DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last year I noticed the Auburn Municipal Beach (Auburn Outlet) was closed and was told it was due to budget cuts. I would like to know if it has opened this year or is the budget cut still in effect? I grew up swimming there and brought my children there and love the place and I am saddened to see it closed. — Tracy Michaud, tmichaud13@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots emailed Auburn city government and received an answer from City Manager Glenn Aho:

“The beach will be open as soon as the water quality is better; we’ve had water-quality issues resulting from the geese. The geese have been taken care of now, and if water quality improves, the beach will be open. The budgetary constraint is that there used to be a lifeguard. We don’t fund that position any longer but instead have posted a sign that reads, ‘Swim at own risk.’”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the July 5 question on dehumidifiers, there is a review of dehumidifiers in the July 2010 issue of Consumer Reports. I searched online for and bought the top-rated one — I found a site with free shipping. I was interested in an energy-saving unit. — No Name, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Dehumidifiers are on sale at Ellsworth Building Supplies for $165 for a 25-pint unit and $189 for a 50-pint machine. They are located in the following towns in Maine: Ellsworth, Cherryfield, Bucksport, Blue Hill, Machias, Calais, Bar Harbor, Belfast, Camden and Rockland. — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have used the following solution to a damp or wet problem on a regular basis.

Calcium chloride suspended over a pail works wonderfully. I use a thin fabric to hold the chloride and tie it into a little bag. I then use a stick to hold the bag that is suspended over the pail. The moisture and musty smell will disappear. The bottom of the pail will have moisture.

This solution of water and chloride is thick, and it is best to dump it someplace where it won’t kill any grass. This is very inexpensive to use, and no electricity is required! Calcium chloride is available at building supply stores, farmers’ unions or hardware stores. I always buy a 50-pound bag. When the calcium disappears, simply put more of it into the bag.

Hoping the person looking for a dehumidifier will find this better than an electric dehumidifier. — Julie Daye, Norway

ANSWER: Sun Spots can hardly wait to try this! She’ll report back to readers who it worked for her in her little cabin in the woods.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston Root Cellar, 89 Birch St. in Lewiston, 782-3659, will have a clothing distribution from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 15.

Free professional and casual clothing items and shoes of all sizes for infants, children, teens, men and women. Open to everyone in the community.

Clothing donations accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please, only donate what you would wear yourself.

Thanks so much. Have a wonderful summer! — Emily Copenhaver, ministry coordinator, emily@therootcellar.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Monmouth Academy will hold its 112th annual alumni reunion on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Monmouth Academy gym starting at 10 a.m. Lunch and the program will begin at noon.

Everyone who attended the academy is welcome to attend. Registration is required in order to have lunch. Please call or email me for more information and/or to register. — Chriss Wight Hayden, 784-2568, haylit@exploremaine.com

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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