DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Oxford Hills High School Class of 1972 has set its 50-year reunion for July 8, 9 and 10. We are attempting to reach all classmates by mail, email and Facebook. Hopefully, your column will reach others.

If there are classmates who need reunion details or would like an invitation mailed to them, they can contact us at Lhamper7@gmail.com or paulricci@hotmail.com. Thank you for the service you provide to so many. — Lynn, no town

ANSWER: Sun Spotters, help spread the word through your social media accounts, friends, and family. Wouldn’t it be great to have a big turnout at this event? It’s coming right up!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: While I was at the Memorial Day celebration at Oxford American Legion, someone handed me a small box containing a few items. Included were the dog tags of Arthur R. Cummings and a couple of medals. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Can anyone help me return these items to his family? — Howie, Oxford

ANSWER: Contact David Richmond, the director of Maine Bureau of Veterans Services at 430-6035 or mainebvs@maine.gov. He’s the one to get the ball rolling for you if you don’t get the answer from a Sun Spotter.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know if any readers have a copy of the book, “The  Shack.” The author’s last name is Young. I would like a couple copies at a reasonable price. You can reach me at 754-8890. Thank you, Sun Spots, for all you do! — Carol, Lewiston

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ANSWER: You may want to check some used book sellers if you don’t hear from other readers about this Christian faith-based novel by Canadian author William P. Young. A local bookstore may be able to order copies for you or you can order used copies online through Amazon or ABE Books (abebooks.com).

Did you know a movie was made based on the story? You can buy the DVD through Amazon for under $4 or stream it on Netflix.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The model of Saints Peter and Paul Basilica in Lewiston mentioned in the June 13 Sun Spots is in the basilica in the lobby of the upper floor. — June, no town

ANSWER: That is a 3-D printed model of the basilica made a few years ago and not the model we are looking for.

For those who use Facebook and are curious about the model constructed in the 1930s or 1940s, a photo of it with comments from the private FB group is shown here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/202025996517966/permalink/536721073048455.

What I learned from reading the information from the Sun Journal archives (contributed to the FB site by David — one of our Sun Spots readers who has been helpful with historic details in the past) is that the basilica replica was actually 18 feet tall, not 3 feet tall, and that in 1952, the model was placed in the City Park as part of a Christmas display after being stored in the Lewiston Public Works garage. The model, owned by Fortin Funeral Home, was piped to play Christmas music, and was also lit up for the occasion. Those were the days!

I’m working on finding out if the model still exists so readers, if you have more information to share, please add 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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