ANSWER: Depending on how “well worn” the clothing is, a few places nearby do accept donations of clothing and shoes, but Sun Spots recommends calling them first to discuss how well your donation may meet their needs. The Goodwill Store and Donation Center on Turner Street in Auburn is a good place to start. You […]

ANSWER: Luiggi’s had to close abruptly back in February due to a busted pipe that caused much damage in the building. Since then, they have been diligently working to clean up and repair the damage so they can reopen. They had their hopes set on April 1, but, as these things sometimes go, delays have […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My wife and I loved watching the show “Yankee Jungle” about the owners and animals of the DEW Haven animal sanctuary in Mount Vernon that appeared on the Animal Planet (channel 69 on cable). It was only on a couple of weeks this season, then, without notice, it disappeared. We can’t even […]

ANSWER: Deer seem to love hosta leaves. There are some products on the market, like wireless deer fences, Deer Scram, or liquid odor repellents, that work well to deter deer from areas of your yard and garden you’re trying to protect. You can also try motion detector lights or triggered sprinkler systems near your plants, […]

ANSWER: As a matter of fact, Sun Spots has a few businesses in her Rolodex who offer this service. Among them are: Bix Furniture Stripping and Refinishing located at 357 Main St. in Auburn, (207) 783-3459; Morin’s Fine Furniture and Refinishing located at 25 Beech St. in Lewiston, (207) 782-7511; and The Chair Doctor located […]

ANSWER: Technology is an incredible thing that Sun Spots sometimes understands, and, well, sometimes just pretends to. Research into this question explained that The Weather Channel uses an advanced software that uses pre-recorded tracks for narration of current weather conditions. The software, called IntelliSTAR, automatically generates narrated weather reports for local viewer areas using Jim […]

ANSWER: Sun Spots checked her Rolodex and found one place within a reasonable drive. Carlson and Turner Antiquarian Books is located at 241 Congress St. in Portland. Their phone number is (207) 773-4200. In addition to having a shop full of antique books, they also offer bookbinding services, repairing books and specializing in conservation of […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Always can count on Sun Spots for help. My request is for Flip Flops for Haiti, plus assorted other goodies — like toiletries, baby clothing, short sleeve clothing for boys and girls ages 3- to 16-years-old, school supplies, soap (liquid and solid for personal use), hand towels, face cloths, combs, brushes, barrettes […]

ANSWER: On March 29, the city of Auburn released an announcement that it will not be hosting a Spring Clean-Up Program this year. According to the press release, residents of Auburn have the option of dropping-off — free of charge after signing in — TV’s, monitors, computers and printers at the public services facility located […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: According to the IRS, how many years should you keep your tax returns? Thanks. — Bob, Norway.   ANSWER: According to the IRS.gov website, except in certain situations, you should keep your tax returns and all supporting documentation for a period of three years, or for the length of the “period of […]