DEAR SUN SPOTS: Alvan Bolster Ricker Memorial Library in Poland is offering a free quilting class with instructor Cynthia Maxwell on Thursday, Dec. 21, from noon to 4 p.m. While this is mainly for beginners, all are welcome. Even if you are an experienced quilter, come and join the group for a fun and informative afternoon. The class is free. We’ll be making a cute Christmas napkin.

Bring two fat quarters in contrasting colors and matching thread, your portable sewing machine, common pins, sewing needle and scissors. Cynthia will furnish instructions, lend rotary cutters and have two backup sewing machines available to use that day.

If you can’t attend the class, but have a portable sewing machine we can borrow that afternoon or Christmas-themed fabric you can donate, please bring it by the library. It will be put to good use!

If you have any questions, call A.B. Ricker Memorial Library at 998-4390 or visit the library and see all the cute napkins made!

— Claire W., Poland

ANSWER: In my opinion, it’s simply astounding what goes on in libraries! This sounds like just the ticket if you want to learn how to quilt. Fabric stores sell “fat quarters,” which are small packets of precut pieces of material that sell for a few dollars each. You can also use odds and ends of holiday fabric from your own sewing stash left from other projects. Claire advises bringing a ¼-yard each of two contrasting colors of your choice.

Libraries are the backbone of a community and can always use support. If you have time to volunteer or make a financial donation, it’s always appreciated! The wish list for the A.B. Ricker Memorial Library includes a coat closet, an office countertop, shelving for the media room, a picnic table, Lego sets and pieces and DVDs. Funds are needed specifically for children’s programming. If you have a few hours of your time available, the library needs help with cleaning the community room. Laundering the curtains is another occasional need.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What are the new buildings by the Pit Stop in Turner?

— No name, Turner

ANSWER: According to Town Manager Kurt Schaub, the smaller of the buildings will house Dunkin’ Donuts, which is moving out of The Big Apple. The larger of the buildings is for mixed use, professional office and retail space. The businesses leasing the space will be announced when all arrangements have been finalized.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve recently searched in vain for canned Jacob’s Cattle beans and yellow eye beans. They’re not quite as sweet as most canned beans, so I prefer them. I can’t remember the name brand, but it wasn’t one of the more common ones; I think they are made right here in Maine. Thanks! I’m a faithful reader who’s missing some beans.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: I’m asking readers to help me with this question. Have you seen these specific beans as a canned product? State of Maine distributes dried Jacob’s Cattle beans, also known as Trout beans or Appaloosa beans. They are white and red speckled with a kidney bean shape. Yellow eye beans are similar only with orange-yellow speckles.

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