DEAR SUN SPOTS: How long has the Sun Spots column been in the Sun Journal and was it in the Sun before they combined with the Journal?

Also, do you work for the Sun Journal or what is your background? Thank you. — John Kezal, Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots got most of her answers about the history of Sun Spots from her colleague Sue, who is mostly retired but still honors us with her presence by filling in for vacations.

Sue said that Sun Spots began after she joined the Daily Sun in 1965, but she’s not sure of the exact date. It was up and running in the 1970s.

There have only been a few “Sun Spots,” probably less than 10. Your current correspondent has been writing it since September 2009.

The job is much easier now than it was back in the early days, thanks to the Internet. Previous Sun Spots editors had to call and write to find experts, rather than just googling.

Sometimes Sun Spots has been done by employees, other times by freelancers. Your current Sun Spots is an employee but also works from home.

This Sun Spots did not stay put until she found her way to Maine, moving more than 40 times, moving from coast to coast and working lots of different jobs in many different industries, including banking, horse training, restaurants, retail, textbook publishing, etc., and etc.

This large variety of experience is both a help and hindrance. Sometimes Sun Spots thinks she knows the answer to a question but research or readers reveal that she is not as smart as she thought she was!

Perhaps some of the previous Sun Spots will write in and share some of their experiences or offer more detailed history about the origins of the column.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wrote in before. I don’t know if I missed my answer. How do you address soldiers serving overseas? I would like to write to some. Please help me. — Geraldine, Cornish

ANSWER: Sun Spots answered your letter quite a while ago, on Dec. 20. She didn’t have much of an answer for you, as many organizations provide access only via email.

But Peg Conroy of Rumford offered a suggestion you might find helpful:

“The organization soldiersangels.com will allow you to write to a soldier (they supply the names) after you join by simply filling out a brief questionnaire and agree to abide by a few simple rules. I have been a member since 2007, and it makes me feel so good when a soldier gets a letter from home to brighten up his/her day. I started doing it after my daughter returned from Iraq and told me how sad it was when at mail call there were always those who never got any mail from home. It’s a wonderful group!”

Writers without computers can go to their local library for help signing up. According to the website, you must donate a minimum of $1 to join the group and be verified.

Once you’ve been verified, you can participate in a variety of activities, including Adopt a Soldier. The site offers this caveat:

“Signing up to adopt a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine or Coast Guardsman (they deploy, too!) is simple and takes only a few minutes. It is a commitment to send at least a letter each week and a care package each month throughout the service member’s deployment.”

In December there were 151 soldiers currently awaiting adoption.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Oak Hill High School presented “Guys and Dolls” between 1990 and 1993. I was wondering if anyone has a video that they would not mind sharing. I have a nephew who was in that play, and his children would love to see it.

I could either copy to a DVD or purchase a copy. Thanks. — Susan, 713-7105, suzy0401@aol.com

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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