DEAR SUN SPOTS: The SHAREcenter can always use arts and crafts and school and office supplies. Also, if anyone has office or household furniture and small appliances they would like to donate, we have new members in need of these items for their families. Thank you!

— Lisa, no town

ANSWER: The SHAREcenter is at 33 Industry Ave. in Auburn. Call 207-333-6671 if you have questions before bringing over your donations. It’s amazing what can be found there. If you are an educator, you can get a membership. Go take a look!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Why does it cost $1.30 to go from Gray to the Jetport exit, but to come back from the Jetport exit to Gray, it’s more? Is it not the same distance?

— No name, no town

ANSWER: According to Erin Courtney at Maine Turnpike Authority Public Relations, the reason for the difference in the price southbound versus northbound from Gray to the Jetport is the cash toll rates. 

For example, while cash rates are set prices at barriers and interchange entrances, E-ZPass trips are charged on a per-mile basis (7.7 cents per mile) with the minimum amount of 50 cents. With E-ZPass, you can never pay more than the cash rate, so if your trip would be more with your E-ZPass because of the mileage, you will pay the cash rate. If the mileage rate is cheaper than the cash rate, you pay that price. So in the case of Gray to the Jetport, you would pay $1.50 to get on in Gray with cash. When you pay with E-ZPass, the cost is $1.30 based on the per-mile rate, so you pay less than the cash rate. On the return trip, the only toll is the entrance toll at the Jetport, which is $1 cash.  While the authority knows that the price per mile with E-ZPass would be $1.30 for this same trip, because the cash toll price is lower, the E-ZPass trip is capped at the cash rate.

Hopefully, this helps.  If you have any other questions, please feel free to call Erin at 207-482-8119 or email her at ecourtney@maineturnpike.com.

DEAR SUNSPOTS: The Foster-Carroll American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 72 of Church St. in South Paris will hold an indoor yard sale on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Renting an 8-foot table is $10. Interested individuals who wish to reserve one or more tables may call Lillian at 207-739-9530. We will have lunch and baked goods. Former participants have already started reserving their tables, so call to reserve yours right away.

— Jennifer, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On June 15 I read a letter in your column regarding scissor sharpening. I’m writing to ask you to add Cote Bros. Sewing Machines to your Rolodex for this service. We also sell and service home and industrial sewing machines. We’re at 293 Auburn Road (Route 4) in Turner. Our phone number is 207-225-2590 and we’re open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday. Thank you.

— Cindy, no town

 ANSWER: I’m always happy to add local businesses to the Rolodex. Thanks for writing!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to thank the person who found my cancer bracelet at Walmart in Farmington.

— No name, Dryden

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.