Dear Sun Spots: All vehicles have to be off the street in Lewiston and Auburn by Dec. 1 for the winter. For people who rent apartments in this area and do not have off-street parking, what are we supposed to do with our vehicles? Do you know of anyone who rents spots for the winter in these areas? – Katrina Roy, Lewiston.

Answer: A winter parking ban is under way in Auburn and one will begin Dec. 1 in Lewiston.

Auburn prohibits overnight parking on all streets. The city has reserved nine off-street lots for people who have nowhere else to park their vehicles, but the lots are filling fast. Sun Spots would encourage you to check these out.

In the meantime, in Lewiston, city officials have decided to put off the parking ban until the beginning of next month. Police noted that big snowstorms are rare in November so overnight parking on city streets is allowed until Dec. 1.

“The weather patterns have changed over the years,” said Lewiston police Lt. Paul Harmon. “And the idea behind the ban isn’t to punish people. The idea is to clear the streets when they need plowing. That usually begins in December.”

Under Lewiston’s ban, parking on city streets for more than an hour between midnight and 6 a.m. is prohibited. In Lewiston, there are a few exceptions:

• Knox Street on the even-numbered side between Birch and Spruce streets.

• Lincoln Drive, both sides.

• Lincoln Street on both sides from Cedar to Locust streets.

Across the river, Auburn city officials are trying to help people find a place to park in the winter months. Police are taking applications for free spots in designated areas across the city. The spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis at these lots:

• Hampshire Street and Gamage Avenue.

• Webster School on the Webster Street side.

• Franklin School on the Pine Street side.

• Troy Street parking lot at Hampshire Street.

• Great Falls Plaza.

• Court Street lot near the library.

• Chamberlain School on High Street.

• The new parking garage downtown.

• The Broad Street parking lot at 53 Broad Street.

Those who park in those areas need to remove their vehicles by 7 a.m. or they may be subject to towing.

Sun Spots contacted Don Paradis regarding parking in Lewiston. Paradis says parking is available at the Oak Street, Canal Street and Chestnut Street garages. The first hour is free, the second hour costs $1.50 and it is then 75 cents an hour thereafter. The maximum is $5.

All three parking garages charge $35 a month for parking, and it might be more cost-effective for you to consider these rates.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to get in touch with the lady who donated the Lab blanket to Sacred Heart’s Christmas fair on Nov. 13. I missed out on buying it but would like to find one for my daughter who has three Lab dogs and is an avid animal lover. I hope that lady reads Sun Spots!

I can be reached daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (207) 783-2778. – T.B., Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a reel-to-reel tape made about 40 years ago. It has members of the family, who have since passed away, giving Christmas wishes. I would love to have this put onto a CD for the family to enjoy again this holiday season. Also I would love to have family slides put onto a CD format, also for the computer. Is there anyone out there who can do that? – No Name, Farmington.

Answer: Try contacting www.DVDHomeVideoEditor.com located in Topsham. You can also reach them at 212-0782 for more information.

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