters and other gas appliances provide value to homeowners through comfort and convenience but can pose risks without

Prospect Mountain is scheduled to take part

Golf at Hopkinton; 3:30

Volleyball at St. Thomas; 5:45

WINNISQUAM

Field Hockey vs. Hopkinton; 4

Volleyball vs. Pelham; 5:45

Tuesday, Oct. 3

BELMONT

Boys’ Soccer at Mascoma; 4

proper maintenance. Hiring a professional to check your heating and air conditioning system annually can help you avoid costly repairs while also protecting your loved ones. Keeping the chimney clean of debris, creosote and soot helps lower fire risk and ensures smoke, carbon dioxide and other gases are safely carried out of the home.

Girls’ Soccer vs. Mascoma; 4 GILFORD

Boys’ Soccer at Campbell; 4

Girls’ Soccer vs. Campbell; 4 Wednesday, Oct. 4

BELMONT

Cross Country at Prospect Mountain; 4

Volleyball at Moultonborough; 6:15

GILFORD

Boys’ Lacrosse vs. Milford; 4

Girls’ Lacrosse at Milford; 4

Softball at Winnisquam; 4

WINNISQUAM

Boys’ Soccer at White Mountains; 4

Cross Country at Prospect Mountain; 4

Control Home Systems On The Go

Golden Eagles second at Mount Washington Resort

BY JOSHUA SPAULDING Sports Editor

Installing security systems, doorbells, lighting and other systems that can be controlled from a smartphone app, like the Masonite M-Pwr Smart Door, can provide added convenience and peace of mind. You can remotely turn lights on and off, unlock doors, change the temperature, open or close garage doors and check camera feeds while away.

Replace Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A simple project to make your home safer, it’s essential to check your smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries every six months. If you discover the date of manufacture on the back of your smoke detectors is more than 10 years ago, replacement is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. While checking

CARROLL — The Gilford golf team played at the Mount Washington Resort on Friday, Sept. 15, finishing second behind host White Mountains Regional and ahead of Hopkinton and Inter-Lakes.

White Mountains took top honors with 71 points, Gilford finished with 66 for second place, followed by Hopkinton with 59 points and Inter-Lakes with 44.

Ryan Folan earned medalist honors out of the top spot in the lineup, finishing with 22 points to lead Gilford.

Brett Skoog from the second spot and William Wallace from the third spot both finished with 16 points and Chris Port finished with 14 points from the fourth spot to round out the scoring for Gilford. Colton Byars finished with five points and Ali Lyman rounded out the field of Gilford golfers teeing off on the day.

Field Hockey vs. Berlin; 4

Girls’ Soccer at Bow; 4

KINGSWOOD

Field Hockey vs. Pembroke; 5:30

PROSPECT MOUNTAIN

your smoke detectors, test or install carbon monoxide alarms to ensure you have a way to detect the invisible, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems if left unchecked.

Golf at Mascenic; 3:30

Wednesday, Oct. 4

KINGSWOOD

Girls’ Soccer vs. Souhegan; 5:30

PROSPECT MOUNTAIN

Visit Masonite.com/ mprotect to learn more about the latest innovations in home security.

Boys’ Soccer vs. Newfound; 4

Cross Country Home Meet; 4

Girls’ Soccer at Newfound; 4

Unified Soccer at Spaulding; 4

Volleyball at Franklin; 6:15

Thursday, Oct. 5

KENNETT

Field Hockey vs. John Stark; 4 PROSPECT MOUNTAIN

Girls’ Soccer at Mascoma; 4

All schedules are subject to change.

Field Hockey vs. Littleton; TBD

Football vs. Franklin; 2

BELMONT

Volleyball at Gilford; 5:45 Thursday, Oct. 5

Volleyball vs. Souhegan; 5:45

Monday, Oct. 2

BELMONT

Girls’ Soccer at Inter-Lakes; 4

All schedules are subject to change.

MYERS from 17

ing than plants. Use this as a gateway into gardening. Get kids involved in worm composting or hunting for earthworms in the compost pile. They will have fun on the worm hunt while helping you turn your compost pile.

Use the “Pluck, Drop and Stomp” method to manage garden pests. Point out the bad guys and the damage they do. Be sure they know to watch for the good guys and leave them be to help the garden grow. Then have the children pluck the bad bugs off the plant, drop them to the ground, and stomp on them. This eco-friendly pest management strategy also burns some of that excess energy.

