Dear Sun Spots: I would like to begin by thanking you for everything you do for your readers!

I would like to join The Society for Creative Anachronism, but all efforts to contact them by e-mail have been for naught! Can you help me find a contact person?

Also, I have “adopted’ two active duty soldiers. Both are very much interested in things medieval. Is there any place in the Twin Cities that might sell statues of Knights?

If any readers out there have statues like this, I would greatly appreciate them letting me know! I would love to surprise them with these! Thanks so much. – Laura Vaughan, No Town.

Answer: Contact them at the members services office, Society for Creative Anachronism, P.O. Box 360789, Milpitas, CA 95036-0789, 800-789-7486, 408-263-9305. They are open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time.

As you are probably aware, this organization is dedicated to researching and recreating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Their “Known World” consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which may feature tournaments, arts exhibits, classes, workshops, dancing, feasts, and more. Royalty hold courts at which they recognize and honor members for their contributions to the group.

In the meantime, Sun Spots wonders if you’re aware of the group here in Central Maine: Shire of Endewearde, Society for Creative Anachronism, Central and Coastal Maine, Medieval & Renaissance Re-enactment Group. For more on them check them out online at www.endewearde.eastkingdom.org. You’ll also note that the members have posted their contact e-mail addresses and you might be interested in checking in with them through their e-mails. Sun Spots is sure that they’ll be able to direct you to the right places for your knights.

For merchandise, you might consider checking out Spellbound Antiques, Oddities & Home Fashions, 155 Front St., Farmington, 778-9300, Dragon Knights, 1515 Federal Road, AKA Route 4, Livermore, 888-547-9673; Unicorn Cove, Main Street, Westbrook, 347-5686, www.unicorn-cove.com; Gypsy Muse, Standish, 642-3778, www.mygypsymuse.com and Dragon Star Creations in Sanford, 490-6500, 1-888-749-4499.

Dear Sun Spots: I am trying to find the person who lost his/her “SunDisk 512MB” at the Vietnam Memorial replica ceremonies in Lewiston. I may be reached at P.O. Box 124, Friendship, ME 04547-0124, or by phone at 832-2234. – Jackie Freitas, Friendship.

Dear Sun Spots: A while back, someone had a recipe for poutine rapee. My family make them at every family reunion. I am wanting to know, how you can boil them without wrapping them in cheesecloth? Do you use a certain type of potato? I tried it without the cheese cloth and the poutines did not hold together. Help. – J.S., Jay.

Answer: In reading the recipe provided in May, Sun Spots notes that the simmering time is lengthy. She is not sure you’d be able to ensure they stick together without being wrapped in cheesecloth. Although you might consider a double broiler to see if that might prevent the crumbling. Perhaps others who have made this recipe might be able to offer you some tips. Sun Spots also located another posting describing the poutines râpées made from two parts of grated raw potatoes squeezed dry in a cotton bag, and from one part plain mashed potatoes mixed together with the grated potatoes and formed into a ball. Perhaps these exact measurements and the fact the raw potato is ‘squeezed dry’ may be the key.

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].