DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’d like to thank the good Samaritans who stopped when my car broke down in Turner this past Saturday afternoon. I had already called AAA and was waiting for them. This young couple, with a child in tow, wanted to make sure I was OK. They gave me a bottle of water and chatted with me for a few minutes. Even though I didn’t need anything, I thought it was such a nice gesture that they kept me company for a few minutes. I wanted to let them know that the repair was minor and that their compassion really made me want to do something nice for someone else so I’m going to “pass it on.” — Louise, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you have names and numbers of people who make teddy bears out of fur coats? I have a short mink coat I’d like to use in this way. — Janice, no town

ANSWER: In the Rolodex, I have Teddy Bears by Paulette at 784-6728. If anyone knows more teddy bear makers to add to the Rolodex, please make my day and send me the info!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope your Rolodex has names of people who repair clocks, specifically a cuckoo clock. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: This is one of Sun Spots’ most often-asked questions and I have answers.

Here’s what I have in the infamous Rolodex: Rohman Clockworks at 350 Minot Ave. in Auburn (784-1211), Harry Hepburn in Harrison (583-2821), and Ken Rice of Tic-n-Time on Route 302 in North Windham (892-1263).

Both Rohman Clockworks and Harry make house calls. Harry also has drop-off and pickup spots for smaller clocks in Gray, Wiscasset and Windham if you can’t get to his shop in Harrison. He said he has been repairing clocks since 1968 and is the president of the Maine Chapter of the National Watch & Clock Association. Readers, if you know of anyone else, please write in!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I went to a local sugarhouse recently and splurged on a quart of maple syrup. I was going to make a maple salad dressing from a recipe that was published in Yankee Magazine many years ago, but of course now I can’t find it. Is there a way to get that recipe after all these years? — Kathy, Farmington

ANSWER: This was published in Yankee Magazine in the 1980s and could be the recipe you’re looking for. I hope it’s the right one!

Maple Vinaigrette: Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 small garlic clove that has been peeled and scored, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add 1/4 cup half and half if you want to smooth out the flavors and have a creamier dressing. This makes a little over a cup of vinaigrette.

Chill this in the refrigerator for at least three hours to allow the flavors to settle into each other then serve over spring greens with diced apple or pear and some toasted walnuts or pecans. Enjoy!

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.