Dear Sun Spots: You answer many questions which is very helpful to many. Now I have a question for you.

Could you please tell me what is the problem with Channel 6? The reason I ask is that it doesn’t come in clear at all, compared to channels 8, 13, 10 and even 23. – G.H., Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots corresponded with station manager Steve Thaxton who says the station has made no changes to its transmission for quite a while. He believes the reasons you may be having problems are infinite. Things such as snow on the roof, iced antenna, trees in the way or broken receiver.

Head engineer Dave Mundee says reception is best with a good outside antenna oriented toward Channel 6’s transmitter. He says connections and antennas deteriorate over time and can degrade the signal strength reaching the receiver. Location is everything, there are some places where reception will be better than others. Mundee says that, generally speaking, the terrain around Lewiston Auburn is not favorable for good reception, there are some hills that make reception difficult. The station broadcasts from the same height with the same power as it always has. Sun spots are not an issue at these frequencies. However, Channel 6 is susceptible to FM interference; it is possible an FM station has come on the air or increased power affecting your reception of channel 6. It is difficult to determine the exact problem without a site visit but usually if the signal was good once, there is some problem with the viewer’s antenna or line.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please advise me what I can use to clean records from the 1950s? They are made of a porcelain-like material. Also, how do I clean today’s vinyl records? What do you or the readers suggest I should use to safely clean them so they may play like new again? Thank you for your advice. Please call me at (207) 375-9901 with your tips. – No Name, Sabattus.

Dear Sun Spots: My elderly mother was recently diagnosed with dementia. Among her belongings is a Welbilt Bread Oven model ABM600-1 which my handicapped brother would love to learn to use. However, the dough-mixing blade is missing and of course mother cannot tell us where it is. It’s a machine she bought and never used. I have the instructions and box it came in but no blade. I called the number for parts and it is no longer in service. My daughter could find nothing on the Internet. I don’t know if you can find this or not. Also, perhaps there is someone out there that has one that no longer works or they no longer use, I could buy for a reasonable price. Or if the machine is not working perhaps they might be willing to sell the blade for a reasonable price. I may be reached at (207) 998-4097.- No Name, No Town.

Answer: Unfortunately Welbilt went out of business four years ago. Sun Spots contacted Tritronics, which sells replacement parts and literature for Welbilt or Betty Crocker small appliances. Sadly they no longer have any hooks left. Perhaps there’s a reader out there who has this particular model and part and would be willing to sell them to you for a reasonable price. You might also want to check the local Goodwill stores as they often have bread makers for sale and perhaps you might discover the one you are seeking among their merchandise.

Dear Sun Spots: Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is looking for people who may feel comfortable in a grief-support role. Bereavement volunteers provide one-on-one and phone support to caregivers, family members and others after a hospice patient has died.

Bereavement volunteer classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, starting in April.

Many of us can long remember the support and extra care from a friend or acquaintance after we experienced the death of a loved one.

The first class will be held April 7 and led by coordinator Jim Douglas who will focus on a discussion of the grief process, as well as clinical depression and complicated grief as well as the art of bereavement volunteering.

Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of from two to four hours per week. Participants should not be actively grieving their own losses.

Anyone interested in this vital volunteer role can please call me at (207) 795-9581 or 1-800-482-7412. We would like to talk to prospective volunteers before the classes begin. Thanks very much. – Nancy Greene, 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 Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you may e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].