Dear Sun Spots: As a college student hoping to study abroad during spring semester and leaving in early January, I will be abroad for the presidential primaries. How can I get an absentee ballot sent to me in a foreign country? – Tara Churchill, Auburn.

Answer: First of all, Sun Spots would like to commend you on being such a responsible voter!

In addition, Sun Spots spoke with Deputy City Clerk Lynn Berube who says you should please contact the city clerk’s office with your new address once you have it.

They’ll keep a file of it at city hall. When the absentee ballots become available, they will check the file and then mail you your ballot at your foreign address.

Contact the Auburn City Clerk’s Office at Auburn Hall, 60 Court St., Auburn, ME 04210, 333-6600. According to the Web site, it is open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Fridays.

Dear Sun Spots: Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends is looking for talented crafters in the surrounding communities who would become one of Tommy’s Heros by generously donating some of their crafts to help save the abused and neglected animals in our care. If you would like to donate a craft and help us to continue to do what we do best, save lives, please phone Norm Blais at 750-8374. Thank you column readers! – Norm Blais, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I start my day reading the Sun Spots column.

We have always had a large variety of birds on our feeders (especially chickadees) but not so this summer. Where have they gone? Thank you. – J.S., Rumford.

Answer: Sun Spots checked in with Paul Davis, president of the Western Maine Audubon Chapter, and has learned that the common chickadee does not appear to be diminishing in numbers, that he is aware of.

He says that many birds have a lot of natural food sources in the summer and are least likely to be in want at this time of year.

He says you should note an increase in the numbers of birds feeding at the feeders come autumn.

Dear Sun Spots: You do great work.

After a few tries at other sources, I feel positive that if anyone can answer my question, you can! So, here goes:

I am wondering if you can locate a Sun Savings and Loan Association Investment Company? I have in my possession two savings certificates of deposit, issued Oct. 25, 1984.

I have tried the Maine address provided with the original but my letter came back.

It is possible they are no longer in business or could have been sold to another company. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots wonders if you recall the following information from a column reader, posted in the March 16 column:

Dear Sun Spots: In your March 2 column, someone asked for information on locating Sun Savings and Loan Association:

This institution was bought out by Peoples Heritage Bank, which has since been purchased by Banknorth.

The person who is holding the savings certificates could go to the local branch of TD Banknorth to see if they are still holding the accounts.

However, since the certificates are more than 20 years old, they may have been turned over to the state treasurer as abandoned property.

I would urge them to begin their search by going to the state’s Web site at www.maine.gov/treasurer/unclaimed_property/online and type in the name of holder of the certificates along with the other information required and see if this is the case.

There are instructions on the Web site for claiming such property. – Martha Nest, tax specialist, Lisbon.

Dear Sun Spots: Is there anyone out there who is a relative of Eva Morrill orignally from the Bethel area. I am trying to find her as I went to school with her. Her married name is Taylor.

If anyone can give me any information, please call 539-2261 or e-mail Bev at [email protected]. – Beverly Brown, Oxford.

Dear Sun Spots: We are looking for crafters for our annual holiday fair at Our Lady of the Rosary’s Maxwell-Gill Hall on High Street in Sabattus. It is being held on Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To reserve your table or spot or for more information, please contact Connie at 375-6951, from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday to Thursday. – Connie Chasse, Sabattus.

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 Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].