Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for such a helpful column. I read it every day. In the middle 1940s, my sister and I were boarders/students at St. Joseph’s Orphanage on Campus Avenue. At that time, they took in boarders along with orphans and wards of the state.

We had a recreation hall where movies were shown and the children put on little musical programs to entertain the residents, young and old. Photographs were taken of these children and put on the wall of the hall. I recall as a 6- or 7-year-old being dressed as a butterfly and performing at the Armory, and performing in a percussion band.

Years later, the orphanage was closed and the space was changed into the D’Youville home for seniors. If anyone remembers these and has these photographs, or knows where copies can be obtained, please contact me through Sun Spots. Thank you so much for your help. – J.M., Farmington.

Dear Sun Spots: My 11-year-old daughter has taken on some of my deceased Mom’s traits; she loves anything to do with sewing. Although my Mom was a seamstress, I unfortunately never learned. I am in search of anyone who would enjoy the company of my young daughter to teach her the basics of sewing on a machine. We are willing to pay. Please write to: Gabrielle Dunn, 1727 Pownal Road, Auburn, ME 04210, or call, (207)753-0111. – Gabrielle Dunn, Pownal.

Answer: In addition to any responses that you might receive from Sun Spots readers, there are a couple of local sewing shops that do provide lessons. You might try calling Your Sewing Network, located at 17 Grove St., Auburn, 786-3343. They offer adult beginner classes on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for $8 a class. They feel an 11-year-old beginning sewer would feel comfortable in the class or you could attend the class with her if you like. They have machines available or you could bring in your own and do provide all needed sewing supplies needed for the class.

Or, you could try calling Cote Brothers, 730 Center St., Auburn, 782-5922. They occasionally offer a children’s sewing class and their next class is being held on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $10. They do require you to bring in your own sewing machine, but do provide all sewing supplies needed for the class.

Dear Sun Spots: Perhaps you can provide the telephone number for a national organization called the American Animal Hospital Association or the mailing address? I have heard that one can get the address from the computer but mine is broken down. I read your column first thing every day and will certainly appreciate any help. Thank you. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Contact them at: 12575 W. Bayaud Ave., Lakewood, Colorado 80228. The mailing address is P.O. Box 150899, Denver, Colorado 80215-0899, or via phone at (303) 986-2800 or via e-mail at [email protected]. You can also check them out on their Web site at www.aahanet.org.

Dear Sun Spots: I attended the St. John The Baptist school in Rumford in the 30s. It is now known as St. Athanasius.

Would anyone have a French Baltimore Catholic catechism that they would part with? I’m looking for the grade 2-8 with the blue cover. I am looking to pay for it. Please call me at (207) 832-4788. – Gerard Blier, Waldoboro.

Dear Sun Spots: I have coupons for Betty Crocker’s cookbook. I have 11 animals and three Noah and wife sets from Red Rose tea. I will swap them for a zebra, lying down, or a goose. I need tiger from the last set. Please call before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. at (207) 782-6953. I have books for plastic canvas that I will swap for ones I don’t have. – No Name, No Town.

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 Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].