IS THAT old bracelet that Aunt Gertrude passed down to you a ticket to wealth or just another piece of junk? How about that vase that you picked up at a yard sale a while back? Is it valuable?
Such questions can be answered July 21 when antiques experts come to Pasadena to put a price tag on everything from family heirlooms to cheap bric-a-brac.
Two appraisers from the Antique Man, a shop in Baltimore, will be evaluating items from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church, 8680 Fort Smallwood Road. The event is sponsored by the Mountain Road Kiwanis Club. Proceeds will help pay for the club's community projects.
Club spokesman Don Allen said that at the last appraisal, in May, more than 40 people had to be turned away because only one appraiser was present.
He added that the people who had items appraised were pleased with what they learned about their treasures.
"We were quite impressed with the time that the appraiser took explaining items to the owners, just like on Antiques Roadshow," he said.
A few gems had surfaced, including an old battery-operated Flintstones toy that was valued at $1,900 without its box. A box would have made the toy worth $500 to $600 more, Allen recalled.
Club member Bob Baxter had a glass bell that was blown by his grandfather in the 1890s. The bell was appraised at $350.
"I was shocked and pleased with the appraisal," Baxter said, "but I'm not interested in selling it."
For owners looking to cash in on their treasures, the appraisers are prepared to buy items on the spot.
"A man came in with an old 1930s-style Christmas tree stand and a complete set of hat molds," Allen said. "He walked away $175 richer."
Tickets for appraisals will be $5 per item, with a maximum of two items per person. Only 200 tickets will be sold, starting at 8:45 a.m. Refreshments will also be available.
Information: 410-255-4776.
Soccer tournament
Soccer teams from all over the state are expected to travel to Pasadena for the 14th annual preseason soccer tournament sponsored by Mountain Road Soccer. The tournament will be held Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2.
Games will be played at local fields including Lake Shore Athletic Complex, Lake Shore Elementary School and Chesapeake Bay Middle School. Boys and girls teams, in several age divisions, will play.
In previous years, the tournament was scheduled in mid-August, before many fall-season teams had begun practices. To increase participation, the tournament dates were moved to coincide with the Labor Day weekend.
"Our numbers were down a little last year, with only 44 teams participating," said Deborah Conklin, tournament director. "We hope that changing the dates and adding a few more levels of play will increase our numbers."
The levels of play include premier, master and challenge levels for players age 9 through 16.
Fees vary according to level of play. Individual player trophies will be awarded for first- and second-place teams. Referee fees are not included and must be paid at game time.
Information: 410-255-9083 or visit www.mrsoccer.com.
New York bus trip
The parish of St. Jane Frances de Chantal is sponsoring a bus trip to the Radio City Music Hall 2001 Christmas show, featuring the Rockettes, on Nov. 17.
The bus will leave at 7 a.m. and return at 11 p.m.
The estimated arrival time in New York is 11 a.m., leaving plenty of time for sightseeing or shopping before the 3:30 p.m. curtain time.
The cost is $125 per person, for transportation, third mezzanine seats for the show and a continental breakfast.
Only 100 tickets for the show are available.
A nonrefundable deposit of $45 per person is due at signup, with the balance due no later than Oct. 30.
Information: 410-437-8353.
