DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know where I can purchase a small, countertop toaster oven that does not tick when the timer is set? I am sorry that I threw my old one out when it ceased to work. I should have found someone who could fix it.

I have been hunting for several years for one to no avail. Why did they change them from a silent lever to a dial that drives one nuts? — No Name via e-mail

ANSWER: This is the first that Sun Spots has heard of this problem, but she did find a website that rates the ticking noise, wize.com/toaster-ovens/t82427-tick. Readers will also undoubtedly offer some reviews.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I understand that Sun Spots has a phone number that can reach a human voice at Haband. Sure could use it. Thank you. — Dick, rithobie@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Try 1-800-213-1220. Sun Spots always recommends using a credit card when buying online. That way, if there is a problem, you can file a dispute with your credit card company, which will help you with your fight.

Problems with Haband seem to abound. Not only has Sun Spots had several complaints, but an employee at the Consumer Protection Service in the Maine Attorney General’s Office told Sun Spots that they get many complaints about this company.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Have any of your bird-watching readers in the Rumford-Dixfield area ever seen a boreal chickadee? It has a brown cap instead of black and should be found in our area. I would like to know where if any have been seen. Thanks. — Janette, torino4@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are looking for speakers to present slide shows, biographies, educational and motivational topics to our residents. Call me at Clover Health Care to set up a time for a one-hour presentation. — Jim, 784-3573, ext. 134, jparker@mainecare.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Pauline (Dec. 21 column) or anyone else in search of an Avon representative, you can log onto the Internet by going to www.youravon.com to find a representative in your area, or call me, as I am a local representative of the Lewiston-Auburn region. — Dinah Marie Ducharme, spunk.1965@roadrunner.com, 577-7957

DEAR SUN SPOTS: There were a pile of Avon catalogs near the check-out at Tin Tin Buffet in Auburn (on the windowsill). One thousand readers will write about this. — No Name via e-mail

ANSWER: Nobody else wrote in on this, so it was good you did so.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a baseball signed by Mel Ott. What can you tell me about him? There is quite a story that goes with this ball. Thank you. — No Name, Rumford

ANSWER: There is a great deal of information on Mel Ott online, which you can review further at your library. Here are some excerpts from his Wikipedia entry:

“Melvin Thomas Ott (March 2, 1909 – Nov. 21, 1958), nicknamed “Master Melvin,” was a Major League Baseball right fielder. He played his entire career for the New York Giants (1926-1947). Ott was born in Gretna, La. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed. The first National League player to surpass 500 home runs, he was unusually slight of stature for a power hitter, at 5 feet, 9 inches, 170 pounds. …

“He played in the World Series in 1933, 1936 and 1937, winning in 1933. …

“He managed the Giants for seven years between 1942 and 1948. The Giants’ best finish during that time was in third place in 1942. It was in reference to Ott’s supposedly easygoing managing style that then-Dodgers manager Leo Durocher made the oft-quoted and somewhat out-of-context comment, ‘Nice guys finish last!’ …

“He was selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951 with 87 percent of the vote. His number, 4, was also retired by the Giants in 1949, and it is posted on the facade of the upper deck in the left field corner of AT&T Park.”

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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