DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy your column very much. I thought this was worth sharing with your readers. Last week at Shaw’s market, a man approached me and asked, “Has a stranger ever paid for your lunch?” I said no. He gave me $20 and said, “Here, I’ll buy you lunch.”

All he wanted was a hug. His wife was behind him. When I saw her, I hugged her, too. I don’t know their names. I want to thank them again.

There are still good people in Lewiston. Thanks again. — C.R., Lewiston.

RESPONSE: Sun Spots wonders if anyone else has had this experience? Please write in and tell us.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Around 1985 or so, there was a terrible tragedy in Auburn. I’m sorry to open old wounds and I hope everyone can forgive me, especially the first responders. I have a question I’m hoping you could answer for me.

A little girl was burned in the oven. I say the house is still standing. However, a lot of people say it’s been torn down. Could you be so kind and answer this question for me? If you can, thank you.

Again, I’m sorry to open old wounds. — No Name, Lewiston.

ANSWER: On Oct. 27, 1984, 4-year-old Angela Palmer was burned to death by John Lane, her mother’s live-in boyfriend. The family was living in an apartment at 317 Main St. in Auburn.

The building still stands, although its exterior color has been changed from the mustard-yellow/orange color it was on the day of the murder.

Lane was convicted of murdering the child, and sentenced to life in prison. He was later murdered while serving that sentence at the Maine State Prison.

Cynthia Palmer, who was charged with manslaughter in connection with her daughter’s death, was acquitted. She died in 2005.

In 2010, local attorney Elliott Epstein published a book titled “Lucifer’s Child,” an emotional account of the discovery of Palmer’s body, the ensuing investigation and prosecution of both Lane and Palmer, and a deep look at the domestic violence in that family’s home. The book, which received solid reviews for its accurate story-telling, is available in paperback or hardcover at local libraries, bookstores and through amazon.com.

DEAR READERS: In a recent column, a reader wrote in asking for information about visiting Rome, Italy. Sun Spots received this reply from A.E. of Auburn: Please let “confused in Monmouth” know I am willing to provide information regarding touring Rome, as I have set up tours for Rome with the Navy. Contact A.E. at 207-782-7928.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have my grandmother’s 100-year-old sock-making machine. I managed to put it together, but I need to learn how to make the socks and heels. Do you know anyone who knows how to operate an old Creelman Bros. sock-making machine? Please call Celeste 207-375-8549 or Anita 207-225-2111.

ANSWER: Sun Spots has seen instruction booklets online, but perhaps our readers can provide the information locally that you seek or let you copy the instructions. You might be interested to know that you can learn how to use your circular sock machine at the end of the month. A group called New England Textile Artists will hold their annual SPA Knit & Spin weekend on Feb. 27, 28 and March 1, in Freeport. Fiber artists will take over the Hilton Garden, the Harraseeket Inn and the Hampton Inn. Anyone interested in knitting, spinning, weaving and other crafts is invited to make a day trip. There will be fiber vendors and a free fashion show. People congregate in the lobbies of each hotel (particularly the Hilton), sharing their crafts, offering impromptu demos and lessons, etc. Each year there have been at least a few “crankers” demoing their vintage circular sock machines, always happy to share the love and show their techniques. More info can be found at the NETA blog here: http://netafiberforum.blogspot.com. Good luck!

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 or tweeted @SJ_SunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots.

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