Dear Sun Spots: Is there anyone in the Farmington area who repairs or replaces the wiring in table or floor lamps? – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m interested in finding someone who can rewire some old, very old, table lamps for me. Thank you. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a table lamp with an on/off switch that turns on like a key. It doesn’t work any longer. Would Sun Spots or a reader know where I can get this repaired? Thank you. – T, Auburn.

Answer: Although we were unsuccessful in locating someone in the Farmington area, visit Lighting Concepts, 1033 Sabattus St., Lewiston, for repair service. A spokesperson from the store said you can bring your lamp right in for someone to look at it. He said they do it all, old lamps, floor and table lamps.

If you’re not in the area to bring in your lamp, you can call to speak with someone in customer service at 753-0000 or e-mail info@lightingconcepts.com. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Thursday evening by appointment and 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. You also might be interested to know it is having a store-wide sale through March 14.

Dear Sun Spots: Is there someone who can help me with home repairs in the Auburn-Lewiston area? I can’t keep up with the repairs that are required to keep my home safe and warm. I have limited resources and was wondering if there was an organization in the community that could provide these services for me? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: There is a local non-profit organization named Rebuilding Together Lewiston/Auburn that is supported entirely by contributions of time, labor, material and money. They are dedicated to repairing homes of those who, due to financial hardship, age or disability, cannot do the work themselves. Skilled and unskilled volunteers along with able-bodied members of the recipient’s family and friends complete the repairs at no cost to the homeowner.

The work is conducted on one weekend in April and they usually accept four houses. To apply, pick up an application at Lewiston City Hall, Auburn City Hall or Community Concepts.

Dear Sun Spots: I have five to six bags full of fabric plus a bag of patterns and craft items to give away. My only requirement is if you take one bag you have to take it all. Call 783-9650. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Regarding the lady who asked about children’s suspenders, I have ordered from suspenders.net and they have a wonderful selection of children’s suspenders. I e-mailed them and they gave me a phone number to call. It is 800-232-7484. I hope this helps. – Deborah Blanchard, Leeds.

Dear Sun Spots: To the grandmother looking for a child’s suspenders. I did the same years ago and found some. I only have one pair left but she is welcome to them. Call Paula 576-4082. – Paula, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you help me find places where I could do some snowshoeing? Also, I have an old cast iron fry pan with a little rust. How do I condition it so I can use it? – Naomi, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots is not sure where you are looking to snowshoe, but if you’re in the Lewiston-Auburn area, visit the trails at Mt. Apatite or the Spring Road Nature Trail (across from the Auburn Land Lab on Holbrook Road), which follows Lake Auburn. The Auburn Land Lab also offers trails with a map at the trailhead kiosk. Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary has about 6 miles of trails and lot of benches along the way. A trail map can be downloaded at http://www.avcnet.org/stanton/thorncrg.htm. There are also trails at Lost Valley (there is a fee to use these trails). More information on the trails can be found at www.latrails.org.

Sun Spots found that the best way to remove rust from a cast iron skillet is with steel wool, water and a little elbow grease. All sources we spoke with recommend the same. After washing and drying, remember to season the pan using a vegetable oil, shortening or lard. You should repeat this after each use. Also, be sure to store in a dry place with the lid off to prevent further rust.

Dear Sun Spots: A while back it was written that a CD was going to be made about Ray Chouinard in French. If it was done, how can we get them? No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with someone at the Franco-American Heritage Center who said they have plenty available for sale. The CD is a tribute to Chouinard, the former leader of the C’est Si Bon Band, and can be purchased for $15. Contact the center for more information at 783-1585.

Dear Sun Spots: A few years ago someone wrote asking for an address for Papa Dash. I wrote them and got a healthy supply, but of course, I have lost the address. I now find I am down to my last shaker and wonder if its possible for you to find it again for me. I love your column! Thank you in advance. – H.C., Bethel.

Answer: Although the item was discontinued, the company continued to sell it by the case directly from its warehouse. Sun Spots has learned that due to low consumer demand, Papa Dash Lite Salt was permanently discontinued, and is no longer available in their warehouses.

Dear Sun Spots: A most heartfelt thank you to all the customers, friends, family and coworkers who brought flowers, gifts and cards for my retirement. Thanks to my coworkers for putting on the refreshments and taking the pictures. I know I shall miss my customers, coworkers and friends very much. Thank you again, I love you all. – Avis, No Town.



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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