Sandwich News Column

Moonset. Sandwich photographer Brook Hedge captures the Cold moon setting just to the left of Mt. Doublehead on December 15.

By Stephanie Goddard​

Winter clouds hover in layers over the Sandwich Range, shrouding the peaks. Will they bring more snow? Or perhaps a brief thaw with rain before the deep freeze? Gray squirrels scurry and wild turkeys range the roadsides, gathering nutrition to bring them through these cold, short days, on to warmer months.
Here’s a few of the fun and interesting events coming up in the next couple weeks in and around Sandwich: (you can read more about them below!)


December 27 – Watercolors at the Library
December 27 – The Starlight Honeys at Cornerhouse
December 28 – Storytime and snowflakes at Library
December 28 – Raclette Night at Foothills
January 2 – Property Taxes Due
January 3 – Sandwich Singers in Tamworth


Samuel H. Wentworth Library
Samuel H. Wentworth Library is located at 35 Main Street, PO Box 146 Center Sandwich, NH 03227 phone: (603) 284-6665; email: [email protected]. Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 12:00 – 5:30, Thursday and Friday, 10:00 – 5:00, and Saturday 10:00 – 12:30.
Upcoming events for kids and families at the Samuel H. Wentworth library in Sandwich:
Friday, December 27 - 10:30-12:30 Watercolors (Drop-in anytime)
Saturday, December 28 -  10:30-12 Family storytime and Paper snowflakes
Thursday, January 2 -Thursday 10:30-12:30 LEGO Challenges (Drop-in anytime)
Friday, January 3 -10:30-12:30 Watercolor resist painting (Drop-in anytime)
Saturday January 4 - 10:30-12 Family storytime and craft


A Christmas Carol Storytelling
On December 13 some 50 local friends and neighbors gathered at the Samuel H. Wentworth Library in Sandwich to hear the familiar Christmas Story by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol.” Sandwich resident Chris Boldt mesmerized listeners, as he stood in front of the fireplace,  entertaining listeners with different characters’ voices. Chris is known to deliver a Shakespeare character’s turn of phrase, but as audience member Anne Gallivan noted, ‘this was a delightful storytelling performance of Dickens’ written words taking us on a personally imaginative ride through the tale.


Sandwich Singers
The Sandwich singers are preparing three concerts of Songs and Stories of Waiting and Preparing. All are at 6:00 PM. This year’s theme is Waiting and Preparing. The program varies from church to church, but includes songs sung by the 25-member chorus, and stories and readings by various local favorites: storyteller Andy Davis, art historian David Wilkins, former Red Hill fire tower watchman Jim Mykland, thespian Chris Boldt, and Etruscan scholar Jane Whitehead, assisted by classicist Ann Wilkins. Peter Heimlich will appear at one of the concerts, as will the Melvin Bellringers at their home church.
Sandwich Singers has a long history. Some of the current singers, including director Peggy Johnson, were members of the original group while many of the singers have shorter tenures - and several have joined this year for the first time. You will know many of them. Each singer brings great gifts to the music and spirit of the season. One more opportunity to hear this great music.
Friday, January 3, - St. Andrew's-in-the-Valley, Tamworth
Concerts are free; Donations gratefully accepted


Books-Sandwiched-In


Attention all readers! Here's the line up of books for your winter reading. Thank you, book reviewers!
The Books Sandwiched In committee hopes you'll enjoy these books, and can join the discussions Mondays at noon in the library Community Room.
~January 13: Where You’ll Find Me by Ty Gagne, Reviewer Frances Strayer. Kate Matrosova was a highly skilled, world-class recreational climber. This compelling narrative details her last winter hike in the Presidentials in 2015, and the dangerous rescue attempt by state and local personnel. It’s a cautionary tale about perilous decision making and overly-ambitious goals. Ty Gagne is a certified wilderness first responder, and the author of The Last Traverse, another true story.
~January 27: Apeirogon by Colum McCann, Reviewer Lee Warren.
~February 10 All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley, Reviewers Cyd Clark and Jean Knox.
~February 24 The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride, Reviewer Mike Henriques.
~March 10 Our Moon, by Rebecca Boyle; Reviewer Adam Heard.
~March 24 James, by Percival Everett. Reviewer, Will Speers..
Books Sandwiched In is supported by The Friends of the S.H.Wentworth Library. The program meets Mondays at noon in the library Community Room and on Zoom.


Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods
SPONSOR A BIRDHOUSE FOR 2025 at Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods in beautiful Center Sandwich, New Hampshire! Your charitable donation of $100 will help fund the costs of seed, fresh nesting material, natural habitat maintenance and so much more for the wonderful wild birds that make Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods their home. Located along CSVW's scenic trails, each sponsored birdhouse is well-maintained and will display your sponsored Birdhouse # for all of 2025. Make it a unique gift. Give this meaningful, charitable gift to the bird/nature/wildlife enthusiast in your life. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law Federal Tax ID EIN #04-2210786 THANK YOU!
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods is located at 740 Mt. Israel Road, Sandwich.


A Look Back
Sandwich Historical Society Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Below are some excerpts. Grab a warm drink, settle down in your favorite reading spot and enjoy! Check out www.sandwichhistorical.org/miscellany-and-mystery online for more.
December 25, 1941:  (Forest Davis of Sandwich was among a crew building the Yankee Network Building atop Mt. Washington in late 1941. The Yankee Network was among the first FM radio stations in the United States.)
Contrary to expectation, the men who have been working atop of Mt. Washington are home for Christmas. They had to walk down and will make the ascent the same way when they return in a weeks’ time. Forest Davis reports that the most noticeable thing there is the wind, it blows all the time, and fifty miles an hour is normal, but usually it is much stronger than that. Last Saturday for instance when it reached 126 miles an hour. The snow blows off the peak almost down to the Halfway House, but from there on there is plenty with drifts from 6 feet to 10 feet deep. The men have to travel about a quarter of a mile to their meals, making the trip one at a time with a tight hold to the stout cable that runs between the two buildings. The food is excellent and there is plenty of it. Mr. Davis thinks there is six weeks more work on the job.
Last Thursday afternoon the Housing and Feeding Committee of the Civil Defense met at the Town Hall to draw up plans for the care of evacuees should an emergency bring any such our way.


Botanical Lampshades
The Shade Shed at Botanical Lampshades is closed for the season. But for an appointment call or email Jennifer Allen, 603-284-7468.


Corner House Restaurant
Winter specials are back! Every week, we'll be dishing up something delicious made with fresh, local ingredients. Tuesday is the night for burger lovers!
Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday, 4 – 9
Friday and Saturday 12 – 10
Sunday 12 – 9
We hear ya! We're now open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday starting at noon. That's right, folks, fuel up for those holiday shopping sprees (or post-Santa sugar crashes) with our delicious eats.
Friday evenings from 6 till 9, the Corner House hosts fantastic local musicians in the pub.
December 27 – Starlight Honeys
22 Main Street, Sandwich, NH 03227, email: [email protected]
(603) 284-6219


Foothills Café and Curio
Winter Hours:
Sunday – 10:00 am-9:00 pm       
Monday – 8:00 am-9:00 pm   
Tuesday – 11:30 am -3:00 pm   
Wednesday – 11:30 am-3:00 pm
Thursday – 8:00 am -9:00 pm    
Friday – 8:00 am-9:00 pm   
Saturday – 8:00 am -9:00 pm
Nancy Blaine of the Foothills writes: We will have a raclette night on Saturday Dec. 28th. So, tell all your friends from far and wide that The Foothills is back at offering the French Alps Après Ski meal that was featured in the Boston Chronicle! Melted raclette cheese over just about everything. Gather a group and make it a great community night out. Remember to check your cholesterol levels before and after.
So....come on down to The Foothills early and often and don't forget that we are now open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for lunch. 
Email [email protected].
The Foothills Café and Curio is located at 25 Main Street, Sandwich. 603-707-2424.


2 Basket Street Yoga
Led by Molly Powers Simmons, and located at 2 Basket Street, Center Sandwich.
Contact Molly at 617-461-9512, or visit the website at 2basketstreetyoga.com for more information or to sign up for classes.
Drop-in price: 15.00; 5-class pass - $65.00.
[email protected].


Dragonfly Yoga Barn
Upcoming news at Dragonfly Yoga Barn:
WEEKLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Weds: 8-9:15 am ~ Five Element Slow Flow (all levels)
Thurs: 5-6:15 pm ~ Vinyasa Flow (moderate)
Fri: 8-9:15 am ~ Yin Yoga (all levels, deep myofascial stretch)
Sat. 8-9:15 am ~ Five Element Flow
Sun. 5-6:15 pm ~ Yin Yoga 
Upcoming Retreats:
*Ayurveda India Retreat, Feb. 18 ~ Mar. 12, 2024: Healing & Wellness Retreat. 3 Weeks!
*Amorgos, Greece Yoga Retreat: May 16 ~ 23, 2025
Dragonfly is located at 280 Bennett Street, North Sandwich. Contact [email protected], or online at www.dragonflyyogabarn.com.


