DEAR SUN SPOTS: Excelsior Grange #5 will honor Town Clerk Judy Akers with the Grange Community Service Award for 49 years of service to the town of Poland on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. A light meal will be provided.

We hope for a big turnout of townspeople to show their appreciation to Judy. — Barbara, Poland

ANSWER: That is quite an accomplishment. The community members of Poland do such a wonderful job caring for their own. Please go to the event if you can and have a wonderful time!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the July 12 Sun Spots, my daughter has tried to reach The Pleasant St. Drop-in Center located at the First Universalist Church for donations. Would you be able to provide us with a contact number? I’m grateful for any help with this matter. — Joan, no town

ANSWER: The best way to contact Caroline is through Facebook messenger (https://www.facebook.com/groups/716529479663868 ). She will get back to you quickly. If your daughter doesn’t have access to that, try calling 241-1849 during hours when the facility is staffed on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you have items to drop off, go on Wednesday or Saturday, park in the lot on Spring Street at the back of the church and come to the glass doors. A staff person will assist you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a place in the Lewiston-Auburn area where I can get a new battery installed in an old Kindle. — Pat, no town

ANSWER: Have you tried Staples or the tech center at Walmart? The tech desk staff at one of the libraries may also be able to help you — that would be if you have the new battery.

I don’t know how old your Kindle is, but you can order what you need on Amazon and then a YouTube video can guide you. If you need a hand with this, perhaps a kind reader could help you out.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As a child, I remember our science, math, English, and reading books and workbooks in elementary schools. The company that published all the books at most of the elementary schools was McGraw Hill. The name was printed in the lower left corner on the second or third page in each published text book.

I was wondering if they were bought out by another company. I don’t know how long McGraw Hill Co. was in business, but they made school interesting. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I remember that as well. McGraw Hill, established in 1888, is still very much in business and still involved with education on a level we never could have imagined back when we were going to school. Their teaching modules now include digital content continuous content, video clips, swipeable study tools, and a personalized activity dashboard. Their acquisitions also include video libraries, online training, and text books for students in pre-kindergarten through college.

In 2021, the company was acquired by Platinum Equity from Apollo Funds for $4.5 million dollars.

McGraw Hill has affected the lives of millions of educators and students through their mission. If you’d like to read more about the company, visit https://www.mheducation.com/.

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.