Spring Cleaning

Don’t Toss That ‘Junk,’ It May Be Valuable!

It’s time to hit the garage, basement, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning!

Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you may be surprised to learn they might be valuable -- especially if you have sports cards and memorabilia gathering dust.

With prices of sports cards rising in recent years, take time to determine if yours are valuable and how to best sell them.

“Older sports cards and memorabilia aren’t just highly collectible; they can be worth lots of money. Recent sales of scarce vintage cards have topped anywhere from thousands of dollars to tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands.

And really rare cards can go higher,” says Al Crisafulli, Auction Director at Love of the Game Auctions, an internet sports auction house that helps families identify and sell valuable items.

Crisafulli has assisted people in selling such keepsakes as a grandparent’s autograph collection and an uncle’s childhood baseball cards, for tens of thousands of dollars. In one life-changing event, he helped a family determine that a baseball bat that spent decades protecting their home was used by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig -and Love of the Game Auctions sold it for almost half a million dollars. Today, that bat could bring more than a million dollars.

The key is understanding what makes old sports collectibles valuable. To help, Crisafulli is sharing some tips:

Older is Usually Pricier

Cards from the 1960s and earlier are collectible, and those from before the 1940s can be worth a lot of money, especially those depicting stars. Do you have cards of Hall of Famers, such as Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner or Ty Cobb? Even non-stars from the early days of a sport can be worth big bucks, especially if the cards have no creases and retain sharp corners and original gloss.

If you have very old cards from the 1880s through the 1930s, look for tobacco, gum and candy brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal, Goudey or American Caramel.

If you want to sell sports items for the most money, consider a specialty auction, such as Love of the Game, which has the expertise to properly research sports ephemera and maintains bidder lists of collectors specializing in sports. More information is available at loveofthe gameauctions.com.

Postcards and Photographs

We all have keepsakes of vacation destinations, but most aren’t valuable. However, photographs and postcards depicting sports stars and ballparks can be significant. Look for early “real photo” postcards from the 1900s through the 1940s, which are photographs printed on postcard backs.

As with sports cards, star power matters, so preserve those Babe Ruths as opposed to images of your great grandma’s baby cousin onceremoved. And when it comes to photos, look for old markings on the back, such as photographer, publication and date stamps.

Memorabilia

Set aside old advertising posters depicting sports stars and food, tobacco or sporting goods brands. Ads from magazines aren’t valuable, but those used as store displays and for other marketing purposes can be pricey. Tin signs from the 1960 and earlier can be highly prized, but reproductions aren’t.

Your family’s sporting goods, such as balls, gloves and bats, can be valuable. Pre-1950s uniforms and catcher’s masks, helmets and other equipment are highly collected, especially when endorsed by star players. Top condition brings the highest prices, but even used equipment can be valuable.

“The golden rule is the older the sports card or item, the more valuable it usually is. Pre-1975 pieces start to get interesting and are worth researching,” says Crisafulli.

Don’t just clean out your “junk” this spring, examine it closely to potentialy maximize its value.

60% off

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Cornerstone Of Faith Umc March Soup Sale

Cornerstone of Faith UMC, 1081 Main Street (next to the old Police Station), Coventry, will hold a Soup Sale on March 25 from 12-3PM featuring 4 kinds of soup. Suggested donation is $4/person. All are welcome!

AARP CHAPTER 2210 LOBSTER BAKE & FOXWOODS TRIP

AARP Chapter 2210 has planned a Lobster Bake at Cap’n Jack’s & Foxwoods Casino trip for April 18. Bus pickup from the Exit 19 Park & Ride on Hopkins Hill Road at 10AM, return time is approximately 6PM. Cost is $119/person. For more information call Maureen at 828-5188. Final payment due by March 28.

Easter Ham Raffle

Sgts. David Langevin & Armand Boudreau Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 449, 197 Providence Street, West Warwick, will hold an Easter Ham Raffle on April 1 beginning at 7PM. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. There will be many prizes of Easter Hams, Easter Baskets, Food Baskets, Household Goods, Gift Certificates and more. All are invited. Call 828-9715 for information.

Ri Dahlia Society Meeting

The RI Dahlia Society will have a meeting on April 2 at the Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach Street in North Kingstown, doors open at 1PM. An educational Program begins at 1:30PM, titled “Art of the Dahlia: A Beginners Guide to Showing Dahlias”, followed by a brief business meeting. Refreshments will be served. Open to the Public. For Membership and other info, visit rhodeislanddahliasociety.org

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)

Have trouble paying your heating bill? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps income eligible families pay their heating bills. The HEAP is a Primary Grant that is sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider, and it will be credited on your bill. You don’t need to have an unpaid bill, you can either rent or own your home, and must meet current gross income guidelines. Please call 732-4660, Ext. 175 for more information.

