DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was interested in the Dec. 16 Sun Spots about Christmas cards, letters, and pen pals. Not too long ago, I exchanged Christmas cards with 450 friends and family members. We have lost many of them and now my list is down to 250 people. Decades ago, I made a New Year’s […]
Mary Delamater
Mary Delamater has lived in western Maine all her life and started her career at the Sun Journal as a proofreader, freelance writer and photographer. Eventually, she moved to an editing position, reading staff-generated stories and laying out pages for the Oxford Hills region. With changes to the publication over the years, she has continued on the copy desk, ensuring stories reflect the paper's values of truth, fairness, excellence and compassion. She is a graduate of Oxford Hills High School in Paris and has attended and/or led workshops on reporting and editing. She's one of 14 children and aunt to dozens of nieces and nephews. She enjoys family gatherings, hosting the annual Merrill Family Christmas Open House, cooking, home decorating, reading, boating, daily walks and chairing the Sun Journal Fun Committee.
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Troop 121 collecting Christmas trees in L-A | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the 14th year, Boy Scout Troop 121 will pick up Christmas trees in Lewiston and Auburn. While the cities provide locations for free tree disposal, they no longer collect the trees at curbside. For a minimum donation of $5, the Scouts will pick up trees Saturday, Jan.10, and Sunday, Jan. 11. […]
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Clover Health Care offers senior support program | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Clover Health Care at 440 Minot Ave. in Auburn will host program featuring a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about the changing needs of seniors. Titled, “How Do You Know? Is It Time to Start the Conversation?” it will be presented Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 2-3 p.m. From how the right support can […]
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Auburn Community Concert Band seeking new members | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The next open membership window to join the Auburn Community Concert Band is January 7-21. Membership requirements are owning your own wind instrument, knowing how to read music, and being able to commit to the band’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals and concerts. For the upcoming summer concert season, the band […]
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Reader looking for assistance with chimney | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I need to have my chimney topped off. Do you have any numbers for masons in your Rolodex? Thank you very much for all you do. We are very lucky to have your service and we never miss your column. — No name, Lisbon ANSWER: When you say, “topped off,” do you […]
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Gather to Grow seeks donations and support | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: In May 2025, we transitioned from 25 years as the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center to become Gather to Grow, a Center for Community Food Resilience. While we’ve embraced a new name and look, we continue to cultivate the same clear vision: to transform a place into a home where each of us can be fed […]
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Tommy’s Feral Felines bake sale canceled | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Due to extenuating circumstances, Tommy’s Feral Felines unfortunately had to cancel our bake sale for the first time in over 40 years. Because of this, our nonprofit is missing out on a massive portion of funds, potentially leaving our feline friends in the cold. Please help us support the local feral cat […]
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Santa schedules early stops in Norway, Oxford on Christmas Eve
Elves and reindeer will accompany the jolly gent.
Posted inNews, Sun Spots
Special Advent service in Mexico this Sunday | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Mexico Congregational Church, UCC, 163 Main St., will hold a special Advent service Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m. The Rev. John Hogue will offer a sermon titled, “Thumb Island Elephants,” based on a true story from 1909. The congregation will have the opportunity to sing many carols. Communion will also be observed. […]
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Pie crust recipe a favorite for years | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: You asked about pie crust recipes and here is one I’ve used for years that has been great: In a large bowl, mix together 4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 teaspoons salt. Add 1 3/4 cups of vegetable shortening at room temperature and stir with a fork until crumbly. In a separate […]