DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you find out from the city of Auburn what’s being built next to BJ’s? — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: It’s a two-building apartment complex and a $5.2 million solar project. Here’s the link to the story on the project approval: https://stage.sunjournal.com/2021/10/14/auburn-approves-128-housing-units-and-a-new-solar-project/ .

There will be 128 (one- and two-bedroom) apartments, including a community center and gym. I’m sure there will be more news about it as it gets closer to completion so stay tuned. It sounds cool and I just hope that it’s affordable. As we all know, Mainers need housing options we can pay for with our salaries, not yet another place that is financially out of reach.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As a person on a budget, I’m wondering if there is anyone who might be willing to help me set up an Amazon Firestick so I can eliminate costly cable bills. — Linda, no town

ANSWER: I believe that SeniorsPlus (795-4010) could recommend someone or perhaps you could get assistance at the tech desk at the Auburn (333-6640) or Lewiston (513-3004) public libraries.

I have a Firestick and once you plug this device into the back of your TV, there are step-by-step instructions to follow.

You’ll need the passwords to your Wi-Fi and Amazon accounts, your computer or phone, and everything in the Firestick package. There are instructions included but if you would like to try this yourself, I suggest you view this YouTube video and follow along. The whole process will only take a few minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq4WfRn8_Bw .

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Today I received a note in the mail that surprised me so much that I want to acknowledge it publicly.

I have heard a lot of complaints about the service of our postal system over the holidays, and I just want to relate an opposite experience.

I had accidentally placed a card with incomplete information and no return address in the mailbox for the postal carrier to take. I then received a note from the post office that said: “Hello there. I found this card among some stamped ones and matched the handwriting on the envelope. I wanted to be sure that ‘B&L’ receive their card. Happy New Year!” M at the Livermore Falls Post Office.

Only in a small town would someone take the time to “match the handwriting”,  put the card in an envelope, and mail it back to the original sender (without even having my name).

I want to publicly thank the postal worker for this generous act. I thought you would like this form of “paying it forward.” — Martina, Jay

ANSWER: That’s a wonderful snippet of small-town life in Maine and makes for a great holiday story. As you can see, sometimes it only takes a small act of kindness to make a fellow human happy.

You can always share stories like this one here. They inspire readers to do their best, and oftentimes, it’s the only venue available to put your gratitude out into the world.

Let’s make 2023 “The Big Year of Kindness.” As I’ve said before, these letters make my day.

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.