Category: Family Fun

Treasure Hunt 25/08/07

Dear Donna,

I picked this platter up. I am aware it is ironstone and has some value. It is very discolored. It doesn’t have any damage I can see, though. My question is, can I use it and is it better just for decorative purposes?

Ashley

Dear Ashley,

Ironstone has been around since the early 1800s. It’s an earthenware, which is porous. If the original glaze finish has a slight crack or even a pin hole, moisture from using, washing etc. can get under the glaze and create what you’re seeing as discoloration.

Can you use it the way it is? Yes! It’s been used for many many years most likely in that condition. There are collectors who like that look and ones who won’t have them with any discoloration or damage. So you can decide which way you prefer it, Ashley.

But there are also ways you can get them whiter again. Not sure of exactly the mix but I know it’s peroxide and sunshine. I don’t find long-term it works if you continue to use it. Remember even though your platter looks not damaged, somewhere the glaze is.

Kiddie Pool 25/07/31

Family fun for whenever

National Night Out

Tuesday, Aug. 5, is the National Night Out, when many first responder departments hold outreach events, such as fairs and touch-a-truck events. Here are some of the events planned locally according to the police departments’ Facebook pages; see natw.org.

• Bedford holds its annual Police vs. Fire softball game starting at 7 p.m. at Selvoski Field, 20 County Road.

• In Concord, the National Night Out event featuring food, prizes, K-9 demonstrations, a climbing wall and more will take place in Rollins Park from 5 to 8 p.m.

• The Derry Police Department will hold its event in MacGregor Park from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring live music from 19th Nervous Breakdown (a Rolling Stones tribute band), the Department’s comfort dog, lawn games, giveaways and more.

• The Goffstown Police Department will be joined by first responders from Weare, New Boston and Dunbarton at Goffstown High School for its event from 5 to 8 p.m. that will feature live music, food, games (including an Oreo stacking contest) and more, according to a video on its Facebook page.

• In Hollis, the police, fire, DPW library and town hall are partnering for the event in Nichols Field from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring food, lawn games, touch-a-truck and more.

• Hudson Police Department will hold its event at the Rodgers Memorial Library from 4:30 to 8 p.m. for food, games and more.

• Manchester’s National Night Out event featuring food and more will take place in Victory Park and the Hartnett Parking lot, 5 to 8 p.m.

• Merrimack will hold its event at Merrimack High School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and feature ice cream, music, games, arts and crafts and more.

• The Nashua Police Department’s event will take place in Greeley Park starting at 5 p.m. and feature food, demonstrations, community booths, giveaways and more.

• Salem’s Night Out will take place at the Salem High School from 5 to 8 p.m. and feature food, music, an obstacle course, demonstrations, a petting zoo, vendors and more.

Treasure Hunt 25/07/31

Hello, Donna,

Can you give me some advice on how to find a new home for my doll clothes? These were from my Barbie dolls. I hate to just toss them. They are all well-used but in good condition for being from the 1970s. Any ideas would be great.

Thank you.

Samantha

Dear Samantha,

Barbies, Ken’s clothing, accessories etc from the 1960s and on can be very sought after by a collector. It could be hard to find that market.

Older Barbie dolls, clothing etc. can vary in value. An item that was mass-produced and every child had would have low value. Hard-to-find ones can be really high. So one outfit can be worth $1 and another much much more — depending on condition always. But who didn’t over-play with their Barbie dolls?

Samantha, I think if you’re looking for a good home and for someone to love them, I might try passing them down to a child to play with them again. Or if you want a value for them, I might try finding a toy collector or doll collector, possibly through an antique shop. If you have difficulty you can reach out and I can try to find a referral for you.

I wish you luck and hope you find a treasure while funding a new home. Just seeing a child’s face when getting clothes for their Barbie is a treasure!

