DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve had garlic presses from many different (and well-known) manufacturers, but have the same problem with all of them. No matter what I use to scrape the minced garlic off after pressing it, before long the finish is worn off the utensil.

Most of these presses start out silver gray in color, but once scraped are black underneath. I can’t believe that it’s safe to continue to use tools that do this, especially in light of the fact that lead seems to make its way into a lot of products manufactured from outside the United States.

Do any of your readers know of a garlic press that maintains its finish with continued use? Thank you! — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots found two different explanations for the discoloration, but neither is said to be harmful to people, just unsightly.

At cooksillustrated.com, it said: “we discovered that when the nonstick coating peels off, copper and iron in the aluminum base metal react with the air and sulfur compounds in the garlic to create oxides and sulfides, which we sometimes see as a black substance on our extruded garlic. It’s similar to the discoloration from an old-fashioned carbon steel knife, and while it’s not toxic, it’s not very appealing. We downgraded those models.”

At chowhound.chow.com, goodhealthgourmet said that the “residue is a product of a chemical reaction between the dishwashing detergent and the aluminum. It’s a chemical reaction between soap and aluminum, involving the formation of atomic hydrogen particles. No need to get into the heavy, detailed science here, but basically it eventually causes the aluminum to flake, which produces that gray residue. This is why the better aluminum-core pans are clad in stainless steel — to protect the aluminum. The bottom line is that detergent and hot water will eventually degrade/dull aluminum and produce that residue even if you don’t put the items in the dishwasher.”

Williams-Sonoma advertises a garlic press coated in stainless steel for $45 that said it wouldn’t discolor. Perhaps readers will know of a local source. Or a less expensive one.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you or any of your readers know what happened to the Grateful Earth store that used to be near Bates on College Street? — Jason, Lewiston

ANSWER: Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Every night we take our dog out around 1 a.m. On Thursday nights, actually Friday mornings at that point, we often hear what appears to be some type of sporting event. You can hear people cheering and yelling and traffic noises.

We live in the Gamage Avenue area of Auburn near Pettingill Park. Nothing is happening there, and we are curious as to what and where it is. It’s been going on for two or three years now, all four seasons, all kinds of weather.

Could it be from Bates College? Somebody suggested ultimate Frisbee competitions. It’s pretty rowdy. Any information available? We’re not complaining, just curious. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Bates College seems a likely source. Again, we will have to turn to readers.

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 [email protected].