Dear Sun Spots: Can you please tell me the date of the Alan Jackson concert in New England? Last year it was in April. Also, what is the date of the flower show in Boston? – A Concerned Reader, Bethel.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots has not found any dates for Jackson in New England. She also understands that there is no flower show in Portland this year. However you and others may be interested in attending these shows:

The New England Spring and Flower Show “Fresh Perspective” on March 12 to 20 at the Bayside Expo Center, Boston. For ticket information please call Kristin Hatch, (617) 933-4983 or e-mail [email protected].

Public show hours are: Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, March 13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday, March 14, to Friday, March 18, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show will be Feb. 17 to 20, Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. Prices for 2005 are: adults, $16; seniors, $14; child ages 6 to 12, $7; groups, $12; and advance tickets, $13.

To request more information about attending, exhibiting in a booth (educational or commercial), creating a garden or participating in any other part of the show, people can call (401) 421-7811 or (401) 272-0980.

Dear Sun Spots: I enjoy reading your column every day and have written a few times before. Recently, while making my mother’s chop suey recipe, I came up with a product for you to locate if possible. The recipe calls for La Choy’s Brown Gravy Sauce, which I haven’t been able to find lately. Thanks for your help. – Frances Miller, No Town.

Answer: You can find La Choy’s Brown Gravy Sauce at Hannaford Supermarket, 95 Spring St., Auburn, (207) 784-6497. The product is available in a 15-ounce bottle for $1.99, in isle 5.

Dear Sun Spots: I noticed that two cooks from the Cook of the Week said they could not make good pie crust. I found this one in “Still Cooking with Interest,” and it is foolproof. If you have a mixer with a dough hook, use it and whip the ingredients. Then divide into five crusts. Freeze or at least chill before using.

Perfect pie crust. Ingredients & Method: 4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 1¾ cups shortening. Whip together 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 egg and ½ cup water. Mix all together.

Dear Sun Spots: The Franklin Grange Hall will hold its fair July 16. Tables can be rented for $5. The fair will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call Peggy Blake at (207) 674-3892 or Laura Hutchins at (207) 392-3621. – Linona A. Blake, West Paris.

Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone know or have a copy of the December 1958 Jack and Jill magazine? If anyone does, please call me at (207) 783-7536. The magazine used to be located in Philadelphia. Do you know where it is now located? – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you can try contacting the magazine’s publishing company at Children’s Better Health Institute, 1100 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202, (317) 634-1100, or www.cbhi.org/magazines/jackandjill/index.shtml.

Dear Sun Spots: With all the yellow ribbons at the Veterans Park and elsewhere, plus all the vehicle decals that proclaim “Support Our Troops,” I would like to add another way in support: If radio stations would play “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a given time each day, it would add to the support program. I belong to several organizations that have regular monthly meetings yet none of them recite the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the start of the agenda. I attend some of the Lewiston Council meetings and do really appreciate the recital of the Pledge. – Don Robitaille, Lewiston.



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].