DEAR SUN SPOTS: I haven’t written for awhile, but have continued to enjoy your columns. We hope you can help us solve a mystery. Each time we ride through Topsham on the bypass from Route 196 to Route 1 in Brunswick, we go by a field that has some black crosses. We are wondering if this is a memorial for something — maybe a plane crash at that site? Thanks for your help. — Fran and Bill Miller, wfmiller1@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Thanks to Sun Spots’ colleague and super Internet searcher Jessica Meakin, you can read about the crosses at www.thecryeronline.com/newspaper.asp?ArticleID=184.

They are not really crosses but rather representations of the tradition of placing a soldier’s gun barrel down into the ground and setting his helmet on top if it. According to the story, they represent Maine troops killed in Iraq and were placed there by Gordon Kinney of Topsham. If anyone wants to know more or volunteer for the project, they can call him at 751-2546.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is it true that the state of Maine owns land in Florida for agricultural purposes? — Joe Shimamura via e-mail

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke with Carol at the Maine Potato Board. She said that the state does own land in Florida for the purpose of testing seeds for disease.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was asked by a retired employee and veteran if burial for veterans is free at Togus. That might be a question that other veterans would be interested to know. Thanks! — Sheri, Lewiston

ANSWER: According to /www.togus.va.gov/about/Cemetery2.asp, the Togus National Cemetery is closed to new burials. The following was posted on the website:

“The first veteran was buried in the West Cemetery on April 20, 1867, and the last burial was in the East Cemetery on June 30, 1961. Although it is a closed cemetery, we have buried widows of veterans in the past few years which meet very strict guidelines.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Earlier this week, Sun Spots ran a letter that stated that Penney’s did not carry Easy Spirit Footwear anymore. We have had many customers calling to inquire. That statement was incorrect; we actually still carry a large assortment of Easy Spirit. Also, if a size or color is not available in the store, we are able to find more for our customers. Thank you. — Gretchen Sayward, store manager, JC Penney, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots, a longtime Penney’s shopper, very much regrets letting that incorrect statement slip into the column.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have inherited a number of power woodworking tools from my father’s extensive estate. My mother has been very patient over the years having them stored in her garage. I would love to keep them and use them myself. Unfortunately, I live in a small house and do not have much room for storing such things.

I would love to give them away to a deserving charity that may have a fundraising yard sale coming up. I want someone who will take it all. These are all Craftsman tools. I have three table saws, jig saw, planer, molder, jointer, scroll saw and most of a lathe. This could be a nice money maker for someone, such as Habitat for Humanity or any school. Please call me to arrange pick up. — Gerry, 576-6947, gmorin@megalink.net

ANSWER: You will undoubtedly be inundated with calls for this very generous offer and will be able to take your pick of charities.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston-Auburn Night Lions Club will be hosting a family portrait session from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, at the VFW hall, 588 Minot Ave., Auburn. The cost is $10 per sheet. Please schedule your time by going to www.danallardphotography.com. We are also giving away Gifford’s ice cream to the first 100 kids to attend. Proceeds will benefit the Good Shepherd Food-Bank generator fund and the Lions Vision Care projects. Thank you for supporting the Lewiston-Auburn Night Lions Club. — Paul C., club secretary, 998-2575

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.