DEAR SUN SPOTS: Greetings, and thank you for the fun, fascinating and helpful daily column! Someone inquired about bagpipe lessons. A conversation overheard at a yard sale: Hall-Dale School in Farmingdale has a weekly class in bagpiping. A call to the school might give more information. I hope this helps. — Greene reader via email

ANSWER: You are right. The Rocky Bay Pipe Band has beginner lessons every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Hall-Dale High School, 97 Maple St., Farmingdale, with band practice following. The lessons are free, but beginners will have to pay for their practice chanter and tune book, according to Jane Gilbert, a teacher at the school and a member of the band.

Jane said that if you come to a lesson they will tell you which kind of chanter to get and direct you to the tune book the band uses. Or you can call her at the school, 622-6211, ext. 312. She may be teaching, so leave a message.

The band has a website, www.rockybaypipeband.com, but the contact email is currently not working. Jane said they are in the process of updating their electronic information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What a great service you provide us with. Keep up the good work.

Is there anyone out there with pictures of the St. Cecilia’s Boys Band, Al Corey’s Big Band in Waterville, Don Doane’s big band in Portland, the Bath concert band, Italian Heritage Band or the Auburn Community Band?

The L-A Museum in the Bates Mill would welcome pictures. It’s too bad to let all this history go down the drain. — Ralph Sylvester, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Our yet-to-be-named banjo club is in need of more tenor and plectrum banjoists. It is not necessary that they be accomplished, as we can teach. We practice weekly at the Fare Share Market Commons room at 447 Main St. in Norway, Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

We play golden oldies, 1920s jazz and novelty songs. We play four to five gigs a month as well as occasional concerts for various organizations. A notable one is Fryeburg Fair. Rest homes comprise most of our audiences.

We welcome new players . We have our own music books. Members bring music stands at first. Later they are supplied.

Please call Alan Hamilton, 207-875-2680 for more detals. Visit our website to see and hear us: garyandmaria.org/YTBN — Alan Hamilton, Ban@megalink.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Oct. 4 you had an inquiry about leaking gas cans while filling a lawnmower. My solution is a hand siphon pump. I’ve been using this kind of pump for years without drips or spills. They are available from Amazon.com. — Richard Obie, rithobie@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Richard sent Sun Spots a printout from Amazon. The Flo N Go 08338 MaxFlo Siphon Pump is $31.16. Readers can call Amazon at 1-800-201-7575.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have read with interest the recent letters from folks regarding issues with the “new and improved” type of gas cans that have been on the market for a number of years, and had to send in my personal comments.

I, too, shared their frustration, gas going all over the place despite my best efforts. I found the solution with a receptacle made by a company called No-Spill. I was so happy with how it performed (even better than the “old-fashioned” type I missed so much) that I gave away all my new and improved versions and replaced them with No-Spill, available in the most popular capacities.

Please go to www.nospill.com for more information and where to find them. I purchased mine at Brady’s here in Farmington. — Chris Begin, mtrcrb@myfairpoint.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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