DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you please find out where I can get a lamp repaired? It is quite new. One day I turned it on, but it did not come on. I changed the bulb, checked for power, but still no luck. I think it may be the cord connection. Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: There no longer appears to be a small-appliance repair shop in the L-A area. (If anyone knows of one, please let the column know.) However, you may be able to fix the lamp yourself.

Lamps are often quite simple — a cord with a plug on one end and the receptacle for the bulb on the other. If the cord is intact, then either one end or the other is the problem. Examine them and see if you can discern any loose wires or black marks that may indicate scorching. (Be sure to unplug it first!)

Then visit your local hardware store. They should sell plug replacement kits and the bulb receptacles, as well as electrical tape. There are directions on the packet. If you need additional help, ask the proprietor. Unlike the big box stores, smaller hardware stores sell service. You may pay a bit more for the parts, but the expertise and assistance is worth it.

To increase the likelihood of good service, visit the store in the morning or midafternoon when they aren’t as likely to be busy, avoiding weekends and the end-of-the-day rush.

If you shop regularly at the same store, the salespeople will get to know you, value you even more as a customer and subsequently be more willing to help with unusual requests. (Sun Spots has certainly tried the patience of the excellent employees at the Winthrop’s Ace Hardware!)

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The ladies in Lisbon wish to thank everyone who helped us to receive so many puzzles. If anyone would still like to exchange puzzles, please give us a call at 353-6637. Again, thank you all. — No Name, No Town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You’ve been a great help in finding items for me in the past. I have a new request. My son needs a 9- by 7-foot garage door. His is falling down and rotted at this time, and he isn’t working at this time and can’t buy a new one. I am looking for one for $100 or less to get him by until he can afford one. It doesn’t matter what it’s made of, just in good condition. People may call me at 674-2410, and we will pick up. Thank you. – Mrs. Richard Dewitt, South Paris

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing to see if any of your readers would have a pattern for children’s mittens, ages 1 and 2 years, made on four needles using 4-ply yarn. Thanking you for your help. I will appreciate it. — Elizabeth Cummings, West Paris

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Franklin County Children’s Task Force is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the well-being of children in the Franklin County area. We are holding our third annual holiday open house on Dec. 12. The Downtown Association in Farmington provides wagon rides around town, and we provide cookies and hot chocolate. We have been giving away hats and mittens to children of all ages to ensure they have warm clothing for the upcoming winter.

Last year when we appealed to your readers we were overwhelmed by the people willing to donate their homemade items to this important event. It is such a delight to see children picking out their favorite-colored mittens or hat. Each year this event becomes more and more important as families struggle to provide heat and food for their children. So once again we are appealing to your generous readers to help us put smiles on children’s faces and appreciation in parents’ hearts by donating hats and mittens to the holiday open house.

On behalf of the board of directors, staff and volunteers, we thank you for keeping our Franklin County children warm this year. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 88-429-6960 or 778-6960. The Franklin County Children’s Task Force is at 113 Church St., Farmington, ME 04938. Thank you in advance for supporting the families of Franklin County. — Janice Crandall, assistant to the executive director

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). Please include your phone number. 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.