DEAR SUN SPOTS: Rock Around the Clock — L-A’s Music Making Machine, 1950s to 1970s, is next in the series of Museum L-A’s “The Power of Music” exhibit.

The museum is seeking memorabilia from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s to help celebrate the wonder of L-A’s exciting involvement in those times with its many dance halls, garage bands and keeping up with national trends and fashions. The exhibit is scheduled to open in August 2014 and run through April 2015.

Check your attics, basements and photo albums for memorabilia from the 1950s to 1970s. Items such as lava lamps, transistor radios, clothing such as bell bottoms, jewelry, shoes, toy cars and lunch boxes are all reminiscent of that time period.

Photos of car dealers, diners, department stores, PAL hop bands, local sports events as well as people attending concerts and dance venues are welcome.

Photos must be of good quality and at least 4 by 6 inches. A description of the photo along with the year taken and location would be helpful.

Memorabilia can be brought to Museum L-A starting the week of July 7 through July 18 on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 12 to 4 pm.

Objects will be reviewed, and the museum reserves the right to decide which items may be used to fit the exhibit being planned. Items will be returned as various parts of the exhibit end.

We count on you to help us make this another great showcase of our local history. — Diane Williams, dwilliams@museumla.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a World War II veteran and have old country music on 78s, 45s and CDs.

One time I saw you had the name of a man who made CDs of music not for sale in stores anymore. Ronnie Chase made me four CDs of Patty Page, Don Ho, Ray Price and Freddy Fender for a reasonable price.

His address is 73 Laconia Road, Belmont, N.H. 03220-3900, 603-267-8260.

Before I got to know Ronnie I used to go to Walmart in Mexico to look for music. Every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. a lady used to help us. She could not find the ones I got from Ronnie, but she found me three good CDs.

My wife, Priscilla, gets near 200 catalogs each year. The last order she let me get from Signatures was eight CDs of country, Irish and church music for a total of $33.

In the Rumford Armory we used to have two big-time bands. One I remember was Tony Bennett, who is still active at the age of 87. I can’t remember the name of the other. — Henry Dupill, Rumford

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Perhaps this solution has been offered before. If so, please disregard.

I have an extensive collection of CDs and DVDs. Often they become scratched and therefor unplayable. Here’s what I do. It works as long as they are not cracked or broken.

I use Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser with a small amount of detergent under warm water. Brush the CD/DVD firmly from the center outwards. Do not scrub! Rotate disk as you go. — Anthony Esposito, Mexico

ANSWER: Sun Spots has been impressed with Magic Eraser in cleaning painted walls. Sounds like a great new use.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for someone who makes teddy bears out of fur coats, preferably in Maine. I am hoping you can help. Thank you for your wonderful column. — J.G., Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots can provide two names:

* Angie Rogers, P.O. Box 185, Gray, ME 04039, 207-428-4415

* Paulette Anctil, Lewiston, auntiepta@yahoo.com, 207-784-6728

She also got the following letter about repairs for teddy bears and dolls.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I do repairs on dolls and teddy bears and am advertising to do the work in my home. I know children often become attached to a special toy, so I repair them. 

Call me at 207-562-4549. If it’s not too far, I may be able to pick up or deliver. — Faye Mercier, Dixfield

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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