DEAR SUN SPOTS: I belong to the New Auburn seniors. Between Nov. 16 and Nov. 22, someone stole $1,500 in cash and checks that was for our Christmas party.

I know the cash is gone, but I’m hoping to retrieve the checks. They are made out to New Auburn Seniors. It cost us more than $4,000 for our Christmas party for 155 seniors. That left a big hole in our budget.

If the person who took the checks sees this, they can send the checks to me at 177 Sopers Mill Road, Auburn, ME 04210-8243. Thank you for your help. — Virginia Levasseur, president, 783-0273

ANSWER: Sun Spots is appalled. Both this letter and the next reflect some of the worst in L-A. But Sun Spots feels sure her readers will show them some of the best in their responses to your letter and the one that follows.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Monday, Jan. 16, my footed walking cane was taken from Walmart in Auburn. I got a riding cart and placed my cane near the bagged ice machine, where everyone leaves canes, etc., and where I’ve left mine for the last eight years.

A man asked the greeter, “Have you seen my umbrella?” Then said, “oh, it’s not raining. Have you seen my cane?” Then walked over, took my cane and left the store.

That cane has been with me for 40 years. I want to say to the “man” who stole it: “Thank you for leaving an old crippled lady stranded. If you have a heart, please, please return it to the Walmart lost and found. I’m lost without that sturdy cane. — No Name, Auburn, phatgrannyme@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots cannot imagine why he would have stolen your cane, other than maybe to pawn it? You might call some of the pawn shops to see if they have it.

Sun Spots showed these letters to Auburn’s Deputy Chief Jason Moen to see if he had any suggestions. He said that if anyone is the victim of a crime they should report it immediately. “The longer someone waits to report it, the more difficult it becomes to solve.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a 2-year-old daughter whose father is not part of her life. He does not have a job, education or solid living situation. He doesn’t offer any help for his daughter and has abusive behavior.

I’ve had sole custody since this summer. What would happen if he brought me to court? What are my rights?

I know she has the right to know who her father is, but I’m afraid for her safety. — No Name, Kingfield

ANSWER: Sun Spots is in no way qualified to answer your question, and attorneys are loathe to offer legal advice for free or without knowing all the facts.

To be clear about your rights you should consult an attorney, perhaps whoever handled your divorce.

If funds are a problem, you might try visiting Pine Tree Legal, which provides services to low-income Mainers. You can visit them at www.ptla.org or go to their Lewiston office: 37 Park Street, Suite 401, P.O. Box 398, Lewiston, ME 04243-0398, 784-1558. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (not open to walk-in clients on Wednesdays).

Sun Spots is not sure that they will undertake your case. Pro bono legal services are stretched pretty thin right now thanks to the economic crisis, so you may have to wait, but perhaps they will have some helpful suggestions.

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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