DEAR SUN SPOTS: Great job with information. I have two questions. First, why do coins turn green? And are there any banks in the Farmington area that are doing the National Park quarters? Thank You. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Several online sources said it’s the copper in coins, which oxidizes, that turns them green.

As for the new National Park quarters, according to nationalparkquarters.com, they are now being released. Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park was released April 19, and Yellowstone was out June 1. Maine’s Acadia is due in 2012.

These coins are very popular and should be widely available. Sun Spots does not know of any reason why your regular bank should not be able to get them for you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My husband and I would like to offer to help a senior citizen who could use some help feeding their dog or cat. We know there are food pantries to help out folks in the area, but are unaware if these pantries offer food to people’s beloved pets.

We read a story in the Sun Journal a while ago about a person who shared his last bit of food with his dog. I think the food was a box of macaroni. Pets play a big role for those of us who love them like family members. It is so heartbreaking when we read stories like that.

We aren’t wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, and just want to help out one person, maybe two, and their pets.

If you are 65 or older and live within 10 miles of West Paris and need dog or cat food, please write to us at “D.,” P.O. Box 3, West Paris, ME 04289. Include your name, address, phone number and tell us about your pets. If we feel we could help you, I’ll give you a call. Then we can make arrangements to meet you and your pets. Thank you, Sun Spots. — D., West Paris

ANSWER: How very generous of you! There are a few pet food pantries, as the March 21 story from the Bangor Daily News you cited indicated, but not in your area, at least that Sun Spots knows of. Some senior citizen will be lucky to have your help keeping a beloved pet fat and happy.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know if there is any starch besides spray starch available. When this starch is used on clothing or other material, the starch only lasts through one washing. Some years ago I used a so-called “plastic” starch, which was sold in a glass or plastic bottle and it lasted through several washings. Do you know where I can get that now?

Many thanks for the helpful information you furnish everyone in your column. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: You have stumped Sun Spots. She has heard of plastics that are made of starch (rather than petroleum, so they will degrade), but not of starch made of plastic. 

According to www.thriftyfun.com, you can make liquid starch with regular corn starch. In a large bowl or pot, stir ½ cup of corn starch into 1 cup of cold water. Stir in boiling water (2 quarts for a heavy solution, 4 quarts for medium and 6 quarts for a light solution).

Amazon.com sells Sta-Flo and Linit liquid starches online. For those who lack Internet access, you can call Amazon at 1-800-201-7575.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12, the teens of Calvary Baptist Church in Turner will be having an indoor “gym” sale to raise money for their upcoming youth conference trip in July.

If you have items you would like to donate, they may be dropped off at the church at 20 North Main St., Turner, or you may call 225-2237 to arrange for pickup. Any questions, please contact me. — Dan Christner, 225-2237, [email protected]

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 [email protected].