Dear Sun Spots: We here at the Trinity Jubilee Center offer an after school tutoring program for students in grades sixth through ninth who need homework help, mostly in math and reading. We offer this program Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m., when schools are in session. We are in great need of folks to serve as tutors – be it one day or all four days a week. The only criteria necessary is a heart for service. If interested, please call Kim Wettlaufer at the Jubilee Center, 782-5700. Thanks so much for any help you can give us. – Dell Caron Gray, Office Manager/Event Planner, Trinity Jubilee Center, Lewiston.
Dear Sun Spots: I have in my possession a war ration coupon book. It belonged to my father. There is no date on it. All it says is “United States of America, Office of Price Administrator, War Ration Book Four.” There is a serial number on it as well. The book is in fair condition, and there are coupons missing. I’m wondering if you could please tell me how I find out the value of this book, if any.
Also, I have two Golden Legend baseball cards. They are made of 22-karat gold foil. One is Babe Ruth, the other Lou Gehrig. Both are autographed, come with a certificate of authenticity, a photo and booklet about the player. They are in mint condition in plastic bags. Would anyone know how I find out the value of these as well? I can be reached at 491-1393. – No Name, No Town.
Answer: Consider contacting B R S Military Antiques, 8 West St., Kennebunkport, ME 04046-5800, 967-2906.
In the meantime, Sun Spots wonders if you are aware of the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center opening in Mill Creek Park, South Portland in 2008? Lee Humiston, one of the world’s foremost collectors of POW memorabilia, has launched a one-man effort to open the museum for his artifacts, which were personally donated by former POWs and their family members.
A vacant engineering building in Mill Creek is being rehabbed as a small museum. The rent will be free for the first year of operation, with the city picking up the utility costs. Members of the 133rd Engineer Battalion, based in Lewiston and Westbrook, will donate their time to do construction work on the building to make it a museum.
Anyone hoping to help this nonprofit to raise money to buy construction materials and to cover insurance costs can send checks, payable to the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center, and mailed to Lee Humiston, 44 Warren Ave., Cape Elizabeth, Me. 04107.
Humiston has an international reputation as a devoted collector of POW artifacts from the Vietnam War era. Several of his items are on permanent display at the Smithsonian and the Nixon Library. For any Maine military veterans who would like to contact him and donate their items, call 207-650-8651.
Regarding your baseball card question, you might check with Republic Jewelry & Coin Co., 212 Center St., Auburn, 782-9492, toll free at 877-422-7979, www.republicjewelery.com. They are open Monday to Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dear Sun Spots: For your reader seeking alterations assistance (Saturday’s Sun Spots column): Please have them contact Doréa at Chez Doréa, 277 Lisbon St., Room 10, Lewiston, 333-0755. I am open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and would be glad to help with any dressmaking or alteration projects. – Chez Doréa, Lewiston.
Answer: Sun Spots must apologize for the new name she provided for Doréa in Saturday’s column! Sun Spots apologizes for her error and thanks Doréa for her good humor regarding this mistake.
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