DEAR SUN SPOTS: I need to have my chimney topped off. Do you have any numbers for masons in your Rolodex?

Thank you very much for all you do. We are very lucky to have your service and we never miss your column. — No name, Lisbon

ANSWER: When you say, “topped off,” do you mean having a cap put on it or having actual masonry work done to close it off completely, or to repair it? To have the situation evaluated, you can go to the Maine Chapter of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (https://web.csia.org/CSIA-Certified/Maine) and type in your ZIP code. There, you will see a list of chimney sweeps in your area with some of them providing masonry services, along with their contact information. There is also an email form on the site so you can contact them.

Meanwhile, readers, if you have someone to recommend, please let me know. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is it too early to ask where and when seniors can get their income tax returns done free? As always, thank you for any information. — No name, no town

ANSWER: The AARP Tax-Aide locator should launch in mid-January and sites will open in early February. So you just have to wait a bit longer. I’m pretty certain the locations will be the same as always and I will let you know as soon as I find out for sure. 

If you want to check on your own, enter your ZIP code on the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator tool at https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html.

In the meantime, you can get started by finding out what documents you will need to help aides prepare your tax return with regards to income, payments, deductions, adjustments, credits, health insurance, etc. before your appointment by going to https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-01-2011/important-tax-documents.html.

The program, aimed at taxpayers 50 and older, is free and doesn’t require AARP membership. You’ll get assistance from volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service. You can even get your tax return sent electronically for free, which will speed your refund.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read about an organization that picks up used medical supplies, refurbishes them, and gives them to needy countries. I have lost that information. Could you please give publish it again? — No name, no town

ANSWER: You are remembering Partners for World Health (https://www.partnersforworldhealth.org/medicalsupplydonations) at 40 Walch Drive in Portland. The organization collects donated medical supplies and equipment from medical facilities (hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, etc.), organizations and individuals.  

Here is the comprehensive list of items they accept. https://www.partnersforworldhealth.org/_files/ugd/68baeb_e1e20b5f4baf4fef96d656607a5dac49.pdf

You can contact the nonprofit at 774-5555 to make an appointment for drop-off. On the website, you’ll see a long list of what they can accept. 

You may also want to consider donating your items to a local entity. Check with your nearby senior center, municipal office and hospital.  

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 [email protected].