Recent Chris Graham Columns

Barterer offers cleaning, errands to get auto up and running

Chris Graham | Sunday, May 20, 2012

Bartering has always been a method of exchanging goods and services through a person-to-person approach that gives people access to things they’re unable to acquire …

Food saver helps preserve produce, saves trips to the market

Chris Graham | Sunday, May 13, 2012

Food preservation and storage date to ancient civilizations. They include clay jars, drying racks, salt and spices, pickling and canning, all methods to protect food …

Collecting ties for re‘tie’rement party surprise

Chris Graham | Sunday, May 6, 2012

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. …

Bride-to-be could now be pronounced ‘recipient of wedding decor’

Chris Graham | Sunday, April 29, 2012

Most weddings are planned far in advance, with few details left to chance – a guest list compiled, menu approved, reception site selected, some place …

Mason jars, preservers from the past, offer creative future uses

Chris Graham | Sunday, April 22, 2012

The simple, clear-glass Mason jar is perhaps the most versatile household item on the market since it was invented and patented by John Landis Mason …

Acquiring a mannequin figures into making memories for mom

Chris Graham | Sunday, April 15, 2012

The history of the mannequin reveals much greater value than simply being used as a figure rigidly posed in a store window. From the Dutch …

Senior complex resident reaches out on behalf of neighbors in need

Chris Graham | Sunday, April 8, 2012

“Some people make things happen, some watch things happen, while others wonder what has happened” is an anonymous quote. I would like to add “and …

Prom season prompts formal request for dress donation information

Chris Graham | Sunday, April 1, 2012

A swatch of fabric from a carefully chosen gown, flowers from a cherished corsage pressed between pages of a yearbook, a photograph of a young …

Simon Says: Do you have the original version of this memory game?

Chris Graham | Sunday, March 25, 2012

Simon is an electronic game of memory skill, named for the children’s game of Simon Says. Four colored buttons produce a random sequence, challenging the …

HEARTS centers on need for sewing machines

Chris Graham | Sunday, March 18, 2012

The mission of HEARTS is peer support to people challenged by the daily effects of living, coping and recovering from mental health issues. Acquiring a …

Luggage for mission work will roll supplies to Haiti, Honduras

Chris Graham | Sunday, March 11, 2012

Haiti and Honduras are among the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Destruction from recent hurricanes and earthquakes, vulnerability to disease, inadequate shelter and lack …

Beanie Babies collection available for inspection

Chris Graham | Sunday, February 26, 2012

In 1986, four plush cats named Angel, Ginger, Peaches and Smokey, created and designed by former toy salesman H. Ty Warner, became the “purrfect” introduction …

Working mother living at shelter has toddler with basic needs

Chris Graham | Sunday, February 12, 2012

“Sorting through what caused someone to become homeless is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together,” Kathy Paquette, of Homeless Outreach, said in a 2008 Telegraph …

Furniture will help furnish a brighter future for single dad, sons

Chris Graham | Sunday, February 5, 2012

“Along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain sometimes” is a line from singer-songwriter Joe South’s “Rose Garden,” which was written more than …

Student musicians seek acoustic guitars ‘with strings attached’

Chris Graham | Sunday, January 29, 2012

Music lessons are only effective if one has a desire to learn, has a dedicated instructor, is having fun – and has an instrument available. …

Seniors group calls out for bingo strips, electric bingo machine

Chris Graham | Sunday, January 22, 2012

Bingo! This popular attraction appears to be drawing attention via a myriad of new electronic devices, from computer-generated flashboard systems to tabletop bingo ball blowers. …

Empty Bowls event seeks handmade items for silent auction

Chris Graham | Sunday, January 15, 2012

The annual Empty Bowls event to benefit the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter will be held at Nashua High School South on Wednesday, Feb. 22. …

New year brings new business venture, craft project

Chris Graham | Sunday, January 8, 2012

The beginning of a new year is an excellent time to start positive changes: realizing ambitions, making decisions, following through on projects, resolving a touchy …

Animals at Nashua Humane Society make shelter wish list

Chris Graham | Saturday, December 31, 2011

Homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and rats, along with guinea pigs and reptiles are all thankful for the warm, safe and loving accommodations provided for them …

Senior complex residents hope Santa brings exercise equipment

Chris Graham | Sunday, December 25, 2011

With hours before Christmas, as elves load the sleigh, Santa reads letters that came in today. It isn’t too late to make a request, since …

Outreach program seeks items on behalf of homeless folks

Chris Graham | Sunday, December 18, 2011

From his sleigh in the sky, Santa questions what he sees, families huddled amid the trees. “No room at the shelters,” they’ve been told, budget …

Nashua High North ‘Hat-a-Thon’ creations head cancer fundraiser

Chris Graham | Sunday, December 11, 2011

Cancer is everyone’s enemy. It may attack any part of the body, from head to toe, surface to internal organs, any age, gender or race, …

Dog coat collection, distribution begins at thrift shop

Chris Graham | Sunday, December 4, 2011

The Lucky Dog is a unique resale shop where proceeds benefit local animal and humane charities, as well as residents with pets in need of …

Sweater season prompts knitter’s quest to replace pattern

Chris Graham | Sunday, November 27, 2011

Winter’s chill is in the air, calling for warmth of woolen wear. Layered clothing, including a sweater, increases indoor comfort and helps brave the weather. …

Red, white and blue items are celebration-ready for military homecoming

Chris Graham | Sunday, November 20, 2011

America’s colors, proudly displayed on our flag and included in the great seal of the United States, represent the ideals and beliefs of our Founding …

