DEAR SUN SPOTS: My son and his family may be moving and it could mean that they would be in a neighboring school district. Could you please find out what are the requirements, procedures and costs, if any, to keep his children in the same district (RSU 9) they attend presently? — No Name via email

ANSWER: At the recommendation of education reporter Bonnie Washuk, Sun Spots called the RSU 73 Superintendent’s Office, where she was told that in order for students to attend out of their district, both superintendents need to agree. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Your son should start by calling 897-6722 and outlining his request.

Bonnie told Sun Spots that switching a student to a different district affects the RSUs financially. The funds the schools get from the state are awarded based on the number of students, so if your grandchildren stay in RSU 9, then RSU 73 won’t get that money.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are downsizing our living situation and do not have room for all of our household items at the new location. All of the items are either new or in good condition.

Would you know of anyone who would come out and make an offer for the whole package? Or if one of your readers were interested, they could make an offer. — No Name, East Livermore

ANSWER: You cannot sell items through the column, but Sun Spots, who has been helping her mother with this process, can offer a few suggestions.

One is to hire an auctioneer/estate sale service. The following advertise with the Sun Journal or have written to Sun Spots previously, offering their services. Sun Spots does not know if all of them provide the kind of service you seek, but they are a place to start.

* Auctions of Maine, Turner, 514-5755

* Dan Boyd Auction, Poland, 998-4083

* Charles M. Talbot Associates, Turner, 225-3797

* Keenan Auction, South Portland, 885-5100

* McMorrow Auction Co., 48 Mechanic Falls Road, Poland, 777-7030, 800-924-9477

* Tranzon Auction, Portland, 775-4300

Perhaps readers will know of other services as well.

You may find it easier to move out and take the stuff you want, then deal with the leftovers. Much that remains — old linens, towels, dishes, decorations, books, etc. — may have little value. In those instances, donating to charity is easier and, if you can use the tax write-off, may be more cost effective than a sale.

Recently Sun Spots heard of a new business in Minnesota that’s designed to deal with just this problem. Employees of Empty the Nest (www.emptythenest.net) come in after the occupants have moved and clear out and clean the place from stem to stern. You can either pay them or, if you have enough reusable stuff of value, they will do it for free and earn their money by selling the leftovers.

The women who run this business are talking about franchising the idea. Northern New England could certainly use this business. You can get an awful lot of stuff in a big old farmhouse!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many of you probably aren’t thinking about the cold weather coming, but here at Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends we think about winter all year long.

We build our own houses and cafes and insulate them with spruce or fir boughs. Nothing works better than this to protect the cats from the harsh winter weather. The natural materials also make the cats feel at home.

Because of the dry season, the boughs we had didn’t last. When you’re cleaning up your yard this fall or if you know someone with healthy blue spruce boughs who would like to keep our feral friends from freezing this winter, please call me.

Our dream is to have a tree donated like the one they have in Portland for Christmas. Please help these babies stay warm this winter. Thank you. — Norm, [email protected], 650-8374

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). Please include your phone number. 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 emailed to [email protected].