Dear Sun Spot Readers: The Senior Companion Program is looking for several caring people in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Senior companions spend 15-20 hours a week making the day brighter for homebound elderly.

Companions receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement and other benefits.

If you are 60 years of age, on a fixed income and interested in helping the lonely you may be eligible to be a senior companion.

The program is sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Please phone Anna Saar at 1-800-287-1482 for more information. Thank you for caring! – Anna Saar, South Paris.

Dear Sun Spots: This concerns the no call list.

I’ve called that number a lot and the recording asks your name and telephone number and says that it is good for five years. It’s not working. The phone often rings while I’m busy and it’s not friends or relatives. What’s up with that? Am I the only one?

Also, I’m told that Lake Auburn is the main water source for Auburn. However, motor boats are allowed on the lake. There can be no doubt of spills of oil in the lake and also the average fishermen fishing must urinate somewhere. Just curious as how much of an answer will come from this? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Auburn Water & Sewerage District General Manager Norm Lamie notes that boats are allowed only on the northern half of the lake. No boat activity is allowed at all in the southern section where the water intake pipes are located. Regarding your concern about oil spills: Lamie says no large boats at all are allowed on the lake. The numbers of boats using the lake are not significant, except for early spring and fishing season. The lake water is tested mostly quarterly and annually for MTBE, one of the additives in fuel. Lamie says there have been no issues with finding any in the lake water. He also notes that oil and lubricants stay on the water’s surface prior to dissipating.

Regarding your question about urination on the lake: Lamie says the district would like to believe most people are conscious of the impact of such behavior in the lake. Hopefully anyone considering relieving themselves in the lake will consider the fact that it’s a drinking water supply for many residents. Lake Auburn does not have a filtration system. However, the lake is disinfected with chlorine, as well as a second disinfectant. Fluoride is added to the water as part of the dental program here in Maine.

Regarding your first question, it does take a while for the Do Not Call system to start working. It might be worth resubmitting your information to them. Please be sure to make those calls to them from the telephone numbers you’d like removed.

Dear Sun Spots: I hope you can please help us or some of your readers might be able to do so.

In 1980 we had siding done on our home. We need to replace some of the siding. It was done in 1980 by Permacraft and as near as I can tell, they are now out of business. The siding is woodgrain vinyl, solid, by Vydel and is described as V-18-8, white, factory no. 28148-04.

Can any of your readers please help us?

Thank you. – No Name, Mexico.

Answer: Unfortunately, Sun Spots did not locate any and hopefully readers will be able to assist you here.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for Dancrit, a shiny, masonry sealer for our stone steps and wall. Gagne & Sons in Belgrade told me the factory that made it blew up last winter and isn’t rebuilding. They are working on a formula, but hadn’t come up with one the last time I called. – Mary Kirby, Wilton.

Answer: Sun Spots located several online. Among them some from Seal Krete, 863-967-1535, Convenience Products, 306 Gandy Road, Auburndale, FL 33823, www.seal-krete.com. You might also consider chatting with a local mason for tips.

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].