DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have an Amcrest security system that is giving us DVR problems. Is there someone in the area that works on these systems? Recently, there were lines on the videos and today there are no videos showing.  We are not particularly technology savvy and we think your Rolodex is wonderful. — No name, no town

ANSWER: I know just the person to help you. Angela Carter specializes in home security systems and more. (https://angelascms.com/, J.Angela.Carter@angelacms.com, 520-9573).

As an alternative, you can also get online help through the Amcrest website at https://amcrest.com/ by clicking on the support tab for online chat or by calling 1-888-212-7538.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for your help in recycling my daughter’s old stuffed toys. I was able to wash them and they are going to be displayed at the J & O Irish Museum in Hartford, a small museum I just learned about. — No name, no town

ANSWER: It’s wonderful that the treasurer of the museum saw the Sun Spots column on Feb. 1 and responded by inviting you to bring your daughter’s stuffies over.

For those who don’t know, The J & O Irish Museum consists of a store with the living quarters on the second and third floor. Built in 1888 by Orlando Irish, it represents that period in rural Maine. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

The store closed in 1953 and the Hartford Heritage Society acquired the property in the 1970s. Since then, members have been maintaining and restoring the property. It is open to the public Sundays during July and August or by appointment.

If you are interested in finding out more or are considering them for any donations for the museum, contact Doreen at dmaxwell@megalink.net.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Since the Lewiston schools’ water supply has been found to have a higher level of lead than recommended, should Lewiston residents be concerned about their tap water?—Donna, Lewiston

ANSWER: You may have read in the Feb. 25 edition of the Sun Journal that lead found in the school system’s water is from internal plumbing and faucets, not from the city drinking water supply.

The story, written by Vanessa Paolella states, “ ‘Water from Lake Auburn all the way to the main lines which run under city streets are free of lead,” Deputy Director of the Water and Sewer Division Kevin Gagne said Thursday. “Testing conducted with water from fire hydrants have shown no indication of lead.”

If you missed it, follow this link to read the story in full: https://www.sunjournal.com/2022/02/24/lewiston-officials-say-city-drinking-water-does-not-contain-lead/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Daily+Headlines%3A++RSS%3AITEM%3ATITLE&utm_campaign=SJ+Daily+Headlines+%28HTML%29

The City’s Water Quality reports for the past several years can be found here: https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/275/Files-Links.  On the same page as the reports, you can link to a helpful brochure about lead and how to get the testing done: https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6866/LEAD—WATER-BROCHURE-2016?bidId=

After reading this information, if you still have questions about the city’s water, call 513-3003.

It is possible that pipes and faucets in older homes could introduce lead into the water in your residence so if you want total peace of mind, you can have your water tested easily and inexpensively — for about $30. The water department can guide you with how to make that happen.

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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