DEAR SUN SPOTS: It is not well known that for more than 25 years local merchants have donated money to the Auburn Holiday Decorating fund to purchase lights, banners and scenery to decorate Auburn for the December holidays.

For many years, if it hadn’t been for the merchants’ generosity, there would have been no lights or decorations. The decorating committee hopes to decorate the trees in Raymond Park on South Main Street this year, but donations have fallen short due to the economy.

I am writing to rally the residents of Auburn and ask for their help this year, to show the committee and city officials that decorating for the holidays is important to this community. A festive-looking city inspires joy, laughter, hope and even peace.

I enjoy the lights at Christmas. I hope your readers will please join me in making a donation. For every dollar donated, one light bulb can be purchased. There are 100 bulbs in a string, and 10 strings needed per tree.

If any of your readers would like to purchase a bulb, a string of lights or a tree of lights, please send donations to Auburn Holiday Decorating, c/o P.O. Box 498, Auburn, ME 04210. — Laurie St. Pierre, Percy’s Burrow Toys and Gifts, percysburrow@gmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Mary Dillingham Chapter, Daughters of American Revolution, received a call from a lady who wanted information about our meetings. At the time, I was in Washington, D.C., and promised to get back to her. Before I could, my phone died and I lost all my contacts. Would that lady please forgive me and call me back? I received the call on Aug. 28 and would really like to get in touch with her again. — Bev Robbins, 577-0706, revandbev@msn.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: First I’d like to thank the Sun Journal for adding the cryptoquips. So far I have managed to solve them all without much trouble. And that is the problem.

After solving them for the past couple of months, I am finding the phrasing of them to be repetitive. I would like to see cryptograms that are sayings or proverbs or adages. A little more variety and challenge.

I realize they might not be easy for everyone, so I wonder how others are faring with the cryptoquips. Thank you. — No Name via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last year at the Oxford Fair, I purchased many items from a vendor named Judy Allen and her mom, Barbara. I know they live in the Norway-South Paris area but do not know how to reach them.

I went to the fair only to see them and purchase their products, but they were not there this year. Can you please let me know how I can reach them? I purchased a large hand-made moose from them, and he needs a companion! Thank you. — Ellen A. Guilford, elleng1123@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots found two websites with products that may be what you are looking for: www.mainemoosecompany.com and www.mooseville.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Bravo regarding your take on the soap issue! The Innkeepers, our friends and extended family have been utilizing the gently used soaps for years with no adverse effects.

One caller suggested sending the soaps to Haiti. Friends are adopting a Haitian child, so the final solution to the soap dilemma is that they will be collected and brought to Haiti for use there. Thanks for your help, Sun Spots. — Jan Barrett, info@warestreetinn.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the reader inquiry on Oct. 4, Ness Oil Co. at 249 Washington St. in Auburn sells K-1 through the pump and also delivers K-1. Our business hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Melanie Ness, melness@roadrunner.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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