Dear Sun Spots: Two questions: Are there any full service gas stations in Lewiston? Is it customary to tip a hairdresser if he/she owns the salon? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots is only aware of one full service gas station in Lewiston: Grimmel’s at 681 Lisbon St.

In regards to your second question, Kim Jordan, owner of Second Glance in Turner, notes that it’s a personal choice. If you receive good service from a stylist, regardless of whether they are the owner, then a tip is appreciated. She said probably 9 out of 10 customers tip her and she doesn’t get offended if she doesn’t get tipped.

This opinion seems to be the general consensus: if you normally tip your stylist, it should make no difference if your stylist happens to own the salon.

Dear Sun Spots: Love your column! My Mom, (born 1905) used Dr. True’s Elixir as a mild laxative for children. It tasted sort of like prune juice. Like many people of her time, Mom thought laxative was the cure for many problems. I’ve always been grateful to Dr. True for providing an alternative to the harsher stimulants such as Ex-Lax and Fenamint. I suppose this would fit the idea of a cure for worms, although most parents were savvy enough to go to the druggist for medicine to cure that problem. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: If there is anyone who has a backpack in good condition they would like to donate to the STEP program at Lewiston High School, it would much appreciated. The backpacks would go to assist students experiencing homelessness. Please, no wheeled backpacks, and have them be appropriate for high school aged students. Any backpack donations for the STEP program may be dropped off at the main office or you can call Mary Seaman or Cynthia Taylor at 795-4190, ext. 2214 or 2215 for pickup. – Cynthia, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: You have helped me many times in the past and hope you can help again. My son loves Adirondack chairs and I would love to give him one or two for Christmas. I have seen these chairs for sale on the side of the road in the past, but not recently. Is there anyone within 20 miles of Lewiston who makes them for a reasonable price? He is especially fond of the round back chairs with braces running down the back of the chair attaching to the legs, but I would be willing to look at different styles. I also love these chairs, having quite a few in my yard. I would probably be looking to buy myself one or two in the spring. If anyone makes these chairs or knows of someone who would make these chairs, please call me at 754-4231. – No Name, Wales.

Answer: Thanks to a reference from a co-worker, contact Paul’s Furniture in Wales at 375-8465. Also, Willow Pond Farm, 395 Middle Rd., Sabattus, 375-6662. Jill at Willow Pond requests that you e-mail ahead to WillowPF@aol.com if you have a chair order. They are $65 each and made by Charlie Agnew from Coastal Woodworks. Sun Spots was also made aware of a gentleman that sells his beautiful chairs at the Riverside Flea Market in Lisbon on Route 196. If he’s not set up at the flea market, our source suggests asking one of the other vendors how to contact him.

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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