Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know a little about Maine Public Radio, such as what station number it is on and what its usual format is and what hours it is on. – Nancy Roy, Auburn.

Answer: According to Maine Public Radio’s Web site, public broadcasting in the United States is organized as a cooperative of community based stations which pool resources to create shared national programming and individually serve the needs of their communities. Maine Public Broadcasting serves not only all of Maine, it also reaches most of New Brunswick and sections of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The mission of Maine Public Broadcasting is to engage the minds and enrich the lives of the people of our community.

You can tune into Maine Public Broadcasting at WMEA 90.1 FM, Portland; WMEP 90.5, Camden; WMEW 91.3 FM, Waterville; WHEM 90.9 FM, Bangor; WMED 89.7 FM, Calais; WHEM 106.1 FM, Presque Isle; and WMEF 106.5 FM, Fort Kent.

Highlights of their daily, Monday through Friday broadcast programming begins with “World Update” at 5 a.m., “Morning Edition” at 6 a.m., “The Writer’s Almanac” at 9 a.m., classical music at 9:05 a.m., “All Things Considered” at 4 p.m., “Maine Things Considered” at 5:30 p.m., “Fresh Air” at 7 p.m., and ending the night with “Music Through the Night” at midnight. Highlights of their weekend broadcast begins with “The Writer’s Almanac” at 6 a.m., classical music at 6:05 a.m., “Weekend Edition” at 8 a.m., “Car Talk” at 10 a.m., “All Things Considered” at 5 p.m., and ending the evening with “Music Through the Night” at 1 a.m.

For more information about Maine Public Radio and for a complete programming schedule, visit its Web site at www.mainepublicradio.org.

Dear Sun Spots: Thanks for your help in the past. Now I’m wondering if anyone has an 8-track player they’d be willing to part with. I have some old 8-track tapes I’d like to hear again and possibly copy onto cassettes of CDs. I can be reached at (207) 524-3922. – No Name, Leeds.

Dear Sun Spots: You do so much good by helping so many people. I am in need of an ink ribbon for my Smith Corona Coronet Elite 12 portable typewriter. I have always been able to get them at Staples but they don’t carry them anymore. I miss my typewriter terribly. I am hoping that someone has one that they may not be going to use. Thank you very much for your kind assistance. I can be reached at (207) 388-2323. – No Name, Sumner.

Answer: In addition to responses that you may receive from readers, Sun Spots found a couple of companies from the Web that do carry ribbons for your typewriter. Try calling FJA Products, whose list price is $15.18 each and may be reached at (800) 982-9989 or visit their Web site at www.fjaproducts.com. Or, try calling Scantracker, whose list price is 3 for $25 and may be reached at (800) 816-6855 or visit their Web site at www.scantracker.com.

Dear Sun Spots: Your column is a great service to all of us. Do you know the new location for the bread store that sells Arnold, Freihofer’s and Thomas products? It was located in Auburn at the corner of Center and Turner streets. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: The store you’re referring to, Freihofer’s Bakery Outlet, has moved to Landry Road, Lewiston, which is off Main Street, between Mechanics Savings Bank and Irving Mainway.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for knitting patterns for 18-inch dolls to make for my granddaughter. I found one book for sweaters and am looking for patterns for pants, ponchos, hats, dresses, etc. I will pay postage if out of the area. Thank you for any help. I can be reached at (207) 674-2410. – Betsy Dewitt, South Paris.

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].