Dear Sun Spots: Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity is setting up a ReStore on Strawberry Avenue in Lewiston to sell donated construction materials that Habitat cannot use immediately in its projects, and needs some equipment. The list includes racks and shelves, lighting, a pallet mover, a hand truck, and a cash register. If you can donate any of these items please call Paul Belisle at 783-3400. – Paul Belisle, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please find a way to get rid of fleas and ticks if you cannot afford the drops from the vets for your animals? Could you also please find out a safe way to get rid of ants outside and inside your home? I would like a safe way to protect my children and animals. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located the following assistance online at http://kitchen.robbiehaf.com/PetHomeRemedies.html. Sun Spots would urge you to check with your vet prior to using these products or options on your animals:

Fleas: Though a preventative such as Advantage, Frontline or Revolution are some of the best ways to treat and prevent fleas, a diet including brewer’s yeast and garlic proves to keep biting pests away as well. Flea collars, powders, and dips only work temporarily; don’t consider them for long-term use or you’ll find the fleas returning.

Ticks: Sun Spots removes those on her cat with a tweezers, ensuring the head and body of the tick is removed.

In the meantime, you might also check with your vet’s office to see if they might be able to make some over-the-counter recommendations. Another option is checking out some natural remedies online.

Dear Sun Spots Would anyone out there be willing to please share crochet patterns for back and arm chair sets? I would be happy to pay for postage if anyone has a printer that they could print them out for me. I would like to make a couple of sets for a Christmas gift. Thank you. I can be reached at 326 Lower Street, Turner, ME 04282. – Margaret Cilley, Turner.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to share with your readers five DVD movies that are well worth saving in the home collection. They are: “Return to Me,” “Simon Bisch,” “Cinderella Man,” “My Big Fat Wedding” and “The Family Store.” – G.P., Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I am trying to find a store that has Gold Bond Medicated First Aid Wipes? Thanks. – An Avid Reader.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located a 16 count box for $6.99 online at www.amazon.com.

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you very much for publishing my request for copies of the Lewiston High School yearbooks for 1936 and 1939. The response was amazing, not in the numbers but in the speed. The letter was barely published when I received a call from a reader and he had a copy for me. What a surprise! A quick trip to Lewiston to pick them up and they are now enroute to Ohio. Sun Spots is a gem. Keep up the good work. – F.R. Barclay, Leeds.

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.