Tops Meeting

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) #38 meets Thursday mornings at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Pierce Street in East Greenwich (lower level). Weigh-in begins at 9:30AM, the meeting begins at 10AM. The meeting will last no more than one hour, beginning to end. They welcome new members at any time. At the side parking lot, you will see a set of doors. Enter, stairs to lower level are in front of you. Donations of canned goods are welcome. For more information, call Joan Tinkham at 401-739-5322.

Ongoing Food Drive To Benefit Veterans

The High 5 Pantry at Flat River Tavern, 2260 Flat River Road in Coventry will have an ongoing Food Drive to benefit local Veterans. Please drop off your non-perishable donations anytime during their normal business hours. Call 407-2121 with any questions.

Bingo At Knotty Oak Village

Knotty Oak Village Community Hall Bingo is back!! Bingo to be held at 14 Manchester Circle, Coventry on Saturdays at 4PM - doors open at 3PM. Snacks & beverages will be available for purchase.

Coventry Public Library Hours

Coventry Public Library resumes their regular hours: MondayWednesday 9AM-8PM, Thursday-Saturday 9AM-5PM, Sunday 12-4PM.

Coventry Senior Center Wednesday Bingo

The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry, will once again hold Bingo on Wednesdays from 1:30-4PM. The cost is $6 for 8 games. Please note that prizes have gone up as well as adding an additional Special & Quickie. You must be 18 years or older to play.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WEST WARWICK HEAVENLY HEART FOOD PANTRY

First Baptist Church of West Warwick, 1613 Main Street, has their Heavenly Heart Food Pantry open to all from 11AM-2PM on the 1st Saturday of every month.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT GEN. NATHANAEL GREENE HOMESTEAD

The Gen. Nathanael Greene Homestead in Coventry is looking for individuals interested in becoming Tour Guides for the season. The Homestead, also known as “Spell Hall”, was built by Nathanael Greene in 1770 and has been authentically restored as a Museum dedicated to his memory. Tour Guides will learn about Gen. Greene, his family, and life in the 18th Century. Experience is not necessary. All information will be provided and scheduling is flexible. For more information, please email nathanaelgreenehmst@gmail.com Visit us at nathanaelgreenehomestead.org

SATURDAY GRAB & GO WEEKLY MEALS

Are you or is someone you know an elder in Coventry or West Warwick? St. Vincent de Paul Society is offering a warm meal from their Saturday Grab & Go weekly meals. To schedule a delivery or pick up of a warm meal, please call 828-3090 before 3PM on Wednesdays. If picking up your meal, please go to the OLC School Gym, 445 Washington Street in Coventry, between 11AM-12PM on Saturday.

TECH HELP HOUR AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY

West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick is offering Tech Help Hour every other Wednesday at 3PM. Sign up to receive up to 15 minutes of one-on-one tech help! There will be multiple staff and volunteers available to assist with light tech help. Staff cannot fix hardware issues. For more information, or to register, email anne@wwpl.org or call 828-3750, Ext. 5.

“THE LORD’S SUPPER”

AT CORNERSTONE OF FAITH UMC

Cornerstone of Faith UMC, 1081 Main Street, Coventry, will hold a supper on March 25 from 5-6PM in the Church Hall. All are welcome to attend. Donations appreciated.

COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE

SPOTLIGHT: KILL A WATT POWER METER

Coventry Public Library has a power meter available to borrow ìto accurately measure power consumption of household appliances and to determine the actual cost of power consumed. The unit will also project, in real time, the cost of continued use of the appliance in time periods of hour, day, week, month, and year.” For more information about borrowing the Kill A Watt power meter, stop by the Circulation Desk or call 8229100 and press 1.

HOPE LIBRARY HOURS

Hope Library, 374 North Road, Hope, is open on Mondays & Fridays from 10AM-5PM, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10AM-8PM & Saturdays from 10AM-2PM. The Library is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 821-7910.

CRIBBAGE PLAYERS WANTED

The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry, is seeking Cribbage Players for Thursdays at 1PM. If you want to learn, there is someone who can teach you on Fridays at 1PM. Call 822-9175 for more information.

FREE TAX AID AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY

AARP is offering free income tax preparation for RI residents at the West Warwick Public Library every Tuesday morning from February 7-April 11. To make an appointment, visit the Reference Desk or call 828-3750, Ext. 1 for more information.

