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 […]
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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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 […]
Posted inCommunity, News
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 […]
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Reader offers Christmas tree ‘free to good home’ | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m writing in hopes of finding a new home for a perfectly good Christmas tree we no longer need. We’ve got a fantastic 6-foot white Christmas tree that’s pre-lit and ready to sparkle for someone’s holiday season! It’s still in great condition, and the best part is, it’s absolutely free to a […]
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Who still sends Christmas cards? | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Dec. 10 Sun Spots, I still send Christmas cards! I actually send cards for many different things. I know how I feel when I receive a card so I like to make others feel good as well. I don’t send out as many as usual either, but I believe I’ve […]
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Red Cross blood drive set for Lisbon Falls | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Knights of Columbus Council 10019 will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive Monday, Dec. 15 from 1-5 p.m. at the parish hall of Holy Trinity Church on Frost Hill Avenue in Lisbon Falls. Call 1-800-733-2767 or go to https://www.redcross.org/ to make an appointment. All donors from Monday, Dec. 8, until Thursday, Dec. […]
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Is common law marriage recognized in Maine? | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know if Maine recognizes common law marriage? How would one find out? — No name, Lewiston ANSWER: No, Maine does not recognize common law marriage established within the state. You must have a formal license and ceremony for a legal marriage, but Maine will recognize a valid common law marriage if […]