Dear Sun Spots: I’m looking for the family of Pfc. Varney from Lewiston who is stationed in Iraq with the Stryker Brigade. I have a video that was made in April that has some great footage of him! Please e-mail me at lathomas63@yahoo.com. – Lori Thomas, North Yarmouth.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a foot pedal for a Tailor sewing machine Model 935FA, which will be used by a charitable group that makes blankets and sleeping bags for those in need. The connector style is a three-prong, triangle shape setup. I will pay a reasonable price and pay for any postage. Please e-mail responses to: quinns3@hotmail.com. Please include the words “Quilt Group” in the subject line. Thanks. P.S. I love Sunspots! I haven’t lived in Maine for more than 30 years, but my family still sends me the Sun Spots every week and I read each and every clipping. Thanks! – Val Quinn, Dayton, Ohio.

Dear Sun Spots: When will the new nickel be released? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: According to http://money.cnn.com/2004/03/03/pf/debt/new_nickels/, the first of two already has been released.

Mint director Henrietta Holsman Fore said that 218 million coins have been minted, and were shipped in early March to the Federal Reserve banks. From there, the nickels were to be sent to commercial banks nationwide and then will enter into general circulation. Sun Spots would recommend you and other readers keep an eye out for these new coins, which may even be in your pockets at present.

The new designs constitute the first change in the nickel since 1938. That familiar edition depicts Thomas Jefferson on its front, with an image of his Monticello estate on the back.

The new nickels also honor the nation’s third president. As now, the fronts will display a likeness of Jefferson. The backs will be different.

The second of the two new nickels is to be released in the autumn. Its back will feature an engraving of a keelboat that the Lewis and Clark expedition party used to explore the American West. (Besides engineering the Louisiana Purchase that made westward expansion possible, Jefferson was the chief sponsor of the “Voyage of Discovery” that made Lewis and Clark famous.)

Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone in your reading area know the words to an old song that was popular in the 1920s and ’30s? It goes something like:

The mom behind the counter was a woman old and gray

who used to sell shoes strung on the road to Monterey. – Marelyn, Gray.

Answer: Unfortunately, Sun Spots was unable to locate the words and hopefully a reader out there may have them and may be willing to share them with you and other column readers.

Dear Sun Spots: Plans are under way for the Sabattus Elementary PTA’s third annual Croppin’ for Kids’ Sake scrapbooking fund-raiser being held at Sabattus Central School on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with optional extended cropping hours until 10 p.m.

Last year, 300 scrapbookers attended, and we are planning for 350-plus this year. Donations are gratefully being accepted for this event, in particular scrapping and stamping items or cash donations to offset operational expenses. All funds raised will be used for the benefit of the children of Sabattus Elementary School. We also have great sponsor and vendor opportunities available.

For more information, please contact Cindy at (207) 375-8420 or abjsoucy@aol.com. – Cindy M. Soucy, Sabattus.

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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