DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for helping me before. I am on a fixed income and have a pellet stove. I can’t find anyone in this area to service it.

Aubuchon’s, where it came from, told me about a man in Casco, but he’s far and charges a high amount.

Could someone help me? I can’t get it to the light, and the augur won’t run. It was fine last winter after a charge of $387. I hope someone can help. — G.G., Lisbon Falls

ANSWER: Sun Spots started by talking to Cory, the manager of the Lisbon Falls Aubuchon. He said that it’s true that he doesn’t service the stoves himself, but refers customers to Brian Small of Casco, 415-3708, who travels around and fixes stoves for independently.

Cory offered to call G.G. and see if he could be of any help over the phone. He called Sun Spots back and said that G.G. bought the stove used four years ago from someone else who had purchased the stove from his store, so even if there was a warranty, it would not transfer from the original owner.

He said when he talked to G.G. that she had uninstalled the stove. Perhaps the current low price of oil has made her rethink using her furnace this year.

Buying mechanical things used — unless you are super handy and can fix them yourself — can be tricky. If you buy new, many larger suppliers of stoves provide not only a warranty but their own service (and may be able to help others who need repairs as well). Among them are:

* Buy the Fire, 712 Main St., Oxford, 207-539-9930

* Don’s Stove Shop, 113 River Road, Livermore, 800-515-0221 or 207-897-4200

* Fireside Stove Shop, 1220 Center St., Auburn, 800-244-9249 or 207-784-9249

If readers know of any other repair options, please write the column (sunspots@sunjournal.com), so she can share the information. G.G. was willing to have her phone number in the paper, but Sun Spots was worried someone unscrupulous might take her money and not do the work properly.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have inherited a white marble-top coffee table. Would anyone know what is best to use to clean and shine it? — Lisbon Resident

ANSWER: Sun Spots went to marble-institute.com/consumers/care.cfm for some tips. It says to use only mild dish soap and water or a specially designed cleaner on marble. Do not use vinegar or lemon or products containing any acids.

The website recommends that you find out what kind of marble you have before purchasing a cleanser or removing stains. It says that:

“Natural stone is categorized into three basic geological classifications by their respective formation processes: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. Additionally, stones in each category can be either calcareous or siliceous.”

However, Sun Spots isn’t quite sure how to help you figure out what kind of marble you have. If you had a computer, you could look up the types online and compare them to your table. 

You might try taking a photograph of your table to a store where marble is sold and comparing them. Readers, do you have any tips?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a hospital bed to give away. It’s in great shape; it just needs a new cover. — Joan, 777-1910

ANSWER: How very generous of you!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Meadows Senior Living Center has about 2,000 plastic Easter eggs to donate to anyone interested. We have had many great hunts with them. Now it is your turn! Give us a call at 946-3007 to arrange a pickup. — Rebecca Laliberte, rlalib3967@aol.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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