DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a member of an aging church. We have known for a long time that the bell tower is bad shape, but we can no longer ignore its state of disrepair. It must be fixed or taken down, but we have no money to do that unless we sell the bell.

Do you or any of your readers know of a person or company who will visit our church, look at the bell and give us an appraisal of its worth? We would like to do this fairly soon, before the heavy snow begins. — No Name, Livermore Falls

ANSWER: Sun Spots was skeptical as to whether there was much demand for old church bells, but it turns out there could be, depending on the type of bell.

After turning up no one local, Sun Spots contacted the Catholic Diocese, where spokesman Dave Guthro referred her to the Verdin Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here is what Sun Spots learned from one of the fifth-generation cousin owners, Bob Verdin:

Church bells are made of bronze, cast iron or steel. If they are made of the latter-two elements, the primary value is the metal for scrap.

If the bell is bronze it will have more value, not only because bronze is very expensive but because it can be resold.

Bob said that you can tell whether your bell is bronze by seeing if a magnet will stick to it. If the magnet adheres, it is cast iron or steel.

If you can’t easily access the bell, he said if you email him a photo he can probably tell from the shape of the bell what it’s made of. If it is bronze, then his company might buy it for resale to a new church that wants to add a bell. However, there is considerable cost involved in removing and transporting it.

They have a fascinating website at verdin.com, with details about the history of the company, which was founded in 1842 by French immigrant brothers.

The address and phone number are 444 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202, 800-543-0488.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Our in-ground pool has reached the point of diminishing returns. We can still keep it running well, but it’s time to end it.

We need information on how we should proceed with filling it in. Do we need a permit? Are there local companies that do it?

The pool filter, pump and other accessories are all in good shape, and there is a chain-link fence around it. It’s covered for the season now, but we could still fill it in before winter. — Phil, Auburn

ANSWER: You do need a permit. In Auburn it will cost you $25. For those who live in Lewiston, it’s free. Gildace Arsenault, the director of Lewiston Planning and Code Enforcement, said the main reason for the permit in Lewiston is to alert the city tax assessor, because the removal of an in-ground pool will result in some tax savings.

You will need quite a bit of fill. You can be asked to be placed on the surplus fill list with Public Works. Auburn’s information assistant Katelyn Doustout said there is a waiting list.

Anyone with earth-moving machinery should be able to do the job for you. For example, a contractor who digs septics or pools could also fill yours in. Contractors also may have fill available.

As for the accessories, you may be able to sell them online (eBay, Craigslist, Uncle Henry’s), although spring might be a better time for that.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wrote to you about using hairspray to kill flies, especially when they are on the ceiling and you can’t reach them with a flyswatter (Oct. 17). 

You said the ceiling might end up sticky. Well, it doesn’t. And it doesn’t stain unless it’s not a white ceiling. No one is obliged to try it. — J.B.T., Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots is sorry if her answer came off as rude. It was meant to be a bit tongue in cheek. She is sure it’s a fine way to kill flies and much less toxic than bug spray.

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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