| Porcupine —Pumpkins are ripening. Sunflowers are blooming.The mountains are ablaze in reds, oranges, and all varieties of fall foliage as the leaves change their colors. The sights and smells of autumn in the Free State are upon us — and I hope you are enjoying them. |
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| There are many events ahead for active Free Staters and those visiting the state.I am most looking forward to Free State Fall Fest over Columbus Day weekend — including many family-friendly events and the Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference. |
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| A variety of family-friendly events are being organized across New Hampshire for the long weekend — apple picking, axe throwing, a family hike, an arcade day, and a family movie night.Additionally, that Sunday, Bruce and Carolann Fenton are hosting the Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference — and all who want to discuss and learn are welcome.CLICK HERE to learn more about all our event offerings for Fall Fest weekend! |
| Also, for all our political activists in the Free State movement, we have just announced an upcoming event just for you.The FSP is hosting the Foundation for Applied Conservative Leadership for a one-day political leadership school on November 8 in Concord, NH.FSP Director Eric Brakey says these are the teachings he applied to pass Constitutional Carry in Maine ten years ago — and he wants all Free State activists to have access to the same skills.CLICK HERE to learn more and register for the Free State Political Leadership Workshop. |
| Our Free State communities are hosting many opportunities for connection and community!First Fruits Ministries Bardo Potluck & Upper Valley New Mover Party Bowling Night Social Sunday (Just to name a few.)The NH Liberty Calendar is packed with events. I hope you check them out — and read more about many of these events at the bottom of this email. |
| I hope you continue reading to see what’s taking place in your area of New Hampshire.If you enjoy these emails or have feedback to share, I’d love to hear from you — reply and let me know your thoughts! For Liberty! Chris Lopez |
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| Upcoming Events!Monday, Sept 29thLancaster, 8am-10:30 – North Country AP Language Course for Homeschoolers – AP Language and Composition teaches rhetorical analysis, helping students identify the elements of rhetoric in literature, speeches, media, and other texts, and understand the tools of persuasion used in the world around them. Students will also learn to apply these tools to craft their own persuasive arguments. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Hosted by Staci Webb. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster) Strafford, 6pm-9 – Car Inspections & Cannabis (Liberty Legislated) – At “Liberty Legislated” (fourth Mondays of the month), we review the past and future of legislation, looking at the mechanics of returning liberty to New Hampshire. This month’s guest speaker will be Tom Mannion. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hl Rd, Strafford) Lancaster, 6pm-8 – North Country Book Club – What have you been reading this month? Bring the book you’re currently reading or finished recently to discuss. Everyone will have a few minutes to talk about their book. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Hosted by Amy Norris. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)Tuesday, Sept 30thManchester, 4pm-8 – Taproom Tuesday at Murphy’s – Come meet fellow liberty lovers at our weekly event! $5 beer and $4 well drinks & $10 appetizers all night! Please invite others! 8-40 people, avg 20. Hosted by Bill & Gail. (Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St, Manchester) Manchester, 7:40pm-9:10 – First Fruits Ministries – Monthly on the last Tuesday. Please join us to learn more about the Scriptural, historical, cultural, contextual, and practical applications of the faith for living in the 21st Century. Hosted by Andrew Manuse. (First Fruits Ministries, 60 Bailey Ave, Manchester)Wednesday, Oct 1stLancaster, 8:30am-10:30 – North Country AP US History Course for Homeschoolers – AP United States History is a full survey course designed to help students think critically about history, engage with primary sources, and develop strong historical arguments. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Taught by Staci Webb. