DEAR SUN SPOTS: Why has “Looking Back” disappeared from the Sun Journal? After reading the day’s news, Sun Spots, Looking Back and the daily crossword puzzle, in that order, are my newspaper favorites. My wife claims, jokingly, that these items comprise the single reason why I insist on home delivery of the Sun Journal. Well, not quite, but all three are important to me. Please let your readers know what has happened to “Looking Back.” I can’t be the only one who is missing it!

Thank you for providing helpful information on a wide variety of subjects. Please keep up the good work!

—Steve, Auburn

ANSWER: I checked in with my wonderful editor about the absence of “Looking Back.” We don’t want to disappoint our readers!

She put a note in the newspaper regarding “Looking Back” right away, but if you missed it, I’m reprinting it here: “Where’s ‘Looking Back’? The person who produced the column for us six days a week is taking a well-deserved break. However, the column will soon return. Thank you for your patience as we gear back up. We hope to resume the column in two weeks.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw your answer to the person seeking an appraiser for stamps in July 4 Sun Spots and want to share some additional information.

Both the American Philatelic Society and the American Stamp Dealers Association provide names of qualified appraisers, but one key tip is that the appraiser should not offer to purchase the stamps. Appraisal by someone who might become the buyer is a potential conflict of interest.

Some appraisers are generalists and others are experts on particular types of stamps, so it’s also important to find someone who is knowledgeable about the stamps you have. (U.S. vs. foreign, for instance.)

People who don’t know what their stamps are worth are easy prey for unscrupulous dealers and appraisers, so it’s important to be cautious about choosing an appraiser.

—Trina, no town

ANSWER: Thank you for that good advice. For more information on the two organizations that Trina mentions, go to stamps.org for the American Philatelic Society and to American Stamp Dealers Association (americanstampdealer.com). Their email address is asda@americanstampdealer.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine is in need of fleece material to make blankets. Each blanket requires 1½ yards of fleece per side. The blankets are given free to those impacted by cancer to provide warmth and comfort. You may also donate gift cards allowing us to purchase the fabric if it’s easier.

Thank you in advance for your kind support. Contact Mary Dempsey or Sherri Otterson at the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine www.crcofwm.org, 207-890-0329.

—Mary, no town

ANSWER: I know it might seem strange to be thinking about fleece blankets at this time of year, but the need for comfort items for cancer patients continues. Please support the good work of CRCofWM.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Leavitt Class of ’68 is planning our 50th Class Reunion this September. Information for the following classmates is missing from our records.

Carl Clifford, Sharron Wagner Hall, Michael Judkins, Brian Donovan. Linwood Chayer, and Mark Bechtel. Please contact Arlene Nason (207-224-7355), Sally Hebert (207-946- 6000), George Richardson (207-224-7842), Donna Richardson Shields (207-225-2350) or Charlie Robinson (910-353-8534). Thank you so much!

—Arlene, no town

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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