• Readers wondering about gift certificates for The Village Inn in Auburn, can rest assured they will be honored:

Sun Spots had a wonderful conversation with Belinda Vallee, who says the family would like to reopen the Miracle on High Street (as they refer to their business) by Christmas, but realistically it is looking like early 2008. She also notes that they honor all their certificates: Forever! She says they’ve even honored some from as old as 20 years, more or less. If you received a Vallee’s Restaurant Gift certificate, you can also use it at the restaurant in Old Orchard Beach; it will soon be closing for the season, however.

So hang onto those certificates and be prepared to use them at the newly renovated restaurant when it reopens. The family has promised to add an extra 10 percent onto the face value of any gift certificates customers may have received prior to the fire, to help make up for what you’ve all missed out on these past few months. A new style of gift certificate will be introduced in 2008.

The fire on April 26 gutted the High Street restaurant, causing an estimated $800,000 in damage. Famed for its seafood and chowder, the restaurant began as a pizza shop in 1963. It later became a drive-in restaurant and was sold in 1974. In 1979, the family reopened the restaurant under its current name.

It’s been a heartwrenching time, Vallee says, but the family made sure their favorite clam chowder and clams were ready for Balloon Festival attendees to help the Vineyard Christian Church with their fundraising. Vallee says that both her husband, Mike, and father-in-law, Norman, are down at the old site daily. Both are working on the entire site, ensuring new sprinklers are put in and completing the never-ending job of cleaning up. By Friday, the new doors were hung and the roof in the kitchen put up.

You and other Vallee Restaurant fans will be happy to note that the Vallee family expects to continue its old menu once the restaurant is up and running again.

Belinda notes that they’ve learned what works for Lewiston Auburn and other regular diners and would like to continue in that vein.

Clam chowder and fried clams are sure to continue being the hit they’ve always been. Bring your appetites!

Dear Sun Spots: The Peru Historical Society is searching for past recipients of the Boston Post Cane. If anyone knows of someone who received the cane, please contact Olga at 562-4482 or Bob or Shirley at 562-7141. Thank you. – No Name, Peru.

Dear Sun Spots: Where is Cynthia Nicholas who teaches Zumba now? What’s her schedule? – R.M. Cote, No Town.

Answer: Nicholas is teaching Zumba at Central Maine Medical Center’s Wellness Center, 795-2473. The one-hour class, which started Sept. 10 and runs on Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., is held at the Wellness Center, 12 High St., Lower Level.

Sun Spots checked with Nicholas who says you can join midsession, if there is room available, for a prorated cost. In the meantime, they’ve also added a Wednesday morning class, beginning the week of Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. FMI, contact the Wellness Center at 795-2473.

In addition, Nicholas says she also teaches at the Yoga Center of Maine, 336 Center St., Auburn on Tuesdays at 7:40 p.m. Wednesdays 5:15 p.m and Thursdays 7 p.m. FMI on these classes, please contact Nicholas directly at 784-7071.

Dear Sun Spots: Thanks for the answer in Tuesday’s paper regarding the spice cardamom. After I sent the inquiry I happened to go to Fare Share Co-Op in Norway. I found all the spices I’ve ever used and many I’d never heard of. They buy in bulk and sell whatever quantity you need. You can take in your own container or use one of their plastic bags.

I was able to buy about two tablespoons of cardamom for 69 cents! What a great way to keep small amounts of spices on hand without paying a huge price. Thank you. – J.S., South Paris.

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