DEAR SUN SPOTS: Being a history buff, I’d like to get a map or maps of the battlefields of the Civil War. Can you tell me where I can find one? Thank you. — Ralph Sylvester, Auburn

ANSWER: Apparently you are not alone in your interest in Civil War maps. There are a large number of sites online where you can purchase them; however, Sun Spots noted that your letter is handwritten. She suggests that you visit the Auburn Public Library on a weekday morning (so they won’t be too busy) and ask for help with the computers. Tell them you want to google “maps of Civil War battle sites.” You will be amazed at all that is available to read and buy on that war. Prepare to spend a good bit of time reviewing your options!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone know where I could get or buy some canvas for a seat and back for a chair? Thank you. — No Name, Rumford

ANSWER: You can find outdoor canvas at JoAnn Fabrics in the Auburn Plaza, 783-1066.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a collection of 33 1/3 rpm albums that we would like to have transferred onto CDs. Do you know of someone who can do this at a reasonable cost? Thanks for helping so many people. — George, gbickf7292@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots has the following names on file:

Stanley Howard, abramaudio09@yahoo.com, www.abramaudio.com, 678-2770 or 860-0841, recording studio in Salem: transferring LP records and cassette tapes to CD

Al Ibarguen, Wilton, nascar810@earthlink.net, 645-4250: transfers LP albums to CD for $4 per album, also VHS and camcorder tapes to DVDs

Richard Rau, 225-5222: transfers of music from LP to CD, transfers of audio cassette tapes and of reel-to-reel tapes to CD

Larry, minntate@yahoo.com, 784-224: LPs changed to CDs

DEAR SUN SPOTS- Would anyone have a picture of the little gazebo or bandstand at the old Bear Pond Park in Turner where there was country-western (as I remember) entertainment? I would appreciate it very much if you’d be willing to let me copy it. Also would you know the names of any of the groups or entertainers? If anyone can help me, please call 225-3865. Thank you. — Elvera Pardi, efpardi@megalink.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Three of us are quilters and take our machines in yearly for cleaning. We recently did that, and when we got them back, we found that they sounded and worked just as they had when we took them in. We had no proof that they had not been worked on except for our use of them.

We took them to another person who said that they hadn’t been touched because of the oil and lint buildup. When we got the machines back, they all worked like they should and sounded like new machines.

You pay anywhere between $60 to $80 per machine, and it is expensive if it has to be done twice. The person we took our machines to the second time had the machines done in two days, and we didn’t have to wait up to three weeks as before. Just thought we would let other sewers know to beware. — No Name via e-mail

ANSWER: Sun Spots wonders if the first person you took your machines to was someone you had done business with before? She would suggest that in the future whenever you try a new service that you get recommendations first, then begin working with the new businesses on a limited basis to test out the quality of work. In this case, just one of the sewers could take a machine in for cleaning and see if the work is satisfactory.

Sun Spots also recommends that you approach the first vendor and let him know about your dissatisfaction. Perhaps the poor (or lack of) work was an oversight, or maybe someone else in his employ was supposed to do the work and didn’t. In the latter case he would certainly want to know so he could remedy the situation. You might also be able to get your money back.

Another thing you could do would be to contact the Consumer Protection Service of the Maine Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-436-2131. This office keeps track of problem businesses. They might also be able to assist you in getting a refund.

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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