Dear Sun Spots: On Feb. 26, Shiloh M. from Mt. Vernon, Wash., was asking for help writing a report on the state of Maine. I would like to know how to respond to the student. – Mary Dunham, No Town

Answer: Shiloh M. is looking for information on Maine including people, history, government, economy, places and climate. She would like postcards, pictures, and any other information about Maine. You can respond to the student through her school. All information may be sent to: Conway School, Attn: Mrs. Kelly’s 5th Grade Class, 19710 State Route 534, Mount Vernon, WA 98274.

Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone out there save their movie stubs? We are doing a scavenger hunt for our church and need a movie stub from the movie “The Passion of the Christ” with Mel Gibson. If anyone has one I will make sure it is returned to you after the 1st of April. It can be sent to: Bev Glover, 7 First Ave., Dixfield, ME 04224. – Bev Glover, Dixfield.

Dear Sun Spots: Last week in one of the Channel 6 news segments, there was a segment on front loader washing machines. What is the name of the product mentioned that you could put in the washer to keep it from smelling? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: According to Ron Cormier, a WCSH News Center Producer, the story that ran did not name any specific products. He suggests cleaning the rubber seal around the door with a rag dipped in water and bleach solution to help eliminate mildew.

Sun Spots has also learned that using a high efficiency detergent will help eliminate the odor. High efficiency detergents create a lot less sudsing and are designed for the modern front loader. Using the wrong type of detergent will create too many suds, which will collect in the nooks and crannies of your washer and cause mold.

According to the General Electric appliance Web site, washing machine odors are also caused by leaving the washer lid closed when not in use. This does not allow air to circulate and dry out the moisture remaining in tub area. The air and moisture mixture becomes stagnant and creates an odor. When your washer is not in use, leaving the lid open for air circulation will help prevent odor.

They suggest taking the following steps to get rid of odors inside of your washer:

Fill the washer with hot water; set at regular speed and the longest wash cycle

Add ¾ cup of a water softening additive which can be found in the laundry detergent aisle. Baking soda can be substituted. Allow washer to complete entire wash and rinse cycle.

If odor lingers, repeat entire process.

Dear Sun Spots: For the genealogist trying to locate old place names in Maine, New Meadows is West Bath or Brunswick depending on which side of the New Meadows River you are on. Pine has several possibilities; there is a Pine Hill neighborhood in Berwick and another in Troy, a Pine Park at Old Orchard, Pine Point at Scarborough, and The Pines is in Wesley, Washington County. However, Cabbage Holler or any other kind of Cabbage stumped even my best resource, Maine Towns and Counties What was What, Where and When, by Michael J. Denis. – N. Lecompte, Lewiston.

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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