DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am trying to find a contact for St. Patrick’s Church. After my dad passed away 16 years ago, a plaque was put on one of the pews with my dad’s name on it. I am looking to see if there is any way I can get the plaque. Thank you for your help. — Donna via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots got an answer to this query from Gilbert LaPointe, business manager for the Prince of Peace Parish, who said the plaques from the St. Patrick pews are at the Prince of Peace Parish Office at 16 Ste. Croix St. in Lewiston, 777-1200.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have all my information for my family tree but need it put on paper. Is there anyone who would do this on a “tree” for me? I want to be able to look at one chart and see all the branches. Love your column. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots called the Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society and spoke to the president, Father Parent, who said the society sells “fan” charts for $6 if you want to fill it in yourself. The fan widens as you go back each generation, up to 11 generations. 

The MFGS is at 217 Turner St., Auburn ME 04210, 786-3327, in the big white Victorian that houses the Fortin Funeral Home (look for the MFGS sign on the side of the building). It is open for research from 1 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. There is a $3 research fee for nonmembers, but everyone is welcome. You can visit their website at www.simplesite.com/mfgswebsite/ or email mfgs@oxfordnetwork.net.

Father Parent also noted that the society has a complete collection of Franco obituaries starting in 1980, including those published in New Hampshire as well as Maine. They also collect funeral cards and gratefully accept obituaries published before 1980. Everything is filed and cataloged for researchers. The society also has an extensive collection of books.

As for your tree, Father Parent said that if your information is already on a computer, you have more options. Some websites, such as ancestry.com, allow you to download your data and turn it into a tree.

You can also buy software (for example, www.familytreemaker.com) that will create the tree for you and even let you include photos.

If you would still prefer to have a professional artist or calligrapher fill in your chart by hand, Father Parent said he could ask among his volunteers to see if someone does that. Or perhaps readers will know of someone.

GOOD MORNING, SUN SPOTS: I always start my day by reading your great column. On Oct. 16 I read the request from Greta of Rumford who is looking for a postcard of the road sign listing cities in Maine named after countries.

I am a postcard collector and have the card she is interested in. Because I am a collector and cannot part with any of my cards, I will gladly make her a copy of the postcard.

She gave no phone number or address. Could you please forward my reply to her? Sincere thanks in advance. — Postcard Collector

ANSWER: Once again, Sun Spots is stymied by the reluctance of readers to have their contact information posted in the column. Greta, if you want to take P.C. up on her offer, please write in again and supply your phone number.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I recently purchased postcards with the signage of different towns in Maine from the bookstore on the main street of Freeport. I also have seen them locally in Walmart at the front of the store near the photo studio. — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the murals in the Oct. 10 column, I think the murals referred to were on Luiggi’s as well as the one on the corner of Lisbon and Cedar streets in Lewiston. I believe it is on the outside of a pawn shop and is very well done indeed! I hope this helps! — No Name via email

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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