Dear Sun Spots: I am a direct support professional for a little boy of 8 who is autistic. As with a lot of autistic children, this boy has an acute fascination with trains. He loves to sit and quietly watch as the diesel engines switch railroad cars from track to track at a mill a few miles from where he lives. Unfortunately, his parents don’t have the resources it would take to purchase a train set for him. However, he does have a few pieces of the “Thomas Trains” which he loves to play with. Does anyone out there have a “Thomas” or “Brio” (interchangeable) train set that their children may have outgrown? I will gladly travel to pick it up. This would mean the world to a little boy who already has some significant problems to overcome. Thank you. I can be reached at (207) 562-8410, or via e-mail at Haymaker@exploremaine.com. – Marsha Whittemore, Dixfield.
Dear Sun Spots: At the suggestion of Lizette Leveille of the Lewiston Public Library, I am hopeful that someone can help me.
I am researching the Israel M. Levin family of Lewiston. Levin was the owner of the Economy Clothing Company located at 84 Lisbon St. from 1903 to around 1913. I believe that sometime later the family moved to Boston. I do know that the company was sold but continued to do business until the late 1930s at that location. I am looking for photographs of the original building and am hopeful that possibly your archives or someone out there has an old photograph that they would be willing to share. – Lynn Weisberg, Baltimore, Md.
Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might want to contact the Sun Journal customer service department who can process your library research inquiry. You can reach them at (800) 482-0759, extension 1550 or via mail at 104 Park Street, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. You may also want to contact the Androscoggin Historical Society at 2 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 0424, (207) 784-0586. They are open Wednesday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m.
Dear Sun Spots: I read your column daily. You help people in many ways and now I’m writing for help myself.
On Jan. 16 I ordered Chef Tony’s Ultimate Chopper for $104.80. By the end of 19 weeks I had not received my order and contacted the company’s customer service department. I’ve phoned several times but am unable to reach anyone. I have also written to the company but to date have not heard back. A hundred dollars is a lot of money to me and I’m very frustrated. Please help. – No Name, Litchfield.
Answer: Sun Spots contacted the Ultimate Chopper Company and spoke with Quincie, a supervisor, (323) 302-0239, extension 428, who says the color you ordered has been out of stock for some time. It will be another two to three weeks before that stock is replenished. Quincie says you can call them and speak with any customer service representative to receive a refund or to order your item in a different in-stock color.
Dear Sun Spots: I have many old 33 1/2 and 78 RPM records that I would like to sell. I have Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole as well as Kiss and everything in between. Anyone interested may call me at (207) 225-3853 after 5 p.m. – Linda Oliver, Turner.
Dear Sun Spots: I have some scraps and yarn for anyone who might be interested. Please call me for information at (207) 784-5140. – No Name, No Town.
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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
