Dear Sun Spots: I am a middle school science teacher at Minot Consolidated School looking for zinc and copper strips to use for electrodes in my science class. I am also looking for 30 and 32 nichrome wire like those used in light bulb filaments. I appreciate all donations of science related materials! I can be reached at Minot Consolidated School, 23 Shaw Hill Road, Minot, ME 04258, (207) 346-6471. – Sandy Ferland, Minot.

Dear Sun Spots: Sun Spots has helped me before and I am very thankful.

I am a mostly homebound woman who has spent a lot of time in the hospital over the last five years and have had many surgeries. I have a dog now that is getting old, but has been good company. Now I am requesting a very small dog who gets along with children and other dogs. Hopefully, this dog would be something I can cuddle on my down days. I can’t afford to pay or I would check the shelters. Anyone willing to part with a little ball of fur would make me very happy and not so lonely when my hubby works. Thank you. – Cindy in Oxford.

Dear Sun Spots: We have a gift certificate to The Rail Station Restaurant in Mechanic Falls. I understand that they are closed, what can be done about the gift certificate? Thanks. – Eleanor Taylor, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I am writing to inquire about The Rail Station Restaurant in Mechanic Falls. According to a sign that they had on their door in late August, the restaurant was due to reopen Sept. 8. I went there to eat this past Friday and it was not open. I called the telephone number and found that the phone has been temporarily disconnected. Has the Rail Station gone out of business or is the closing temporary? If the restaurant has closed, if there any way to get a refund on a gift certificate that I received? Thank you for your assistance. – Hungry In Oxford

Dear Sun Spots: Can you tell me why The Rail Station has closed and will it reopen? Thank you for your wonderful column. – Pauline Pelletier, Sabattus.

Answer: As you have have noted in an Oct. 9 city edition article by reporter Dan Hartill, School Union 29 hopes to purchase the former restaurant. Its board of directors has given approval, in concept, to purchase the almost 7,200-square-foot building. Sun Spots tried to contact the owner David Stimson at his Mechanic Falls home, however the number was disconnected and his Realtor has not returned Sun Spots’ call. Perhaps there are readers out there who may be able to assist you here. Alternatively, Sun Spots would recommend you write to Stimson at the restaurant’s former address: 68 Maple St., Mechanic Falls, ME 04256.

Dear Sun Spots: In response to J.P., Lewiston on Oct. 14: Go to http://www.operationshoebox.com/links.asp. They have loads of links like USO Care Packages, Operation Home Front, Sweets for the Troops, Blue Star Mothers, Gifts from the Homefront, etc. They even have links where you can adopt a unit/platoon. Plenty to choose from, just a click away. – Cheryl Collier, Farmington.

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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.

Copy the Story Link