Dear Sun Spots: How much does the netting cost for a basketball hoop? And, for the average high school, how much does it cost per year when two hoop nets are taken after every game? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: First to clarify: Normally basketball hoop nets are only removed as part of the celebration after championship games, such as what occurred during the recent state championship game, and both eastern and western regional games. These tournament game nets have special strings that allow easy removal. In addition, the hoop nets are only removed because of wear and tear. Sun Spots spoke with Lewiston High School Athletic Director Jason Fuller who says his school’s nets haven’t come down in four years. Edward Little Athletic Director Dan Deshaies says he has his school’s six hoop nets replaced annually because of wear, and at $6 apiece this costs his school $36 a year.

Jason says Lewiston High School has six hoops, each costing between $6 and $7. It cost LHS about $36 to $42 to replace the six hoop nets four years ago.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like the address for Oprah Winfrey. She has a television show, but nobody ever gives us the address of where to contact the show. I love to watch her show on television. – Mary Ann R., Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I have written a poetry book called “Life and Love.” I would like to send a copy to Oprah Winfrey, but I can’t find an address for her. I was wondering if you could help me out and find her address. – G. Zemlansky, South Paris.

Answer: Try contacting Oprah at P.O. Box 909715, Chicago, IL 60690-9715. You might also try to contact her through Harpo Studios at 1058 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, (312) 591-9222, or (312) 633-1000. You can try e-mailing her through her Web site, http://www.oprah.com/.

Dear Sun Spots: In response to Mr. Hodgkins inquiry about Pine Tree League: My dad, Frank Hobbs, managed the league that was in the Norway/Paris area. It would have been in the 1930s. If Mr. Hodgkins makes a copy of the picture and mails it to me I’ll be glad to try and assist. I may be reached at 223 High St., No. 15, South Paris, ME 04281-6551. – Emma Pitts, South Paris.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please tell me where I could call or write for a Buttoneer? It’s a button-fastening device which was advertised years ago as well as recently on television. I’ve seen it but have missed the phone number and address. Perhaps there also might be a reader out there who might have one they were willing to sell. Thank you. – R.B., No Town.

Answer: Contact http://as-seen-on-tv-products.ws/store/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=buttoneer. You can also call their toll free number at (800) 238-7119. It is listed at $11.70 with a refill for $6.69. Order by calling (800) 878-4764 for a live operator from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, EST. Most orders are shipped within 48 hours.

Dear Sun Spots: I have started crocheting a rug with Aunt Lydia’s rug yarn but need two more skeins of No. 705 light blue to finish it. I just found out that this color has been discontinued. I am hoping somebody out there has some of this color and would be willing to share it with me.

I would also like to find out if there is anybody out there that still works on the original large TV dish or if there is some place that you can still buy the parts? We’ve had to go to a small disc but it’s very expensive. Thank you. – Virginia White, Rangeley.



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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.


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