Dear Sun Spots: I heard on Channel 13 that John Hopperstad was leaving, but I didn’t get where he was going. I can’t understand why, he was such a great news reporter. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: John and Carrie Hopperstad recently left WGME and returned to Seattle, where John is originally from. According to their former co-worker, WGME chief meteorologist Charlie Lopresti, they both landed jobs at a station there.

Sun Spots: Regarding the inquiry for wintergreen patties, my favorite, find them at Haven’s Candies, 2 Cabela Blvd., Scarborough, phone 510-6699 or in Westbrook at 87 County Road, phone 772-1557. I also think there is one near Unum in South Portland. – Marion, Naples.

Dear Sun Spots: A “plein air” art retreat for women is planned in Greenville for the week of July 25. I am collecting art materials to use at the retreat that could be shared by everyone. The focus is watercolor but often students want to use oil, acrylics or pastel. Any art supplies would be helpful such as brushes, paints and easels. Palette boards are also needed. Contact Barbara Hathaway, 32 Maple St., Wilton, ME 04294 or 645-3449. Thank you. – Barbara, Wilton.

Dear Sun Spots: Last fall, as the economic crisis deepened, many small businesses suffered. At Fare Share Co-op, we realized we were running about $12,000 short as the end of our fiscal year approached. One generous, anonymous member offered to match $6,000 and we wrote letters to our 200 members on Dec. 1 announcing what we called our In-the-Black Campaign. No one expected that we would raise $6,000 in one month, especially this month of cold, holidays, and recession.

But we did! More than 70 members contributed more than $6,800 by Dec. 31. Members are the lifeblood of cooperatives, and once more, they proved that they care deeply that this business remain a cornerstone of Main Street revitalization and a center of food, art, and community in the Oxford Hills.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you to all members who contributed. If you’d like to be part of this democratically and locally-owned co-op, please stop by the market for information about membership. Or check out www.faresharecoop.org. Fare Share is open to all. – Lisa Moore, secretary, Fare Share Board of Directors, Harrison.

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