Dear Sun Spots: When are the Highland Games being held this year? I think they are held at Thomas Point Beach sometime in August.

Also, does anyone have any hostas or perennial flowers that they would be willing to share? I can do the digging and the transportation. Thank you for your help. I can be reached at 782-0768. – No Name, Auburn.

Answer: The 29th annual Maine Highland Games will be held Aug. 18 at Thomas Point Beach from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 29 Meadow Road, Brunswick. General admission is $13 in advance or $15 at the gate for adults. Children (6 to 12) are $5 Tickets are non-refundable and events take place rain or shine.

Events scheduled include bag pipe bands, Highland and Scottish dancing, arts and crafts, Scottish fiddlers, children and adult games including Tossing of the Caber, Wheat Sheaf Toss and Putting of the Stone; Border Collie herding demonstrations, Highland cattle, piping contests. It is open to all, Scots and non-Scots alike. FMI check out the Web site at www.mainehighlandgames.org.

Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering two things: Why did Shannon Moss leave WCSH Channel 6 to go to WMTW Channel 8.

I also watch WGME Channel 13 news a lot and I’ve not seen Diana Ichton lately. Is she still with Channel 13? Thank you. – No Name, Peru.

Answer: Regarding your first question, Portland TV news anchor Shannon Moss is changing schedules and channels.

According to a June 2 Portland Press Herald article by writer Ray Routhier, Moss, who joined WCSH in 1999, said a major reason for the job change was the chance to spend more time with her two young sons, ages 2 years and 10 months.

“I’ll be home at night, and be able to tuck (my children) in,” she was quoted as stating. Moss added that she’s a “morning person” and working an early shift will fit her personality.

Another reason for the job change was that Moss is a “fan” of WMTW, and has been impressed by the station’s commitment to improving its news over the last few years.

George Matz, WMTW’s news director, said hiring Moss is an example of the station’s commitment to local news.

“We went after Shannon because she is one of the top anchors in the market, one of the most well-known and most talented,” said Matz.

While at WCSH, Moss made a series of highly promoted safety reports titled “Get Out Alive,” in which she would demonstrate how to safely get out of a dangerous situation. In one of them, she was filmed trying to escape from a submerged car, equipped with an oxygen tank and an air mask. But Moss was not able to get out by herself, and divers from the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department, who had been standing by, had to help.

Moss received her degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island and was a reporter for two years in Wisconsin before coming to Maine in 1999.

Regarding your second question, according to channel 13’s Web site, Ichton’s biography is still posted online. It appears she is still employed with the station but may have been on vacation, assignment or some type of leave. Most recently she’s worked with WPTZ/WNNE in River Junction, Vt. and prior to that was a radio anchor for WSAR and sales assistant at WMUR-TV.

Dear Sun Spots: Your reader seeking a French tutor might be interested in contacting me here at Private Tutoring Services, at 784-8758. Those interested can receive tutoring in all subjects, all grades and in all areas. – Yvette Michaud, No Town.

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