For the reader interested in recycling used greeting cards: St. Jude’s will be accepting the card fronts beginning Nov. 15. You can send them to 100 St. Jude’s St., Boulder City, NV 89005.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for audio tapes of Shakespeare’s plays that I can play in my older Subaru. Everything is now in CDs. Do you know where I can buy tapes or perhaps someone has some they no longer listen to. Or, does anyone know of an inexpensive way to add a CD player to a car? My car has 150,000 miles on it and I’m hoping to make at least 200,000 so it’ll be awhile before I get to listen to CDs as I drive.

Thank you for the column, is it unique to the Lewiston Sun? – Ruth, Wilton.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, have you tried recording the books on CD to tapes? Sun Spots also has a tape deck in the car. Before installing a CD player, we found this to be the best way to play CDs: purchase a portable CD player, which you can find for around $20 at stores such as Wal-Mart, Best Best and Radio Shack. Then, pick up a car audio cassette adapter, which will allow you to listen to the CDs in your car. Some stores may also sell the CD player and adapter as a package.

The adapter has a cassette that goes into the tape deck, with a cord attached to it that plugs into the portable CD player. It’s easy and works well.

As for the second inquiry, Sun Spots premiered on Dec. 13, 1972, with three phony letters written by Kent Foster, who was managing editor at the time. According to Barbara Clune, the source behind Sun Spots, Foster got the idea for a “reader column” at a conference he attended.

One of the first three letters was from “Barbara” who was searching for old-fashioned canning jars. It didn’t take long for a reader to respond that they had just the canning jars the letter-writer was seeking, and the column has been running ever since. It’s interesting to note that after 15 years of researching the column, Clune had already answered 22,000 questions!

Dear Sun Spots: For Diane in Rumford who would like wooden clothespins that push down on the line, Lehman’s mail order in Kidron, Ohio, carries them. They have many useful things from days gone by. – M. Bean, Vienna.

Answer: Thanks for the tip! To order a catalog call 1-877-438-5346, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sun Spots contacted a customer service representative and they assured us there will always be a live person on the other end.

Dear Sun Spots: I am hoping that someone in the reading area can be of help to us. We are seeking a Hoya Lift for use with a student who is wheelchair bound. They are very expensive to purchase, so the donation of one or one at a small cost would be very much appreciated. I may be reached at 592-8631. Thank you for your help and the wonderful service that you provide to your readers. A grateful reader. – WM, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I advertised for a secondhand sewing machine a little while ago and a lot of people responded. My van broke down at the same time; I still need one if anyone has one, 897-2506 or 779-7278. Thanks in advance. – Ruthann LeBlanc, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Are there any readers out there who love organ music and still have their stereo turntables? I have several boxes of LP albums, much of it organ music, to give away to someone who would appreciate and enjoy them. Interested readers may call 784-3269. – No Name, No Town.

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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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