DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you please find the truth about these new meters from the electric company? I have heard they are bad, and I have also heard that they are no different than a microwave oven. I would like to know the truth about them. Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots addressed this issue back in August 2011, when Central Maine Power Co. had just begun installed the new smart meters.

Back then, Sun Spots talked to CMP spokesman John Carroll about people’s concerns about radio waves. He said that there is nothing new about the technology the meters use, that it goes back to Marconi and the early days of radio, and is simply a new application of that old technology.

Many things in your home make use of radio waves. Along with radio and television (if you still have an antenna), there are cordless telephones, cellphones, microwaves, baby monitors, garage door openers, etc.

There really is no reason to be concerned about the smart meters sending out data. Calling CMP about the meters on your cordless or cellphone probably exposes you to more radio waves than the periodic transmissions from your meter.

The meters do not constantly transmit. They store the detailed records in hourly blocks and then send the data off intermittently.

There is no evidence that radio waves are hazardous to your health. People are often leery about new technology. TV and radio also terrified many when they were introduced.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I grew up in Lewiston and have had my share of salmon pie (recipe query April 4).

While living in Virginia, I googled seeking a recipe and came across one online: www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Salmon-and-Leek-Pie-100934. It is not what I grew up with in Lewiston, but much better.

While I realize it is not a Canadian-style recipe, I encourage anyone to try it once. It truly is one of the best things that I have ever eaten. — Michel Ouellette, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots cannot reprint online recipes, unfortunately. No Name, Lisbon, who made the query could try the library. She might also ask James Myall, the coordinator of USM’s Franco-American Collection at 207-753-6545 or [email protected]. He may have a French recipe book in his collection that will prove helpful.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Community Credit Union has a free recycling day which includes shredding (April 8 query). This year it will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 20 in Auburn on Stanley Street, in the parking lot behind Stratham Tire. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/bo992bd.— Sue, [email protected]

ANSWER: Thank you so much for writing, Sue! And thank you to Community Credit Union for supplying this service. Residents can drop off a variety of things to be recycled, including televisions, CPUs, monitors, printers and cartridges, laptops, digital cameras, game systems, microwaves, tires (no rims) with limit of three per donor and 16-inch or smaller, cellphones, eyeglasses and batteries.

WRONG ADDRESS: Sun Spots had a brain cramp yesterday. She knew Cote Brothers had moved but still published the old address. Cote Brothers is now in Turner. You can find Ron and his repair shop at 200A Auburn Road (Route 4), Turner, 207-225-5920, [email protected], www.cotebrothers.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 [email protected].