DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a Cambridge electric fireplace/heater of which the heater portion will not run. The circuit breaker trips when we try to turn on the heater.

Can you assist us in finding a person/company that would check and service this unit. Thank you for your great service to the community. — Rodney Strout, Lewiston, r_strout@hotmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots checked with some local appliance dealers, and they all said repairs are nearly impossible with these items, many of which are made overseas.As with many items, you will probably need to go to the manufacturer for assistance.

Your fireplace was made by Dimplex North America Ltd., 1367 Industrial Road, Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8, Canada, www.dimplex.com. Their customer service number is 800-668-6663, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Their technical specialists, who may be able to troubleshoot your problem, are at 888-346-7539.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Who carries portable washers, dryers and dishwashers? Portable meaning the type that attach to the sink in a place without hookups. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots checked with a couple of stores near you, although she is sure that most appliance stores can assist you with this purchase.

At Agren’s in Auburn, 784-0235, they have a full-size portable dishwasher for $699 and a portable washing machine for $399.

At Gediman’s, Serene said they have a smaller dishwasher by Danby for $439 and a washing machine for $369.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Auburn Esplanade at 20 Great Falls Plaza is having its annual Christmas Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 3 This event is open to the public, and outside crafters are welcome to participate. Tables are limited, and the cost is $10 per table.

Anyone interested, please contact Sharon at 783-6910 for details. Tables will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline to reserve a table is Oct. 20. — Laura, lbragdon@auburnhousing.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you please find out what happened to “Nancy”? She is no longer on the comic page, and I miss her everyday. Thank you. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots guesses you missed the Oct. 7 announcement on the front page that the comic “Zits” would be replacing “Nancy.” Executive Editor Rex Rhoades offered the following explanation:

“We don’t change comics very often because we understand people have their favorites. But Nancy has been declining in popularity and is now used by only a handful of newspapers in New England.

“Introduced in 1997, Zits is now used in 1,500 newspaper in the United States and has an estimated daily audience of 220 million newspaper readers. Zits is seen in 45 countries and translated into 15 languages.

“As the readers of the Sunday comics already know, Zits is set in suburbia and revolves around the life of Jeremy Duncan, a high school freshman and aspiring musician.

“The plots feature Jeremy trying to balance the demands of parents, school, friends and social life. It is written by cartoonist Jerry Scott, illustrated by Jim Borgman and has received multiple awards.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A popular feature of the annual Christmas fair at the Mexico Congregational Church, UCC (the “Green Church”), which will be held this year on Saturday, Nov. 3, is the cider press at work on the church’s front lawn.

This has been possible in the past due to the generosity of apple orchards that have donated their “drops,” which a crew of church volunteers pick up. The decline in this year’s apple crop for many orchards has the Fair Committee worried that we may be unable to obtain a sufficient supply for making our cider.

If any orchard, or even anyone with just a few trees, would be willing to donate their “drops,” please call George Kimball at 364-2322. It will be most appreciated.— Carol via email

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.

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