DEAR SUN SPOTS: If anyone can help, you can. I am locked out of my sun porch. I know it’s winter, but I have a few things there that I might need (extra boots, a kerosene burner for when we lose electricity in a storm). I have checked with a key company, but they couldn’t help. I need an old-fashioned skeleton key. I hope I can find one someplace. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots called on Moe at Fortier’s Security Center (79 Chestnut St., Lewiston, 784-5085) for an answer to your dilemma. Moe said that you can indeed buy a skeleton key. He sells them, will send one to you via the mail if you’re not in Lewiston and will even let you return it if it doesn’t work, which it may not.

Moe said that true skeleton keys are made for interior doors, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. The keys that fit the exterior doors in older homes look like skeleton keys but are actually bit keys. These keys are cut to fit each individual lock. He said that even in the “olden days,” when crime was not such an issue, people needed individual keys for their homes, otherwise anyone could enter anyone else’s house with the key for their home. So rather than using generic skeleton keys, a blank bit key was cut to fit each lock.

However, these locks are fairly simple, so Moe said you might get lucky and find a skeleton key that will work. If that doesn’t work, Moe said you would need to have a technician come to your home. If you do manage to get the door unlocked, but don’t have a key that works, you can remove the lock and take it to Fortier’s, and they can cut a key for it.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My husband and I really enjoyed the restaurant Mexico Tipico in Lewiston. What happened to it? It was the most authentic Mexican food this area has ever had. Thank you — Claire Koski, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots is at a loss. The phone rings unanswered, but she has found no reports of its closing. However, this economy has been very tough on a good many businesses. Perhaps readers will be able to offer some information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Congregational Church of East Sumner welcomes Bill Glass as guest speaker on Jan. 30. The service starts at 9 a.m. and includes a children’s message, after which Sunday School begins in the vestry. Coffee hour and a sermon discussion follow the service.

On Feb. 6, the monthly first Saturday supper at 5:30 p.m. will be the annual Winter Picnic with great food as well as games and prizes for children. Donations benefit the work of church. For more information, call Peggy at 388-2074.

On Feb. 13, the monthly second Saturday community movie will start at 6:30 p.m. The movie will be “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” which is suitable for the whole family. Admission is free; refreshments will be sold. For more information, call Bill at 388-2263. — Cynthia Norton, Sumner

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to No Name, Minot, my family has been diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer, one that is also connected with pheochromocytoma. The type of cancer is called MENS2A, and you can research it by doing a search on computer. This is primarily a rare type of thyroid cancer, or parathyroid, adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma) my family has been diagnosed with a deformed gene around 25 times so far, that I am aware of. I would be willing to speak with you further about this if you’d like to give me a call at 743-0200. — Patricia Chenery, Norway

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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