DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Livermore Library has come in possession of some old and historical newspapers and magazines. Because we have a very small library, we do not have room to keep them. Our local historians are interested in only local history. The newspapers are 1924 Boston Globe and Boston Post with articles about the death of Woodrow Wilson; 1963 Boston Globe JFK Memorial issue; 1969 Man Walks on the Moon issue. There are also 1963 Look Magazine JFK Memorial issues. If you are interested in them, please e-mail me at lauried@livermore.lib.me.us or call 500-9989. — Laurie, Livermore
ANSWER: Some avid collector will want these, but if you don’t get any calls, you could reach out to larger libraries and schools in your surrounding area. These publications shouldn’t be tossed, but at the very least, digitized to be shared for education. Readers, if you have some good ideas, please let me know.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again I need your insight. I saw USPS Forever stamps for $29 for a roll of 100 on the internet. Is it a scam or a good deal? — No name, no town
ANSWER: Stay away from that. I did some research and these sites are not legit. They list bogus addresses and although you may receive the stamps you purchased, they will most likely be counterfeit.
Here is just one on-line article regarding fake stamps: https://bestlifeonline.com/usps-fake-stamps-news/. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I live in a new, efficient, small house. I heat with heat pumps and supplement with a propane fireplace in the main area. My 1,300 square-foot basement has one heat pump and a Yotul gas stove. The basement isn’t finished, but I use the area as a sewing and crafting space. Do I need to keep it heated when I’m not down there?
When I have the heat pump and gas stove on in the basement it gets toasty quickly, and it would be very costly to keep the space heated consistently.
The pipes are all PVC. If I don’t run the heat all the time in the basement, is there any danger of things freezing? It’s getting cold out and feedback from my friends in Sun Spots Land are appreciated. — No name, Lewiston
ANSWER: My situation is like yours and I keep the basement thermostat set at 50 degrees in the winter time, turning up the heat when I’m going to be in my craft room/den for a while. This will also keep unwanted moisture out of that area. Remember, warm air rises so I don’t think leaving your thermostat at the 50-55 degree mark would be too detrimental to your heating budget.
It’s a good idea to consult with the company that installed your heat pumps, and with your builder. Efficiency Maine (https://www.efficiencymaine.com/) in Augusta should also be able to help you. The website has a wealth of information and you can reach them with specific questions at info@efficiencymaine.com or call 1-866-376-2463.
Readers, please weigh in with your experience on this topic. We want to walk the line of being cozy, but not having to take out a big loan to pay for heating costs.
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.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