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster) Concord, 10am-3pm – Drop-in Co Work – Come co-work (for free) in an office suite in Downtown Concord. Work on a liberty project, a new business or old business – sometimes it’s helpful to get out of the home, into a professional & supportive environment, and get things done! Hosted by Pedro 603-410-9213, PM for address YouTube 7pm-8 – FSP Porcupine Report – Free State Project Executive Director Eric Brakey sits down every week to interview the movers and shakers of New Hampshire. Join us on YouTube! Hosted by Eric Brakey.Thursday, Oct 2ndSeabrook, 8am-9 – Weekly Patriot Breakfast – A weekly social meeting of NH Patriots, think traditional Constitutional Republican. Hosted by Jude. (Linda’s Breakfast & Lunch Place, 920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook) Dover, 6pm-9 – Dover Liberty Outreach Meetup – Are you tired of big government? Just want to live free? You’ll be in good company at our weekly liberty meetups every Thursday night. The goal of these meetups is to provide a place for those interested in the philosophy of liberty to learn more and get involved in our vibrant community of families, entrepreneurs, and activists. Hosted by Sarah Scott. (Thirsty Moose Tap House, 83 Washington St, Dover) Concord, 6pm-8 – Bowling Night – Bring your friends and family and let’s see who can score a strike (or at least knock down a few pins  ). Hosted by Pedro. (Boutwell’s Bowling Center, 152 N State St, Concord)Friday, Oct 3rdManchester, 7pm-10 – New Mover Potluck – All liberty lovers are invited to join us in welcoming the newest movers of the great liberty migration! Even if you have been here for a while and this is your first opportunity to join the community, come on down! We want to welcome you home as a new mover. New movers eat free! (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)Saturday, Oct 4thLancaster, 10am-1pm – the ‘Pine Market Day – Bring a table and sell your wares the First Saturday each month! During the summer, this is the same time as the Lancaster Farmer’s Market, so may attract some local foot traffic. Table space is free for the ‘Pine members; $10 for non-members. Hosted by Amy Norris. (the ‘Pine Clubhouse – 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster)Manchester, 11:30am-1pm – Merrimack Valley Porcupines – Every first Saturday folks who are passionate about liberty gather for MVP, the Merrimack Valley. Hosted by Jeremy Olson. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Lancaster, 4pm-7 – Free State Acoustics Performance – Gather at The ‘Pine for a full three-set show closing out the summer season with the peak leaf colors. Free State Acoustics is a four piece band playing a wide variety of interesting songs from the 1950s through today in their own acoustic-focused style developed out of PorcFest fireside jams and public performances for music lovers. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Hosted by Amy Norris. (the ‘Pine Clubhouse – 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster) Croydon, 5pm-9 – Bardo Potluck & Upper Valley New Mover Party – Join the Bardo crew, friends and neighbors for an evening of socializing and good food. Potluck dinner is at 5pm, please bring a dish to share. Hosted by Emily Smith. (Bardo Farm, 92 Forehand Rd, Croydon) Sunday, Oct 5thCandia, 1:15pm-3:15 – Gruck: Granite Ruck – Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia) Manchester, 5pm-7:30 – Manchester Crypto Meetup – We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St, Manchester) Keene, 5pm-6 – Social Sunday – Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH’s longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Wade. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene) Nashua, 6pm-8 – Nashua Liberty Social – Weekly Nashua Meet-Up – Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem.Remember that this is only a partial list.For all FSP events and more details on those highlighted here, be sure to check out the NH Liberty Calendar.Check the NH Liberty Calendar |
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Pride, degradation, and humility are interconnected concepts that relate to one’s sense of self, behavior, and moral disposition.
Pride is a feeling of self-respect or satisfaction in one’s achievements, qualities, or status. It can be positive (e.g., taking pride in hard work) but often carries a negative connotation when it becomes excessive, leading to arrogance or self-centeredness. Excessive pride can blind individuals to their flaws, alienate others, and foster a sense of superiority, which may conflict with humility.
Degradation refers to a state of being diminished, humiliated, or lowered in dignity, often externally imposed or self-inflicted. It can result from actions, circumstances, or even excessive pride when it leads to a fall (e.g., hubris in literature). Degradation is the opposite of dignity and can arise when pride is challenged or when one acts in ways that undermine their own worth or others’ respect.
Humility is the quality of being humble, characterized by modesty, self-awareness, and a lack of ego. It involves recognizing one’s limitations, valuing others, and maintaining a grounded perspective. Humility stands in contrast to pride, as it avoids self-exaltation, and to degradation, as it preserves dignity without seeking to dominate or diminish others.
Vis-à-vis Comparison:
Pride vs. Humility: Pride, when excessive, elevates the self above others, while humility keeps the ego in check, fostering respect for others and openness to growth. Healthy pride can align with humility if it’s based on genuine accomplishment without arrogance.
Degradation vs. Humility: Degradation involves a loss of dignity, often involuntary or punitive, while humility is a voluntary choice to remain modest and respectful. Humility prevents self-degradation by maintaining integrity, whereas degradation can result from prideful actions leading to shame or downfall.
