DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am in the beginning stages of rehabilitating the Farmington Diner. There are some possible tax credits available for this work, but I need to get some history on the diner in order to apply.

People have been very generous with information, but I need more so I can be thorough in my request. Any information readers can provide me about the Farmington Diner would be great. Currently I have no information on where it was located in the Lewiston-Auburn area before its move to Farmington in the early 1960s.

I may be reached via mail at 58 Morrison Hill Road, Wilton, ME 04294, by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at 418-0086. Thanks for your help. — Rachel Jackson Hodsdon, Wilton

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is the time of year when we start using our wood stoves. I just wanted to share with fellow wood-burners something that has helped keep my chimney clean.

On a hot bed of coals I throw in any eggshells I have. I leave my damper wide open until they are about three-quarters gone, then I put my wood in. If someone does not have eggshells, they can get oyster shells reasonably priced at feed and grain stores. They work quite well. I use a handful every other day.

Also, if I’m using green wood, I do it more often, but I don’t rely on this alone to keep my chimney clean. I clean mine every month. If you can’t clean your own, you can find someone in the yellow pages who can. These are the easiest and cheapest routes to a clean chimney and cost less than rebuilding a house. Have a safe winter season. — F.E.D., South Paris

ANSWER: Sun Spots was unable to verify your eggshell tip on the Internet, but she fully endorses your admonition to readers to keep their chimneys clean and practice fire safety. Every year there are way too many house fires in Maine — many of them caused by the improper use or maintenance of wood stoves and fireplaces. If you are unsure of what you need to do to be safe, consult a professional. You can find one under “chimney cleaning” or “stoves, wood” in the yellow pages.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: At the Lisbon Falls Methodist Church Christmas Fair on Nov. 14, a Missy Small made a bid for an item on the silent auction table. She did not write down a phone number or address, so we have no way to contact her to let her know she won the prize. If Missy Small sees this notice, please call the Lisbon United Methodist Church at 353-4982 or 353-5906 concerning the item. Thank you. — Pat Cavender, church secretary

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I cannot imagine what life would be without Sun Spots. Thank you so much for the service you render to the community at large. We, the Dominican Sisters, have been graced by so many generous people who made our previous bazaars successful. The needy who reaped the benefits are very grateful.

There are still so many beautiful Christmas items, clothes, books, white elephant, etc., that we welcome those who wish to come and browse again one more time before we hibernate. The date is Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The place is 61 Lisbon Road, Sabattus. For more information, call 375-8399. On occasion check the new Web site: www.sabattusdominicans.org. — Sister Lucille Fournier, Sabattus

DEAR SUN SPOTS: If any reader out there has any yarn they are not using, I could use it. I knit mittens and hats for children all year-round. The colors do not matter. Please send it to 26 Jewell St., Apt. 3, Jay, ME 04239. — Frances Moreau, Jay

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A big thank-you to the person finding a TracFone in Lowe’s Nov. 6 and taking it to customer service. — Grateful Owner, 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). 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 [email protected].