DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Edward Little Music Association will be wrapping gifts once again this year at the Auburn Mall. The wrapping booth opens Friday, Nov. 25, and continues through Christmas Eve.

This is the association’s largest fundraiser for the year. We are in desperate need of volunteers to help wrap, especially on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you can volunteer a few hours during this busy holiday season, we would greatly appreciate it.

The funds raised support the music programs at both the Auburn Middle School and Edward Little High School. If you can volunteer, please contact Vicky at 333-7497. — Dan Philbrick, daniel.philbrick@gmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope you or one of your readers can help me find a 12-inch flat-rimmed Pyrex pie late within reasonable driving distance of Norway-Paris. I’d like to be able to give this to an old friend who lost hers for a Christmas present. Thank you for any help you can provide. — Virginia Labbe, South Paris, 743-1678

ANSWER: Sun Spots did not have luck with Pyrex. She went to pyrex.com, where they only had one size — 9.5 inches. She did find some 16-inch glass pie plates, but they were very fancy with scalloped edges and a hefty price tag of $45-50.

At surlatalbe.com she found a 16-inch aluminum pie plate with a flat edge for $9.95. If you think your friend could live with that, you can call them at 800-243-0852

Sun Spots checked with Reny’s in Bridgton to no avail. A local source for a new plate might be difficult to find. Used might be an option. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a question some readers might know. I have some green beans I canned about a year ago. The beans have turned dark. Are they still good or what? This has never happened before. Thank you. — Georgia, Jay

ANSWER: Sun Spots found a posting online that suggested beans that were not adequately covered with water during the canning process will turn dark. It did not say that it made them unsafe to eat.

Sun Spots does not can, but she does blanch and freeze beans, and she noticed that some of her beans were darker than usual this year. She thought this might be because they sat in the fridge for a few days after picking.

Perhaps some canning experts out there will help with this question.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last year a teacher at Lewiston High School was featured around the holidays. She had a display of Charles Dickens’ Christmas story. I was wondering if you could give me her contact information, I’d like to give her a collection of Dickens’ works to share with her students. Love Sun Spots; keep up the great work! — No Name via email

ANSWER: Last December there was a photo in the Sun Journal with the following caption:

“Edward Little High School English teacher Carlene Magno reads from Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Wednesday. Magno sets up her Victorian-era village in the classroom weeks ahead of the holiday season and works her lesson plan to teach students about the mid-1800s in England. They learn the literature and vocabulary of the period and the lessons in Dickens’ literature, which teaches that Christmas is about reaching out to one another, Magno said.”

If this is the event you are referring to (it’s a different school), you can call Edward Little High School at 333–6652.

No Name also asked a question about caterpillars. Sun Spots is waiting for someone to get back to her and will answer soon.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In your column on Sept. 16, Julie Jipson was looking for former classmates from L’orphelinat Saint Joseph also known as Marcotte Home for girls. A few of the girls I know have emailed her, but she has not answered.

We would love to have a reunion since it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. If Julie still wants a reunion, maybe she can give us a phone number or something so we can get in touch with her. — Former Classmate, Lewiston

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.

Copy the Story Link