Dear Sun Spots: How much help or aid are Somalis entitled to when they move to Lewiston? Thanks for any assistance. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots checked in with Sun Journal reporter Scott Taylor, who says Somalis or other secondary migrants qualify for the same benefits and aid programs as others in Maine. Those include state and federal health care benefits and housing aid as well as general assistance vouchers from the city to help them pay food and heat. For general assistance, they’re required to perform community service to work off some of that benefit – just like everyone else. But there no special premium given to any one ethnic group, not from the state, local or federal governments.

You might have noted the Sunday front page story on the nearly 80 percent of Somali immigrants who are students. It’s an inspiring story with students ranging in age from 7 to 70. Isn’t it wonderful to note their desire and eagerness to learn and aspire? Sun Spots suspects this is similar to the French-Canadian and Irish immigrants moving to Lewiston back in the 1900s – the very ones who built the walls of the canal, worked the looms in the mills and helped create the foundations for the cultural gem Lewiston is today.

Dear Sun Spots: One of the recent requests you had was for embroidery transfers. You can get these from www.herrschners.com, 1-800-441-0838, Herrschners, Inc. Order Processing Department, 2800 Hoover Road, Stevens Point, WI 54492-0001. Also www.homesew.com has a package of doll face transfers. Either of these companies can send a catalog to interested parties. You can reach Home-Sew at P.O. Box 4099, Bethlehen, PA 18018-0099, 800-344-4739. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: The Lewiston Senior Citizens is looking for new or unused items for prizes for our card party Oct. 25. If you have any items you would be willing to donate, we can be reached at 784-2926.

The party will be held Oct. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Center, 145 Birch St., Lewiston. A donation of $3 would be appreciated and all are invited. Please bring your own cards and games. – Jeanne Strout, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to see if anyone taped this year’s season primer of Gilmore Girls. It aired Sept. 26 on Channel 12 from 8 to 9 p.m. I was disappointed to find, when I went to watch it, my DVR had failed to tape it due to an error and would like anyone’s graciousness to let me borrow their copy. Please call me at 897-4488 if you are able to spare the copy for me to see. Thank you. – Jessie, Livermore Falls.

Dear Sun Spots: Last year you published a listing of craft fairs and bazaars that were coming up in the fall. I would appreciate you please adding our craft fair to that list.

The third annual Oak Hill High School Craft Fair will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oak Hill High School in Wales. Proceeds will benefit the classes of 2008 and 2009. Tables are $25 and admission is free. For more information, please contact Cathy Rioux at 375-4824 or 841-5796. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call. Thank you for your time. – Cathy Rioux, 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 Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.