DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston Root Cellar will be holding a clothing distribution on Friday, July 16, from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The distribution will be at the 89 Birch St. location in the Community Center.

The Root Cellar needs volunteers to help sort clothing, assisting those who need clothing and for cleaning up.

The Root Cellar also needs clothing donations for children, infants and toddlers as well as jackets and shoes.

If you would like to volunteer or donate, please call 782-3659 or visit 89 Birch St. Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. — No Name via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have been overwhelmed by the interest in our family’s former business, Cooper’s Restaurant. We grew up being known as the Cooper sisters (or Cooper kids), Sheila and Colleen.

We never saw the roadside stand our father Frank and Uncle Jim built when our dad returned from war after being a POW for 26 months.

We did, however, enjoy the two-sided restaurant featuring a “kids” side complete with a juke box and banners of LHS, ELHS, St. Dom’s and Bates. The other side had more conservative tables for families.

The final version of Cooper’s was a traditional family dining area, but by this time they were able to serve beer, and thus the annual keg of green beer and corned beef and cabbage arrived every March 17.

Cooper’s was well known for its seafood and family atmosphere. It was the afternoon coffee stop for the local businessmen who were able to solve the world’s problems under Frank’s supervision.

It was also not unusual for local school administrators to contact Frank asking him to give a job to a youth at risk. Of course he did. Frank and Jim supported all local sport teams. They frequently brought in teams for a feast.

On Aug. 7, 1971, due to Frank’s service-related poor health, Cooper’s was sold to dear friends Richard and Arlene Laliberte. Cooper’s was Frank’s life, and after the signing he was heard saying, “I feel like a man without a country.” He died the next day.

Jim enjoyed playing golf, working at the race track and spending winters in Miami, Fla., until his health began to fade. He died Nov. 25, 2006.

As for the Cooper kids, Sheila taught first grade for 25 years, as well as running the Cooper School of Baton. She is currently working in the Bates College Admission Office. She married Charles Walton, and they live in Lewiston. Colleen is a retired physical educator and currently lives in Harpswell with her husband, Claude. They have two children, Angela and Jack.

With many fond memories of Cooper’s Restaurant … — Sheila Cooper Walton and Collen Cooper Rioux

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the person from Norway (July 7) looking for someone to repair or replace a car radio, Auto City of Maine, 1009 Center St., Auburn, 333-3390, is in the old Radio City location and can repair or replace car radios. Thanks. — Ray Berube, autocityofmaine@hotmail.com

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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