Many flowering trees and shrubs in town are at or just past peak. Early in the morning and at dusk, my crabapple trees just fill my yard with sweet aromas. This week the lilacs and viburnums are coming into full bloom and the aromas while still very nice will have a different sweetness.The lilacs are always at their best just around Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Observances in Sandwich
Memorial Day observances will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the Honor Roll Memorial next to the Center Sandwich Post Office. Lee Quimby will once again officiate at the annual ceremony. There will be a speaker, a time of prayer and reflection, and music. The observance will conclude with the traditional wreath placement at the Honor Roll, accompanied by a selection our Yeoman Chorus recording of "Lux aeterna" from John Rutter's Requiem
Sandwich Central School students may make a special presentation and a few members of the school band may play. In observance of Memorial Day flags are placed at the graves of all those who have served.
Town departments, including town offices, the library, and the transfer station, will be closed on May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
Federated Church of Sandwich
Sunday services continue at 10 a.m. in the Baptist Meetinghouse with Rev. David Morgan as the Transformational Minister and Edna Van Saun as the organist. Rev. Morgan's Sermon's over the next months will be on the challenges and rewards of parenting and grand-parenting.
The Federated Church is looking into offering outdoor services this summer on the fairgrounds. These services will be informal and family oriented. Stay tuned for more details. There will also be cookouts during the baseball season during which spectators and players will be able to buy hamburgers and hotdogs and cold drinks. The dates will be posted as soon as they are firmed up.
Sunday school classes with Dave Cox and Jennifer Wright will continue through June 21. These classes begin in the church and the students leave after the Scripture reading for the discussions in the basement of the Baptist Meetinghouse. All children are welcome.
All are welcome to hear Rev. Morgan discuss today's changing roles in families and their relevance to our Christian Heritage.
Sandwich Woman's Club Student Gifts
The Sandwich Woman's Club makes monetary gifts to Sandwich students who are continuing their undergraduate education after high school. These gifts are intended to help students with the cost of books and supplies needed for continued study. To apply for a gift, please send at letter of request, indicating your future plans to Ferne Tilton at 284-6630, 56 Wentworth Hill Road, Center Sandwich, NH 03227. The deadline for letters is Aug. 1..
Spring and Summer Dump Hours
Now that the days are longer and more people are up and about in this area, dump hours will change to the spring and summer schedule next week. The hours at the recycling and transfer station will be Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays and Wednesdays from 1-6 p.m. These hours will continue until mid October. Plan your trips accordingly.
Bearcamp Valley Garden Club
The annual meeting and luncheon of the Bearcamp Valley Garden Club will be held a 12 noon at Walter's Basin Restaurant in Holderness on Wednesday, May 27.
Now is the time to join or renew your membership for 2009-2010. The mission of the BCVGC is to promote the wise use of natural resources through good conservation practices, to promote an interest in gardening and horticulture and to ensure attractive communities through civic beautification project. The Club presently funds an annual scholarship to U.N.H., environmental camp scholarships, civic beautification projects, and prizes at the Sandwich Fair; membership contributions, along with proceeds from plant sales, programs, workshops, and 'North Country Notes' make these endeavors possible. All your contributions, including dues are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
On Thursday, June 4 and possibly Friday, June 5, the garden club will be planting hanging baskets, window boxes and a couple of flower beds with annuals at Geneva Point. Bring a sandwich and your favorite trowel (marked with your name). Cold drinks will be provided. Sign up either at the annual meeting or call Ginny McDonald Kupper at 253-7374 to let them know if you are available.
Sandwich Sidehiller's
The Sandwich Sidehiller's next meeting will be May 28 at 7 p.m. at the clubhouse.
Tennis Block Party
May is National tennis month and the Sandwich Parks & Recreation Department is throwing a tennis block party! Come party! Saturday, May 30 from 2-5 p.m. at the Quimby Tennis Courts.
There will be free prizes, tennis activities and lots of fun for you and your family and friends. Open to the Public! Drop what you are doing and come out swinging at the Sandwich Rec's Tennis Block Party!
Tennis Block Parties feature three hours of tennis instruction, interactive games and attractions, offering people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn and enjoy the benefits of the game — from fun and competition, to lifestyle and fitness.
Email your friends to join in on the fun! There is something for all levels and ages!!!! If you're looking for something to do but don't play tennis, Sandwich Rec. could always use volunteers! It's sure to be fun for everyone! Call the Sandwich Rec Department at 284-6473 if you would like to help out on Saturday or if you have questions!
Benz Center News
Summertime is party time — graduation parties, wedding receptions, family gatherings. Make your reservation soon as the dates are filling up. There are workshops and classes, too. The Benz Center is the ideal place for such gatherings. The Center is well furnished with a full kitchen, and outdoor furniture for parties on the lawn in the good weather. Call 284-7211.
