DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Edward Little High School Class of 1956 will meet at Taber’s at 1 p.m. Aug. 10 for their yearly mini-reunion. The rain date is Aug.  17. Through Sun Spots, we are reaching out to those who do not have computers. Many also no longer have landline phones. We would be sorry to see them miss out on seeing their old friends! Thank you for your help. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: As I’ve written here many times before, I’m always happy to include these announcements in Sun Spots. Hopefully, no one will miss out on meeting up with their high school friends. And if you have a great reunion story to share, I’d love to hear about it! Sun Spotters love these kinds of stories.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where can people who live in Farmington take recyclables? We get so many plastic containers such as from yogurt, fruits and bakery items that aren’t accepted any more at our transfer station. Is there a group looking to reuse these things? I hate to just put them in the trash. University of Maine at Farmington used to have Everyone’s Resource Depot, but I don’t see that listed anymore. Thanks for any suggestions. — Deb, Farmington

ANSWER: I know how you feel. Some items just seem too good to toss but you can’t possibly keep every single thing in the hopes of reusing it one day.

On the UMF website, I read that the depot is only open to those associated with the college because of the pandemic. If you have questions or want to find out if and when the depot will be open to the public again, you can contact Mary Ryan at mryan@maine.edu.

My first suggestion to everyone is to change your shopping habits and purchase items that aren’t in plastic, if at all possible. For example, I found a local farm, The Milk House in Monmouth (http://www.mainemilkhouse.com/) that sells its products, including yogurt (which is the best I’ve ever eaten!) in glass.

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Perhaps you and others in your community could start a movement to come up with a place to store reusable, recyclable items that could be shared for craft projects or other activities. Partner with a local children’s center, the library, or schools so these items get used.

Meanwhile, look at these plastic containers with new eyes. For instance, I have put those clear rectangle bakery trays and square lettuce containers to use as drawer organizers, and other items are dropped off at a local greenhouse where they are used to start seedlings. My grandchildren love to cut up plastic and have made countless playthings out of it, including a miniature baseball team! On the web, you’ll find limitless, clever ideas for how to use these things. You don’t have to be crafty.

And of course, if you haven’t already, communicate your concerns to your town officials. Don’t just vent but have an open conversation if possible or send an email voicing your concerns and include some pro-active ideas for solutions.

Let us know if a recycling group exists in the area so Deb and others can join in.

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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