DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your Jan. 30 column about wireless phone service reminded me of a great reference for wireless phone service — Office of the Public Advocate at the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Their guide for wireless phone service is at www.state.me.us/meopa/telephone/wireless_service.html and compares all kinds of phone service — land line, cable and wireless.

It is called Ratewatcher Telecom Guide and is on the Internet at www.state.me.us/meopa/ratewatcher/index.htm. I sometimes see the print version available in the reference section of the Lewiston Public Library. Prepaid wireless plans and monthly fee wireless plans are compared. The Ratewatcher is an excellent source of information. — Art Turley, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the letter about selecting a cell phone plan, the Maine Public Advocate puts out a newsletter telephone rate guide. You can get on their mailing list by writing the Public Advocate Office, 112 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0112. The Web site is www.Maine.gov/meopa, and you can e-mail to have a question answered at wayne.r.jortner@maine.gov.

I have found them extremely helpful, and the rate guide has helped me make decisions about what is the best plan for me, and that can change from time to time. The technology changes so fast.

Thank you for being a clearinghouse for information. I respect your position regarding specific recommendations; this is, however, another resource for residents of Maine to do their own research — Marilyn Burgess

ANSWER: Thank you, Art and Marilyn, for sending this extremely useful information. It’s nice to have such well-informed readers!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Twin Bridges Pentecostal Church had a great response on its request to put in a small kitchen. I received a phone call regarding kitchen cabinets in Lewiston. I have been arranging to get them, but I wrote the phone number down wrong. The person’s last name is Davis, I think. Please phone me at 591-4614 and ask for Patty. I need this person to phone me. Thank you for your help. — Patty and Bob Maberry

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am in need of a beater for my Hamilton Beach mixer. Is there anyone in Lewiston-Auburn or Portland areas that carry them? — B.P., Bethel

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know of any source in this region, but Amazon.com does carry them (as do other online retailers). You can call Amazon at 1-866-216-1072 to see if they have your model.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Jan. 24, the Bethel Nordic Ski Center co-hosted a Biathlon Clinic and Race with the Southern Maine Biathlon Club. Thank you to the SMBC and all the participants and volunteers who helped to make the event on Sunday a success. Joel Hinshaw and his crew from SMBC did a fabulous job teaching skiers how to properly use biathlon rifles and educating participants about biathlon racing. Their expertise, organizational skills and calm presence were invaluable in the success of this event.

Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time on Sunday; we had many responses from community members who were willing to help out and ensure that the event ran smoothly. It was great to see so many skiers out there, many of whom were new to biathlon. We hope to offer this event again next year and continue to create excitement about this sport. — Mike Cooper and Sarah Weafer, Bethel Nordic Ski Center

NOTE: A reader recently asked when the organic milk produced by Maine farmers, known as MOO Milk (MOO stands for Maine’s Own Organic), would be in stores. It is now available.

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.

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