Dear Sun Spots: I need help and you are so good at providing answers to the questions you get. I have a mobile home that needs a paint job badly. I need to know what kind of paint to use. Whatever kind is on it now, if you rub your hand across it, your hand is covered with a white dust. Any information will be greatly appreciated. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots checked into this with a local modular home company that says it appears you may have oxidation occurring, where the aluminum was painted over and the elements have affected it over the years. You don’t state if the paint is on the roof, siding or elsewhere and many of these do tend to be made out of vinyl. If it is aluminum, it will be tricky to paint and should require etching the metal with a liquid prior to painting and to allow the paint to bond. You may want to contact your local paint store to discuss this with them.

Dear Sun Spots: We are sad to announce the cancellation of the Fall Festival of Music, benefiting Loaves & Fishes and to be held at Central Maine Community College on Sept. 10. If you have advance tickets, please phone Sister Lucille at (207) 375-8399 for a refund. We apologize for the inconvenience. – Sister Lucille, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I was in Wiscasset the early part of August and there was a small craft fair set up in tents at the end of the bridge. There was a lady there that was selling old type photos of many towns in Maine. She had pictures of Beedy’s Store and Clyde Wheeler’s sawmill in Chesterville Center. Although I did not purchase any that day, I would like to know how to contact her to obtain the photos now. Or, if not her, any other person that sells those type of pictures of Maine towns. I’d also like to have one of the old Chesterville Elementary School. Thank you. I can be reached at 524-3831. – Sherry Woodcock, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Help!!!

Does anyone know where I can purchase the tinfoil round “doughnut-type” plates that go around the burners on a gas stove? The ones I am talking about are the disposable ones. I have looked in many stores, and cannot find any. – Eileen Lord, Vienna.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try checking your local Wal-Mart. Sun Spots saw some there recently.

Dear Sun Spots: Your column is so helpful and informative. I am looking for replacement cushions for a Canadian rocker; or a local upholster who is reasonable.

Also, is there anyone locally who has traveled with Elderhostel groups from Maine? I may be interested in this type of travel and would like to talk to someone who has participated. Thank you. – No Name, Sabattus.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try contacting:

Leo’s Upholstery, 30 Riverside Drive, Auburn, (207) 782-3822; Alan Osborn Fine Furniture, 28 Main Street, Sumner, (207) 388-3177; Beaucage Marc & Diane, 73 Scribner Blvd., Lewiston, (207) 783-7686; Decorating Plus, 336 Center Street, Auburn, (207) 784-0173; Godbout Upholstering & Carpet Service, 11 Laurel Ave., Auburn, (207) 782-3306; Life In The Fast Lane, 4 Leighton Road, Durham, (207) 353-562; Sonny’s Upholstery, 229 Lisbon Street, Lisbon, (207) 353-5656.

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 can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].