DEAR SUN SPOTS: In the Sun Journal there was a story about green burials. Scott Brown was mentioned, as well as the Maine Veterans Cemetery System. Please give me Mr. Brown’s telephone number. I would also like to contact Chuck Lakin, the man who builds wooden coffins.
— Geraldine, Norway
ANSWER: Our reader is referring to the article that was in the Sun Journal on July 28 and written by Steve Collins.
As time goes on, veterans and civilians alike will have more options when it comes to deciding what will become of their final remains. “Green” burials are more eco-friendly and economical and are becoming more popular and more practical for many.
Maine Veterans Cemetery System Superintendent Scott Brown’s contact information is 207-287-3481 or mvmcs@maine.gov. Chuck Lakin’s contact information is 207-873-7854, crlakin@colby.edu. For more information on this topic, readers may also want to check out the website, lastthings.net.
Sun Spots welcomes all questions and feedback on the subject of preparing for last wishes, funerals, burial and more. Thank you, Geraldine, for starting this conversation. Let’s keep it going, readers.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: In regard to the person looking for a massage therapist in the Lewiston-Lisbon area (Sept. 25 Sun Spots), I highly recommend Ashley Michelle Wood. The name of her business is Essentially Balanced Massage at 16 Main St. in Lisbon Falls. She is wonderful and ready to help you.
— Sue, Lewiston
ANSWER: Essentially Balanced Massage has a Facebook page and the telephone number is 207-740-0068.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you tell me why when I use my left hand for a stick test for blood sugar, the result is so much less then when I do my right hand. I’m left-handed. I’ve asked my doctor and he can’t explain why.
— Carol, no town
ANSWER: I found this on diabetesforecast.org and hope it will shed some light on your concerns regarding your blood sugar stick test. It was written by Christy Parkin, MSN, RN, CDE:
“Blood glucose levels vary from minute to minute and from body part to body part. It’s not unusual to see a difference of plus or minus 15 to 20 percent from one reading to another, and this is generally considered the industry standard for blood glucose meters. When meters are reading greater differences, it’s time to evaluate other issues such as the integrity of the strips, the cleanliness of the skin, and the technique of obtaining a drop of blood and correctly placing it on the strip.” This seems like something you don’t need to worry about.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: A friend of mine asked me who owns Bates College. I know it must be run by a board of directors, but I’m curious about the details. Thanks for your very valuable service.
— No name, no town
ANSWER: Bates College’s website at bates.edu is a wonderful resource for everything you wish to know about the first coeducational college in New England, founded by Oren B. Cheney and Benjamin Bates in 1855.
Clayton Spencer is the college’s president and there are several vice presidents who head various departments. For specific answers to more detailed questions, you can contact Sean T. Findlen, chief communications officer, at 207-786-6330 or sfindlen@bates.edu.
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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