Dear Sun Spots: With all that is happening with our military, I have been attending a lot of “support the troops” events. From organizing Operation Yellow Ribbon, a support the troops rally held in Augusta on May 17, to rallies welcoming troops to Maine, their first stop on American soil after leaving Iraq, I have had the chance to meet several of our fine veterans who have fought for our freedoms in past wars. Some of the stories they have are, to say the least, heartbreaking. Some of them feel forgotten. It was their efforts that got us where we are today.

I wanted to do something to show our veterans that we have not forgotten them and we really do care. After a lot of thought and prayer I got an idea, I am looking for donations of quilting supplies: batting, fabric and anything else someone would like to donate. I will be making quilts for our Veterans. They will be given to veterans at VA facilities in Togus. The quilts will be approximately lap-size or a little bigger. Right now, I have several boxes of cut fabric and really need batting and fabric for backing, but any donation will be appreciated.

If you have something you would like to donate, please feel free to give me a call (207) 388-3223 or drop me an e-mail. I am willing to come to wherever you are to pick up donations. I thank you, and our veterans thank you. God bless our troops. – Sheila Harrington, Operation Yellow Ribbon. Support Our Troops.

Dear Sun Spots: I recently purchased a drawer at an auction that was originally in a bureau. It is about 24 inches wide, 14 inches deep and 6 inches high. I bought it because the price was right, and my wife suggested I make a display case out of it by adding legs and a glass top. She has a talent for keeping me busy.

Once I got home and cleaned it, I realized it might have some serious age to it. It is made of black walnut, hand-beveled and with dovetail joints. The original scribe marks the cabinetmaker used to make the joints are still there. The drawer’s pull is a gargoyle. I can’t tell if it’s hand-carved or some type of casting. No nails or screws are used.

I’m curious about how old it is and what the gargoyle might be made of. Might anyone be able to help? – Gene Gilbert, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a cardboard poster of Elvis in gold with black. It is of his first live appearance in eight years, July 31, 1969, and from the International Hotel, Las Vegas.

Would anyone know if it’s of any value? If so, who would I see about it? – No Name, Sabattus.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try contacting an appraiser. There are several in the area who also hold free appraisal days. Among them: Cyr Auction Co., Route 11 North, Gray, (207) 657-5253, and Dan Boyd Auction Co., 412 Plains Road, Poland, (207) 998-4083. Sun Spots is not sure if either of these will be able to assist No Name, Sabattus also, but it’s worth a try.

Dear Sun Spots: In reference to R.E.D., July 26, about paintings by Robert Wood: I have one. In the back of the painting it has these numbers 2-L9237 V4675-598. The name of the picture is “Rustic Homestead.” I can be reached at (207) 783-1792. – No Name, No Town.

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