DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Francis Recovery Center (24 Dunn St., Auburn) is a residential rehabilitation unit in Auburn for adult men struggling with addiction. One of the things we help the men with is learning to interact with others in a sober, healthy way.

Organized play is just one way we try to do this; however, we have a need for softball gloves. We are a nonprofit organization, so any donations made are tax deductible.

If you have any gloves you could donate, we would love to have them. You can drop them off or call to make arrangements, and I’ll pick them up! — Janine Champagne, program manager, 784-2901, ext. 7884, JChampagne@CCMAINE.ORG

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for filter bags for an XL 9100 model Oreck upright vacuum cleaner. I would appreciate it if you would tell me where I could get these bags.

Thank you for your trouble. — Armand, Jay

ANSWER: Sun Spots surveyed several hardware and appliance stores in your area. No one she talked to had them in stock, although some, such as Wilton Hardware, offered to see if they could order them for you.

Sun Spots did find them in stock in Lewiston, at the Vac Shak, 485 Pleasant St., www.vacshak.com. Gary, the owner, said to call him at 783-2902 or 800-834-2902 if you didn’t want to drive into Lewiston, and he would make arrangements to mail them to you.

You would have to pay shipping, of course, but considering the price of gas, it might be cheaper.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: To the lady asking about meat packages (April 24, 27): A meat package is a bulk order of meat, usually beef or pork, sometimes lamb or chicken. I’ve seen them offered in 15-, 25- and 50-pound packages. You get a variety of cuts, steaks, roasts, ribs, chops an, hamburger.

In Lewiston, Webb’s Market (which I think was also a Oullette’s) on Pine Street across from the Community Credit Union used to have such packages. Bourque’s Market, also on Pine Street, and another location on Sabattus Street, has advertised meat packages in the past.

I hope this helps. — Sandra Dingley, Lisbon

ANSWER: Sun Spots appreciates the explanation of meat packages. She again apologizes for her ignorance. Chalk it up to not being a “real Mainer.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We at Poirier’s Market in Lewiston have been doing meat packages for over more than 60 years. They are available usually the same day ordered. Free delivery on orders over $57 and up. — Don Allen, Poirier’s Market, 138 Walnut St., 782-1041, don@poiriersmarket.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Louise seeking meat packages, Tilton’s Market in Buckfield has had them.

I have been looking for a recipe for pumpkin muffins. If anyone has one, it would be a Sun Spots’ reader. They are very helpful.

Thank you. — No Name, Turner

ANSWER: There are recipes galore online, but unfortunately Sun Spots cannot reprint them due to copyright concerns. However, readers will surely come through.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person asking about meat packages, they sell them at Tilton’s Market in Buckfield. You can get packages they have listed or pick your own meat variety. They don’t deliver, but their meat is well worth the trip. — Elaine Damon, rowefan@roadrunner.com

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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