Dear Sun Spots: Can anyone out there tell me how I would go about renewing my Certified Resident Medical Aide certification? Thank you. – Kim Lobley, Mount Vernon.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Kim Crawley, controller of Helping Hands Trade School, P.O. Box 93, Waterville, ME 04903-0093 (207) 873-0011, and 671 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 777-5294, who says if you have not let your current certification expire, you will need to take an eight-hour refresher course. The next course available is March 1 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

If your certification has expired, Crawley says that under the new state regulations you will need to take a 40-hour course. Please note that neither of these courses is available in Lewiston. For more information, please feel free to contact Crawley who says she would be happy to assist you.

Dear Sun Spots: Would someone have a lift chair they no longer use? My husband has great difficulty getting up to transfer to his wheelchair. I am willing to pay a reasonable fee for one. I can be reached at (207) 925-6872. – Burton Hagar, Lovell.

Dear Sun Spots: Do you know of anyone in the area who could replace a zipper on a leather pocketbook?

Also, on “Farm Aid 2003,” which was on PBS Channel 10 on Nov. 28, there was a singer that I could not identify. She came on right after Emmylou Harris and did a song “Poor Me.” I’d like to know who she is. – K. McK., Waterford.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might want to contact Shoe Renu on Maine Street (Fort Andross) in Brunswick, (207) 725-8557. They are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They also repair leather coats and replace zippers, such as the work you’re seeking, as well as repair shoes and regular footwear.

Regarding your second question, Sun Spots believes you may be referring to Sheryl Crow, and perhaps other readers who saw this program can verify this for you.

Dear Sun Spots: Would any Avon dealer or individuals have any Avon Pavi Elle perfume or cologne they would be willing to sell to me? Avon no longer provides it for sale. I can be reached at (207) 779-0687. – E. Brackett, Farmington.

Dear Sun Spots: Why do all the stores in Maine have to be closed three days a year on Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter, but L.L. Bean can stay open? – Jon Holmes, Dixfield.

Answer: According to Adam Fisher of the Maine Department of Labor, this law is enforced by the district attorney in each county in Maine. Sun Spots spoke with District Attorney Norm Croteau, who says he doesn’t know of any district attorneys who have had to prosecute anyone over this. Croteau believes some towns and cities may have something written in their local ordinances prior to when the state took over, some 10-plus years ago. He believes it’s possible someplace like L.L. Bean might be grandfathered.

Dear Sun Spots: This might be the poem the lady was looking for (Dec. 11 column):

“This pouch will tote your jewelry when you travel from place to place.

For every little heirloom there’s a separate little space.

Your necklace won’t tangle and unscratched your gems will be,

so here’s a little token with Best Wishes from me!”

– Linda Galway, Lewiston.

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.