DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again, a new school year is upon us, with buses and excited schoolchildren seen and heard everywhere in our community. This fresh new start may not be that eagerly received by those youth and families experiencing homelessness in our area.

The Store Next Door, located at Lewiston High School, assists hundreds of students every year who can’t afford backpacks, school supplies, groceries, clothing, school photos, yearbooks, etc., pretty much anything all students need to pass from one grade to the next. One can only imagine the challenges faced by these folks, with education not the highest priority during times of strife and high mobility.

Our program relies fully on the support of our stronger neighbors for stocking our shelves and assisting our less able neighbors. Please call Mary at 795-4190, ext. 2214, or Jamie at ext. 2215, to discover ways you can help out.

We are in dire need of backpacks, school supplies, groceries, toiletries and hygiene items, new or newer clothing, or gift cards for clothes. We also accept tax-deductible monetary donations for a fund maintained for targeted or emergency needs.

We look forward to another year of helping students move toward graduation. Call and set up a time to see what we do! — Mary Seaman, McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, Lewiston Public Schools, mseaman@lewistonpublicschools.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am hoping that someone might be able to help me. My mother, who is 97, loves to play games on her computer, but her mouse isn’t working anymore and it is so old that I can’t find one that will fit. It needs to be a round connection that fits into her modem. If you can help me, please send me an email. Thanks. — Carmen, carjenks@megalink.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots guesses you will be inundated with offers, but if not let her know and she can send you a mouse that should work.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: After 50 years of gathering stuff, I am planning a big garage sale. I’m requesting input from readers out there who have been through this. Do they think that’s the way to go? Or should I give it all to an auctioneer?

Also, I would like the phone numbers of people who pick up what you don’t sell. Also, numbers of auctioneers. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots answered a similar question on Aug. 31 that you might want to review for further information. Here are the auctioneers:

* 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., Poland, 777-7030, 800-924-9477

* Tranzon Auction, Portland, 775-4300

The question about finding someone to pick up leftovers has been asked many times and rarely responded to. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My dad was involved with the textile industry from the age of 16 to when he retired in 1954. As such, I have framed photos of the Lewiston Bleachery and Dye Works 1917 baseball team, the 1926 office staff in front of the LBDW building and pictures of when it became Pepperell Mfg. Co.

I also have a directory of the awards program for years employed with the name of all the people celebrating five to 50 years of employment. I think it was held in the Dewitt Hotel ballroom.

I think Museum L-A might like these. Please furnish me with a Web address so I can contact them. Thanks. — Arthur Cloutier, jclout4153@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots thinks you are a right. You can visit them at http://museumla.org, 35 Canal St., Box A7, Lewiston, ME 04240, 333-3881, info@museumla.org.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am trying to find if anyone has a Dutch oven or a pot that can go from the stove to the oven for a reasonable price. Thank you. — Wilma, pepsimom62@roadrunner.com

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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