Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a place to buy bottles of ink for my Parker fountain pen. I am particularly looking for black ink. Can you please assist me in locating a source? – Stanley Howe, Bethel.

Answer: Unfortunately Sun Spots did not locate any in the Lewiston-Auburn area. However, you might consider contacting one of the following:

Artist & Craftsman, 540 Deering Ave., Portland, ME 04103-4446, 800-876-8076, www.artistcraftsman.com. It is next door to Big Sky bakery and carries both fountain pen ink and refills in various colors. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Maine Papier Gourmet, 26 Free St., Portland, 871-9722 also carries fountain pen ink in addition to fine paper. Along with several different colors of bottled ink, it also carries a variety of refill cartridges, also in various colors. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Papers Ink, 64 Wallingford Square, Kittery, ME 03904, 439-1955. They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Owner Lory Pratt said she carries five colors – black, red, bright green and a purple/blue as well as a peacock blue. She is also able to order other colors for customers. Please note the store is not in the outlet section, but in the old downtown area.

Dear Sun Spots: The Washburn Head Start is seeking donations of new or used children’s clothing in sizes four to six for those attending our program. Anyone interested in donating clean clothing to our center, can please call Linda at 783-2174.

We serve local children ages 3 to 5.

Many thanks to Sun Spots and column readers for helping our children out. – Linda Landry, Family Service Advocate, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone have the Richard Simmons’ Deal a Meal program? I have some Sweatin’ to the Oldies VCR tapes that I would be willing to trade.

Many thanks to your readers and to Sun Spots. You have helped me and a lot of people out there by having the Sun Spots column in the Sun Journal. I may be reached at 782-3792 for anyone who’d be willing to trade. – A Fan, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might consider checking out www.amazon.com or the classified advertisements in some of your newspapers or local publications?

Dear Sun Spots: You helped me so much last time that I thought I’d try again.

I bought a compact stereo as a Christmas gift. It was new, in the box, purchased over the Internet. Unfortunately the first time it was played the sound went out. Is there anyone in the area that works on these stereos? Thanks again for your help. – Dawn Young, Dryden.

Dear Sun Spots: We will be holding a yard sale shortly to benefit Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends. All funds go to spay or neuter our animals and also helps with their medical and physical needs. We are seeking donations for our yard sale. We also accept bottle returns as donations. Please call us and we will pick up. Please call 650-8374 before June 7. – Norm Blais, 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 [email protected].