Include lots of color in the garden and containers. Michigan State University surveyed kids before creating their children’s garden. They found kids were much more excited and likely to participate when a garden is filled with color.

And as the flowers are maturing and your family is overrun with vegetables, consider sharing the harvest and a few bouquets of flowers. Giving helps children grow into caring, well-rounded adults. And food pantries in your community are always in need of fresh produce. Most of the food-insecure people in our communities are kids and seniors who greatly benefit from fresh nutritious vegetables.

Be sure to end the growing season with a harvest party. Use your

homegrown produce to prepare a picnic or fancy dinner for family and friends. Then use some of those beautiful flowers you grew to decorate the table.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to

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sistership the Tirpitz from Gotenhafen to a deep fjord at Faettenfjord on the west coast of Norway to protect it from allied bombers. Believing that the Tirpitz would eventually be moved to the west coast of occupied France so that it could attack allied shipping in the Atlantic, the British decided to attempt to destroy the only facility there that could handle such a large ship. Because St. Nazaire was heavily defended, they could not attack it with bombers or conventional warships, so they decided to use MTBs. The idea was to race in under the cover of darkness, deploy depth bombs to destroy the waterfront and then escape. The operation was moderately successful and, in part due to other circumstances, the Tirpitz was trapped

in Norway and later destroyed by British bombers. When the US navy entered the war with Japan, they saw that PT boats would be useful for attacking Japanese shipping, so they contracted boatbuilders ELCO, Higgins and Huckins to build a fleet of boats powered by three V12 supercharged Packard marine engines. (Visit the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro if you’d like to see one of these impressive machines.) With up to 4500 horsepower on board, these were the fastest boats the navy had in WWII. General Douglas MacArthur was evacuated to Australia in 1942 by a PT boat.

But PT 719 wasn’t American made. It was built by the British firm Vosper under contract to the US Navy and was launched in August 1945 after the end of hostilities. It measured 72’ long with

GILPATRIC METAL RECYCLING

a 19’ beam and was powered by three 1500 horsepower Packard W-14/M25W marine engines. Because the navy had no further use for it, PT 719 was struck from the navy record in November and was eventually purchased by Daniel Caudle of Rochester, NY who converted it to a documented private yacht he named Helen Gertrude II. In 1958, it passed to Jim Dooley, a member of the fishing club of North Miami, FL, who named it Kids Day , and then to the Victor Tracy Yacht Club of Dorchester, MA which named it All The Way. At some point the Packards were replaced with obsolete surplus diesels (presumably to reduce what must have been impressive fuel bills!), which dropped the top speed to 15 MPH and, as we’ll soon see, ultimately doomed the boat.

The boat was listed as exempt from documentation in 1963 when Vernon and Alan purchased it. When it arrived in Portsmouth that spring, they removed of the cabin

structure to provide clearance under highway bridges, and two flatbed trailers moved the boat to the marine facility at Glendale in Gilford (now the headquarters of the Winnipesaukee Marine Patrol), where a crane reassembled it and restoration work was completed.

On June 11 a large crowd gathered to watch the 10am launch. Mrs. Cotton broke a bottle of champagne over the bow and the trailer attempted to back into the water. Sheets of plywood had been placed on the lake bottom to keep the wheels from sinking in, but problems arose, and the boat wasn’t floated until 2pm. They moved it to Lakeport for final fitting out (the mast folded down to clear the Weirs channel bridge) and the Uncle Sam II mailboat entered service at the end of the month with Vernon as captain and Leander Lavallee’s son Edward serving as postmaster. The Uncle Sam II kept to the same route

Vernon Cotton and Ed Lavallee (1961).

A typical Vosper Motor Torpedo Boat.

as it’s predecessor, including three stops at Bear Island and calls at the camps on 3 Mile, Sandy and Cow islands. The route proved hugely popular, and the boat was often filled to its 125 passenger capacity. One amusing photo shows it being attacked by “pirates” in an ersatz sailboat.

