DEAR SUN SPOTS: Readers, what should you get Mémère and Pépère for the holidays, or any other hard-to-buy-for relative? Think about genealogy. What about a direct line back to your immigrant ancestors from France? Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society researchers are once again pleased to offer this unique gift. 

Using MFGS resources, they will attempt to identify one individual line of French ancestors with dates and places of marriage for up to 13 generations back to France in the 1600s, for a flat fee. This ancestral line chart will be printed in color on ivory parchment suitable for framing.

The member price is $20 and the nonmember price is $40. Deadline for requests for holiday giving is Dec. 1. Email [email protected] for more information or to place a request. — Connie, no town

ANSWER: This is truly a unique gift and one that would be very appreciated. 

The Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit self-help genealogical research organization dedicated to assisting individuals in discovering their family’s Franco-American history. All officers and board members are volunteers working to provide and improve the resources available in the society’s library. All membership dues and donations are also used toward that end. 

For more information, go to https://mfgen.org/. I saw on this website that the organization is seeking volunteers to serve in the library so that it can be open more frequently. 

Volunteer librarians are there to assist in finding the resources needed. There is no charge for members to use the library and a fee of $3 is charged per visit for nonmembers. If you cannot come during regular library hours (Wednesdays from 1-8: 30 p.m.), please contact them, and they will attempt to accommodate you. Call 786-3327, email [email protected] , or send a note to MFGS, 217 Turner St.,  Auburn, ME 04210.

The library is on the second floor of the Fortin Group Funeral Home at 217 Turner St. in Auburn at the corner of Center and Turner streets. The entrance is on the Center Street side of the building, the door to the right of the funeral home entrance. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Social Justice and Peace Commission of St. Catherine of Sienna Church invites you to its Fall Rummage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9-11:30 a.m. in the church hall at 32 Paris St. in Norway.

Shoppers will find a wide variety of treasures, including clothing, linens, hand tools, and Christmas décor, all while supporting a worthy cause. Payment will be by donation and proceeds from the sale will benefit the free community Thanksgiving dinner.

Come early for the best selection or take a chance at 11 a.m. with a dollar-a-bag special. — Sandy, Norway

ANSWER: Who else has craft fairs coming up? Let me know! 

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 [email protected].