Dear Sun Spots: Please give me directions for making and using a compost bin for garden cuttings.

Also, is there a place to purchase the lightweight tray tables that were popular years ago, with a metal top that had an edge or lip around the top? The only ones I am finding are the heavy wooden ones that take up a wider storage space. Thank you. – A Gardener, Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots contacted gardening columnist Jody Goodwin who offers the following composting advice:

Compost bins at their cheapest are simply a fairly sturdy wire put around a simple wooden frame base, according to Goodwin. A good and manageable size would be 4-feet square and 4-feet high. You will need to take four boards about 6-inches wide and 4-feet long and make a square. Wrap that square with wire fencing or mesh, but something considerably stronger than chicken wire, so it is about 4-feet tall. Use pieces of wire to connect where the fencing meets itself. Garden cuttings alone will not make compost. You will need to add leaves, and kitchen waste but no meats or fats from the kitchen. Diseased plants should never be added. Goodwin recommends that you contact your local Co-operative Extension office for a precise listing of what to add and what not to add to compost. You could also check out such online magazines as People, Places and Plants; Gardens Alive; and Better Homes and Gardening/Gardening.

You can reach the Androscoggin Sagadahoc Cooperative Extension at 24 Main St., Lisbon Falls, ME 04252-1505, (207) 353-5550, (800) 287-1458 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Dear Sun Spots: When will the Lewiston High School Class of 1980’s 25th class reunion be held? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: After much searching, Sun Journal photography editor Russ Dillingham, a LHS graduate himself, tracked some information down. According to Dillingham, plans have been going slowly, however the Lewiston High School Class of 1980 will be having a reunion this fall in either late September or October, possibly even early November. For more information, please contact Mark Anthoine at (207) 777-1478.

Dear Sun Spots: This letter is just to let readers know about a great store I have found to shop for my children’s clothing and accessories. Bargain Babies, 1055A Sabattus St., Lewiston (next to Rick’s Pools). They have great prices for all your name-brand clothing, along with strollers, walkers, crib bedding, swings and toys. For the amount of clothes children go through, I will definitely be shopping at Bargain Babies for all my children’s clothes.

Answer: Sun Spots contacted the store and discovered they purchase gently used infant clothing as well as accessories – items like car seats, strollers and more – and resell them. They also carry a small line of clothing for children up to size 14. In addition, they have a wish list and should you or other parents want to use it, you can contact the store and they’ll be happy to take your name and address, and call you once the item is located or comes in. They can be reached at (207) 783-0101, and are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

• Thanks to a kind tip, readers should note that Custom Upholstery in Livermore Falls is no longer in business. Those looking for upholstery assistance in the Livermore Falls area may want to try contacting Alan Osborn Fine Furniture, 28 Main St., East Sumner, (207) 388-3177, for assistance.



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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].