DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do any readers have photos of themselves, friends, or relatives working or shopping at Jake & Andy’s Donut Shop in New Auburn? For many years, they were a fixture of the community and made the greatest donuts in the city. Their building has changed hands several times in the past 20 years. The Great Falls Model Railroad Club, which owns the building, would like to showcase Jake & Andy’s Donut Shop as part of the history of Auburn during the city’s 150th birthday, including our location as a Cake Site on Friday, Feb. 22. Photos will be returned. My contact information is 966-3641 and paullodge@gwi.net.

— Paul, no town

ANSWER: This sounds like such a fun addition to the celebration. Readers, I hope you will take time to go through your photos and help Paul out!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a very wet basement and use a sump pump but are concerned about what can happen when we lose power. I would like to hear recommendations and comments from readers who own an emergency battery-powered backup sump pump or recommendations from someone who installs them in the Twin Cities area.

— No name, Auburn

ANSWER: Nothing like a wet basement…but here in Maine it’s a common condition! I really recommend having an evaluation from a company like TC Hafford (https://www.tchaffordbasementsystems.com.) Their contact number is 1-833-235-2673. It could be that you need more than just a backup to your already hardworking sump pump. Readers, please help out with this concern!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m interested in seeing if I can receive Over the Air TV at my home. I’m not sure what businesses offer testing and TV antenna installation services nowadays. Any information you might have would be appreciated. I’m in the Rumford-Bethel area. I’m thinking I would need an external antenna installed, as I doubt an indoor antenna would work where I live.

— Nina, no town

ANSWER: There is information here: https: https://tinyurl.com/yaz6wf3d. From what the web site indicates, you are right; you would need an outdoor antenna. You can purchase one from that web site or from Amazon for about $120. If your TV was manufactured before 2007, you will also need a digital converter box to use this antenna. You can plug in your exact address and get information on direction, range, etc.

Let’s hear from other readers in the area about their experiences with reception and installation, etc.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where can I purchase a donut cutter for homemade donuts like my mom and grandmom had? I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond, Shaw’s and Walmart. They have every baking utensil but that.

— Wayne from Wayne

ANSWER: You may want to try a flea market or vintage/antique shop. Some hardware stores such as Ace and kitchen supply stores should have them as well. Bed, Bath and Beyond sells them online, as does Williams-Sonoma, and Amazon. Now you’ve made me hungry for donuts. How about you share your recipe with us?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can we hand out gift cards for groceries to the TSA people at the airport?

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Sadly, you cannot. TSA personnel aren’t allowed to accept anything, even in these trying times. Instead, be especially kind and patient and thank them for their service.

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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