Current items of interest for Sandwich residents and visitors.

---

Burn Permits
Jim Mykland, Town Fire Warden, writes: Effective immediately a Fire Permit is required for any outside burning in the Town of Sandwich. Due to on going Covid concerns it is requested that all Fire Permits be obtained on-line. Just Google 'nh fire permits' and you'll see the link at the top. On-line Permits cost $5.50 this year. DO NOT plan to obtain your Permit at Town Hall, the Fire Station or Ben Adriance's, we are still trying to limit contact as much as possible.

If you are unable to obtain a Permit on-line, or for a seasonal cooking or campfires Permits, call me at 603-284-6450 or the Central Fire Station at 603-284-6264 to arrange to pick one up. The completed Permit will be placed in the white mailbox on the Moultonborough side of the building. Please remember to sign it and leave the yellow copy. These may not be available immediately upon request so give yourself a day or two if you are planning to burn a brush pile.

The rules for burning are on the web site where you get the Permit. Please read them and follow them. You are responsible for any costs incurred for extinguishing an illegal fire or a fire that gets out of control. Please remember you can only burn, with a permit, between 5pm an 9am or if it is raining out.
Jim Mykland, Forest Fire Warden, Town of Sandwich

Spring! photo by Jude Davis

Sandwich Recycling Project
The Sandwich Recycling Project (SRP) will be sending out posts on the Sandwichboard every week in April to help celebrate Earth Month, 2021. We will start early, however, with an interesting Less Plastic Challenge from Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG) since there is a deadline of April 15. We're encouraging artists, engineers, kids & families to participate.

A complete list of Earth Day activities, videos, and projects can be found on their site starting April 1st! http://www.gmcg.org/earth-day-2021-and-the-less-plastic-challenge/  There are many ways to start reducing and reusing plastic in your daily life, which is why GMCG is encouraging students to take action and have fun with this challenge. By the way, the Sandwich Recycling Project (SRP) will be hosting an Earth Day Sandwich Clean-up on Saturday, April 17th.  More later! Our Best, Cindy, Alaina, Jim, Jessie & Peggy (The SRP)

ATTP Shows 2022
Alicia Edgar writes: Help us choose what shows to produce for 2022! We've included a selection of plays we're interested in doing, but feel free to name a different play in the comments section! The two plays with the most votes will be our Spring and Summer 2022 Shakespeare productions!  The poll will be open March 17-April 20, so make sure to cast your vote!  Please email Alicia for the link to the Google Doc.

After you vote, help us celebrate Shakespeare's 457th Birthday with a gift to support our 2021 season!  If we can raise $5,000 before the end of May, the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative Foundation will award us with a $5,000 matching grant. These funds will allow ATTP to produce our 2021 Summer Season and continue to bring the literary and performing arts to our community.  Click here to support ATTP: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTA5MDMx

Sandwich Business Group
The next Sandwich Business Group meeting will be the evening of Monday, June 7 via Zoom. Martha Nichols will be running the meeting for the second quarter in her capacity as the Chair of the Marketing Committee, part of the shared leadership of the SBG by committee chairs in 2021. Anyone interested in the group is welcome to attend. please contact Vicky Galkina at sec.sandwichnhbizgroup@gmail.com for the Zoom link. 

SBG Renewal reminder
If you have not already sent your annual dues in, this is a gentle reminder to do so: Sandwich Business Group, PO Box 116, Center Sandwich, NH 03227. 2021 dues have been reduced to $65. You can also pay online.

Covid Vaccinations
​NH has a vaccine website where you can schedule a vaccination: https://www.vaccines.nh.gov.  If you know someone in town that would like to register for the first COVID shot via the registration website but can't because they lack computer and/or Internet access, please let them know to contact the Library to book some computer time on one of the public computers. Staff are available to help with registration if needed. By the end of this week, everyone in NH 16+ will be able to register for the vaccine. It is planned and hoped that everyone will have a chance to have their first dose by May 1.

After-hours DROP BOX for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector
There is a new after-hours DROP BOX located at the back entrance to Town Hall.  If leaving a payment, kindly include the bottom portion of your tax bill and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like a receipt mailed to you. You can also visit our website:  www.sandwichnh.org.   Scroll down to Tax Payment Kiosk to view/print your receipt. The Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office will maintain regular business hours on Tuesday and Thursday, processing all transactions (Motor Vehicle Renewals, Vital Records, etc. in addition to Tax payments).

COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Sandwich COVID-19 Relief Fund is still available for Sandwich residents facing financial challenges related to COVID-19: This fund is designed to provide temporary support and will be offered via gift cards or checks/vouchers to vendors and businesses based on the number of individuals in a family and specific needs. Assistance can include, but is not limited to, groceries, heating fuel, electric bills, gas, rent, and other necessary expenses. Any Sandwich resident may contact: *Cathy Graham, Selectmen’s Office (284-7701) tos@cyberpine.net cell: 491-2004 *Pastor Deb Hoffman, Community Church of Sandwich (284-6151) pastordeb@metrocast.net cell: 570-269-2000

The Town Pond in spring. Photo by Janina Lamb

Corner House Restaurant & Bar
​For more information about the restaurant, employment opportunities, and/or to reserve a meal, please call 603-284-6219 or email Lexi@cornerhouseinn.com. Please see this weekend's specials in addition to traditional menu items  https://www.cornerhouserestaurantandbar.com/eat. Lexi thanks you for your patronage & have a great, safe weekend! 

Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery
Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery is online at www.patricialaddcaregagallery.com.  The barn has no heating system so it is closed for the winter. The Gallery will be  featuring Zoom workshops, conversations, and art history incites as well as more online exhibits and special sales.  For more information email patricialaddcaregagallery@gmail.com or call 284 7728.

Back of Town Hall in spring. Photo by Janina Lamb

Dragonfly Yoga Barn
Katie O'Connell writes: Happy to share Yoga with all of you at Dragonfly Yoga Barn. We currently offer classes 7 days a week online, and with our series classes running, you can choose from up to 9 different classes of all different levels and styles! I hope you will make yoga part of your new year and enjoy greater health and wellbeing in 2021! You can reach all of our daily classes here: https://dragonflyyogabarn.com/Simply hover over the turquoise class name, and follow the prompts to register. Hope to see you soon on the mat!

Basket Street Yoga
2 Basket Street Yoga classes are on  Zoom! Please go to the schedule page on Molly's website 2basketstreetyoga.com where you can sign up for classes. (You have to create an account first.*) You can also email her and she will add you to the class schedule. For the foreseeable future, until the coast is clear, all classes will continue on Zoom.

Sandwich Business Group Economic Development Committee
The Sandwich Business Group (SBG) is looking for volunteers to participate on a committee to consider economic development policy recommendations for Sandwich.  You do not have to be a member of the SBG to participate.  While experience in economic analysis or having worked in small group settings is helpful, a desire to see the number of businesses in Sandwich grow and prosper or just a deep interest in the future of Sandwich is a definite plus.  The ultimate objective will be to serve as a resource of information for a formal subcommittee of the Planning Board which will create a rough draft rewrite of Chapter 6 (Economic Development) of the 2011 Town Master Plan.

​Our expectation is that work on this committee will be at least several months in length in order to thoroughly review the potential indicators of economic health as well as solicit input from residents of the town on this subject. If you have an interest in serving on this committee, please contact Don Sutton, President, SBG at dsutton68@gmail.com

Water Sample Results from the Public Spring
Hi All, The latest bacteria test from Elliott Spring showed less than allowable amount of bacteria.  This means the water tested safe for consumption. This water will be tested periodically throughout the year to monitor bacteria presence. We are very pleased with the results from this test, and if you see Skip Hoag, Jon Peaslee, or Ty Bryant, please thank them for their work on this project. We appreciate the patience and support of the community during this project. The analysis on 11/11 showed the water was safe for consumption; however, it is possible that bacteria contamination occurs again.  We hope folks should collect and consume the water at their own risk.  We will update the board each time we take a sample. 

And a thank you to all of our community for your patience and interest in this project.  We are hopeful that our efforts will control the bacteria and keep the water clean for years to come.  However, bacteria infiltration is possible and our monitoring can only go so far, so please use this Spring with the understanding that bacteria presence is possible at all times. Thanks, Ole Anderson, Sandwich Parks and Recreation

North Sandwich Friends Meeting
Susan Wiley writes: The Meetinghouse is open for unprogrammed worship at 10:30 on Sundays. Reasonable restrictions are enforced (distancing, masks, etc.).  Should   it be you are not able to join us on Sunday mornings, please feel free to step away from your busy household and stop by one the most quiet and peaceful places in the region. Please be reasonable and safe when on the premises.  With love and wishes for peace, Susan nsfmnh@gmail.com

Community Church of Sandwich
Holy Week starts on Sunday: Palm Sunday Worship, March 28 at 10 am, Maundy Thursday Service, April 1 at 7 pm, Good Friday Service, April 2 at 7 pm in the Methodist Meetinghouse. Easter Sunrise Service, April 4 at 6:15 am at Walter Johnson’s home, 48 Holderness Rd. Ctr. Sandwich . Easter Celebration, April 4 at 10 am in the Methodist Meetinghouse.

