DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just got a cute end table with built-in USB ports. It’s so convenient for charging my phone and tablet.

Unfortunately, Apple needs bulky adapters which are a pain and unsightly. I know you can buy cords at Dollar Stores that plug directly into USB and Apple products.

I’m hesitant to buy these as I’m not knowledgeable of these technical devices and don’t want to  cause damage to them. Can anyone with experience help with this? — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I’m not an expert in this area, but I’m sure someone in our readership is. It is my understanding that you should stick with Apple-certified cables only for your Apple devices.

Using a non-Apple charger or cable may not harm your iPhone battery right away, but there are legitimate concerns about the long-term consequences on battery life and overall device performance.

Customers who buy cheaply-made, non-certified cords/cables have reported that these items seem to quickly heat up. I wouldn’t chance using them. I’ve read about many incidents of phone/device damage from these cords and even sparking and fires. I’m sure if you contact the Apple Store or Apple customer service (1-800- 275-2273), they’ll give you sound advice and steer you in the right direction.

If you bought your phone at a Verizon, AT&T, or similar store, customer service reps there could help you as well.

As an aside, I recently bought Apple-certified iPhone chargers on Amazon recently and a three-pack was under $20. An adapter cable is about $10.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a local seamstress. The one I’ve used in the past is no longer in business. — Louise, no town

ANSWER: You don’t say what town you live in so I’ll give you all the seamstress contacts I have in the Rolodex. I get a kick out of some of these creative names: The Mill End Store at 971 Main St. in Oxford (539-4451); Karen Read at Make It Sew in Bowdoinham (makeitsewmaine@gmail.com, 449-5606), Sue Roebuck at Mom the Mender on Upper Street in Turner (754-6558); LA Clean & Spin/John’s Clean & Spin( 782-3466 in Auburn or 784-9096 in Lewiston); Dona at If You Say Sew in Durham (https://if-you-say-sew.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral, 653-5507 and Veronica’s Creations in Greene (514-6820).

Readers, if you know of anyone else, please share the info with the rest of us!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m wondering if Young Guns at 105 Riverside Drive in Auburn will reopen. They had a fire there in July 2023 and at that time they thought it might be six to 12 months before reopening. — Jim, Auburn

ANSWER: I’ve attempted to reach this business but the phone is disconnected and no one is responding to my Facebook message. If anyone in Sun Spots Land, or the owner/employees of the garage can get back to me, I’m sure customers would appreciate it!

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.