DEAR SUN SPOTS: The answer to the question by a Lewiston reader in the July 13 column could be that the North Temple/McMahon Elementary School art teacher was Paula Andrews, mother of “Dancing with The Stars” Erin Andrews and actress Kendra Andrews, both born at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Seasoned area radio listeners might also remember Paula’s husband, Steve, then a radio announcer/DJ on WLAM Radio, who went on to become a highly acclaimed investigative reporter at Florida’s WFLA- TV for 35 years, before retiring two years ago. During his career, he received a national investigation award and multiple Emmys.–No name, Auburn

ANSWER: How interesting. If other readers have more to add, please do. I had no idea this question would lead to a chain of such illustrious individuals.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for including Stars for our Troops in your column July 15. The one key item missed is that we only use embroidered stars from the 3-by-5-foot flags. We do not want people to waste money sending printed flags.

There are two Star Makers in Maine that can also accept flags.

Readers can also check with local crematories to see if they will help with the disposal of the flags. Furthermore, burying flags is not as it was in the original written flag code days because most flags today are synthetic and will take thousands of years to disintegrate.

Another topic that follows the concerns about the American flag: Honoring our flag includes that it should be made in the United States. By following this link, your local representatives in Congress can be contacted to pass H.R. 8290. Together, we can prove to Congress we want American-made USA flags.

This bill states any American flags displayed on taxpayer-funded federal property must be made in the United States of America. Any American flags purchased by the federal government must be made in the United States.

Additionally, H.R. 8290 includes a section requiring the Federal Trade Commission conduct a study on country-of-origin labeling for American flags and prepare a report to be completed within a year after the date of the act’s enactment.

The chairman of the FTC is expected to submit this report to the Committee on Energy & Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation of the Senate.

The report will include results of the study, any recommendations to improve the enforcement for country-of-origin labeling of American flags and the deterrent effect of such enforcement.

To learn more, go to www.nifda.net/flag-bill-hr8290 .–Susan, Founder of Stars for our Troops, Inc., Troy, N.Y.

ANSWER: Thank you for the clarification and additional information, Susan. I also thank you for the work you do. In writing last Friday’s column, my hope was that readers would follow the link provided and review all the instructions on the web site (www.starsforourtroops.org/Index.html).

Star Makers in Maine are Elizabeth in Ogunquit  (eaf51@yahoo.com pwoodbury@maine.rr.com) and Kathleen in Waterville (missphoto1988@gmail.com) if anyone has embroidered stars from American-made flags that they wish to donate to the cause and want to contact someone right here in Maine.

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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