Eastman House Counseling and Yoga
Offered by Heather Cameron. Located at 909 Holderness Road, Center Sandwich. Yoga class is held on Fridays, from 9- 10 am, Mindful Slow Flow. Slow flow yoga is a gentle practice which combines deep breathing, stretching and relaxed postures to bring restorative energy and serenity to your body and mind.
Preregister via email, [email protected].


Your Neighbor’s Flowers
Spring Flower Share: For six lovely weeks, flower share members will receive a generous bouquet of freshly harvested flowers wrapped in recycled brown kraft paper featuring: Fancy daffodils, LOTS of lush tulips, Fragrant peonies, A rotating cast of other early spring favorites.
Why a Flower Share?
Megan of Your Neighbor’s Flowers writes: A flower share is like a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for flowers. When you join, you’re pre-purchasing a share of the blooms I grow during the season. This helps me plan ahead for planting and ensures I have the resources to grow a wide variety of flowers for the community. As a thank you for trusting in me, the flower share members will ALWAYS receive the very BEST flowers.
The Spring Flower share will begin around the week of May 12th, weather permitting, and continue through the week of June 16th. When you sign up choose between two convenient pick-up locations:
Farm Pick-Up: Thursdays, 3:30–5:30 PM, Center Harbor Pick-Up: Fridays, 12–4 PM at the charming Gusto Market 
Purchase Your Spring Flower Share Membership Here: https://www.yourneighborsflowers.com/product-page/spring-flower-share


Chestnut Meadow Farm
We still have storage onions, shallots and garlic for sale, so reach out to us if you need any. Chestnut Meadow farm is a small, family farm located at 146 Wentworth Hill Road in Sandwich. You can reach us at [email protected], or check out the website, www.chestnutmeadowfarm.com. We love knowing where our food comes from!


Mountain Breeze Farm
Mountain Breeze Farm specializes in fresh, local beef and pork, as well as maple syrup. They have a variety of cuts, such as pork loin roasts, small hams, breakfast sausage, bratwurst, bone-in chops, and spareribs; Also select beef steaks, ground beef, beef kielbasa, beef chorizo, and stew meat. Please inquire if you are looking for something not mentioned or would like a custom order. If you frequent the Plymouth area, you can order Mountain Breeze products through Local Foods Plymouth, an online farmer’s market. Place an order from Mountain Breeze and about 40 other local farmers and producers, Saturday through Wednesday, at localfoodsplymouth.org, and pick up in Plymouth on Thursday afternoon.
Contact Mountain Breeze at 603-677-2604 if you have any questions or to place an order. Mountain Breeze Farm is located at 327 Dale Road, Center Sandwich.


Something Wild Farm
Located at 430 North Sandwich Road. Pasture raised eggs, Maple Syrup, handmade candles, and more. Contact Richard at [email protected], and check out their website, somethingwildfarm.com.


Booty Family Farm
We are a certified organic farm located at 610 Mount Israel Road and have been in operation for over 40 years Stop by any time or call/text Steve at 860-227-0397. Thanks for supporting local, Steve Bartlett and the Booty Family Farm.


Sandwich Creamery
2 Maple Ridge Road, Sandwich. Self-serve, locally made ice cream and cheese. As for some of the cheese you will be seeing next year, one has already made a brief appearance, but will now be seen with more consistency: the “Olde English” cheddar. What makes the Olde English so distinct is the fact that we have allowed for a rind to grow. This year we will be moving the Olde English into our older round molds and cloth binding them, closer to the traditional style of its making. This will allow for a richer, more consistent growth of the rind and better flavor. Open from 9 am until 9 pm daily.


