DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know why that great old-fashioned tall black clock on the sidewalk on Main Street, near the plaza where the Wednesday night outdoor concerts are held, has been out of order for at least three years, perhaps even longer.

There must be many more annoyed residents who have noticed this, too. There must be dozens of clock repairmen around here who would be glad to look at the problem.

If this is the responsibility of the city of Auburn, I’d be ashamed to have neglected the beautiful landmark that has stood in that same spot for decades.

Will you kindly find out who is responsible for looking into this? Thanks in advance. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Actually, the number of clock repairmen is rather small. Sun Spots only has a couple in her Rolodex, and they don’t fix all kinds of clocks. If you think about it, it’s not too surprising that clock repairing has declined, what with the move to digital electronics.

However, Denis D’Auteuil, the director of Auburn Public Services, said the city electrician is working on finding a vendor who can fix the aging clock.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Reservations are being taken for the craft fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8 at Russell Park Rehabilitation & Living Center.

The cost is $10 per table for those interested. To reserve a table, please contact Fern or Joline at 207-786-069, ext. 101. The proceeds of table sales go to the Resident Council Fund. — Lori Pomelow, administrator, Russell Park, 158 Russell St., Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Auburn Esplanade at 20 Great Falls Plaza is having its annual Christmas craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8.

Crafters will be selling their handmade goods, including knitting, fudge, baked goods, sewing, a white elephant table and many more!

Outside crafters are welcome to participate. 

Signs will be posted at the main entrances of Great Falls Plaza directing you to the fair. This event is a hit, so don’t miss out! — Laura, lbragdon@auburnhousing.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been cleaning out my mother’s home, and we have found some cloth that we would like to donate to a nonprofit organization. There are also some zippers, buttons, pins, thread and miscellaneous other things.

We also have several pairs of wooden crutches. If anyone is in need of these items, please email me.

Thank you for your help, Sun Spots, to this first-time writer. — Carole, mmrescue54@aol.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund was established about 45 years ago in memory of Henry L. Cottrell, a Monmouth principal, and later Robert Taylor, a teacher. Its purpose is to provide Christmas dinners and gifts for families in Monmouth, who are in need during the holiday season.

The committee is hard at work and is accepting donations for these families. We realize times continue to be difficult for all, so we think it is important to remember the children.

We were able to help 67 families (128 children) and three elderly couples through your generous contributions last year. Your consideration is appreciated.

In addition to money, we are accepting new clothing, mittens, hats, gloves, games, puzzles, school supplies and books for kids of all ages, which can be left at one of the Monmouth schools.

If you choose to donate money, a check can be written to the Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund. If possible, the committee would like contributions on or before Dec. 3 but will gratefully accept them at a later date. Monetary donations can be mailed to Laurie Gifford, P.O. Box 218, Monmouth, ME 04259. — Penny Robertson,Monmouth

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a beautiful organ I’d like to donate to a church. — E.C., Jay, 207-645-9486

ANSWER: E.C. is probably wondering why Sun Spots edited out part of her letter. It’s because you can’t sell things through the column. Those items need to go in the classifieds. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I need a few cedar shingles to replace some existing shingles on the house. Color doesn’t matter as they will be painted the same color as the house. Thank you. — Claire, Camden03@roadrunner.com, 777-7474

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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