ANSWER: The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, began on Friday, Aug. 5, and last a total of 16 days. The closing ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Sunday, Aug. 21. Then, the Paralympics follow, beginning on Sept. 7 and lasting through Sept. 18. After the close of the Paralympics, the next time athletes will take to the Olympic stage is for the winter games in 2018, which will take place in PyeongChang, South Korea.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where is Jessica Moran now, the ex-Red Sox reporter? — Pulpman, Peru.

ANSWER: According to reports from March 2016, Moran resigned from her job as a reporter for Comcast SportsNet amid questions about the nature of her relationship with Red Sox Manager John Farrell. Since that news report aged and people moved on to the next big story of the day, Moran seems to be laying low. She’s not been in any recent news reports and there is no information about her returning to broadcast news at this point. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: NAMI Western Mountains Maine affiliate is offering three NAMI Family to Family education courses for families and friends of persons living with mental illness in September. Learn about mental illnesses, treatments, solving problems, communication and coping skills, self-care and how to advocate. Norway classes start on Thursday, Sept. 1, at St. Catherine’s of Sienna Church, 32 Paris St.; Harrison classes start on Wednesday, Sept. 21; and Farmington classes start on Thursday, Sept. 22 at Franklin Memorial Hospital. These courses are free and meet one night a week for 12 weeks. To learn more and to register, contact Diane at 514-3720; Susan at 583- 8054; Jess at 418-8349 for Norway classes;  Becky at 803-2205 for Harrison classes; and Sue at 418-7904 for Farmington classes. Those interested may also contact Christine at NAMI Maine 1-800-465-5767 x2305 or christine@namimaine.org. Thank you. — Dottie, No Town.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is accepting donations for its 5th Annual Huge Yard Sale to support Camp Dragonfly; Program for Grieving Children and Teens. Cote Crane has generously loaned AHCH a large storage container to keep donated yard sale items. Items can be brought to AHCH, 15 Strawberry Ave. in Lewiston, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. AHCH is unable to accept donations of mattresses, upholstered furniture, TVs, stuffed animals, clothing, footwear or tires. The yard sale will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 11. — Kate, No Town.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I heard you were looking for a recipe for salted herbs. I simply layer cut up shallot greens and canning salt (gros cel) — layer until the jar is full. After they have been made for a while, they will shrink down. No need to put water as it makes its own juice as it sets. I have, although, put a few drops of water. — Pat, Madawaska.

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