Dear Sun Spots: The Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity volunteers are building a house at 144 Golder Road in Lewiston.

We urgently need a donation or the loan of several sections of metal staging and an aluminum metal brake. Anyone who can provide these items should please call Allen Sterling at 782-0400.

Also, additional volunteers are needed to help build the house. Our pace of progress depends on the number of volunteers who show up each day, and we could use extra hands. We hope to complete this project in September. Men or women who can help should phone Dan Lagrange at 212-6820. We are always in need of volunteers. No building experience is required.

This is the 14th house built by Androscoggin Habitat since 1989. We have been working on this house since April. Volunteers build the houses for families in need of decent, affordable housing. Homeowners are required to meet rigid requirements including adequate income to repay the no-interest mortgage and willingness to assist in building the house. Many thanks! – Russ Burbank, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: In the past you have been very helpful to me. I was wondering if anyone has any Pond’s age defying lotion.

Samples would be fine also. I am willing to pay a reasonable price. I have not been able to find this product anywhere. Also, could anyone provide me with the instructions on how to make sugar and water for doilies. It would be starch. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. – M.J.B., Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, regarding to your starch question: according to www.crochettreasures.com, sugar and water starch is made by using equal portions of sugar and water. Bring sugar and water to a rapid boil. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Dip your piece in, then squeeze the excess out. Shape according to your pattern instructions. This site notes that the sugar mixture can get grainy if not boiled to the correct temperature and yellowing may sometimes occur.

Regarding your first question, Sun Spots corresponded with Becky Meisels of Weber Shandwick who says while Pond’s Age Defying Lotion is no longer available, Pond’s Mend & Defend Intensive Protection SPF 15 is a great alternative. She describes it as a rich, hydrating day lotion with sunscreen that conditions, protects and repairs skin. It is formulated with Pond’s Dermal-Recovery Complex, and is described as hydrating and enhancing the skin’s natural barrier function and helps buffer skin from environmental stress with a broad spectrum sunscreen. It is appropriate for all skin types and is available in Kmart stores for a suggested retail price of $8.99.

Dear Sun Spots: I recently purchased a Pressa Bella iron from a Sell-A-Vision channel I’ve never used before. I don’t like it at all and want to return it and get my MasterCard credited.

Naturally this item came with absolutely no return information except for the UPS return address on the box. How can I be assured that returning it to this address will get my account properly credited? Thanks for any help you can give me. – No Name, Poland.

Answer: Sun Spots contacted the company’s corporate offices. You can return your iron to Pressa Bella, 300 Returns Road, Wallington, CT 06493.

Should you need to speak with their customer service department, you may reach them via phone at 800-648-8891.

Dear Sun Spots: I have three large bags of wool strips for braided rugs. They are different colors and all rolled ready to use. I would be happy to give them to anyone that can use them. Please phone 782-2582. – No Name, No Town.

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].