DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the past year I have been looking around for pork hocks, pickled pigs feet, lamb tongue and pickled eggs, which all came in jars with the name Rogers on the label. These were all readily available in stores, bar rooms and clubs, but today they are just about gone from the shelves. They make excellent snacks with crackers, cheese and beer.

I was wondering if Sun Spots could find a place where they are sold in the Lewiston and Auburn area. Besides the Rogers label, they are sold under some other names but I cannot think of those names at the moment. I would appreciate any help that you could provide in this matter. Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots first checked on the Internet, where all indications are that the Rogers Company is no longer in business. Bruce at Shaw’s verified this information. These are not high-sales-volume products, so you may not find a local store that sells them, but all hope is not lost. On the Internet, Sun Spots found Long Lake Specialty Foods (www.longlakefoods.com), which appears to feature all things pickled.

Here is what Sun Spots found on the Web site, which says you can order online, via fax or mail. “You can mail your order to us at Long Lake Distributing LLC, DBA Long Lake Foods, W7954 Cloverleaf Lake Road, Clintonville WI 54929, 715-823-2258. (Our phones are not continually staffed, please leave a message and we will get back to you within 24 hours.) Fax 715-823-3269; e-mail [email protected] (contacting us by e-mail is the most efficient manner to contact us, thank you).

“Please make note of what products, quantities and add shipping charges
from our shipping page. We will ship out when we receive your check. Our main concern is our customer’s satisfaction, please let us know if you have any suggestions or ideas that would make your experience better. Thanks for your interest. Dave, owner, Long Lake Foods.”

If you don’t have access to the Internet at home, you might want to visit the library to see what they have for sale. Or perhaps you can write to Long Lake and request a list of products.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you please tell me where I can get a lamp switch fixed in the L-A area? Thank you for all you do. — Dawn Gross, Auburn

ANSWER: Cliff’s Appliance Repair operates in Lewiston-Auburn, coming to your house for $10 an hour (no travel charge). Call 376-5604. He does not work on microwaves or gas appliances.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is Kevin Mannix, the weatherman on Channel 6, married? We hear about his son and the dance Saturday, Nov. 21, etc., but never about a wife. I enjoy him on the weather, also Sharon Rose and Lee Nelson. Thank you. — Sue W., Farmington

ANSWER: On Channel 6’s Web site it says that Kevin has two sons, but there is no mention of a wife. Sun Spots e-mailed Channel 6’s public relations department, but received no response.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you provide me with actor Billy Dee Williams’ address? I’d like to get an autograph from him and have found a few addresses online, and I wanted to know if I had the current one. Thank you. — Star Wars’ fan, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots e-mailed his publicist for his artwork sales at www.bdwworldart.com asking for a mailing address, but received no response. She had no luck finding anything else online, so you’re doing better than she is. If you’re willing to pay $1 or more, you can visit www.contactanycelebrity.com and pay for his address. Sun Spots thinks that if he isn’t willing to publicize a fan mail address for free he shouldn’t expect any letters!

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 e-mailed to [email protected].