Dear Sun Spots: As an avid Red Sox fan, I can tell you that player Dustin Pedroia wears a guard to protect his teeth when up to bat. He chooses to remove it when running the bases and that is what he is putting in his helmet. If they watch close enough, they will see Victor Martinez when he is on base does not remove his mouth guard but exposes it a couple times. – Georgette N. Cain, Lewiston

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Dear Sun Spots: In the past several weeks there have been three occasions when the governor has ordered American and Maine flags to be at half-mast in honor of the burial of military killed in service in Afghanistan and during the mourning period for Sen. Kennedy. Judging by the number of flags I’ve observed while running errands on those days, it is clear that many people who fly the flag do not observe flag etiquette. They included a big box store (BJs), a nice hotel (the new Marriott), a post office (Monmouth), a fire station (Litchfield), a fraternal organization (Eagles on Sabattus Street), a school superintendent’s office building (Wales) and a major tractor dealer (John Deere in Brunswick).

Shame on all of them. Perhaps it is time for a veterans’ organization, scouting or other youth group, senior citizens’ organization, or other entity to take on the task of informing people and organizations who fly the flag to fly it correctly. Failing that, anyone who sees a flag incorrectly displayed might contact the flag flier by e-mail or phone. – No Name, No Town

Answer: The Sun Journal made note of this problem in a story on Sept. 11, “Not all flags flown at half staff.” Sun Spots suspects that many busy business owners simply failed to hear about the governor’s orders. Perhaps they need to subscribe to the Sun Journal to keep up on the news.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know where you could pick up some books on the basics of culinary arts, such as in cutting an onion, temperatures in cooking, use of butter or oils, etc. Thank you. – Richard Nadeau, Lisbon Falls

Answer: Sun Spots is sure readers will have much to offer on this topic! She learned to cook from the “Fanny Farmer Junior Cookbook” and “The New Doubleday Cookbook” (and her mother, of course). Those books, or others like them, are most likely available at your local library. You might want to check out the children’s department first, because they will offer more basic information. Once you have found a cookbook you like, you will want to purchase it so it can always be by your side in the kitchen. Sun Spots suggests you patronize one of Lewiston-Auburn’s local bookstores, where they can order your cookbook for you if it’s not currently in stock.

Dear Sun Spots: The members of Calvary Methodist Church at 59 Sabattus St. in Lewiston would like to invite your readers and members of the community to a “Festival of Creativity.” This is a program broght to us by Spiral Arts Inc., an arts ministry based in Portland led by the Rev. Priscilla Dreyman. It will be a day of creative activities such as beading (jewelry making), cooking (making homemade applesauce), decorative painting and many other creative and fun projects to make us laugh and share the spirit-filled joy of community. This event for people of all ages will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, with registration at 9 a.m. and will run until 4 p.m. The program is free with lunch provided. Finished projects and reflections of the day will be shared during the worship service on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 10:30 a.m. You may call 782-3221 with any questions. – Penny Goodwin, Lewiston

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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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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