Farmers' Market Plans for Summer 2009
Put June 6 on your calendar. The Sandwich Farmers' Market will open that Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon under the pines behind the library. Sandwich growers met last week to plan the summer. Every greenhouse is burgeoning with beautiful green seedlings. And farmers are watching with joy as peas, lettuce, radishes, spinach and other early crops pop out of the ground.
Golf Anyone?
The 4th Annual Carroll County Law Enforcement Golf Tournament for Special Olympics of NH will be held on June 1 at Ridgewood Golf Club, in Moultonborough. All are welcome. Don't be embarrassed if you don't play that often, or that well. It's a great time and for a super cause. Contact Rich Young at 284-7139 for details.
Five Days in Sandwich
Five Days in Sandwich is an opportunity for Sandwich youths ages, 7 through 13 to learn about the natural beauty and uniqueness of Sandwich. The Sandwich Conservation Commission sponsors this five-day day-camp which will be offered in three or four week-long sessions in July. The cost per participant is quite reasonable; but no Sandwich youth will be turned away because of inability to pay. For more information, and to sign up, call the Selectman's Office at 284-7701. Here is the enrollment at present: Session I, July 6-10 (Ages 7-10) – full; Session II: July 13-17 (Ages 7-10) – full; Session III: July 20-24 (Ages 10-14) - three openings.
Volunteers Needed
The Selectmen need 4-6 volunteers to serve on theTown Hall Committee. A description follows: Purpose. 1) Determine needs assessment for Town Hall functions addressing both space and functional requirements. Administrative Office Storage of Documents, Town Clerk's Office, Treasurer's Office, Recreational Use of Upstairs Meeting/Stage area, Meeting/Storage space for various committees, Polling Space. 2) Make recommendations concerning physical modifications (if any) which should be considered to the current facility, with particular attention being paid to: Sensitivity to historic integrity (National Historic Registry)Energy consumption Cost Time Frame. Recommendations due by September 2009 The Town has appropriated $5,000 which may be used to complete this task. Any expenditure by this committee must be pre-approved by the Board of Selectmen. Contact the Selectmen's Office if interested at 284-7701
Slide Talk on Swaziland and South Africa
Dr. Christopher Hoffman is coming from South Africa and Swaziland to show slides and talk about his professional work as a physician and more importantly his work with community groups to financially support assistance to AIDS orphans to have enough money to go to school, to support women's groups by making micro loans that assist them to develop sewing, chicken raising and soap making as a means of financial support for these women and their families. He, along with community groups are building wells so that children do not have to walk daily 1 to 3 miles to secure clean water for their families. Dr. Hoffman is the son of Silke and Bill Hoffman, who are and have been for several years, residents of Center Sandwich.
The evening will start at 5 p.m. ___________________ DATE???????? in the Benz Center with the Hoffman presentation, followed by a 6 p.m. light supper of a variety of salads, breads and dessert donated by women in the Federated Church. A donation of $6.00 is requested for each adult supper and $4.00 for each child. The monies received will be divided to support the work of Dr. Hoffman and to support the Church budget.
Christopher Hoffman served in Swaziland as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1992-1994. Since then he has gone to medical school, internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship. He is now at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and is doing operational and clinical research on HIV in South Africa.
His work in Swaziland is separate from his job as he has remained friends with community leaders since his stay as a member of the Peace Corps. They have started the African Education Fund in the US that partners with a Swaziland organization. Both partners are specially concerned about children being able to go to school, not overburdened with family responsibilities or too poor to afford school fees and uniforms and orphaned often because of AIDS, and often unable to have access to a medical clinic.
If you have questions, call Marion at 284-6619.
Sandwich Home Industries
Sandwich Home Industries, a League of NH Craftsmen Retail Gallery, is open for its 83rd season. Choose from a wide variety of beautiful hand-crafted items. They have a great collection of felted hand bags in spring colors from Melanie Benedict of New Hampton. Glass blower Nathan Macomber has brought in a fabulous selection of his colorful blown glass cups and a new line of small glass vases, perfect for a bunch of spring flowers. Or pick out just the right necklace or pair of earrings from one of the many silversmiths who show their work at the Industries.
Sandwich Home Industries is located at 32 Main Street, on the Green across from the Post Office in Center Sandwich. Hour are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 284-6831 or email sandwich_homeindustriesyahoo.com.
Surroundings Art Gallery
Surroundings Art Gallery is open for the spring; hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5. The artists have created many new works over the winter and the gallery has a great new look with lots of new items. Call the gallery at 284-6888 or visit www.surroundingsart.com if you have any questions. Gallery walks this summer will be from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays June 19, July 17 and Aug. 14.
Become a member of the Sandwich Historical Society!
