Dear Sun Spots: I read your column daily and find it very helpful. I am a 55-year-old female who lost a lot of weight and have an interest in boxing as an exercise. I know that Portland has a boxing club, but are there any in the Lewiston-Auburn area? — No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots congratulates you on your weight loss, it’s a great achievement and you should be very proud! Sun Spots did not locate a boxing club in the area, but consider contacting Pelletier’s Karate Academy, 35 Taylor Hill Rd., Lewiston, 786-3731. They offer morning and evening kickboxing-bag workouts at their facility and a friend of Sun Spots’ has enjoyed the classes in the past. Perhaps a reader will be able to offer more information as well. Keep up the good work!

Dear Sun Spots: My name in Dottie Hatch. I was wondering if any reader has two skeins of peach yarn they do not want. I’m making a doll and ran out of peach yarn. I cannot find any. I would be willing to pay for it and the shipping if needed. I’d like to say thank you now. Contact me at 8 Middle Ave., Apt. 1, Livermore Falls, ME 04254. — Dottie, Livermore Falls.

 Dear Sun Spots: Greenwood Studio Group is looking for a variety of craftsmen interested in marketing their art on the Web. This nonprofit group has been organized to help Maine artists introduce their art to potential buyers using the Internet. At this time, the group is looking for a maximum of 10 artists. We would like to include: a silversmith, wood carver, potter, quilter, sculptor, photographer, leather craftsman, weaver, etc. If you are interested please call Anita Poulin at 782-5118 for more information. — Anita Poulin, Auburn. 

Dear Sun Spots: Last fall you had a group of elderly ladies, looking for yarn to make hats and mittens for kids. Would you be so kind as to check on this for me. I would like to get a hold of these people either by phone or e-mail. Thank you so much. — Rita, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact Catholic Charities Maine, 270 Minot Ave. Auburn. Their SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope) program includes the work of about 16 volunteers who knit and crochet hats, scarves, mittens, baby clothing, afghans and lap robes and other warm items, which in turn are given to the needy of all ages in Androscoggin County. They have written to Sun Spots for four-ply yarn of all colors and in good condition to continue making these knitted items. The yarn is donated to SEARCH and given to the knitters as needed. Contact Catholic Charities Maine at 784-0157.

You may also want to contact Charlotte Parker, P.O. Box 363, South Paris, ME 04281; she knits scarves for Paris school children. We have also received yarn requests from the West Paris Keep ‘Em Warm group that makes items for Christmas for Kids, homeless teens, and any others needing warm wearables for the winter. Call Sylvia McCann, 674-2114. Amy Guimond of Lewiston has a program called Knittin’ for Kids, which in the past year, provided 600 items (mittens, hats and a few scarves) for local schools.  Contact Amy at 755-9453.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a sofa and would like to know if there
are furniture stores, in Maine or NH, that might carry wicker, cane,
etc., sunroom furnishings. Thanks for your help. — SAS, Peru.

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.