DEAR SUN SPOTS: In 1967 I bought a night light from a catalog to put in the hallway of our new house. When I moved, I brought it with me and put it in this hallway. This light shines night and day. It’s only dark when we lose power.

I have never changed the bulb in this light. It’s a very small bulb. I have never seen one that size in stores.

Do I have a light from Mars? Does anyone else have one like it? — Shirley Thiriet, Lisbon

ANSWER: Your light may be an LED, which stands for light-emitting diode. These amazing bulbs draw very little energy and burn far longer than the traditional incandescent or even fluorescent bulbs. LED lights are being utilized more every day (they provide the light on your digital clock) and have largely replaced neon lights.

Sun Spots knows that many readers are very reluctant to change from the familiar incandescent bulbs to fluorescents or LEDs, but not having to change bulbs for a decade or more is very handy. And can help keep you safe — no more climbing up on ladders to deal with that pesky ceiling light.

Incidentally, the energy regulations for light bulbs set to start in 2012 do not mean that incandescent bulbs will completely and immediately disappear.

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The following appeared at www.startribune.com in April:

“The 2007 Federal Energy Independence and Security Act, which addresses incandescent lights, simply has standards for making light bulbs more efficient. There’s also a long list of exceptions: three-way bulbs, 40-watt appliance lights, rough-service light bulbs — 22 in all. One of those bulbs will work with your signaling device.

“Critics say the bill effectively bans incandescent lights, because those bulbs can’t meet the new standards. They claim that CFLs do, so that’s what manufacturers will make and consumers will have to buy.

“That’s not exactly right, either.

“Incandescent bulbs, as they have been made for generations, waste energy. For years, nobody cared. There was plenty of energy, and it was cheap. That has changed.

“While it’s true that traditional incandescent bulbs won’t meet the standards, it doesn’t mean consumers will be forced to use CFLs. The bill was meant to prod manufacturers to improve their products, and they are. An incandescent light bulb that meets the new standard is on store shelves now.”

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DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am hoping to find someone who does sewing, preferably in the Farmington area. I would like to have a couple of aprons made. Thank you. — No Name, Chesterville

ANSWER: Sun Spots has several Lewiston-Auburn area seamstresses in her Rolodex, but no one in the Farmington area. Perhaps someone will write in.

Here are your L-A options:

* Anita, Lewiston, 783-7623, pickup and delivery available

* Nita Brissette, Nita’s Alterations in Turner, 212-3766, tailoring, alterations and repair work on clothes and gowns for all ages

* Chez Dorea, 277 Lisbon St., Lewiston, open Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 333-0755

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* Cecile Giguere, 1048 Sabattus St., Lot 28, 784-3028

* Alterations by Judy, 906 Sabattus St., Lewiston, 783-6201

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Congregational Church of East Sumner will host a Valentine’s dinner at the church on Feb. 14.

Small tables and candlelight will be used to provide a more intimate dinner, with two sittings available (5:30 and 7 p.m.). Diners may select from a choice of entrees (baked chicken breast or stuffed pork loin), plus a garden salad, choice of soup and a homemade Valentine dessert.

Tickets are $12.50 per person and are available from Linda (388-2263) or Peggy (388-2074). Proceeds will benefit the work of the church. — Cynthia Norton, Sumner, norton@megalink.net

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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