DEAR SUN SPOTS: Perhaps you can help me find out whether there is someone in Maine who has loon clocks for sale where the hours chime with the call of loons. A tall order, I know, but if anyone would know, it would be you! Thanks for all you do. — R.M.D., Auburn

ANSWER: This clock was actually an easy thing to find online, as there are many retail sources, including several in Maine. 

The Kittery Trading Post, 301 U.S. Route One, P.O. Box 904, Kittery, ME 03904, 888-439-9036, has an 8-inch wall clock, $21.99, and a 12-inch, $29.99. One clock face design pictures a couple of loons swimming reflected on a pond with trees in the background. The other is a close up of a loon with a baby on its back.

The clocks deactivate the sound when the room is dark.

The Loon Preservation Committee in New Hampshire (www.loon.org, 603-476-5666) also sells the clock with the pond view, although they cost $2 more; the extra money may go to help the loons.

Hamilton Marine (they have several stores, but the closest is 100 Fore St. Portland, ME 04101, 774-1772) sells the close up of the parent loon for an even lower price of $15.19.

There may be other stores or local gift shops that sell them. Please write to Sun Spots and let her know.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What are the phone companies you can get service from other than Fairpoint or Time Warner Cable? With cable my phone doesn’t work more than half the time.

I have had to use my cellphone in order to get and send messages. They are expensive, and I think not worth the money. Are there other cable companies or phone companies I can use? Thank you for your help. — No Name, Turner

ANSWER: Sun Spots emailed Andrew Russell, manager of communications in New England for Time Warner, about the problems with your Internet phone. He replied:

“We don’t release information specific to customers. In general, however, an important part of our business is providing top-notch customer service. For example, if a customer’s phone, Internet or cable TV isn’t working properly, we conduct detailed troubleshooting to identify the issue and find a solution. Sometimes it’s a customer’s equipment. Sometimes it’s interference from something else in the house. Sometimes a rodent has chewed a cable. Whatever the issue, our team will work to resolve it.”

Andrew suggests you call customer care at 1-800-833-2253 and ask them to resolve your problem.

Other Internet-based phone services from companies such as Vonage are available in some areas, but not in Turner, according to vonage.com.

Sun Spots called Oxford Networks (1-800-520-9911). The customer representative said they do provide phone service in Turner. She also said that Oxford and Fairpoint are the only two in your town.

Readers who are interested in their options can also search online at sites such as www.allconnect.com and www.connectmyphone.com and www.phoneserviceprovidersinmyarea.org.

Finally, you could follow the lead of many people, especially young people, and just use your cellphone. Much to the dismay of Fairpoint and other phone companies, landlines are no longer considered necessary by many, and some customers are disconnecting and going with just their cellphones.

There are several cellphone options in the area, so you can shop for the best deal. Also, ask about employer discounts. Some cellphone companies give discounts if you work for certain employers.

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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