DEAR SUN SPOTS: Marilyn Burgess of Leeds was looking for an outdoor scooter and I have one that might well meet her needs. My scooter is powered by two deep marine batteries and if you can believe it, is supposed to supply enough power to go over 20 miles, depending on the terrain and the weight of the passenger. I have seen equivalent scooters selling for around $2,300, new. I recently bought a smaller one for myself, so I have this one available. I live “next door” in Monmouth, which would be convenient for a Leeds resident. My telephone number is 207-576-3712. — No name, Monmouth.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a transporter chair that I would like to donate to someone who could use it. It is in very good condition but will not fit a large person. Call 207-784-8891 and please leave a message. — No name, no town.

ANSWER: Consider donating your wheelchair to a medical equipment loan closet — there are many around the state. They lend out equipment to those who need it due to a lack of insurance or lack of coverage for assistive equipment. SeniorsPlus has a medical equipment loan system and they accept donations. The address is 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston. You can reach them by calling 207-795-4010.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been wondering about this problem for years. In 1985, many railroad ties were installed at our home functioning as stairs and retaining walls. Some of them are deteriorating from the inside out and need to be removed and replaced. Would you or your readers have any idea who might specialize in this unique problem? I can be reached at 207-333-2500 or [email protected]. — Donna Childs, Wales.

ANSWER: Here is Sun Spots’ obligatory warning against using true railroad ties in your landscape: Railroad ties and telephone poles have been treated with a pesticide/fungicide called creosote and according to the EPA, “creosote is a possible human carcinogen and has no registered residential use.” This means that railroad ties are not legally approved for any personal landscape use. Never handle this wood without protective equipment and certainly do not plant any edible plants in the affected soil.

While it may be the most cost effective — despite the risk and government warnings they are still widely available — please consider replacing your railroad ties with a different material. There are many stone and concrete suppliers who are very knowledgeable about retaining walls and would be able to recommend a contractor should you need one for this project. Here are a few local companies for you to contact:

Gagne & Son offers many stone and concrete choices for your retaining wall. They have several locations throughout the state — their Auburn location is at 270 Riverside Drive. You can reach them by calling 800-339-1132.

Petro’s Ace Hardware & Landscape Center at 965 Minot Ave. in Auburn has a wide variety of retaining wall materials. They can be reached by calling 207-783-0447.

Depending on the size and the weight that these walls are bearing, you may need some structural reinforcement before putting in anything new. TC Hafford Basement Systems is a Maine company that specializes in retaining wall repair. They can be reached by calling 800-734-6151.

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