Unfortunately, one of the engines eventually failed. Because spare parts were no longer available (the same problem that faced the MS Mount Washington, which lead to the replacement of her original diesels), the engine was cannibalized for parts. This created a huge problem. Because the original Packard engines were so wide, they couldn’t be mounted side by side in the boat. So the port and starboard engines were mounted in the stern and drove forward to vee drives and then back to the propellers. The middle engine was mounted forward and drove directly aft. It was the only one with a transmission, and thus a reverse gear. It had to be operational. I don’t know which engine failed, but the end result would have been a good center engine and one of the two outboard engines. This would have severely unbalanced the boat

and caused it to veer to port or starboard; a nightmare for the pilot.

This and other problems forced Vernon and Alan to retire the Uncle Sam II at the end of the 1967 season.

The boat was sold at auction in 1969 to Frank Damrell of Southport, ME for $5500 and finally returned to the ocean at Boothbay Harbor. And the Sophie C. assumed the official post office contract (Railway Post Office, Laconia, NH). She has served to this day, with a brief interruption in 2019/20 when her bottom was replaced, and this year became the longest serving mailboat on the lake, having exceeded the original Uncle Sam’s record of 55 years. And this poses an interesting question. Why didn’t the Sophie C. take over the mail service when the original Uncle Sam was retired? As you may know from previous articles in this paper, the Sophie C was built in 1945 to be a mail and tourist boat - the role she fulfills today. When Carl Hedblom and his company General Ship and Engine Works purchased the SS Mt. Washington II at auction in 1942, they also acquired all its dock facilities at Alton Bay, Center Harbor, the Weirs and

Wolfeboro along with rights to deliver mail and freight. When the war ended they decided to scrap the Mount (thank goodness they eventually changed their mind) and built the Sophie C - named for Carl’s wife Sophia Caroline Jensen - to take its place in order to use their real estate investment. When Ed Lavallee, the last owner of the old Uncle Sam was forced to retire the boat in 1961, he could just as well have sold the official post office contract to Carl. Perhaps he got a better offer from his friend and pilot Vernon.

If you know anything about this, I’d love to hear from you!

Note: Some contemporary sources say 1893. While it’s possible that Laconia physician George Saltmarsh was delivering mail unofficially with his boat the Robert & Arthur before he received the first contract from the US post office for delivery on the lake on May 13, 1903 which assigned him the address RFD #7, Star Route, Laconia, NH, the fact that his sons Robert and Arthur were born 11/1/1893 and 5/20/1895 respectively rules out the earlier date.

St. André Bessette Parish

Mass Schedule at Sacred Heart Church Saturdays: 4pm; Sundays: 7:00, 8:30 & 10:30am

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

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Sacred Heart Church is open daily for private prayer www.standrebessette.org

New Hampshire M arine Patrol

of topics from safety instructions to boat handling to reading the weather and prepares you for a variety of situations you could find yourself in while on the water

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

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“Pirates” attack the Uncle Sam II.

WARREN

Reverend Marc B. Drouin, Pastor

The Red Sox title drought lasted 86 years. But it did eventually end.

Hang in there, Maple Leaf fans. The Cubs had to go 108 years between titles!

Sports Quiz

The World Series used to be a “Best of Nine” affair. Was there ever a Game 9? (Answer follows)

Born Today

That is to say, sports standouts born on May 16 include MLB manager Billy Martin (1928) and Olympic gymnast Olga Korbut (1955).

Sports Quote

“I can’t hear what Jeremy says because I have my two Stanley Cup rings plugged in my ears.” – NHL goalkeeper Patrick Roy’s witty response to Jeremy Roenick in an exchange during the 1996 NHL playoffs.

Sports Quiz Answer

No World Series has ever gone nine games. The Red Sox won the first World Series in eight games, five games to three. The 1919, 1920, and 1921 World Series were also best of nine, won by the Reds, Indians, and Giants in eight, seven, and eight games respectively. The 1912 World Series was a “best of seven” series which went eight games because one game was a tie. The Red Sox beat the Giants that year.

State Representative

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

the People’s Republic of China in 1964; the political thunderclap was heard throughout the world as then still isolated Maoist China was recognized by a major Western country. That diplomatic move 60 years ago opened the way for many Western countries to recognize Beijing at the expense of the Republic of China on Taiwan. France thus holds a special place with Beijing.

Thus Sino/French commercial cooperation has profited from the nuclear to aerospace industries.

