DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am in need of a copy of my birth certificate from Auburn. Can you tell me how to go about getting it? Please do not use my name. Thank you for all you do. — No Name via email

ANSWER: You have a choice. You can either go to the town office of where you were born or you can go the Office of Vital Records in Augusta. The fees are the same. The only difference is if you need or want a state-issued certificate as opposed to a municipal-issued certificate.

Sun Spots called Auburn and was told that if you want a copy of your own birth certificate all you need to bring is proof of identification, such as your driver’s license, and the fee (which is the same as outlined in the state information below). If you want one for someone else, you need your ID along with proof of your authority to obtain the other person’s birth certificate.

For the state certificates, Sun Spots found the following information at www.maine.gov/dhhs/faq.htm:

For information on obtaining a certified copy of a birth, death or marriage record from 1923 to the present call the Office of Vital Records at 207-287-3181. Divorce records from 1892 through the present may be obtained at the same office.

The fee for a certified copy is $15 and $6 for each additional copy of the same record, $10 for noncertified (not a legal copy). Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Birth, death and marriage records from 1892 to 1922 are located at Maine State Archives telephone 207-287-5795. The fee for a certified copy is $15 and $6 for each additional copy of the same record, $10 for noncertified (not a legal copy) Checks can be made out to Treasurer – State of Maine.

The mailing addresses are Office of Vital Records, 244 Water Street, SHS No. 11, Augusta, ME 04333-0011; and Maine State Archives, State House Complex, Station 84, Augusta, ME 04333-0084.

If you would like to pay for your order with a credit card, you may order online at www.vitalchek.com, or you may telephone the Vital Chek Network at the toll free number 877-523-2659 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have additional questions, email the office. TTY: 207-287-4479.

Sun Spots was told that there are occasions when a birth certificate is available in one location, but not the other. However, it is not supposed to be that way, and the town will share its records with the state and vice versa.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are planning a reunion for St. Mary’s Parochial School for all the students who graduated in the 1960s or maybe started there and did not complete for whatever reason, including the school closing in 1967 or ’68. We are now searching for classmates.

Please call me at 782-1512 as soon as possible. Thank you all for your quick response. — Rena Barnett, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again the Bethel Historical Society will hold its annual St. Never’s Day Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 25, on my side lawn at 18 Broad St.

With time for spring cleaning nearly upon us, the society is seeking new or pre-owned “treasures” in good salable condition, such as furniture, tools and housewares, etc. Please, no clothing, tires or obsolete computer equipment.

Items can be left on the back porch of the society’s O’Neil Robinson House at 10 Broad St. or on my side porch at any time.

Anyone wishing to join the fun may rent six-foot tables for $20 each. Call the society at 824-2908 or 800-824-2910 to reserve tables or for more information. — Stan Howe, sale chairman

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.