Papa Beans Ice Cream
Currently stocked in our freezer:
Ice Cream Pies, Ice Cream Cakes, Quarts - Sweet Cream (better than vanilla), Maple, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin, Cinnamon, Chocolate chip Cookie Dough, Mint Chip. Mint, Peppermint Candy 
Pints - Vanilla, chocolate, coffee, pumpkin gingersnap cookie, pumpkin, molasses ginger, cherry vanilla, black raspberry, rum raisin, cinnamon, mint chip, chocolate chip, peppermint candy, maple, and lemon ginger. 
1/2 pints – Honeyberry; Ice cream sandwiches; Lemon maple popsicles; 
Maple Products: Assortment of Plastic & Glass bottles of Maple syrup, Maple Bourbon Syrup, Maple Candy, and Maple Sugar. 
Located at 301 Wing Road, Sandwich. Open 7 days, 9 am – 9 pm.


Tamworth Community Food Center Welcomes You
If you or someone you know is in a position where access to food would be of help, please call the number provided. There are resources. The primary goal of the Tamworth Community Food Center is addressing hunger for those in need, serving the communities of Tamworth and Sandwich, NH. Our organization’s volunteers are trained and well-informed, knowing the value of awareness, action, and the effects of hunger. We are dedicated to providing fresh and nutritious food to people and families who may go without it. Our volunteers are devoted to understanding the significance and impact of community outreach. Donations from individuals, local organizations, businesses, and the towns provide stability and support, addressing the essentials of our citizens via sustainable solutions. It is our goal to tackle both short and long-term needs.
Every other Wednesday, from 11-3.
Located at St Andrews Church, 678 Whittier Road, Tamworth, NH. General Questions: 603-960-4067.


Senior Meals
Join the fun at our Wednesday lunch here in Sandwich! Sandwich senior meals take place on Wednesdays at noon at the Benz Center, 18 Heard Road, Center Sandwich. Additionally, Moultonboro senior meals are held Monday through Thursday at the Moultonboro Community Center (formerly Old Lions Club) at 139 Old Route 109. All are welcome. Coffee will be ready at 11:30!
Next week’s menu through December 31:
Monday, December 30: American chop suey, cauliflower, spinach, apples
Tuesday, December 31: Chicken casserole, broccoli, mixed vegetables, garlic bread, bananas
For those 60 years and older, meals are supported through local, state, and federal governments. Free will donations are most welcome.
The Moultonboro site chooses the menu and prepares it; food is delivered to Sandwich for serving.
In Sandwich, coffee is ready at 11:30. Desserts are usually set out by then; there is a good possibility one of our volunteers will arrive with a still-warm homemade sweet bread (banana and pumpkin come to mind). Fresh bouquets at each table. Tempting, isn't it?
P.S. The program is always in need of drivers to deliver meals to those in need. If you know someone who could benefit from home delivery in Sandwich, please call the Moultonboro site at 603-476-5110. Paperwork is a cinch to complete to get the ball rolling.


Sandwich Transfer Station
2023-2024 facility stickers are required for use of the Transfer Station (and swimming facilities). Stickers are available for purchase at Town Hall, by mail or by drop box. Transfer Station use is strictly prohibited for vehicles without stickers/passes (even for longtime residents!).
Sandwich Transfer Station hours are Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. Please arrive at the Transfer Station at least 15 minutes before closing to allow for unloading and closure for the day. Kevin and John appreciate being able to close on time. Reminder: if you are recycling larger cardboard, please be sure it is cut to a maximum size of 4' x 4'. Larger pieces jam up our compactors!


Town to Update Master Plan
The Planning Board is embarking on updating the 2011 Master Pan and the whole town needs to be involved. A subcommittee is being formed to lead the work of engaging all citizens in participating with their view of Sandwich today and what they envision into the future. Committee members will take on various tasks: doing a survey, conducting interviews, seeking experts, researching data. Get to learn more about your town, talk to your neighbors, and contribute your skills to craft the blueprint for the town’s future.
A Master Plan is the foundation for the Zoning Ordinance and all regulations that govern the grown of a town the way its citizens want it to be. Contact the Planning Board at [email protected] or ask at the town office.


Tax Rate Set
The Board of Selectmen and the NH Department of Revenue have finalized the 2024 tax rate. Upon review of the Town’s unexpended fund balance policy and after careful consideration, the Board of Selectmen have applied $100,000 of unexpended fund balance to reduce the overall tax rate to $9.05 per thousand dollars of assessed property value.
Per RSA 75:8-a, the State of New Hampshire requires that each town conduct a town-wide reappraisal of property so that assessments are at full and true value at least every five years. 2024 was Sandwich’s 5-year town-wide revaluation.
There are four components of the tax rate: Municipal, Local School (Inter-lakes School District), County, and State Education. The Selectmen’s decisions only impact the municipal portion of the tax rate.
In response to a request to the Selectmen for information regarding the increase in property values, additional reports will be added to the website (Forms and Documents/Property Assessments – Final Values and Reports).


