DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Tuesday morning, March 23, I found a COVID-19 vaccination ID card belonging to James Goulding in the Walmart parking lot. He is welcome to call me at 783-3890 and as long as he can give me identifying information I will return it to him. — Mary, Auburn

ANSWER: You’re so smart to share this information in Sun Spots, Mary. If you don’t hear from him in a couple days, I think the best thing to do would be to take this card to the clinic site that should be listed in the far right-hand column of the card. The records at the clinic or pharmacy where the vaccination was received should have this gentleman’s contact information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS:  We have two areas of old exposed chimney brick in our home. We are renovating and I would like to know if anyone knows how to bring “new life” back into old brick?  Is there a company who could provide this service?  Thanks for any help. — No name, no town

ANSWER: In the Rolodex I have Knox Masonry (knoxmasonry.com). There is a contact form on the website. You can also email them at restoration@knoxmasonry.com or call them at 469-2220. Another company is All Season Brick & Stone (allseasonbrick.com). The number to call is 721-0043. Casco Bay Chimney “welcomes small jobs.” Their information is cascobaychimney.com. There is a contact form you can fill in or you can call them at 854-8377.

If you are interested in simply cleaning the exposed brick, you may want to just do it yourself or find a general handyperson to help you. There are a few simple and safe methods to try, such as using 1 cup grease-cutting dish detergent combined with 1 cup salt to make a paste then applying it to the brick with a clean, soft cloth. Scrub with a bristle (not wire) brush to rub in the paste then wait 10 minutes or so before wiping down the brick with a wet cloth. There are several tips and FYI videos on the internet.

Another thought is to paint your exposed brick. I did just that in the kitchen of a former home and was very happy with the results as it brightened and updated the room considerably. After cleaning the brick, two coats of masonry primer then an acrylic latex paint can be used if this brick is the outside of a fireplace or wood stove surround that gets warm.

If you don’t want to do it yourself, a professional painter in your area could be hired to get the job done.

Readers, if you have someone to recommend, or other ideas that I haven’t covered, you know what to do.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wonder if anyone in the L-A area knows of someone who can convert a motor on a regular-size bike? Thanks, Sun Spots for all you do! — Larry, no town

ANSWER: I think your answer could be found at a small engine shop. You don’t say what town you live in, but call a local shop and see what they have to say. Don’t forget about YouTube videos! There is so much information to review on any topic you can think of. Meanwhile, readers, if you have tips for Larry, please write in.

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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