DEAR SUN SPOTS: Did Tom Carey’s law practice in Rumford close?

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Tom retired recently. There was an announcement in the Rumford Falls Times that all clients should contact him before Dec. 15, 2017, if they needed a copy of their files.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there a local dealer of vintage electric sewing machines who could answer my questions about a Delco Synchromatic cabinet sewing machine that I inherited?

— No name, no town

ANSWER: I found a great resource for you. Call Cote Bros. at 225-5920 or email them at sew@cotebrothers.com and Ron will take good care of you. This family-run business at 293 Auburn Road right next to Paris Farmers Union in Turner has been around since 1956. They sell and service home, industrial and embroidery machines of any make and have access to all the parts.

Cote Bros. is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The web address is www.cotebrothers.com.

Readers, if you have any other nearby recommendations, please write!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anybody know of a place that will do paper shredding for free? I have a box of papers I need to get rid of but do not want to take it to the dump. Any information on a place that does shredding would be greatly appreciated.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Ask your financial institution if they provide this service. I know some credit unions have free shredding events for their members on occasion. Sometimes local businesses and libraries have free on-site shredding days from time to time, especially around Earth Day at the end of April. Readers, where do you take care of your shredding? Let us know.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: January is a good time to clean out unneeded items in your house. I have so many books, including my children’s college books that we do not want anymore. Is there somewhere that will take them? I had a garage sale a few years ago and a woman had a hand-held scanner to tell her if the book was worth something. Is there someone local that does that?

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Many public libraries will take donations of books, although they don’t usually have a need for textbooks. The Maine Correctional Center at 17 Mallison Falls Road in South Windham takes just about everything. Call 893-7000 and ask for the library.

Used book dealers include Maine Book House (743-9300) at 1545 Main St., (Route 26) in Oxford; Open Door Books in Bath (443-8689, cell: 751-9061); and Two Brothers Books in Freeport (865-9524).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Every Sunday morning I listen to French music hosted by Connie Cote on 105.5 FM. In December, her program wasn’t on and I’m not sure why. Could you help find out what’s happening?

— Carol, no name

ANSWER: As you probably know by now, Connie is back on the air. For a time in December she wasn’t feeling well and, coupled with the terrible weather conditions, couldn’t get to the station to do her show.

We all love Connie and wish her the best. She does make Sunday mornings extra delightful!

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.