DEAR SUN SPOTS: If any of your readers from nursing homes, charities or individuals would be interested in the following items, they are free: Sound Design AM-FM stereo receiver/8-track recorder with two speakers; Sound Design stereo 8-track recording deck; stereo cassette adapter and approximately 80 miscellaneous 8-track cartridges.

Thank you for your important service to the community. — John, Auburn, 784-1603

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few weeks back in Sun Spots someone wanted exercise bikes. I have two for free — just pick up. Thanks. — M.J., Lewiston, 782-0866

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know anybody who is capable of taking an 84-inch flat panel curtain and making it into a 63-inch swag? Thanks. — Norm via e-mail

ANSWER: Sun Spots has the following seamstresses in her electronic rolodex:

Anita, Lewiston, 783-7623, pickup and delivery available; Chez Dorea, 277 Lisbon St., Lewiston, open Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 333-0755; Cecile Giguere, 1048 Sabattus St., Lot 28, 784-3028; and Nita Brissette, Nita’s Alterations in Turner, 212-3766, tailoring, alterations and repair work on clothes and gowns for all ages.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Peru Historical Society is planning a reunion at the former West Peru Grammar School/Peru Elementary School on Aug. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Anyone who was affiliated with the school in any way — former students, teachers, janitors, bus drivers — is invited. Bring chairs, pictures and stories.

For more information, contact Robert Dolloff at 562-7141. Thank you. — No Name via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For those people who don’t know what to give their elderly relatives, friends, etc, hire them a cleaning person or service if they are unable to do the work themselves. — Fred via e-mail

ANSWER: Great idea! Offering transportation is another valuable gift. Women might particularly appreciate a trip to the beauty salon, with a gift certificate for the services provided.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is a recipe that has been passed down in my mother’s family for well over 100 years. I still make it twice a year (Christmas and Thanksgiving), but I double the recipe and cook it in a very large bean pot.

Indian pudding: In a double boiler cook 2 quarts of milk and 2/3 cup of yellow cornmeal slowly (about 20 minutes) until it thickens. Stir often. It will not be too thick. Pour this into a large (about 4-quart bean pot). Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add 2/3 cup of Grandma’s molasses.

In separate bowl mix 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 2 teaspoons ginger and add to bean pot. Beat 2 large eggs and also add to bean pot, then stir all ingredients well. Place bean pot in oven and cook for three hours. Stir every hour until the three hours are up. Serve with either cream from container or whipped cream. Delicious. — Lucille Ray via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This 175-year-old recipe for Indian pudding was served for many years at the famous Worster House Hotel in Hallowell. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Baked Indian pudding: 1 quart scalded milk, 3/4 cup cornmeal. Place in double boiler and cook 10 minutes, stirring to keep smooth.

Mix together in an 8- by 14-inch pan: 1 cup molasses, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups seedless raisins, 1/2 cup real butter, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 eggs and 2 13-ounce cans evaporated milk.

Sprinkle cornmeal into scalded milk, then pour hot cornmeal mix over all ingredients and mix well. Cook in slow oven (250 degrees) for four hours and be sure to stir thoroughly every 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot with your best vanilla ice cream. — George Ruby, Lisbon

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.