Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for all your helpful information. I’m hoping you can answer a question my 10-year-old son asked me the other day: Why is the fire hydrant by Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary always running? Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston

Answer: Dave Jones at the Lewiston Water Department explained that in that part of town the pipes are unlined cast iron. Rust builds up in the lines, so to keep it from going into residents’ homes they use “bleeders,” which flush the pipes. There’s no word on what the birds think about having running water in their sanctuary.

Dear Sun Spots: Museum L-A has acquired an old water-struck brick-making machine as a donation from Morin Brick Co. We would like to be able to show how it works and use it for programs, but the drive gear is missing. We are wondering if one of your readers may know where a drive gear for a water-struck brick-making machine would be available. There were many brickyards in operation years ago, and perhaps one of your readers would have this information. Museum L-A may be reached at 333-3881. Thanks! — Susan Beane, archivist/public relations coordinator

Dear Sun Spots: I really appreciate the service that Sun Spots provides to the community. You have helped me many times before, and I hope you can help me again. Do you have the address and phone number for Homeport at Island Nursing Home in Deer Isle? — “Chico” Bosse, Lewiston

Answer: You may write to 587 North Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627-3438; the phone number is 348-2351

Dear Sun Spots: A friend of mine phoned me to tell me about reading a query in your column for the Sun Journal. I am a gilder in Farmingdale with a showroom in Topsham. I restore antique picture frames, gilded objects and have experience with restoring plaster sculptures and interior ornament. You can visit my Web site at www.artifactsmaine.com or call 828-0028. I hope that answers your reader’s question. — Johanna E Moore, Artifacts LLC, Farmingdale

Dear Sun Spots: I am always happy when I use Sun Spots, so I am looking for your help again. I am in desperate need of supplies to spin my wool for this winter. I need to know if anyone has carding paddles or combs to either sell at a reasonable price or for free. I have more than 50 pounds of wool to card and do not have the tools to finish the job for spinning. I have priced new ones, and they are too expensive for me. Also I need a good used spinning wheel that I am willing to pay a reasonable price for as well. I have been unemployed for a while and need to help out my family by selling yarn and knitted items. Thank you for any help. My phone number is 743-2434; e-mail is bmw3182000@hotmail.com. — No Name, Norway

Dear Sun Spots: The Mechanic Falls Before and After School Program is holding a yard sale Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mechanic Falls Town Office. The yard sale will benefit the program in purchasing much-needed supplies for the children. We are looking for donations of any kind to help make this yard sale a success. We are also holding arts and crafts table rentals for a $10 fee. If you are interested in donating items and would like to schedule a pickup or are interested in renting a crafts table, please contact Tiffany Lessard at 345-1066 after 6 p.m. — Tiffany Lessard, Resident Services 

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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