Dear Sun Spots: I have been trying for some time, to no avail, to find black raspberry Jell-O to make a black raspberry pie. It is very good. I noticed in the July 20 Sunday paper that writer Cindy Larock included it as part of a recipe. Thank you. Hoping very much that you can locate this. – Beverly West, Wilton.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots contacted Hannaford on Sabattus Street in Lewiston, which has several boxes. You can contact them at (207) 784-0721.

Also, Sun Spots spoke with Cindy Larock. She says if you can’t find this flavor Jell-O you could use any other fruit flavored Jell-O of your choice. Alternatively, you could purchase some blueberry fruit juice and thicken it with cornstarch as a substitute.

Dear Sun Spots: Is there anyone out there who knows what happened to the East Street Deli? It was on the corner of Sabattus and Russell streets for years. Has it moved? Or has it just closed permanently? If so, is there anyone to contact if you are holding one of their gift certificates? I would really appreciate any input you could get and publish. Many thanks, and I really enjoy your column and all the information it relays to the readers. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots tried the phone numbers provided in the telephone book but there was no answer or forwarding phone number. It appears that this deli is closed. Perhaps other readers familiar with this restaurant would be happy to provide you with some answers.

Dear Sun Spots: Come sell your wares at the Freeport Freedom Festival Craft Fair on Sept. 13 and 14 at the Masonic Lodge, Mallet Drive, Freeport. Tables are $20. Please register early as they go quickly. Doors will open for craftsmen at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, and the sale runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Please make checks payable to the Freeport Freedom Festival, c/o Elaine Merrill, P.O. Box 574, Freeport, ME 04032. – E. M., Freeport.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please help me. I am trying to find the address for country singer Billy “Crash” Craddock. Thank you very much. – No Name, Wales.

Answer: Try contacting him at 21 Laconwood Drive, Springfield, IL 62707.

You may also be interested in noting that Craddock was born William Wayne Craddock, on June 16, 1939, in Greensboro, N.C. As a child, he would imitate the stars of Grand Ole Opry, and he performed with his brothers at talent shows from the age of 10. He played football and he says that, to avoid being tackled, he would “crash” through the larger players, the source of his nickname.

Craddock has been recording since 1957, although his first single, “Smacky Mouth,” for the Sky Castle label in Greensboro, was released under the name of Billy Graddock. He then recorded “The Millionaire” as Billy Craddock for Colonial, and went to Date for “Ah Poor Little Baby.” Although only 19, Craddock signed for his fourth label, but this time it was a major, Columbia. For his third single, he was billed, for the first time, as Billy “Crash” Craddock.

He switched to country music but had limited success. By the mid-’60s, he’d returned to his hometown, married, taken a day job and was singing only at weekends. In 1971 he signed for a new Nashville label, Cartwheel, and had a Top 3 country hit with “Knock Three Times.” He then had country hits with revivals of “Dream Lover,” “You Better Move on,” “Ain’t Nothin’ Shakin'” and “I’m Gonna Knock on Your Door.” He won awards including one from Cashbox as The New Find of 1972. Moving to ABC, Craddock had several more country hits including a song about suntan lotion, “Rub It In,” a revival of “Ruby Baby” and “Broken Down in Tiny Pieces,” which also featured Janie Fricke.

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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.

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