In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, many events and group activities have been canceled. A list of business and organizations' responses to the current situation, including events that are now taking place online, can be found on the new page called Sandwich Responds. Events that are actually happening in the real world can be found on This Week.

A compendium of current items of interest for Sandwich residents and visitors.

Outdoor Burning
Sandwich Forest Fire Warden, Jim Mykland writes: Even though the State of New Hampshire hasn't cut off fire permits, yet, due to the worsening drought conditions, taking a drive around Town the dry conditions are evident in the low water level in ponds and the brooks dried up to mere trickles of water. I walked into Guinea Pond this afternoon and I have never seen the wetlands and brooks along the old railroad bed as low as I did today. Even the Pond itself was pretty low.

So until we get significant rainfall we will not be writing or issuing any new Fire Permits. To those who may have gotten one on line, be extremely cautious and be very aware of the weather conditions. As an example, this afternoon had very low humidity and a freshening wind. Any fire would have jumped into the dry fuels and been impossible to stop. Take a minute to look at what those poor people on the west coast have been enduring and you see what can happen here or anywhere with the right set of conditions.

Don't use your fire pits or campfires either. A moment of inattention can have terrible consequences. Beside the danger to life safety in trying to contain these things remember you are responsible for all containment costs if a fire you started escapes into the fields or woods.

Defacing or Stealing Political Signs
A reminder from our Police Chief, Shawn Varney: Any type of destruction, defacing or theft of a political sign on anyone's private property is against the law. Anyone found doing this can be charged with criminal mischief, vandalism or theft. We all have a right to post a political sign on our property per our 1st Amendment rights.  Please obey the law and respect the opinions of others.

A local resident added:  In addition to the available criminal penalties for violating RSA chapter 664, the Legislature has established a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation for "removing, defacing, or destroying political advertising on private property." RSA 664:21, VI (a)-(b). 

The Great Sandwich Fall Boat Auction
Boats are available for inspection during regular transfer station hours. Sealed Bids are due at Town Hall by 4pm on Monday, September 28.  Place in the drop-box at the back of the building or mail:  PO Box 194, Center Sandwich, NH  03227.  Please mark on the outside of the envelope:  ‘Boats Sealed Bid’.  Bid should indicate boat number and bid amount and include your contact information.  Minimum Bid $20. Winning bidders must remove boat from the Sandwich Transfer Station during normal Transfer Station hours.  Boats must be removed by 4pm, Friday, October 30th , 2020.  All boats are offered “AS IS” the town makes no representations as to the soundness of any vessel – bidders must make their own assessment. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids

Master Plan Energy Writing Committee
The Master Plan Energy Chapter Writing Committee, a subcommittee of the Planning Board, will meet every Tuesday and Thursday starting September 7th, at 9am via zoom to work on the Energy Chapter of the Sandwich Master Plan.  Please email khthorndike@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

Water Sample Results from the Public Spring
Hi All, We got our recent water sample results back and the water is still confirmed to have coliform bacteria.  The most recent results showed 9.1 MPN of 100ml of water.  The results from earlier this summer were 29.5 MPN of 100ml of water.  So it seems some of the bacteria mitigation strategies we performed did reduce the bacteria presence.  However, 9.1 is still above acceptable levels for consumption.  The acceptable level is listed as less than 1 MPN of 100ml  of water.  We advise against the direct consumption of water from this Spring. We will perform more bacteria mitigation strategies at the end of this month or in early October. NH DES boil advisory factsheet is below.  You can boil this water for 1 minute to kill coliform bacteria. Thank you for your patience and understanding,
Ole Anderson

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Knit, Pray, Crochet
Pastor Deb has felt led to offer a Prayer Shawl Ministry at the Community Church of Sandwich. The group will meet once a month, the fourth Thursday at 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the Baptist Meeting House. The day and time and place can be flexible once we get a small group established. Everyone is welcome. Safe social distancing and masks are the norm these days.

This ministry is based upon prayer…praying for a person while knitting or crocheting. Sometimes we know who we are making the prayer shawl or prayer blanket for and so prayers are specific for that person; however, many times shawls and blankets are created without knowing who they will go to and so we pray for God’s blessing, peace and healing for the person who will be receiving this shawl or blanket.

Since Pastor Deb is just starting the group, there is not yet a supply of blankets and shawls made; however, the church would be happy to take names and prayer concerns for people and get a blanket or shawl to them as soon as possible. Shawls and blankets will be blessed in worship and then distributed. They can also be mailed after the blessing.

There are several ways you can participate in this ministry: Join us in knitting or crocheting. Purchase yarn for the ministry, or donate money for yarn. Provide Pastor Deb (603-284-6151,  570-269-2000) with names of people to lift up in prayer and be recipients of a shawl
or blanket. Please note: Prayer requests can be kept confidential and not lifted up by name or identifying circumstance. Please pray for this ministry.

