DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again we have some more free canes for people who need one. You may reach us at 783-3786 anytime. Leave a message if no answer. Thank you, Sun Spots, for the terrific service you provide. — Ron and Nancy, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you or anyone know what happened to Katie’s Sales Inc., P.O. Box 537, 2 Cedar St., Lewiston? They were located in the Continental Mill complex just off the bridge in Lewiston. They sold stuff from shoe shops that had gone under. I do a little hand sewing, and it was a great place for items I need. Thanks. — Mike Melcher, Carthage

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not have any information. Readers? 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Shear Expression seemed to close suddenly, do you know why? Are they closed for good? — Gail M. Miller via email 

ANSWER: Again, Sun Spots is at a loss. She hopes readers will help.

Although it’s sad when businesses close, apparently it’s not as bad for the economy as you might think. The other day on National Public Radio, Sun Spots heard a statistic that astounded her: It said that about 10 percent of U.S. businesses close each year.

Interestingly enough, the economist who offered this data did not see it as negative. He said that the turnover is necessary for innovation to take place, and subsequently for jobs to be created. Here’s another statistic thanks to NPR:

“The Kauffman Foundation’s analysis of recent U.S. Census Bureau data shows that companies less than five years old create nearly two-thirds of net new jobs in America. In other words, if the U.S. economy is going to have a sustained recovery in jobs, it will be up to entrepreneurs to lead the way.”

WEST PARIS – Mission Congregational Church will be holding a drive-through bake sale on Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at the intersection of Routes 26 and 219 (Trapp Corner). You can preorder baked goods by calling Janet at 674-3747.

Finnish items include homemade Nisu bread ($7 and $9) and rice pie ($7) as well as delicious 9-inch fruit pies including apple, blueberry, cherry, custard, lemon meringue or strawberry rhubarb for $9. Also available will be brownies, doughnuts, cookies, muffins, breads, biscuits, rolls, jams, relishes and pickles.

Proceeds from this sale will be used to put vinyl siding on our 100-year-old building. We invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Thank you so much! —Debi Pride, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS; The Maine Society of Mayflower Descendants, founded in 1901, will hold its summer meeting, led by Gov. Lynde C. Randall, on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Captain’s Galley Restaurant, Old Orchard Beach. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. with the luncheon at noon. Reservations must be received by Saturday, July 30. The society has three meetings per year: May, August and November.

The Maine Society is pleased to welcome our guest speaker, Jeanne Wright, a volunteer for the Alliance for American Quilts, called “Quilters S.O.S. – Save our Stories.” She has had quilting interviews that eventually end up at the Library of Congress. Some of the quilts are taken to independent, assisted and nursing homes to tell residents stories about the history of the quilts and also hear some of the quilters’ stories. Some of the stories are visual, which show the different variety of ways to make a quilt.

Requirement for membership in the Maine Society of Mayflower Descendants is proof of descent from any passenger on the Mayflower voyage that terminated at Plymouth, Mass., in 1620. For more information, please call 846-0616. Thank you. — Mary Lee Merrill, publicity chairwoman, [email protected]

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].