DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Auburn Conservation Commission (newly renamed the Conservation Working Group) will sponsor our second annual Earth Day Clean-up on Saturday, April 23, beginning at 10 a.m.

We would love to get as many people as possible out helping to clean up their neighborhoods and our public spaces in Auburn. If you have a youth group, scout troop, or other organization that would like to help, please sign up in advance at https://www.auburnmaine.gov [see the bright blue Earth Day icon].

We welcome any and all help, but it would be good to know numbers ahead of time so we can coordinate gloves, trash bags, and pick-up locations by Public Works once you’re done.

Please keep an eye out for information about related activities, including public tours of MWAC and composting workshops.—Jane, no town

ANSWER: I’ll be sure to remind readers again as the day gets closer. I have participated in this type of Earth Day project in the past and it was so satisfying and quite fun to work with others to clean up our neighborhood and honor Mother Earth.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Chinese restaurant quandary (March 23 Sun Spots), the correct name of the Chinese restaurant on Lisbon St. was Hong Kong Express. It was not Panda Express. That is a national chain located in malls and airports. That’s why that name might seem familiar.

The building was constructed for a Wendy’s franchise around the late 1970’s when Lisbon St. was a hub for retail stores.

My timeline as follows is incomplete with dates. The Wendy’s franchise closed, the Chinese restaurant opened for a few years then closed. The building was vacant for a while, then Wendy’s moved back in sometime in the mid- to late 1980’s.—Shawn, Lewiston

ANSWER: Very interesting. I’d love to hear from any readers who worked at Hong Kong Express or were frequent customers. If anyone can confirm Shawn’s timeline and add to it, that would be helpful as well.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I recently went to Hidden Treasures, a thrift store in Lewiston on the corner of East Ave. Lisbon St. Its name is most appropriate and fitting. They have everything from household goods, clothes, jewelry, furniture, and more. I was amazed at the wide selection of gently-used and like-new items. In these days of rising prices, it’s one place to consider while also helping the community.–No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Hidden Treasures is indeed a gem of a thrift store and is located at 850 Lisbon St. I often mention this store that supports the effort to help area families who need assistance with basic necessities. It’s a great non-profit to keep in mind if you are looking to donate gently-used items or as a place to go for great bargains. Volunteer staff will also work with you to pick up your items if that’s what you need.

The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The phone number is 333-1500 if you have any questions or want to double-check on the hours. You can also look up the organization at https://loavesandfisheshiddentreasures.org/.

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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