Dear Sun Spots: I am wondering if there are any knitters in the area who would be interested in starting a local knitting group.

We could meet once or twice a month (at a local cafe) to share projects, patterns and ideas. Please call Kelly at (207) 784-8923 if you are interested. – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might also be interested in the knitting program offered by the Wisdom’s Center for Women, 97 Blake St., Lewiston (behind Intown Manor). Among the many ongoing programs offered are knitting, taking place Mondays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. with Ann Ouellette. To register, call (207) 784-0155. There is no charge and mothers may bring their children.

Dear Sun Spots: I have two questions for you.

I remember that years ago we could send Christmas cards, not seal them, then the postage was cheaper. You could not write a letter in it, just sign your name. Could Sun Spots find out when and why that was started and how much the postage was? Later on, it was stopped. Could Sun Spots also find out when and why it was stopped.

I also would like to know if there is somebody in the Twin Cities who collects foreign stamps. Thank you. Keep up the good work. – C.W., Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Roger at the Lewiston post office who says he believes this procedure may have changed some time in the early ’70s, but it has been years since this was done. He did not recall what the postage might have been nor the reason for stopping it and perhaps other readers out there may recall this.

Regarding your question about foreign stamp collectors in the Lewiston Auburn area, Sun Spots did not find any. However, according to an Oct. 6 article by reporter Eileen Adams, you or others might be interested in joining the fledgling Bethel Philatelic Club. It meets on the last Tuesday of each month at the Bethel Historical Society building. Those interested may phone Nancy Mercer at (207) 824-3350 or Harry Kuzyk at (207) 824-2059 for more details.

Dear Sun Spots: This is my second question to you in a week. Some kind of record? I have a new (to me) painted, black dining table. After a recent gathering, I noticed two white milky dish outlines. (From hot or wet I don’t know). How do I get rid of them? Thanks for all your help. – G.B. Waterford.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers who may be willing to share some of their tips with you, you might want to try dampening a soft cloth with water and put a dab of toothpaste on it. For stubborn stains, add baking soda to the toothpaste. Another alternative, according to “Mary Ellen’s Best of Helpful Hints,” is to make a paste of butter or mayonnaise and cigarette ashes. Apply to the spot and buff away with a slightly damp cloth. Polish as usual.

Dear Sun Spots: You have helped me in the past and I thank you for that.

My request now is hoping you can find out if there is anyone in the area who can do a reading with Tarot cards. Thank you. – E.L. Lewiston.

Answer: Contact Valerie Davis in Gray at (207) 657-2526 or New Gloucester at (207) 926-5693.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for Christmas tree shirt patterns to crochet. If you have any readers who would like to share these patterns with me, I would repay any cost for postage. I can be reached at 25 Cook St., Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 784-0250. – Jeanette Poussard, Auburn.



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.