DEAR SUN SPOTS: Hope Association is looking for used planters. Do not throw out your planters if they are in good shape, please donate them to the What-Not-Shop at 85 Lincoln Ave. in Rumford so we can reuse them in the Briar Patch Greenhouse in the spring. Call (207) 364-4561 for more information. Thank you for your support. — Tammy, Rumford.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You do such good detective work. I have a mystery that you may be able to help solve. I have a large, heavy rock with an interesting shape and an impression that appears to be a big footprint with a talon. Do you know of any resource where I could possibly have this artifact identified? Thank you. — Donna, Auburn.

ANSWER: Sun Spots is sure that there are many fascinating artifacts found around the state that never get identified, but there are resources available. Staff at the Maine Geological Survey have the expertise to identify many Maine fossils, and people often bring potential fossils to their offices in Augusta for identification. Their office is located at 93 State House Station in Augusta. It is also possible to email inquiries that include digital images of specimens to mgs@maine.gov. If you prefer to dig into identification on your own, there is a comprehensive report on the most common Maine fossils: maine.gov/dacf/mgs/explore/fossils/fossil-record.htm.

Also, there are various colleges and universities around Maine that have geology professors who can be of assistance:

Bates College

Bowdoin College

Colby College

College of the Atlantic

University of Maine Farmington

University of Maine Orono

University of Maine Presque Isle

The Maine State Museum also has a paleontologist on staff. They can be reached by calling (207) 287-2301 or by e-mail at Maine.Museum@Maine.gov.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I never miss your column and I’m sending along answers to two recently asked questions. Eyeglasses can be dropped off at VIP Eyes located in Center Street Plaza (building opposite Gipper’s). As for the tabs from cans, I visit the Ronald McDonald House with tabs each December. I am willing to pick up tabs from your readers. In fact, last year I delivered the largest number ever. The staff showed me where the tabs are kept. It was unbelievable that can tabs can turn into dollars for this wonderful house used by families with sick children at Maine Medical. Thanks to your readers for caring. — Mary Ann Norcross, Auburn.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the query about eyeglass donations, I found drop-off boxes at DFD Russell Medical Center in Leeds and one at Schooner Estates in Auburn. They take hearing aids as well. — No name, no town.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: There is a Lions Club drop box for glasses just inside the entrance to Central Maine Eye Care, 181 Russell St. in Lewiston. I believe they also take hearing aids. — Anne, Lewiston.

ANSWER: Thank you, readers, for your response to this question. Hearing aids are also accepted by the Lions Club for recycling and reuse.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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