The Community Church of Sandwich is offering in-person worship. Masks and social distancing are required. You are encouraged to worship in the way you feel is best for you.  Online worship will remain an option as worship will be recorded and made available later in the day.  Livestream worship is being considered in the near future.

Sunday morning worship is at 10:00 am in the Methodist Meetinghouse. Rev. Deb Hoffman is the pastor, Judy English is the organist. Child care is provided.

Bible Study on the book of Romans meets each Wednesday at 6:30 pm via Zoom. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Deb to receive the book and the link. The group is using a study book by N. T. Wright.

Book Group meets Mondays at 10 am. The Lenten Book being read and discussed is  “The Last Week” by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. There is the option to meet in person at the Baptist Meeting House or use the Zoom link that will be provided.

Prayer Time Via Zoom on Sunday’s at 6:30 pm.  Please email Pastor Deb at pastordeb@metrocast.net if you are interested in receiving the link. Virtual Coffee Time meets each Thursday morning at 10 am via Zoom. Please contact Pastor Deb for link.

Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet again on Thursday March 25 at 1 pm  at Baptist Meeting House. If you’d like info on this ministry, please call the church office at 603-284-6151.

Quarantine Stories
The Sandwich Historical Society would like your quarantine stories, pictures, or short videos. What have you been doing while at home?  How has your life changed?  THE SHS would like to record this for future generations. Please send any contributions to suehamgreene@gmail.com. Thank you for contributing!

Sandwich Transfer and Recycling Center
Effective immediately glass is once again able to be recycled at the transfer station. Waste Management who has the contract for single stream recycling and trash management has made this change. Glass now goes into the single stream recycling dumpster.

Transfer Station operating hours are Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday 8-4 and Sunday 12-4.  Masks/cloth face coverings are required. In an effort to keep social distance and minimize time at the Transfer Station, only one car at a time came move up to the dumpster and then unload quickly and proceed promptly. Household Trash and Recyclables will be accepted. The Swap Shop is closed. Residents are encouraged to visit on Wednesday or Friday to reduce traffic on the weekend. 

The Sandwich Transfer Station is only accepting a limited amount of homeowner construction debris. Please talk to the attendant for more information., the Road Agent did confirm with North Country Recycling in Tamworth that they will take it.  They have scales and will charge $115. per ton. Their hours:  Monday - Friday, 8:00 am. to 4:00 pm and Saturday, 8:00 am. - 1:00 pm

The Transfer Station has experienced an increase in contaminated recycling over the past few weeks that have prevented our contracted recycling partner from accepting our recyclables. In addition, the previously acceptable level of contamination has been reduced and we are now in need of 100% compliance. Please remember to rinse your recyclables to ensure they are processed!

A clothing & shoe recycling container is located in the same location as the Planet Aid box (Planet Aid has since gone out of business).  If you have any questions, please ask one of the Attendants!

Photo by Jude Davis

Sandwich Climate Crisis Coalition
The Sandwich Climate Crisis Coalition (SCCC) are an ad-hoc group of more than 60 concerned citizens and part of a growing movement of towns in New Hampshire who are responding to the Climate Crisis with a commitment to promote energy and environmental conservation and use of alternative renewable resources. More than 67 New Hampshire towns have either passed or are working on climate warrant articles.

The key message: The more research we do, the more evident it becomes that our goal of 100% reliance on renewable sources of electricity by 2030 and for all other energy needs, including heating and transportation, by 2050 in the town of Sandwich will be very doable.

We welcome all concerned and interested Sandwich residents and other towns to join our Coalition with Communication, Education, Legislative, Conservation, and Solar committees to choose from. Please email marklongley@sbcglobal.net if you would like to receive SCCC emails and/or join our membership. Visit our website: just google Sandwich Climate.org.

