DEAR SUN SPOTS: We would like to know how many murder cases there are in Maine that aren’t solved? Thanks for your help, as always. — No name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke with Brenda Kielty, the spokeswoman for the Maine Attorney General’s office. She said there is no one place where this information is collected, but she did some research and came up with the number of unsolved murders for 2009 (two) and 2010 (three).

Sun Spots suspects that your question reflects concern over the still unsolved murder of an elderly Farmington woman this summer. This type of home-invasion attack is very unnerving, but not the most common of murders. The national average for “stranger” murders (most people are killed by someone they know, frequently a family member), according to a McClatchy story in July 2010, is 16 percent.

According to www.disastercenter.com, from 2005 to 2008, Maine ranked 45th to 47th out of 51 in reported crimes. And in a June 2010 Bangor Daily News story, this fact appeared: “In 2009, 26 people were victims of homicide, with 10 of those — 38 percent — classified as acts of domestic violence.”

Overall, Maine is still a pretty safe place.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What is the Lewiston School Department going to do with the old Pettingill playground equipment? It is a shame to let it deteriorate when some other agency might be able to use it. Thank you. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots got an answer to your question from Joe Perryman, director of Facilities for the Lewiston School Department. He said:

“The School Department has turned the building and land over to the city of Lewiston. The playground equipment was left there so the neighborhood could continue to use it. When the land and building get developed we will be remove the equipment and use it at existing schools.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On July 25 my letter offering free piano sheet music (both English and French) appeared in your column. But somehow my phone number wasn’t there. My letter said to leave a message, but of course they couldn’t. — Marie Bernatchez, Auburn, 946-7398

ANSWER: Writers often forget to include their phone numbers, and in that case Sun Spots has to hope that readers respond to the column. However, in this case, Sun Spots left out the number. She apologizes to Marie for the inconvenience.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Knights of Columbus free supper this month will be on Aug. 13. The doors will open at noon to have people come in to play board games, cards, cribbage, etc., or just socialize. We will serve a summertime feast of pulled-pork sandwiches, coleslaw, corn on the cob, salads and desserts from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

All are welcome. Donations are accepted, but they are not necessary. If you need an elevator, please come in the back door. Press and hold the buzzer until you hear it. We will be happy to assist you to come in to dine with us.

A great thanks goes to God for working through the hearts of the many volunteers, supporters, known and anonymous, who have made serving this free community dinner possible.

Please patronize the vendor supporters if and when possible. This month’s “friend of the supper” is Taylor Made Homes. Other supporters include Dunkin’ Donuts, Knights of Columbus, Daughters Of Isabella, Blanchard Cash Fuel Inc, Food City, Daily Bulldog, Sun Journal and Stevenson’s Fresh Produce. Thank you. — Robert Chasse, [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].