RIPTA BUS

Passes

A Representative from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will be at the Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry on March 29 from 10AM12PM. The fee is $10. People 65 & older or people with disabilities will need current State picture ID, Medicaid Card dated 2019 or newer, Food Stamp Award Letter and/or Social Security Award Letter.

Senior Companion Program

The Senior Companion Program trains volunteers to serve isolated older adults in their own homes, Adult Day Centers & other community sites. Senior Companions are matched with a resident in need of socialization and companionship and will serve for 4 hours, 1 day/week at no cost to the participant. For more information, call Lynn at 822-9125.

Volunteer Tour Guides Needed

The Paine House, 7 Station Street in Coventry is looking for volunteer Tour Guides to share this unique historical site with the general public. Can you spare a few hours once or twice a month? All training and materials will be provided, no special skills required. This opportunity is suitable for High School students to adults. Training classes for the 2022 season will begin soon. If interested, call Bob at 439-7513 or email info@ westernrihistory.org

Project Hand Up

Project Hand Up is a supplemental program provided for working people and elderly in the community to be able to affordably shop for groceries for a suggested donation. They are located at 15 Factory Street in West Warwick. Suggested donation is $6 for 3 bags of groceries. HOURS: If you are 60 & older or a Veteran (Veteran Card required), you can shop on any day regardless of your last name. Tuesdays 3-5PM for anyone with the last name that begins with A-K, Thursdays 3-5PM for last names beginning with L-Z & Fridays 3-4:30PM for anyone who missed their shopping day. Picture ID’s required, one purchase per family, trunks must be cleaned out to allow for groceries. Please visit projecthandup. net or find them on Facebook for more information.

JOIN CUB SCOUT PACK 13, CENTREVILLE

Adventure is waiting! Build Yours. Join Cub Scout Pack 13, Centreville. We meet every Wednesday at 130 Legris Avenue, West Warwick. Please contact James Mclellan at 401-523-5723 or jimmac54@cox.net Find us on Facebook, Pack 13 Centreville.

PAWTUXET VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

The Pawtuxet Valley Rotary Club is looking for individuals or businesses who are interested in helping the local communities of West Warwick, Coventry & West Greenwich! For more information please email pvrotaryevents@gmail. com or call 401-589-1321.

CHURCH OF CHRIST GIVING CLOSET

The Giving Closet of the church of Christ, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road (Lower Level Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge), West Greenwich, will be open every Wednesday from 123PM. Everything is FREE! Please bring a mask. Donations now being accepted. 397-9700.

PVPHS HOSTING PRESENTATION BY DR. PAUL O’MALLEY

The Pawtuxet Valley Preservation & Historical Society, 1679 Main Street, West Warwick, will host a Presentation by Dr. Paul O’Malley, Assistant Professor at Providence College, on March 25 at 2PM. Dr. O’Malley will speak about the complicated history of Ireland’s ties to the British Commonwealth and the efforts by part of the country to extricate itself from British rule. The title of this discussion is “The Irish War of Independence between 1919 and 1921 that lead to the Irish Civil War of 1922-1923. This Presentation is free and open to the public. Please call Cecilia at 821-1078 with any questions.

Senior Center Menus

All meals include milk, coffee or tea, bread/margarine

Wed. 3/22

Thurs. 3/23

Fri. 3/24

Mon. 3/27

Tues. 3/28

Tomato soup, Swedish meatballs, rice pilaf, zucchini and carrots, multi-grain bread, fresh fruit. Option: Seafood salad plate. Minestrone soup, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, baked beans, whole wheat roll, oatmeal cookie. Option: Meatball sandwich. Clam chowder (white), fish cake, Spanish rice, mixed vegetables, sliced bread, fruit. Option: Chicken salad plate.

Potato leek soup, chicken cacciatore, black beans and rice, whole wheat roll, fruit. Option: Chicken sandwich on whole wheat roll. Southern Brunswick stew, cole slaw, corn bread, mixed fruit. Option: Seafood salad on wheat roll.

DONATION $3.00

Wed. 3/22

Thurs. 3/23

Fri. 3/24

Mon. 3/27

Tues. 3/28

Tomato soup, Swedish meatballs, rice pilaf, zucchini and carrots, dessert. Option: Seafood salad plate.

Minestrone soup, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, baked beans, dessert. Option: Meatball sandwich. White clam chowder, fish cake, Spanish rice, mixed vegetables, dessert. Option: Chicken salad plate.

Potato leek soup, chicken cacciatore, black beans and rice, mixed vegetables, dessert. Option: Chicken salad on wheat roll. South Brunswick stew, cole slaw, corn bread. Option: Seafood salad on wheat.