The membership drive in 2008 was very successful; Sandwich Historical Society increased its membership by more than 100 people. This year, they are going to strengthen the Society by providing increased value to members. The first step in this process is to foster dialogue in this community of choice. The goal in 2009 is to engage the entire membership to promote an all-inclusive history of Sandwich. Your participation in this organization helps to find the stories that we all share and to celebrate them. One of the benefits of your membership is the option of adding your email address to the society's database so that we can provide you with direct communication about current projects.
You can become a member by filling out a membership card which is available at the Society's website at www.sandwichhistorical.org, the Wentworth Library, and the Society's Marston House.
As the Society looks to the future, a more involved membership community is a prerequisite to a strong historical society. Become a member today and through shared efforts, you are inspired to participate in SHS programs, exhibits, and special projects. Although these are turbulent economic times, SHS endeavors to remain strong for you.
Sandwich Business Group
More than 100 businesses have been identified in Sandwich and more than 65 of them will be listed in the 2009 Discover Sandwich Brochure and on the group's website. For more information on Sandwich businesses visit www.discoversandwich.com. The cost of membership provides a tremendous value to business owners.
The Sandwich Business Group will have their next regular meeting on Monday, June 1 at 8:30 a.m. at Mocha Rizing. Input and ideas are always welcome. All Sandwich businesses owners, large and small, are encouraged to attend.
After the initial meeting a Second Cup meeting will be held which will be a continuation of the discussion and exchange of ideas on Blogs and social networking. Anyone who is interested in this topic is welcome to stop by Mocha Rizing from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on June 1.
Old Home Week 2009
The 111th Sandwich Old Home Week celebration will be held Aug. 9-16.Anyone who has information on events for this week should turn it in to the Rec Office by June 19. E-mail the information to wtctennisyahoo.com and include the title of the program, where it will be held, the time and date of the event, the contact information of the person in charge and a brief description.
Congregate Meals
If you are age 60 and older why not join others in the community for a nice home-cooked meal. Congregate meals are held at noon in the Benz Center every Wednesday. Even if you are running a bit early or a tad bit late, you are welcome to join old friends and meet some new ones. All are welcome. Hope to see you next Wednesday.
Quaker Meeting
Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. the North Sandwich Friends gather at the Quaker Meetinghouse which is located at the convergence of Quaker-Whiteface, Brown Hill, and Stevenson Hill Roads about a half mile up the road from the Durgin Covered Bridge. Children are welcome and child care is provided.
Sandwich 4-H Clubs
If you are between the ages of 8 and 18 (as of 01/01/09) and you want to be part of a 4-H Dog Club, call Diane Johnson at 284-7168. Club Sandwich has leaders, equipment, resources and facilities to teach, Fit and Show, Agility, Rally-O Obedience, Flyball, Freestyle Dancing, Therapy Visiting, Dog Care … At present only one youth in this age range has contacted the leaders and she and her dog will get one on one training. It would be fun to have about 6 members. This program meets during the late spring, summer and early fall and finishes up with a show/demonstration at the Sandwich Fair. If you don't have a dog, there are some nice dogs available. Diane is happy to help anyone of any age with their dog; but 4-H only allows ages 8-18 to be part of the program.
Fiber Arts meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 2:45 to 5 p.m. at the Sandwich Fire Station. There will be no meeting on May 25 as that is the day Memorial Day is observed. Call Diane at 284-7168 for more information.
For information on the Sandwich Saddle-ites 4-H Horse Club, call leader Holly Cook at 284-6981.
Woodworking with Bob Wright for ages 8-18 is taking place on Tuesdays. Call Bob at 284-7708 for details.
Dotty Burrows and Joan Wright teach 4-H sewing at the Sandwich Fire Station on Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 2:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning sewers meet on Tuesday and more advanced sewers meet on Friday. Call Dotty at 284-6636 or Joan at 284-7708 for information.
Cat Club meets on the first Monday the month from 4-5 p.m. at Mocha Rizing. The next meeting will be June 1. Cat Lovers of all ages are welcome to attend for lemonade, tea, cookies and cat chat.
Club Sandwich 4-H is always to open to new members. All youths who were 5 by Jan. 1 and not yet 19 by the same date may enroll for the 2008/2009 4-H year. Ages 5-7 are considered cloverbud or pre-4-H members; they participate in a variety of non-competitive activities. You can get information on joining or helping with Club Sandwich 4-H by calling Diane Johnson at 284-7168 or emailing swjohnsonmetro2000.net. Information on 4-H in New in New Hampshire and nationally can be found at www.ceinfo.unh.edu.
The UNH Cooperative Extension, Carroll County Office contact information is as follows: UNH Cooperative Extension, Carroll County Office, 73 Main St., PO Box 1480, Conway, NH 03818 Phone: 447-3834 or 1-800-322-4166 (NH only). Fax: 447-5192 web: http://extension.unh.edu. Office Hours: 8 - 4:30, Monday – Friday. Carroll County has a new 4-H educator, Claes Thelemarck. You may reach him at claes.thelemarchunh.edu or by calling the 4-H office.
