Dear Sun Spots: Maine’s Worldwide Missions Outreach Inc. is looking for anyone interested in donating gym equipment, free weights and obstacle equipment, ring bars, parallel bars, etc. for its pre-military and police obstacle course training program in Turner, Maine. If you have any equipment not being used and want to donate it, please call the registered office at (207) 225-3285. – Paul Bernard, Turner.

Dear Sun Spots: I just read in your June 18 column, that “No Name, Livermore Falls” is looking for a Body by Jake, Ab & Back Plus.

I have one and would be willing to part for a reasonable amount. I should be home Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. My phone number is (207) 375-2698, and I have an answering machine. Thanks for your help. – Vi, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: My daughter asked me to tape a morning show back on June 14 which featured three things to never buy new. My daughter is curious about them and asked me to tape it for her. I taped the wrong show and don’t recall which morning show it might have been. I hate to tell my daughter I taped the wrong station. Please help. Thank you in advance. – E.H., Greene.

Answer: Unfortunately Sun Spots has not received a response to this question. However, she located the Top 10 Items you should not buy new, on http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Savinganddebt/Finddealsonline/P92985.asp:

Books: Your local library, for example, may allow you to reserve titles online and then deliver them to your nearest branch for pickup. Used book stores abound, both in your town and online. If you’re looking for something to get you through your next cross-country flight, just stop by almost any yard sale and pick up four for $1.

DVDs, CDs and videos: Check out Amazon.com or BlockBuster.com as well as used record stores and yard sales.

Little kids’ toys: Cruise consignment shops and yard sales for bargains. Better than cheap, though, is free. Some parents set up regular toy-swapping meets, or you might be lucky enough to score hand-me-downs from friends and relatives.

Jewelry: Find a pawn shop that’s been in business for awhile. Some readers have had good results buying via newspaper ads, but you might want to take the piece to a jeweler for an appraisal first.

Sports equipment: Yard sales, newspaper and online ads, resale stores like Play It Again Sports, except for shoes, baseball mitts and anything that will mold itself to the wearer’s body.

Time shares: Some of the higher-end properties in exclusive resorts don’t lose much value, and may offer benefits like frequent-flyer miles that could be worth the extra money if you buy from the developer. Before you buy, though, check resale values online; don’t take an agent’s word for how much depreciation to expect.

Cars: The average new car loses 12.2 percent of its value in the first year, according to Edmunds.com; on a $20,000 car, that’s $2,440, or more than $200 a month. Some cars depreciate even faster, depending on demand, incentives offered and other factors. Companies like CarFax allow you to trace a car’s history. Many late-model used cars are still under warranty, and a trusted mechanic can give your potential purchase the once-over to spot any problems.

Software and console games: Buy used, and you’ll pay half or less what the software cost new.

Office furniture: Good-quality used office desks, filing cabinets and credenzas are relatively easy to find.

Hand tools: Well-made tools with few or no moving parts such as hammers, wrenches, shovels, hoes, etc. can last decades with proper maintenance and are relatively easy to find at yard sales. You may also be able to rent or borrow from a friend or neighbor rather than buying.

Dear Sun Spots: The Oak Hill High School classes of 1979 and 1980 are combining their 25th reunions. We are trying to find most of the class of 1979. The date for the reunion is July 30. Please contact Dan Tetreault at (508) 248-5240 or via e-mail at [email protected]. If you know anyone who graduated in these years, please let them know. The deadline is June 30. Thanks. – Terri Deschaine, No Town.

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