DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently the Auburn Housing Authority refurbished the former Vincent Bottling Plant in New Auburn into 17 apartments for tenants ages 55 and older.

We have a display case in the community room with some memorabilia associated with the former bottling plant but currently have room for more items.

If anyone has any items they would like to donate for display, please contact me at the Auburn Housing Authority, 20 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, ME 04210, or call 784-7351. Thank you. — Bruce Merrill, property manager

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know where the closest store is that sells American Girl dolls and accessories? Thanks. — Vicki, Poland Spring

ANSWER: The closest American Girl store is in Boston (Natick Collection, 1245 Worcester St., Natick, MA 01760), but it looks like you can buy many of the products online at www.americangirl.com. Sun Spots does not know of any other sources and suspects that the company probably limits outlets.

Sun Spots has found that selections online are often good, even better than what you can find in stores. She has shopped online since the 1990s and never had a problem, but if you are nervous, she suggests you designate one particular credit card for online and catalog shopping. That way you will be able to track any purchases.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you know if there are places in Lewiston-Auburn that sell wigs for women? — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots found one: Hair Looks International, 675 Main St., Lewiston, 782-1965.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In December 2008 I signed up for a US Air MasterCard because of its promise that I would receive a certificate redeemable for up to two $99 companion air tickets every year my card is active. I have never received any certificates from them. They have my correct mailing address.

Every time I call, e-mail or write to them, I get the same response: “We are re-issuing your certificates. You will receive them in five to six weeks.” My certificates were supposedly mailed to me in December, but I have never gotten them.

I pay a fee for this card only because I want those tickets. Writing or calling the customer service number on the credit card does absolutely no good. I get the same response and never any certificates. What person or agency should I write to, or call, to complain about my two years of never-received certificates? — No Name, Poland

ANSWER: Contact the Consumer Protection Service of the Maine Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-436-2131. They have way more clout than Sun Spots!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Patrick’s Bistro on Lincoln Street closed a couple of years ago and the building has since been torn down. Has he opened somewhere else or still in the food business? We miss his great food. — No name via e-mail

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know of any other location. Perhaps readers or Patrick himself will respond.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I once heard someone say that they had to go wash their cheeses. Is this part of the process for making cheese? I was wondering if rinsing, say cheddar, cheese could retard spoilage. Thank you for any help. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: According to cheesemaker.blogspot.com, washing the cheese helps to create the rind of the cheese. Sun Spots did not find anything online that would indicate that washing cheese would retard spoilage, rather closing it up tightly, as the cheese-makers do by sealing it in wax, seems to be the preferred technique. Perhaps readers will have some other ideas.

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). Please include your phone number. 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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