DEAR SUN SPOTS: With the chances of power outages increasing, are there any warming centers in the Lewiston-Auburn area? As two “over-90” residents with everything on electricity, we worry as to where to go for an extended power outage. There must be many of us in the same situation. — No name, no town
ANSWER: There are warming stations geared for the temporary use of the homeless population. However, in your case, if you have a situation where you have to leave your home to stay warm, this most likely wouldn’t be the right option for you.
I would hope that you have friends or relatives you could count on to house you and provide you with a comfortable, warm and cozy corner until the power comes back, but if you do, I don’t think you’d be concerned enough to be writing to Sun Spots.
If you have a church home or there is a house of worship in your neighborhood, that would be another resource. Reach out to the minister and let her/him know about your situation. You may feel shy about doing this, but you will be pleasantly surprised to see how many people are looking for someone to help, especially during these trying times.
I suggest you contact your town office to see if they have suggestions for you, as well as the senior center closest to you. These organizations specifically help the elders in the community and have dozens of resources.
SeniorsPlus in Lewiston (795-4010) may also be able to direct you on putting a plan in place to ease your mind.
I also want to ask you if you would be in the position to purchase a generator if you had someone you could count on to start it and check it for you to ensure it’s running properly and has fuel and oil. That’s another option to consider if you live in your own single-family dwelling and have a place to store it when not in use.
Remember, if you’re in an emergency situation where you need electricity for survival or if you see trees and live wires downed from a storm, call Central Maine Power and/or 911.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have an old VCR that eats the tapes. I can’t find a new one and we have so many great movies in that format.
Is there someone out there who knows how to fix our video cassette recorder or who has one that works that they don’t need anymore? Please contact me at forthave@hotmail.com. — Lorraine, no town
ANSWER: Walmart.com (not in-store) and Amazon still sell combination DVD and VCRs, according to their websites. I also saw a few on eBay. They are a bit expensive though and may not be compatible with your television if it’s a newer model.
Have you considered purchasing a device or software to convert your VHS tapes to DVD yourself? It can be done. Or it may make sense to get an estimate to have a professional change those VHS tapes over to an updated format. Call Photo Finish at the Auburn Mall (783-3354). They will give you some advice and if you’re interested, explain their process.
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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