DEAR SUN SPOTS: About a month ago I wrote to you about my stove. You answered that it would have been helpful if I had given you the model number.

So here I am again! It’s an Amana self-cleaning range. It’s 15 years old and works excellently, but I cannot use the oven because I need a knob. All the other knobs work.

I have called the manufacturer and was told they don’t make them any more.

It is model number P1143428NLL. Keep up the wonderful work. — Theresa, Lewiston, 784-7572

ANSWER: Sun Spots thought this was going to be one of those answers that would annoy readers who don’t use computers and don’t want to be referred to online sources, but it looks like the Internet is not going to come to your rescue. 

Sites like repairclinic.com, easyapplianceparts.com and searspartsdirect.com have helped Sun Spots out with parts more than once. But every site she visited said that part is no longer available.

At repairclinic.com it said your specific knob is unavailable, but they do have a large selection of Amana knobs (www.repairclinic.com/Amana-Range-Stove-Oven-Knob-Dial-Button-Parts), one of which might be adaptable for your stove, but you’d have to look at them online. 

In the long run, your best option might be a local one.

Sun Spots recently had her dryer repaired, and the repairman from Dave’s Appliances in Winthrop noted it was missing a knob. He said his store and others often keep a bin of old knobs on hand, as even if you can find a new knob they are often pricey.

Perhaps stores in Lewiston-Auburn do the same thing. Readers, can you help?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please help me to understand why Dunkin’ Donuts was closed down and St. Mary’s hospital is bringing in some unknown food service.

Dunkin’ Donuts is well known and well liked. Many people who have lab work done and have had to fast appreciated having Dunkin’ Donuts available on their way out. Now we have to wait for a new food service that we do not know and may not like.

Dunkin’ Donuts was a comfort for many people. I am not pleased with management’s decision, and I hear that from many other people as well. I think you all have made a very big mistake! Hope your new place does well, but I will continue to go find a Dunkin’ Donuts after my fasting lab work! — Linda Roy, lroy59@netzero.com

ANSWER: For a response, Sun Spots contacted St. Mary’s spokeswoman Jennifer Radel, who emailed the following:

“As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to promote wellness to our patients, residents, staff and community. One way we can achieve this is to provide healthy food options.

“In the past year, Metz Culinary Management became the food service provider at St. Mary’s Health System. With an eye on nutritional value and their farm-to-table philosophy, we thought they were a good fit.

“So the next step is to apply that same philosophy at a new food service station (Market Street Cafe) in the hospital main lobby. Metz has been working with a focus group made up of community members, residents, tenants and employees to weigh-in on menu choices, hours of operation, etc.

“The Market Street Cafe is expected to open in November. In the meantime, our cafeteria, Campus Cuisine, is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and we have installed new vending machines in the lobby which are stocked with food made fresh daily by the Metz staff.”

Sun Spots takes this to mean that doughnuts aren’t considered healthy. But they sure are good!

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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