DEAR SUN SPOTS: Maggie of Mechanic Falls asks for someone who can sharpen pinking shears. She might check with Natalie, who now owns the former Cote Brothers, or she might try Joanne Fabrics for a referral. Cutting wheels now come with pinking blades and are far more efficient than pinking shears. — C. Pike, Livermore and Punta Gorda, Fla.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the request for sharpening of pinking shears on Dec. 18, Cote Brothers Sewing Machines offers that service and also for scissors. We charge 50 cents per inch for the complete length. We are at the same location in the Auburn Plaza next to Big Lots and share the space with Creative Sewing Center.

We still service all makes and brands of sewing machines, including industrial sewing machines. We also sell industrial machines and supplies. We also have a sewing machine that was donated. We serviced it and want to donate it to a civic group, church, etc.

You can e-mail ron@cotebrothers.com or call 782-5922.

Creative Sewing Center still sells Bernina and Brother sewing and embroidery machine and gives free unlimited classes with every machine sold. They also have many project classes for the young and the old, beginner or experienced. Visit www.creativesewingme.com. Thanks again for the great service you provide. — Ron Blake, president, Cote Brothers Sewing Machines

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read in the Dec. 17 column that you had a reader looking for the “100 Years of Rising with the Sun” publication. I have one I would part with, but there was no phone number or contact listed. Feel free to have the reader call me at 795-4190 ext. 2214. Thanks. — Mary, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a copy of “100 Years of Rising with the Sun.” Please have the person who wishes a copy call 346-3361. Thank you. — Carl and Frances Beckett, No Town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a copy of the “100 Years of Rising with the Sun” requested Dec. 17 and will give it to the person asking for a copy if they contact us. Our phone number is 777-1001. — Mrs. Norman Rose. Auburn

ANSWER: Thank you for your generous offers. Sun Spots did not include the phone number for Diane, the original requester of “Rising with Sun” because it was a gift for her mother, and Sun Spots thought her mother might catch on and know the gift was for her. Diane has since acquired a copy from a co-worker, but in the process discovered others who would like one, so you should hear from eager readers.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the inquiry about the cottages located on the east shore of Lake Auburn off Center Street, the one nearest to the Harris vegetable stand belonged to a gentleman by the name of Toutain, who at the time, in the 1930s, was employed by the city of Lewiston as a janitor at the Dingley School.

My brother Philip and I, students of the school at the time, helped Mr. Toutain with his janitorial duties on Saturdays. During the summer we also helped him by weeding the large vegetable garden he maintained at the lake. Whether he owned the land the camp was situated on, I do not know. — Gene St. Pierre, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Ronald Rackliff of Temple was at one time the cook for Family Fare, and he was terrific. He’s cooked over the years in many local restaurants with considerable praise for the delicious results. I suspect that he might have the seafood-pasta recipe Louise from Leeds wants. I love your column and wouldn’t miss it. Continued success in your enterprises! — No Name, No Town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was reading your column today, Dec. 22, and saw that there is a lady who is looking for a recipe from the old Family Fare Restaurant in Farmington. I was the manager/chef until it closed. I have all of the recipes and would love to help her. She can e-mail me at d_parlin@yahoo.com or call me at 897-2999. The recipe has a lot of items in it, so she may need to talk to me to tell her all about it. I would love to help. Please let me know if I can. Thanks for your time. — David Parlin, Livermore Falls

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). Please include your phone number. 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.