DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund was established about 40 years ago in memory of Henry L. Cottrell, a Monmouth principal and, later, Robert Taylor, a teacher. Its purpose is to provide Christmas dinner and gifts for families in Monmouth who are in need during the holiday season.

The committee is hard at work and accepting donations for these families. We realize times continue to be difficult for all, so we think it is important to remember the children. We were able to help 65 families with generous contributions last year. Your consideration is appreciated.

In addition to money, we are accepting new clothing, mittens, hats, gloves, games, puzzles, school supplies and books for kids of all ages, which can left at one of the Monmouth schools.

If you choose to donate money, a check can be written to the Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund. If possible, the committee would like contributions on or before Dec. 3 but will gratefully accept them at a later date. Checks can be mailed to Laurie Gifford, P.O. Box 218, Monmouth, ME 04259. — Penny, Monmouth

DEAR SUN SPOTS: There was an amazing story with a great picture of my dog Banjo and I in the Region section of the Sun Journal on Oct. 29. Although I subscribe to your newspaper, I cannot find it.

Friends that day were able to access it. Unfortunately, my computer was down. Someone sent me a link and said “Click on Oxford.” There is only Oxford Hills as far as I can see. I even tried the archives.

Please tell me how I might find it. — Judith Diamond, contessa@megalink.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots remembers that story quite well, as she was the one who edited it and put it online. It is still there. There are three ways to find it:

You can go to this link, which Sun Spots set up for you: http://tinyurl.com/c5hodkz

You can go to sunjournal.com and search for unique terms, in this case, “great pyrenees, banjo” work well.

Or you can go to sunjournal.com, select Oxford Hills (Oxford is a town in the Oxford Hills region and the name of the county, but some people use them interchangeably) and then scroll down through the stories until you come to Banjo’s photo.

Online, just below the caption, is a link if you want to purchase prints of the fine photos taken by reporter Terry Karkos.

To buy additional copies of that edition of the paper, call Customer Service at 800-482-0759, ext. 1181. Current subscribers can purchase five additional copies at half price. Nonsubscribers are charged full price.

DEAR MS. SUN SPOTS: If it is possible, could you email me Louise Richard’s address or phone number (Oct. 24 letter about Youth Calvacade contest in 1950s-‘60s)? It wasn’t in the letter.

Louise and Teddy Theriault were friends of my sister Mary and mine on Nichols Street in Lewiston. They moved to Waldo Street in Rumford around 1952. Louise was a majorette at Stephens, so my sister got to visit her when they came to Lewiston for football games.

My dad brought home 100 penny postcards to help Teddy and the Tornadoes win on the Ken McKenzie talent show.

My cousin roomed with a Lowvat girl in college and is attempting to get information through her on Facebook. We are trying to find some of my birthday pictures taken at 71 Nichols St. with Ted, Louise, Mary and myself to send to her.

I’m sure the tapes she is looking for are long gone, as the film did not age well and some were taped over to save money — what a shame. So thanks in advance for your help. — Office Dave, dandsshortill@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots apologizes for the inconvenience, but she cannot give out people’s personal information. However, she can run your letter and allow Louise to contact you, so here it is.

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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