Dear Sun Spots: From now until Aug. 30, under the sponsorship of the Dominican Sisters, a flea market will take place for the benefit of Loaves and Fishes in two locations every Friday and Saturday. First, at the convent, 61 Lisbon Road, rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at which time donations of small items will also be accepted. Second, at the parking lot of the old Daddy’s Diner, 762 Sabattus Road, Route 126, weather permitting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Ellie at 577-9364 to set up a time to drop off furniture and large articles. For more information, call Sister Lucille at 375-8399. – Sr. Lucille Fournier, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: The price of oil has everyone looking for other ways to heat homes. I’d like to know more about bio-bricks that can be used in a wood stove. Are they safe? And what are the advantages and drawbacks? Does the fire department approve their use? Where do you buy them? We already have a wood stove, so it would be less expensive than to buy a pellet stove. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you. – No Name, Rumford.

Answer: According to an article that ran in the Portland Press Herald in November, BioBricks are a form of alternative fuel fashioned from compressed sawdust and wood waste. They are very similar to wood pellets; the major difference is that BioBricks, which each measure about 6 by 4 by 2 inches, can be burned in a fireplace or wood stove; pellets are the diameter of a pencil and require special stoves or fireplace inserts.

There are many advantages to using BioBricks. Packed correctly BioBricks will burn up to 12 hours, they are easy to light and with the high heat there is very little ash to clean up after burning. With no bugs and no bark, the mess made by normal cordwood is almost non-existent. Also, they can be stored indoors and one pallet of BioBricks delivers the same heat as a full cord of wood.

However, since these bricks burn so very hot, some wood stove brands cannot handle the heat that is emitted. As cautioned on the company’s Web site, they should be used in a well maintained stove or fireplace where you can control the airflow to prevent overheating. Only use a few bricks packed close together to prevent over heating of your wood stove.

Another issue with the BioBricks is their availability. While trying to find a local business that sells them, we found that most places are already sold out. Maine Biomass in Brunswick is hoping to receive another shipment in late July and is taking names for a waiting list. If you would like to be added to the list, contact the company through its Web site, www.mainebiomass.com/contact_information or by calling 319-4747. They are also carried at Fireside Stove Shop, 1220 Center St. in Auburn. Note that you should call for availability, 784-9249. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also, they can be ordered online at www.pelletsales.com. However, their supply is very limited and they are currently working to increase availability.

Dear Sun Spots: What’s happened to Bagels & Things? They just closed up and disappeared. We had heard they were relocating but haven’t heard where or when. What a shame, it was a great place. – Terri, Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with the Bagels & Things owner in April, who told us the restaurant is planning to reopen, but he was unable to say when or where at the time. Our readers send us inquiries about it often so we’ll be sure to let you know when they are reopening.

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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