Dear Sun Spots: Sister Gilberte Boisvert has pinched nerves in her spine as well as acute bronchitis and has been confined to her room since last November.

I include a portion of what she writes: Luckily I can laugh and joke about my situation. So I am in fine shape for the shape that I am in. Thank you to all who have been praying for me.

As one can see, Sister Boisvert’s ‘funny bone’ has remained healthy. Thank you all for helping her through her long winter.

On Feb. 2 she celebrated her 64th anniversary as a nun. – Lin Downing, Auburn.

Answer: Many thanks for the update Lin, and what a wonderful anniversary for Sister!! Many congratulations to her on her achievement.

Sun Spots spoke with Sister at her Methuen, Mass., residence on Tuesday, and can say Sister is in wonderful form. She says it’s been a tough winter, since November, but she’s well on the mend. She now is feeling more like herself. Active. Humorous and keeping up with her stamp and prison ministry, which is her salvation, she says. Sister is very grateful for all the cards and letters she’s received, wishing her well. In fact, she admits, she’s never seen so many beautiful get-well correspondence in her life! She is in such a healthy state that she will now be able to attend her annual spiritual retreat shortly, in Maine.

We wish Sister Gilberte a peaceful, insightful retreat upcoming. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you Sister.

Regarding your stamps, those sending them to Sister should please note: She is seeking canceled stamps, preferably as many foreign ones as you might be able to send (these collect the most money for her ministry). She’ll also accept other stamps. If you would also please include a regular, uncanceled stamp, so that she can send you a thank you card. She’d be grateful and says she responds to all who send her stamps. Again the address is Sister Gilberte Boisvert, Residence Ste. Claire, 1, Methuen, MA 01844-3849.

Dear Sun Spots: In answer to No Name in Lewiston who was seeking Catholic Masses on the television, there are no more Masses on Channel 9. However there are on Channel 59 Sunday’s at 7 a.m., Channel 58 EWTN daily at 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. Channel 73 also airs Masses, during the week, at 3:30 p.m. – A Steady Reader and A Steady Listener.

Dear Sun Spots: The persons looking for a minibus might try contacting Larry Stewart in Lisbon at Larry Stewart DBA U-Save Auto Rentals. Their prices for rentals are very reasonable, and perhaps if they explained their situation to him he probably can help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with business owner Larry Stewart who says he has cars, minivans, 12-passenger and 15-passenger vans and would be happy to assist. He’s located at 53 Lisbon St., Lisbon, ME 04250, 353-4136. He is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. six days a week, closed on Sundays. However, he can help fix you up with rentals for a Sunday. Give him a call and many thanks to this reader for their tip!

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a copy of the book “Right as Rain” by Bernice Richmond, which is written about her grandmother’s life in Livermore years ago.

Anyone with information may please call 897-3623. – A Sun Reader for 80 Years.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might consider checking out Argosy Book Store, 116 E. Street, New York, NY 10022, 212-753-4455, www.argosybooks.com. Another is Hoffman’s Bookshop, 4167 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214, 614-262-0059, e-mail: [email protected] or via their Web site www.hoffmanbookshop.com.

Dear Sun Spots: All of us enjoy reading Sun Spots. Thank you for printing the information for the person inquiring about a Pfaff 1040 Hobby sewing machine. She has contacted us here at the Oxford Mill End Store and will be picking up her manual. I did want to let you know however that our e-mail address was incorrect in the article. For others who wish to contact us by e-mail please use [email protected]. Thank you again. – Cathy Corbett, Oxford.

Answer: Many thanks for the tip Cathy, and Sun Spots apologizes for the error.



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].