Dear Sun Spots: I would like to find someone in the area who tutors Spanish. I’m not interested in writing Spanish, just understanding, speaking and reading it. I thought it might be a good time to find someone during the summer months when school is out. Many thanks for the most useful column in the newspaper. I may be reached at 577-1031, evenings. – No Name, Sabattus.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, have you checked out your local high schools or colleges to see if they might recommend anyone? You might also consider checking out www.craigslist.org which has several listings for Spanish tutors here in Maine. Just click on Maine to see the various listings for the state and hopefully one or other should be able to assist you.

Among those Sun Spots located:

• I have studied language for eight years, spending an entire academic year in Spain perfecting the language. I am from Bowdoin and am willing to travel to your house or meet in a library. Please e-mail [email protected].

• Looking for beginner and intermediate students for Spanish. All ages 5 to 95! I love to work with children K-12 and also college students. I lived in Chile and traveled in South America for a year and have studied Spanish for five years. I focus on conversational fluency. First I have a free sit down session in your home to get to know you and see if we are on the same page. I come to your house up to 20 miles from Portland. I charge $25 an hour. I provide all materials. Willing to work for time dollars as well. Give me a call if you are interested at 317-0272 or via e-mail at [email protected].

• Fun, totally customized Spanish tutoring by former USM Spanish instructor and Peace Corps volunteer in my home near Mackworth Island in Falmouth. Lessons can be outdoors if desired. The cost is $20 per hour. Please reply to [email protected].

Dear Sun Spots: I noticed in a recent Sun Spots column that a reader was in a quandry with what to do with her chicken manure (Sun Spots column May 22):

I would recommend if she has a place to store it, she can pile it up, mix in hay and leave it until next spring at which point she will have aged manure. However, putting fresh chicken manure on a garden, because of its high ammonia content, will kill a lot of plants. It must be aged. If she does age it, people will be happy to have it. – Jody Goodwin, Sun Journal gardening columnist.

Dear Sun Spots: About a year ago, I wrote to Sun Spots asking that you print the contact information for the Rev. Gordon Newell. I learned recently that Newell used to be pastor at the Mexico Congregational Church, (green church). He passed away in March at the age of 89. A celebration of his life was held in Island Falls about two weeks ago. – Bruce Wotton, Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots is very sorry you didn’t get a chance to connect prior to his death.

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 [email protected].