DEAR SUN SPOTS: I noticed in Sun Spots that someone was looking for World War II parachutes. I think her name was Wanda.
My husband has some. How do I get a hold of her? Thank you.
— Joyce, no town
ANSWER: You must be referring to Wanda who wrote to us in April asking about the likelihood that a tablecloth her mother had left her was made from a military parachute.
We think it’s likely the story is true because parachutes were commonly repurposed during and after the war when silk, cotton and nylon were all in short supply. The chutes were made into everything from tablecloths to wedding dresses!
Some very lovely and interesting things have been made from recycled parachutes, so if anyone would like the ones that Joyce has, please write and let Sun Spots know.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for all you do.
I would like to know if there are any organizations that provide free shredding. I have heard of banks and credit unions offering free shredding in the L/A area but I think you have to be a member.
Is there any place where a shredding truck in a business yard will shred?
— No name, no town
ANSWER: You’re in luck!
The Community Credit Union at 40 Stanley St. in Auburn will have free shredding in its lobby in July.
Not just one day in July, but every single day during regular business hours for the entire month. And, you don’t have to be a member.
The credit union is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is a tremendous — and generous — thing for the credit union to do, particularly in an age when we all feel threatened by possible identity theft.
Does anyone know of other free shredding events going on this summer?
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I dropped my Bushnell binoculars onto the floor last week. Ever since then, I just can’t seem to focus them correctly.
Is there a business that fixes these?
— No name, no town
ANSWER: After searching through her rolodex, Sun Spots couldn’t find any reference to local shops that might repair your binoculars.
Bushnell doesn’t have any dealer in Maine that can help you, but the company does offer a mail-in repair service.
A nice customer service representative at the company told Sun Spots that, unfortunately, dropped binoculars will not be repaired under warranty. The company — which is located in Overland Park, Missouri — is willing to talk with you about a promotional deal to replace the equipment if you’re interested.
Call their customer service number at 800-423-3537. Or, if you’d rather contact them online, the address is:bushnell.com
Good luck!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The folks at Roak Block would like to thank Roak the Florist for their beautiful donation of flowers for our “adopt a spot” gardens in the back of our home.
We will take good care of them and enjoy watching them grow all summer.
Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.
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