Dear Sun Spots: My son is in the Army and is in Iraq. While communicating via the computer, I asked if he would like me to send him some food or clothing. He asked for some DVDs to watch.

I would like to ask your readers to think about helping me send some DVDs to his camp so that our men and women who serve us would have some movies to watch. Please send donated DVDs or monetary donations (which will be used to buy DVDs) to Richard Marcoux, 87 Hevey St., Lewiston, ME 04290. – Richard Marcoux, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: This is in response to the reader seeking a mailbox flag (Sun Spots inquiry Jan. 2, 2007): We have a few on hand, selling for $5 each. It is the same as those advertised, and there is no need to drill. Please call 784-8140 and leave a message. – No Name, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for someone who sells sunflower dish cloths (Sangarmon Mills N.Y.)

The dish cloths are not sold in stores only through local church groups or organizations. If someone in the Jay, Wilton or Livermore Falls area sells them, I would love to hear from you. I may be reached at 645-4785. Thank you. – G. Wright, Jay.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots did try to contact the company (Sangamon Mills, Inc. P.O. Box 467, Cohoes, New York 12047, 518-237-5321, 800-836-2511, e-mail: Sangamon or via their Web site at www.sangamonmills.com) but received no answer or answering machine. She was hoping to see if the company might be willing to sell any of the towels not being sold as part of a church or other fundraiser.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a piece used on the old cast-iron wood-cooking stoves. It is actually a cover, has a handle, approximately the same diameter as that of a standard burner on an electric stove. It was often used as a hot plate.

I do not mind if the part is scratched, scraped, chipped, missing the handle or cracked. I am willing to pay a reasonable amount of money for it. If anyone has one that they will part with, please call me.

In addition, I am also interested in any old blankets that may be damaged, with stains, holes or tears but that are clean to be used for dogs in a private kennel. I may be reached at 782-8175 or 514-5159. Thank you readers and thank you Sun Spots. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might consider contacting Bryant Stove Works, at 27 Stovepipe Alley, Thorndike, ME 04986, 568-3665. They are open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sun Spots spoke with Basil Littlefield who notes they should be able to locate something for you once they’ve determined the size of the cover you are seeking. Littlefield would be happy to chat with you about this so please feel free to call. He also notes you could talk with Torie also who could assist you.

Or, if your stove was manufactured within 25 years, Fireside Stove Shop, 1220 Center St., Auburn 784-9249, might be able to assist you in locating parts. Sun Spots spoke with owner Gary Asselin, who says you might also consider contacting Woodmans Forge & Fireplace, 587 Pine River Pond Road, East Wakefield, N.H. 03830, which makes aftermarket covers. He notes they will likely not be as polished, and may have a rougher surface than a new one, but it sounds like they will do the job for you. They may be reached at 800-522-8261 or via their regular number at 603-522-3028. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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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