Dear Sun Spots: Are there any Catholic Masses broadcast on basic cable? – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, according to some coworkers, you should find a French Mass on Channel 2 (basic cable) or an English Mass on Channel 58. Additionally, Channel 9 on the Time Warner system broadcasts Mass on either Saturday or Sunday.

Dear Sun Spots: I hope you or one of the readers can help. I am looking for a sewing machine manual for a Pfaff 1040 Hobby machine. I have been unable to find it on the Internet or at local sewing shops and the 800 toll-free number is not working. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. I would be willing to pick it up and copy it if someone has one. Thanks for helping! – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Contact the Oxford Mill End Store, 281 King St., Oxford, ME 04270, 539-4451 or e-mail at [email protected]. They do carry the Pfaff brand and while they don’t have this particular model in stock they should be able to get you a manual. They are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

In addition, you might consider checking out www.sewingmanuals.net, which plans on including the Pfaff manual for the 1040 Hobby machine shortly. Keep an eye out for their posting online.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for the directions to assemble a Total Gym 1500. Please send it to Judy Dyer, 289 Gray Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Thank you. – Judy Dyer, Falmouth.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might consider contacting the company www.totalgymdirect.com to see if it can assist you. You can reach their customer service office at 1230 American Blvd. West Chester, PA 19380, 1-800-501-4621, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday to Friday.

Dear Sun Spots: I’ve had a good year and just delivered scarves for all Paris elementary school children. The children thank you and love these scarves.

Now, help is needed for more yarn for next year.

Any donations in the Norway and South Paris areas are fine. Will pay for shipping, if necessary. Many thanks to all, in advance. I may be reached at P.O. Box 363, South Paris, ME 04281. – C. Parker, South Paris.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a 60-minute cooking timer. Where might I find one of these locally? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, have you considered checking the cooking section at Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, TJ Maxx, or even JC Penney to see if any of these might carry this item? Other options are: World Over Imports, 707 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240, 783-4377. The Bangor store does carry some and should be able to send some down to the Lewiston store. You may reach them at 312 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401, 942-3883; Bed Bath And Beyond, 730 Center St., Auburn, ME 04210, 753-4343. They are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Other cooking store options are: For the Chef, 10 Trails End Road, Windham, ME 04062, 892-8661; LeRoux Kitchen, 161 Commercial St., Portland, 553-7665, who carry a variety including digital and others. They are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. And lastly, you can always check online. Those options include: Walter Drake, P.O. Box 3680, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3680, 1-800-525-9291 or via their customer service number at 1-800-858-4979.

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].