Senior Beat
by Carol Higgins Taylor
Special to The Weekly
My mother is a collector and saver. As she has aged, it has reached epic proportions.
However, as we slowly comb through boxes filled with the past, memories are relived and some
of the mementos are deemed treasures.
But are they actually treasures to anyone other than the family? Only one way to find out. Have them appraised.
Look around your own home. Do you see things that were handed down for generations or that have convincing family stories attached describing the item as “being worth a fortune?”
Maybe you’ve got yard sale bargains that you just have a good feeling about or long-lost items
from your attic or basement that have possibilities.
We’ve all heard stories about people inheriting something that seemed suspect but turned out to be very valuable.
Now is the perfect chance to find out the worth of your treasures. Who knows, maybe those stories are accurate after all and you are sitting on a gold mine.
Gather up your valuables and bring them to Dirigo Pines in Orono for the sixth Antique Appraisal Show, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. The fee for appraisal is $15 per item. Proceeds will benefit EMHS LiveSAFE subscribers who need help in paying for the service.
EMHS LiveSAFE is an easy, one-button personal emergency response service that provides help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, allowing people to live independently in their own homes, where they are most comfortable.
Featured at the event will be Bruce A. Buxton, a licensed appraiser from Portland, known for his entertaining and lively style. Bruce has 37 years of experience as an expert antique and fine art appraiser.
If you have any information about the item, write it down, lest you forget something when it is your turn at the table. The event is appraisal only and no items will be bought or sold, guaranteeing an unbiased assessment of the antiques.
It is always a bonus when your money can do double duty. You’ll get an accurate appraisal of your finest items and all money raised stays in this local program.
Rosscare actually has a sponsorship program for those seniors who are considered to be
low-income, based on the federal poverty guidelines.
“Many of our clients are living only on Social Security,” said Jennifer Maskala, LiveSAFE operations manager. “Through Rosscare Foundation, we are able to assist community members who need the help button but are unable to afford the full monthly fee. We can provide them with a reduced rate to help them obtain this valuable life-saving service.”
And this little button is like having a continually alert roommate who can call for help anytime day or night should you get in trouble — but one who doesn’t hog the TV remote or leave towels on the floor.
These small buttons provide immediate response in an emergency, friendly support, and a sense of security, literally at the touch of a button.
“This is a fun event where you will learn the history and value of people’s treasures, while generously donating to Rosscare Foundation and helping low income seniors in your community remain safe in their homes,” said Maskala. “With generous community support from this event last year, we were able to increase EMHS LiveSAFE sponsorships from 26 to 50.”
For information about the Antique Appraisal Show, call Steve Bowler, 866-3400 or
Rosscare Foundation at 973-5055. And if you are interested in EMHS LiveSAFE, call 973-7080,
or visit emhs.org.
This event is a lot of fun and worth the money. I found out a vase I bought for $5 at a second hand store was actually worth $300 — important information in my house. The vase has now been moved out of the cats’ way.
Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns Bryant Street Public Relations in
Bangor. Email Higgins Taylor at seniorbeat@gmail.com