DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston Cub Scout Pack 116 will host our Annual Toy Drive at Central Maine Medical Center on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Stop by to drop off your NEW, UNWRAPPED toy and join the Scouts to make a homemade keepsake ornament. The event will take place in the conference rooms at 12 High St. Guests can use the pharmacy entrance and follow the signs. Bring your family and join us for this festive annual tradition to help the Cub Scouts support our local families in need. For more information, contact Cubmaster Christian Arsenault at 576-7937 or via email at deereman322@gmail.com.
— Christian, no town
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I tried emailing iwasatthat-gig@gmail.com to respond about my attendance at the Hendrix concert in Lewiston in 1968. The email was returned as COULD NOT BE DELIVERED. Is there another email to respond to?
— Andy, no town
ANSWER: In reference to the Nov. 22 Sun Spots about Jimi Hendrix appearing at the Lewiston Armory on March 16, 1968, the correct email to respond to is iwasatthatgig@gmail.com. There’s no hyphen in it. I have tested the email address myself and Richard responded right away. He is a music writer based in Manchester, England who is compiling what he refers to as a “people’s history” of Jimi Hendrix, telling Jimi’s story in the words of fans who saw him in concert. Richard writes a really cool blog mixing musical history with personal experience to tell the Hendrix story, as well as stories of other bands he has covered, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Pink Floyd, in a slightly different way. You can find Richard’s blog at https://richard040560.wordpress.com/.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Whenever my father has to be admitted to Central Maine Medical Center there is one bright spot he can find, the sugar-free chocolate mousse. Is there any way to find out the brand of mousse they use and whether or not it is available for purchase online or in stores? Thank you for help in this effort.
— Julie, no town
ANSWER: I spoke with a very helpful person in food services at CMMC. The yummy chocolate mousse that’s available every day to hospital patients is a Royal brand product that they get from a supply house and is only available commercially and in large quantities. She suggested you try the Jell-O brand sugar-free chocolate mousse available in grocery stores. I have eaten it myself and it’s pretty good. I also want to share this recipe if you want to make your dad’s favorite treat from scratch:
Chill a medium mixing bowl in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Place 1 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin and let stand for one minute. Add 2 tablespoons boiling water and stir until dissolved. Set aside.
In the chilled bowl, stir together 1 cup Splenda, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 cup whipping cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat mixture until it becomes stiff. Do not overbeat. Beat in the dissolved gelatin until combined. Spoon the mousse into individual dishes. Chill the mousse at least an hour before serving.
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