ANSWER: Sun Spots was unable to find a specific organization in Maine that advertises a need for empty pill bottles, however, there are many ways to repurpose old pill bottles — from using them to create mini first aid kits to keep in a purse or backpack, to using them for storing small items like beads or crafting supplies. Try contacting your local schools, day cares or beading/crafting groups to see if they might appreciate a donation.

According to Indiana-based MalawiProject.org, which recently ended its national campaign to collect pill containers for distributing in Malawi, local animal shelters, or churches with mission programs in emerging world nations are other potential sources who may be accepting such donations.

We hope Sun Spots readers can help identify other groups who are looking for empty pill bottles.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am searching for an old-fashioned paper cutter — a wooden board with a handle that lowers to cut the paper like the ones we used in school and offices years ago.

Would any of your readers have one that they’d be willing to sell for a reasonable price? Please contact me at 562-8208.

Thanks for your column. It’s one of my favorite sections of the Sun! — No name

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the reader looking for her mother’s tomato bisque recipe:

This recipe for tomato bisque has been in my family for years. My sister kindly gave me these directions: Heat 3 cups of milk and 3-4 Tablespoons of butter in a saucepan until just warm, NOT hot. (For a richer version, use 2 cups of half-and-half and 1 cup of milk.) In a separate pan, heat 1 14-oz. can of tomatoes to boiling and boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. Add to the milk/butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

I hope this is the type of bisque that the inquirer remembers. Enjoy! — C. R., Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have the winter blues already. We are new to the area and are not really into winter sports. What local indoor activities does this area have to offer a family with young kids?  — Michelle Michaud, Mechanic Falls

ANSWER: Have you tried bringing your kids to an indoor inflatables facility where kids young and old can jump and bounce to their hearts content? Talk about a great way to expend pent up energy while staying warm in the cold winter months. AeroAir Park in Lewiston is an indoor trampoline park, which also offers an arcade and frozen yogurt. They are located at 40 East Ave. and can be reached by calling 783-3888. 

A similar indoor bouncing facility opened this past fall in Oxford, Lil’ Leapin’ Lizard Family Adventure Center. They are located at 17 Madison Ave. (near Ocean State Job Lots) and can be reached at 539-6444.

It’s also always a good idea to check out Sun Journal’s Community Calendar at http://events.sunjournal.com/events/ which is full of great activities throughout the region.

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.

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