In essence, humility balances pride by grounding it in self-awareness and respect for others, while degradation represents a loss of dignity that humility seeks to avoid through modesty and grace.
I was late today because I went over to say hi to a fellow Free Stater who had surgery. Meal trains FTW!
Last night, West Siders attended an informational meeting about a proposed new community center… that would rip out the community garden we’ve built, replace it with parking and a giant building the size of a football field, taking out the only green space in the area.
The mayor, alderman, consultants, architects, planners, etc. about 15-20 City operatives were there, including Senator Lou. Everyone else, mostly abutters who have finally been informed, about 40-50 of us, all appeared to be against the proposal.
From Manchester Ink Link, READ FULL ARTICLE:
“’I think we should stop and sit at the ‘If’ question, not the ‘when’ question,’ said neighborhood resident Carla Gericke. Mark Degrossiliers, a direct abutter to the proposed site, shared Gericke’s concerns. “It feels a little bit like the train has left the station, and we’re being asked to jump on as it goes down the railroad,” he said.”
Manchester Ink Link
What the article fails to mention is:
1. The project is ongoing since last November but they only informed the abutters last week and scheduled ONE 1 hour session to discuss, used up 20 of those minutes talking at us, and then ended the session when they realized that other than the city operatives there, the 40+ neighbors and property owners weren’t happy.
2. They are claiming they want to “build a community center” BY RIPPING OUT THE WORK BUILT BY… THE… COMMUNITY… It’s pretty insulting!
3. They said “trust us,” after telling us it’s a done deal (it isn’t) and that “they don’t legally have to inform” abutters. As one of my neighbors, a direct abutter (I share one post/cnr) said; “What is legal is not the same as what is right.”
4. Several schools on the West Side are underutilized. Why not start there instead of destroying our green space and garden?
5. The property will be “tax free,” so they will downshift the tax burden ONTO THE SURROUNDING PROPERTY OWNERS WHO CATEGORICALLY SAY THEY DON’T WANT THIS.
6. Where is the money coming from? Other than a contribution by the Stebbins family, sounds like a lot of it is Federal Rescue Plan funds washed through non-profits which makes me wonder who pays when that dries up? (Us, the neighborhood residents.)
7. When you plan a “community center” in secret and then tell the literal people in that community who own the properties and pay the taxes that THEIR OPINION DOESN’T MATTER, you are NOT building “a community center.”
Next meeting is 7/19 at City Hall. More to come.
On Tuesday, candidates and supporters gathered at Manchester City Hall for our first Town Square: Come hear ye, hear ye! The goal of these recurring monthly events is:
"Candidates, bring your 5 minute stump speeches! Voters, bring your questions! Let’s have some fun while we respectfully discuss issues important to us in our communities. Hope to see YOU there! Be there, or be, well, not at the Town Square! :P"
You can catch my short speech here–my first ever Facebook Live! Eek!
Two Republican candidates from Ward 3 joined the fun, each also giving a short introductory speech. I hope next time even more candidates–of all persuasions–show up. Let’s bring some human interaction to the race!
Read what inspired me here.
Help me win! Donate today!
Follow my campaign on Facebook and Twitter.
Tell a friend or family member in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11). Word of mouth is a powerful tool!
Thanks for your support! Let’s build a better future for all Granite Staters, young and old!
A couple of weeks ago, I met a retired firefighter while out on the Piscataquog River trail. We walked together for about an hour, chatting about life in New Hampshire and my Carla Gericke for NH State Senate race. He spoiled Nellie with treats. He seemed to like my general joie de vire and invited me to join him today to help make pierogies at the Holy Trinity Polish Catholic Cathedral on Pearl Street–what a beautiful church, masterfully renovated!
Pictured is my first ever pierogi. The folks I met were oh-so patient and kind with my clumsy attempts! Clearly, there’s room for improvement, but the kitchen said most of them held when cooked, so there’s that. (And, I remembered my apron!)
Thank you to Stan for the invitation, to Rick for the tour of the cathedral, and to all the folks I met who spent their Wednesday morning selflessly making hundreds of pierogies for their community, including a spry 94 year old lady whose pierogies were, as far as I could tell, perfect (as practice does).
If YOU would like me to come meet with and chat to your community in District 20 (Goffstown & Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11), please email carla (at) carla4nhsenate (dot) com. I’d love to come and meet you!