I remember when I was about 10 years old I had a whole quarter to spend on Christmas gifts for my four older sisters and I was determined to get them each something. After about an hour of tough decisions, I finally managed to get a hairnet net for the oldest, a pocket mirror for the second oldest, a small lipstick for the third oldest and a comb for the youngest sister.

To this day, I am reminded of my thoughtfulness, with a good laugh of course. Back then you could buy a lot for a dime and that store was the place to go. — HD, Lisbon.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the person who was brought up in New Auburn and couldn’t remember the name of the 5 and 10 store.  I too grew up in New Auburn and I remember the name as being Begin’s 5 and 10. 

My sister and I used to spend much time debating what to buy with the little change that my parents would give us to spend.  We would spend at least an hour pondering over painting sets, coloring books or, our favorite, paper dolls, which we would spend hours playing with. The lady that ran it was very nice and quite patient with us. –No Name.

HI SUN SPOTS: Concerning the store at 71 Broad St. in Auburn, a quick look at Lewiston-Auburn directories finds Allan’s Cut Rate there in 1949, Twin City Sales -Cosmetics and Novelties there in 1954, and Begins 5 and 10 Store in 1960. — No Name.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Late last Sunday afternoon, when it was raining heavily, we lost all services from Time Warner Cable: phone, TV, internet. As I tried using my Tracfone to call Time Warner, I found that I had no service on it, either.

I have always had cell phone signals from home, so that was a surprise. Time Warner was restored in the night, as well as Tracfone. However, I would still like to know why I lost both Time Warner and Tracfone at the same time. Can you find an explanation? Thanks so much. — No Name.

ANSWER: After much research, Sun Spots could not find any correlation between Time Warner Cable and Tracfone services. Inclement weather can cause damage to power, phone and cable lines as well as interfere with signals from cell towers.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am searching for the Dunkin Donuts Coffee Mug good for Free Coffee on Sundays only for 2016. The mugs are mostly sold to raise money for local school sports team organizations. The word is that they are all gone locally. I would love to purchase four of them to support our local schools. Please contact me if you have some available, 207-740-7541. Thank you. — Anne.

ANSWER: This is an annual grant that Dunkin Donuts funds. If any readers have some available or have any information, please contact Anne.

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