Dear Sun Spots: Could you please find out about Project Linus? I heard on Channel 6 that you can make blankets and afghans for them. I am very interested in doing that. Also, I would like to make blankets for animals who are at animal shelters. It will give them something warm to lay on. I could make different sizes. Do you know of any place that would accept them? Thank you. – Dottie Hatch, Livermore Falls.

Answer: Regarding your first question, Project Linus is a 100 percent volunteer nonprofit organization which, according to its Web site at www.projectlinus.org, has a twofold mission to provide gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, created by volunteer “blanketeers,” to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need or warmth and comfort, and to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities.

Project Linus is currently promoting its eighth annual “Make a Blanket Day” on Saturday, Feb. 17. You can join participating chapters around the country in making blankets, or take part in blanket-making events, open houses and collection sites.

To take part, contact one of the Maine chapters for more information: Eastern Maine, contact Merlene, 965-8005; Greater Presque Isle, contact Wendy, 764-4702; Houlton/Southern Aroostook, contact Jennifer, 532-2740; and Portland/Southern/Central Maine, contact Susan, 839-2275.

Regarding your second question about making blankets for animal shelters, try contacting the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society at 783-2311. They are at 55 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I enjoy your column very much. I am having a problem finding a scrapbook, the old kind whereas it was used for photos as well. I needed this type of scrapbook to put newspaper clippings for an organization. I have been to several local stores without any results. Would any of your readers have any knowledge of anyone who would have this type of scrapbook to purchase? This is not for scrapbook use. Please contact me at 783-3565. – Jeanne Pacheco, Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots asked a very crafty co-worker who says that any regular scrapbook can be used for newspaper clippings, but you would have to use photo-type corners to secure the individual clippings. She also advised that newspaper clippings should first be sprayed with an archival mist which is sold in craft supply stores. One brand she is familiar with is Archival Mist by Preservation Technologies, although there may be other brands available. The mist is recommended due to the very high acidic quality of newspaper print. Without the mist the clippings will become very yellow and brittle in no time at all.

Our fellow crafty co-worker also suggested a couple of area scrapbooking supply stores that you may want to visit: Murdock Country Creation, 1520 Auburn Road, Route 4, Turner, 225-2477, and Memory Lane LLC, 20 Coburn St., Auburn, 782-1600.

Dear Sun Spots: This is in reply to Daisy, No Town (from the Monday, Jan. 22 column), who is looking for the music songs by Lucille Starr. I have the CD that includes the French song “Quand Le Soleil Dit Bonjour Au…” plus other French songs she sings. Daisy may contact me at 740-0382 any time, but as long as it is not late at night. Thank you. – Ray, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: Do you know where I could buy Cycle 4 dog food? Local stores used to carry the Cycle brand, but I haven’t seen it lately. Thanks. – Gerard Dennison, Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots was not able to find this brand of dog food in local department and grocery stores. It’s possible that readers who know where to find this product might respond and share this information with the column.

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.

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