Dear Sun Spots: I’m sure you have many readers who were affected by the 2007 pet food recall. Our family cat experienced kidney failure and eventually died as a result of eating contaminated food. I’d like to inform people that there is now a claim form to fill out to be compensated for some of the loss you may have experienced. You can visit the Web site: www.petfoodsettlement.com. Call 1-800-392-0890 or write to Claims Administrator, c/o Heffler, Radetich & Saitta LLP, PO Box 890, Philadelphia, PA 19105-0890. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: You may also obtain a complete list of the recalled pet food products using the above information. According to the Web site, “the proposed settlement provides for the creation of a $24,000,000 settlement fund. Eligible consumers may receive up to a 100 percent cash payment for all documented, reasonable economic damages incurred as a result of their purchase or their pets’ consumption of Recalled Pet Food Products. This also includes veterinary treatment costs, death-related expenses, deceased pet purchase price or fair market value, whichever is higher, or new pet cost, property damages and other economic costs. Consumers who do not have documents supporting their claims for economic damages may still be eligible for a cash reimbursement for their damages, subject to a $900 limit per pet.” If you send your claim form by mail, it must be postmarked by Nov. 24, 2008. The final settlement approval hearing is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2008.

Dear Sun Spots: On Friday and Saturday, July 11-12, we had a garage sale on Gaskill Avenue in Lewiston and I feel terrible that a lady who bought some Fiestaware inadvertently left one of the saucers behind. Also, a gentleman bought a white metal crib and we subsequently found two pieces that are essential to assemble the crib. If these nice folks read this we would be happy to hear from them so they can get these pieces and we apologize for the inconvenience. Thanks for posting this and hopefully they will be reading the column (I know I check it every day.). Thank you for being of service to the community. 786-4163. – Lisa, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: Lake Andrew, the man-made pond on the Bates College campus is a great place to walk around. I am wondering what the distance around the pond is in feet. I walk around it daily for health and exercise. I always do between 5 and 10 laps around it. Curious to know how much distance I walk each time. Thanks for all Sunspots does for the community. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Way to go! We think it’s great that you are able to get in such a nice walk on a daily basis. Mike Gustin, project manager at Bates College, told us the lake measures about 1,400 feet around, or .265 miles. If you are walking five laps a day, that equals over 1.25 miles. Ten laps and you’ll have put in more than 2.5 miles. Keep it up!

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for information about my uncle’s participation in short wave radio organizations between 1945 to 1985. He was a radio operator in World War II and participated in the landing at Luzon, Leyte and Okinawa on the carrier USS Makin Island. After his service he enjoyed talking to people all over the world on his radio. Can anyone tell me about any radio clubs or similar organizations that might have information about his participation? The Sun Journal recently had a note in the 50 years ago column on an Amateur Radio Association locally. I have contacted the Androscoggin Historical Society but they have nothing. Contact 524-5933. – Marilyn, Leeds.

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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