DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there a Web site where someone can go to get an unbiased copy of the recently passed health reform law? — Fred via e-mail

ANSWER: The Sun Journal published a review of the bill’s main points on Sunday, March 27; that should tell you a lot of what you want to know. If you want to read the actual bill (a worthy task at more than 2,000 pages), visit www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal, where there are links to both the original bill and the subsequent fixes.

Many reputable news sources (major newspapers, news magazines) have published stories on what the bill means to average Americans. If you read more than one, you should have a fair idea of how the bill will affect you.

At www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/what-health-bill-means-for-you/, the site is interactive. You answer a few basic questions and receive a personalized response.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On March 24 Angie from Sabattus was looking to donate some of her mom’s things to a yard sale or something that would benefit animals. I wanted to mention the Spare Closet Revisited Consignment shop on Maine Street in Norway. I take my things there and they ask you if you want to do the consignment program, or you can have your money from sales go directly to Christmas for Kids or the Responsible Pet Care Shelter in Norway. They take clothing and many other items, too. Their phone number is 743-3891. Hope this helps. — No Name, Buckfield

DEAR SUN SPOTS: There is a benefit being held at the Carriage House Plus at 1119 Lisbon St. in Lewiston on April 16 for Garrett and Erin Raymond, raised in Lewiston and Auburn, now residing in New Gloucester. Garrett was injured in an accident right before Christmas and suffered multiple injuries. He is still recovering and unable to work. The young couple recently puchased a home and have one young child and one on the way. Dinner starts at 5 p.m., and a dance will begin at 8 p.m. There will be 50/50 raffles, a door prize, live band and DJ. For tickets contact The Carriage House Plus at 344-6336, Mary at 754-7314, Nancy at 754-9217 or Amy at 740-0415. — Amy Demers via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The second annual Spring Fling Indoor Yard Sale will take place at the Rumford United Methodist Church at 455 Linnell St. on Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to l p.m. It will again include coffee and muffins, a baked goods table and a potting tent with plants.  The entire fellowship hall will be full of treasures at bargain prices. All are welcome. We had a really good time last year. Items to be donated may be taken to the church on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 5, 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call Kathy Crump at 392-1285 or Peggy Welch at 364-2617. — Peggy Welch via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone have any information about the Healy House? I believe it was a home for troubled kids back in the 1960s. I believe it was located in Lewiston, possibly where Intown Manor used to be. I am looking for records regarding a family member. — Debbie Merrill, gambelladona1@aol.com, 946-7516

ANSWER: Sun Spots did a quick search and found a Healey Asylum. The wikipedia entry reads: “Healey Asylum (Intown Manor) is a historic site at 81 Ash St. in Lewiston, Maine. The asylum was built in 1893 and added to the National Historic Register in 1979.”

A brochure for historic cites in Lewiston (www.ci.lewiston.me.us/files/pdf/tourbrochure.pdf had this entry: “Healy Asylum: c. 1892. Jefferson Coburn designed this three-and-one-half story brick structure with granite trim in a Mansard Style. Named in honor of the Bishop of Portland, it was operated by the Grey Sister order as an orphanage and charitable institution for over 70 years. (81 Ash St.).”

You may also want to check out www.usm.maine.edu/lac/franco/news/francodonationdocs03.html, which refers to some documents from Healey donated to the Franco-American Collection at USM-LAC.

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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