Sandwich Historical Society
Friends and Neighbors,
A few updates and reminders for you:  
1. Summer Exhibit continues:  "Our Women of Sandwich"  ~  Visit our website and select "Our Women of Sandwich" for all the details.  Remember, each week (select "Virtual Women") we highlight another woman (past or present).  Send us your nomination and please include a story, picture, etc.  
2. "Our Women of Sandwich" Recipes - NEW!  Each week on our website, we will highlight a seasonal recipe from our collection of vintage cookbooks and booklets from the women of Sandwich.  
3.  Membership Renewals: In an effort to be efficient and save costs, renewal notices will come by email.  We will continue to  mail renewal notices to those who have not shared their email address.  If you know your membership expiration date, please feel free to mail your renewal requests or use Paypal on our website to renew.  Thank you!  We are grateful for your continued support! 
4.  101st Excursion Bulletin: Work on the Bulletin continues, and we hope to have it published in September.  Stay tuned. Best, SHS Staff

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!

Willow Pond Antiques
Willow  Pond is still open. You will find our town’s favorite Anne Made Scottish Shortbread and Anne Perkins' beautiful handmade cashmere gloves. They have a great selection of current hard covered books including top Chef’s cookbooks. Antique furniture, vintage goods, local paintings and lots of fun and whimsy are also in the shop. Jane also brings several dozen of her Farm Fresh Eggs, come early they go fast. Willow Pond  will be open for the months of July and August, Thursday thru Saturday 11 to 4. They are requiring people to wear masks, if you don’t have one they will supply. The shop is located at 12 Main Street in the Village of Center Sandwich.

Forbes Housing Project
Construction work on the erection of the Forbes House, opposite the Sandwich Grange Hall, has begun.  The Quimby Trustees request that the public not interrupt the construction crew during normal working hours. In the event that someone needs to contact a member of the Bean construction crew, we request you do so after working hours. For curiosity seekers, a sign has been posted on site explaining the project and the future of the building.
Thank you, Quimby Trustees, Peter Pohl, Kirke Read, Geoff Burrows.

Forbes Housing Project under construction, photo by Jude Davis

Slow Pitch Softball
Bob Michael writes: Guys, gals and kids, come one, come all! Friday night slow pitch softball. Time to get off the couch or the video games and get some exercise. Dust off that ball glove, find the bats and balls and come have some fun. Where: Quimby Field in the Centah. When: 5:00 pm Friday August 7th and every Friday after unless we agree on a different night. Fun will be had by all and social distancing practices will be followed. YOU can do it. All are welcome. Some extra equipment available, so don’t let the lack of equipment stop you. Suit up - show up

The Village Café and Frame Shop
With extreme sadness, we must announce the closing of the Village Art Cafe and Country Store. The inability to hire qualified employees and the apprehension surrounding the Covid-19 Virus have made it impossible for us to continue operating. As the owners of 25 Main Street, Sandwich, we are contemplating selling or renting the space as a one-family residence or two, upscale, fully-equipped apartments. Currently, the top floor is being rented out as a two-bedroom apartment with a beautiful view of Quimby Field, the Fairgrounds and the Sandwich Range.

During this transition, we will continue to operate the Art Gallery and its Framing Service on an "appointment only" basis. Some of our Fine Art will be displayed in the front of the shop. You may call (914) 420-6871 for an appointment to view our paintings and discuss your framing needs. Nicholas Vazzana, Owner and Manager

DOT installs signs bordering Little Pond Road on Rte. 25.

New DOT signs
Dick Seery writes: Researching how to attract visitors to the area over this past year, the Sandwich Business Group (SBG) collaborated with the Select Board, the Historical Society and the Quimby Trust to complete the directional road sign project.  The cooperative efforts helped expedite the project.   

The project extended over a year due to NH DOT rules and regulations pertaining to the statewide Scenic Byway Corridor.  The project eventually chose uniform highway signage as the best way to attract visitors. The entry way via Little Pond Road to Rte. 109 in lower corner introduces the historic “mystery” wall and leads to breathtaking scenic views alongside unique architectural attractions topping Wentworth Hill.  A journey back in time awaits all visitors.

GENERAL ELECTION DAY- November 3, 2020 - unregistered voters may register and vote on this day.

Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery
Kathryn Field has a beautiful show of paintings on exhibit. Ashley Bullard just brought in an amazing collection of new work.  Everyone has been loving Cameron Roberts' landscapes and Liz Wilson's new paintings.  Peggy Merritt has new prints and CC Whites drawings of  Tribal Dances put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.  If an outing is too much, visit our store at patricialaddcaregagallery.com.

