DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m turning to you with a question that I’ve had for months now. 

When driving through Auburn on Route 4, as we near Lake Auburn, I used to always see a small island covered with trees not too far out from Lake Shore Drive. In 2025, I could no longer see this island, and when I drove by there just today, I still didn’t see it. I’m wondering what has happened to this small island.

The reason that I’m interested is that in my family, there’s a story that has been passed down for many generations. It seems that my great-grandfather, who was born and grew up in Turner on General Turner Hill, along with some other young men, got an old hay wagon out onto that island on July 4, 1876, the 100th anniversary of the United States of America. — Donald, Wilton

ANSWER: I don’t have the answer to this but I can point you in the right direction. The Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission (https://lakeauburnwater.org/) should be able to help. The manager can be reached at 212-6737 or [email protected]. 

Readers, please join in the discussion if you can help solve the mystery! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I sent a letter to Sun Spots recently about Reborn Doll groups. I’m now interested in art classes to learn to paint these high-end art dolls. Does anyone know where I can participate in in-person classes, in the Lewiston or South Paris area? — Susan, no town

ANSWER: The answer I published on Dec. 28 covered all the information I had. Here it is again in case you didn’t save it. Surely, one of those connections will be helpful to you. And Sun Spotters may know of someone involved in these collectables. 

Everything Reborn Baby, is a group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/407805236689769). It’s a private online group you can join and hopefully get more information about learning to paint the dolls.  

There is a Maine-based reborn artist (Sharmaine Hudson) who sells her creations online through Reborns.com (https://www.reborns.com/ .) Her business is called Maine’s Touch of Love. (https://tinyurl.com/kwdnysp2) 

 There is also The Doll Study Club of Boston (http://www.dollstudyclubofboston.org).  While Boston-based, this club serves the New England area, and members might connect from Maine.

UFDC Region 15, The United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) has a regional group that includes Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. They coordinate doll events in the region. You can find information about joining the national organization at https://ufdc.org/.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last October, while having a pedicure, I mentioned I wouldn’t be in for a while because I was having back surgery. When I went to leave, I was told the pedicure had already been paid for. The woman sitting beside me had paid it forward to me before she left. What a nice surprise! I’ve never had a pay- it-forward so I’ll make sure to do it for someone else the next chance I get. — Wanda, Auburn

ANSWER: What a nice gift you received! Today I was at a local bakery and another customer paid for my cookie and coffee. It feels great to be on the receiving end and it’s also terrific to pay it forward for someone else!

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].