Dear Sun Spots: Why is it one cannot see his representative from Washington? Never had any problem meeting with a senator or congressman, but have been over many years trying to meet with Sen. Snowe to no avail. Can you tell me or find out why? Thank you for whatever information you may afford me. Thank you. – LRD, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Antonia Ferrier in Snowe’s Washington office who says meeting with Maine constituents is one of Sen. Snowe’s primary focuses. In fact, Snowe recently met with 100 Maine Cub Scout troops and does so frequently.

One of Snowe’s favorite things is to be out meeting with people, Ferrier says. In addition, Ferrier says that a lot of Snowe’s legislative ideas come from those Mainers she meets either in Washington, Maine or elsewhere. She welcomes your request. We are unclear why you would have had such a difficult time in arranging a meeting so Ferrier gave Sun Spots some tips:

The best way to set up a future meeting is to contact any of Sen. Snowe’s regional offices which are: Washington D.C. Office, 154 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-1903, (202) 224-5344; Auburn Office, Two Great Falls Plaza, Suite 7B, Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 786-2451; Augusta Office, Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building, 40 Western Ave., Room 408C, Augusta, ME 04330, (207) 622-8292; Bangor Office, One Cumberland Place, Suite 306, Bangor, ME 04401, (207) 945-0432; Biddeford Office, 227 Main Street, Biddeford, ME 04005, (207) 282-4144; Portland Office, 3 Canal Plaza, Suite 601, Portland, ME 04101, (207) 874-0883 and Presque Isle Office, 169 Academy Street, Suite 1, Presque Isle, ME 04769, (207) 764-5124.

You can also try the following toll free number (800) 432-1599 to arrange this. You should note that if you’re not receiving a response it may be because of a backlog or the fact that Congress is in session. Sun Spots and Ferrier would recommend you perservere. Sun Spots has typically found most Maine politicians easily accessible in the past. You will need to include your name, address, and contact information so the meeting can be set up. Please let Sun Spots know if you encounter problems. Sen. Snowe’s office would also like to hear if you are having problems arranging a meeting.

Dear Sun Spots: Minot had seven one-room schoolhouses up until 1953, Atkinson, Pottle Hill, Hersey Hill, Noyes, Jackson, West Minot and Verrill. When the new school opened, they were all closed. Some were sold and others were torn down. These seven schools had signs with the school name painted on them. I would like to know when these signs were made? Who made them, and where are the signs now? I know where the Pottle Hill, Verrill and Hersey Hill School signs are, but I need information on Atkinson, Noyes, Jackson and West Minot.

Also, if anyone has any information or pictures on these one-room schoolhouses, please contact me. I am Lucille Hodsdon, and can be reached via phone at (207) 743-9052 or e-mail [email protected].

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots would encourage you to contact Michael Lord at the Androscoggin Historical Society, 2 Turner St., Auburn, (207) 784-0586. It is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

Dear Sun Spots: eMaineConsignment.com also supports area customers and lists items for sale on eBay. We are located at 455 Gray Road, Route 202, Windham, ME 04062. For readers who are looking for help to sell on eBay, call 89-ebay-1 (893-2291). – Steve Reina, Windham.

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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].