Beginning Monday, September 16th Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10 to 5.  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we will be open by appointment or chance.  To make an appointment please call or text 603 986 6545 or email patricialaddcaregagallery@gmail.com. Our current exhibit features 3 local artists:  Ashley Bullard, Sandwich, Valerie Vermeulen, Holderness and Liz Wilson, New Hampton.  Hope to see you before the snow flies! 

Ashley Bullard, Squam Puzzled, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches

Letter From Camp Hale
Dear Sandwich friends and neighbors, firstly, I hope you and your families are healthy and happy during this unprecedented summer.  We miss you.
 
As you know, our goal this summer was to welcome you into the transformed Camp Hale that we all worked so hard to create for our campers and their families!  Unfortunately, we were struck by the impacts of the COVID-19 virus and had to close our Boston site in mid-march and cancel Camp Hale for the 2020 summer season in May. This has been an incredibly painful and difficult decision, and one that we hoped we would never have to make. Although we cannot serve our children on Squam this summer, I am excited to say that we are working even harder to partner with their families to offset the traumatic effects of this pandemic.
 
During the shutdown, we were able to identify that several of our families who live below the poverty line were most affected by unemployment and food insecurity. At that point, we knew we had to re-imagine our services to help them during this time of need. We pivoted our programs to connect remotely with families, launch a mini-grant program to help cover essential expenses, and create a food delivery program to distribute healthy groceries. Please check out www.uses.org for more about our neighbor2neighbor COVID-19 response!
 
If you would like to support the children and families most impacted by this crisis, please email me (jcox@uses.org) to find out ways to learn more.  Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to you joining us in keeping families safe and supported through this crisis. CAMP HALE! WHOO YAH!
Peace and Love,
Jerrell Cox Vice President of Development and External Relations
United South End Settlements Uniting Community to Strengthen Families

BeBop Lab Studies Ticks
Susan Wiley writes: A non-profit group was recently formed to gather data and study ticks.  The only organization in NH that tracks ticks and tick-borne diseases is BeBop labs.  They are now seeking the help of citizen scientists.  Dr. Kaitlyn Morse has researched ticks for years. Morse states that with the changing climate it is now a necessity to continually track our risk of tick-borne diseases especially in the northern and underserved state of New Hampshire. Maps and data are available on the website. There is a whole lot to learn and lots of opportunity to assist with this project.  Check it out - https://www.bebop-labs.com/ 

North Sandwich Friends Meeting House

Face Masks
From Dan Peaslee: Elaine and I have set up a little assembly line and we’re producing face masks. We have provided close to one hundred masks to organizations and healthcare groups. We now are offering to individuals and families. We are donating when it is needed and if someone wants to pay we are asking $10.00. We can be reached at the email above or elaine@rnpeasleeandsons.com, dan@rnpeasleeandsons.com

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.

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).

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

Shoe and Clothing Recycling
The Selectmen's Office writes: Thanks to both Kevin Smith and our Road Agent, we now have a new clothing & shoe recycling container at the Sandwich Transfer Station.  The 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!

Art/Activity Items for the Library
Youth Librarian, Katie Wonders is gathering some gently used items to start some "clubs" for the kids that spend time at the library; if anyone is willing to donate anything listed below, it would be greatly appreciated!! Chess Board(s); Sketchbooks; Pencils; Erasers; Charcoal pencil; a Timer. Please reach out with any questions by stopping by the library or calling 284-6665

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.

 Fire Permits Required
Fire Permits are now required. Because of the current shut downs and to keep our few front line firefighters and Town Staff as safe as possible, please get your permits on-line. Go to nhdflweb.sovsportsnet.net or just Google "nh fire permits" and go to the page for the on-line permit. Read all the information and fill out the form. No matter where you get your mail delivered, please fill in Sandwich when it asks for the town or city and 03227 for the zipcode. I think this will keep the processors happier. The on-line permit will cost you $3.00. Please do not go the the Town Hall or Ben Adriance's house, or stop by the fire station.

If for whatever reason you feel unable to get a permit on line call Sandwich Forest Fire Warden Jim Mykland at 603-284-6450 or 603-387-7104 or call the Fire Station at 603-284-6264 to see if someone is there. Leave a message with a call back number and I or Chief Call will write out a permit and leave it to be signed in the small white letterbox on the Moultonborough side of the Central Fire Station by the side door. Please read it and sign it and take the WHITE copy and leave the yellow copy in the box. This might take a day or two so plan ahead. If you want a permit, don't wait until the last minute.

All the usual rules apply: nothing bigger than 5 inches, no painted or treated wood, nothing but wood, no building materials, etc., only burn between 5pm and 9am. For seasonal camp fires or cooking fires call me at the above numbers.

Jim Mykland adds as a final note: Looking back from more than 45 years of firefighting experience I can say without qualification there is nothing that you feel you have to burn that can't wait a week, a month or a season. Please keep this in mind and don't put the safety of your Firefighters in danger. Burn later.