DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have read that the mosquito that gives people the Zika virus breeds in small containers of water, and that tires are one of their favorite places. Every few weeks, my wife and I haul to the roadside several water-filled tires that were rolled there by illegal dumpers. Auburn Public Works does an excellent job of picking up the tires from the roadside, but they can’t be expected to retrieve them from deep in the woods.

So my request to these dumpers (and I have seen them dumped all over our area) is either to dispose of them legally or at least leave them by the road so it’s easier to get rid of this important mosquito breeding spot. We should all be worried about Zika. Wouldn’t this be an important step to protect us all from this terrible disease? — No Name, Auburn.

ANSWER: Properly disposing of trash and tires is, indeed, important to controlling mosquito breeding grounds, but people should also be aware that any standing water has potential to host mosquito larvae. The best way to avoid contact with the Zika virus is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and keeping screens in good working order.

The virus thrives in hot climates and has not been detected in Maine. For a full list of countries where Zika has been confirmed, go to: cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On behalf of the Waterford Grange, I would like to thank you for your help in making this summer’s craft and flea market a success.

I would like to remind your readers that our sales will continue each Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. throughout July and August. We will have sewn, knit and crocheted items, as well as other crafts made by our members and friends. Our flea market treasures include a wide variety of items, including a large assortment of books, picture frames, pocketbooks and sports and travel bags, as well as a variety of toys, seasonal decorations, dishes and small appliances, and much more. The latest items include two day beds, a beautiful sequined wedding gown and an organ. We have everything — even a kitchen sink.

We also will gladly accept treasures from your attic or garage to help make our flea market a success. Drop by and check us out. We are located on Route 35 beside the North Waterford Post Office. New items arrive daily. Money raised will go to support local charities as well as make needed repairs to our aging building. Our newest repair projects include replacement windows and working toward a future elevator to enable easier access to our beautiful upstairs meeting hall.

On another note, one of the items donated by a supporter was a commemorative plate celebrating the 125th anniversary of the First Congregational Church in Andover, Maine (1831-1956). On the back of the plate is listed many interesting facts about the bell, steeple, weather vane, organ, and many other tidbits. We realize that such plates were sold as fundraisers, and as such there could be many out there but, given its age, it could be much more rare. I would like to see it find a home in the Andover Congregational Church or Historical Society, or to someone to whom it might hold memories and who values its historical significance.

Thank you for all that you do, Sun Spots. — Mary, Waterford. 

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