DEAR SUN SPOTS: When the Sun Journal changed formats, they stopped printing the full obituaries, such as important information about the deceased, such as where the person worked in the past, their family members’ names and other pertinent information about the deceased. Why can’t the Sun Journal start printing this information in the obituaries again as they used to? — Bruce Wotton, bruceomega@hotmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots is not sure what format change you are referring to, as the obituary page has been the same for many years.

As for the obituaries, they are submitted and paid for by the families of the deceased, usually through funeral homes. The Sun Journal does not write them or specify any of the content — that is completely up to the family — although they are edited for grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.

Also appearing on the same page are the funeral notice. Those are submitted by the funeral homes as well, and content is limited to the details of any planned visitations or services.

Obituaries are often written when people are distressed, and information may inadvertently be left out. Sun Spots recommends that people write their obituaries in advance and be sure their families know they have done so, making things much easier for their loved ones at a difficult time.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In your March 16 column, a consumer had a problem with Haband clothing. They may file a claim with the Consumer Protection Service of the Maine Attorney Generals Office at 1-800-436-2131. We see them a lot.

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I also saw the story where the couple were ripped off of over $200,000 by a scam that said they had won $5.5 million. There is no such thing as a free lunch. You would think people would have learned that by now. — Alan Elze, mediator, Consumer Protection Service

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am responding to the reader who had a bad experience with Haband. I have dealt with them for years now, and they have always been helpful, and I have always received the free gifts with my order. One time I didn’t, and I sent them an e-mail and received the items within a week. Here is the e-mail address: service@haband.net. If D.G. would like to call me, I will be glad to assist him. — Jan McDonald, 784-0085

Does anyone have any crocheted doily books they would like to get rid of or sell? I can’t find them in the stores anymore. I will pay a reasonable amount. — Wilma Turcotte, pepsimom62@roadrunner.com, 782-8783

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Oxford Hills Class of 1985 is busy planning our 25th Class Reunion. We are still searching for many classmates. The reunion is being held at the Marriott at Sable Oaks in South Portland on June 19 from 6 to 11:30pm.

The night will feature live entertainment along with a sit-down dinner and full cash bar. Tickets are $50 per person or $90 per couple.

Please e-mail OHHS-classof85@maine.rr.com or log onto Facebook.com and search for the OHHS Class of 1985 page. We can update your contact information and make sure you receive an invitation. Please call Mike Flanders at 780-6664 with any questions or if you do not wish to access information via the computer. — Katie Turner Letourneau via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few weeks ago I sent Sun Spots a letter requesting a traveling “logs to lumber” individual who would turn my logs into lumber. I received more than 15 calls. From those 15, I chose Curt Bonney from Canton. He is doing a nice job, and I would recommend him to any other person interested in having this kind of work done. Thank you for your great service to this community. — Jean Poulin, via e-mail

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.


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