Dear Sun Spots: I recently went on the Sun Journal’s Web site and
see that there have been some changes made. I am having difficulty
trying to locate where to search back issues. Is this feature still
available? 

Second, I would like to know what is being built next to Jack Ray’s
Car Wash in Auburn. There has been some type of building construction
going on for the past few months, but no one I have spoken with seems
to know what will occupy that space. I have heard rumors of a
McDonald’s restaurant possibly going there.

Last, I would like to know the best place(s) to either sell or
exchange used baby items in the central Maine area. As a mother of two
young children, it would be most ideal to trade the items I have, but I
am not sure where I can do this and get the best value.

Thank you so much for your time. — No Name, Auburn.

Answer: In response to your first request, Sun Journal Web Editor Pattie Barry explained that when the Sun Journal transitioned its Web site on June 23, it was not able to transition our archives right away due to technical difficulties. This process should be completed by the beginning of September. Barry noted that you can search our archives from the black bar at the top of the window. Some of the archives from 2006-09 have been imported already.

According to information on the building permit for 828
Minot Ave., Auburn, the permit was issued in May to demolish the
commercial building at the site. In June, they laid the foundation. In
July, the construction on the new building began. The building permit
was issued for a convenience store and a McDonald’s restaurant, but does
not include specifics on what store will be there or an exact date when
it will be completed. The permit was issued for a 4,840-square-foot
building. 

Lastly, Sun Spots is aware of three places you can contact about selling your baby items.

Pipsqueaks, 136 Sabattus
Rd., Sabattus, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They will take a look at what you have and make an offer. You may take cash or receive store credit, which will equal the cash offer value plus 15 percent. They take clothing from newborn to children’s size 14, toys, furniture and other items. We spoke with owner Amy who noted that in September they will be moving a few buildings away to a larger location, at 96 Sabattus Rd. If you need more information, visit the store or call 375-7100.

Bargain Babies, 1069 Sabattus St., Lewiston is open from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. Monday through Saturday. It will also buy your items outright, or you
can exchange them for merchandise in the store. For more information about the store, stop by or call 783-0101.

The Baby Bungalow, 1752 Auburn Rd., Route 4, Turner, opened about six weeks ago and owner Mandy will buy your items outright. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed on Tuesday. Mandy said she will also consider taking specialty handmade items on consignment. She may be contacted at 576-0115.

Dear Sun Spots: Would the lady from Greene who called me with the
Sabattus exchange number please call me back, if you’re still
interested in donating needles or crochet hooks. I copied your phone
number wrong. 

I have another request: Does anyone have any old Jack Frost baby
pattern books they would like to give away? My phone number is
946-5541. — No Name, Greene.

Dear Sun Spots: The What Not Shop in Rumford has had a book donated to
us. It is “The Loss of the S.S. Titanic” by Lawrence Beesley (a
survivor). This book was published in June 1912. Can anyone give me
an idea of its value? Thank you Sun Spots for providing this service. —
Andy Beauchesne, Rumford. 

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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