Sandwich Recycling Project
 The Sandwich Recycling Project (SRP) will be sending out posts every week in April to help celebrate Earth Month, 2021. We will start early, however, with an interesting Less Plastic Challenge from Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG) since there is a deadline of April 15. We're encouraging artists, engineers, kids & families to participate.

A complete list of Earth Day activities, videos, and projects can be found on their site starting April 1st! http://www.gmcg.org/earth-day-2021-and-the-less-plastic-challenge/  There are many ways to start reducing and reusing plastic in your daily life, which is why GMCG is encouraging students to take action and have fun with this challenge. By the way, the Sandwich Recycling Project (SRP) will be hosting an Earth Day Sandwich Clean-up on Saturday, April 17th.  More later! Our Best, Cindy, Alaina, Jim, Jessie & Peggy (The SRP)

Sandwich Fund for Children and Youth
Sandwich Residents - 'Tis the time of year to get your application for programs for the school year (Sept.-June).  Business is done via PO Box 95 03227.  The Fund provides subsidy for Sandwich children, youth, and young adults under the age of 26 to participate in approved programs, providing enrichment, recreation, camp programs, education, driver ed and licensed child care programs.  Applications are accepted throughout the year.  There are two  funding cycles (school year and summer).  Applicants may apply twice a year for an award up to $500 per child.  SFCY does not pay back bills.  Applications are available at Sandwich Town Hall, Sandwich Recreation Program, Sandwich Central School, Inter-lakes Junior and Senior High Schools, and  licensed child care providers. This fund is supported by the Alfred Quimby Fund in partnership with the Trustees of Trust Funds for the Town of Sandwich. Susan Wiley

Sandwich Woman's Club Book and Supply Money 2021
If you are a Sandwich resident and a recent high school graduate working on your first undergraduate degree, you are eligible to receive funds for Books and Supplies from the Sandwich Woman’s Club. To request funds, please write a note to the Sandwich the Woman's Club, PO Box 485, Center Sandwich, NH 03227. In the note introduce yourself, share your goals for the future, and your plan to reach those goals. Don't forget to include your contact information--name, mailing address, email and/or phone number.

Students may request Book and Supply Money each year (no more than 4 years) of their undergraduate career. The Sandwich Woman's Club raises money with a raffle during Old Home Week (Thursday 8/12/21 at 2 pm on the green). Funds raised are used to help Sandwich young adults with some of the expenses that come with continuing their education. The amount is usually $150 to $200 per student depending on the funds raised by the raffle and the number of students requesting funds. Checks are written to the student shortly after Labor Day and do not interfere with other financial aid awards.

Students must write the notes themselves and mail is preferred. If a student is short on time or out of town, they may send an e-mail to the sandwichwomansclub@gmail.com. The May 1 deadline will still apply. Please include Book and Supply in the Subject Line.

Broadband Advisory Committee
Julie Dolan writes: Our Broadband Committee found from our Listening Sessions that Sandwich has so many citizens who want the peaceful beauty of our Town, but also have to work, much of which is now by Internet.  There are publishers, researchers, health care providers, business owners and leaders, editors, journalists and employees who work for companies that use telecommuting.... very few of them have Internet service up to the challenge of allowing transfer of large amounts of data or video conferencing. Our own Fire and Police departments and Town offices continually have more work that needs to be done electronically, and have been hindered by slow Internet.  They, at least, have access to higher speeds since they are physically closer to the phone company central office on Squam Lake Rd.

We are working hard to research the issue, explore our options and learn about potential Broadband providers.  We are also actively involved with the Carroll County Broadband initiative, which includes all Towns in our county.  From our research, we have learned that this a huge problem for all of rural America, and funding is starting to flow to connect these areas.  Our committee meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6 - 8 PM at Town Hall, if anyone would like to attend.  There is also a Committee page on the Town website that has information and minutes from our meetings.  We have an email address:  Sandwich.Broadband@gmail.com if you would like to send us an email. You can also snail mail our committee at the Town address, which is PO Box 194, C. Sandwich, NH, 03227, or call Town Hall at 284-7701 and ask for a committee member to call you back.

We will be posting a more comprehensive summary of the Listening Sessions on the BAC page on the Town of Sandwich website (www.sandwichnh.org).  We would like to encourage anyone interested to visit that page to read that summary, as well as our “Backgrounder” which gives in depth information about Internet / broadband issues.