DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have some totes with no covers. I have tried several stores, but they don’t have extra covers. I hope you can help. Thanks. — Beryl Robinson, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots can relate to your question. She, too, has totes with no lids and has had no luck in finding replacements, other than at her transfer station, which used to pile up all the old plastic in a big heap. Now, with single-stream recycling, even that option is gone.

Rubbermaid used to make it really easy to order replacement lids, then they stopped offering them altogether. Now, according to their website, some lids are available again. You can call 888-895-2110 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m or by email using their contact form: http://tinyurl.com/c3ravmx.

Or you can write to them at Attn: Consumer Service Department, 3320 West Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Include the number of the item stamped in the plastic in your letter, but don’t send packages. They will be rejected.

Other brand-name totes may offer replacement lids as well via their websites.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where would we be without you? I have two questions and hopefully you can help me.

The first: I have my grandfather’s mantle clock dating back to the 1920s that is in need of repair. I know, you have given us the list in the past but I am so “organized” I have lost the list, again. If you would please reprint it, I would be grateful.

The second. My son has recently moved and is looking for a turntable for his kitchen cupboard. If one of your readers has one they wouldn’t mind parting with for a reasonable price, I’m sure he would be grateful.

Thanks and keep up the wonderful work. — Judy Baird, 312-5240, JPBaird@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots has the following sources for clock repair in her Rolodex:

* Harry Hepburn III of Harrison, 583-2821

* Rohman Clockworks, 350 Minot Ave., Auburn, 784-1211

* Leroy Blauvelt, Porter Road, Dixfield, 562 8955

Catherine Raynor of Morin’s Fine Furniture, 782-7511, www.morinsfinefurniture.com, also wrote to Sun Spots offering to help customers find vendors for repairing clocks such as yours.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You always do a great job at finding out information and helping people. I was wondering if there is a group in the Lewiston area that meets once or so per month to talk French. I’m not looking for a class, just a group of people who get together to keep the French language going. — B.G. via email

ANSWER: There is indeed. Sun Spots is surprised you haven’t heard about one of them already. The La Rencontre luncheon is held monthly at the Franco-American Heritage Center. The attendees speak in French and often have a special program emphasizing French heritage. You can call the center at 783-1585.

There have have been other French language groups in the region over the years, but Sun Spots does not know who is still meeting. She hopes members will let her know.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Due to a death in the family, I have come into a lot of yarn — baby and sport weight, also some worsted. Last year I saw a list of several organizations that knit for the needy or preemies. I would like to give this yarn away to such a cause. Do you still have these organizations on file? I work in Auburn. — Pam Loft, pamloft@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t keep a list because the groups that want the yarn change from month to month. Only one writes regularly. A copy of her letter follows. Others will surely inundate your in box or write Sun Spots with requests.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I work for the animals at the animal shelter in Lewiston. I am knitting blankets for the cats in the shelter. If you know someone who has four-ply yarn (not cone) that they don’t use, please call me at 777-1593. I don’t have a car. If you could bring the yarn to me, I will pay for your gas. I enjoy knitting. It passes the day. — Germaine Nolan, Lewiston

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.

Copy the Story Link