DEAR SUN SPOTS: In Auburn a large house at the end of Western Promenade and Gamage Avenue has been boarded up for several years. Who does this house belong to and if no one can live in it, why isn’t it torn down? — Elaine McCarty, eem3426@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots e-mailed with Auburn code enforcement office Eric Cousens:

“There is a property at the corner of Western Prom and Gamage, 18 Western Prom, that has been boarded up for a while. The city acquired it from unpaid taxes and has been trying to sell the site for redevelopment. It seems that the demo or rehab costs and the steep site have made each possible project unfeasible.

“The city recently committed Community Development Block Grant Funds to demolish the building. This process is handled by the Community Development Department, but it is my understanding that the demolition will take place later this fall.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I know some young ladies who think that Channel 6’s Brian Yocono looks like such a gentleman. I hear he hails from my neck of the woods. Does he still live locally? What are his interests? Is he single? He is such a great TV personality and makes the news enjoyable. — Kathy, Turner

ANSWER: According to his bio on Channel 6’s website:

“Brian Yocono joined the NEWS CENTER team as a reporter in November 2006. He currently anchors the Weekend Morning Report and reports out of the Lewiston-Auburn newsroom during the week. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from Susquehanna University in 2004, Brian worked in radio as a morning co-host and promotions director. He made the move to television in 2005 and began his on-camera career as a reporter/anchor in Presque Isle. Brian is a central Maine native who enjoys spending time outside.”

You can follow him at http://twitter.com/brianyocono

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In 1965 and 1966, a student from Ethiopia lived with us for a year. He graduated from Oxford Hills High School in 1966. He is now a U.S. citizen and lives in Massachusetts and calls often. He has lost his yearbook, DREKI 1966, and I would like to get one for him. Can anyone help me? — Ruth Wiles, 15 Piper Road, Scarborough, ME 04074

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for used novels by author Nicholas Sparks, as I have “The Choice” and “Dear John” books. I’d like to buy them if they aren’t too much. — Mrs. Augustine Ponte, Lewiston

ANSWER: Along with local sources, such as library book sales, used books on Amazon.com are astoundingly cheap. Some are only a penny, plus shipping, of course.

Another way to read cheaply is via www.swaptree.com. Members post online the books they have that they are willing to give away as well as the ones they’d like to have. Members trade by mailing available books to each other at no cost.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I lost the number of the gentleman who said that he could fix a Sunbeam stand mixer. Please call me again.

Also I am in the process of downsizing my life. I have about 16 boxes of books, hardback and paperback. Genres are mostly fantasy and mystery — Marion Zimmer Bradley and Terry Brooks and assorted other authors too numerous to list. I have children’s books and young adult books, too.

Please feel free to contact me at 491-3334 or purple94@midmaine.com. — Camilla Jordan

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many of us are making pickles and canning at this time. I recently went to Bourque’s Market on Sabattus Street and found pickling spices at very reasonable prices compare to those at larger grocery stores. Bourque’s had 7 ounce jars for $3.99 compared to .95 ounce jars for over $5.

Thank you so much for all the valuable information and recipes you share with all of us. — The Happy Canner, 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). 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.