DEAR SUN SPOTS: You’ve helped me in the past, and I hope you can again. Would you or your readers know how to get rid of fruit flies in the kitchen? I was told to put a dish of vinegar out for them, but that didn’t help. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all you do. — No Name, Mexico

ANSWER: The vinegar was correct, but you have to trap the fruit flies once they light. Some people use a flask, beaker or bottle with a narrow top to trap them. Another option is to put a drop or two of dishwashing detergent in the vinegar, which attracts the flies. The soap is a surfactant, which means it breaks the surface tension of the water so the flies drown instead of skimming across the top.

You can use the same principle in dealing with ticks and fleas. Keep a small jar of water with a drop of dish soap in it handy. When you find one of these rotten pests on your pet, just drop it in rather than letting it escape.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I came across the Sept. 25 request from B. Mathieu for snowplowing. I would be interested if you could put me in touch with them so I may place a bid to take care of their snow in the winter.

I tried to look them up online. I think they live on Webster Street. If so, I own a building down the road from them.

The best time to call is after 3 p.m. — Maurice, 777-1574

ANSWER: These Mathieus are not on Webster Street, but they are in town and will probably welcome your offer. Other readers may be interested as well. Sun Spots gets several requests for snow removal options every fall.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a researcher for the Central Maine Paranormal Investigation team. We are doing some research on the area that is currently River Valley Village, aka Tall Pines. We are trying to find out what was on that land before the housing development.

We have heard and have some proof that it was a horse stable. We are trying to confirm or deny that. Also, we are trying to find out if the stable caught fire and if anyone died in that fire. If so, what was the person’s name?

I am also trying to find out if there were any deaths or murders on that plot of land. I searched all over the Sun Journal website and found nothing. Can you help me? Thank you. — Amy Roy, ajbaby83@gmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t know anything, but perhaps readers will be able to help.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to respectfully correct Carol Donahue Proteau on one of her reminisces of past businesses (Sept. 29).

The Strand Theater was on Maine Street in Lewiston, where my father and I saw many western movies. Perhaps she was thinking of the Priscilla Theater on Pine Street.

I also remember Beaumont’s corner market at Walnut and Bartlett streets, across from Nadeau’s corner market. Friendly rivalry, but Beaumont’s had baked beans on Saturday.

Also, Friend’s restaurant was near there, on Walnut Street. Showing my age now. Thank you for all you do, Sun Spots. — R. DesRochers, Auburn

ANSWER: Carol realized she had erred the minute she saw her letter in the column.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Sept. 29 you put in my response about the Joy Inn. As soon as I read it, I said, oh my, I know that is wrong. I guess I need to proofread my letters.

The Strand was on Main Street, where DHS is now.

The Priscilla was on Pine Street, almost on the corner of Blake and Pine, right around the corner from Lobsterland.

I had several people call to tell me I erred. Thank you. — Carol Donohue Proteau, lproteau@midmaine.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Having lived two blocks from the theater on Pine Street, here is a correction to its name. It was the Priscilla. The Strand was on Main Street up from the Greyhound station. — Geri Provencher Guerette, Winthrop

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Topsham Fair Cafe did not close (Sept. 29 letter). It moved a few doors closer toward Hannaford’s and is open for business. I and other retired MDOT surveyors meet for breakfast there about every third month or so. The food is still very good and so is the service. Give it a try. — Jay Calnan, jayceeltc@live.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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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