DEAR SUN SPOTS: My 77-year-old friend in Lewiston just wanted to make her deck more safe. But that led to the discovery of dry rot and removal of the back wall of her house, which is now exposed to the elements. This led to a call to the code enforcement officer. The contractor jacked up the sill but that led to a large crack in the roof.

This once-minor deck repair project has turned into a major production with an estimated cost of $26,000. She works full time, in service to others, lives alone, has no family and does not have this money. She earns too much to qualify for a low-interest loan and will not be approved for a home-improvement loan.

She took out a second mortgage as few years back to help out her adopted daughter, so she has little equity in the house. The code enforcement officer wants the full repair completed rather than a less costly patch job or a winterization repair.

Her pipes are exposed and her roof is leaking. It is getting cold and she is at risk of having her home of almost 30 years condemned. What can she do? Thanks for any suggestions. — Concerned Friend via email

ANSWER: There are some groups that help with home repair and winterization. One is Rebuilding Together Lewiston-Auburn, but there is an application process, and the work is done during the summer, so that probably won’t help your friend for this winter.

Another option is for her to contact the Lewiston Housing Authority (783-1423) and see if they can be of any assistance.

The LHA also oversees the applications for senior housing. There are a number of very nice apartment complexes throughout the city where your friend could live without all the hassles of homeownership. The rent is based on income, so they are quite affordable. And she would have more time to continue to help others.

Perhaps readers will have additional suggestions.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a question and an answer.

First, there was a person looking for blankets, I think sometime in the spring. Can I get the information? I have some to donate.

Second, for the person looking for a peanut butter pie recipe, my grandmother’s was very simple: Graham cracker crust (pre-made of course!), vanilla instant pudding mix, about a 1/2 cup peanut butter (she always used a spoon and did not measure). Mix pudding with milk and peanut butter and pour into pie crust. Put into refrigerator and enjoy with Cool Whip. Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots isn’t sure if this is what you had in mind, but on June 16 there was a request from a nonprofit for cotton or fleece to make weighted blankets for children with disabilities. The contact was gregg@thebridgesfoundation.org.

Animal shelters often need old blankets and towels for caring for the animals.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Sumner Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a ticket auction on Oct. 20 at the Buckfield High School. Viewing of items starts at 11 a.m.; the auction starts at 1 p.m.

We are working to purchase jaws of life for our Fire Department. We hold this auction with all donated items (new) from local businesses and individuals.

If anyone has an item they would like to donate, even a new re-gifted item, please contact me at 388-2981 to arrange for pickup. We have a contact in the Lewiston-Auburn area for pickup also. Thank you. — Wilda Dunham, Auxiliary president, cblier1@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the lady who was inquiring about a personal chef (Sept. 25), check out www.modern-vegan.com. — No Name via email

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