Walkers would welcome snowshoes to explore the woods in winter

Chris Graham | Sunday, November 13, 2011

A few warm days and mild weather can make it hard to remember that it isn’t April, but November. This might also be wishful thinking, …

Head Start needs preschool books, scrapbooking supplies

Chris Graham | Sunday, November 6, 2011

Obeying signs, following directions, making purchases, complying with inspections. Observing the rules posted at schools, instructions for using toys and tools. Conveying things you want …

Elementary school trivia contest prompts quest for Brain Quest

Chris Graham | Sunday, October 23, 2011

Brain Quest is a series of educational flashcard packages that challenge children in grades 1-7 on subjects such as science, English, mathematics, history and geography. …

Rhythm discs would be noteworthy acquisition for keyboardist

Chris Graham | Sunday, October 16, 2011

Technics is a brand name of Panasonic Corp., and a Web site visit leaves no doubt the KN2000 keyboard is one of the products that …

Six-disc CD changer could change format for an organization

Chris Graham | Sunday, October 9, 2011

Back in 1965, even with 22 patents, James T. Russell’s invention of the compact disc drew virtually no attention. Then in 1981, Phillips and Sony …

Teaching supplies offered are ‘tools of the trade’ for creative educators

Chris Graham | Sunday, October 2, 2011

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin Visually and mentally stimulating activities and workbooks …

Battery-operated chair is powerful incentive to get out and about

Chris Graham | Sunday, September 25, 2011

Marvel at a sunset, enjoy an outdoor view. To window shop or go inside could be up to you. Meet with friends at gathering places. …

Slew of free cassette tapes provide a blast from the past

Chris Graham | Sunday, September 18, 2011

Technology is always on the fast track, with compact designs and wireless high-speed devices, but not everyone is hurrying out to replace still-functional and familiar …

Filling out school’s Lego collection will help students think outside the box

Chris Graham | Sunday, September 4, 2011

Each Lego creation is a testament of the builder’s creativity. From the Danish words “leg godt,” meaning “play well,” to “lego” meaning “I put together’ …

Sculptors cast a request for material to create molds

Chris Graham | Sunday, August 28, 2011

Participants in the upcoming Nashua International Sculpture Symposium are requesting donations of iron objects destined to take on new life when transformed into molds for …

Place settings are set for a place at your table

Chris Graham | Sunday, August 21, 2011

The name Phaltzgraff (Pfaltzgraff) is familiar to millions worldwide as the oldest manufacturer of pottery made in the United States. Founded by immigrant German potters …

Foster mom with room in her heart needs bunk beds for room at home

Chris Graham | Sunday, August 14, 2011

AdoptUSKids.org says there are about 115,000 children waiting for adoptive families in the United States’ foster care system, with 1,178 children in foster care in …

Technology transfer to update media would project a reel advantage

Chris Graham | Sunday, August 7, 2011

Visit any store that sells electronic or photographic equipment or communication devices and ask “What’s new?” and you could find yourself with more information than …

Girls Inc. seeks supplies from arts and crafts to dress-up play and modeling clay

Chris Graham | Sunday, July 31, 2011

Baby dolls, balls in all sizes, “girly things” for bingo prizes. Scissors, glitter, pompoms and glue, jump ropes, Hula Hoops, board games, too. Girls Incorporated …

Tenant taking on trimming tasks needs tools for outdoor upkeep

Chris Graham | Sunday, July 24, 2011

Renters, who may be previous homeowners who miss gardening or tenants hoping to negotiate with their landlord for yard maintenance in exchange for rent reduction …

Academy for Science and Design needs file cabinets

Chris Graham | Sunday, July 17, 2011

The Academy for Science and Design in Merrimack is an open-enrollment chartered public school for sixth through 12th grade, specializing in science, mathematics, engineering and …

Assorted satellite dishes offered to serve entertainment needs

Chris Graham | Sunday, July 10, 2011

“What we know as satellite TV actually had its origins in the space race beginning with the launching of the Russian satellite Sputnik in 1957,” …

Houses for two dogs to call their own

Chris Graham | Sunday, July 3, 2011

Despite the sun’s rays, dogs may still want to romp and play. For care and safety a pet must rely on a vigilant owner’s watchful …

Wheelchair-accessible van would keep seniors connected to community

Chris Graham | Sunday, June 26, 2011

Senior housing may provide much more than handicapped-accessible living. Caring residents often help one another with transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping or errands, as …

Downsizing turns up sizable magazine collection for visual inspection

Chris Graham | Sunday, June 19, 2011

Back issues of magazines are often sought by collectors and non-collectors alike, depending on subject matter, breathtaking images or condition of the publication. Participants in …

Warmer weather opens a window for air conditioner request

Chris Graham | Sunday, June 12, 2011

June brings no surprise that temperature readings are on the rise. Replacing an older unit or upgrading might make that current model available for someone …

Craft night offers Mary’s House residents an outlet for creativity

Chris Graham | Sunday, June 5, 2011

Mary’s House, a program of Southern New Hampshire Services on West Pearl Street in Nashua, gives homeless single women a chance to rent their own …

Larger home for HEARTS Peer Support Center increases needs

Chris Graham | Sunday, May 29, 2011

Less than a year since clients, guests and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the grand opening at the HEARTS Peer Support Center in Nashua’s Millyard, there’s …

Co-op residents need clubhouse storage

Chris Graham | Sunday, May 22, 2011

Folks making their home in Merrimack’s Camp Sargent Road resident-owned co-op have the good fortune of living in a caring community where residents form committees …