DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your column is wonderful and informative. This is my first time writing to it.

I desperately need someone who already has a notebook PC to befriend me and come into my home and help me learn how to use it. I’ve taken it back several times, but it doesn’t help — only when I’m there.

I want to get on Christian Mingle.

I’ve never had a computer before. Oh, my head aches! — No Name, Lewiston, 786-4961

ANSWER: Sun Spots highly recommends adult education or other community-based classes for those taking up computers for the first time. That way you can get a basic understanding of how computers work before you undertake a specific task, like joining an online group.

Going online can be hazardous to your computer’s health if you get on the wrong websites, so some training is a good idea.

You can call Lewiston Adult Ed administrative offices at 795-4141 or, for those with computer access, go online to www.lewistonadulted.org. Sun Spots checked the current class schedule and discovered that, unfortunately, all the beginning classes, including Computer Basics for Seniors, are full.

However, there may be other local classes available. Readers may know of some other adult education program available locally.

Or perhaps someone will call and offer to help.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: First of all, thank you for all of the help you have provided people over the years. Your column is definitely an asset, not only to the paper but to its readers as well.

Many years ago when my brother was in the service stationed in Germany, he sent me a small camel saddle. It has a leather seat packed with straw held in with a small zipper. Over time, the stitching around the zipper has broken and the zipper no longer works.

I am looking for someone who could put in a new zipper around 7½ to 8 inches long. I would like to pass this unique piece of furniture on to my son so that his granddaughter may enjoy it. — S.B., Turner

ANSWER: Sun Spots has a long list of leather repair businesses in her Rolodex. One of them will surely be able to help.

* Alterations by Judy and Industrial Stitching & Leather Repair, 906 Sabattus St., Lewiston, 783-6201.

* European Touch, 8 Rocky Ave., Topsham, 721-9160 (leather jacket linings).

* Sharon Gagne, Hartford, 388-3369 (formerly Customer Leather Repair and Design in Buckfield).

* Maine Line Leather, 35 Beech St., Lewiston, 782-6622 or 877-782-6820, www.mainelineleather.com.

* Midcoast Shoe Repair, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 725-8557, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays by appointment only. Offer a courier service for shoe and leather repairs at Sound Limbs Orthotics & Prosthetics, 39 South Lisbon Road, Lewiston, Elizabeth Park, midcoastshoe@gmail.com

* Ali Shongole, Maple Street area, Lewiston, 344-7665.

* Morin Shoe Store, 171 Main St., Berlin, N.H., 603-752-4810.

* Paul’s Shoe Shop at 22 Cumberland St., Westbrook, ME 04092, email cobblerinacan@yahoo.com, 854-4338, will provide service by mail. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

* Tom Finn Shoe Repair, 165 Water St., Augusta, 623-8491, open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Finn says he repairs anything leather, as well as shoes.

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