Dear Sun Spots: Can Sun Spots please help me get the names of artists in the area who give lessons in drawing or painting? My granddaughter is interested, and the phone book offered no help. Thanks. – D.M Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers contact:

• Mercedes Gastonguay, 784-0948, 237 Pleasant St., Lewiston, ME 04240. Gastonguay has an after-school program for ages 7 up to age 11, that takes place from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. as well as classes for teens and adults from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There are no weekend classes. The basic program lasts four weeks and includes basic drawing, shading, casting shadows, perspectives and more. The after-school program will introduce artists to pastels, pen and ink, and charcoal once the basic program has been completed. Contact Gastonguay for more details.

• Michael Ranucci, Auburn, 783-0242 offers painting classes for adults at his studio and holds drawing sessions for children from late September through May. You might contact him about potential sessions. You may reach him via his Web site at www.michaelranucci.com. or via e-mail at via e-mail at mjranucci@adelphia.net.

• Artspace, Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Auburn, 777-5320.

Those in outlying areas might like to consider contacting:

• The Foothills Arts Center, 108 Orchard St., Farmington, ME 04938, or see their Web site www.foothillsarts.org where you can sign up for the mailing list to be on the list for announcements. In addition, you can e-mail them at info@foothillsarts.org.

• The Fiddlehead Center for the Arts in New Gloucester, www.fiddlheadcenter.org, 688-2244.

• The Creative Child, 47 Black Brook Road, Gorham, ME 04038, via phone at 839-3982 or via e-mail at Kristine@CreativeChildArt.com. Class sessions are organized by age and ability and scheduled with busy families in mind with evening, after-school classes, and parent and child art nights, summer camps and more. Children can also receive private instruction or have a birthday party with all their friends in the studio.

Dear Sun Spots: I am writing to find out if others have had the following problem I have.

In the past, I was purchasing BJ’s prepaid phone cards and used them for many years. Last December suddenly the number was discontinued and therefore I could no longer use my cards. I called the club number numerous times but all I get is the runaround. They claim there are many people waiting for the new number as I am. They also claim they cannot locate the company and when they do, they will contact each individual holding their cards for refunds.

If enough people call the club, perhaps we’ll get some action. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots called BJ’s, who were unable to assist without knowing which phone company your card was with. They ask that you please call them at 800-257-2582 to discuss the carrier and they’ll be happy to assist you here. A representative said they have several numbers for you to choose from and knowing who the carrier is on the card will help narrow down the choices.

Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering if any one knew how I could get a 1981 yearbook from Oak Hill High School in Wales. – Debbie Stevens, North Monmouth.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for manuals (or copies of) for two items – a Vivitar 35mm Auto-Focus (model BV35) Camera – and a Uniden Bearcat 10-channel scanner. Any help that your readers can offer, would be appreciated. I can be reached at P.O. Box 43, Vienna, ME 04360 or via phone at 293-4337. – E. Lord, Vienna.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might consider contacting Vivitar. You can locate them online at www.vivitar.com or at Vivitar USA, 520 Graves Ave. Oxnard, CA 93030, or via phone at 805-988-0463.

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.