Viewpoint: Tricia Zahn – Alliance promotes health and well-being

By TRICIA ZAHN

Serving as the public health network for the Greater Monadnock Region, the Healthy Monadnock Alliance is a regional partnership of community leaders who have joined together around a common purpose.

Viewpoint: Rick Fecowicz – A simple guide to going plastic-free

By RICK FECOWICZ

July is “Plastic Free July” – a worldwide movement encouraging people and businesses to break free from single-use plastics like bags, cups, bottles and straws.

Viewpoint: Peter Moore – Never forget why people served

By PETER MOORE

In the summer of 1972, I was drafted during the Vietnam War. Despite my personal reservations about serving my country in this conflict, which by then had become a quagmire, and had turned overwhelming unpopularity among my contemporaries, and the American public, I reported and served for the next two years.

Viewpoint: L. Phillips Runyon III – Charitable giving is needed now more than ever

I recently participated in a presentation about the many ways for people to benefit their favorite charities and nonprofits. It was for the people at our area organizations whose role it is to raise the funds they need to keep going and the many ways for their supporters to help them do that. But in the interests of raising all their boats, I’m here this time to go right to the source of those critical funds – you and me, dear readers.

Viewpoint: Nisa Simila – Making connections at the River Center

Editor’s Note: This column is a complement to the guide to the Support Groups & Resources special section in the print edition or e-edition.

Viewpoint: Robert Beck – Iran: What comes next?

“We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.”

Community Conversations viewpoint: Mandy Carter – No ride, no options: the rural transportation crisis

By MANDY CARTER

How might having access to a transportation system in the region benefit individuals and businesses? Possibilities include more-enjoyable commutes, reliable transportation to get to appointments, increased foot traffic for local businesses and a stronger sense of community connectivity. 

Community Conversations viewpoint: Richard Scheinblum – Building transporation solutions for Peterborough

By RICHARD SCHEINBLUM

Peterborough has an opportunity to proactively address the transportation needs of our evolving community by developing services that support the health, independence and quality of life of all residents.

Community Conversations viewpoint: Terry Johnson – Building a ‘next generation’ public transit system

By TERRY JOHNSON

Low population density, long distances between key travel destinations and a small tax base in the rural areas throughout southwest New Hampshire makes it difficult to establish cost-efficient public transportation services. Existing services fall far short of meeting the needs of our communities and those who live, work, learn and play in them. 

LOOKING BACK: Joseph Steinfield – Is it safe to be a Jew in America?

In 1654, 23 Jews fled the Portuguese Inquisition in Brazil and arrived in New Amsterdam, which became New York 10 years later. Jews have been coming to America ever since in search of safety.

Letter: Lionheart accusations are just throwing spaghetti

In response to “Kerry Bedard sues Lionheart Classical Academy, claiming breach of contract,” some people throw so much spaghetti at the wall you wonder if they’re running a kitchen or a courtroom.

Letter: Lionheart lawsuit shows flaws

I am appalled but not surprised after reading the Ledger-Transcript's article, "Kerry Bedard sues Lionheart Classical Academy, claiming breach of contract."

Viewpoint: L. Phillips Runyon III – Remembering Justice David Souter once more

A couple of years ago, this paper ran an appreciation I had written about former Supreme Court Justice David Souter. It was called “Where have you gone, David Souter?” and it lamented that precious few among us have such a sharply focused vision of right and wrong – and ethical and unethical behavior – that we can always count on them when the chips are down and we need challenging decisions to be made based on the public interest, not personal agendas.

Letter: Hold EFAs to same standard

As a public school teacher for more than 35 years, I was held to task regarding my expenditures. Yes, I could order new microscopes, but I had to show how their purchase aligned with local, state or national objectives/standards.  

Letter: Children and the Arts Committee says thanks

On behalf of the 2025 Children and the Arts Committee, we would like to thank the businesses, volunteers, schools, performers, nonprofits, town employees, donors and the many organizations and individuals who helped make our 30th festival a success.

View From the River: Odette Butler – Getting to know: Nisa Simila

I was so relieved and excited to receive compliments from the community on last month’s column, where we highlighted Kelli Tourgee, The River Center’s home visitor/parent educator. Your feedback reassured me that we’re on the right track – celebrating our incredible staff and showing that our programs are led by some of the most-caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated people you’ll ever meet.

Letter: Why the flag was upside-down

Have you seen the new Visibility Bridge Brigade on the pedestrian bridge over Route 101 in Keene? This weekly event is sponsored by Monadnock Women for Action and Third Act NH and is open to the public.

Letter: Chainsaw-wielding greed

The current Musk/Trump dismantling of various government agencies is about as efficient as doing brain surgery with a grossly uncaring chainsaw. The not-so-hidden agenda is greedy pay-to-play politics, where unbridled compulsion demands more, more, more.

Viewpoint: Robert Beck – World War II’s enduring relevance

While World War II progressively diminishes in importance for many in the United States, the Great Patriotic War, in Russian parlance, continues to weigh heavily on many of Washington’s primary competitors and heretofore staunchest allies.  One only has to view the visitors' stand at this year’s May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow to understand the abiding hold the conflict maintains on much of the world.