Dear Sun Spots: As representative for the Western Maine Audubon Society, I am writing in search of an individual who would be knowledgeable about local or regional butterfly populations, either an amateur or professional. Any leads or resources would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. – Cindy Langewisch, Livermore Falls.

Answer: Have you considered contacting The Maine Entomological Society, (www.colby.edu/MES/)? You might consider contacting president Richard Dearborn at 293-2288, or via e-mail at modear@prexar.com for general information on the group. To join it, contact treasurer Dana Michaud at 3 Halde St., Waterville, 04901. According to the Web site it was established in 1997, and has a membership of about 130 individuals and groups. It also publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Maine Entomologist. Annual meetings are held in the fall, and they typically have a midwinter workshop. Additional get-togethers and collecting trips are scheduled monthly when possible during the late spring, summer and early fall. All these are announced in advance on the site and in the newsletter.

You might also consider visiting the Butterfly and Insect Museum, www.maineartglass.com, 51 Main St., Lisbon Falls, 04252, via phone at 353-6700 or toll free at 1-888-781-6700. You can also reach them via e-mail at maineartglass@midmaine.com. If you wish to travel further afield, you might consider checking out Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens, (www.magicwings.com) 281 Greenfield Road, Routes 5 and 10, South Deerfield, MA 01373, 413-665-2805. Sun Spots has been there several times and must admit it’s a magical, exotic and inspiring experience. A co-worker has encountered a similar experience. The glass conservatory is filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation. The sound of the waterfall, peaceful music and hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely through the air creates a tranquil and serene atmosphere. And strangely enough, there can be a lot of people around but you feel it’s just you alone with all these colorful butterflies. If the butterflies land on you, you’ll find yourself even more awestruck. And talk about soothing.

Dear Sun Spots: The Ramada-Lewiston is replacing our beds. We will be offering our existing box springs and mattresses for free. Please call Ramada at 774-2331 for more information. – Richard Nelson, rooms manager, Ramada, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I have been looking for a countertop dishwasher for a Christmas gift for my son. I have found some on line, but would really like to get one somewhere in the state, so that I could save on the shipping costs and get it before Christmas has gone by. Everywhere I have looked said available online only. Can you help me to find one somewhere in Maine? Wal-Mart and Target have some online, but states that they also are only available online, and I am not sure where they would be shipped from. I could travel to Augusta/Portland/Waterville areas if needed in order to pick it up. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: You should contact Agren Appliance, 40 Minot Ave. Auburn, ME 04210, via phone at 800-335-0235 or 784-0235, who if they don’t carry it, can special-order it for you. You should contact them as soon as possible to ensure you meet your Christmas deadline. Alternatively, you might consider contacting your local appliance store to see if they could special-order one for you.

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