DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just returned from a visit to my hometown of Turner. I was appalled to see the condition of our town cemetery. As I understand it, the cemetery lots include perpetual care.

The grass is at least 10 inches high. There are iron rods sticking up where there was once a tree, and I tripped over them. It was impossible to get to the lot I wanted to visit without going around other lots.

The fence is a disgrace, with lots of rust. Considering the money people have paid, I feel there could be some improvements. The property across from the cemetery is beautiful, as are the school grounds.

I feel the association should do something to keep our cemetery from being an eyesore. — Cleo Conant Sopka, Oswego, N.Y.

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke to Cynthia French, who is the treasurer for the Turner Center Cemetery, and she addressed your concerns.

She said that the long grass was the result of the exceedingly wet spring. Because of all the rain the contractors were unable to get in and mow and do the spring cleanup, but that is taken care of now.

As for the rods you tripped over, Cynthia said they are from the old fence, which was taken down, but the tree blocked removal of those rods, which have worked up out of the ground over time. Now that the tree is gone, they plan to try and pull the rods. In the meantime, they have painted them and put on flags so people can see them.

As for the rustiness of the new fence, which has granite posts, Cynthia said she believes that fence planners were purposely going for a rustic look, hence the lack of paint.

And, lastly, Cynthia agrees with you that it is more difficult to get into the cemetery than it used to be. She said that when the state widened the road, it changed access to the cemetery. Even though there are still two access roads, there is less parking and getting around is more difficult, but she said there is nothing they can do about that.

Cynthia said they try to keep the cemetery as nice as possible, but sometimes weather and other factors interfere.

 Sun Spots hopes that you will be more pleased with the state of the cemetery on your next visit to Maine.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have several hundred new toys that we are looking to get rid of. These are mostly model cars. Since it would take us several months of yard sales, we are looking for someone who does flea markets or yard sales and are looking for stuff to sell. — BS and JS, Belgrade, jeb2004@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Many charities use yard sales as fundraisers, so if you give to them your generous offer will do good and offer you a tax deduction. Sun Spots expects you will be overwhelmed with requests!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw the Aug. 1 letter from Nancy in South Paris who was looking to knit for the troops. I work with a group in Florida that sends ditty bags to the troops. We put knitted and crocheted skull caps in each bag. If Nancy could call me, I would love to talk to her. Thank you. — Faith Godin, Oxford, 530-1010, fegodin@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Ever wondered how to make your own pesto? Cindy Tibbetts from Hummingbird Farm will be conducting a pesto-making demonstration at the Lewiston Farmers Market this Sunday, Aug. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bates Mill 5 Parking lot (Main and Lincoln streets). Learn how to make pesto, enjoy some great music, art and local fresh food in honor of National Farmers Market week, Aug. 7 to 13. — Kristen Wheatley, lewistonfarmersmarket@gmail.com

NOTE TO READERS: Sun Spots has several questions that have been outstanding for quite some time, and she feels sure that those writers think she has forgotten them. She has not. It is simply much more difficult to get answers from officials during the summer because of vacations. Sun Spots will respond as soon as she can get an answer.

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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