Dear Sun Spots: It is time to think of the holiday season and those facing problems who won’t be able to provide a warm holiday season for their families.

The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Committee is accepting donations for needy families in Monmouth. The donations may be money, toys, hats, mittens, canned goods and vegetables. We are not accepting used clothing. We could use the following for teenagers: books, jewelry, perfume, toilet articles, games, puzzles, staples, stationery and school supplies. Money donations may be mailed directly to Charlene Cunliffe, 292 Academy Road, Monmouth, ME 04259 or the Henry L. Cottrell School, 169 Academy Road, Monmouth, ME 04259. Other donations may be left at the school office.

If possible, the committee would like contributions on or before Dec. 1.

Your anticipated help is very much appreciated. Your donation will help make the holidays happier for a lot of people. – Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Committee, Monmouth.

Dear Sun Spots: We are looking for a band to play at our wedding. We want a band that plays a wide range of music from country music to soft rock and some of today’s music. Our wedding is June 12, 2004. You can contact us, John or Kelly at (207) 782-1937. Thank you. – Kelly and John of Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: For Louise Roberts: The following directions are for flat scrubbers made of netting.

Cut netting ¾-inch in width the long way of the fabric. It takes about 12 yards in length. One can either purchase 12 yards and not have to piece it, or if one prefers, shorter yardage may be used and the pieces sewn together to make about 12 yards. Use size G hook.

Begin by crocheting a chain of 6 sts; join.

1st row: chain 3; double crochet as many times as you can fit into the circle. (usually 12 to 15 dbl crochets); join.

2nd row: chain 3; dbl crochet one in the first dbl crochet; two in the next dbl crochet; join.

3rd row: chain 3; dbl crochet into each dbl crochet, increasing where needed to make project lie flat. Increase more or less times into each dbl crochet depending on what is needed to make a flat round pad. The scrubber will be about 3½ inches. – Julie Daye, Newry.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please print the name and phone number of the lady who knits mittens for the needy?

I may be able to help with yarn. Thank you. – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: Try contacting Cecile Lauze through the Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH program at (207) 784-0157. Lauze uses yarn donated to the program, which stands for Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope. Its mission is to enable frail, vulnerable elderly and those with disabilities to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. She is skillful in using odds and ends of yarn to make colorful mittens of all sizes.

Dear Sun Spots: I recently read in Sun Spots that a reader was inquiring about Pregnancy Bellycasting. I am writing to let those interested know it is available in the area. I have a bellycasting business, Rock-A-Bye Belly Bellycasting, and offer the following services: The mom-to-be may choose to have the casting done in the privacy of her own home, or mine. Do-It-Yourself kits are also available to purchase.

I also do bellycasting at baby showers. I can be contacted by e-mail or phone, at gretchnkids@yahoo.com, (207)946-4785. – Gretchen MacGregor, Greene.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.