DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Rural Community Action Ministry provides homelessness and hunger prevention services in 14 rural towns. Volunteer opportunities vary and may include minor home repair, transportation for seniors to medical appointments, office work, gardening, help with a fundraiser, and miscellaneous on-call activities.

Volunteering is not only good for others; it’s good for you, too. Studies show that volunteering contributes to both your mental and physical health by reducing stress and depression and encouraging physical activity, among many other benefits.

Please contact Jody Robertson at RCAM if you wish to find out more about our volunteer services. Please call 524-5095 for more information or visit www.RCAM.net.

— Jody, Leeds

Dear Sun Spots: Would you know if Fuller Brush is still around? I need a mop head.

— Shirley, no town

ANSWER: I remember the Fuller Brush man coming to the door! Although those days have passed, you can still order that mop head and other needed household items from Fuller Brush and Stanley Products at www.fullerproducts.com. I also found a distributor in Gorham who still has inventory. An order for both Fuller Brush and Stanley products can be placed by calling Roland Rhoades at 892-0923 or emailing him at FBDWT@maine.rr.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Several weeks ago, you asked for resources for chair seat caning. At “Caning by Pam,” I have changed my phone number and want to let you know. The new number is 740-5495. Thank you for being a resource of information for my hobby and for all your assistance!

— Pam, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you give me more information on Connie Cote @ 105.5 Sundays? We would enjoy listening to French music. Thank you.

— No name, Wilton

ANSWER: In the Sun Journal on Nov. 11, there was a great article written by Bonnie Washuk about Connie. The link is https://www.pressherald.com/2017/11/11/at-nearly-90-connie-cote-still-fills-airwaves-with-la-langue-francaise/. At 90 years of age, Connie is still quite the hot ticket and has been on the airwaves for more than 60 years, with no plans to retire. She does her show, “La Revue Francais” live. It airs Sundays at 9 a.m.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a question about using pine cones for fire starters. A friend mentioned she gathers them for that purpose, and I must say that even a small number of cones help boost that fire in the stove. When I mentioned this practice, someone asked if that was bad for the chimney because of the pitch. Now I’m wondering if this is of any concern if I only use a few each day. I hope you can come up with some answers from your seemingly endless supply of resources.

Thank you for your helpful column. It’s perfectly placed above “Dear Abby.” You never know what you’ll find in either one!

— Martina, Jay

ANSWER: This question is the second part of a two-parter. I’ll answer this part now and get to you about the first part as quickly as possible.

My source, a professional chimney sweep and firefighter, says that using a handful of plain pine cones to start your fires works well and is safer than the store-bought fire starters or pine cones filled with wax and sawdust. Here’s to a safe and cozy winter ahead!

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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