DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United Methodist Church of Auburn will offer the Blessing of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at 439 Park Ave., weather permitting. Otherwise, this tradition will be inside the building. At 6 p.m., there will be an Ash Wednesday service in the […]
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.
Posted inLife & Culture, News, Sun Spots
Readers share stories of kindness from stranger, neighbor | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’d like to thank the Sun Spots angel I encountered today. I had just picked up my granddaughter from early dismissal at St. Dom’s, and I asked if she’d like a treat at Dunkin’ donuts. Of course, she agreed. We were in line behind a driver in a silver Forester. When we came […]
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Lewiston animal shelter holding fundraiser | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Founded in 1885, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society is celebrating 140 years of helping pets and the people who love them. As more families than ever reach out for support, our resources are being stretched thin. Through the Paws to the Future campaign, the first $70,000 donated will be matched, helping us reach […]
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Mexico UCC hosts annual Valentine’s Day sweets sale | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Mexico Congregational Church, UCC (the “Green Church”), 163 Main St., will hold its annual Sweets for Your Sweetie sale Saturday, Feb.14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Delicious goodies in festive Valentine packaging will be on sale. A few new events have been added this year. Photographer Kylie Robin will be available from 10 a.m. […]
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Beef Steak Pie great for a winter day | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for an old recipe that a friend of my mother’s used to make. It was called Beef Steak Pie with Potato Crust. It had tender pieces of steak with sauce and scalloped potatoes. I tried to replicate it but something was missing. I remember that this recipe came from an […]
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AARP Tax-Aide accepting appointments in Auburn | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is a reminder that once again, AARP Tax-Aide will provide free income tax preparation services for low/moderate income taxpayers for the 2025 filing season. Beginning the week of Feb. 5, our experienced IRS Certified Tax Volunteers will be preparing and electronically filing Federal and Maine income tax returns. We will be […]
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Shaw’s reusable bags benefit Woman’s Literary Union | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: We’re excited to share that Shaw’s has selected the Woman’s Literary Union of Auburn to benefit from the Give Back Where It Counts Reusable Bag Program, happening throughout February. The program makes it easy for shoppers to contribute to their local communities. Every time a $3 reusable Give Back Bag is purchased […]
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Clover Health Care hosts ‘Right-Sizing’ belongings | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Clover Health Care at 440 Minot Ave. in Auburn is hosting “Right Sizing — Creating Space for What Matters” on Feb. 12 from 3-4 p.m. Presented by Tony Poulin, owner of Meservier & Associates of Auburn, the program will speak to the challenges of changing residences and how to right-size a lifetime […]
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Little Free Cupboard helps those in need | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have all heard of the Little Free Libraries. We at the Minot United Methodist Church have a Little Free Cupboard. Do you know someone who needs a little help? Warm socks? A scarf? Some food? Please help yourself! Come into our parking lot at 142 Minot Ave. and look for the […]
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Where did that island in Lake Auburn go?
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m turning to you with a question that I’ve had for months now. When driving through Auburn on Route 4, as we near Lake Auburn, I used to always see a small island covered with trees not too far out from Lake Shore Drive. In 2025, I could no longer see this […]