DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am the daughter of one of Lewiston/Auburn’s iconic drummers, Raymond Lafrance Sr. He was the owner-operator of The Black Raiders Drum & Bell Corps. The Black Raiders were in many different parades in Maine. I’m looking for any articles or videos of these events from the ’70s and ’80s. I was […]
Sun Spots
Red Cross clarifies donation information; Esperanto opportunities shared
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was surprised to read in your latest column that the American Red Cross would take donated wheelchairs. This is not accurate. We appreciate that people are generous and want to support our work. We are not able to accept donations of wheelchairs, medical equipment, clothing, household goods or other items. The […]
Hocus Focus frustration and finding Moxie
DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are so good about answering different or difficult questions that I need to ask you something that is truly bothering me. With the elimination of Monday’s print edition, the Monday crossword puzzle and Jumble appear in the Sunday print edition, however the Hocus Focus for Monday is only in the e-edition and […]
Navigating cell phone service for mature users
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many of us purchase quite a few items online and receive these items in nice sturdy cardboard boxes. I hate to just throw them away and even putting them on the curb for recycling does not seem like enough. Is there anyone out there who could use these boxes? — Lucy, no […]
Instructions, materials offered to make masks to use at home
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please print the pattern and directions for face masks that we can make at home. — Maryann, no town ANSWER: We all want to help with preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in some way. These masks are a barrier that’s better than having nothing and I want to be sure […]
Readers search for Sun Spots online, 20-oz. Moxie, marzipan recipe
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I subscribe to the Sun Journal daily paper and am wondering how I can read the Sun Spots column on Monday when it’s online only. What category is it in? — Peggy, no town ANSWER: First of all, thank you for reading Sun Spots! On the bold black banner, click on “Lifestyles.” […]
Goodwill clarifies donation rules; 2020 Census packets from government
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Several donors have been coming to our Auburn Goodwill store trying to donate wheelchairs and walkers after the March 13 Sun Spots, which said Goodwill accepts wheelchairs. That’s not true; we cannot accept wheelchairs or any assistive medical equipment. We really appreciate you thinking of us though! We have a list of […]
Restaurants, diners offering takeout; sale, fundraiser canceled
DEAR SUN SPOTS: In light of the mandatory closure of all “eat-in” restaurants and bars, has anyone put together a list or catalog of those eating places that remain open and whether they provide drive through and/or curbside services. It would also be great to find a menu and price ranges. This would be a […]
Reader searching for print of Dorothy’s ruby slippers
DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is a long shot, but there was a framing shop on Center Street in Auburn in the Big Lots complex that closed some time ago. There was a unique picture that the store had framed and it was in the shop for the longest time. It was of Dorothy’s (from The […]
Free state, federal income tax preparation service is in demand
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please print the information once again about the free AARP income tax return services. I’ve misplaced the number. — No name, no town ANSWER: AARP Tax-Aide is providing free income tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income taxpayers for the 2020 filing season. Three days per week from Feb. 1 through April […]