DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am responding to your saving-soap question.

My late father-in-law, Dr. Arnold G. Wedum, was the director of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Biological Laboratories, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md. He was a strong advocate of washing hands with regular soap.

The Corps tried to retrieve viable virus and bacteria from soap used in basic training barracks of the military, and they never found any. Regular soap kills viruses and bacteria.

He did not approve of the alcohol hand washes that are used everywhere these days, as they may kill 99.9 percent, but their research found that the more dangerous germs tended to be in the remaining 0.1 percent. — Robert Morissette, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots did an Internet search and found several postings that said soap does not kill germs, rather it lifts them off the skin so they can be washed away. That is why it is so important to wash your hands thoroughly and for several minutes.

Apparently there is a great deal of doubt about the effectiveness of so-called antibacterial soaps. Experts say there is no substitute for a thorough soaping and rinse.

This might also explain why Dr. Wedum was not a fan of the alcohol-based hand cleaners.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: To your readers: Do you have a chestnut or oak tree on your property that is about drop its nuts or acorns on your lawn? I would gladly pick them up from your lawn, as I could use the chestnuts and large mature acorns for some of my holiday crafts.

I can be reached afternoons at 782-6519 or mornings Monday through Friday at 782-3708. Thank you. — Lorraine, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As so many have written, but I reiterate, thanks for your service.

I am looking for A Course in Miracles study group. There used to be one in the Rumford-Mexico area. Does anyone know if it still exists? One near the Hartford area would be convenient, but I will travel. — Rose Osborn, roz@megalink.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots found http://spiritualhorizonsmaine.ning.com/, which offers those courses. It looks like they meet in different locations, with recent events in Portland and Windham. She also found a link to the Community Miracles Center, www.miracles-course.org, which lists meetings in Leeds and Lowell. Those two sites should help you find other like-minded individuals that may be interested in a group in your region.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Barbara, who was looking for the hooded baby sweater pattern, and all the other knitters and crocheters out there, ravelry.com is a wonderful site. It is free; you just have to sign up.

There are many free patterns, and you can even tell them what kind of yarn you have and how much and they will find a pattern you can have to use it up. It is a large site with lots to explore! I am sure I saw the pattern she wanted on that site. Enjoy! — Adrianne Dunn, East Waterboro

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the inquiry from May of Lewiston for crochet pink ribbon pattern: At Craft-Mania in Auburn we have a crochet book titled “Think Pink Crochet for the Cure” in stock. This book does have a pattern for the pink ribbon. We have many crochet and knit pattern books, supplies and yarn as well as cross-stitch and more. — Lee, Craft-Mania.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Kathy who was looking for cross-stitching supplies, I have a huge selection of books, cloth, floss, patterns, I will sell. She can call me at 824-2874. — Bette, Bethel

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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