DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing in regard to the new telephone books. I wonder how many are having the same problem. The names and numbers are written so small you need a magnifying glass to see them. The last two years the smaller book was just fine. We haven’t gotten the smaller one this year. I have called the directory and phone company, FairPoint. All I keep getting are phone recordings. Can’t we get help? My eyes aren’t bad, but I am not the only one having trouble. — No Name, Dixfield

ANSWER: A company by the name of SuperMedia (www.supermedia.com) handles the printing and distribution of directories for FairPoint Communications. Sun Spots needed to order a new Portland directory from them and took the opportunity to ask the customer service representative about the size of the type. Apparently you are not the only one to find the directories difficult to read; he said the type will be 40 percent larger in directories printed starting in May.

FairPoint customers who want to order a phone book (free if you have phone service with them) can call 1-800-888-8448.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Calvary United Methodist Church at 59 Sabattus St. in Lewiston will hold its spring rummage sale Friday, April 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. We are anticipating a good assortment of clothing and household items and fun catching up with friends and neighbors. — The Calvary United Methodist Women

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I know you’ve mentioned this before, but I’m not quite positive, and I’m hoping you can help me. I thought bill collectors could not call you on Sunday? If I’m right and they’re not supposed to call on Sundays, what can I do to stop it? Thank you for all your help. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Although in one of her many lives, Sun Spots worked as a debt collector, it was in another state, so she went to www.maine.gov/pfr/consumercredit/documents/Debtcoll.doc to be sure of her answers. She could not find any limitations on Sunday calls (or Saturday calls for observers of other religions, which have that day as their Sabbath), but collectors are not to call you at “unusual or inconvenient times” unless you have specified that you want to be called at those times.

You do not need to be called at all if you don’t want to. According to the Web site, “you can write a letter to a debt collector requesting no further contact, and the collector must comply with your request.” They also cannot contact you once you are legally represented by an attorney, such as in a pending bankruptcy. Readers with other issues regarding debt collections can probably find the answers to their questions at the site above.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Norlands is hosting a Civil War re-enactment on June 12 and 13 this year and we’re looking for individuals and groups who’d like to be part of the team that makes our events so successful. All volunteers will have time on their own to enjoy the many activities of the event.

The types of activities that need staffing are parking cars (great for a Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts/veterans groups), food service (during the day and for our Saturday evening bean supper), “people movers,” gift shop staff, set up and take down.

Those are some ideas and, of course, there are summer opportunities, including presenting educational tours, helping with the grounds and supporting our artifact collection.

Call me at 897-4366, send an e-mail to volunteers@norlands.org or come to a Volunteer Opportunity Open House being held at Norlands on Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Explore the rewards of being on the Norlands volunteer team and being part of the history community that tells the story about rural Maine in the 1870s. Thank you. — Nancey Drinkwine, volunteer coordinator

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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