DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Poland Historical Society is looking for anyone who might have or know where we can find benches from local Grange halls.

Any information anyone might have on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Call 998-4391.

Thanks, Sun Spots, for being there when we have a need. — Mary Chipman ehchip@aol.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On July 23 you answered my query about how to eliminate squeaking in my old Canadian rocker. You said your carpenter recommended linseed oil. Can you give me more information about how to do that? — Doris, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t really have anything to add to that information, as she is only repeating what her carpenter, Larry, told her and is not an expert in that area. Here’s what she said in the previous column:

“The wood needs to be oiled, but you shouldn’t use petroleum-based oils. Larry said linseed oil is best, but is rather pricey. He said Murphy’s will also work, but won’t last as long.

“Place your rocker on something to protect the floor (another good use for old newspapers), then after identifying the squeaky area, oil liberally. Let the oil set in. You may have to do this more than once. Buff, then rock away, quietly.”

Sun Spots would suggest applying the oil with a soft rag. You want to put enough on that it will soak in but not run all over the place.

If you are still having problems after following this procedure, then the only thing Sun Spots can think of is taking the rocker to a professional wood refinisher/carpenter.

But perhaps other readers (or carpenters) will have suggestions.

GOOD MORNING, MS. SUNSPOTS: The cover of our forced hot water baseboard heating unit in the bathroom is terribly rusted AGAIN.

I refurbished it once with elbow grease, wire brush, rust container spray and paint, but now the rust has eaten through the metal on its bottom edge.

The local hardware stores, the big box stores, and our plumbing and heating guy either sell it in boxes of 50 (the former two) or don’t have any leftovers from completed jobs (the last one). Therefore, as with lots of area residents, I turn to you.

Would anyone have a 5-foot long (or longer — I can cut it) piece, any color, of 4 3/4-inch baseboard heating cover they want to get rid of?

I’d come pick it up, of course, and would pay a reasonable price for it. My phone number is 782-3049. Thank you. — silverml34@aol.com

ANSWER: It occurred to Sun Spots that you might find what you’re looking for at the Building Materials Exchange (102 Lisbon Road, Lisbon, ME 04250, 636-7670, www.mainebme.org), and then the following letter arrived, giving you another possible source.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity has the excitement and joy of announcing the grand opening of the Androscoggin Habitat Store! The Habitat Store will sell new and used building materials, furnishings and home interior items to the public at very reduced rates.

We are always looking for donations, so if you have something you can donate to our store, please call us at 786-2598. All donations are tax deductible and will help us achieve two goals:

1. Save up funds to start a new build very soon.

2. Guarantee the success of our store.

Our grand opening is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. Please come and visit us at 1967 Lisbon Road in Lewiston. — Kim Veilleux, androhabitat@roadrunner.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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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