DEAR SUN SPOTS: In honor of those who served during the aftermath of 9/11, Healthy Androscoggin VetCorps is holding an emergency food drive for the Seventh-day Adventist food pantry in Auburn from Sept. 5 to 10.

During the last four months, the food pantry has seen an increase from 400 to 900 individuals served.

Volunteers for distribution and collection are needed. Donations of nonperishable foods and funds can be brought to the church at 316 Minot Ave. or call 784-0861. Volunteers should call 795-2545.

Thank you for all your help within our community. — Gigi Tharpe, CADCA VetCorps prevention coordinator, tharpegi@cmhc.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to your Aug. 23 column about Dunkin’ Donuts closing in St Mary’s hospital, it was stated that the new food service, Metz, would be opening its own “cafe” to give people “healthier options.”

Let me tell you. I regularly visit a resident of the apartments across from St Mary’s for lunch. We try to go for lunch at the Campus Cuisine, also run by Metz. They usually offer three options for lunch. Almost every time we go, the options are haddock fromage (cheese), macaroni and cheese, and sliced turkey, probably with cheese. So much for going healthy.

We usually end up leaving the building, opting for a healthier option. I can’t understand how they think everything covered in cheese sauce is healthy, especially for a 93-year-old woman. I guess I won’t be ordering a salad at the new hospital cafe. I’m sure it’ll be covered in cheese sauce. — Tim Giroux, panctil2@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Tim is not the only one who said “hands off my doughnuts.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Kudos to Linda Roy regarding the exit of Dunkin’ Donuts from the lobby at St. Mary’s. She was right on, and many people share her views.

I found the response from St. Mary’s spokeswoman Jennifer Radel insulting. Since when is it a health care organization’s responsibility to decide food choices for consumers?

Let’s be honest: Could it be that the new cafe will be more profitable for the organization? — Health Conscious Senior, No Town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In your Sept. 10, 2011, column you wrote that “Little Dan’s BBQ will rise again.” It’s been almost two years since then and I’m not aware of their reopening. What happened?

Their website is no longer online, and I don’t know who to contact. I’d love some of their recipes if they aren’t going to reopen. Thank you!  — Tony, xzaofreakx@hotmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots was quoting the website when she used that headline. As you note, the website is no longer functioning, and yelp.com reports it as “closed.”

Sun Spots doesn’t know anything else. Perhaps Little Dan or one of his friends will see this and offer some information on his restaurant’s status or even his recipes.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: While searching online, I came across your Sept. 12, 2012, column about the Joy Inn on Lisbon Street. I have recently found out my father, Low Hing, had worked there as chef. I have a copy of a Social Security application that has the restaurant as his place of work.

I was wondering what information you may have on the restaurant.

My mother, Velma Buckman, was born in Livermore Falls. I know almost nothing about her, as my mother died when I was young. Thank you. — Jim Hing, Tron_5@hotmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots knows nothing more about the Joy Inn than what readers submitted in columns. But perhaps a reader will remember one of your parents and offer more information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Edward Little High School Class of 1988 is having its 25th reunion at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Auburn Hilton Garden Inn.

Any class members who would like to attend are asked to register ASAP. Registration is $35. Send payment through PayPal to ELHSclassof1988@outlook.com.

Be sure to check the box that says “I’m sending money to family or friends.” You will receive a confirmation email or Facebook message. Thank you! — Michelle Veilleux, michellev725@yahoo.com

REMINDER: Once again Sun Spots reminds letter writers that many of her readers don’t “do” computers, either because they are not so inclined or because of the cost. Including a phone number or mailing address — and giving Sun Spots permission to publish them — may prove very helpful to your cause.

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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