Dear Sun Spots: The news of the tsunamis hit the whole world pretty hard. The images of the destruction and the stories of the families that were affected by this tragic event were just heart-wrenching.

But most of the stories are about the little kids and how they were affected. What about the teenagers?

I’m a ninth-grader at Poland Regional High School, and to see kids my age who lost everything over in Southeast Asia really got to me. It turns out that the students at my school feel the same way about this event as I do. My French teacher, Madame Freese, has started a group called “Teens without Borders.” This group’s purpose is to help teens across the world that need some sort of help.

We’ve decided to help teens that were affected by the tsunamis and send them supplies, such as school supplies to get them back to school. Our goal is to get in touch with one school in Southeast Asia, and send them basic supplies to help them get back up and running. But we need your help getting the word out and getting some school supplies. I hope you can help us. Thank you for listening. – Erica Gagnon, Poland.

Dear Sun Spots: Help again! I have misplaced my poem about animals called Rainbow Bridge. – No Name, No Town.

Answer:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…. Author unknown

Dear Sun Spots: I am writing to see if you can help me locate or see if a candy bar by the name of Bolster Bar is still being made. Where can I get them? – Mrs. Charles Cluney, Farmington.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots understands that the Bolster Bar is similar to the Clark Bar made by the New England Confectionery Co. NECCO also used to make the Bolster Bar, a chocolate-covered peanut crunch. Try contacting them at NECCO, 135 American Legion Highway, Revere, MA 02151-2405.

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