DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am gauging public interest in a backgammon club, specifically in Lewiston-Auburn, but also in Central Maine in general. Those interested in casual chouettes or competitive match play, or even those looking to learn may contact me at cmbackgammon@gmail.com.

Sun Spots has always been a great resource to the community. Happy 175th to all at the Sun Journal! — Chris, no town

ANSWER: That’s a great idea and I hope you get some responses. Circle back around to Sun Spots in the fall too. I’m wondering if you’ll get some additional players for the cooler months when folks are feeling housebound and need to see other friendly faces.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for helping us spread the word that the Turner Public Library Annual Book Sale is back to its traditional format in the Community Room of the Leavitt Institute Building at 98 Matthews Way in Turner.

The sale will take place over four days beginning July 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. when we will welcome shoppers with light refreshments. It will continue Saturday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale will conclude with our famous Epilogue Sale on July 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. when everything will be offered for $5 per paper grocery bag. We will supply the bags.

We have thousands of books for all ages and interests, as well as CDs, videos and puzzles at bargain prices and displayed to allow for leisurely browsing.

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Directions are available on our website at turnerpubliclibrary.org or by calling 225-2030. All proceeds benefit the library. — Betty, Turner

ANSWER: This book sale is a Turner summer highlight and not to be missed. Enjoy!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What is going into the old Ruby Tuesday property? Obviously it’s not an Olive Garden restaurant. The property was demolished and there has been no action for over two months. Now there is a construction trailer. — Gordy, no town

ANSWER: I’m not sure where or how the rumor started that Olive Garden isn’t coming to Auburn. According to an article in the Sun Journal on April 19, writer Christopher Wheelock reported Olive Garden is still going to be in that space and will open in 2023. A spokesperson from Olive Gordon’s parent company, Darden Restaurants, assured that the construction of the 6,600-square-foot building is happening.

Also, per Eric Cousens, the director of Planning and Permitting for the city of Auburn, the permit has officially been issued, which means construction will start soon. Unfortunately, there is no exact timeline, as it depends on contractors schedules, etc., but Eric said that because the permit was issued, he is extremely confident that construction will begin at some point this summer.

I know the progress seems slow but these projects don’t just blossom into fullness overnight. With the limited availability of materials, the costs of everything these days, along with labor scheduling and shortages, construction of any kind is a formula for trying everyone’s patience.

We’ll all be enjoying those bread sticks, the signature salad, and Olive Garden special dishes right here in Auburn eventually.

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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