DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are looking for people who would like to donate some rhubarb or berries for homemade pies for the Maine Elks Association’s pie booth during the Farmington Fair. The booth benefits the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

If you have any to spare, please contact Sandee Welch at 418-9650 or Debi Briggs at 364-2479 or 357-9479. — dbriggs@rsu10.org

ANSWER: It’s probably a bit late for rhubarb and strawberries. Raspberry, blackberry or blueberry pie might be possible.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column every day. You have helped many others, so now I hope you can help me.

I was given a gift certificate to Sumthin Fishy at 700 Lisbon St., Lisbon Falls. Now it looks like it is closed.

I have called the phone number in both locations and left a couple of messages, but no reply. They still have their ad on the Internet. I am in hopes of getting a refund. Thank you so much. — Diane Bickfond, 353-2509

ANSWER: Sun Spots always finds it stressful to not be able to help loyal readers. Unfortunately, when it comes to restaurant gift certificates that is often the case.

Restaurants are a really tough business; many fail. But people who have a dream still pursue them and many hang on until their last dime is gone. That means there is nothing left to refund gift certificates.

Sun Spots called the Lisbon location and got a recording with the restaurant’s hours, even though it was during a time when they most certainly should have been open. A call to the Topsham location was answered by a recording saying it is no longer a working number.

Perhaps a reader will know more details or one of the owners will see your letter and call the phone number you provided.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have many wire hangers available for free, if someone would like to make arrangements to pick them up. — Debbie Smith, debsmith@tdstelme.net, 585-2587

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know if this is still the case, but dry cleaners used to accept wire hangers for reuse. You might check with your local dry cleaner or laundry.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you ask your readers if any of them have rosary beads they are no longer using? I pass them on to others with instructions on how to say the rosary. You need not be Catholic to learn or say the rosary. Humanity needs prayers. From a thankful and appreciative heart. — Eva Pache, Rumford

ANSWER: Eva provided both an address and phone number, but it was not clear whether those were to be included. She is not in the phone book, so Sun Spots decided she’d better not publish them. Please, if you are requesting something, let Sun Spots know how you wish to receive it.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH program would like to thank the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary club for its wonderful donation to our program. Having support from our community is greatly appreciated.

SEARCH stands for Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope. Our mission is to enable vulnerable seniors to remain independent and create a long-term support system to meet their needs.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in you community? Become a volunteer with us! We are seeking more volunteers to visit and provide transportation support the elderly in Androscoggin County.

For more information about becoming a SEARCH volunteer or to refer a senior, aged 60 and above, who may need our support, please call our office at 784-0157. — Wendy Russell, wrussell@ccmaine.org

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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