Kiddie Pool 25/07/24

Family fun for whenever

Outdoor family fun

• The annual Friends-a-Palooza, a family fun event run by The Friends Program, will celebrate International Friendship Day in Keach Park in Concord on Saturday, July 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. Friends-a-Palooza will feature crafts, field games, face-painting, kids’ safety demonstrations, obstacle courses, music, dance, snacks, ice cream and pizza, according to a press release. The Friends Program is a Concord-based nonprofit founded in 1975 with a mission of building “positive connections and solutions for at-risk youth, families, and seniors,” the release said. This free event will also feature participation from more than 30 community organizations and is open to the public, the release said. See friendsprogram.org.

• Find activities such as face painting, an obstacle course, a “fishing” pond and more for kids at the Canterbury Fair on Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Canterbury Center (Baptist and Center roads). The day features all-ages fun including works from local artisans, a book and media sale, The Legendary “What Not” Sale, an antique car and tractor display, the Canterbury Historical Society at the Houser One Room School House, a 5K and live performances including by the Belmont High School Robotics Team, Mr. Aaron, Checkerberry Morris Dancers, Linsdey Schust & The Ragged Mountain Band, Suzuki Strings and more according to canterburyfair.com. The food line-up includes food trucks offering burgers, tacos, fries and more as well as a chicken barbecue, ice cream and frappes, the website said.

Save the date

• Sign up now for the Friends of Aine annual Kids Try-athlon on Sunday, Aug. 3, starting at 8 a.m. at Bedford High School and the Bedford Town Pool. The event is a swim, bike, run race for kids grouped by age — 4- to 10-year-olds and 11- to 15-year-olds, according to friendsofaine.com. The event is open to kids regardless of athletic ability and features a post-race festival, and registration costs $40 per kid, the website said.

Treasure Hunt 25/07/24

Hi, Donna,

I was wondering if you could tell me anything about this chair. I purchased it at a yard sale over 15 years ago and I am wondering if it is worth anything. I am looking to sell it. As you can see it folds up nicely so that it doesn’t take up much storage space. I don’t see any maker marks on it. The seat and back appear to be in excellent shape, but the frame is fairly scratched or worn. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Judy

Dear Judy,

Your folding rocker does seem to be in good shape for the age (early 1900s). It does look like at some point it has been refinished and possibly reseated. The rose carving on the top is sweet.

It’s a tough piece because even though it is officially an antique it’s not very sought after for today’s decor.

For marketing it, a value would be in the $75 range. I am not sure how easy that would be. I might try a consignment store. Remember, though, you will only get part of the value.

Judy, I hope this helped and you find a new home for your sweet chair.

Kiddie Pool 25/07/17

Family fun for whenever

Fairies and fairy tales

• Nashua will hold its annual Fairytale Festival in Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua) on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dress-up is encouraged for this day of arts & crafts, games, face paint and more, according to nashua.gov. Catch princess performers from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by princess meet-and-greet and giveaways, the website said.

• The 9th annual Fairy and Hobbit House Festival will take place at Bedrock Gardens (19 High Road, Lee; bedrockgardens.org) Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Compete in the Fairy House and Hobbit House showcase (see the website in advance) or just come in costume to enjoy the day, which includes craft activities, story time and more. Tickets cost $49.87 per carload.

More summer fun

• The Stratham 4-H Summerfest returns on Saturday, July 19, at the Stratham Hill Park Fairgrounds (270 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature animal shows, agriculture exhibits, competitions and more. See extension.unh.edu/event/2025/07/2025-stratham-4-h-summerfest.

Movie night

• Manchester’s Summer Movies in the Park returns Wednesday, July 23, with a screening of this year’s A Minecraft Movie (PG) in Veterans Memorial Park, 723 Elm St. in Manchester. The movies will start at dusk; bring blankets or chairs, according to an item in the July 9 Medo Minute newsletter from Manchester’s Economic Development Office. Future films are Wicked: Part One (PG, 2024) on Wednesday, Aug. 27, and Jumanji (PG, 1995) on Saturday, Sept. 20.

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