Dear Sun Spots: I own a mobile home which has an outside oil tank that requires expensive K-1 fuel in the winter to prevent the fuel from gelling. Someone recently told me that I could use just oil if I add a diesel fuel supplement that truckers use to prevent fuel gelling. I am leery of trying this as I don’t want to chance causing damage to my heating system. Could Sun Spots find out if this is a safe alternate to use. I think other mobile home owners would also be interested in this alternative if it is safe as it would save us a lot of money in fuel cost during these difficult times. Thank you for the great job you do and all the help you give our community through Sun Spots. – No name, Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Tim Heutz, owner of Heutz Oil in Lewiston. He said that this can be done and notes that there are products that oil companies have that prevent fuel gelling and recommends using these additives since they are specifically made for oil, rather than a diesel additive.

He suggests that you coordinate this with your oil company. In order for it to be effective, the additive should be added when the fuel is delivered. Also, be sure your appliances do not run strictly on K-1 fuel, such as a monitor heater. You will damage the unit if you use the wrong type of fuel.

As long as it’s done correctly, you can save in the end. He cautions if it’s not done correctly you will run the risk of spending more money on service calls.

Dear Sun Spots: To the woman looking for clothes (size 2T) and toys for her niece, I do have some of both for you. I live in Lewiston. Please call 784-4391. – No Name, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I am a member of Santa Comes to Poland. We would like everyone to know what we do. Santa Comes to Poland is a nonprofit organization that brings gifts to the children of Poland, Maine on Christmas Eve. We also deliver fruit baskets to the elderly and shut-ins in Poland for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we go to four area stores. At our stops Santa gives Christmas stockings, gifts, hats and mittens to the children, no matter what their financial background. In order to bring these gifts for the children we have fundraising events. We also accept private and business donations.

We are always in need of help. Whether it’s money, a particular item or your time. If you knit, you could make hats and mittens in any size up to 12 years of age. You could also donate an unwrapped new toy for a child or give money and one of Santa’s helpers will pick something up. And last but not least there’s time. Santa Comes to Poland is a small group with a lot to do. We are always looking for new elves to help. For more information please call Larry at 998-2653, Penny at 998-2325 or Judy at 212-8286. – Judy, Poland.


Dear Sun Spots: It’s that time again! The Mexico Explorers is selling fresh Christmas trees and wreaths behind the Mexico Fire Station. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends. Prices will start at $25. Please help support this program that does so much good for our community. Thanks in advance for your continued support. – Lisa, Rumford.

Dear Sun Spots: My aunt was telling me that years ago someone sold cooked hulled-corn door to door in Oakland. This would have been in the late 1940s. She was just a child and doesn’t remember much about it, other than they ate it for supper. Do any of your readers know what this hulled-corn dish is, or the recipe for it? I would like more information about hulled corn and hope your readers can help. Thank you. – No Name, Vienna.


Dear Sun Spots: I want to thank Sun Spots readers for their help in the past in supporting Turner Elementary School. We are collecting box tops, and our goal is $1,500. If any readers have some they would like to donate they may be mailed to me, Laurie Labbe, 5 Brookfield Est., Turner, ME 04282. Thank you. – Laurie Labbe, Turner.

Dear Sun Spots: In response to a winter sleigh ride in Sun Spots Dec. 3, my family has been doing this for years on Christmas Eve. My mother started this many years ago and she has since passed, but my siblings and I still do it. We go with a lady named Heather and her phone number is 657-2086.

We hire her for one hour and go Christmas caroling. It is really nice to see people running out to see what is going on and taking pictures as we wish them a Merry Christmas. We hope to keep this family tradition up for many years ahead.

She brings the horses and wagon to wherever you want and she charges by the hour. Hope you enjoy, because we do. – Tina, 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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