DEAR SUN SPOTS: Before Memorial Day a treasured family heirloom was removed from my garage — an ox yoke dating back to the 1800s. Anybody out there knowing anything pertaining to this will greatly be appreciated. — No Name, Auburn, 784-6025

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Will the person who took the table lamp from the home at 1442 Franklin Road in Jay please return the lamp to me? I am the caretaker for this property in Jay for the family living in Massachusetts. This is a family heirloom and needs to be returned. There will be no questions asked. Thank you. — Don Hamlin, 26 Eastern Ave., Wilton

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m a disabled woman and trying to fix up my basement into a livable space so I can rent out the upstairs floor of my house. Times are tough, and this arrangement would help me keep my home.

To make this possible, I’m hoping your wonderful readers would be able to help with some donations. I’m looking for secondhand furnishings, such as a toilet, bathtub, shower stall, two sinks, a small stove or even a used microwave.

I know this is a tall order, but I also know people have things left over when they update their kitchen and bathrooms. Any help would be greatly appreciated. — Victoria, No Town

ANSWER: Individuals are not allowed to ask for items through the column, only charities.

However, you might have some luck getting inexpensive items at the Buildings Material Exchange. You can find them at 102 Lisbon Road, Lisbon, ME 04250, 636-7670, www.mainebme.org.

The exchange accepts new and reusable materials and then resells them. Anyone is welcome to shop there, with low- and moderate-income individuals and families receiving a significant discount. There is a $10 yearly membership fee.

Those who want to apply for the discount need to bring in proof of income (a copy of your most recent tax return is best). To find out if you qualify, click on BME Income Guidelines at www.mainebme.org.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to recent requests for shredding services, Without A Trace offers mobile shredding services. You can call us at 883-4700. — Tom Kane, tom@withoutatrace.biz

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you to all the people who attended the Bill Freeman benefit. And an extra thank-you to all the individuals and businesses that donated to make the event the success. It was a night of fun and laughter. An account is available till July 1 at any Franklin savings Bank under the name “Billy’s Team.”

There are raffle tickets still available. First prize is eight hours of excavation by Clayton Pelletier of Rumford (machine and man value $1,000 ), second is custom pallet coffee table by Jack and Julie of Peru, and third is a custom cutting board set by Scott Thibeault of Michigan and fourth is a handmade black bookcase made by Dalton Proctor of Weld.

Prices are $10 for a book of 12, half book for $5 and single ticket $1. They are available at TaDah in Mexico, Mrs. B’s Store in Peru and Route 2 Diner in Rumford or by calling me.

Again thank you for everyone’s generosity in donations and help in place where neighbors do help neighbors. — Yvonne Allen, yvonne5642@roadrunner.com, 462-3100

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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