Nuclear power plant cooperation between China General Nuclear Power and the French state owned power utility (EDF) dates back to the 1980’s building the Daya Bay nuclear plant in Shenzhen 1995; in 2008 both countries part -

nered to build two plants in Taishan. China and EDF also cooperate in producing Wind Turbines.

Besides geopolitics, Sino/European economic relations loom large as they do with the United States. For precisely that reason Macron was joined by the European Commission Presi-dent Ursula van der Leyen for tough trade talks with Xi Jinping.

Concerning China, the EU’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell cautioned last year, “it is obvious our trade relations are unbalanced.” He added, “At over 400 billion a year, the EU’s trade defi-cit is at an unacceptable level. This is not due to the EU’s lack of competitiveness, but to China’s deliberate choices and policies.”

The EU’s 27 mem-

bers ran a trade deficit of $426 billion with China in 2022, according to European Commission data, compared with a $250 billion deficit a year earlier. The French trade def-icit with China last year stood at $50 billion.

Significantly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen did not condone Beijing’s bloated trade deficits with Europe. She stated, “These subsidized products, such as electric ve-hicles or steel are flooding the European market.”

She warned, “At the same time China continues to massively support its manufacturing sec-tor…the world cannot absorb China’s surplus production.”

The French weekly Le Point conceded

that the Xi’s visit was not “very fruitful” and that there was an impasse on key issues; President Macron hosted what it termed “courtesy diplomacy.”

And just maybe, Ursula von der Layen may have held the line for free and fair trade.

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.

visible and accessible. They come in a variety of sizes, up to 4-inches and as small as 1/2 of an inch.

One of the best aspects of J hooks was that I could tailor them to the sizes of my rods and the size of the space and only buy exactly what I need. They are also easier to customize the spacing and configuration, and at just over $1 each, they are far cheaper than rod racks sold at tackle retailers. I could buy larger ones for the handle end of my rods and smaller ones for the mid-point of the rod, which is much thinner. I could also space them to meet my needs and maximize the area I chose for rod storage. I started by measuring my rod handles to gauge what size hooks I should buy for the larger end. I decided that 1 1/4-inch hooks would be good. They would be slightly larger than the larges rod handles I own without taking up an exorbitant amount of space. The 1-inch hooks would be perfect for the rod portion.

The next item on my agenda was counting rods and making a list of hooks I would need and off to the home store I went. While I was there, I picked up a few larger hooks for some other items I wanted to hang in my garage. Once I returned home I got to installing the hooks. First, I determined how far apart and how low I wanted them to hang. The hooks come predrilled in two directions and also include two ring-shanked nails. I know from experience that ring-shanked nails are a one-shot deal. Once you nail them home, they are almost impossible to remove without breaking the hanger. I decided to use 1 1/4-inch drywall

An easy DIY rod storage solution that Tim has used for several other hanging projects around his house and shop.

screws. Then, if I wanted to adjust the spacing of hanging depth I could do so easily. I find that when doing many DIY projects like this there is always a little trial and error.

I used the holes in the sides of the hooks as a gauge for how low to hang them. This way I didn’t have to measure and mark every hook. I also determined that 7-inches apart was a good spacing, especially since I planned to hang rods in alternating

directions to maximize space. Most of my rods are 7-feet long and the rafter beams in my garage are 2-feet on center. Skipping a rafter would give me 4’ spacing on the length of my rods, which is great for 7’ rods. I wanted my rods to hang supported, but with no bend or sag. I hung 1 1/4-inch hooks 7-inches apart, spaced evenly off one wall, and 1-inch hooks with the same spacing two rafters away. Once I filled the space I needed, I alternated the

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same size hooks in the opposite direction, only I moved them down one set of rafter beams. When I was finished, I was able to hang 30 rods in an area that was roughly 8-feet wide, and it cost me just over $60. Specific rod hangers for that many rods would have cost me hundreds of dollars. Now, my rods are up and out of the way, so they aren’t in danger of being broken. I can also see them clearly to grab the specific rods I need when I need them, but I think my favorite part is being able to put them away quickly. The easier anything is to do, the more likely I am to do it. Back when I first began kayak fishing, DIY was my life. There were little options for kayak rigging and we were forced to get creative and improvise. I guess I have my former boss and kayak fishing partially to thank for the

success of this project.

Tim Moore is a fulltime licensed professional fishing guide in New Hampshire. He owns and operates Tim Moore Outdoors, LLC. He is a member of the New

England Outdoors Writers Association, and the producer of TMO Fishing on YouTube and the Hooked with TMO Fishing Podcast. Visit www. TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information.

