DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope you can help me get in touch with Donn Fendler; it is quite important. My mom has the book of his from when he was lost on the mountain in Maine. I would like to have him sign it for her or mail her a signed copy. She has had this book since she was a young girl, probably just about the time it really happened. I would like to have his address. — D.D., Dixfield

ANSWER: As Sun Spots has noted before, it can be very difficult to find a mailing address for celebrities or famous people due to security concerns, and she was prepared to offer all sorts of roundabout ways of contacting Donn, other than the fan site www.donnfendler.com.

But Mainers are different, and Sun Spots easily found a Newport phone number on a Google search. She called, and Donn himself answered.

Donn is still in Maine, where he lives part time. According to Wikipedia. in the fall he visits schools, where he tells his story and answers chidlren’s questions.

He is currently getting ready to leave for his winter home in Clarksville, Tennessee, so you will need to wait a bit and give him a chance to get settled in, but he said he would be glad to honor your request.

You can send your mother’s book to 1770 Theresa Drive, Clarksville, TN 37043. You should be sure and send with your book either a postage-paid padded return envelope or sufficient cash to cover the cost.

A new paperback version of the book is available for $5.99 at amazon.com.

Sun Spots was amazed when she read about Donn on Wikipedia. He was 12 when he was lost on the mountain in 1939. For those who are math challenged, that means he is at least 85. On the phone he didn’t sound like he was a day over 65!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love your column! I read it every day and I have seen some very difficult questions answered. I am looking for someone that repairs broken VHS tapes. Or if anyone has an idea on how to fix one.

I have a very special home video of a relative and the ribbon is broken. Any advice or if you know of someone that maybe able to help me with this. I would love to repair this for Christmas. Thank you. — Big Sun Spots Fan

ANSWER: Sun Spots has a few names in her Rolodex for people who transfer VHS tapes to CD/DVD, so Sun Spots would guess they can fix your tape as well. Then, perhaps, you might have it transferred as well. Tapes do not hold up well over the years.

* Al Ibarguen, Wilton, nascar810@earthlink.net, 645-4250

* Francis Gagnon, Via-Vision, 18 College St., Lewiston, 783-2550, www.viavisionproductions.com

* Bruce Mitchell, 12 Webb Ave., Wilton, byinbyan@myfairpoint.net, 645-2674

DEAR SUN SPOTS: They say curiosity killed the cat. Our curiosity leads us to wonder what Queen Elizabeth II carries in her black pocketbook. — K.K. and A.P.

ANSWER: Sun Spots wrote to Windsor Castle but did not receive a response. Sun Spots would guess that Queen Elizabeth, like other ladies of her generation, carries a brush/comb, handkerchief/tissues, compact and lipstick in her purse. She guesses that the Queen has no need of cash or credit cards.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person (Nov. 9) looking for old newspapers on the day her son was born, there is a website that prints the news for the whole year. I checked and saw they do have 2001.

My children got me one for my 50th birthday, very interesting reading. These books go back many years and they do make good gifts for any gender. The website is www.4perfectgifts.com.

Keep up the good work with the column; it is a great source of different information. — Yvonne Parker, lkywch@yahoo.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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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