Dear Sun Spots: I am writing a story about a small two-room schoolhouse that I attended as a kid, writing from a kid’s perspective, or as I can best remember it at the young age of 74. I write this story as a gift for my kids and grandkids, hoping they find some humor and enjoyment from it.

I am searching for anyone who may have pictures of Barkerville School, which is no longer standing, that was located at the north end of Main Street in Lewiston in an area referred to as Barkerville. I am also interested in pictures of the former Stetson’s IGA Store and Neadeau’s Barber Shop, which were located on the corner of Main Street and King Avenue. Pictures of the Fairgrounds, as the area once was, are also welcome.

I would be indebted to anyone who is willing to help. Although I was born and raised on King Avenue and spent my first years at school at Barkerville School, I now live at 60 Lynn Drive, Caribou, ME 04736 after making a career in the U.S. Air Force. My phone number is 498-4007. – Robert L. (Bob) Albert, Caribou

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please explain to me who is running the store when our senators and other government officials are out campaining and not in Washington, or where they were elected to serve? Do they still receive their pay when they are absent? Thank you. – Norman Spencer, Wilton

Answer: United States senators, congressmen and other federal officials and staff are paid an annual wage and there are precise rules about whether they can continue to draw federal wages while on the campaign trail.

For instance, Monica Castellanos, long-time communications director for Congressman Mike Michaud, has recently taken a leave of absence from her job with the congressman to run the field campaign for Adam Cote, who is seeking the first congressional district seat. She will not draw any pay as a member of Michaud’s staff until she returns to her position as his communications director on June 16. The work she would ordinarily be doing as communications director from now until her return has been switched to other members of Michaud’s staff.

In the case of presidential candidates who are currently serving in the U.S. Senate, they continue to draw their Senate salaries while on the campaign trail and continue to maintain their business in Washington through their respective staffs (and lots of electronic communication). However, while campaigning for higher office, their expenses are picked up by their respective campaigns, including travel, food, lodging, etc.

Dear Sun Spots: As a volunteer at Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn, we could use a variety of plastic pots for children to take plants home. Smaller pots are fine, including 6-pack varieties from 6 to 12 inches. Can pick up in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Please call 783-6833. – R. Stephen Drane, Auburn

Dear Sun Spots: I am in the third grade at Waterford Elementary School. Our class is helping the Waterford Fire Department and researching people who have worked for the common good. We are trying to get two 9-volt batteries for each student in our school to put in smoke detectors. So, we need 262 batteries by Daylight Savings Time so we can keep our students safe. Donations can be dropped off at the Waterford Elementary School. – Alyssa M., Waterford

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