DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Auburn United Methodist Church is set to hold its annual holiday fair Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fair has always enjoyed strong attendance. All are invited back to shop at 439 Park Ave. in Auburn. Shoppers are reminded to bring shopping bags. Also, all sales are cash only.—No name, no town

ANSWER: It sounds like you have a fun day planned. Kudos to the volunteers who make these fall events possible and so special.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a chimney sweep who serves the Lewiston-Auburn area. Do you or your readers have any suggestions?—No name, Auburn

ANSWER: There are several chimney sweeps in the area, but I would love to have some testimonials from readers. Although most of these companies have web sites with email forms or telephone numbers, we really count on these word-of-mouth recommendations.

I personally can vouch for Baker Chimney: www.bakerchimney.com) or 207-725-4640. I have used this business for years.

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In the Rolodex, I also have Swept Clean Chimney Sweep in Farmington (207-248-1105) and Lake Region Chimney Service: www.lakeregionchimneyservice.com or 207-657-4771.)

It is so important to get this service done every year. Please share your referrals and I will get them into the Rolodex.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wonder if others are having the same problem I have had recently. This past Monday and Tuesday, I received 46 calls on my home telephone between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., all from three different numbers. There were 22 calls from one number. It was so aggravating.

Does anyone have ideas on how to get rid of these calls? I am on the “do not call” list. These numbers were all 866 or 844 numbers. I did not answer any of them. Today, the calls are starting again, but from an 888 number. Any help would be appreciated.—Cecile, no town

ANSWER: This is such a maddening problem that many people experience. Have you contacted your telephone carrier? The customer service number should be on your monthly bill. Let it know what is happening. It is supposed to help you with this by offering call blocking technology. Some providers offer this at no charge, while others ask a small fee.

If you are a Consolidated Communications or Spectrum customer, either can eliminate the annoyance of these unwanted calls, but you have to let it know what is happening.

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You can also buy a device that blocks calls and install it onto your landline’s connection. It will allow you to block specific numbers. These devices cost $100 or less and require a caller ID service to work.

The model I reviewed, sold by Whatever Works (WhateverWorks.com, 1-800-499-6757) has capacity to block 1,500 telephone numbers and comes programmed with 5,000 unwanted numbers identified by the Federal Communications Commission or Federal Trade Commission.

It might be worth having one for peace of mind, so keep all of this information handy.

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 will not 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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