DEAR SUN SPOTS: Boundless thanks to you for all your help. Your skill in finding answers to all our questions on varied subjects is of great value to your readers.

Could you find an 800 number that we might use to inquire about obtaining a catalog from which a Bates bedspread could be ordered?

This information would be most helpful and greatly appreciated. — F.S.A., Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots found a few sources for these bedspreads online, but she is pretty sure most readers would prefer to patronize a local source.

The Bates Mill Store in Monmouth is not only available online, there is an actual store. And best of all, they will be having a sale! (Quite coincidentally, Sun Spots came across an ad while she was working on this question.)

On Nov. 30th, as part of Small Business Saturday, the store will be offering 20 percent off retail prices and deals on closeouts and irregulars.

The sale is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 904 Main St., Monmouth. Call 207-933-2609 with questions or visit www.batesmillstore.com for online shopping.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone in the Lewiston or Auburn area who teaches, with the patience of Job, the local dialect of Canadian French? — Charles Bouchles, cbouchles@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not have anyone in her Rolodex who fits that description, but she does have a suggestion as to how you might meet someone to help you.

The University of Southern Maine’s Franco-American Collection holds monthly sing-along session at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College. You just missed one on Nov. 15.

Here is the description from the event notice: “The sessions consist of an hour of French and French-Canadian songs, led by a group of enthusiastic local volunteers. Song sheets are provided, so those whose French is less than fluent are welcome to attend. New participants are always welcome. Admission is free, and no reservations are required. Donations are welcomed. “

The USM-LAC Franco Collection is at 51 Westminster St. in Lewiston and is overseen by James Myall, one of Sun Spots’ go-to guys when anything French-related is questioned. You can email him at franco@usm.maine.edu or 753-6545. More information about the collection can be found at the website, www.usm.maine.edu/franco.

You might contact James for help in your quest for a teacher.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In last week’s paper a woman from Turner was asking for Box Tops. I have several that I would like to send to her. Could or would you give me her mailing address? — Louise Reynolds, wezynbruce@aol.com

ANSWER:  Of course. Sun Spots is pretty sure you are looking for Laurie Labbe, 5 Brookfield Estate, Turner, ME 04282, laurie.labbe@willis.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding your Nov. 13 column, there IS a law re dimming headlights when following someone. You just printed it! Re-read the Nov. 13 Sun Spots! Love your column. — John Bay. West Minot

ANSWER: John is quite right. Sun Spots managed to overlook this phrase: “or follows a vehicle within 300 feet.” Thirty lashes with a wet noodle, as Dear Abby always says, for Sun Spots.

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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