Dear Sun Spots: In response to the reader asking about horse-drawn snow rollers used to flatten down snowy roads in the 1800s and for other interested readers, Monson, Maine, will celebrate its annual Snow Roller Day on Saturday, Feb. 26. There will be a full day of activities beginning about 8 a.m., including a parade featuring the town’s horse-drawn snow roller. The snow roller will be on display all day. – D. Weymouth, Auburn.

Answer: Thank you for this timely information. More details about this event are on the Web at www.kynd.com/monson/

Dear Sun Spots: I’m looking for a basket rod that holds the coffee basket. It is 5 inches long. My phone number is (207) 583-5774. Thank you. – No Name, Auburn.

Answer: It’s possible that some Sun Spots readers may be familiar with what you are requesting, or they may call you for more information. Good luck.

Dear Sun Spots: I have over 50 metal tops from frozen orange-juice cans. These could be used in crafts. One use is to put a picture or drawing on the front and a small magnet on the back. They are available to anyone who does crafts with children. I can be reached at (207) 783-8016. – No Name, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I need your help again. Two years ago, I wrote and got good results. I need some more 4-ply worsted yarn in either Sayelle terra cotta or Red Heart rust. I can’t seem to locate any in stores in this area. Maybe someone has some skeins they would sell or know of a yarn shop that carries this. I can be reached at (207) 345-4021. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know if there is some place in the Lewiston or Auburn area that sharpens ice skates. – Beatrice Boss, Lewiston.

Answer: There are two places in the area that do skate sharpening: Gee and Bee Sporting Goods, 190 Mount Auburn Ave, Auburn, across from Home Depot, (207) 784-4933; they charge $3 per pair or $5 per pair if brand-new and not purchased from them; and Play It Again Sports, 250 Center St., Auburn, (207) 777-7427, which charges $3 per pair.

Dear Sun Spots: This is L.C., Auburn, from the Feb. 3rd Sun Spots column regarding my request for greeting cards. For readers willing to send me any old cards, my address is 145 Howe St., Auburn, Maine 04210. Thank you very much. – Linda Carpenter, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I am writing this letter because I am expecting a baby boy in April and have a limited income. I am hoping some of you fellow readers would be able to donate some gently used baby items for a newborn. Any and all donations would be greatly appreciated. I can be reached at (207) 783-4894. Thank you. – Karey, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I have several brass pieces, some large ones such as lamps and tables. I use Brasso to clean them, however it is a very tedious job to keep them shining brightly. Is there any way of coating brass with something to prevent tarnish from forming?

Answer: Try giving your brass a clear coating of lacquer to prevent oxidation or tarnishing. According to Doityourself.com, lacquering can be done at home, but all old lacquer must be removed first, and the surface completely clean with no fingerprints or cleaner on it before spraying the lacquer on evenly in multiple coats. The site also claims that olive oil retards tarnish, and they recommend brass will look brighter and require less polishing if rubbed with a cloth moistened with olive oil after each polishing.

There are a number of metal lacquers on the market. Rust-Oleum lacquer, claiming to provide an ultra-rich, ultra-hard, factory like finish on wood, metal and more, can be purchased at most hardware stores for approximately $3.99 for an 11-ounce spray can. There is also a product called Everbrite protective coating, that claims to seal and protect metal from tarnish, moisture and other damaging elements, and can be purchased on the Internet at www.everbrite.net for $14 plus $5 shipping for a four-ounce can.

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].