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1931 Prenatal Care booklet published by the Children’s Bureau under the United States Department of Labor.

ing 69.72 per 1,000 live births in 1927, down from a high of 93.27 in 1923.

greatest is mental and physical health. The right to be well born, an equal chance for life, building up health and character in the early years is surely the most essential thing. Education and progress are vital, but they avail little if a child has not healthphysical, mental, moral and spiritual.”

complished through our State Board of Health in helping to educate the public concerning prenatal and maternal care.”

division helped were the expectant mother, the infant, and the preschool child. The scope of the work included prenatal care, infant welfare, child welfare, health education, every phase of child life and preparation for parenthood. The director of this division of the state Board of Health was Mrs. Mary Davis of Manchester and the magazine article mentioned above contained information of her report of progress made until 1928.

One of the goals in the 1920’s was to decrease the mother and infant mortality rate in the state. The president of the New Hampshire Medical Society wrote, “I wish to call your attention to the very important effort which is being made to reduce the maternity and infant mortality of the state. Much good work has already been ac -

new towns in that program in 1928. Education concerning maternity and infant hygiene took place in women’s groups, and courses for girls in high school, often connected to home economics courses, were held in some communities. Another outreach was their “little mother’s classes,” for girls in ages 10 to 16. Upon graduation from these classes girls were admitted to the Little Mothers’ Organization of New Hampshire.

Women’s Federation, the Parent-Teachers Association, the New Hampshire Tuberculosis Association, the County Farm Bureau, and public health and Red Cross nurses.

In noting the accomplishments of the Division of Maternity, Infancy, and Child Hygiene of the NH Board of Health in 1929, the director wrote: “The people of New Hampshire are alive to the duty we owe to our present and future generations. We have developed a high state of civilization and we expect these children to carry on, and to be able to do this we must give them every opportunity, but the SMITH from 1

The health of both the mother and her child (baby) were given great consideration by the nurses hired by the Board of Health. The report of progress in the magazine article stated, “The home is the foundation of society and the mother is the heart of the home. We cannot afford to lose our New Hampshire mothers.”

The goal of the 1921 special division under the NH Board of Health was to save the lives of both mothers and their babies by reducing the mortality rates by providing good education and care. By 1927 some improvement was realized with the maternal mortality rate in 1927 being at the lowest level since 1921 at 5.56 per 1,000 births, and the infant mortality rate be-

Birth certificates received by the state were used as a means of identifying the parents of new arrivals in New Hampshire and the homes of all new babies were then contacted and supplied with letters, books, pamphlets, etc. on baby and child care. These contacts were made from the time the birth certificates were received until the children entered school. The State of New Hampshire was clear during the second decade of the twentieth century about its concern for the lives of both mother and baby. Despite charges to the contrary, those who want to save New Hampshire babies from death by abortion in present times also want safe and healthy mothers. They do not want motherless babies. Abortion would have been illegal in the 1920’s in New Hampshire, so was not a major factor in the state’s program to save babies. Today’s state Department of Health and Human Services publishes names of organizations that provide abortions while indicating that state funds are not used for abortions.

Prenatal care was part of the special division of the health board which provided prenatal letters to expectant mothers. The staff of the mother and infant division of the Board of Health had on its staff five nurses with each nurse having responsibility to approximately two of New Hampshire’s counties. Local physicians were also involved with the departments work including participating in diphtheria immunization clinics with an added number of 13

The Division of Maternity, Infancy, and Child Hygiene had the cooperation of a number of women’s groups in the state and other organizations, including The

Less than one hundred years later we find many Americans claiming that the unborn human child has no right to be born, no equal chance with other unborn who will be born, and no right to progress beyond the womb. Motherhood does not seem to hold the high esteem in our society that it once did. Women often choose career over child-care. Politicians reverse previously held positions to campaign for the “right” of mothers to snuff out the lives of unborn babies, even when the mother’s life is in no danger, admittedly because it will provide them with votes.

To what extent will today’s Department of Health go to save New Hampshire’s babies?

by Parker & Hart

SUPER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE CLUE: QUALITY COUNTERFEITING

B.C.

Answers on Page 23

The Winklman Aeffect

by John Whitlock