Dear Sun Spots: We hope to organize a group of three or four volunteers who have good handwriting and who would be willing to help us address invitations and other personalized mail for our solicitations.

This volunteer work would be available occasionally throughout the year. If anyone is interested in helping with these small projects, please contact Pam Smart, Volunteer Coordinator, Maine Public Broadcasting, 1450 Lisbon St., Lewiston, (207) 783-9101 or e-mail at psmart@mpbc.org. Thank you! – Pam Smart, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: Could anyone please help! My daughter just lost her kitten, and we are looking for another one. We are specifically looking for “bobtail” kittens. We can be reached at (207) 786-3062. – Cindy Dubois, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: It’s that time of year again! The Edward Little High School Music Association will hold its annual garage/yard sale in the high school gym on April 17. While you are doing your spring cleaning, if you have items you would like to recycle, please give us a call. The money raised goes to support the music and choral programs at the high school. We will be limiting the amount of clothing items this year and please, no footwear (boots, sneakers, shoes). You may call Tina Russell to arrange a pickup at (207) 782-7654. As always, we appreciate the support of the community. – Kathy Talpey, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: Our fourth grade class from Gifford Grad School is studying the United States.

We would like your help.

We would like your readers to send us postcards or letters telling us about your state. Thanks for your help. We can be reached at Fourth Grade U.S.A. Project, Gifford Grade School #188, P.O. Box 70, Gifford, IL 61847. – Ashley Z., Gifford, IL.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know why it is hard to reach the Social Security office at 1 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn? I was on the phone one hour 15 minutes with a busy signal all the time. What is wrong? – No Name, Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots received the same busy signal but did receive a recording when she called after-hours. Unfortunately, there were no options to leave a message to have somebody return her call.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know how to get fruit pies, like apple, so the bottom crust is not soggy. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, according to a September 2002 column, reader W.O. of Rumford recommends brushing the uncooked crust with beaten egg white. It also works for pies with soft fillings, like cream pies or any other pies.

Also, co-worker says she has heard the sogginess happens when the oven isn’t hot enough. Usually you bake a pie at 425 or 450 degrees for 15 minutes or so, then turn it down. The higher heat helps crisp the crust. And let me tell you, she makes a mean banana cream pie with the crispiest pie crust you can imagine. So she knows her crusts.

Another co-worker says she bakes her apple pie in a glass pie dish at 400 degrees on the center rack until the top is bubbly and brown. This co-worker also says it is important to mix – in tablespoon increments – just enough water to hold it together and not so much as to make a wet dough.

Maybe these tips will help you make the perfect apple pie!

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.