DEAR SUN SPOTS: You tell us readers to use your QR code to find you online. I assume the code is the little square thingy that follows. The thing is, I don’t know what that is –  how it works or how to use it. Would it be too much trouble to explain it? Thanks. — Not a techie or a nerd.

ANSWER: Great question! Thanks for asking. Yes, the QR code is the square made up of squares. QR codes offer convenience in that a smartphone equipped with a camera and a QR code reader app can scan the QR code which will then release the information stored in the code which is usually a website. Sun Spots’ QR code will launch the Sun Spots webpage. This saves the time it takes to type in the URL in your mobile browser bar.

The Sun Spots webpage sometimes has additional information on it that was not available in the print version. If you are reading the mobile version on your smartphone you can press on any of the links in the Sun Spots article and launch those websites.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks for all the help you provide to this community! As the coordinator for the Lewiston Auburn YMCA Bill Koch Cross Country Ski Lessons for children ages 4 to 13, I am writing to see if anyone has an old mailbox they can donate to our program. I am looking for mailboxes that are still in good shape with a hinged front that can open and close. If they need a new coat of paint, no problem. Plastic is fine, too! Contact Whitney at 207-576-9820 or email labillkochskiclub@gmail.com. If you are interested in learning more about this program, visit our Facebook page by searching for Lewiston Auburn Bill Koch Ski Club or our website at www.auburnskiassociation.com/LABillKoch/Intro.html/. Thanks in advance for your help!

HI SUN SPOTS: The Bethel Outing Club will host a ski sale and swap from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Gould Academy Field House, 39 Church St. in Bethel. You will find for sale new and used alpine, nordic and snowboarding clothing and equipment.

Eight ski shops from around Maine and New Hamshire will be there with new equipment and clothing. Individuals will sell used equipment. For those interested in selling their goods, bring your stuff to the field house from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.  For more information, call Ann Speth at 207-824-2586 or email aspeth@megalink.net. You can also visit www.bethelouting.org for detailed information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Are there any informational meetings about alternative therapies in the Lewiston-Auburn area coming up soon? Thanks. — Looking for healthy alternatives.

ANSWER: From Sun Spots’ directory of sources comes this information: If any Sun Spots readers are interested in natural alternatives and would like to learn more about essential oils and how they can not only help with cleaning but with pain management, seasonal threats, and more, contact dmcrane@roadrunner.com. This is an educational event and there are no obligations, no collecting orders, closing dates, etc.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.