DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please know you are my most valued resource for problem resolutions and have helped me several times in the past, for which I thank you immensely.

I have a new problem I’m sure you and/or your readers can help me with. First, let me tell you I am not online nor do I have access to a computer.

My mother passed away recently and, while our family was cleaning out her home, a large number of old black and white photo negatives were discovered that no one in the family has ever seen in printed form. Can you or your readers advise where we might have these negatives developed, either locally or via mail order? Thank you all in advance for any assistance you can give us.

Thank you and your readers in advance for any help you can provide.

— Virginia, South Paris

ANSWER: Photo Finish in the Auburn Mall can help you, Virginia. I spoke with Francis and he said although the store stopped developing photos back in October, they can still scan negatives and make the prints you want.

The store is undergoing an expansion and will be moving within the next month, but will still be in the mall, closer to the center court. The number is 207-783-3354 and they are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There are also two photo finishing shops in Portland. According to John at Photo Market, 945 Forest Ave., more than 30 photo processing businesses have closed in Maine in the past 15 years, but Photo Market is going strong. They can also take care of your negatives for you. You can contact the store at 207-797-7100. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

John advised that if you decide to use mail order to get your negatives to the store of your choice, to be sure to package them up very carefully, enclose them in a waterproof envelope, and include very clear instructions. I would make sure to contact the store before just sending them off.

Maine Photo Works in Portland is another resource. The shop is in the State Theatre Building at 142 High St., Suite 307. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please call 207-536-0927 for more information and questions. Maine Photo Works also has a mail order service.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have DISH TV. While watching “M*A*S*H” at 7 p.m. on Channel 35, there was an advertisement for other older programs such as “Mama’s Family” with Vickie Lawrence, “The Rifleman,” plus many others on YouTube, and as far as I know, that is the station I am on, but I can’t get those shows. Why is that?

— Bert, no town

ANSWER: Perhaps the advertisement is letting you know you can get these episodes and highlights of older shows on YouTube on the internet? They may  not necessarily be on the station you are watching. I know it’s confusing. If any readers are able to get these shows on MeTV, YouTube, or another station, please write in so the information can be shared with our reader.

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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