DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have lost my favorite winter hat. It’s reversible, black on one side and red on the other, and has a large pink flamingo pin on it. I probably lost it on Dec. 16, maybe in the parking lot of the Franco Center. If anyone has found it, please call me at 312-2835 and leave a message. Thank you for your great service to the Lewiston-Auburn area.

— No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I love the idea of a pink flamingo pin on a hat! Hopefully, some kind person has spotted this and will give you a call.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The residents at the Rumford Community Home really enjoy their twice-weekly bingo games and could use a new bingo machine. The one they are using is slowly dying on them. If anyone has one they could donate, please call 364-7863 and ask for Coco Gurney. Thank you in advance.

— Beverly, Dixfield

ANSWER: This long-term care facility is at 11 John F. Kennedy Lane in Rumford. We can’t let the residents go without their bingo games!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Jan. 3 Sun Spots, the pronunciation of “tourtiere” is actually “toor-tee-AIR” — with the emphasis on the last syllable, not the “tee.” In fact, it’s more commonly pronounced as two syllables, not three, i.e. “toor-TYAIR.” Your description of this tasty French-Canadian/Franco-American dish was right on, though!

— No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I’m sure there will be much discussion in the next several days about the correct way to say “tourtiere.” The one thing we all agree on, though, is how delicious it is. My grandchildren insist on putting ketchup on theirs!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We really enjoy your postings and hope you continue for a very long time.

In reply to the 8-year-old with severe foot odor (Sun Spots, Dec. 21), try mixing equal parts baking soda and cornstarch. Sprinkle in shoes before and/or after wearing, daily or as needed. This also works as underarm deodorant. Hope it helps.

— No name, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the family looking for a solution to their youngster’s foot odor, the Dr. Roach column had an article concerning bad-smelling bacteria. The answer in the column was to try washing the area with shampoo rather than regular soap, as shampoo and soap work differently on bacteria. I thought it might be worth a try for a cheap solution on the feet problem.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Readers have been extra helpful with this. I would love to hear from the family that sent in the question to ensure they are seeing all the wonderful tips submitted. I’m really curious to know if any of these suggested solutions are doing the job!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Dried Jacob’s cattle beans, along with many other varieties of Maine dried beans, can be found at Smedberg’s Farm at 1408 Main St. in Oxford. We are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; otherwise, our winter hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact us at 743-6723.

— Beth, no town

ANSWER: Although the reader asked about canned beans (Sun Spots, Dec. 20), folks surely want to have a local place where they can purchase dried beans. It’s definitely bean pot weather!

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). Please include your phone number. 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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.