DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been looking into switching from oil to coal to heat my house. The only dealer for coal boilers/stoves that I have found is in Gouldsboro. Does anyone know of a dealer closer to the Rumford-Mexico area? Thanks. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots only found one that was closer, and not by much. Mazzeos Chimney and Stoves is on Route 90 in West Rockport. You can call them at 596-6496. There are other dealers in Maine, but they are all as far away as Gouldsboro or farther — Millinocket, Medway and Machias.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I thought you might like to hear from an elderly wood burner who very recently overhauled his home fireplace, chimney flue and fireplace insert. My spouse and I provided all the physical labor, and it took plenty to complete the project! We are very happy with EPA-approved insert and its required stainless steel insulated flue lining.

Your March 18 column about energy costs was interesting and informative. We considered wood pellets but decided to go with the conventional wood since we were replacing a similar system and were confident of what the result would be.

My advice for other elderly wood burners would be to give lots of thought to the requirements of handling the weight of an armload of heavy hardwood! Still, there’s nothing like putting a cold backside to a crackling wood stove. — Ronald and Audrey Leonard, Eustis

ANSWER: Good for you for keeping in good enough shape to handle all that work! Experts say that weight-bearing exercises are essential in maintaining muscle and bone strength and helping to ward off osteoporosis and other brittle bone problems.

However, there are people who are not physically up to the task. Sun Spots is in her early 50s and does plenty of wood hauling, stacking, etc. It provides quite the workout. But it also makes the coming of spring all the sweeter!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was wondering if anybody else would be interested in starting/attending a support group for spinal cord injury victims. I would like to start one near the Farmington area. Anyone interested please contact me. — Darlene Power, hickorypower@gmail.com, 491-4645

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Volunteers give the best gift — themselves! In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 10-15), SeniorsPlus would like to extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to its 400-plus volunteers.

These dedicated volunteers provide thousands of hours each and every month serving seniors and adults with disabilities by delivering Meals on Wheels, helping in our LunchPlus cafes, serving in our kitchen, in our tax and rent assistance and Medicare counseling programs, and providing office support and much more.

Without volunteers we could not provide nutritious meals, community resources, information and assistance at the highest level of quality throughout Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. We want to sincerely thank each of them so very much for giving of their time and talents.

If you would like to join these volunteers, please contact me or visit volunteermaine.org for opportunities to serve your community in a variety of ways. — Heather Brown, hbrown@seniorsplus.org, 795-4010

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The American Red Cross in Maine is planning a 5K fundraising Walk around Back Cove to be held on Sunday, June 5 at Payson Park in Portland. This will be an exciting family fun event that will bring awareness about American Red Cross in Maine Service to the Armed Forces and will also be an opportunity to serve those who serve our nation. Registration is free!

Walkers who raise at least $100 will receive a Red Cross Walk T-shirt and a goodie bag. Registration will open at noon; the walk starts at 1 p.m. Walkers and volunteers may sign up online at www.maine.redcross.org or call 874-1192, ext. 101, or email chitamm@usa.recross.org. Come serve those who serve our nation! — Mufalo Chitam, chitamm@usa.redcross.org

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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