ANSWER: Technology is an incredible thing that Sun Spots sometimes understands, and, well, sometimes just pretends to. Research into this question explained that The Weather Channel uses an advanced software that uses pre-recorded tracks for narration of current weather conditions. The software, called IntelliSTAR, automatically generates narrated weather reports for local viewer areas using Jim Cantore’s voice. Cantore is famous for broadcasting live from wherever the craziest weather is happening, but even he couldn’t possibly find time in his day to record “Local on the 8s” for every local viewing area across the country. Cantore does live in Georgia, but interestingly, he hails from a small town in Vermont just on the other side of the New Hampshire border. So maybe, just maybe, his New England broadcasts of “Local on the 8s” channel brings a bit more of his presence into our living rooms than in other regions. (But not really.)

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Riverview Dental will be holding another Dentistry with a Heart Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 20. We will provide free dental care to low-income families and individuals experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, sheltered abused women, as well as military service veterans. Several dentists, hygienists and dental professionals will donate their services on this day and there will be two locations providing these services. 

These appointments are intended for patients who are financially unable to pay for dental treatment, have no dental insurance, have not seen a dentist in over two years, and are in urgent need of treatment.  Appointments will fill quickly, so please call as soon as possible to schedule. 

To schedule for a dental cleaning, filling or simple extraction appointment, please call and leave a message stating your name, telephone number and which dental service you are in need of at (207)200-4081. Be sure to speak slowly and clearly. Your call will be returned within a week — please leave only one message. No walk-ins will be appointed. Please call the phone number provided here only and leave your message. We will return your call. Thank you Sun Spots for helping us get the word out! — Patty Marquis, Office Manager, Riverview Dental Associates.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Easter Bunny strikes again! On March 13, I attended church service at Holy Family Church where I lost my hearing aid. Having searched to no avail, I even put it in Sun Spots. On Saturday, Easter Eve, I got a phone call from Holy Family that my hearing aid had been found. I want to thank the one who found it. This Sunday, at Holy Family, a candle is burning for my Easter Angel. Thank you. — R.B.S., Lewiston.

ANSWER: Thank you for letting us know you found your hearing aid. It’s nice to know there are kind, caring people out there who respond in times of need, and who show their appreciation when they’ve been the recipient of kindness.

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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