Dear Sun Spots: My two grandchildren want to join the fifth-grade band but they need to buy or rent instruments. My granddaughter wants to play flute, and grandson the trumpet. But because of their unfortunate family situation, they are unable to rent and take home instruments to practice on. The school has been understanding and they both are able to use an instrument once a week when the group meets. I have looked for used instruments, but I am on a fixed income and cannot afford these. I was hoping someone might have a used, student flute and trumpet, in good working condition, or are willing to donate either to two young, aspiring musicians. They are eager to learn and master “Hot Cross Buns.” Please call Marge at 577-0287 and help bring some sweet music in their lives. Thank you. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots wonders if you’ve considered contacting any secondhand stores, some of which may carry some at a reasonable cost. You might also check out Uncle Henry’s publication, which recently had a trumpet for sale. Check it out online at www.unclehenrys.com or pick up a copy at one of your local stores.

Dear Sun Spots: As the holiday season draws near, it is time to think of the people encountering problems and who won’t be able to provide as warm a holiday season as they’d like for their families.

The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Committee is accepting donations for needy families in Monmouth. We are especially seeking the following items for teens, who often get forgotten during the gift season. Anything such as books, jewelry, perfume, toilet articles, games, compact disks, stationery and school supplies.

The donations may be money, toys, hats, mittens, canned goods and vegetables. We are not accepting used clothing.

Monetary donations can be mailed directly to Charlene Cunliffe, 292 Academy Road, Monmouth, ME 04259, or Henry L. Cottrell School, 169 Academy Road, Monmouth, ME 04259. Other donations may please be left at the school office.

If possible, the committee would greatly appreciate receiving contributions on or before Dec. 1. Your help is very much appreciated by our committee, but most especially our families. – The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Committee.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a painter who sprays textured ceilings in the Livermore Falls area. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Thanks to the readers who have previously helped our schools!

Turner Elementary School and Turner Primary School are trying to raise money for their schools. We are collecting empty inkjet and laser cartridges, old/used cell phones, game consoles and laptops. If any readers have any they would like to donate, please call me at 754-8170 and I can make arrangements to pick them up.

In addition, we continue to collect for our Box Tops 4 Education program. If any readers have some they would like to donate, they can be mailed to me Laurie Labbe, 5 Brookfield Estates, Turner, ME 04282.

Thanks again for all your help column readers. It is really appreciated. – Laurie Labbe, Turner.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a KitchenAid dishwasher, model KDI-18 ML-34073 and need to replace the top tray because it has rusted. KitchenAid cannot offer any help in finding a replacement.

Does anyone have any input on how I can obtain this item? I can be reached at 782-3616. – Mary Roy, No Town.

Answer: According to a posting online dated Jan. 23, 2007, the upper rack from your model and the series 18 (KDC18, KDI18, KDP18, KDS18) machines up to the KD23 series are all the same size and will fit right into you unit. If you cannot find a set on a machine that someone may be tossing away, there are loads of them on eBay. Just search under KitchenAid dishwashers and they should come up. Sun Spots checked eBay and did see several racks for KitchenAid dishwashers and you might consider checking these out in case any of them might fit your particular model.

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].