Dear Sun Spots: The Lewiston High School Alumni Foundation would like to raise more money for scholarships for graduating seniors. We would like to have an Alumni Garage Sale. If there is enough interest we would be planning this during Homecoming in the fall. If you would like to help with this worthy cause please reply by e-mail to skm659@roadrunner.com and write “Alumni Garage Sale” in the subject line. Thank you. – Sharon K. Martel, president LHS Alumni Foundation.

Dear Sun Spots: In 2009, a new law takes effect regarding TV. If one has cable will they need a converter box or just the ones with rabbit ears? Thanks. No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: The Federal Communications Commission ruled that all new television sets in the United States must have digital tuners. So, on Feb. 17, 2009, the over-the-air signal used by traditional televisions to pick up local programming will end. The transmissions will be shut off, by law, and only newer sets equipped to receive new digital signals will work. Consumers who receive free, over-the-air broadcasting (using rabbit ears) exclusively on analog sets will have three options for continuing their television service after the deadline: purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an analog television set, purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner, or subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company video service provider. If you already have cable, you will not need a converter box.

Congress has set aside $1.5 billion for coupons, worth $40, toward the purchase of a converter. The coupons are plastic cards that look like gift cards. They will be available until March 31, 2009, and each household is allowed two coupons. You may order your coupon by calling the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), sending a written request to TV Converter Box Coupon Program, PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000, or online at www.dtv2009.gov. The coupons expire 90 days from mailing. They will be mailed via standard mail and delivery is expected two to nine days from the mail date.

You may buy your converter boxes at the following local businesses: Best Buy in Auburn (795-8810), RadioShack, located at both the Auburn (784-2280) and Lewiston (783-0124) Malls, Wal-Mart (784-0738), and Amcan Satellite TV in Wales (cell, 754-0040, home, 375-5064).

To figure out if your TV set is digital, the FCC advises viewers to check for any of the following: “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC” or “HDTV,” on the set or in instruction manuals. Or, consumers may contact the set’s manufacturer or an electronics retailer for help in making the determination.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a Cryo Cuff cooler with hose if anyone wants it. – No Name, No Town.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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