DEAR SUN SPOTS: Our Wurlitzer organ with multi-matic percussion needs repair. Is there anyone out there who can help? — Carol, mrst4_2@yahoo.com, 539-2579

ANSWER: Sun Spots followed a trail of leads to Starbird Music and Organ in Portland, where John told her that Nick Mamich of Bowdoinham, 837-2196, is about the only repairperson servicing those instruments in Western Maine.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a manual for a Serger that I could buy for a reasonable price or borrow to take a photocopy of it. The make is Brother Lock model 1034D. Please call me at 783-1125. — Rita, Lewiston

ANSWER: You can buy the manual at www.brother.com for $5 (http://tinyurl.com/4wxnzu9; 1-877-552-6255) or download it for free at www.brother-usa.com (http://tinyurl.com/4gak2gg). Sun Spots noted that your letter is handwritten, so you may not have a computer at home. However, if you take this link to the library, they can help you look it up and print it out, although there may be a charge for the printing.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where can I get information about housing in the Bates Mill? I heard they’re going to put apartments in it. I would like one with two bedrooms. I have a cat and four birds.

Also, does anyone have books for plastic canvas? — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots cannot be sure, but she thinks you might be referring to a story reporter Scott Taylor wrote last fall about plans to build new lofts at the Bates Mill Building No. 2 overlooking Fountain Plaza. A percentage of those units would be Section 8 subsidized, and a two-bedroom unit would rent for $701. According to Scott’s story, they hope to have them built by March 2012. Sun Spots does not know what the rules regarding pets might be.

As for books for plastic canvas, owner Lee at CraftMania, 730 Center St. in Auburn, 783-8265, said they have those for you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Sorry to say, but you were wrong when you told Julie (March 1) who was looking for some old obituaries that the 1990s Sun Journals are not available in the Google archive. They can be found at http://tinyurl.com/46wsxlp. There are some gaps, but it covers most of 1989 to 2008. The earlier archives cover the Lewiston Sun (http://tinyurl.com/334ehgd) and Evening Journal (http://tinyurl.com/2v2uu7x) from the 1800s to the 1980s. — Corey, Lewiston

ANSWER: Mea culpa, once again. In her defense, Sun Spots did run her answer by the Sun Journal expert. Good to know that even the tech gurus can’t keep track of every new development.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a new Sunbeam pie maker (Feb. 15 column). Robert Clair can reach me at 784-6746. — No Name, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am reaching out to Sun Spots’ readers in hope of finding someone who might have known a Mary Ada Jackson (married name Sonier) formally of Lewiston. If anyone knew her or is a descendant, please call 645-3622. — No Name, johoke@earthlink.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am doing research on the local mills in the Civil War period for a magazine article. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with expertise or information on the subject. It may involve quoting/citing you in the article if you’re willing, but any information is appreciated. I may be reached evenings at 344-7872 or by e-mail. Thank you. Andrew Hall, Ajhalllpn@myfairpoint.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I need a 1937 Lewiston High School yearbook.

Also, could I have the address for golfer Ben Crenshaw. Thank you. — A. Vasiliauskas, 782-7558

ANSWER: You can contact Ben at www.bencrenshaw.com, sayers@bencrenshaw.com, 512-478-3483.

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.

Copy the Story Link