Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know if there are any compounding pharmacies in Lewiston and Auburn. Or where is the closest one? – Susan, Auburn.

Answer: Compounding pharmacists customize medications for people who need a specific strength or dosage form that is not available commercially. For example, most often infants will need a lesser dose of a medicine than is available at regular pharmacies. Compounding pharmacists can prepare a medication in other forms, such as cream or liquid and add flavors if needed.

Sun Spots is aware of two in our area. Contact the Medical Center Pharmacy, 121 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, at 729-3642. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Medicine Shoppe also has a compounding pharmacist. Located at 373 Sabattus St. in Lewiston, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Contact them at 783-3539.

Dear Sun Spots: On behalf of the Western Maine Art Group and the entire arts community of Western Maine, I wish to express sincere thanks and appreciation to Suzanne Grover and the Oxford Fair Association for the vision, guidance and support in building the newest arts expo in Maine – Inspiration Station – which made its successful debut at the 2008 Big Oxford Fair.

Inspiration Station was born last spring from an idea to give artists and artisans a new venue through the Western Maine Art Group within the Big Oxford Fair to network, market and sell their work while giving the public opportunities to view demonstrations of fine arts and heritage crafts. Inspiration Station, like the name implies, is intended to inspire people to embark on their own creative journeys in any art form by providing first-hand access to established artists and artisans who demonstrate their arts.

I would also like to thank the artists and artisans who took big risks on this first-time venue, who all contributed to the planning and coordination and who committed to a tough 70-hour exhibit week to ensure the success of this new expo: Connie and Mike Fletcher, Wendy and Jack Newmeyer, Rachel and Ron Hamilton, Brenda and Michael Sauro, Stephen Oliver, Deborah Deshon, Pat Gott, Scott Currie and Cyndi Thibodeau.

Also, many thanks to the volunteers who supported the exhibitors and helped to make this first year a success: Marge Medd, Shelby Black, Tally Decato, Nancy and Fred Engdahl, Derrick Martel and Ellen O’Neill.

Suzanne and the Big Oxford Fair have set a wonderful example of what it means to support the arts for the best benefit for the community. Many, many thanks! – Aranka Matolcsy, executive director, Western Maine Art Group.

Dear Sun Spots: I have been searching without any luck for a tennis instructor to provide lessons for my teenage daughters. Do you or any of your readers know where I could take them over the fall/winter months for lessons? They have had some lessons during the summer. I would like to stay local but would be willing to travel to other communities. Thank you so much for all your help and for providing such a great column! – Michelle, Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact Paul Gastonguay, head coach of Bates Colleges’ men’s and women’s tennis teams. The teams will hold a series of Friday evening clinics for people ages 4 to 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. as a fundraiser for their spring trip to Tampa. Players and coaches will supervise and coach participants. Dates for the clinics are October 3, 10, 24, 31 and November 7, 14, 21, with some fun games planned for Halloween night. Cost is $150 for the complete seven session series, which includes the use of a racquet for children ages 4-9. If you are not planning on attending the entire series, cost is $30 per class, and does not include the use of a racquet. The teams will hold another series in January at the start of the second semester. For more information on the series, contact Paul at 207-786-6442.

Dear Sun Spots: I know an elderly man whose dream is to have a drum set. He is not able to afford a drum set and I was wondering if anyone had one they are looking to give away, or if anyone may know someone I can contact. Any help with this matter will be greatly appreciated. You may call 786-0900. Thank you. – Rhonda Reynolds, 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.