Dear Sun Spots: I’m wondering if anyone can help me. I have these
long pink things growing in my mulch. With all the rain that we have
had I think they are mushrooms and they attract the flies like crazy.
When I kicked one over I saw what looked like a bunch of clear marbles
under them. My husband used weed killer but they keep coming back. Now
they are growing under my deck. Can you or any of your readers please
help us? Thank you. — Gail Pelletier, No Town.

Answer: Tori Jackson, an University of Maine
Cooperative Extension educator said that it is probably slime mold, a fairly common problem
that they have been seeing late this summer as a result of all of the rain. Jackson said that slime molds are fungi-like organisms not weeds, so the
herbicide would not have killed it. While they may be annoying, they
are not dangerous, and are, in fact, fairly easy to deal with.

Jackson said to
prevent slime molds from growing, they need to be removed from the
relatively cool and moist
environment they are growing in. She noted that they are most often found in the shade. It is very common for them to be on
mulch piles, so breaking up the sporangia (vegetative tissue that may
be pink, yellow, orange or white) and moving it into the sun, will
probably kill it.

If the slime mold has been there long enough to
produce spores, it is possible that your mulch pile may still contain
viable spores and continue to grow. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension notes that slime molds can be discouraged from forming by keeping the mulch dry. They also suggest switching to non-wood mulch if the molds continue to persist.

Dear Sun Spots: I have just renovated my sewing room and have a
large quantity of fabric to give to someone who could use it for
charitable projects or for family use. Fabrics vary from prom gown
material to wools and blends. Please call me at 897-3171 and we can
arrange a pick up soon. Hope this will help someone. — M.T.E., Jay.

Dear Sun Spots: Awhile back, not too long ago, your column had the
name of a place where people could buy building supplies for cheap as
long as you showed your income. I would like the address again, I
misplaced it. Thank you. — No Name, Farmington.

Answer:  The Maine Building Materials Exchange is located at 102 Lisbon St., Lisbon. They are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The organization’s mission is to benefit low-income homeowners and the environment by providing new and re-usable building materials at an affordable price, and by educating people about home repairs.

Individuals and families can shop at the exchange and low- and moderate-income individuals and families receive a significant discount. Proof of income is needed, they suggest bringing a copy of your most recent tax return. There is a $10 yearly membership fee. Visit their Web site www.mainebme.org or call 636-7670 for more information.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to say thank you to everyone that sent me
peach yarn and to Sun Spots, thanks for putting it in the paper for me.
God bless everyone. — Dottie Hatch, Livermore Falls.

Dear
Sun Spots: I’d like to know if there are any schools or nonprofits in
the Rumford area that collect soda can tabs, Box Tops For Education, and
Campbell’s Soup labels. I’ll watch the column for an answer. — Laurie
Marquis, 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.