DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope someone out there in Auburn has found my keys. I lost them on Sept. 14 inside Shaw’s or in the parking lot. There is a blue Bessey’s key ring and the back button car key on a blue stretch wrist band. If found, please return them to Shaw’s. Customer service has my phone number. As you know, it’s very expensive to rekey. Sun Spots, you have helped me before so thanks again.
— No name, Hebron
ANSWER: Please be sure to let us know when your keys are found. Sun Spots really is a great way to help find your lost stuff!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund was established more than 50 years ago in memory of Henry L. Cottrell, a Monmouth principal, and later Robert Taylor, a teacher. Its mission is to provide holiday dinners, warm clothing and gifts for families in Monmouth who are in need during the holiday season.
The Cottrell-Taylor Committee is hard at work and is accepting donations for these families. We were able to help 70 families (117 children), and several elderly couples through generous contributions last year. Please consider donating this year. In addition to money, we are accepting new clothing, mittens, hats, gloves, games, puzzles, school supplies and books for kids of all ages. Donations can be left at one of the Monmouth schools. If you choose to donate money, a check can be written to the Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund. If possible, the committee would like contributions on or before Dec. 7, but we will gratefully accept them at a later date. The monetary donations may be mailed to: Laurie Gifford, PO Box 218, Monmouth, ME. 04259
— Jen, no town
ANSWER: What a joy it is to contribute to causes such as this by publishing them in Sun Spots, where the “season of giving” is a year-round effort!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: It finally happened! I was at Mac’s Downeast Seafood for my usual fried oysters. I sat at the bar with two men on my left and one on my right, Paul, the cook and a co-worker. I said, “This is my 80th birthday treat.” One man said, “That deserves a song.” I started it and they all sang along, with much chit- chat afterward.
After the celebration, the first man left. Shortly thereafter, I asked for my check and was told that it had been taken care of. Believe me, “my cup runneth over.” What a day! Thanks to all.
— Carol, Greene
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many thanks to the woman ahead of me in the drive-thru at Dunkin’ Donuts at Main Street and Strawberry Avenue on Sept. 26 at 2:55 p.m.
By paying for my cup of tea before I pulled up to the window, she allowed me to experience a few moments of grace and perspective during a stressful time. Now I understand the impact of “paying it forward” and plan to do the same. I am the lady in the white van.
— No name, no town
ANSWER: Every day we have myriad opportunities to offer kindness, grace and a moment of peace to other human beings. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Be the light.
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). Please include your phone number. 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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
