DEAR SUN SPOTS: As we near retirement we would like to consult with a fiduciary in the Lewiston-Auburn area, one with a fee for service, not commission. — No name, Auburn.

ANSWER: There are many financial planners in the Lewiston-Auburn area and compensation generally depends on the service that you need provided. Make sure to clarify what their fees are for the service that you need and that it is not commission. Here are a few financial planning firms for you to contact:

• Cornerstone Wealth Planning, 79 Main St. in Auburn, can be reached by calling 207-376-3160 or email [email protected].
• Downeast Financial Group, 460 Main St. in Lewiston, can be reached by calling 207-777-5400 or email [email protected].
• Frisbie & Associates, 656 Main St. in Lewiston, can be reached by calling 207-241-7430 or email [email protected].
• Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, 184 Webster St. in Lewiston, can be reached by calling 207-782-1833 or through their website at reps.modernwoodmen.org.
• Twin City Financial Group, 918 Sabattus St. in Lewiston, can be reached by calling 207-777-6266 or through their website at twincityfinancialgroup.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person looking for ham hocks for soup: I always have green pea soup in my freezer. I use neck bones which I buy at Wal-Mart. I used to use ham hocks, but I found that neck bones usually have more meat on them. There are times when they are more plentiful than others, which may have to do with the slaughtering season of the hogs. I watch for them right after I make a new batch of soup and put a couple of packages in the freezer for the next batch. Wal-Mart usually also has hocks. Ham parts are usually added for a smoked flavor, which I like, but I also like to have the small chunks of ham. — Walter, Lewiston.

ANSWER: Thanks for sharing this information with our readers. Many people like to try new recipes, but when there’s trouble, such as when ingredients aren’t readily available, it’s helpful to have an experienced person’s advice.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to thank the readers for their generosity to Turner Elementary School and Tripp Middle School for sending their Box Tops for Education. We are halfway through the school year. If you have any Box Tops for Education that you would like to donate to our school, please mail them to me at 5 Brookfield Estates; Turner, ME 04282. Thank you. — Laurie Labbe, Turner.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Fire Department, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is offering free smoke alarms to all homes in Jay. Those interested in having smoke alarms installed in their homes in Jay can call the Town Office at 207-897-6785. Anyone willing to volunteer and help with the installations would be greatly appreciated. Installations will take place Saturday, Jan. 28, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call 207-645-2040 for information about volunteering. — Jay Fire Department.

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