DEAR SUN SPOTS: Mexico Congregational Church UCC, (“Green Church”), at 163 Main St., will hold a Rummage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The sale includes household goods and decorative items and will be held in the space known historically as “the ladies’ parlor.” This space is at street level and is accessed from the side door on Mitchell Street marked, “elevator entrance.” It will not be necessary to use the stairs or the elevator to shop with us, so please come in and browse. 

Proceeds from the sale will be applied to the church’s Small Business Administration flood damage loan. — Carol, Mexico

ANSWER: I love that you have a ladies’ parlor! I’m sure shoppers will appreciate these specific directions as stairs can sometimes be a hindrance for those with physical challenges. Thank you for making the venue description so clear. Have a wonderful sale! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to give some money to help Maine people, especially seniors, who can’t afford heating oil. I would like to make sure that my money stays local and that as much as possible goes directly to the fuel oil delivery. What is the best way to do this? — No name, no town

ANSWER: Contact your municipality office and tell them you want to contribute to General Assistance funds to provide heating oil to others in your city/town. 

You can also contact United Way at 211 and let them know how you would like to help others stay warm this winter. Thank you for being so generous and thinking of those who need a little boost with their rising expenses. Perhaps your request will inspire others to follow your lead. Bless you. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your Rolodex and your help is needed and appreciated! Do you or any of your readers know of anyone who can mend a small section of a braided rug that has come apart? Please let Sun Spots know or call me at 344-5935 and leave a message. — Diane, Lewiston

ANSWER: I don’t have a specific braided rug mender in the Rolodex but I’m wondering if one of our intrepid seamstresses could repair the rug for you. It seems to me that they would just need a heavy-duty needle and sturdy thread or maybe fishline, and a metal clip or two to hold the braiding in place. 

The lineup of seamstresses in the Rolodex is Sue Roebuck, “Mom the Mender” on Upper Street, Turner (754-6558); The Mill End Store at 971 Main St., Oxford (539-4451); Make It Sew, LLC in Bowdoinham ([email protected]); LA Clean & Spin/John’s Clean & Spin, 782-3466 in Auburn or at 784-9096 in Lewiston; If You Say Sew in Durham, 653-5507; and Veronica’s Creations in Greene, 514-6820.

You may also want to contact Library Director Extraordinaire Kate Cutko at the Bowdoinham Public Library (666-8405, open hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday and Friday from 2-6 p.m.) 

I recall that quite some time ago, there were rug-braiding classes at the library. Kate is a vivacious, creative, helpful individual and she may be able to recommend just the person to make that rug look as good as new. Let us know what happens! 

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 11349 Portland, ME 04101-7349. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].