Current items of interest for Sandwich residents and visitors.

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Sunrise over Mt. Israel... Photo by Linda DeMaio

Sandwich Christmas in the Village
Only two weeks til the 45th Annual Sandwich Christmas in the Village Craft & Holiday Fair! Over 30 local craftspeople, shops and vendors will be participating at more than a dozen locations  throughout Sandwich. Find out  all about them at our newly updated website http://sandwichchristmasinthevillage.com  and follow us on Facebook.
Julie Deak, Webmaster  & Diane Johnson  Friendly Facilitator, sandwichchristmasinthevillage@gmail.com

​Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery
Our gallery will be open on Dec. 4th and 5th, 10 to 5  for Christmas in the Village.  We will have our League of NH Craftsmen merchandise by locally juried artists, plus invited guest artists here to sell their work. We look forward to seeing you and hope you will support all the local craftspeople in town that weekend. Please note that masks are required in our gallery for the safety of all, regardless of vaccination status. 603-284-6831, centersandwich.nhcrafts.org

Friends of the Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Samuel H. Wentworth Library will hold a Christmas/Holiday Book Sale from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, December 4. The 4th is the Saturday of Sandwich Christmas in the Village. After the 4th and continuing until December 15th, the sale will continue as self-serve in the Library Community Room during regular Library hours (Monday through Thursday 12-6, Friday 12:30-6, Saturday 9:30-1).
Seasonal books and items were held back after the Old Home Week Book Sale; and many more donations have been received, and are being received, and sorted. Expect to find books for all ages in new to nearly new condition that would be appropriate for winter reading and/or gift giving. Other items for sale include be some new diaries/blank journals, gently used puzzles and games with all pieces, holiday music CDs, like new DVDs, and possibly some other book-lover paraphernalia and tchotchkes. Donations, especially those in good enough condition to be given as gifts are welcome.
Please note that this is a holiday book sale and the range of items for sale will be limited. A much larger annual Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held during Old Home Week. As always, please do not donate damaged, musty, un-saleable items, VHS tapes, magazines. If you have any questions about this sale and/or the Friends of the Library, please contact FOL President, Diana Witt at 678-372-1530 or diana.witt@comcast.net

ATTP Twelfth Night
Advice To The Players, Sandwich’s own Shakespeare company, is excited to close their 2021season with Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night or What You Will". This is ATTPs 4th annual holiday production. Each annual festive show brings something new. This year’s Twelfth Night will be performed by a 50+ cast of experienced professional and local actors, and will be filled with your favorite holiday songs between scenes. This production will be a hybrid.
The performances will be December 11th at 7:30 and 12th at 5:30 on Zoom, and December 18th at 7:30 and the 19th at 5:30 at the Sandwich Town Hall Theater. In-person performances will be masked, limited seating available. The in-person performances will be performed in an oral interpretation style at music stands, to allow for distancing of actors. Tickets to this production are available for reservation online at advicetotheplayers.org or by calling 603-284-7115. The suggested donation for tickets is $15.

Community Christmas/Holiday Party
The Sandwich Woman's Club Annual Community Christmas and Holiday Party will be Saturday, December 18, from 1-3 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus have marked us on their calendar and elves are actively making lists and preparing. Because Covid is still with us, the gathering will be outside the Samuel H. Wentworth Library as it was last year. 
Gift bags will be prepared for every family in Sandwich with children from birth through grade 6.This includes all children who attend Sandwich Central School and their younger siblings; children at the Sandwich Children's Center and children who live with a Sandwich parent/guardian on the weekend plus any child who is visiting the day of the party.
If you are new to Sandwich, have a new baby or child in your home, or know of a new little one, please call Diane Johnson at 284-7168 to add his/her name to the list. This party has been a Sandwich Tradition for more than 80 years. The Sandwich Woman’s Club currently sponsors this party with the help of several organizations and individuals. If you miss the party, gifts will be under the tree in the children's area of the Library from December 20th through the 31st.

The Foothills Café
Here are our new hours beginning Friday November 26th. Monday and Tuesday: 7am to 2pm, Wednesday through Saturday: 7am to 9pm, Sunday: 10am to 5pm. info@thefoothillsofsandwich.com  603-707-2424

Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery
Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery will be open on weekends whenever the barn door is open. They will  be open at www.patricialaddcaregagallery.com all year long with some exciting online  exhibits for the holidays and the winter doldrums.  Thanks to all Patsy, Lisa, CC, Elaine and Jasper. Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery 69 Maple Street, Center Sandwich.  Patricialaddcaregagallery.com or patricialaddcaregagallery@gmail.com. 603-284-7728

Corner House Restaurant & Bar
We will be open Wednesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday from 4:30pm. 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: cornerhouserestaurantandbar.com/eat. 
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​Masks are No Longer Mandatory at the Transfer Station
Per the CDC guidelines, the Selectmen are lifting the mask mandate at the Transfer Station since it is an outdoor facility.  Masks will be optional at that facility.  Reminder:  please use the correct entrance to carry your bags to the containers and exit out the other.  The areas are well-marked for the proper pedestrian traffic flow. 

