Dear Sun Spots: There was an article on Dec. 10, 2006, about Dave Izenstatt, who made cheesecake in L-A. The article stated that he was using a commercial kitchen in the area. Do you know anything about commercial kitchens in L-A? Or, do you know someone who might know? Your help would be greatly appreciated. The closest commercial kitchen that I know of is in Portland. I’m in Durham. So, I’m hoping there’s something closer. It’s important because once I’ve paid for the gas and the wear and tear on the car, there are the various rental fees, for example, using the kitchen itself, more for using the oven, etc. Help please. – Marsha Dawson, Durham.

Answer: Sun Spots does not know of any commercial kitchens in our area. One option is to negotiate some kitchen time with a local restaurant that would allow use of their space during their down time. Please voice your interest on shared commercial kitchens to the Threshold To Maine Resource Conservation and Development Area in Gray. According to Mark Hews, RC&D coordinator, there are no shared commercial kitchens in Androscoggin County at the time, but there is one in Farmington, Saco and Dixfield. A shared-use kitchen is a licensed kitchen facility providing small-scale food entrepreneurs the space to prepare and process value-added food for consumer marketing. You may contact them through the Web site, www.thresholdtomaine.org or e-mail threshold@gwi.net.

Dear Sun Spots: I am interested in signing up for a water aerobics class. I know the YMCA and the YWCA both offer these classes. Are there any other places beside the Y that offers this? Thank you. – Sue, Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Dawn at The Health Club & Spa, 1977 Lisbon Road, Lewiston. They offer water aerobics and if it’s your first time there, you can try the class for free. If you’re interested in joining the club, check out the Web site www.hcslewiston.com or call 782-9188 for more information. They are open Monday to Friday, 4:15 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 6 a.m. to noon.

Dear Sun Spots: I hear a lot of people need food. Years ago we had victory gardens where the government gave people plots of land they could grow their own veggies. I read that the new thing now is earth boxes. I heard that a person grew 50 pounds of tomatoes in one earth box. They can be put anywhere, on the patio, porch or lawn. They come with potting soil, fertilizer, hold 3 gallons of water in the box reservoir. They hardly need tending. They cost $37.95 each. For more information or a brochure, call 1-800-821-8838 or write to Earth Boxes, 1300 Meylert Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.

To make your own compost, get a homeowner size compost tumbler. Just toss in any organic throw outs you have from your kitchen, yard, garden, such as veggie and fruit peelings, grass clippings, leaves, wilted cabbage and lettuce leaves. No meat products or bones, it may attract wild animals. Turn the tumbler each time you add to it. The compost is ready to use in 4-6 weeks. To order one, write to Compost Tumbler, Dept. B 33017C, 30 Wright Ave., Litiz, PA 17543-9955. – Gabrielle, Lewiston.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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