Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for someone who could sew teddy bears from mink fur. I am willing to pay a reasonable price for it. I was told that there was someone locally who does this, and it has been in Sun Spots in the past. If you could help me, I would appreciate it. Please contact me (207) 783-8168. – Connie Richard, Lewiston.

Answer: As noted in the Jan. 16, 2003, column try contacting: Bear Essentials, c/o Ginnie Duncombe, 110 Corinna Road, St. Albans, ME 04971, (207) 938-4617, e-mail sales@mainebears.com, or online at mainebears.com; Northeast Bears, P.O. Box 133, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, (207) 276-3646, e-mail at alh@panax.com; Angie Rogers’ Handmade Bears, P.O. Box 185, Gray, ME 04039, (207) 428-4415, e-mail rogersa@nlis.net and Rogers’ Web site is located at www.angiebears.com; and Teddy Bear World c/o Frances Hardy, P.O. Box 250, Damariscotta, ME 04543, by phone (207) 563-5079.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please tell me if there are any stores in the Lewiston/Auburn area that sell hat pins for different organizations such as NASCAR, the National Football League, Major League Baseball, etc.? I would like to get some of my favorite teams and drivers. I would also be willing to order them through the mail. Maybe I could call for catalogs. – J.W.W., Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try contacting ClassicPins.com, P.O. Box 407, Newtown, CT 06470, (203) 364-1923 or via their Web site at www.classicpins.com.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to have a recipe for Ratatouille. – No Name, Rumford.

Answer: Hopefully you and your family will enjoy the following Ratatouille recipe, courtesy of Craig Claiborne. Ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 or more garlic cloves, peeled and chopped; 2 cups (1 large) sliced onions; 3 cups (2 medium) sliced zucchini; 4 cups (1 small) cubed, peeled eggplant; 3 tablespoons flour; 2 green peppers, seeded and cut into strips; 1½ cups canned plum tomatoes; 1 tablespoon capers; salt; and freshly ground pepper, to taste. Method: Heat the oil in a large skillet, add the garlic and onions, and sauté until the onions are transparent. Meanwhile, slice the squash, and peel and cube the eggplant. Flour the pieces lightly. Add the squash, eggplant and green peppers to the skillet, cover and cook slowly about 30 minutes. Add the tomatoes and capers, and simmer uncovered, until the mixture is thick, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or cold.

Dear Sun Spots: Back in 1961, my three sons were at Healy Asylum in Lewiston on Ash Street for a short time. In the summer, the whole school would move to Don Bosco Camp until school resumed. Can anyone tell me where Don Bosco is located as my boys would like to go visit there now that they are grown? Thank you for the third time that you help me. – Lucy Cyr, Mechanic Falls.

Dear Sun Spots: For V.G.H.: I have an Atari machine with the joysticks in good working order. We have many games including Pac Man and Bowling. We will sell for a cheap price. I can be reached at (207) 783-6275. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I read with interest the good information from community housing groups in the area (Dec. 8 column): I just wanted Sun Spots and readers to know that Lewiston Housing also welcomes seniors as well. – Reta Herrick, Lewiston.

Answer: Herrick also kindly provided a brochure that includes elderly housing at Meadowview Apartments; elderly/disabled housing at Blake Street Towers; family development at Hillview Apartments, Rosedale Acres and Lafayette Park as well as many one-, two- and three-bedroom units throughout Lewiston. Contact the administrative office for more information at (207) 783-1423.

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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