DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am curious about comic strips. Do they have local connections? The other day the Nancy strip referred to the Eshbachs as their neighbors, and Nancy was wearing a uniform with the aqua Sea Dogs logo on it. Does the creator have ties to Maine? — No Name via email

ANSWER: According to several online sources, Guy Gilchrist, the current cartoonist for Nancy, designed the logo for the Sea Dogs. Sun Spots couldn’t find any other ties to Maine for Gilchrist online. One website reported him as having been born in Winsted, Conn., in 1957.

Sun Spots has noted a couple of strips that are place oriented (Crankshaft’s characters live in Ohio), but most seem to be generic. This may be intentional, a way to make their strip more appealing to all regions of the country rather than just one.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I recently read where the Village Inn Restaurant won the judge’s award for best chowder at the Chili-Chowder Challenge.

How long have they been reopened since the fire? And does the same family still own the restaurant? Thanks. — Joe Jackson, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots called the Village Inn and spoke to Mitchell Vallee, the grandson of Norm Vallee and son of Mike Vallee, who co-own the restaurant and have since before the fire. Mitchell said they reopened in June 2009.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have folks from two churches here in Gardiner who are interested in starting a summer lunch program to help feed children. We are in the very beginning stages of our talks. We have researched a state-sponsored program but are exploring our options.

If you have participated in a summer lunch program, on any level, particularly in a church kitchen and dining area environment, would you be willing to share your knowledge and insights and model?

Thank you. — Pastor Ted, 582-4747, or C. LaFlamme, 582-6389, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: dixfieldhighschool.com is a historical website consisting mostly of Dixfield High School yearbooks and covers a period from 1912 to 1962. At that time the high school became Dirigo Regional High School.

I am trying to expand the website to include the Dirigo Years and need yearbooks from 1964 through 2010. If anyone from that time period would like to have their class year published, they need to mail the book to Tom Rock 32 Colonial Way Auburn, ME 04210. I will scan the book and return it within two weeks and include a check for mailing cost. — Tom Rock, [email protected], 782-0885

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am in the process of developing a summer enrichment program in downtown Lewiston for any interested school-age youth. Tree Street Youth supports the youth of Lewiston-Auburn through academics, the arts and athletics. We provide Lewiston-Auburn youth with a safe space that encourages healthy physical, social, emotional and academic development while building unity across lines of difference.

We are in desperate need of furniture, including folding chairs/tables, couches, etc., art/athletic equipment, as well as office supplies that we can use for activities with the kids. In addition, donations are always welcome!

If you have any questions, would like more information or are interested in volunteering, please email me at [email protected]. Thank you for your support! — Julia Sleeper, [email protected], 577-6386

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 [email protected].