Property Tax Bills Issued
This notice is to advise you that the 2024 P02 Sandwich Property Tax Bills were mailed to the address we have on file for you.

• Mailed:  Tuesday, December 3, 2024
• Tax Kiosk Data was updated after midnight on Monday, December 2, 2024
• Tax are Due on or before:   Thursday, January 2, 2025

If your mail is being forwarded or you believe you may have a delay in receiving your mail, you may access our Tax Kiosk to find your amount due; you may search by Owner, Parcel ID or Address.  You can then view and/or print your bill.    You cannot pay your bill on-line.   [Note:   Parcel IDs (Map/Lots) have changed in 2024 due to GIS remapping.   Search by Owner or Address for best results or reach out to my office at 603-284-7113 to confirm the amount due.]
You may make your payment in person, via mail, Bill Pay (from your bank account) or our secure Drop Box (located at the back entrance to Town Hall; top of the ramp).   Kindly include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your receipt stub if you would like your receipt mailed to you.  
If your taxes are paid out of an escrow account, please do not remit payment to the town as this will be handled by your financial institution.
For questions related to your tax assessment, please contact the Selectmen's Office at (603) 284-7701.
For questions related to your tax bills, please contact the Tax Collector's Office at (603) 284-7113.
The Tax office is closed Holidays and Election Tuesdays. Forms of payment accepted at the Tax Collector's Office are CASH and CHECKS only (no credit or debit cards).  Checks include BILL PAY from your Bank to the TOWN OF SANDWICH (Acct # should reference your Parcel ID or Street Address).


Town of Sandwich contact information
Alison Gage, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, [email protected]
Town Clerk’s office hours: Tues & Thurs 8:00am to 5:30pm
Courtney Delaney, Town Administrator, may be reached during regular office hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. e-mail: [email protected]
Kelly Cox, Administrative Assistant, may be reached during regular office hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. e-mail: [email protected]
Website: sandwichnh.org
Town of Sandwich
8 Maple Street, PO Box 194
Sandwich, NH 03227
P: 603-284-7113


Community Church of Sandwich
The Baptist Meetinghouse steeple will be rebuilt in 2025! The trustees had hoped to share better news; however, the steeple had to be taken down this fall due to extensive rot in the support timbers and in the base of the steeple just above the bell. It was deemed a serious safety issue and immediate removal was recommended. The base of the steeple has been capped and secured for winter/spring to protect it from further damage. The problem had developed over a long period of time with no visible evidence of any deterioration in the support timbers until we started our preservation and restoration project on that section of the steeple this past spring. It was a blessing our contractor, Tony Hibbard (New England Church Restorations) made the discovery before serious damage occurred. Rest assured; our steeple will be restored to its former grace next year. We will continue to keep you posted on our progress. At present, the trustees are developing a fundraising plan for this unexpected development in our ongoing Bell Tower Preservation and Restoration Project.

The Community Church meets at the Methodist Meeting House on Main Street for the fall and winter.
Moravian Love Feast will be celebrated in our worship at 10 AM on Sunday, December 29.  This is a time when we serve Moravian cake, juice, coffee and tea during worship while we share with one another where we have seen God working in our lives in 2024.
Worship with the Community Church on Sundays at 10 at the Methodist Meetinghouse, Main Street. Contact us by Mail: PO Box 267, Sandwich, NH 03227, email [email protected], or call 603-284-6151


Harvest Church of the Lakes Region
Harvest Church invites you to visit at 80 Bean Road in Moultonborough, Sundays at 10:00 am for contemporary worship and Biblical teaching. We have several meetings during the week as well: a men’s Bible Study on Mondays in Sandwich, and a home church meeting on Thursdays in Sandwich. Call for details! Contact us at [email protected] or 603-476-7037.


In the Round
In the Round takes place Sundays at 8:45 – 10:30 am at the Benz Center, 18 Heard Road, Sandwich.
In the Round, a community discussion group for the past 25 years, meets weekly in Sandwich. The topic is always thought provoking and related to what people are thinking about these days. In the Round welcomes all points of view, reasonably and respectfully considered. Anyone who wishes to join in that spirit of dialog is invited. Various viewpoints are welcomed. Everyone is welcome.