DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have just started rug hooking. I am looking for a cutter and frame to make it easier. If anyone can help me out, please call me at 207-684-4238. Thank you. — Candy Clark, Strong.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What is happening on Sabattus Street? The right lane has been closed from Randall Road to Pizza Hut for at least two weeks. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston.

ANSWER: Sun Spots called the Lewiston highway department and learned that there is a water leak in that area that has yet to be resolved.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Awhile back your column had the name of a place where people could buy building supplies for cheap as long as you showed your income. I would like the address again, I misplaced it. Thank you. — No Name, Farmington.

ANSWER: The Maine Building Materials Exchange is located at 102 Lisbon St., Lisbon. They are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The organization’s mission is to benefit low-income homeowners and the environment by providing new and re-usable building materials at an affordable price, and by educating people about home repairs.

Individuals and families can shop at the exchange and low- and moderate-income individuals and families receive a significant discount. Proof of income is needed. They suggest bringing a copy of your most recent tax return. There is a $10 yearly membership fee. Anyone can shop at the BME; however, members receive an additional discount, making items even more affordable. Visit their Web site at www.mainebme.org or call 207-636-7670 for more information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you please tell me the difference between various kinds of salt: iodized, sea and kosher? On some of the cooking shows on TV they use a lot of kosher salt. Thank you. — No Name, Jay.

ANSWER: All salt has the same basic chemical makeup of about 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride and came from the sea originally, although there may not be an ocean present where it is currently mined. Salt deposits can be found in the Midwest, which was once covered by water.

The most commonly used salt, table salt, is highly refined, which removes many of the minerals. The addition of iodine began in 1924. Table salt is preferred for baking because its fine grains dissolve easily.

Kosher salt is extracted from a brine and is designed to accommodate Jewish rules for food. Orthodox cooking calls for removing the blood from meat before cooking, and kosher salt is used to make kosher meats. Kosher salt has a milder flavor and flakier texture than table salt and is often used for rimming margarita glasses and on pretzels.

Sea salt is evaporated from living oceans, is not highly refined, is very flavorful and comes in many varieties and colors in addition to the basic white, depending on the ocean from where it came. It tends to be more expensive than other salts.

Rock salt is unrefined and has a grayish hue. You may find your clams sitting on rock salt in a restaurant or you may find it is used in the making of homemade ice cream.

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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots.

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