DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you find out why the Red Sox play and sing “Sweet Caroline” during the seventh inning at all home games? Thank you. — No Name, Livermore Falls

ANSWER: Sun Spots’ editor pointed her to msn.com (http://tinyurl.com/mznujb5) for an explanation of this ritual.

According to reporting by a Boston Globe correspondent, there is no real Red Sox significance to the song.

Amy Tobey, whose job from 1998 to 2004 was to decide which music would be played at Fenway Park, told the Globe that she had noticed the song at other sporting events and decided to try it at Fenway.

Red Sox officials contradicted this tale a bit when they told MSN News that it was played for the first time when a family in the stadium’s control room had a baby named Caroline.

Tobey said it became a kind of “good luck” charm and played on nights when the team is ahead.

More interesting to Sun Spots is that Neil Diamond, who wrote the song, has admitted that his inspiration for the song was Caroline Kennedy, after he saw a picture of her standing with her pony when she was about 9 years old.

Although Caroline was born in New York, the Kennedys have deep roots in Boston, and when Caroline attended a Red Sox game she was asked if the song was played for her. Caroline said she didn’t think so.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Sharon Rose announced the other morning on Channel 6 that she was married over the weekend at Old Orchard Beach. I thought she was married to Chris Rose. Did she divorce him? Wanting to know. — No Name, Bethel

ANSWER: Sun Spots has been asked before if Chris and Sharon Rose got divorced but didn’t find any information. (People tend not to publicize divorces.) It would be listed in court logs, if you knew what court they were divorced in.

Sun Spots is pretty sure that if they were married, which online posts indicate, that they are certainly divorced now!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here I am asking for help again. I am looking for some bright yellow sheer curtains, two pair 63 inches long. I have looked everywhere, from a curtain shop to all the local bed and bath stores, and online, but I can’t find anything close.

I am willing to pay for used. If anyone can be of help, please let me know. I appreciate everyone who has helped me with previous requests. — Debbie, debrod@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: If you could find the fabric you like, it wouldn’t cost much to have curtains made. Sun Spots has the following seamstresses in her Rolodex:

* Alice Hilton, Gardiner area, 582-3759

* Alterations by Judy, 906 Sabattus St., Lewiston, 783-6201

* Carolee Nash, 60 Mechanic Falls Road, Poland, caroleenash38@msn.com, 712-6471 (no wool)

* Cecile Giguere, 1048 Sabattus St., Lot 28, 784-3028

* Chez Dorea, 277 Lisbon St., Lewiston, open Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 333-0755

* Mainly Sewing, 114 Western Ave., Auburn, 783-9406, alterations, teaches sewing

* Nita Brissette, Nita’s Alterations in Turner, 212-3766

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks for all the help you give to people. You’re the reason several people I know even buy the paper!

Does anyone have any bath towels or baby receiving blankets they no longer want? I’m working at an animal shelter, and we could use these items. No big or thick blankets please.

We could also use pellets for cat litter.

This next request I’m asking for is for me. Any scrubs in good condition, any size, would be appreciated.

A million thanks to all who donate these items. — July LeBroke, Norway, 743-2768

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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