Dear Sun Spots: I am an arts and craft coordinator for children at a family campground during the summer. I am also a merit badge counselor for the Boys Scouts of America (28 badges).

Would anyone like to donate items that can be used in making crafts that you may have? I am also looking for “nature” items such as shells, minerals, bones, pelts, etc., some are for crafts and others hopefully for a future natural history museum I am planning at a Scout camp.

If you can help out, please call Drew after 6:30 p.m. at (207) 783-3988. – Drew Desjardins, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots would like to praise Drew for his beautiful, beautiful penmanship. It was gorgeous, a pure pleasure to read.

Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone have an 1981 Budweiser beer holiday mug? I will pay a reasonable price or will swap an ’81 for an ’86. Please call me at (207) 928-2131. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know if there is someone out there who would have a pattern for four-needle mittens or if they know where I could get one. I also would need the set of four needles. I can’t seem to find the needles nor the pattern anywhere anymore. I would appreciate it if someone would know about this and could give me a call. I can be reached at (207) 353-6849. – No Name, Lisbon Falls.

Dear Sun Spots: Would you or your readers know of a store or place that sells heavy tights, not nylon, for little girls (sizes 7-8)? I’ve looked around but did not find any. Thank you. – C.R., Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try contacting L.L. Bean at 1-800-441-5713. They carry an 80-percent cotton, 17-percent polyester, 3-percent spandex in size 7-8, which is a little heavier than the nylon. They are item number ZZ46370 and cost $9.99 for a two-pair pack.

Dear Sun Spots: I read your column every day. I am impressed with the things you find out for others. Now I have a question that I’m hoping you can help me with.

My husband retired recently from the military and I was wondering if there are any local banks in Maine that do VA construction loans? We are having no luck with this situation. Thanks, and I hope you can help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, according to www.va-fha-loans.net, VA-FHA-Loans.net is aligned with most major banks in Maine, as well as a large number of Maine mortgage lenders. For more information, check out the Web site or contact the Maine regional office, in Togus, at (800) 827-1000 or (207) 623-8000.

Dear Sun Spots: I recently sent away for a baking pan for baking doughnuts. Would anyone have a good recipe for doughnuts? I would appreciate it. – P.N., South Paris.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, perhaps you and your family will enjoy the following Baked Apple Doughnuts.

Ingredients: 1½ cups flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 1¾ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ cup sugar, 1/3 c. shortening, 1 egg beaten, ½ cup milk, 1½ cup finely diced apples. Method: Sift first 5 ingredients. Add 1/3 cup shortening; mix until mixture is coarse. Set aside. In another bowl, combine egg, milk and diced apples. Add to dry ingredients just until blended. Spoon into 12 greased muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. While doughnuts are baking, melt ½ cup butter. Set aside. Combine ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. When doughnuts are done, dip in butter and then in sugar.

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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