Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone in Sun Spots land have a plectrum banjo they may want to sell? Or, does anyone know of a music store in Maine that might have a new one? If so, please call 684-4119. Thank you. – Austin Marden, Strong.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact Buckdancer’s Choice music company in Portland, 248 St. John St., Union Station Plaza, Portland. They are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. They don’t have a plectrum banjo in stock at the moment, but would be happy to help you order one.

Carroll’s Music on Canal Street in Lewiston says they are hard to sell, but are also hard to find. They said that most musicians will buy a five string banjo and just use four of the strings, if they can’t find a plectrum banjo.

Musician Jeff Grosser, who plays the plectrum banjo, suggests checking with a banjo company directly such as Deering, Richeleiu, Ome or Gibson. He also mentioned that they are available from beginner to professional quality on eBay, through publications such as Uncle Henry’s and at various banjo events throughout the country.

Sun Spots checked eBay and found a few in a wide array of price ranges. Also, we located a five-string banjo workshop at Acoustic Artisans, Forest Ave., Portland from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.

Dear Sun Spots: My car radio for several years has been set on 90.1 MPBN, WBACH FM 106.3 or 106.9 and 730 AM, Bob Bittner’s station. In October, WBACH FM changed its signal numbers. Now there is a country music station interfering with WBACH at 106.9. I called to ask the best way to receive their signal in Lewiston. No one answers the telephone. Could you reach someone at WBACH to ask for me? Thank you. Best wishes. – Joanna Walsh-Ward, Lewiston.

Answer: According to its Web site, wbachradio.com, WBACH’s signal in Southern Maine has moved to 104.7 FM. They note that if you formerly listened to the station at either 99.3 in York County, or 106.3 in the Greater Portland area, you can now listen at 104.7 FM.

Dear Sun Spots: In response to your Dec. 3 inquiry about winter sleigh rides. We do old fashioned sleigh rides through fields and woodland. We are located in Harrison which is about 30 minutes from Lewiston-Auburn area. We offer private rides by reservation so it makes very nice memories from couples to groups of family and friends. There is also a choice to add a bonfire, hot cocoa and roasting marshmallows in the woods. We think it is a very nice experience. Our Web site is www.high-view-farm.com. – Bill and Darcy Winslow, High View Farm.

Answer: The Web site has beautiful pictures of sleigh rides. You can also make your reservation by e-mailing belgian1@verizon.net or calling (207) 595-1601.

Dear Sun Spots: Calling all knitters and Sun Spot column readers! We need your help. We are in need of 4-ply yarn of all colors and in good condition to support our volunteers who are busy knitting hats, mittens, baby items, lap robes and afghans, which in turn are given to the needy of all ages in Androscoggin County.

The yarn is donated to SEARCH and given out to the knitters as needed.

Our SEARCH program, (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew, Courage, & Hope) is part of Catholic Charities Maine at 270 Minot Ave., Auburn. We have wonderful volunteers who are matched to our elderly and disabled clients who enjoy their reassurance calls, home visits, or help with errands. If you are interested in volunteering with the elderly, we would love to talk to you about joining our program and volunteering with us!

For more information about donating yarn or becoming a volunteer, please phone our office at 784-0157. Please join us in the joy of giving and making someone happy and warm. With our deepest gratitude. – Wendy Russell, program director, Auburn.



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