DEAR SUN SPOTS: Northeast Technical Institute, at 20 East Ave. in Lewiston, is collecting donations for Lewiston High School’s Store Next Door project until Aug. 17. The Store Next Door is funded through the McKenney-Vento Act, which provides educational support to students and families while their housing is unstable and unpredictable. Lewiston’s public school McKinney-Vento liaisons work to help keep students successfully enrolled in and attending school. These liaisons can provide referrals for needed support, as well as basic needs such as clothing, toiletries and hygiene items, access to a food pantry and school supplies. Items needed are new or gently used “teenager-approved” clothing and shoes, brand name toiletries, nonperishable food items, gift cards for fast food or groceries and school supplies. Items may be dropped off at NTI in the Lewiston Mall. Please call NTI at 344-3141 for more information.

— Wendy, no town

ANSWER: Here’s a reminder that today and tomorrow are the last days to donate much-needed items, and is a follow-up from Sun Spots on Aug. 2.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for your response about the blue stripe flag (Aug. 7). I looked at it again yesterday and it looks like an American flag. The stars are on a dark blue background. There are 13 stripes; 7 blue and 6 white. The middle blue stripe is wider than the other stripes. The blue stripes are the same dark blue as the star background. If you’re heading to Auburn from Turner on Route 4 and turn right on Turner Street after passing Lake Auburn, it’s about three-quarters of a mile on the right, outside a private residence. Thank you.

— Gail, no town

ANSWER: Here’s an idea from another reader named Peter. However, when I looked up his description of the flag he mentions, it has an eagle on it with the stars forming a circle around it. It would be very helpful to have a photo, Gail.

Here’s what Peter had to say: “It’s possible that the blue striped flag noticed by one of your readers was the official flag of the Society of the Cincinnati. This society is made up of descendants of officers of the Continental Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War. It’s the oldest hereditary society in the U.S. and its first president was George Washington.”

Wouldn’t it be great if the flag’s owner wrote in. We’re all very curious.

Dear SUN SPOTS: You helped me before. How do you keep a head of lettuce in the refrigerator for four to five days? Thank you.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: There are many ways to keep lettuce and other greens fresh. I break it up then wash and dry it by using either a salad spinner or just by laying the leaves on a clean towel. After it’s dry, I put it in a covered container with a paper towel or two then replace the paper towel each day. This works great! Readers, send in your tips.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 [email protected], 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. We’ve joined Pinterest at pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.