FREE “Button Up” Weatherization Workshop
Several local energy committees and conservation organizations in conjunction with UNH will be providing residents with information and techniques to save money on home energy use through a “Button Up NH” weatherization workshop. Participants will learn how to undertake basic air sealing, insulation, and conservation measures to reduce fuel and electricity use that will save money and make homes more comfortable throughout the year.
Workshop topics will include: common sources of energy waste in homes, easy do-it-yourself steps to save energy, how-to air seal, when to bring in an energy efficiency professional, and where to find technical and financial resources to make more substantial improvements.
In addition to the workshop, residents will be able to receive personalized assistance to energy related questions and get guidance through the process of implementing an energy reduction project, such as air sealing an attic or basement or implementing a solar hot water or electric system.
This workshop, one of 20 being held around the state, is at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 1, at the Benz Community Center, 18 Heard Road, in Center Sandwich.
For further information contact Carl McNall, Sandwich Energy Committee, 284-7400
Contra Dances begin Saturday January 28th at the Ossipee Town Hall
Join G.A.L.A. as they launch their winter Contra Dance series next weekend with The Fiddling Thomsons & Friends at the Ossipee Town Hall, Saturday January 28th. This will be the first in a series of dances that G.A.L.A. will host at the Ossipee Town Hall on the fourth Saturday of every month from January through April. If you have ever been to a contra dance than you already know what wholesome fun is to be had. If you have yet to experience traditional New England dance you are in for a treat. All levels of experience are welcome.
The first dance of the winter series will feature The Fiddling Thomsons & Friends. The band is led by Ryan and Brennish Thomson, a father and son duo who have played dances, taught workshops and competed in fiddle competitions throughout the region. In 2010 when Brennish was only thirteen they won the Twin Fiddle award at Lowell National Historical Park, in Lowell, Massachussetts. Although they will be playing the traditional dance music for New England Contras from the pages of Scots, Irish and French Canadian repertoires this Saturday night, their range of musical styles is broad; playing tunes from Eastern Europe, Tex/Mex, Blues, Cajun and Bluegrass traditions. On their latest album “Music for Both Hands”, Brennish even infuses some beat-box vocals into “Nonesuch”, a dance tune from England dating back to the 1600’s.
Ryan Thomson, also known as Captain Fiddle from his radio days on NH public Radio, has long been respected as a musician and researcher of American fiddle music. After decades of involvement with the contra dance scene in the region, Ryan still marvels at its resilience and the wide appeal it carries beyond its home in the northeast. On a recent trip to England he encountered New England contra dance gatherings, and on another occasion met a woman who calls dances in Hong Kong.
Rounding out the The Thomsons band will be Paul Mangion on percussion and banjo, Byron Ricker calling, and some likely but as yet unnamed guest musicians.
For those in the area who would like to participate in this New Hampshire pastime or just listen to the music of The Fiddling Thomsons, the Ossipee Town Hall is located at 55 Main Street in Center Ossipee, 03814. The dance will run from 7-10pm. Ticket prices are $7 adults, $5 students, and $3 for youth 14yrs and under. Refreshments and snacks will also be available for purchase with revenues going toward G.A.L.A.’s nonprofit programming.
Would you like to be more involved? Volunteers will be needed to help contact bands, recruit sponsors, setup and cleanup during each dance, and promote the dances by posting flyers. If you are interested in volunteering, or would like to learn more about the contra dance series, please contact Carol by calling 603-520-8060 or email carol@galacommunity.org.
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