DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a 68-year-old woman and have a small face. It is now recommended that N95 masks be worn to protect against the omicron virus, but I cannot find a surgical mask to fit my face properly. They are a loose fit on me. Can you recommend what I should do to […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a couple of recipes for you to share with others. They are special because we only make them for the holidays. I hope you enjoy them. Thank you for all you do. I’m a fan. — No name, no town Ischler Cookies from Vienna from the kitchen of Harolyn Zaldumbide: […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the 10th straight year, Auburn-based Boy Scout Troop 121 will pick up Christmas trees in Lewiston and Auburn. While the cities of Auburn and Lewiston provide several locations for free tree disposal, they no longer collect the trees at curbside.For a minimum donation of $5, the scouts will pick up Christmas […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The members of the American Legion would like to thank the U.S. Marines Reserves for their donation of toys through the Toys for Tots Program. A total of 217 children (80 families) from the Oxford Hills area had a better Christmas as a result of our distribution this year. — Howie, no […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Did you know that goats like to eat Christmas trees and wreaths (the real ones, of course!) If you are looking for a way to recycle your tree after the holidays, find some goats nearby! — Judy, Litchfield ANSWER: Pigs, sheep and chickens like to snack on Christmas trees and wreaths, too. […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am an introvert and not big on parties and crowds, especially with COVID-19 still lurking. I would like to hear about ways that other people in Sun Spots Land celebrate, or at least acknowledge the new year in a way that is meaningful. I could use some new ideas.—Lawrence, no town […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have heard that there is tradition in Iceland where people give one another books on Christmas Eve. I think it’s wonderful and want to know more about it.—Ava, no town ANSWER: Books are a common Christmas gift in Iceland, with dozens of new ones being published before each Christmas. There are […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the inquiry about the Androscoggin River freezing enough to allow for ice skating, the answer is yes. I was born at home in Lisbon Falls in 1934 and my house was only 200 yards from the river that froze over enough for ice skating before Thanksgiving Day for a number of […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This last year has been scary because of not knowing if I would have sufficient funding to care for my animals.Like so many other wonderful organizations affected by this world crisis, Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends has been unable to host any fundraising events and unfortunately, our organization was omitted from receiving any […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to thank the person who found and turned in my gold necklace (Dec. 20 Sun Spots) with both a cross and a miraculous medal to the Walgreens on Sabattus Street. When calling Walgreens again, I was told someone turned it in and they were holding it for me. I […]