DEAR SUN SPOTS: The University of Southern Maine’s Franco-American Collection at Lewiston-Auburn College will host Joyeux Noel, a family celebration of the traditional Franco-American Christmas, on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The event will feature a performance by Vermont folk trio Va-et-Vient, as well as a chance for the audience to sing along to their favorite French carols. The musical performance, which begins at 2:30, will be preceded by family-oriented activities such as Christmas ornament crafting, a family portrait studio and the chance to visit the Franco-American reading room.

Traditional refreshments will also be served, and everything will be completely free of charge. More information can be found on our website, www.usm.maine.edu/lac/franco.

I’d like to invite any of your readers who may have vintage French Christmas cards, holiday decorations or other such memorabilia to consider donating them to the collection, either permanently, or on a temporary basis for the event. We’d love to be able to accompany the food, music and festivities with some authentic local Noel artifacts, and I’m sure there are many sitting in attics that are no longer used.

Donations are welcome at any time (preferably before Dec. 11) during our opening hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — James Myall, coordinator, 753-6545, franco@usm.maine.edu

ANSWER: Sun Spots apologizes to James for not getting his letter in sooner so that people could bring in their French Christmas treasures. She has so many letters backed up right now, and this one got buried with another he submitted.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Every year since 1992 the tradition of laying wreaths to honor our veterans during the holiday season when Morrill Worchester of Harrington had too many wreaths at the close of the holiday season. Remembering a boyhood trip to our nation’s capitol, he donated 5,000 of these wreaths to be placed on the graves at the older section of Arlington National Cemetery.

Again this year, thousands of wreaths will be delivered to veterans’ cemeteries throughout the United States. This year the Civil Air Patrol is participating with this holiday tradition as well.

You are invited to participate in this project in a ceremony in a community near you. Help us to remember, honor and teach by thanking a veteran, and purchase a wreath to be placed on the grave of a veteran Corporations may also purchase wreaths to be placed at veterans’ cemeteries.

For more information visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org or www.ThankYou.WreathsAcross America.org

Locally, Maine Wing members and L-A Composite Squadron 077 at Lewiston High School have order forms you may obtain by calling 312-0131. Just leave your name and number. — Capt. Mary J. Story, public affairs officer, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Twenty-one years ago, Charles Kuralt’s nationally televised Sunday morning program did a segment on Chester Greenwood day in Farmington, celebrating where the earmuff was invented. It featured then-Gov. John McKernan, vists to classrooms, the parade, interviews with local residents, etc. If someone wants to cover postage and the cost of the VCR tape, I’ll send it. — John Henry, Brunswick, 837-2340

ANSWER: Technically, your tape is a violation of the show’s copyright, so you can’t sell it. Sun Spots thinks instead you might want to give it to the group in Farmington that sponsors Chester Greenwood Day. If they don’t have a copy, they can hold on to it until the copyright passes.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to buy balsam fir to buy from anyone who a fir woodlot and delivered to my home on Canton Point Road 821. I’m looking for small trees, tree tops and branches if they have a lot of fir on them. If interested, call 418-7671. — I. Brann, Dixfield

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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