DEAR SUN SPOTS: After so many hamburger and meat recalls, I would like to buy locally grown meat, preferably in the Farmington area. Do you, or your readers, know where local meats can be purchased? — No Name via email

ANSWER: The Sun Journal has a couple of businesses that advertise that service:

* King & I Angus, www.kingandiangus.com, 70 Angus Lane, Industry, [email protected], 778-015

* Sandy River Farms, www.sandyriverfarms.com, 560 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, 778-3835, number for the farm stand is 860-2100, ext. 1

If other businesses sell locally grown meat and want to be named in the column, email [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Per July 17 request, I am sending another recipe for no-bake cookies my family has enjoyed for many years.

Mary’s Cookies

2 cups sugar

4 tablespoons cocoa

1/2 cup milk

1 stick of margarine

Mix and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add:

1/2 cup of peanut butter

1/2 jar of marshmallow fluff

3 cups of uncooked oats

1 cup of walnuts

Mix well and spoon onto wax paper. — Terry, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I heard something about Jim Bean, the distiller, wanting to pay for a school sports facility? Is this true? — Ron Palmquist, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots didn’t find a story on that, but it’s a difficult search since Jim and Beam are both fairly common words. The company does sponsor quite a few things — not surprisingly — especially race cars.

There were some stories criticizing Jim Beam, saying their ads encourage young people to see drinking and fast driving as cool.

She did not find any “buying” of sports stadiums in secondary schools by Jim Beam. Beam may have offered, but surely many parents would object. Perhaps readers will know of something Sun Spots missed?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to readers who have expressed an interest in finding ways to help troops serving overseas, I suggest taking a look at Maine Oxy’s Support the Troops program. The M.O.S.T. program allows community members and other local businesses to join forces to make large care package donations to members of the military on active duty in war zones.

The program sets up drop boxes in all Maine Oxy locations and in other local businesses that wish to collect donations as well. People can bring all sorts of donations to these drop boxes — from entertainment items like batteries and playing cards to hygiene products and nonperishable food.

All the drop box donations are combined periodically to make large care packages sent to troops overseas. The M.O.S.T. program also encourages people to donate letters to the troops in the drop boxes. The goal of the program is to help those serving on active duty feel comfortable and appreciated by sending them a little piece of home.

If you own a local business and would like to set up a drop box in your business location, you can get more information by contacting Maine Oxy customer service at 1-800-377-9433 or email [email protected].

If you want to make a donation you can bring the following to your nearest M.O.S.T. drop box:

* Food (powdered drink mixes, nonperishable snacks, canned meats and pasta)

* Entertainment items (batteries, books/magazines, playing cards, pens, stationary)

* Supplies (wet wipes, eye drops, lip balm, toothpaste, feminine products, soap)

* Letters — a personal letter is the most powerful donation one person can make.

For information about where to find a drop box and specific items the troops need, visit www.maineoxy.com/most.htm. Drop boxes are in Auburn (22 Albiston Way, 784-5788 or toll free at 800-639-1108), Brewer, Rockland, South Portland and Waterville. — Nicole Anllo, [email protected]

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].