DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Anglican Church of the Transfiguration 64 Elm St. in Mechanic Falls will hold a Make an Offer Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 22. We are looking for more donations. So far, we will have perennials, a snowblower, a wood chipper, a quilt raffle and many other bargains. Quite a few of us are downsizing, so there will be lots to look at. We will socially distance and have masks available for people who want to browse.

Please feel free to contact Nancy Petersons: nancylpetersons@gmail.com for more details.

Thank you for all you do for the community! — Nancy, Mechanic Falls

ANSWER: I am so into downsizing, and as I’ve stated many times, I’m thrilled that these events are happening once again. Even though we still have to have COVID-19 precautions in place, every time I see another event being planned, whether it be a yard sale, a reunion, or another type of fundraiser, my spirits are lifted considerably.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column every morning and am amazed by all the connections it makes. I have issues of National Geographic magazine dating back to the mid-1970s that I would like to give away to any interested party. I also have a few years of old Smithsonian magazines. I can be reached at 998-2548 — No name, Poland

ANSWER: I’m amazed myself! When I see these offers of old magazines, I always think of artists. These colorful pages are valuable material for a creative soul. Paper collage and origami come to mind for me, but a historian or a collector of these magazines might be horrified by that idea!

If no one takes you up on your offer, check in with the activities director at a local senior residential facility to see if the residents could use them or contact the Auburn ShareCenter at the Martel School at 333-6671.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Martina of Jay (May 4 Sun Spots), I have also given away bouquets of daffodils and other garden flowers over the years. I use empty, clean, plastic gallon milk jugs. I cut an opening with a sheetrock knife about 3 to 4 inches around the top of the jug, fill it with water, then have an instant traveling container. I like using the plastic milk jugs because they are easy to transport, not likely to tip over, and have a handle. The recipient can easily transfer the flowers to a vase of their own choosing. I hope this idea helps. — David, Poland

ANSWER: It’s a great idea, David! I love a good recycler. The nice lady who lives down the road from me has a table out at the end of her driveway all spring and summer with containers of bouquets and a donation box for cash. She also has recently added a big wicker basket weighted down with a brick where customers can place donated and returned containers of all sorts. I’ve picked up flowers in glass jars, aluminum cans, milk jugs, and even those lined cartons that hold broth or almond milk. It’s an eclectic mix, but it serves the purpose! If you have flowers to spare, why not share?

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