Transfer Station Hours
The Selectmen voted to extend the hours at the Sandwich Transfer Station on Sundays.  The hours on Sundays will now be 8am-4pm - at least through Columbus Day. 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.

The Town Pond at dusk. Photo by Franz Nicolay

NH Mobile Vaccination Van
The NH State Vaccination team will be at the Doris Benz Community Center, 18 Heard Road,  Wednesday Dec. 8 from 12:00 to 6:00 PM to administer second shots for kids who came Nov 16 (it will be 22 days), first shots for kids, and any adult shots needed.  12:00-2:00 Adults, 2:30-4:30 kids, 4:30 - 6:00 kids and adults. Please let us know via email:  BenzCommunityCenter@gmail.com  phone:  603 284 7211 or sign-up sheets in the building's foyer if you are interested.  Masks, Vaccination Cards, ID required.

The Benz Center
The Benz Center is pleased to announce that we have a new coordinator -- Theresa Hanks.   She will be the contact person for anyone wanting to use the Benz Center at 284 7211 and  BenzCommunityCenter@gmail.com. Theresa has great energy and lots of ideas. She will be bringing our website and Facebook pages up to speed so you can keep up on what is happening at the Benz.  If you have ideas for programs, classes, speakers etc please let her know and she will help you make it happen.

For any of you not familiar with the Benz…..The Doris L.  Benz Community Center was built in 1993, thanks to the generosity of the late Doris L. Benz.  Our beautiful facility on Heard Road in Center Sandwich is used by many Sandwich town groups and organizations, and it has become a popular place to hold private parties, receptions and events.  It can be used by anyone -- with a donation -- it is not only a Sandwich resource.  

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

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

A heron visits the Town Pond. Photo by Jude Davis

Dragonfly Yoga Barn
Beach Yoga continues!! Woohoo! Tuesdays @ 8 am at Sandwich Town Beach. As the weather gets cooler, bring your hat and woolly socks. We practice until the snow flies and it is so FUN! 

For all yoga classes, please pre-register. We currently require all in-person students to be fully vaccinated. Most classes are offered online as well so you can practice from home as well.

Basket Street Yoga
I am excited to be offering in-person classes. For now, for everyone’s safety, the policy is that all students will need to be fully vaccinated to attend these in-person classes. In addition, all classes will still be on Zoom. Once bug season abates later in the summer, I will be offering outdoor classes again and there will be no restrictions.

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. 

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, I just the recent results of the water from the Bullard spring on 113a. The water is still testing positive for coliform bacteria at 6.3 Mpn. The acceptable amount is less than 1Mpn. The previous test this year was 21.8 Mpn, so we are making progress. We still have some work to do to the capture tank site, and will be chlorinating the Spring and retesting after the work has been done. Until then please boil any water you take for consumption. I will put signage out tomorrow reiterating this message. Thank you all for you patience and cooperation. (I am writing from my phone, but once I am back with my computer I will update the information on the town website under “information/ Bullard Spring”)Thanks, Ole Anderson, Sandwich Parks and Recreation

North Sandwich Friends Meeting
Considering the rise in Covid cases in NH,  North Sandwich Friends Meetinghouse is temporarily closed for in-person Sunday worship.  Persons wishing to use the library or for individual worship are encouraged to contact seeksusanatmyfairpoint.net Susan WileyFurther information, contact Susan Wiley - seeksusan@myfairpoint or Gloria Hoag - 603-323-7487

Community Church of Sandwich
The Community Church of Sandwich is offering in-person and on-line worship. 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.  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. 

Sandwich Town Hall. Photo by Janina Lamb

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 Town Hall. Photo by Janina Lamb

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.

We Care
We Care is a welcoming, all-volunteer group of neighbors who believe that all of us can play a meaningful role in taking care of each other and fostering mental health in our community. We are children, siblings, parents, grandparents, colleagues and friends, new and lifelong residents.  For more information or if you are interested in joining us, please contact Dan Kusch, 568-3191 or Emilie Coulter, 707-6886.

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 ~ Good News!
Julie Dolan writes: After 2 long years of work by the Broadband Advisory Committee and a global pandemic which highlighted the extreme digital divide between rural and more populous areas HIGH-SPEED INTERNET IS COMING TO SANDWICH!

NH Broadband, a newly formed subsidiary of NH Electric Cooperative, will be stringing fiber optic broadband capable of symmetrically delivering speeds up to 1GBPS to every electric customer in Town – whether or not they get their service from NHEC.  There are NO tax implications to the Town.  Our committee has spent countless hours applying for various federal grants that have become available due to Covid, and although we don’t know the status of all those applications yet, we are hopeful that we will receive funding to contribute to this 21st century crucial infrastructure.  In fact, the funding we have applied for can be used only for broadband.

More details will be forthcoming and up-to-date info and FAQs can be found on the NHBroadband.com website. We will also post links to any pertinent websites on the Town BAC webpage. Stay tuned!! Julie Dolan, Chair, Sandwich Broadband Advisory Committee