Dear Sun Spots: I am trying very hard to locate “Christmas in Maine” for my granddaughter. She is trying to find one to give to her sister for Christmas because she unintentionally scratched her sister’s CD years ago. She would love to be able to replace it. If anyone has one they would be willing to sell or loan, I sure would appreciate it. It included Malinda Liberty. Thanks so much for all your help. – Maggie Houlihan, Jay.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots has learned that Liberty performed at this year’s Great Falls Balloon Festival. She has also entertained U.S. troops in six countries, won numerous awards, was named Country Singer of the Year in the Maine Sunday Telegram Reader’s Poll six times, opened for 16 national artists and recorded the original “Maine Christmas Song.” Sun Spots contacted her drummer who works here at the Sun Journal, and he has kindly offered to tape his original recording for you. Sun Spots has provided you with his contact information and wishes you the best of luck!

Dear Sun Spots: Thoughts of Pakistan’s earthquake victims, hungry, cold and hurting, are fading fast I’m afraid. Especially now when holidays compete for our attention, and we become increasingly busy.

I have not seen the names or addresses of known and trusted organizations to whom we can send money for tents, food and care. Could you please list, for me and others who are concerned yet frustrated about this situation, such information?

By doing so, readers of your wonderfully useful column can help these very needy men, women and children.

And thanks for a very interesting and popular portion of this daily newspaper. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Try contacting:

CARE USA, 151 Ellis St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303-2440, USA, 1-404-681-2552, 1-800-521-CARE, e-mail: [email protected] or via their Web site at www.careusa.org.

American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. If you wish to designate a donation for a specific disaster please do so at the time of donation.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a question I’m hoping you can please help me with.

Is there a plastic surgeon whom does liposuction and removal of excessive skin from weight loss and who accepts MaineCare for insurance? Any help would be appreciated. – No Name, Norway.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with MaineCare’s member services department which says you need to call them. They do have a list and if you call, they will provide you with it. You can reach them at (800) 977-6740.

Dear Sun Spots: For John Taylor who was seeking a recipe for Dynamite:

Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 2 onions, 2 green peppers, 2 large cans tomatoes, 2 large cans tomato sauce or soup, 1 can of tomato paste, 1 pound of hamburger meat, ½ teaspoon red pepper seed, salt and pepper, oregano. Method: Cook in a slow cooker all day. Put on hamburger buns and enjoy. Note: I don’t like hot sauce but do like red pepper seeds in mine. You can make it as hot as you want it. – 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].