DEAR SUN SPOTS: A large indoor/outdoor rummage and yard sale will be held Sat., Aug.14, at the First Universalist Church at 36 Pine St. in South Paris from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  A bag sale will follow from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Clothes, books, furniture, kitchenware, household items, tools, and much more will be available. Items will be reasonably priced.—No name, South Paris

ANSWER: I hope your fundraiser has a big turnout.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding a place to donate diabetic supplies (July 28 Sun Spots), Partners for World Health is a resource for medications, diabetic supplies, and other medical equipment like CPAP supplies, if they are not expired. I found out about them from the Auburn Police Department.—Trudy, no town

ANSWER: I went to the organization’s web site — partnersforworldhealth.org — and read that they accept medical supplies and equipment, biomedical machines and home care equipment. All donations need to follow these guidelines: new  items are accepted in their packaging and appropriately dated where specified. If items are used, they need to be clean and in like-new condition, and fully functional with all necessary cords, batteries, attachments, and instructions, if applicable.  No  damaged, dirty, or broken items are accepted. No medications of any kind are accepted.

On the web site, there are comprehensive lists of accepted items as well as items that cannot be taken in.

All donations need to be reviewed so please contact the organization by email with as much detail as possible at info@partnersforworldhealth.org  or call the office at 207-774-5555. The organization is located at 40 Walch Ave. in Portland, and you must make an appointment.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many years ago we had a family friend who owned a bakery in Dover, New Hampshire.  This is his recipe for Dark Hermits. As you can see, this is a professional baker’s recipe with little detail. He used to sell out of these hermits each day.

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup shortening and 2 eggs. Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 1 cup molasses and 2/3 package of raisins.

Sift together then add 6 cups flour and 1 tablespoon soda. Roll the dough into strips the length of your (greased) cookie sheet. Brush with 1 egg mixed with a little milk. Bake for 15 minutes. Cut into bars when cool.—No name, Bethel

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here is a recipe for Memere’s Hermit Cookies that we enjoyed back in the 1950s and to this day. It comes from my paternal grandmother.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, placing rack in middle of oven so as not to burn the bottoms before they are done.

In a bowl, sift together 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup shortening and 2 cups brown sugar. Mix in 1/2 cup cold coffee and 2 beaten eggs. Stir in dry ingredients a bit at a time and mix well then add 1 1/2  cups walnut pieces and/or raisins.

Drop by teaspoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.—Connie, Lewiston

ANSWER: I have got to make hermits. That’s all there is to it!

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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