DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been trying to get a copy of the “Today Show” that included an interview with my grandmother Elsie Bryant from Bryant Pond. It was a story covering “Don’t Yank the Crank” on the removal of the last hand-crank telephone system in the United States in 1981 or 1982, I think.

I have tried unsuccessfully to contact the “Today Show” for a copy of that airing with no response.

My grandmother was married to Lester Bryant, who was a direct descendant of Christopher Bryant. He was the first child born on the original 1,000-acre plot of land acquired by the settlers of the area (the Bryant brothers, Christopher Sr. and Solomon Bryant), so this taping of my grandmother is an important part of the early history of this area and also the historic removal of the old crank phone system.

I would appreciate all the help I can get. Anyone who may be able to help is welcome to call me. Thank you. Herbert Foster, grason1@yahoo.com, 744-9294

ANSWER: At http://tinyurl.com/4edntbq, Sun Spots found the following information on how to get a video of the show. It is not cheap, however:

“TODAY videotapes are available for purchase through NBC News archives (212-664-3797). Please fax your request to 212-703-8558. There is a minimum charge of $150 for up to five minutes of tape. Please include the date, subject and any other information that might help with your request. Once your letter is received, you will be sent an agreement form. Once the form is signed and returned to NBC with payment, your request will be filled.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would the person who was looking for calendars please contact me so I can send them to her? I have some, including Thomas Kinkade’s, that I’m sure she could put to good use in her project. I would be so glad to know they are being put to good use. Thanks. — C.F., Lisbon Falls

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not have anyone looking for old calendars. The original letter writer was also looking for a home for old calendars. The respondent had a suggestion for how those calendars could be used (picture books for seniors with dementia), but she did not request more calendars. Perhaps someone else will write in with another use. Alternatively, they can be recycled.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston Root Cellar is having a weekly clothing giveaway every Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Clothing of all sizes, as well as household items will be available for your choosing.

The Root Cellar is at 89 Birch St. 782-3659. Those who have clean, wearable clothes to donate may drop them off weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also, calling all ladies. Stay for coffee, tea and light refreshments from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. —Emily Copenhaver, ministry coordinator, emily@therootcellar.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Senior Companion Program is looking for caring people in the Farmington-Wilton and the Lewiston-Auburn area. Companions spend 15 to 20 hours a week making the day a little brighter for the homebound and isolated elderly.

The program is sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and is partners with Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Clover Health Care and SeniorsPlus. Companions receive a tax free stipend, mileage reimbursement and other benefits. If you are 55 years of age and meet the income guidelines, you may be eligible to become a companion.

For more information, please call me at 1-800-287-1482. Thank you for caring. — Anna Saar, anna.saar@maine.edu

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.