DEAR SUN SPOTS: I recently traveled to Mali, West Africa. Since I returned on a weekend, I was unable to exchange my Malian currency back to U.S. dollars in Mali.

Upon arrival at Logan Airport in Boston, I attempted to exchange it but was not able to. I checked with our local banks and credit unions, and no one was able to exchange this currency back to U.S. dollars either.

Mali is a colony of France, and the currency is similar to the French franc. It is called CFAs. Could you help me to locate a bank or institution where I may exchange this currency back to U.S. dollars? — Elaine Chenard, Durham, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots started with Lisa and Stephanie at Key Bank, who said that if you are a Key customer, the exchange can be made but it takes time. You would bring the Mali money to them and they would send it to their headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, to be exchanged. Once that process is complete, then the funds would be deposited into your account. There is a fee for this service.

The women at Key also said American Express in Boston might be able to help, but Sun Spots checked and they said they don’t deal with that currency. An online search turned up a couple of other currency exchange services in Boston. They told Sun Spots that they handle more than 200 currencies, but not Mali’s, as it is too unstable.

Sun Spots also spoke with Marcel at Bank of America in Auburn. Marcel was very helpful. He said they usually can make currency exchanges for their customers, but that it didn’t look like they could do so with CFAs.

All in all, it seems likely that only a large bank would be able to help you. Marcel said credit unions don’t make these exchanges and often refer their customers to Bank of America or other banks.

Sun Spots is sorry she could not be of more help. She hopes you are not holding too much Mali money.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Meadowview Senior Complex has changed its date for the trip to Lac Megantic, Canada, due to the storm. It will be Sunday, April 10.

For anyone interested, we have seven spaces available. It’s only $48 for bus and meal, leaving at 7 a.m. and returning at 7 p.m. Please contact me at 786-2305. — Bert Dutil, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Volunteer Services Department at Central Maine Medical Center is actively recruiting new volunteers to be trained as front-door greeters and for valet parking.

If you are interested, please log on to our website at www.cmmc.org and fill out an online application or contact the Volunteer Office at 795-2472 to request an application. Our volunteers donated 62,000 hours of service to the hospital in 2010! — Susan Hedrich, director of Volunteer Services, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Edward Little Music Association will be sponsoring an L-A Pizza Challenge fundraiser on April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Auburn Middle School.

People are invited to sample pizza from the various pizza makers in the L-A area and then vote for who has the best pizza. The winning pizza business will receive a plaque to promote their accomplishment.

Invitation letters have gone out to pizza places around town; however, in case some businesses were overlooked, they may register online at www.lapizzachallenege.org or contact me for a registration form or more information. — Dan Philbrick, 783-8570, [email protected]

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 e-mailed to [email protected].