DEAR SUN SPOTS: Years ago there were brooms made in Portland, possibly by disabled people. Is that company still in business? Those were the best brooms, but the two I still have are wearing out and need to be replaced. Thank you for all you do for your readers and the community.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: I’m hoping a Sun Spotter knows the right answer to this question. The only thing I could come up with are the brooms made by the Shakers at Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester. You can purchase these for $60 at maineshakers.com or call them at 207-926-4597.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: After reading about what to do with old cellphones in the Oct. 31 Sun Spots, I wanted to let readers know that I lost my older cellphone about eight months ago and I would like to get a used one if it works well. I don’t understand the new ones at all. I’m 92 and I just need something simple.

— Marie, no town

ANSWER: You raise a good point. Readers, if you have an older working cellphone, check in with those in your immediate circle and see if there’s anyone in need. You may be able to bless someone with a phone, and wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend a little time with them to make sure they know how it works? Life has gotten far too complicated for all of us.

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There are easy-to-use, affordable cellphones out there. The Jitterbug Flip is recommended for seniors and so is the Samsung Galaxy J3. They both have larger number buttons, a strong speaker, good customer support, and you don’t have to buy into a monthly plan. Both of these phones are about $60 and can be found on Amazon and through Best Buy online.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m recently retired and have professional clothes and shoes to donate to an organization that would provide them at no cost to women wanting to join or rejoin the workforce. Could you provide me with the names and direction to do this?

— Mary Ellen, no town

ANSWER: Places where clothing is accepted and distributed to those in need in the Lewiston-Auburn area include: Lisbon Area Christian Outreach in Lisbon Falls (207-353-8019); Hope Haven Gospel Mission (207-783-6086); Center for Wisdom’s Women (207-513-3922); St. Martin DePorres Residence (207-786-4690); and Safe Voices (207-782-1785) in Lewiston; Court Street Baptist Church (207-784-6661) in Auburn; and Hope House (207-577-1165). Many churches also have clothes closets to help those in need.

Readers, if you want to add to the Rolodex with information about nonprofit organizations that offer career clothing to women at no charge, please write!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A while back I got charged for an online Postal Exam that I never took and to this day they are still taking money out of my checking account. I tried to locate them, but have had no luck. I’m hoping you can help me with a phone number or address.

— Cathy, no town

ANSWER: You must work with your financial institution on this. They should be able to help you track down the information you need from your account activity and possibly even get your money back for you. Once you have the information, you can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

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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